On a recent press trip to Lisbon, Portugal, I was given the opportunity to try out the new 28mm wide-angle zoom, 6 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 digital camera. Here are some sample images taken with a pre-production version of the FX01 - please note that they do not represent the quality of the final production version of the camera.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Photos

PMA 2006: The Vivitar ViviCam X60 is announced today, proving that the megapixel race isn’t over yet. 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD, 6x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.

Vivitar Press Release

Oxnard, California–(February 13, 2006) – Vivitar today announced the launch of the new ViviCam X60, their new 10MP digital camera. According to Alan Tsao, Vivitar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The ViviCam X60 and the ViviCam X30 represent the epitome of Vivitar engineering for truly extraordinary photography. The ViviCam X60 provides the photographer with a 6x optical and an 8x digital zoom enabling the user to photograph subjects at great distances while keeping the image sharp and clear. The camera has a huge 2.8” color LTPS screen for easy viewing indoors or outdoors on the sunniest of days.”

PMA 2006: The Vivitar ViviCam X30 is announced today, proving that the megapixel race isn’t over yet. 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, 3x optical zoom lens, available in Q2/3 2006.

Vivitar Press Release

Oxnard, California–(February 13, 2006) – Vivitar today announced the launch of the new ViviCam X30, their new 10MP digital camera. According to Alan Tsao, Vivitar’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “The ViviCam X30 and the ViviCam X60 represent the epitome of Vivitar engineering for truly extraordinary photography. The ViviCam X30 provides the photographer with a 3x optical and an 8x digital zoom and a large 2.5” color LTPS screen for easy viewing.”

Ferrania Press Release

Ferrania claims clear lead in inkjet photo paper market with exclusive PerDura™ Technology - Photos printed on PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper will last a lifetime

Orlando, Fla. — February 26, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies today is exhibiting its revolutionary DIMA and TIPA award-winning inkjet photo paper that offers consumers lifetime protection for their color photos.  PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper from Ferrania features the company’s exclusive PerDura™ Technology, which protects color images from ozone, water and other environmental elements that typically degrade photo quality. Ferrania demonstrated the paper and exhibited packaging for the PermaPix™ brand at the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) Annual Conference in Orlando today, Booth #3364. The PermaPix™ Advanced Archival inkjet photo paper — which is available in 15-sheet 8.5” x 11” and 50-sheet 4” x 6” retail packages — allows consumers to print highly durable, archival photos with any ordinary inkjet printer, whether it uses dye-based or pigmented inks.  Ferrania, which began shipping the PermaPix™ paper last year, claims that the paper is a perfect solution for a widespread consumer need.

Ferrania Press Release

Ferrania Technologies continues expansion of OptiJet™ family of inkjet cartridges and paper - Company adds new cartridges and papers for use in new Epson, Canon, HP and Lexmark printers

Orlando, Fla. — February 26, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies unveiled an expanded family of OptiJet™ inkjet cartridges and inkjet media today at the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) Annual Convention in Orlando (booth #3364).  The new cartridges are designed to provide cost-effective alternatives for consumers who have purchased one of the many new inkjet printers and multi-function machines that have hit the market in the past several months.  New media give consumers a wide range of sizes and stocks from which to choose, all with National Brand quality at a fraction of the cost. “The cost of inkjet cartridges makes them the single largest expense over the life of a desktop printer. The ultimate costs dwarf the initial purchase price of the printer,” said Tom Zohn, Inkjet Director of Growth for Ferrania.  “Bringing these new, value-priced cartridges to market gives consumers more choices when they shop and it gives retailers flexibility and depth in their product lines.  Best of all, it helps reduce the total cost of ownership for many inkjet printers.”

ExpoImaging Press Release

ExpoImaging to Exhibit ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters at PMA—A Fast and Easy Custom White Balance Solution for Professional Photographers

ExpoImaging Booth 5132 and at Sneak Peek 2/26 at Westcott Table

ORLANDO, FL (Feb. 26, 2006) – ExpoImaging Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow professional photographers and videographers to accurately color balance at capture, will exhibit its ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters here at PMA. The ExpoDisc is a custom white balance filter that allows digital photographers to set a custom white balance without having to carry, hold, position, or fumble with any of the numerous gray cards, white cards and targets available today. The snap-on white balance filter is, in effect, a gray card in filter form, without all the hassles and inconsistencies of a gray card.  The ExpoDisc is suitable for use with any digital still and video camera with a custom white balance function, including digital SLR and fixed lens prosumer cameras.

muvee Technologies Press Release

Singapore and New York, NY - February 20, 2006 - muvee Technologies, the pioneer and leader in Instant Personal Video, has partnered with Vector, Japan’s largest online software download website, to make its muvee autoProducer software more easily available to its Japanese-speaking customers. Jack Chen, muvee’s director of sales and marketing in Japan, said, “Japan is one of our key markets and this deal with Vector is part of our increasing efforts to cater to our customers here.  Vector’s success and popularity for software downloads makes it an ideal and convenient platform for our Japanese-speaking users to purchase our software via a secure payment network.”

