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Sunday, November 2, 2003

HP Photosmart 7960Imaging Resource have published their review of the A4 HP Photosmart 7960 printer. Can this new printer compete with the likes of the Canon i950 and the Epson Stylus Photo 950? Read Imaging Resource’s review to find out.

“For $299, HP’s engineers put together a fast 4800-dpi printer using three cartridges with up to eight inks. It includes an LCD monitor, a card reader that can handle 10 formats, a scanner and some intelligent firmware. That firmware can calibrate the printer automatically when you change cartridges, plus print and read a proof sheet to automatically print images from your storage card, among other things.”

Website: Imaging Resource - HP Photosmart 7960 Review

Imaging Resource have published their review of the A4 HP Photosmart 7960 printer. Can this new printer compete with the likes of the Canon i950 and the Epson Stylus Photo 950? Read Imaging Resource’s review to find out. “For $299, HP’s engineers put together a fast 4800-dpi printer using three…

Fuji FinePix F700Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700, which has a 6.2-megapixel Super CCD SR and is supposed to capture more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have previously captured.

“Announced earlier this year (2003) with an MSRP of $599, the Fuji FinePix F700 would have been a good value if the promise of its Super CCD SR had been fully realized. We’re not surprised that the F700’s street price has since fallen to under $400; it simply doesn’t compete well as a 6-megapixel camera at a 6-megapixel price.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fuji FinePix F700 Review

Website: Read my review of the Fuji FinePix F700

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700, which has a 6.2-megapixel Super CCD SR and is supposed to capture more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have previously captured. “Announced earlier this year (2003) with an MSRP of $599, the Fuji FinePix…

Rob Galbraith has tested the 4Gb Microdrive from Hitachi. The 4Gb Microdrive is relatively cheap compared to other similar storage options, selling for around $499.

“the Microdrive, at any capacity, is no longer universally quicker than competing flash memory CompactFlash cards, as it was in the early days. Durability should be improved, thanks to smart design changes in the latest generation of Microdrive. But again, flash memory Compactflash should still be able to better withstand the jolts typical of on-the-go photography.

What’s left for the Microdrive to really call its own? Price.”

Website: Rob Galbraith - Hitachi 4Gb Microdrive Test

Rob Galbraith has tested the 4Gb Microdrive from Hitachi. The 4Gb Microdrive is relatively cheap compared to other similar storage options, selling for around $499. “the Microdrive, at any capacity, is no longer universally quicker than competing flash memory CompactFlash cards, as it was in the early days. Durability should…

Canon Powershot A80Photoxels have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.

“With its ease of use, advanced features in an entry-level camera, Canon quality optics, DIGIC image processor, and affordable price, the PowerShot A80 continues the A70 tradition of being the best digital camera in the beginner to serious amateur category.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon Powershot A80 Review

Photoxels have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399. “With its ease of use, advanced features in an entry-level camera, Canon quality optics, DIGIC image processor, and affordable price, the PowerShot A80 continues the A70 tradition…

Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4USteves Digicams have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U retails for $399.99 and is available now.

“Most of today’s super-compact cameras use small 1.5-inch LCD monitors. The EX-Z4 utilizes a large 2-inch color LCD monitor which covers almost two-thirds of the back and makes it easier to use in the bright sunlight. Since the monitor is a full 1/2-inch larger than most, the menu text is bigger and more legible.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4U retails for $399.99 and is available now. “Most of today’s super-compact cameras use small 1.5-inch LCD monitors…

Mike Johnston’s weekly column looks at large format camers this week, oh, and Halloween!

“So that you know where I’m coming from, my two favorite 5x4” view cameras are the Wista 45DX or DXII, and the Arca-Swiss F-line. The latter is like a Honda Accord. I say this as a compliment - I drove a succession of Honda Accords in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, and found them to be very close to “transparent”.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer: My Favorite View Cameras

Mike Johnston’s weekly column looks at large format camers this week, oh, and Halloween! “So that you know where I’m coming from, my two favorite 5x4” view cameras are the Wista 45DX or DXII, and the Arca-Swiss F-line. The latter is like a Honda Accord. I say this as a…

Sigma SD10 Digital SLRDPReview have tested the resolution of the Sigma SD10 after rumours that this new DSLR didn’t have the same resolving power as it’s older brother, the SD9.

