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It seems that multiple copies of today’s Newsletter (issue 37) were inadvertently sent out to everyone on the subscriber list. Please accept my apologies for this and rest assured that it won’t happen again!
Mark Goldstein
It seems that multiple copies of today’s Newsletter (issue 37) were inadvertently sent out to everyone on the subscriber list. Please accept my apologies for this and rest assured that it won’t happen again! Mark Goldstein
Well-known UK UK wildlife photographer Andy Rouse has has just published his review and 10-day field test of the Canon EOS 300D. Andy subjected the 300D to tests that are usually handled by the likes of the much more expensive 1D and 1DS, so this will be one of the more unusual reviews of the 300D that you’ll ever read.
“Speaking as a photographer I actually like these enhancements and they make shooting a whole lot easier with the 300D than the 10D. Having the settings information just below the viewfinder means I can quickly glance at it without having to shift the camera away from my eye. It?s a shame that the compass point buttons are only used for controlling the menu functions and setting the ISO / White Balance, as they would have been superb for controlling the autofocus points.”
Website: Andy Rouse - Canon EOS 300D Review
Well-known UK UK wildlife photographer Andy Rouse has has just published his review and 10-day field test of the Canon EOS 300D. Andy subjected the 300D to tests that are usually handled by the likes of the much more expensive 1D and 1DS, so this will be one of the…
Photo.net have published their review of the HP Photosmart 945 digital camera, which features a 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is available now and has an estimated U.S. retail price of $549.
“I liked the digital flash which does a good job in bringing up the detail in darker areas of the image. The wide range zoom (37mm-300mm 35mm equivalent) was nice too. Generally exposure seemed accurate. Since there is no histogram display you can’t tell exactly when you have the best exposure, but you can get a reasonable idea from the image playback. Exposure compensation is available in full auto, aperture priority and shutter priority modes (there is no fully manual mode). I used the camera in full “idiot mode” most of the time (full auto with default settings) and in general the camera did a pretty good job.”
Website: Photo.net - HP Photosmart 945 Review
Photo.net have published their review of the HP Photosmart 945 digital camera, which features a 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is available now and has an estimated U.S. retail price of $549. “I liked the digital flash which does…
Steve’s Digicams are once again the first website to review a recently-announced digital camera; this time they have the scoop on the Pentax Optio 555, a 5 megapixel updated version of the popular 550 model.
“The Optio 555 is the premiere consumer digicam offered in the Pentax line- up. It boasts a 5x optical zoom lens and is housed in a durable aluminum alloy case that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Packed with features the beginner will love and the advanced user will appreciate. The automatic and manual exposure modes will make both the beginner and advanced users happy. Creative features like panorama assist, 3-D, digital filtering (color filters) and time-lapse shooting will allow your creative side to show. With its 5x optical zoom lens and all the other features, you’ll always want this camera by your side.”
Steve’s Digicams are once again the first website to review a recently-announced digital camera; this time they have the scoop on the Pentax Optio 555, a 5 megapixel updated version of the popular 550 model. “The Optio 555 is the premiere consumer digicam offered in the Pentax line- up. It…
Luminous Landscape contributor Andy Biggs has reviewed 4 of the latest inkjet papers available from the Moab Paper range. These fine-art papers were tested using the Epson Stylus Photo 2100 printer. I think these papers are only available in the USA at the moment, but as they are cheaper than the Epson equivalents, they may be worth tracking down or ordering from an online store.
Luminous Landscape contributor Andy Biggs has reviewed 4 of the latest inkjet papers available from the Moab Paper range. These fine-art papers were tested using the Epson Stylus Photo 2100 printer. I think these papers are only available in the USA at the moment, but as they are cheaper than…
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the Casio EXILIM EX-M20, which measures a mere 83mm wide, 53mm high, and 11.3mm thick. The EX-M20 features a 2-megapixel CCD plus a built-in microphone and speaker for recording and playback of voice recordings and audio snapshots. The EX-M20 retails for $329.99 and is available now.
“For the “person on the go”, the fully automatic EX-M20 is just what they need to take great pictures at a precise moment, without spending a lot of time learning how to use a complicated camera. With the “BestShot” modes the camera’s settings are optimized for any of fifteen predefined shooting conditions. If you truly want to be creative and over-ride the camera’s automatic settings, you can adjust the White Balance, the ISO and the EV Shift (+/-2EV).”
Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the Casio EXILIM EX-M20, which measures a mere 83mm wide, 53mm high, and 11.3mm thick. The EX-M20 features a 2-megapixel CCD plus a built-in microphone and speaker for recording and playback of voice recordings and audio snapshots. The EX-M20 retails for $329.99 and is available now…
Canon have released a new version of firmware for the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel DSLR.
Firmware Version 1.1.1 resolves the following issues:
- It increases the reliability of RemoteCapture application when the camera is used. The reliability of RemoteCapture, with which you can control the camera from your computer and take single-frame shots, timer shots and interval timer shots and save the images on your computer automatically, is increased.
- It increases the reliability of operations when used on Windows XP and Mac OS X with [PTP]* selected in [Communication]. It increases the operations with the camera when connected and disconnected with your computer in saving and deleting the images. You may now make a continuous printing of up to 100 images at one time.
This firmware Version 1.1.1 can only be installed on cameras with Version 1.0.2 firmware. If the camera already has the firmware Version 1.1.1 installed, you do not need to update it.
Website: Canon Firmware
Canon have released a new version of firmware for the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel DSLR. Firmware Version 1.1.1 resolves the following issues: - It increases the reliability of RemoteCapture application when the camera is used. The reliability of RemoteCapture, with which you can control the camera from your…
I’ve just posted my review of the Epson Stylus Photo 950 Printer, a 6 colour, 2880 x 1440 dpi model that currently sits at the top of Epson’s range of A4 photo printers. I was especially interested in testing the Stylus Photo 950 because I own an older Epson model, the Stylus Photo 890, and I wanted to find out what improvements Epson had made to their latest model. Would I be impressed enough to consider upgrading? Read on to find out.
I’ve just posted my review of the Epson Stylus Photo 950 Printer, a 6 colour, 2880 x 1440 dpi model that currently sits at the top of Epson’s range of A4 photo printers. I was especially interested in testing the Stylus Photo 950 because I own an older Epson model…
Epson Press Release 22/10/03
Epson Unveils the Essential Printers for Digital Photo Enthusiasts: The EPSON Stylus Photo R300 and R300M
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 22, 2003—
New Direct Photo Printers Offer Convenient Photo Printing With or Without a Computer, and the Capability to Print Directly onto the Surface of CDs and DVDs
Epson America Inc. has added two new photo printers to its product line—the EPSON Stylus(R) Photo R300 and R300M. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300 and R300M are perfect for digital camera owners who want a flexible and easy to use photo solution. Both printers offer the same convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300M includes a 2.5” color preview monitor for viewing and selecting images before printing them. The preview monitor is not available on the EPSON Stylus Photo R300.
These printer models are perfect for the digital photographer who uses a digital camera and wants to share photos with friends and family.
“People are sharing memories now more than ever, and with a printer like the Epson Stylus Photo R300/R300M, anyone can pop in their digital memory card and print out amazing looking photos even without a computer,” said Steve Semos, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “These printer models not only make it easy and convenient to print photographs, but customers can even personalize CD layouts and print directly onto ink jet-printable CDs and DVDs.”
Epson Press Release 22/10/03 Epson Unveils the Essential Printers for Digital Photo Enthusiasts: The EPSON Stylus Photo R300 and R300M LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 22, 2003— New Direct Photo Printers Offer Convenient Photo Printing With or Without a Computer, and the Capability to Print Directly onto the Surface of CDs…
Picasa Press Release 22/10/03
Picasa Launches “Hello” - The Easiest Way to Securely Share Digital Photos
Hello enables friends to instantly share high resolution pictures, chat about them, and print them at home or online
Pasadena, CA ?- October 22, 2003 - Picasa, Inc.(tm), the leading developer of software which enables photographers to effortlessly organize, manage and share digital photos, announces the availability of Hello, a completely new way to share digital pictures. For consumers with an Internet connection, Hello opens a private peer-to-peer network link that enables friends to instantly share and chat about digital photographs.
Hello is offered as a free download at www.hello.com and can be used with or without Picasa, the company’s award-winning digital photo organizing software. For consumers who have Picasa, Hello is automatically integrated, allowing one-click photo sharing. To share photos using Hello, consumers simply select the pictures they would like to send in Picasa, click the “Send to Hello” button and specify the person to receive them. Immediately, those images appear on their contact’s Hello window. Users can see which pictures their friend is viewing and can chat about them in real-time. Hello makes it simple to send single photos or hundreds without the need for attachments or uploading to websites. Consumers who do not have Picasa can use Windows Explorer to select pictures to share.
Any pictures received via Hello are automatically organized and stored in a Picasa album, organized by the sender’s name. To print high quality prints at home, Hello automatically retrieves the high-resolution version of a picture from the sender, eliminating the need to send email requests back and forth.
