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Saturday, November 3, 2007

DXG-110The DXG-110 is the first 10 megapixel digital camera to break the $200 barrier. Retailing for just $170, the DXG-100 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, anti-shake and face detection. The DXG-110 also features several DXG proprietary technologies, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and Dynamic Fill Light. The DXG-110 is available immediately with a street price of $169.99 through major retailers and at www.dxgusa.com.

The DXG-110 is the first 10 megapixel digital camera to break the $200 barrier. Retailing for just $170, the DXG-100 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, anti-shake and face detection. The DXG-110 also features several DXG proprietary technologies, including Automatic Contrast Management, Advanced Flash Controls, ISO 1600/Antishake, and…

The HDRI HandbookThe HDRI Handbook reveals the secrets behind High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). This book is packed with practical hints and tips, software evaluations, workshops, and hands-on tutorials, and HDR software is included on the companion DVD. Author Christian Bloch is a highly acclaimed visual effects artists works and lives in Hollywood, California. The HDRI Handbook costs $49.95 USD, £30.99 GBP.

The HDRI Handbook reveals the secrets behind High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI). This book is packed with practical hints and tips, software evaluations, workshops, and hands-on tutorials, and HDR software is included on the companion DVD. Author Christian Bloch is a highly acclaimed visual effects artists works and lives in…

Eye-Fi Wireless Memory CardDPReview have tested the Eye-Fi Card, the world’s first wireless SD memory card for digital cameras.

“The Eye-Fi card is one of those products which is great fun out of the box but the returns begin to diminish the more you use it. It’s not particularly fast (no surprise really as it is WiFi but it’s quite a bit slower than we expected), it needs to be pre-configured for each access point and doesn’t support public access points, it uploads everything on the card (which could literally be a gigabyte of images) and there’s no option for delivering reduced size images to photo sharing sites (although to counter that you can uploaded without a computer which could be useful if your files aren’t too large).”

Website: DPReview - Eye-Fi Card Review

DPReview have tested the Eye-Fi Card, the world’s first wireless SD memory card for digital cameras. “The Eye-Fi card is one of those products which is great fun out of the box but the returns begin to diminish the more you use it. It’s not particularly fast (no surprise really…

Kodak V1003Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak V1003 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and up to ISO 1600.

“Despite the attractiveness of the Kodak EasyShare V1003, I was disappointed in its performance. It was hard to read the LCD and “catch the moment” with this camera. Focus was very slow and shutter lag really got in the way. It got even worse when I added flash to the equation. When I looked over the images, they were far too saturated with too much contrast in sunlight.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak V1003 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak V1003 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and up to ISO 1600. “Despite the attractiveness of the Kodak EasyShare V1003, I was disappointed in its performance. It was hard to read the LCD and “catch the moment”…

Pentax S10TrustedReviews have reviewed the Pentax Optio S10, which is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format.

“Fortunately the improvement in performance has been accompanied by an increase in overall picture quality, thanks in no small part to the excellent lens. Pentax has always enjyed a good reputation for the quality of its optics, and the SMC (Super Multi Coated) Pentax label is usually a guarantee of superior performance. This is certainly the case here, with the S10’s lens producing excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal barrel distortion at wide angle, both things that have been an issue on some versions of the Sliding Lens system.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax Optio S10 Review

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Pentax Optio S10, which is a 10 megapixel camera with digital Shake Reduction, Face Recognition and DivX video format. “Fortunately the improvement in performance has been accompanied by an increase in overall picture quality, thanks in no small part to the excellent lens. Pentax has always…

Epson PM 260PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.

“Epson’s PictureMate small-format photo printers have always stood out from the crowd, but the company has really outdone itself with its latest iteration, the PictureMate Dash ($99.99 direct). Although the Dash is the low cost version of the newest generation of PictureMates, it offers features I’m used to seeing only on printers that cost far more—from a surprisingly big 3.6-inch LCD screen to the ability to print from a wide range of sources. It’s also the fastest small format photo printer I’ve seen at any price.”

Website: PCMag - Epson PictureMate Dash Review

PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. “Epson’s PictureMate small-format photo printers have always stood out from the crowd, but the company has really outdone itself with its latest…

Friday, November 2, 2007

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIICanon USA have issued a service notice for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, specifically about its autofocus system. Some EOS-1D Mark III cameras may have an issue with the mirror mechanism which causes inconsistent focusing accuracy or inconsistent focus tracking with moving subjects when using AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting modes, particularly in high temperatures. If the serial number on the bottom of the camera is between 501001 and 546561, the camera might require an adjustment of its AF mirror mechanism. Starting in late November, Canon will offer repairs free of charge for customers who have affected products and are experiencing this problem.

