DIWA Press Release

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:

HP Photosmart R707 : Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Digital Amateur Camera”

In the category of ”Digital Compact Cameras”, HP Photosmart R707 receives the DIWA Platinum Award for 2004 as the best gold winning camera in its category. Test reports from the DIWA reviewers were filled with surprised enthusiasm over the camera’s construction, features and performance. The robust metal exterior, comfortable rubber coated back and appealing design laid ground for high scores on ergonomic issues, while 5 Megapixel resolution combined with 3x optical zoom is more than an average amateur photographer would require. Add to this a number of unique in-camera innovations like Red Eye removal function, Adaptive Lighting exposure compensation for difficult lighting conditions, Automatic Vignetting correction, Panorama Image Stitching and Help and Tips Menus, all radical and useful features to make photography easy and fun. Despite its excellent performance and long list of valuable features, the HP Photosmart R707 comes with a remarkably small price tag.

About DIWA
A fast growing independent, authoritative, industry organization
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry, alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals.

Unique bullet-proof test scoring procedure
DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated unrepresentative product sample or test error, or even hidden bias, from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in annual best of the year Platinum medal awards.

DIWA Awards members:
- Czech Republic:  www.fotoaparat.cz
- Denmark:  www.digitalmagasinet.dk
- Germany:  www.digitalkamera.de
- France:  www.photographyblog.com
- Netherlands:  www.letsgodigital.org
- Norway:  www.digit.no
- Poland:  www.fotopolis.pl
- Slovenia:  www.e-fotografija.com
- Spain:  www.nuevafotografia.com
- Turkey:  www.diginorm.com.tr
- United States:  www.steves-digicams.com

The DIWA multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organisation is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com- or email us at [email protected].