News

Friday, April 27, 2007

runningsportsrunningsports is running a photography competition from now until July, with the focus on the behind-the-scenes volunteers at sporting events. As well as the chance to have your photography featured in runningsports’ next advertising campaigns, you could win £250 worth of photography equipment.  Ten runners up will each receive a £15 Jessops vouchers. Closing date is Sunday 8th July 2007.

runningsports is running a photography competition from now until July, with the focus on the behind-the-scenes volunteers at sporting events. As well as the chance to have your photography featured in runningsports’ next advertising campaigns, you could win £250 worth of photography equipment. Ten runners up will each receive a…

Canon IXUS 70DCResource have reviewed the Canon Powershot SD1000 camera (called the Digital IXUS 70 in Europe), which is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera.

“Overall, the PowerShot SD1000’s photo quality is very good. The photos taken with the camera have accurate, saturated colors, pleasing sharpness, and minimal purple fringing. It did seem like my photos were overexposed by a 1/3 stop, and if you agree you may want to fool around with the exposure compensation on your own camera. There’s also the corner blurring that I mentioned earlier, though this won’t show up unless you’re making very large prints, or viewing the image at 100% on your computer screen.”

Website: DCResource - Canon Powershot SD1000 Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot SD1000 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Canon Powershot SD1000 camera (called the Digital IXUS 70 in Europe), which is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera. “Overall, the PowerShot SD1000’s photo quality is very good. The photos taken with the camera have accurate, saturated colors, pleasing sharpness, and minimal purple fringing. It did seem…

Nikon D40xThom Hogan has reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever.

“Amazingly, the D40x does a bit better than the D80 in the noise department, apparently due to slightly more aggressive noise reduction, as the level of detail is slightly lower at ISO 1600 on the D40x than it is on the D80. But again, ISO 100 to 1600 produced very usable images.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikon D40x Review

Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review

Thom Hogan has reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. “Amazingly, the D40x does a bit better than the D80 in…

Panasonic DMC-FZ8Megapixel.net have just reviewed the new Panasonic DMC-FZ8 camera.

“Clearly, the DMC-FZ8 seems to be a bit more prone to noise than we would like. It does offer, however, a RAW format that makes it possible to circumvent most of the problem with minimal effort using the software included with the camera. Moreover, an adjustment to the camera’s default settings — as long as the camera is used in the more advanced modes — usually produces good images, and will allow users to take full advantage of a good and powerful lens and and an effective stabilization system.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Panasonic DMC-FZ8 Review

Megapixel.net have just reviewed the new Panasonic DMC-FZ8 camera. “Clearly, the DMC-FZ8 seems to be a bit more prone to noise than we would like. It does offer, however, a RAW format that makes it possible to circumvent most of the problem with minimal effort using the software included with…

PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lensCameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax 40mm (pictured) and 70mm prime lenses.

“There’s no denying the Pentax DA 40mm and 70mm Limited lenses are pretty special. Their incredibly compact design is pretty much unique to Pentax and unlike anything offered by other DSLR manufacturers. The DA 40mm f2.8 Limited is particularly impressive in this regard, measuring just 15mm thick. Indeed when viewed from the side you really have to give it a double-take and verify the photographer isn’t trying to take a shot using a hefty body cap.”

Website: CameraLabs - Pentax 40mm and 70mm Lens Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax 40mm (pictured) and 70mm prime lenses. “There’s no denying the Pentax DA 40mm and 70mm Limited lenses are pretty special. Their incredibly compact design is pretty much unique to Pentax and unlike anything offered by other DSLR manufacturers. The DA 40mm f2.8 Limited is particularly…

Nikon D40xePhotoZine have reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever.

“Detail, thanks to that 10Mp resolution, tends to be quite good, though the kit lens with the D40x, the Nikkor 18-55mm is a little plastic feeling and lacks real sharpness. Certainly the results from the D40x will please anyone, from beginner to more experienced user as they are lively with plenty of impact.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon D40x Review

Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. “Detail, thanks to that 10Mp resolution, tends to be quite good, though…

Pentax w30Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax W30, a waterproof digital camera offering 7.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and two new Shake Reduction modes.

