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It seems that the release of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer has been delayed until March 2004, according to a user on the DPReview forums. Click the link below to read the full thread:
It seems that the release of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer has been delayed until March 2004, according to a user on the DPReview forums. Click the link below to read the full thread: Website: DPReview Forums - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Delayed
Steves Digicams have joined in the fun by reviewing the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.
“At the end of the day, it’s not features but image quality that matters most. And in this respect, the F828 does not disappoint. Our outdoor shots were richly-saturated and well exposed. We did however notice some apparent imager “noise” in the lower contrast shadow areas. The versatility of the 7x zoom lens allows you to obtain wide landscape images, and a twist of the zoom ring will get you close to your subject. Indoors flash shots were well- exposed and nicely balanced.”
Steves Digicams have joined in the fun by reviewing the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera. “At the end of the day, it’s not features but image quality that matters most. And in this respect, the F828 does not disappoint. Our outdoor shots were richly-saturated and well exposed. We…
LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 DSLR.
“The Olympus E-1, a professional camera… Like I said before, personally I think the camera lies in between a pro and semipro one. Although I’m not a 100% sure of that. The E-1 deserves praise; it is a fantastic digital camera with which splendid results can be obtained. When I look at the pictures made on Mallorca with Olympus and I show them to whomever, I only get very positive reactions. The camera is capable to take pictures that can equally be taken by any comparable (professional) camera.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus E-1 Review
LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 DSLR. “The Olympus E-1, a professional camera… Like I said before, personally I think the camera lies in between a pro and semipro one. Although I’m not a 100% sure of that. The E-1 deserves praise; it is a fantastic digital camera…
eFrameCentral.com Press Release
eFrameCentral.com Slashes Price of PhotoPort TV 100, Enabling Anyone to Create Photo Presentations on TV Screens [Business Wire]
Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : WARWICK, R.I.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 30, 2003—eFrameCentral.com announces a new close-out price on Visioneer PhotoPort TV 100, a complete solution enabling anyone to create personalized photo presentations from their own digital image collections—directly on the screens of their televisions. Regularly $175.00, the PhotoPort TV 100 is now available for only $29.99.
The PhotoPort TV 100 gives users instant access to their digital pictures without waiting for a computer to boot-up, attaching cables from the camera to a PC, transferring pictures, searching through cryptic file names, or loading an image editing program. The solution comes with a viewer, remote, and wireless keyboard with dedicated keys to easily create photo albums and personalize pictures.
To turn a photo collection into a customized and beautifully designed digital presentation, users simply attach the PhotoPort to their TV’s Video-in connector, insert the memory card from their camera into the PhotoPort, and design the photo album using the wireless keyboard. Users can crop, resize and rotate pictures, then add colorful backgrounds, borders and entertaining captions. When finished, the presentation can be viewed or recorded on VHS or DVD to share with friends.
About eFrameCentral.com
eFrameCentral.com is the leading online resource for eFrame digital photo frames, providing new and better ways for digital camera owners to store and share pictures. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.styluscentral.com or email [email protected].
eFrameCentral.com Press Release eFrameCentral.com Slashes Price of PhotoPort TV 100, Enabling Anyone to Create Photo Presentations on TV Screens [Business Wire] Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : WARWICK, R.I.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 30, 2003—eFrameCentral.com announces a new close-out price on Visioneer PhotoPort TV 100, a complete solution enabling anyone to create personalized…
Finnish photographer Olli Salonen has reviewed the inexpensive Sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6 DC lens. This is designed for digital SLR cameras and has a smaller image area than normal lenses, so it can’t be used with full-frame SLRs. It offers a usable focal length of around 28-80mm (depending on the crop factor of your particular DSLR) and costs a mere ?100 in the UK (found via digicamera.net).
“Sigma introduced this digital-only lens in the late 2003 and it resembles closely the Canon’s 18-55 EF-S kit lens, that is sold with the 300D. Sigma 18-50 however is not an EF-S lens, but it will fit all Canon EF (of course there also Sigma, Nikon and Pentax mount versions) compatible bodies. Image circle of this lens is smaller than normal, as it is intended for cameras that have a crop factor of 1.5x or higher. Therefore you cannot use this lens on a full frame camera without significant vignetting.”