Canon USA have issued a service notice for the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, specifically about its autofocus system. Some EOS-1D Mark III cameras may have an issue with the mirror mechanism which causes inconsistent focusing accuracy or inconsistent focus tracking with moving subjects when using AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting…

Douglas KirklandPhoto Expo West 2007 is Southern California’s most successful photography event, with free seminars from the world’s best photographers including Douglas Kirkland. This popular public event, formerly the San Diego Photo Expo, is being held this year at a larger, improved venue at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, November 10th and 11th. Admission to Photo Expo West 2007 is free, including 19 daily seminars from professional photographers.

Photo Expo West 2007 is Southern California’s most successful photography event, with free seminars from the world’s best photographers including Douglas Kirkland. This popular public event, formerly the San Diego Photo Expo, is being held this year at a larger, improved venue at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Saturday and…

Ricoh R7Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 1.25, for the R7 digital camera, which includes the following changes.

- Modified the following phenomenon. In direct printing (PictBridge), a camera may not connect properly with some printers and you may not print out a picture.
- Improved stability at the lens unit retracting.

Website: Rioch R7 v1.25 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, version 1.25, for the R7 digital camera, which includes the following changes. - Modified the following phenomenon. In direct printing (PictBridge), a camera may not connect properly with some printers and you may not print out a picture. - Improved stability at the…

Ricoh R6Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.45, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change:

Improved stability at the lens unit retracting.

Website: Ricoh R6 v1.45 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a firmware update, v1.45, for the Ricoh R6 camera. It includes the following change: Improved stability at the lens unit retracting. Website: Ricoh R6 v1.45 Firmware Update

Samsung L700Imaging Resource have reviewed the Samsung L700 camera, which offers several advanced features, including a suite of advanced video and editing functions, in a compact, stylish metal body. It has 7 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a bright 2.5” LCD display.

“If pricing and simplicity are your main goals in a camera and you don’t do a lot of low-light shooting, the Samsung L700 could fit the bill. For quick daytime snapshots that aren’t likely to be printed to large sizes, the results are generally quite acceptable. If you’re looking to exercise much control over the final look of your images, or image quality is paramount in your decision however, then the Samsung L700 probably isn’t the camera for you.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Samsung L700 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Samsung L700 camera, which offers several advanced features, including a suite of advanced video and editing functions, in a compact, stylish metal body. It has 7 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a bright 2.5” LCD display. “If pricing and simplicity are your main goals in…

Kodak M853DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak M853 camera which has an 8 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens.

“The Kodak EasyShare M853 is an entry-level camera that is mediocre (or worse) in almost all areas. While it does offer a simple interface, good battery life, and attractive software bundle, its poor photo quality miserable low light shooting ability make this a camera that I cannot recommend. Better options are available in this price range.”

Website: DCResource - Kodak M853 Review

DCResource have reviewed the new Kodak M853 camera which has an 8 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens. “The Kodak EasyShare M853 is an entry-level camera that is mediocre (or worse) in almost all areas. While it does offer a simple interface, good battery life, and attractive software bundle…

Canon SX100 ISDigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Canon SX100, the first camera in the new SX series, offering a 10x zoom, image stabilized lens and 8 megapixel resolution.

“At an introductory price of $299, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a strong contender in the 10x optical zoom market. When compared to the entire point-and-shoot market, the PowerShot SX100 is a bit on the expensive side, since some cameras can be found for around $100. On the other hand, when compared to other 10x cameras with optical image stabilization, the SX100 IS is a bargain. Most other cameras in this class are priced at $350 or more. With solid image performance and face detection, the Canon SX100 IS is an admirable choice.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon Powershot SX100 Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot SX100 IS Review

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Canon SX100, the first camera in the new SX series, offering a 10x zoom, image stabilized lens and 8 megapixel resolution. “At an introductory price of $299, the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS is a strong contender in the 10x optical zoom market. When compared to…

Casio EX-Z77CNET have reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Casio EX-Z77 camera, which features a special YouTube mode that saves movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings.