FotoNation Press Release

FotoNation at PMA Feb. 26-March 1, Orlando - Technology Suite X9

FotoNation is the company that develops hot-new products for digital cameras such as in-camera WiFi as implemented by the leading camera companies and in-camera red-eye currently available in products by Kodak, Nikon, Pentax, Sanyo and more. FotoNation will show at PMA 2006 products related to Wireless Camera Connectivity and Embedded Imaging technology.

Fujfilm USA Press Release

New Film Provides Pure, Accurate Color and Excellent Highlight Details

PMA 2006 Booth # 3508 http://www.fujifilm.com/pma

Valhalla, NY, February 14, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. announces the introduction of new Fujichrome T64 Professional at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show. The new ISO 64 tungsten-type color transparency film delivers ultra-fine grain and optimum tonal scale and gradation under tungsten lighting. Fujichrome T64 Professional incorporates new-generation color couplers and new color correction technology which ensure pure, accurate color reproduction, making this film ideally suited for a wide range of product shots, interiors, furniture, architecture, certain medical imaging needs and other professional applications requiring tungsten lighting. The new film also possesses excellent color image stability.

Fujifilm Press Release

New Film Features Improved Color Saturation and Image Stability, Finer Grain

PMA 2006 Booth # 3508 http://www.fujifilm.com/pma

Valhalla, NY, February 14, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. announces the introduction of Fujichrome Provia 400X Professional film at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show. The new high-speed color reversal film delivers new levels of color saturation, ultra-fine grain, rich tone reproduction and improved color image stability. Fujichrome Provia 400X features Epitaxial Sigma Crystal Technology for ultra-fine grain (RMS: 11) along with new generation couplers and new color correction technology for excellent performance and image stability. The new film will replace Fujichrome Provia 400F, a favorite among professionals for commercial and fashion photography.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

PMA 2006: Fujifilm Showcases Multiple Imaging Solutions for Retailers, Professionals, Businesses and Consumers

PMA 2006 Booth # 3508 http://www.fujifilm.com/pma

Valhalla, NY - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is featuring a broad spectrum of imaging technologies and products at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show under the banner, “Fujifilm. Expand the World of Imaging.” The tagline was created to underscore Fujifilm’s role in providing a wide range of innovative solutions - digital, analog or a fusion of technologies - that will expand the value that imaging products and services can bring to businesses and consumers alike.

PMA 2006: The Kodak Easyshare Z612 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 12x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in March for $399.95.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Digital Camera Allows Enthusiasts to Zoom in on the Action with its 12X Extended Zoom Capabilities - Fast Performance, High-Quality Detailed Long Shots, Steady Videos Enhance New Z-Series Camera

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Eastman Kodak Company today announced the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 zoom digital camera, the latest model in its Z-series line, which helps everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots. KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series digital cameras combine fast-performing, point-and-shoot flexibility with the photographic control achieved through a higher optical zoom. The 6-megapixel KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Zoom Digital Camera is a compact camera boasting a 12X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON optical zoom lens with Kodak’s image stabilization technology for sharp shots and steady videos. The camera’s easy-to-use performance features include a 2.5” display, PASM modes, auto-image enhance, on-camera cropping, histogram and advanced video designed to help aspirational photographers take better pictures with sharper detail.

PMA 2006: The Kodak Easyshare V603 is announced today. 6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, available in April for $299.95.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE V603 – 6.1-Megapixel, Compact Digital Camera Proves Big Things Come in Small, Sleek Packages - Kodak Continues to Fuse Style and Quality with KODAK EASYSHARE V-Series Zoom Digital Cameras

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Building upon the tremendous success of its award-winning line of KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras, Kodak debuts the V603, a compact camera that is the perfect mixture of style, performance and simplicity that can slide into almost any pocket. The KODAK EASYSHARE V603 Zoom Digital Camera is designed for people who want a small, stylish camera packed with innovative features to enhance the photography experience. It is the latest in the V-series line of cameras which features exciting digital advancements wrapped in sleek camera bodies while remaining true to Kodak’s signature ease-of-use. The tiny, 6.1-megapixel V603 features a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.5” high-resolution display, in-camera picture enhancing features such as KODAK   PPERFECT TOUCH technology and multiple color and scene modes including panorama stitch.