“We’ve just received our review Sigma SD10 (after a little mix-up with the courier) and I’m happy to report that resolution is identical to the SD9. I decided to test this immediately after we read reports elsewhere that resolution was significantly lower because of the use of microlenses. In our own shots of a standard ISO resolution chart we can measure absolutely no difference in resolution between the SD9 and SD10 using the same lens at (almost) the same aperture.”

Website: DPReview - Sigma SD10 Resolution Test

DPReview have tested the resolution of the Sigma SD10 after rumours that this new DSLR didn’t have the same resolving power as it’s older brother, the SD9. “We’ve just received our review Sigma SD10 (after a little mix-up with the courier) and I’m happy to report that resolution is identical…

Kyocera FineCam S5RSteves Digicams have reviewed the Kyocera FineCam S5R, which is basically the same as the older S5 model but with added high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting at approximately 3 frames per second.

“The 5-Megapixel Kyocera Finecam S5R is well-equipped with features that will amaze the beginner and please the advanced user. The “R” in the S5R stands for Rapid and that’s just what it is when shooting in the Continuous mode. The stylish stainless steel body is about the same height and width as a credit card. It’s durability will allow it to survive most bumps and bruises. You will enjoy taking this camera everywhere as it fits easily in a pocket or purse and can be ready in a second to take great pictures.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kyocera Finecam S5R Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Kyocera FineCam S5R, which is basically the same as the older S5 model but with added high-speed, full-memory consecutive shooting at approximately 3 frames per second. “The 5-Megapixel Kyocera Finecam S5R is well-equipped with features that will amaze the beginner and please the advanced user…

Saturday, November 1, 2003

The first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition starts has just started :-)

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 November’s theme, which is “Autumn Colour”.

Please make sure that you read the Monthly Competition Rules before submitting your entry. The competition is worldwide and open to everyone.

See the Competition Entries

The first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition starts has just started :-) 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…

Pentax Optio S4Imaging Resource have published a quick review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin. But is it a good camera? Read Imaging Resource’s review to find out.

“As you may have gathered from some of my comments, I was quite impressed with the Optio S4. I’ve become accustomed to seeing significant compromises in image quality and feature sets, in order to cram cameras into ever-smaller packages. To my great surprise although, first the Optio S and now the S4 seem to have avoided almost all such compromise, delivering very good color and image quality, along with a really surprising level of features and special functions.”


Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio S4 Review

Imaging Resource have published a quick review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin. But is it a good camera? Read Imaging Resource’s review to find out. “As you may have gathered from some of my comments…

ePhotoZine have added 4 new articles to their Techniques section for the month of November. There are two useful Photoshop tutorials, “Using Curves Adjustment Layers to tint photographs” and “How to create a natural looking shadow on a selection”, while “Using your camera’s white balance mode” teaches you how to use the white balance mode to ensure accurate colour in all lighting situations. I didn’t bother reading the rather strange tutorial “Use your web browser as a quick visual cropping guide”...

Website: ePhotoZine - November Techniques

ePhotoZine have added 4 new articles to their Techniques section for the month of November. There are two useful Photoshop tutorials, “Using Curves Adjustment Layers to tint photographs” and “How to create a natural looking shadow on a selection”, while “Using your camera’s white balance mode” teaches you how to…

Canon EOS 300DDCViews have posted their review of the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel, with a lot of sample photos to look at.

“Canon have done it again. After releasing the first of many IXUS/ELPH models a few years ago and improving them with each succeeding model, they then produced the EOS D30. A groundbreaking digital SLR, which was followed shortly after by the D60 and 10D, two digital SLRs that really showed the world what Canon was capable of. Now they have again astonished everyone, including the competition, by releasing a truly affordable consumer digital SLR camera. First impressions may deceive but if the camera’s good looks and advanced specifications are anything to go by, we are sure the 300D will be a winner from the start.”

