Phase One and Mamiya have announced a strategic alliance to develop medium format digital camera systems and solutions for professional photographers. The agreement includes technology-sharing and intellectual property assets as well as sales and marketing co-operation. “With this alliance, Mamiya and Phase One together are ushering in a new chapter for photographers,” said Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, CEO of Mamiya Digital Imaging. “As a team, we have access to all the software and hardware competences which are needed to further develop unique digital camera solutions in the coming years, including new feature combinations not in the market today.” The first new camera system will be introduced in the first quarter of 2008.

Update: Luminous Landscape have a short interview with Henrik Håkonsson, Phase One’s CEO, which casts more light on the new system. “The new camera system will be based on the Mamiya lens mount. Previous lenses will be able to be fitted. A new line of AF lenses will be made available. Some will be made by Mamiya, some by other lens manufacturers, including some from Europe. There will be leaf shutter lenses available as well for high flash sync speeds.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Phase One and Mamiya Get Hitched

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony DSC-H3, the smallest ever Cyber-shot camera featuring a Carl Zeiss 10x zoom lens.

“The Sony H3 has a lot of what most folks a looking for in a digital camera. It’s relatively small, has a long zoom bolstered by image stabilization, has the options of Manual, Auto, or several full-auto modes, and is pretty simple to use. Our most important measure these days is how well the images print, and the Sony H3 gets a very high score, with the ability to capture ISO 100 images that print very well at 13x19 inches. Even ISO 3,200 images shot in daylight balanced light are usable at 4x6; otherwise, we recommend you stick to ISO 1,600.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 Review

PopPhoto have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10, a new 10.1 megapixel DSLR camera with a unique 2.5 inch free angle LCD screen complete with full time live view.

“Panasonic is clearly banking on Leicas name and the quality of the lens—made by Panasonic in Japan—to attract photo enthusiasts. Because the L10 has a higher-resolution sensor than its predecessor, the advantages of the sharp Leica glass are more apparent. Indeed, the L10 hit the highest resolution scores (average 2350 lines at ISO 100) of all the circa-10MP DSLRs weve tested. It scored more than 15 percent higher than the Olympus Evolt E-510 with its nearly identical Live MOS sensor and respectable 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko kit lens. It even out-resolves the 12.2MP Sony Alpha 700. Wow!”

Website: PopPhoto - Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Review

Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10 Review

Megapixel.net have reviewed the new 12 megapixel Sony A700 DSLR camera.

“While the Alpha 100 was Sony’s first dSLR camera and the result of its acquisition of Konica Minolta’s camera division, the A700 is much more stamped as a Sony camera, and probably indicates the company’s intention to anchor itself solidly in the dSLR market segment. Still, although Sony products tend to command a premium, the A700’s price point places it in direct competition with very well established dSLR systems and lacks the Live View function adopted by most others, things that could hinder its success.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Sony A700 Review

The winners of the October 2007 Prize Giveaway have been randomly selected from the current list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers.

Vincent Caruso, Pete Crundwell and Glyn Blackburn have each won a copy of Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2, the ideal digital photography software for aspiring photographers and business communicators who want to transform their digital pictures into professional-looking photos fast.

The Ricoh Caplio R7 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 7x zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm on a 35mm camera, yet it’s only 23mm thick and weighs just 135g. A mere 6 months on from the previous R6 model, the Ricoh R7 adds more megapixels and a slightly tweaked user interface, whilst retaining the optical image stabilizer and 1cm macro mode of the R6. Does the new Ricoh R7 offer a better all-round package than the R6, and is it still our point-and-shoot camera of choice? Read our Ricoh R7 review to find out.

Website: Ricoh Caplio R7 Review

The Nokia N82 is a 5 megapixel camera, navigation device and multimedia computer in one. With a 5 megapixel camera, powerful Xenon flash and Carl Zeiss optics, the Nokia N82 delivers remarkably vivid photographs, even in low-light conditions. “The evolution of camera capabilities in mobile devices has been extremely fast over the past years. With the Nokia N82 we have reached such a superior level in image quality, speed and ease of use that not only does it outperform any other cameraphone on the market, but it’s also a very credible alternative for single purpose digital still cameras,” says Satu Ehrnrooth, head of Nokia Nseries Cameras Category, Multimedia, Nokia. The Nokia N82 is available now with an estimated, pre-tax, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 450 euros.

The Sigma 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC HSM is the first 180 degree circular fisheye lens for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors, it produces circular image within the frame. This lens is ideal for photographers using computer stitching software which requires circular fisheye images to be input, resulting in stitched panoramas. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm and maximum magnification of 1:6 also makes it particularly useful for close-up photography. The Sigma 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC HSM lens is available in Sigma AF, Canon AF and Nikon AF mounts, price is £599.99, available in December 2007.

The Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC HSM is a diagonal fisheye lens for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras. The Nikon version produces a diagonal angle of view of 180° ?154° for Sigma, 167° for Canon?. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm, and maximum magnification 1:3.3 allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm from the lens’ front element. This lens is supplied with a gelatin filter holder at the rear, allowing the use of gelatin filters. The Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC HSM is available in Sigma AF, Canon AF and Nikon AF mounts, price is £449.99, available in January 2008.

LightZone 3.2 photo editing software is fully compatible with the new Apple OS X Leopard operating system. The LightZone update also adds support for a number of new digital cameras, including the Sony DSLR-A700 and Canon 40D. “Light Crafts is pleased to offer support for both the new Apple Mac OS X Leopard operating system and numerous digital cameras recently introduced from leading digital camera manufacturers,” said Fabio Riccardi, CEO, Light Crafts. “Many of our customers are early adopters of leading edge technology and new products. They can continue to count on Light Crafts to provide support for new products that are continuously introduced into the fast moving digital photography market.” LightZone 3.2 costs $249.95 for the Full version and $149.95 for the Basic version.

