News

Friday, April 13, 2007

Canon Digital IXUS 70The new Canon Digital IXUS 70 compact digital camera (also known as the Powershot SD1000) was first announced just before the PMA show in early March. Measuring just 19.4mm deep, the new IXUS 70 is Canon’s slimmest digital camera ever, and it also weighs just 125gms and fits in the palm of your hand. Headline features of the IXUS 70 include a 7 megapixel sensor, 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and Face Detection. Based on the design of the original IXUS cameras, I find out if the Canon Digital IXUS 70 is the perfect fusion of retro styling and modern technologies.

Website: Canon Digital IXUS 70 Review

The new Canon Digital IXUS 70 compact digital camera (also known as the Powershot SD1000) was first announced just before the PMA show in early March. Measuring just 19.4mm deep, the new IXUS 70 is Canon’s slimmest digital camera ever, and it also weighs just 125gms and fits in the…

LaCie 526The LaCie 526 is a 26 inch wide-screen LCD monitor which 95% of the AdobeRGB colour space. Each LaCie 526 Monitor is individually measured and corrected at the factory to achieve panel uniformity, whilst the included LaCie blue eye pro software allows for hardware calibration in a single click. “Its wide gamut and uniform and stabilized panel ensures that what you see is what you get. If you edit projects with a calibrated LaCie 526 Monitor, you can trust that the end result will be accurate.” said Daniel Mayer, LaCie Color Business Unit Manager. The LaCie 526 Monitor will be available end of April for $1,999 MSRP.

The LaCie 526 is a 26 inch wide-screen LCD monitor which 95% of the AdobeRGB colour space. Each LaCie 526 Monitor is individually measured and corrected at the factory to achieve panel uniformity, whilst the included LaCie blue eye pro software allows for hardware calibration in a single click. “Its…

RPS 149th International Print ExhibitionThe Royal Photographic Society’s 149th International Print Exhibition will spend a month in the National Art Museum of Ukraine in Kiev from 18th May until 17th June 2007. Over 50,000 people visited the exhibition during its recent tour of the UK. “Over the last 150 years, the International Print Exhibition has stood for the very best photography that the world has to offer and it is exciting that we are now able to share the exhibition with photographic enthusiasts in the Ukraine for the first time, thanks to the support of the British Council.” commented Professor Ralph Jacobson ASIS Hon. FRPS, President of the Royal Photographic Society.

The Royal Photographic Society’s 149th International Print Exhibition will spend a month in the National Art Museum of Ukraine in Kiev from 18th May until 17th June 2007. Over 50,000 people visited the exhibition during its recent tour of the UK. “Over the last 150 years, the International Print Exhibition…

Harman Photo FB Mp Warmtone PaperDirect2Dealer is a new direct ordering service through which photographers and retailers can order Harman professional inkjet papers directly from the factory. The service is expected to be very popular amongst colleges, universities and camera clubs, with free postage on orders over £45. Steven Brierley, sales director at HARMAN technology commented: “The Direct2Dealer service is something we have established with other products manufactured at HARMAN technology, and with the launch of HARMAN PHOTO inkjet products, we expect demand to be equally high.”

Direct2Dealer is a new direct ordering service through which photographers and retailers can order Harman professional inkjet papers directly from the factory. The service is expected to be very popular amongst colleges, universities and camera clubs, with free postage on orders over £45. Steven Brierley, sales director at HARMAN technology…

Leica M8A new firmware download, version 1.102, is now available for the Leica M8 camera. The following technical optimizations have been incorporated into Firmware version 1.102:

- Automatic compensation of color shifts at the edge of images resulting from the use of LEICA UV/IR filters on Leica M lenses with focal lengths of between 16 and 35mm.
- Improvement of internal process steps

Website: Leica M8 v1.102 Firmware Update

A new firmware download, version 1.102, is now available for the Leica M8 camera. The following technical optimizations have been incorporated into Firmware version 1.102: - Automatic compensation of color shifts at the edge of images resulting from the use of LEICA UV/IR filters on Leica M lenses with focal…

Canon TX1CNET have reviewed the Canon TX1 digital camera, which features a 10x optical zoom lens (39mm-390mm) with Optical Image Stabilization, 115,000-pixel Vari-Angle LCD screen and 7.1 megapixel sensor.

“Still images showed more ISO noise and image artifacts than we’re used to with Canon’s digital still cameras. We also saw other image artifacts, which turned some curved lines and angled lines jaggy. Colors looked accurate overall, and we saw a decent amount of finer detail, but the images weren’t as tack sharp as many of the company’s cameras from recent years.”