Finnish photographer Olli Salonen has reviewed the inexpensive Sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6 DC lens. This is designed for digital SLR cameras and has a smaller image area than normal lenses, so it can’t be used with full-frame SLRs. It offers a usable focal length of around 28-80mm (depending on the crop factor…
This is the final reminder for you all that the December PhotographyBLOG Competition is due to finish at the end of 2nd January 2004.
This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit a single photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets December’s theme, which is simply “Night”.
Please make sure that you read the Monthly Competition Rules before submitting your entry. The competition is worldwide and open to everyone.
This is the final reminder for you all that the December PhotographyBLOG Competition is due to finish at the end of 2nd January 2004. This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel…
Finnish photographer Petteri Sulonen has published a comprehensive guide to the world of wide-angle photography, explaining what it is, the characteristics, what it can be used for, and how to use it effectively. An excellent article that’s well worth bookmarking and printing out for future reference.
“The problem with wide-angle photography is that it’s… wide. That is, if you point your camera at a random subject, you’ll get a lot of things inside the frame. Some of them will very likely be dark, others will be light, some will be near, some will be far. This introduces all kinds of complications, and in fact turns many of the usual rules, techniques, and even desirable lens characteristics on their heads.”
Finnish photographer Petteri Sulonen has published a comprehensive guide to the world of wide-angle photography, explaining what it is, the characteristics, what it can be used for, and how to use it effectively. An excellent article that’s well worth bookmarking and printing out for future reference. “The problem with wide-angle…
Another day, another Sony DSC-F828 review. This time it’s the turn of DCResource to deliver their verdict on one of the most highly-anticipated digital cameras of 2003.
“It can be very tempting to compare the $999 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 with digital SLRs like the Canon Digital Rebel ($899 w/o lens). They have many similarities, such as high resolution image sensors, manual controls, and great performance. But as much as I love the Digital Rebel, it’s not really a fair comparison—and not for the reason that you’d expect. The Sony’s stellar F2-2.8, 7X zoom lens cannot be easily (or inexpensively) duplicated on the D-SLR side: you’ll need two lenses to cover the same focal range, and that’ll cost you at least as much as the camera body. Comparing the F828 and Rebel is only fair if you can afford the price jump from $999 to $1999. If you can, then the D-SLR easily wins in all categories (unless movie mode counts).”
Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-F828 Review
Another day, another Sony DSC-F828 review. This time it’s the turn of DCResource to deliver their verdict on one of the most highly-anticipated digital cameras of 2003. “It can be very tempting to compare the $999 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 with digital SLRs like the Canon Digital Rebel ($899 w/o lens)…
Digital cameras have hit the mainstream this year, at least as far as Olympus and Hewlett Packard are concerned. Here in the UK, these two manufacturers have both spent a small fortune on TV advertising. During every commercial break, one of them is running their ad campaign. Well, maybe not every break, but it sure seems like it after spending the last few days watching too much TV.
HP is advertising the wider picture by promoting both the digital camera and printer as an all-in-one experience, whilst not actually mentioning any specific products. Olympus has opted for an entirely different approach by wrapping up David Bailey in Christmas paper. Yes, you read that right, the most famous British photographer stands looking slightly bemused as he’s wrapped up by a woman in her mid-30’s. Then the ad cuts away to a picture of the Olympus 400 Digital camera, with some voiceover along the lines of “you can’t send someone David Bailey, so send them this camera instead”. Very cheesy and very, very annoying after the 100th repeat viewing.
Canon, Nikon and Sony are conspicuous by their absence…
Digital cameras have hit the mainstream this year, at least as far as Olympus and Hewlett Packard are concerned. Here in the UK, these two manufacturers have both spent a small fortune on TV advertising. During every commercial break, one of them is running their ad campaign. Well, maybe not…
Imaging Resource have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.
“While the A80’s user interface may seem slightly cryptic at first approach, it’s actually quite efficient. Most camera functions are controlled externally, and a few of the external control buttons serve multiple functions. When you do need to enter the LCD menu system, navigation is very straightforward with only two main pages of options. That said, the majority of external controls do require the LCD display to be active. Regardless, the A80’s external controls cut down on the amount of time spent searching menu screens, and I particularly like the “Function” menu which has become standard on Canon digicam models in the 2003 model year. Combined with the instruction manual, the A80’s user interface shouldn’t take more than an hour to get comfortable with.”