“Hello recreates the experience of sitting down on your couch with a friend and showing them your photo album,” says Lars Perkins, CEO of Picasa. “With Hello, you can watch your friends’ reaction as they see your pictures, instead of waiting hours or days for a reply. Unlike e-mail, Hello lets you send 50 pictures just as quickly as sending 5, and your friends will always be able to choose and print the pictures they like best.”
Picasa Press Release 22/10/03 Picasa Launches “Hello” - The Easiest Way to Securely Share Digital Photos Hello enables friends to instantly share high resolution pictures, chat about them, and print them at home or online Pasadena, CA ?- October 22, 2003 - Picasa, Inc.(tm), the leading developer of software which…
The release of the new professional D2H DSLR from Nikon has been delayed until late November, accroding to a statement on the Japanese version of the Nikon Imaging website. No official reason has been given for the 1-month delay, although Rob Galbraith’s website is reporting that it is because of the high volume of pre-orders for the camera.
Website: Nikon Imaging Japan
Website: Rob Galbraith - Nikon D2H Delay
The release of the new professional D2H DSLR from Nikon has been delayed until late November, accroding to a statement on the Japanese version of the Nikon Imaging website. No official reason has been given for the 1-month delay, although Rob Galbraith’s website is reporting that it is because of…
Steve’s Digicams published their review yesterday of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.
“The Canon PowerShot A80 goes a step beyond most of its rivals with advanced features. In addition to standard array of exposure modes for cameras of this class, the A80 offers a fully manual mode which allows you to directly set both shutter speed and aperture; the camera will inform you of the deviation, if any, from its recommended EV. In addition to its excellent autofocus system, the A80 allows you to focus manually, and assists you in that endeavor by enlarging the focus area of the LCD viewfinder as you compose your shot and focus.”
Steve’s Digicams published their review yesterday of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399. “The Canon PowerShot A80 goes a step beyond most of its rivals with advanced features. In addition to standard array of exposure modes for cameras of…
Also spotted on the DPReview Epson forum is a new top-of-the-range flatbed scanner that has a maximum resolution of 4800dpi! The new GT-X700 scanner features Digital ICE, Firewire, USB2.0, Epson Smart Panel, Print Image Matching, 6 lenses in 4 groups and a DMax of 3.8. You can scan 2 4x5’s, 6 medium format, 8 35mm slides and 24 frames using 35mm film strips. It looks identical in design to the Epson Perfection 3200 scanner, so hopefully the GT-X700 will make it outside Japan.
Website: DPReview - Epson Forum
Website: www.i-love-epson.co.jp
Also spotted on the DPReview Epson forum is a new top-of-the-range flatbed scanner that has a maximum resolution of 4800dpi! The new GT-X700 scanner features Digital ICE, Firewire, USB2.0, Epson Smart Panel, Print Image Matching, 6 lenses in 4 groups and a DMax of 3.8. You can scan 2 4x5’s…
Someone over on the DPReview forums has actually bought the Epson PX-G900 photo printer that was first reported on PhotographyBLOG at the end of August. This printer may never be released outside Japan, as Epson has a history of only releasing new printers in its home country. Even so, it’s very interesting to see what new features Epson are introducing to their range of photo printers, and if everyone crosses their fingers then hopefully Epson will introduce the PX-G900 worldwide…
Website: DPReview - Epson Forum
Website: www.i-love-epson.co.jp
Someone over on the DPReview forums has actually bought the Epson PX-G900 photo printer that was first reported on PhotographyBLOG at the end of August. This printer may never be released outside Japan, as Epson has a history of only releasing new printers in its home country. Even so, it’s…
Sony Press Release 21/10/03
SONY TAKES `NO COMPROMISE’ APPROACH TO NEW SLIM CAMERA
World’s Smallest Five Megapixel Camera Packs Performance and Style
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 ?Adding one more case to the “How’d They Do That?” file, the miniaturization wizards at Sony (known formally as product designers and engineers) took features found on more full-figured digital cameras and squeezed them into a slim, pocket-friendly design no larger than a deck of cards.
Slide the front lens cover down and in just over one second, the Cyber-shot? DSC-T1 digital camera’s large 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder comes to life. It occupies roughly two-thirds of the camera’s back-surface area, giving more room to see and show off images at the moment they are captured.
Press the shutter release button and the camera demonstrates why it is perhaps the fastest five megapixel camera. Due in large part to Sony’s Real Imaging Processor? circuit, it shoots full-resolution images in one second intervals, and can capture four high-speed burst shots in less than two seconds.