Website: DCViews - Canon EOS 300D Review

DCViews have posted their review of the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel, with a lot of sample photos to look at. “Canon have done it again. After releasing the first of many IXUS/ELPH models a few years ago and improving them with each succeeding model, they then produced the…

26 Things for November 2003 has begun!

Use the next month to hunt for the new items and themes and come back December 1 to post your completed entry.

Check out the new items now and get hunting!

26 Things for November 2003 has begun! Use the next month to hunt for the new items and themes and come back December 1 to post your completed entry. Check out the new items now and get hunting!

Friday, October 31, 2003

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterEpson USA Press Release 30/10/03

EPSON INTRODUCES EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R800 PRINTER WITH NEW ULTRACHROME HI-GLOSS INKS

Most Advanced Letter Format Desktop Printer Features Eight Cartridge System for Archival Photographic Prints on Glossy and Matte Media

PHOTOPLUS EXPO, NEW YORK - Oct. 30, 2003- Epson America Inc. today announced the EPSON Stylus Photo R800, a new desktop photo printer featuring new Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks for archival prints on matte and glossy media.  With an estimated street price of $399, the EPSON Stylus Photo R800 lowers the entry price for photographers and digital artists that want archival prints but do not need a large format printer. The EPSON Stylus Photo R800 is capable of making photo quality prints up to 8.5 inches by 11 inches on cut-sheet paper and up to 8.3 inches by 44 inches on roll paper.

“Photographers want the archival properties of prints made with pigment inks, but are concerned that the colors and gloss will not be as good as prints made with dye inks,” said Parker Plaisted product manager, photo imaging.  “With the EPSON Stylus Photo R800, photographers can be confidant that the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks will deliver archival high-quality prints on matte and glossy papers that achieve the colors and gloss level seen in prints with dye inks.”

The Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set is designed specifically for photographers and digital artists.  This ink set includes eight individual cartridges and features the new Gloss Optimizer as well as Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges.  With an eight channel print head, the EPSON Stylus Photo R800 allows the user to keep the Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges in the printer at all times and the printer driver determines which black ink to use based on the paper type selected.  In addition to the traditional cyan, magenta and yellow inks, the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set also includes new red and blue inks to create a Hi-Fi ink set that expands the color gamut.  The color gamut for the Epson UltraChrome
Hi-Gloss ink on glossy paper is up to 22% larger than ink jet printers with standard cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink sets.

Epson USA Press Release 30/10/03 EPSON INTRODUCES EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R800 PRINTER WITH NEW ULTRACHROME HI-GLOSS INKS Most Advanced Letter Format Desktop Printer Features Eight Cartridge System for Archival Photographic Prints on Glossy and Matte Media PHOTOPLUS EXPO, NEW YORK - Oct. 30, 2003- Epson America Inc. today announced the…

PhotographyBLOG has just been added to the list of websites that are supported by News Interceptor.

News Interceptor allows you to be instantly notified when your favorite Web sites emit news of interest. You select your favorite sites from a list of more than 500 sites (this list increases every week) classified into many different categories like Business, Computers, Entertainment, Music, Sports and more. When a news is emitted, a window displays the title and you can, with a simple mouse click, read the entire news in your Web browser. News Interceptor runs in the System Tray and only requires an Internet connection.

Best of all, News Interceptor is completely free to try :-)

Website: News Interceptor

PhotographyBLOG has just been added to the list of websites that are supported by News Interceptor. News Interceptor allows you to be instantly notified when your favorite Web sites emit news of interest. You select your favorite sites from a list of more than 500 sites (this list increases every…

Sony DSC-F828The Hungarian website Index Digicam seem to have got their hands on a Sony DSC-F828! They’ve published an article today which includes various product shots of the F-828. If anyone knows of a good Hungarian-English translator then let me know…

Website: Index Digicam - Sony DSC-F828 Article

The Hungarian website Index Digicam seem to have got their hands on a Sony DSC-F828! They’ve published an article today which includes various product shots of the F-828. If anyone knows of a good Hungarian-English translator then let me know… Website: Index Digicam - Sony DSC-F828 Article

Sigma SD10 Digital SLRImaging Resource has added a Gallery of photos to their review of the very recently announced Sigma SD10 Digital SLR. Both the original RAW file and the adjusted version are included, along with the settings for each one.