PMA 2006: The Kodak Easyshare C643 and Kodak Easyshare C533 entry-level cameras are announced today. The C643 offers 6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a large 2.4 inch LCD. The C533 offers 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 1.8 inch LCD.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE C–Series Digital Cameras Combine Compact Design, Simplicity and Outstanding Image Quality - Affordable C643, C533 Cameras Designed to Deliver High-Quality Images for Entry Level Enthusiasts

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Eastman Kodak Company today announced the EASYSHARE C643 and C533 zoom digital cameras that combine Kodak’s hallmark ease-of-use, quality and value, making it possible for entry-level picture takers to capture, share, organize and print pictures. “Kodak’s new C-Series cameras provide users new to photography with tools to capture and share their memories,” said Mary Hadley, General Manager, Digital Capture, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, Eastman Kodak Company. “The C643 and C533 are designed to give people the opportunity to get the best quality pictures beginning with their very first shot.” The new KODAK EASYSHARE C643 Digital Camera is an all-purpose solution for users who seek compact design and exceptional value - 6.1-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom lens and 5x digital zoom, large 2.4’’ LCD color display, 30 fps TV-quality video (VGA) with audio capture, and a wealth of on-camera picture-enhancing features.

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Introduces Improvements Across its Film Product Portfolio - Consumers and Professionals Worldwide Benefit From Kodak’s Commitment to Traditional Photography

ROCHESTER, NY, February 17—Demonstrating its continuing commitment to the traditional photography market, Eastman Kodak Company introduced improvements across its award-winning consumer and professional film product portfolio today at the Photo Marketing Association Show in Orlando, Florida, elevating the consumer photography experience for users of traditional products. “Actions speak louder than words. The traditional product portfolio improvements announced today represent solid proof that Kodak is committed to people around the world who capture images with film and one-time-use cameras,” said Mary Jane Hellyar, President, Film and Photofinishing Group and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “From unbeatable clarity and sharpness across our one-time-use camera line for consumers to improved PORTRA 800 color-negative film for professionals, these new benefits enable KODAK film users to achieve outstanding images.”

Bibble Labs Press Release

State-of-the-art noise reduction technology to be included in Bibble RAW processing software.

Austin, TX- 13:00 EST February 17, 2006. Bibble Labs Inc has reached an agreement with PictureCode LLC, developer of the best-of-breed Noise Ninja image noise reduction software application. Forthcoming versions of Bibble Labs’ award-winning RAW workflow software will feature fully integrated versions of Picturecode’s patent pending noise reduction technology. This will enable a new level of image quality in the raw workflow, especially for high-ISO images. “As pioneers of DSLR RAW software we have led the way in speed, feature set, and cross platform support. With the inclusion of PictureCode’s Noise Ninja™ technology, we are again raising the bar for integrated, fast workflow,” states Eric Hyman, President & CEO of Bibble Labs.

Kodak / Bibble Labs Press Release

Eastman Kodak Company and Bibble Labs today announced a cross-licensing and co-marketing agreement that will allow both companies to offer new, improved products to imaging professionals that further strengthens Kodak’s ‘Connect with Pro Quality’ products and programs. Under the agreement, Kodak is licensing to Bibble two proprietary technologies, the KODAK COLORFLOW Color Management Module (CMM) and the KODAK COLORFLOW ICC Input API. New versions of Bibble’s highly successful professional workflow software will integrate both of these technologies to create a best practices data path for generating finished files suitable for display and printing on KODAK output systems with minimal image adjustments. In return, Bibble is licensing to Kodak their RAW format library and conversion engine. Using this valuable tool in select KODAK output systems will enhance interoperability allowing for easier printing from RAW format files.

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio W10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, waterproof body.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio W10. Furnished with superior waterproofing and dustproofing, the Optio W10 is a 6.0 effective megapixels compact digital camera that packs a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and a 3X optical zoom lens into a slim, newly designed body. The Optio W10 was developed based on the PENTAX Optio WP series, which realizes the waterproof functionality for underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. While continuing the development concepts of sportiness, elegance, and leisure and the waterproof and dustproof performance for reliable use outdoors or during water sports, the Optio W10 offers improved LCD monitoring and movie recording. This model has been made more convenient and user-friendly with the addition of the new Face Recognition AF/AE function, which detects people’s faces in the picture frame and adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly.

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio T10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, large 3 inch touch-screen LCD, thin 19.5mm body.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio T10 compact digital camera. The Optio T10 is distinguished by an extra-large 3.0-inch,high-definition LCD monitor for easy viewing and a touch-display control system that allows you to program the camera by simply touching icons on the panel as well as customize images directly on the panel. Along with the powerful raw performance of the camera’s picture quality and its 3X-optical zoom lens coupled with a slim body profile and a simple, intuitive interface, PENTAX has engineered a camera that puts the fun back into not only “taking” and “viewing” but also “creating” images with its playful touch-display control.

PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio M10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the PENTAX Optio M10 digital compact camera, which incorporates a host of user-friendly features and offers solid performance for a wide range of photographic applications. The Optio M10 is a reliable, popular-class model, combining a compact, lightweight body and simple operations with a versatile 3X optical zoom lens, 6.0 effective megapixels, a large, functional LCD monitor, and other user-friendly features. Coupled with its exceptional battery life, the Optio M10 offers fun, easy digital photography for a variety of occasions and applications to many different users, regardless of photographic skill and experience.