“When one sees the Optio W30 (or any of the “W” series models for that matter) one of the first questions asked is “how can it take pictures underwater?” With a quick flip of the battery/memory card door, you can see how this is accomplished. There’s a rubber gasket inside the door that blocks out any precipitation. Just remember, even though this camera is capable of capturing images underwater, the JIS Class 8 waterproof rating has a limitation of 3 meters (about 10 feet) for no more than 2 hours at a time.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax W30 Review

Website: Read our Pentax Optio W30 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax W30, a waterproof digital camera offering 7.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and two new Shake Reduction modes. “When one sees the Optio W30 (or any of the “W” series models for that matter) one of the first questions asked is “how can it take…

Pentax M30Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax M30 camera, which offers 7.1 megapixels, Digital Shake Reduction and Face Recognition AF and AE in an ultra-slim body.

“With the M30, you can choose from ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, or even 3200. As you can see from our photos on the samples page, ISO 200 and below show average amounts of noise. However, 400 and above start to show a lot of noise. In fact, 1600 and 3200 are pretty much useless, as these images could not even produce a nice 3x5-inch photo. Your best bet is to leave the ISO set to Auto, as it does well at keeping the sensitivity as low as possible.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax M30 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Pentax M30 camera, which offers 7.1 megapixels, Digital Shake Reduction and Face Recognition AF and AE in an ultra-slim body. “With the M30, you can choose from ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, or even 3200. As you can see from our photos on…

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Sony Handycam SR8EThe new Sony Handycam SR8E, SR7E and SR5E are the smallest, lightest AVCHD hard disk camcorders from Sony, and also offer 6.1 megapixel still images. The flagship Sony SR8E has 100GB hard disk capacity and can record 38 hours of HD footage in in LP mode. The SR7E and SR5E models offer 60Gb and 40Gb hard drives respectively. All 3 models feature a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x optical zoom and a ClearVid CMOS sensor.

The new Sony Handycam SR8E, SR7E and SR5E are the smallest, lightest AVCHD hard disk camcorders from Sony, and also offer 6.1 megapixel still images. The flagship Sony SR8E has 100GB hard disk capacity and can record 38 hours of HD footage in in LP mode. The SR7E and SR5E…

Sony Handycam CX6EKThe new Sony Handycam CX6EK is the world’s smallest, lightest HD camcorder, and also offers 6.1 megapixel still images. The Sony CX6EK features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilisation for shake-free pictures. HD 1080i video files, AVCHD compression technology and support for the Memory Stick format round out the specification.

The new Sony Handycam CX6EK is the world’s smallest, lightest HD camcorder, and also offers 6.1 megapixel still images. The Sony CX6EK features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 10x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilisation for shake-free pictures. HD 1080i video files, AVCHD compression technology and support for…

Giottos MT TripodsThe Giottos MT tripod series is a range of 6 tripods made from seamless aluminium tubing. All models feature a universal 3 way headless mounting system, and the Giottos MT 92 models have a centre column that allows for 180? vertical movement and 360? horizontal rotation. Prices range from £89.99 up to £159.99, with all models available now.

The Giottos MT tripod series is a range of 6 tripods made from seamless aluminium tubing. All models feature a universal 3 way headless mounting system, and the Giottos MT 92 models have a centre column that allows for 180? vertical movement and 360? horizontal rotation. Prices range from £89.9…

Sony Memory Stick PRO-HGThe new Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG is an extended version of the Memory Stick PRO format, offering up to 30MB/s Read/Write speeds. Memory Stick PRO-HG is fully backwards compatible with Memory Stick PRO devices and will be available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacities. Sony are also launching a Memory Stick Duo ExpressCard adaptor (MSAC-EX1).

The new Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG is an extended version of the Memory Stick PRO format, offering up to 30MB/s Read/Write speeds. Memory Stick PRO-HG is fully backwards compatible with Memory Stick PRO devices and will be available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB capacities. Sony are also launching a Memory…

Pentax K10DPentax have released a firmware update, v1.20, for the Pentax K10D DSLR camera.

The following functions has been added in version 1.20:
  1. Correspond to PENTAX REMOTE Assistant 3

Website: Pentax K10D v1.20 Firmware Update

Pentax have released a firmware update, v1.20, for the Pentax K10D DSLR camera. The following functions has been added in version 1.20:   1. Correspond to PENTAX REMOTE Assistant 3 Website: Pentax K10D v1.20 Firmware Update

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

CanonTo help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of EOS, Canon Europe are offering up to €1995 / £1308 cashback on their range of EOS Photo and lens kits. There are a wide range of money-off vouchers covering camera bodies, lenses, and various kits. The Canon cashback offer is only available between 01.04.07 and 30.06.07, with all European countries included.