But the camera offers more than great still pictures. With optional Memory Stick PRO Duo? cards, the T1 camera captures and plays back high resolution moving images in MPEG-VX Fine mode?good enough to make onlookers believe that it was captured with a digital camcorder.
“True to Sony’s DNA, we created a digital camera that balances the cutting-edge performance with eye-catching design,” said Steve Haber, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Personal, Mobile and Imaging Products Division. “If the best camera is the one that you have with you at all times, then this is that camera.”
Sony Press Release 21/10/03 SONY TAKES `NO COMPROMISE’ APPROACH TO NEW SLIM CAMERA World’s Smallest Five Megapixel Camera Packs Performance and Style SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 ?Adding one more case to the “How’d They Do That?” file, the miniaturization wizards at Sony (known formally as product designers and engineers)…
Sony Press Release 21/10/03
UPTOWN CHIC MEETS DOWNTOWN FUN IN SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT `U’
Ultra-Slim U40 Camera Captures Looks
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 ? Lipstick: check. Car keys: check. Stylish camera to capture an evening with friends: check?if you have the latest Cyber-shot? U-series camera from Sony.
Expected in January for about $200, the stylish U40 camera will come in four colors (silver, black, dark blue and red) that match your mood or your outfit.
Slide the front cover sideways and the two-megapixel camera comes to life in under one second?giving enough time to capture candid shots.
“Life happens in the blink of an eye, and the U40 camera is ready when you are,” said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics’ Personal Mobile and Imaging Division. “It’s about the size of a candy bar, but full featured enough to ensure that the shots turn out great.”
Sony Press Release 21/10/03 UPTOWN CHIC MEETS DOWNTOWN FUN IN SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT `U’ Ultra-Slim U40 Camera Captures Looks SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2003 ? Lipstick: check. Car keys: check. Stylish camera to capture an evening with friends: check?if you have the latest Cyber-shot? U-series camera from Sony. Expected in…
LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F410, a 3.1 megapixel camera with an RRP of $499.
“The FinePix F410 is a camera that fulfils that what a camera is designed for. A tight design, a solid body, equipped with the latest technique on image sensors and a high standard of users-friendliness. I can tell you I simply liked the FinePix F410. The camera can be carried around easily and it is striking that when you ask someone that has no experience with digital cameras or whatsoever, to operate this camera they can without asking questions!”
LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F410, a 3.1 megapixel camera with an RRP of $499. “The FinePix F410 is a camera that fulfils that what a camera is designed for. A tight design, a solid body, equipped with the latest technique on image sensors and a high standard of…
LetsGoDigital has 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.
“The speed of being ready to shoot from the QV-R40 is surprisingly fast. Especially for a digital camera equipped with an optical zoom lens it reacts as swift as an arrow after switching on the on/off button. The optical zoom lens also reacts very rapidly so there is almost no interval of release.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Casio QV-R40 Review
LetsGoDigital has 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.“The speed of being ready to shoot from the QV-R40 is surprisingly fast. Especially for a digital…
The digital photography website LetsGoDigital have reviewed the entry-level Olympus Camedia C-150, a 2 megapixel resolution camera with a bright lens (f 2.8) and a large 1.8 inch LCD monitor for image viewing convenience.
“The color reproduction is alright, the sharpness of the image looks good and the end result is satisfying. The images are stored on a xD-Picture card that, at the moment, has a higher price level than other rival type memory cards. It?s a matter of time until more manufacturers will produce this type of memory card as well, so prices will be competed too!”
The digital photography website LetsGoDigital have reviewed the entry-level Olympus Camedia C-150, a 2 megapixel resolution camera with a bright lens (f 2.8) and a large 1.8 inch LCD monitor for image viewing convenience. “The color reproduction is alright, the sharpness of the image looks good and the end result…
Sue Chastain, editor of the Graphics Software section of About.com, has let me know that several software reviews have recently been published, including a review of the new image management program Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0. Also, expect to see reviews of Extensis Smartscale, Facefilter and ThumbsPlus in the near future.
Website: Photoshop Album 2.0 Review
Website: ACDSee 6 Review
Website: Microsoft Digital Image Suite 9 Review
Website: PhotoArtMaster Gold Review
Sue Chastain, editor of the Graphics Software section of About.com, has let me know that several software reviews have recently been published, including a review of the new image management program Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0. Also, expect to see reviews of Extensis Smartscale, Facefilter and ThumbsPlus in the near future…