“While noise stays pleasantly low in the EX-Z77’s pictures, a general softness obscures details that should otherwise look sharp. Pictures taken under incandescent light tend to come out slightly warm even under the tungsten white balance, though the camera’s manual white balance can help you overcome this problem. The camera’s shots work well enough for e-mails and small prints, but any bigger print will likely disappoint.”

Website: CNET - Casio EX-Z77 Review

CNET have reviewed the 7.2 megapixel Casio EX-Z77 camera, which features a special YouTube mode that saves movies at the optimum size, quality and other settings. “While noise stays pleasantly low in the EX-Z77’s pictures, a general softness obscures details that should otherwise look sharp. Pictures taken under incandescent light…

Epson PM 290DPNow have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.

“Epson have worked wonders with the internals of the latest PictureMate models. Print quality is attractive and there’s no twiddling your thumbs while printing. The large screen is a plus point and ease of use is commendable. The design is good enough, though the rather flimsy lid doesn’t seem to complement the rest of the hardware well. To be honest, we don’t think the new angular and boxy design introduced last year was an improvement on the curvaceous and more compact styling of the original PictureMate.”

Website: DPNow - Epson PictureMate 290 Review

DPNow have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. “Epson have worked wonders with the internals of the latest PictureMate models. Print quality is attractive and there’s no twiddling your thumbs while printing. The large screen is…

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Competition WinnerThe winners of the October 2007 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for October was “Autumn” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
Chertovo Lake by abravorus

Prize: 1 x 24x24” or 24x18” Canvas Print of a Photo of Your Choice
Kindly donated by Photo Artistry.
http://www.photoartistry.co.uk

The winners of the October 2007 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for October was “Autumn” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners: 1st PlaceChertovo Lake by abravorus Prize: 1 x 24x24” or 24x18” Canvas…

Olympus E-510Buy the Olympus E-510 body, single lens kit or twin lens kit and Olympus UK will give £100 cashback*. This promotion begins on the 1st of November and runs until December 31st 2007. Simply go to http://www.olympus.co.uk/e510cashback and complete the online claim form – this will get you registered. Once you have filled in the form, print it and send it to the address specified, together with your purchase receipt and European warranty card from the camera box. Full terms and conditions are available online with the claim form.

* Please note, the £100 cashback will be transferred electronically to your bank account

Buy the Olympus E-510 body, single lens kit or twin lens kit and Olympus UK will give £100 cashback*. This promotion begins on the 1st of November and runs until December 31st 2007. Simply go to http://www.olympus.co.uk/e510cashback and complete the online claim form – this will get you registered. Once…

Nikon Coolpix S50cYou can claim up to £50 (€75) off any digital picture frame when buying a Nikon COOLPIX camera over £100 (€150). There is no restriction on the make or model of digi-frame but to take advantage of the offer, customers must purchase the digi-frame and camera in the same store, in the same transaction.  The offer will run from 1st November - 31st December 2007. Claims will be accepted until 31st Jan 2008.

You can claim up to £50 (€75) off any digital picture frame when buying a Nikon COOLPIX camera over £100 (€150). There is no restriction on the make or model of digi-frame but to take advantage of the offer, customers must purchase the digi-frame and camera in the same store…

Phase OnePhase One have released a second Beta version of its Capture One 4 RAW workflow software. You can try beta 2 for free until January 31st 2008. Capture One 4 beta 2 is much more stable than the previous beta, though it is still not the final product. Other changes include improving the user interface to improve the daily work for professional photographers and adding RAW file support for a number of new cameras.

Website: Download Capture One 4 Beta 2

Phase One have released a second Beta version of its Capture One 4 RAW workflow software. You can try beta 2 for free until January 31st 2008. Capture One 4 beta 2 is much more stable than the previous beta, though it is still not the final product. Other changes…

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIIThe Canon EOS Discovery Tour 2007 is a seminar series which focuses on the EOS DSLR camera system. Taking place at the QEII Conference Centre in London, UK on the 9th and 10th of November, there are four seminar sessions to choose from which are presented by photography experts, including award-winning London photographer Drew Gardner. Canon’s EOS Discovery Tour will explore nature, fashion, sports and reportage photography, providing tips and techniques to help amateurs extend their photographic skills. Places are strictly limited, so visit http://www.canon-europe.com/eosdiscovery to register.

The Canon EOS Discovery Tour 2007 is a seminar series which focuses on the EOS DSLR camera system. Taking place at the QEII Conference Centre in London, UK on the 9th and 10th of November, there are four seminar sessions to choose from which are presented by photography experts, including…