“We’ve now updated our review of the SD10 with some of my better gallery photos (apologies if the subjects I chose aren’t the most interesting, but I was pressed for time and am not very familiar with the Atlanta area…) All in all, I felt the SD10 performed rather nicely, with the exception of a somewhat erratic auto white balance and an occasionally quirky autofocus - the software in particular is very nicely refined!”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sigma SD10 Gallery

Imaging Resource has added a Gallery of photos to their review of the very recently announced Sigma SD10 Digital SLR. Both the original RAW file and the adjusted version are included, along with the settings for each one. “We’ve now updated our review of the SD10 with some of my…

Casio QV-R40The Norwegian website DigIT have reviewed the Casio QV-R40, a 4 megapixel digicam which has an amazing start-up time of one second and shutter-lag of 0.01 seconds. The Casio QV-R40 currently retails for around $300 / ?300.

Website: DigIT - Casio QV-R40 Review

The Norwegian website DigIT have reviewed the Casio QV-R40, a 4 megapixel digicam which has an amazing start-up time of one second and shutter-lag of 0.01 seconds. The Casio QV-R40 currently retails for around $300 / ?300.Website: DigIT - Casio QV-R40 Review

Canon EOS 300DCNET have just published their review of the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel.

“It’s tempting to think of Canon’s EOS Digital Rebel (known outside the United States as the 300D) as a light version of the EOS 10D. But luckily for consumers, the Rebel is more of a middleweight champion, delivering slightly scaled-back performance but similar high-quality, 6.3-megapixel images and most of the 10D’s capabilities. And like its pricier brother, the Rebel combines automatic functions—which enable almost anyone to use it right out of the box—with most of the shooting features serious amateurs want. But the Rebel does it all at the lowest price we’ve yet seen for an interchangeable-lens dSLR.”

Website: CNET - Canon EOS 300D Review

CNET have just published their review of the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel. “It’s tempting to think of Canon’s EOS Digital Rebel (known outside the United States as the 300D) as a light version of the EOS 10D. But luckily for consumers, the Rebel is more of a middleweight…

Lexar Image Rescue 2.0Lexar Media?s New Image Rescue 2.0 Recovers ?Lost? Photos From Any Memory Card Format From Any Manufacturer

Lexar Media Offers Professional Photographers the Industry?s Most Reliable and Comprehensive Digital Media Solution

NEW YORK, October 30, 2003—(PhotoPlus Expo) Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today introduced Image Rescue 2.0, an enhanced version of its popular image recovery software. With Image Rescue 2.0, Lexar Media has significantly expanded the number of memory cards from which the software can recover data. Image Rescue 2.0 can now recover ?lost? or deleted digital images from any memory card, regardless of format or manufacturer. In addition, Image Rescue 2.0 offers expanded reader support and can be used with all mass storage compliant card readers including FireWire and USB 2.0, which enable considerably faster image recovery time. Image Rescue 2.0 will be demonstrated at PhotoPlus Expo booth #336, from October 30 through November 1, 2003.

Image Rescue 2.0 is designed to go to the root of the card?s data structure to identify and retrieve deleted or lost images, even if the computer does not recognize the card. Image Rescue 2.0 can retrieve image files in all popular file formats including JPEG, TIFF, and most RAW file formats from leading camera manufacturers. In many cases, Image Rescue 2.0 can even recover document files including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

?The most common causes of data loss are due to interruption of power in a host device or premature removal from a host device,? said John Omvik, director, OEM and pro product marketing, Lexar Media. ?In these cases, Image Rescue 2.0 can recover lost image data and reformat or reconstruct the memory card?s DOS FAT file. In addition, Image Rescue 2.0 has the unique ability to permanently erase confidential data from memory cards and prevent data from being recovered in the future.?

Lexar Media?s New Image Rescue 2.0 Recovers ?Lost? Photos From Any Memory Card Format From Any Manufacturer Lexar Media Offers Professional Photographers the Industry?s Most Reliable and Comprehensive Digital Media Solution NEW YORK, October 30, 2003—(PhotoPlus Expo) Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance digital…