Imaging Resource have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399. “While the A80’s user interface may seem slightly cryptic at first approach, it’s actually quite efficient. Most camera functions are controlled externally, and a few of…
Digital Outback Photo is the latest website to publish a review of a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera.
“The main issue with images from the F828 is actually chromatic aberration (CA). At least with all shots at 200mm and at more contrasty scenes we get a lot CA (the contrast was not even extreme). This CA is also easily visible to the naked eye in prints at 11x14”.”
Digital Outback Photo is the latest website to publish a review of a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. “The main issue with images from the F828 is actually chromatic aberration (CA). At least with all shots at 200mm and at more contrasty scenes we get a…
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at collecting photographs as a way of getting into the hobby of photography:
“Contrary to some peoples’ assumptions, there are plenty of places to acquire photographs. One of the most obvious is eBay.
I’m assuming that everybody is aware of the “Cameras & Photo” area of eBay, in the “Computers & Electronics” section, where equipment is sold; but are you also aware of the “other” eBay, the “Photographic Images"area, in the “Art” section? Typical for eBay, you can find anything there from treasure to garbage ? from original vintage prints of acknowledged masterpieces to pictures clipped from old magazines, and everything in between.”
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at collecting photographs as a way of getting into the hobby of photography: “Contrary to some peoples’ assumptions, there are plenty of places to acquire photographs. One of the most obvious is eBay. I’m assuming that everybody is aware of…
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. Highlights this month include a review of the Olympus E-1 DSLR:
“The ruggedly constructed Olympus E-1 digital SLR feels and handles like a conventional film SLR. Image quality is what you would expect from a five megapixel imaging chip: great at low ISO, somewhat noisy at higher ones. Images are crisp and well resolved aided and abetted by a series of sharp digital Zuiko lenses. The E-1 is a clean slate camera that’s intended for the photographer who doesn’t already have an arsenal of lenses that can be used with another brand’s digital SLR, and one who appreciates the E-1’s purity of design and attention to detail.”
and an article called Traveling with Digital:
“Just about the time I start getting comfortable traveling with 100 rolls of x-rayable film, and a camera bag that, thanks to tightened security, is now swabbed and thoroughly inspected, along comes the digital revolution. Of course, switching from film to digital doesn’t change the fact that the security folks may still want to inspect my camera bag. But just think of the tremendous psychological burden that is lifted off your shoulders knowing that memory cards aren’t affected by the x-ray machine!”
Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #32
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. Highlights this month include a review of the Olympus E-1 DSLR: “The ruggedly constructed Olympus E-1 digital SLR feels and handles like a conventional film SLR. Image quality is what you would expect from…
Leica Press Release 24/12/03
Leica Camera AG of Solms is pleased to introduce the new LEICA SF 24D, an improved flash unit with automatic guide number control. The optimised functions offered by the LEICA SF 24D make it possible to control flash exposure directly through the camera, making this unit the perfect accessory for a wide range of Leica cameras. The LEICA SF 24D is suitable for use with Leica rangefinder and SLR cameras, and can also be connected to the LEICA CM analogue compact camera and the LEICA DIGILUX 2, which will be available from February 2004. The flash unit automatically recognises the type of camera to which it is connected, and adjusts itself to the relevant operating mode. Ease of use and compatibility with the full range of modern flash techniques are features of the LEICA SF 24D.
The LEICA SF 24D has retained all the application features of its predecessor model the LEICA SF 20, and has complemented these with new functions. For example, the range of automatic apertures has been enhanced. All apertures from 2.0 to 11 are available with this new dedicated flash unit. The LEICA SF 24D also provides improved flash compensation of +/- 3 EV.
The illumination angle of the LEICA SF 24D corresponds to a 35 mm focal length for the 35 mm system. The two ancillary screens supplied with the unit for the wide angle and telephoto range cover focal lengths of 24 mm and 85 mm respectively. The flash unit automatically recognises the two diffuser screens supplied, and immediately adjusts the range display to the new guide number.