Website: CNET - Canon TX1 Review

CNET have reviewed the Canon TX1 digital camera, which features a 10x optical zoom lens (39mm-390mm) with Optical Image Stabilization, 115,000-pixel Vari-Angle LCD screen and 7.1 megapixel sensor. “Still images showed more ISO noise and image artifacts than we’re used to with Canon’s digital still cameras. We also saw other…

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Ricoh Caplio R5Ricoh have released a new firmware update, 1.61, for the Ricoh R5 camera, which adds the following:

- The update tool for Windows (FirmUpdate.exe) supports the Windows Vista. (You will have to install the RICOH Gate La for Windows Vista on ahead.)
- Modified the phenomenon that a movie file from the R5 will not sound properly in the Windows Vista.

Website: Ricoh R5 v1.61 Firmware Update

Ricoh have released a new firmware update, 1.61, for the Ricoh R5 camera, which adds the following: - The update tool for Windows (FirmUpdate.exe) supports the Windows Vista. (You will have to install the RICOH Gate La for Windows Vista on ahead.) - Modified the phenomenon that a movie file…

Sigma SD14SigmaUser have started a diary-based review of the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera.

“Focus locks on a nearby object with a quiet beep and I press the shutter. Now if you have ever used the SD9/10 cameras, you, as I was, would be expecting a noisy clacking sound as the shutter operated. Instead, once I realised that the shutter had really actuated, the grin got wider. This camera has one of the quietest SLR shutters available. It is little more than a whisper.”

Website: SigmaUser - Sigma SD14 Review

SigmaUser have started a diary-based review of the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. “Focus locks on a nearby object with a quiet beep and I press the shutter. Now if you have ever used the SD9/10 cameras, you, as I was, would be expecting a noisy clacking sound as the shutter…

Canon PowerShot A640Megapixel.net have reviewed the new Canon A640, which has 10 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens.

“With a 10-megapixel CCD, the A640 offers a high resolution image that is able to capture a superb level of detail and which guarantees great prints. And this, combined with a broad set of modes that allow a photographer to grow, make it one of the best compacts on the market today.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Canon PowerShot A640 Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot A640 Review

Canon A640 - Latest Prices / User Reviews

Megapixel.net have reviewed the new Canon A640, which has 10 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens. “With a 10-megapixel CCD, the A640 offers a high resolution image that is able to capture a superb level of detail and which guarantees great prints. And this, combined…

Samsung GX-10DCResource have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera.

“Since the Samsung GX-10 and Pentax K10D are 99% identical, is there any reason to buy one over the other? Not particularly. Yeah, the K10D is the only one with a battery grip, but that should change shortly according to Samsung. My advice is to buy the one you can get the best deal on. Right now, that’s the K10D, but since the GX-10 is just now hitting the market, that may change.”

Website: DCResource - Samsung GX-10 Review

DCResource have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera. “Since the Samsung GX-10 and Pentax K10D are 99% identical, is there any reason to buy one over the other? Not particularly. Yeah, the K10D is the only one with a battery grip, but that should change shortly according to…

Fujifilm F31fdDPReview have reviewed the new Fujifilm F31fd camera, which adds face detection and infra-red communication to the 6 month old F30 model.

“There have been changes over the F30; the new processor’s noise reduction has been tweaked slightly to preserve a little more detail, meaning that all ISO settings are slightly noisier than the F30; ISO 1600 and 3200 visibly so. The default contrast and sharpening also appear to have been turned down a notch (more like half a notch really).”

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm F31fd Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F31fd Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have reviewed the new Fujifilm F31fd camera, which adds face detection and infra-red communication to the 6 month old F30 model. “There have been changes over the F30; the new processor’s noise reduction has been tweaked slightly to preserve a little more detail, meaning that all ISO settings are…

Panasonic DMC-L1DPReview have published their review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera.

“Nobody can doubt the quality of the kit Panasonic / Leica lens, contrasty and sharp with a very usable zoom range and excellent image stabilization. However it does add considerably to the cost of the DMC-L1 (in our estimations about half of its asking price), so at the point of sale it’s a double edged sword.”

Website: DPReview - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have published their review of the Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera. “Nobody can doubt the quality of the kit Panasonic / Leica lens, contrasty and sharp with a very usable zoom range and excellent image stabilization. However it does add considerably to the cost of the DMC-L1 (in our estimations…

Sony W35Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony W55 camera, which offers 7.2 megapixels, Real Imaging Processor, ISO 1000 and a 3x optical zoom lens.

