A report from the Stock Artists Alliance concludes that 1 out of every 15 stock images are stolen, accounting for an estimated loss of $67 million per year. SAA’s research addresses how and why the stock photo industry is subject to this theft. The report also describes current industry-wide initiatives and suggests specific steps to minimize piracy of stock images.

Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk a new authentic baryta paper for inkjet printing. This is a 310gsm inkjet media featuring a traditional barium sulphate (baryta) base. The baryta enhances the media surface which gives the creamy whites and velvety blacks that form part of the unique look and feel of a true fibre print. Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk will be available from JP Distribution throughout the UK from October 2007.

Jonathan Lowenstein, Jonathan Torgovnik and Leo Maguire will each receive $20,000 from Getty Images to pursue photojournalism projects. The 3 winners were selected from 124 applicants from 37 countries. Leo Maguire’s project “Lords of the Lane” will focus on the world of Gypsy bare-knuckle fighters in England. “Shadow Lives USA” by Jonathan Lowenstein will document six different issues facing those trying to enter the United States across the US-Mexico border. Jonathan Torgovnik’s project, “Intended Consequences”, follows 50 women who were raped during the Rwandan genocide 13 years ago, and who have children as a result.

Bob Atkins has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen.

“The EOS 40D is more than a minor upgrade of the EOS 30D. It’s basically a new camera with a new sensor, a new 14-bit processing engine, a new AF system and new features such as Live View, Highlight Priority and High ISO noise reduction as well as improved ergonomics with the enhanced 3” LCD. Though it looks much like the 20D/30D it seems to have a more “pro” feel - though I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s the quieter and faster shutter operation that simply makes it sound better!”

Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS 40D Review

DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ18 digital camera, which features a 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-504mm on a 35mm film camera.

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 is built for photography, with intuitive-to-use controls. You get the distinct impression that much thought went into its design for ease-of-use. It is fun to use this camera, and you feel confident that your images will consistently come out with very good quality. Throw in a very effective image stabilization and a High Speed (and accurate) AF function, and you have a long zoom digital camera that is a pleasure to use.”

Website: Photoxels - Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Review

Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Review

CNET have reviewed the HP R937, which features a 3.6 inch interactive touchscreen LCD, 8 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom lens.

“Unless you only shoot in broad daylight at ISO 100, you’re going to be sorely disappointed by the R937’s image quality. Noticeable levels of noise crop up as early as ISO 200, and get significantly worse as sensitivity rises. By the time you reach the camera’s maximum at ISO 1600, grain utterly consumes all detail and mutes all the colors in your picture. If not for the noise, the R937’s photos would look good.”

Website: CNET - HP R937 Review

DigiCamReview have reviewed the Ricoh R6, which improves on the older R5 model by offering a larger 2.7 inch LCD screen, new face recognition mode, a slimmer body at just 20.6mm thick and 54Mb internal memory.

“he camera is extremely compact for an “ultra” zoom digital camera, with a slimmer body and a wide angle 7.1x optical zoom lens, the camera is stylish with a bigger 2.7” screen, it fits very easily into trouser pockets. The camera feels well built. The camera is easy to use, the menu system is easy to use and there is a very good layout of buttons and controls, with the majority on the outside of the camera (rather than hidden in menus).”

Website: DigiCamReview - Ricoh R6 Review

Website: Read our Ricoh Caplio R6 Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Kodak Z885 digital cameras, which boasts a 5x optical zoom lens (36-180mm) and 8.1 megapixel resolution.

“The Z885 seems to underperform in some areas and perform well in others. The features are well balanced for the price so that the kind of person buying this camera will not be overwhelmed by it, the zoom is adequate for the price as is the resolution. However, the focus range is appalling in both auto and macro modes. the image stabiliser is only digital and the continuous shooting capability is rubbish.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Kodak Z885 Review

LightZone 3.1 includes new capabilities for quickly changing the look of objects within a photograph. You can now change the exposure of the sky in an image, sharpen only the yellow flowers in a field, or quickly modify the exposure of a face. “With this release, Light Crafts continues to liberate digital photo-editing users from the tedious technology-focused approach to editing, allowing them instead to focus on the art of image creation,” said Georges van Hoegaerden, Chief Executive Officer of Light Crafts. LightZone 3.1 is available as a free download for existing LightZone 3.0 Full and Basic users. The retail price is $249.95 for the Full version.

Pentaxian.com is a new community-based website for Pentax photographers. “The term ‘Pentaxian’ is used widely by PENTAX photographers who describe themselves on various web photo forums,” said Ned Bunnell, Vice President Marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.  “We built www.pentaxian.com as a gathering place for them all.”

onOne Software have released over 100 free customized presets for Adobe Camera RAW 4.1. Created by Photoshop Guru and Instructor Jack Davis, the presets are designed to help ACR users quickly and efficiently process their RAW digital camera files. onOne Software’s customized presets for Adobe Camera RAW 4.1 are available for download now.

CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 camera, which offers a 3.5 inch, 921,000 pixel LCD screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, MP3 player, optical image stabilisation and 2Gb of internal storage.

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 seems like an awkward convergence device from two years ago, or from a time when putting MP3 players in cameras was all the rage. I wish Sony had opted instead to create the more market-worthy Wi-Fi contender we’ve been waiting for. Given the high price for what it offers—huge LCD notwithstanding, there’s really nothing else worth paying a premium for—I have to suggest that you give this one a pass. Get yourself a really nice MP3 player and a top-notch ultracompact instead.”

Website: CNET - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Samsung NV11 camera, featuring a Schneider lens, Smart Touch user interface, 2.7 inch high definition LCD, 10 megapixels and 5x optical zoom lens.

“Samsung’s NV11 certainly makes a bold statement when you first pick it up: it sports a stunning industrial design, and has an interface like none you’ve ever seen (unless, of course, you’ve used an earlier NV model). It’s got a lot going for it, offering full manual controls and plenty of bells and whistles, though image quality could be better. If you can stomach the Smart Touch interface (I cannot), then it’s worth taking a look at the NV11.”

Website: DCResource - Samsung NV11 Review

Epson have developed a new optical low pass filter (OLPF) which combats moiré patterns on digital cameras. The Epson OLPF features a new structure that enables the uniform separation of light rays across the visible spectrum. Moiré patterns are subsequently eliminated across the visible spectrum. The new OLPF is also thinner and lighter than a conventional structure.

AutoMatting automatically creates and adds a unique mat for an image. “AutoMatting is a photographers dream” said Dan Sullivan, president and CEO of Image Trends, Inc.  “It is more that just a productivity tool for the photographer, it awakens the emotion of the customer because as they view the presentation of images they relive the event”. AutoMatting is available for Windows for $49.95.

PhotoTools from onOne Software is a new Photoshop plug-in that utilizes the power of Photoshop Actions to provide a wide range effects, corrections and production automation. PhotoTools allows users to preview effects individually or combined/stacked together in a layer-like configuration. Available in two versions, PhotoTools ($159.95) and PhotoTools Professional Edition ($259.95), both can be downloaded on on November 15th 2007.

The Sony A700 DSLR camera is here. We now have the full press release and specifications for the A700. The Sony A700 will be available in a choice of different lens kits from mid-October 2007. Body only is $1400 / £999, with an 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for $1500 / £1099, and with a 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for $1900 £1349.   

All prices are inclusive of VAT. Here are the headline specs for the new Sony A700:

12.24 megapixel CMOS sensor
BIONZ image processor
11 point autofocus system
ISO 6400
5fps (for 17 shots in RAW mode)
1/8000th shutter speed
3 inch LCD screen (with 921,000 pixels)
Optional battery grip
Wireless Flash support
Both MemoryStick and CompactFlash cards supported

Sony Japan have published 3 sample images from the A700, all available as full-sized JPGs (and all taken at ISO 100 unfortunately).

Website: Sony Japan - Sony A700 Sample Images

The Digital Photographer’s Notebook is a pro’s guide to Adobe Photoshop CS3, Lightroom, and Bridge by Kevin Ames. Photoshop User columnist Ames shares his own image-making process from start to finish while illuminating many key issues relevant to today’s professionals. Available now, The Digital Photographer’s Notebook costs $39.99.

e-Photografija have reviewed the Olympus E-510 DSLR camera, which features a built-in image stabiliser in the camera body. The E510 also has a new image processing engine that offers excellent noise performance and 3fps with a seven image RAW buffer in burst mode.

“Personally, I don’t think that the Olympus E-510 is quite as user friendly as the Olympus E-410. That’s no bad thing, though - if you want the most user friendliness, get the Olympus E-410. If you want to experiment a bit, go for the Olympus E-510. This makes the Olympus E-510 the perfect camera for those who bothered to learn what the buttons do, know a bit about photography and generally want to get a great picture straight out of the camera. If you’re a demanding hobbyist who’s looking for a light, yet capable camera to take with you on trips and treks and whatnot, this is the camera for you. “

Website: e-Photografija - Olympus E-510 Review

Website: Read our Olympus E-510 Review

Luminous Landscape have reviewed the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen.

“My time with the 40D was short, but I found that shooting about a thousand frames over a long weekend was all I needed to be able to draw some preliminary conclusions. These are, in brief, that the image quality of the 40D is excellent, continuing the industry-leading results that Canon has offered for the past 5-6 years. I didn’t see any breakthrough in low noise at the highest ISOs, but as with the EOS 5D ISO 400 is essentially noiseless and can be used as an everyday speed. Noise doesn’t really become an issue until ISO 1600 and even then isn’t that objectionable.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon EOS 40D Review