The new Transcend 250GB StoreJet is a 2.5 inch SATA external hard drive that supports transfer rates of up to 1.5Gb/s. With a stylishly designed, polished aluminum case, the StoreJet 2.5 has a USB 2.0 interface and a convenient “OneTouch Auto-Backup” button. The Transcend StoreJet 2.5 SATA is available in a colorful assortment of eye-catching, polished aluminum cases including: Titanium (120GB), Blue (160GB) and Silver (250GB).

Ilford Office and Ilford Create are new products in Ilford’s Inkjet Photo Paper Range aimed at the consumer retail market. The Ilford Create range includes 100% Rag Fine Art Matt Paper and a selection of pre-creased greetings cards with printable envelopes. “This range means we can provide the photo enthusiast with a complete product line for a variety of creative applications. The combination of our quality photo media with the consumer’s artistic skills is the recipe for stunning results!” said Andrew Stewart, Sales and Marketing Director, Ilford. Ilford Office and Create are compatible with all good quality, including borderless, inkjet printers, and are now available in retail outlets across the UK.

The Lite-On DH-4O1S is an internal BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc Reader) drive that supports Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD discs. “With the increasing availability of Blu-ray Disc movies and other video content, consumers now have an affordable way to view the brilliant picture quality Blu-ray technology offers right on their personal computers,” says Christine Hsing, Marketing Manager at PLDS. The Lite-On DH-4O1S Blu-ray BD-ROM drive will be available in late November for $199.99.

ProShow Producer 3.2 slide show software for professional photographers now supports direct uploads to YouTube. “With the new version of Producer photos, slide shows and videos can be easily uploaded to any device allowing photographers to carry around a portfolio slide show or client proof in the palm of their hands, anywhere they go.” said Paul Schmidt, President of Photodex Corporation. ProShow Producer 3.2 is available immediately for $249.95. A free 15-day trial version of the software is available for download.

The winners of Tamron’s “Make Your Mark: Landmarks—Natural or Manmade” 2007 Photo Contest have been announced. The contest was open to U.S. residents submitting any original photograph prominently including a natural or manmade landmark that was taken with a Tamron lens. Tracy Arcari of Wheatogue, Connecticut took top honors for her breathtaking picture of The Mittens (pictured), a justly renowned rock formation in Monument Valley, Arizona. The theme for Tamron’s big 2008 Photo Contest is “Wet & Wild,”.

The PIXO C2 universal recharger replaces the battery chargers from a wide range of digital devices (but not quite everything). The PIXO C2 supports all battery packs from digital cameras and camcorders, standard NiMH / NiCd batteries, mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 Players, and car navigation systems. For worldwide operation the compact charger is shipped with an energy saving switch mode power supply with a input voltage from 100-240 volts. For mobile use it comes with a 12 volt car cigarette lighter plug. The suggested retail price is 49.90 Euros.

DCResource have reviewed the new Canon SD870 IS camera, which offers 8 megapixels and a 3.8x, 28mm wide zoom.

“Overall, the photo quality on the PowerShot SD870 was very good for an ultra-compact camera. Photos were well-exposed, with pleasing, vivid colors. Images have Canon’s trademark “smooth” appearance, but that doesn’t mean that they’re soft—quite the contrary. As the test above illustrates, noise and noise reduction didn’t really become problems until you get to ISO 400 (in good light). The only real negatives were mentioned in the previous tests, and they include blurry corners and occasional vignetting.”

Website: DCResource - Canon SD870 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon SD870 IS Review

CNET have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S51C camera, which features a distinctive wave-surface design, 8.1 megapixel sensor and wireless connectivity.

“To Nikon’s credit, the S51c’s wireless functioned flawlessly when I used it with my wireless router at home. Set up was simple, and fairly quick, on the camera. After I sent my first picture e-mail, I got an e-mail from my Picturetown that prompted me to complete my registration at Nikon’s Web site, where I input the camera’s access key (found in the wireless portion of the setup menu) and I was ready to go.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix S51C Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Fujifilm A920, a 9 megapixel entry-level digital camera aimed at the first-time buyer.

“Image quality when using the 9M Fine mode was good for an entry-level digicam. Outdoors, it captures nice images with beautiful colors and good exposure. Images are sharp too, however, I did notice a bit of edge softness. The image noise was low on outdoor shots, however like the A900, there was still a significant amount in our indoor portraits (where the camera selected a higher ISO setting). The noise in these photographs is not enough to show up in smaller prints, like your typical 4x6, but will be noticeable in larger 8x10-inch and up prints. “

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm A920 Review

CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2, a compact camera with 4GB of internal memory that can store up to 1,000 8 megapixel images.

“Overall, the T2’s photos look pretty good. As with the T200 and T20, they’re softer than the previous generation’s—notably the T100—and than some of the competition’s, due to what looks like more aggressive noise reduction. Still, they show good exposure and automatic white balance. There’s a bit of lens distortion and a bit of purple and cyan fringing, but the colors look pleasing and reasonably saturated. Like most snapshot cameras, photos taken at sensitivities beyond ISO 200 look really mushy and by ISO 800 lack detail entirely, so take Sony’s claim of ISO 3200 capability for the T2 with a chunk of salt.”

Website: CNET - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T2 Review