The black/silver version of the LEICA SF 24D is suitable for Leica M and Leica R cameras, and the LEICA DIGILUX 2. The titanium colour version of the LEICA SF 24D matches the LEICA CM. Both are available from Leica stockists.
Leica Press Release 24/12/03 Leica Camera AG of Solms is pleased to introduce the new LEICA SF 24D, an improved flash unit with automatic guide number control. The optimised functions offered by the LEICA SF 24D make it possible to control flash exposure directly through the camera, making this unit…
The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004.
Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review
The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will…
Paul Caldwell has reviewed yet another product that offers a way to sharpen your images. Noel Carboni’s Fractal Sharpening actions use a version of Genuine Fractals to achieve the sharpening effect:
“I have to say; yes I am very impressed with Fractal Sharpening. If you own Genuine Fractals, it’s a no brainer, here, go to Noel’s site and buy this tool, since at 15.00 dollars it’s a deal. If you don’t own Genuine Fractals, I would strongly recommend that you go out and purchase it just so you can use this action, it’s that good.”
Paul Caldwell has reviewed yet another product that offers a way to sharpen your images. Noel Carboni’s Fractal Sharpening actions use a version of Genuine Fractals to achieve the sharpening effect: “I have to say; yes I am very impressed with Fractal Sharpening. If you own Genuine Fractals, it’s a…
Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive review of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by Petteri Sulonen.
“The Sigma EX 12-24/4.5-5.6, hereby christened “Popeye,” because of its bulgy front element, occupies a unique niche among lenses. It’s the first rectilinear 12 mm lens designed for 35 mm SLR’s (yes, it’s full frame). In fact, I believe it’s only the second 12 mm rectilinear lens for the 35 mm format. The first was the Voigtl?nder Heliar ultra-wide 12/5.6—considered remarkable enough to rejuvenate an entire lens mount (Leica M39). This is something to keep in mind for the folks who gripe that Popeye isn’t too bright. In other words, it breaks very significant new ground by the simple fact of existing.”
Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive review of the new lens with…
A-Digital-Eye have posted sample images from 6 different digital cameras, all taken within a short time of each other. The Nikon D100, Canon Digital Rebel, Sigma SD10, Minolta DiMAGE A1, Fuji S7000, Sony F828 are all included in the test.
“The images were all taken within about 10 mins of each other standing at the same location, and shooting towards the same center point, with the zoom adjusted to be about as close as we could get them under all the circumstances. The images were shot in each camera’s Program mode, and at the lowest set ISO for each camera.”
A-Digital-Eye have posted sample images from 6 different digital cameras, all taken within a short time of each other. The Nikon D100, Canon Digital Rebel, Sigma SD10, Minolta DiMAGE A1, Fuji S7000, Sony F828 are all included in the test. “The images were all taken within about 10 mins of…
Luminous Landscape is claiming to be the first website in the world to review a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. Actually it’s the second website in the world to do so, as the German website PhotoWorld.de reviewed the DSC-F828 on 20th December. Even so, this review from professional photographer Michael Reichmann makes very interesting reading:
“Sony shot itself in the foot by not providing web reviewers with production samples before cameras arrived in consumer’s hands. This has meant that well meaning but uninformed amateurs have been almost hysterical in their on-line discussions about their newly delivered cameras, citing all sorts of concerns. This would not have happened in Sony had simply FedExed a dozen cameras from the first production run to the leading online review sites. This would have meant that knowledgeable reviews and properly produced and processed sample images would have been available around the time that cameras reached early buyer’s hands, and much of the sillyness would have been avoided.”
Luminous Landscape is claiming to be the first website in the world to review a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. Actually it’s the second website in the world to do so, as the German website PhotoWorld.de reviewed the DSC-F828 on 20th December. Even so, this review…
The projections onto the National Film Theatre are at first sight pretty unimpressive, as only a small square on top of the building is lit up. But the use of a wide-angle lens to include the projection within its wider environment makes for an interesting photograph, and quite different from the other buildings that have taken part in Brightening Up London. This particular projection is a photo of Alexander McQueen, the British designer.
The projections onto the National Film Theatre are at first sight pretty unimpressive, as only a small square on top of the building is lit up. But the use of a wide-angle lens to include the projection within its wider environment makes for an interesting photograph, and quite different from…