To help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of EOS, Canon Europe are offering up to €1995 / £1308 cashback on their range of EOS Photo and lens kits. There are a wide range of money-off vouchers covering camera bodies, lenses, and various kits. The Canon cashback offer is only available between…

JenoptikThe Swiss company SINAR AG is now a 100 percent subsidiary of Jenoptik. After failing to sell its shares to Leica in 2006, the Jenoptik Group has now purchased the remaining 49% of shares in SINAR AG. SINAR will continue to market professional cameras and camera modules, and volume delivery of the new SINAR Hy6 medium format camera will start in June.

The Swiss company SINAR AG is now a 100 percent subsidiary of Jenoptik. After failing to sell its shares to Leica in 2006, the Jenoptik Group has now purchased the remaining 49% of shares in SINAR AG. SINAR will continue to market professional cameras and camera modules, and volume delivery…

TIPASelf-titled the European ‘Oscar’ of the Photo and Imaging Industry, TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) has announced 36 new product awards for 2007. Notable winners include the Pentax K10D for Best Expert DSLR, Nikon Coolpix P5000 for Best Compact Digital Camera, Kodak PORTRA Colour for Best Film and Ricoh Caplio GX100 for Best Prestige Camera (although this model hasn’t actually been released yet).

Website: TIPA Awards 2007

Self-titled the European ‘Oscar’ of the Photo and Imaging Industry, TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) has announced 36 new product awards for 2007. Notable winners include the Pentax K10D for Best Expert DSLR, Nikon Coolpix P5000 for Best Compact Digital Camera, Kodak PORTRA Colour for Best Film and Ricoh Caplio…

HP Inkjet CartridgesHP has announced that it is changing the way it delivers inkjet cartridges to customers. Beginning this year, most new HP consumer printers worldwide will be introduced with multiple inkjet cartridge offerings. In addition, HP is introducing new color-coded packaging, including new “Specialty” cartridges (red packaging), which offer additional performance features compared to HP’s standard ink formulations, ideal for professional-quality photographs.

HP has announced that it is changing the way it delivers inkjet cartridges to customers. Beginning this year, most new HP consumer printers worldwide will be introduced with multiple inkjet cartridge offerings. In addition, HP is introducing new color-coded packaging, including new “Specialty” cartridges (red packaging), which offer additional performance…

Double Sided RIDATA 8x DVD+RRIDATA is introducing a double-sided 8x DVD+R disc to its comprehensive DVD product line. Offering 9.4GB of storage capacity and 8x speed, the new RIDATA disc is compatible with legacy DVD drives and can be closed as a DVD-ROM by many newer drives. The RIDATA 8x DVD+R DS disc will cost $70.

RIDATA is introducing a double-sided 8x DVD+R disc to its comprehensive DVD product line. Offering 9.4GB of storage capacity and 8x speed, the new RIDATA disc is compatible with legacy DVD drives and can be closed as a DVD-ROM by many newer drives. The RIDATA 8x DVD+R DS disc will…

Lastolite Lumen8The Lastolite Lumen8 Flash Lighting Kit has been made to fulfil the needs of the most demanding working photographers. The two head flash kit is supplied in a hard wearing wheel case, and contains Lastolite’s black/white PVC umbrella, Ezybox 60 and two air dampened light stands. The range is further enhanced with an extensive range of accessories and features the popular S type bayonet fitting.

The Lastolite Lumen8 Flash Lighting Kit has been made to fulfil the needs of the most demanding working photographers. The two head flash kit is supplied in a hard wearing wheel case, and contains Lastolite’s black/white PVC umbrella, Ezybox 60 and two air dampened light stands. The range is further…

FujiFilm S5 ProFujiFilm have released a new firmware update, v1.06, for the S5 Pro DSLR.

The firmware update v1.06 incorporates the following issues.
1. Upgrade of Barcode-reading function
•[BCD (Barcode) MULTI READ] function is added in [IMAGE COMMENT] menu.
If this function is selected, the characters (in the EXIF tag) will not be overwritten but added continuously at each barcode reading. In this case, the user comment already typed in will be erased.

2. Upgrade of [FUNCTION LOCK] function
The following four functions are added in [SELECTED FUNCTION] menu for [FUNCTION LOCK].
•NOISE REDUCTION
•MAINTENANCE
•DATE/TIME
•FILE TAG OPTIONS

Website: FujiFilm S5 Pro v1.06 Firmware Update

FujiFilm have released a new firmware update, v1.06, for the S5 Pro DSLR. The firmware update v1.06 incorporates the following issues. 1. Upgrade of Barcode-reading function •[BCD (Barcode) MULTI READ] function is added in [IMAGE COMMENT] menu. If this function is selected, the characters (in the EXIF tag) will not…