“This is another new offering from Sony with even more megapixels than its predecessor, the DSC-W50. Staying with the compact Cyber-shot theme, this camera gives you fully automatic exposure as well as enough options to let you get creative. With 7.2 megapixels tucked into its small frame, a large, clear 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and useful creative controls, you may find yourself carrying this little camera around a lot.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony W55 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony W55 camera, which offers 7.2 megapixels, Real Imaging Processor, ISO 1000 and a 3x optical zoom lens. “This is another new offering from Sony with even more megapixels than its predecessor, the DSC-W50. Staying with the compact Cyber-shot theme, this camera gives you fully…

Panasonic DMC-FX30DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX30, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens.

”...there’s lots to like about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30. If you intend to take pictures mostly for 4x6 in. prints (or large prints at ISO 100) or for Web display, the Panasonic FX30 has more than the standard point-and-shoot model. The effective image stabilization, wide-angle zoom, 19 Zoom steps and fast performance will be the deciding factors for many beginner photographers. More advanced photographers will appreciate the availability of manual WB, live histogram and framing guide.”

Website: Photoxels - Panasonic DMC-FX30 Review

DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX30, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens. ”...there’s lots to like about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30. If you intend to take pictures mostly for 4x6 in. prints (or large prints at ISO 100) or for Web display, the Panasonic…

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Kingston Memory Card Vending MachinesKingston and MyMemory Limited today unveiled the industry’s first Flash memory vending machine at the North Terminal, Gatwick Airport. MyMemory vending machines dedicated to exclusively selling Flash memory products using chip and pin will be placed in all major airports, mainline stations and underground stations. “They want instant access to SD cards and USB drives as they need them 24/7, so vending machines in public spaces was the most obvious solution.” commented Ann Keefe, Director of Sales UK & Ireland at Kingston Technology.

Kingston and MyMemory Limited today unveiled the industry’s first Flash memory vending machine at the North Terminal, Gatwick Airport. MyMemory vending machines dedicated to exclusively selling Flash memory products using chip and pin will be placed in all major airports, mainline stations and underground stations. “They want instant access to…

Digital Railroad Marketplace BetaDigital Railroad has launched a public beta version of its online Marketplace, allowing editors and buyers to search members images in real-time. “The launch of Marketplace marks an important milestone in the evolution of the professional photography industry, delivering buyers unprecedented access to great photographer and agency images previously unavailable in one online destination.  The combination of the Marketplace as an extension to individual archives gives photographers and agencies a seamless marketing opportunity on one online platform,” said Evan Nisselson, Digital Railroad founder and CEO. There are more than a million images available in Marketplace.

Digital Railroad has launched a public beta version of its online Marketplace, allowing editors and buyers to search members images in real-time. “The launch of Marketplace marks an important milestone in the evolution of the professional photography industry, delivering buyers unprecedented access to great photographer and agency images previously unavailable…

SamsungSamsung have developed a 24 inch LCD monitor backlit by LEDs which is claimed to rival the color saturation levels of LCD TVs. Samsung’s proprietary LED backlight ensures that the 24 Inch LED backlit monitor has a color saturation level of 111% (of NTSC standard), which compares to 72% for conventional LCD panels. Good news for the target audience, namely digital photographers and graphic designers. Samsung’s new monitor also has a viewing angle of 180 degrees and support for WUXGA resolution (1,920x1,200 pixels).

Samsung have developed a 24 inch LCD monitor backlit by LEDs which is claimed to rival the color saturation levels of LCD TVs. Samsung’s proprietary LED backlight ensures that the 24 Inch LED backlit monitor has a color saturation level of 111% (of NTSC standard), which compares to 72% for…

OWC Mercury On-The-Go Hard DriveThe OWC Mercury On-The-Go is the highest capacity, fastest portable storage drive solution available today. Offering 160Gb capacity and 7200RPM speed, the Mercury On-The-Go drive is small enough to fit inside your shirt pocket. Priced at $279.99, the OWC Mercury On-The-Go works with all FireWire or USB gadgets, including digital cameras and camcorders.

The OWC Mercury On-The-Go is the highest capacity, fastest portable storage drive solution available today. Offering 160Gb capacity and 7200RPM speed, the Mercury On-The-Go drive is small enough to fit inside your shirt pocket. Priced at $279.99, the OWC Mercury On-The-Go works with all FireWire or USB gadgets, including digital…

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

“I was impressed by the camera’s image quality - the camera has good detail and excellent colour (accurate, and well saturated) although some images did appear slightly soft and could benefit from sharpening. Images have good saturation and contrast, with fairly low noise at the lower ISO settings. The higher ISO settings of ISO800 and ISO1600 are probably best avoided and noise is about average for a 7 megapixel digital camera.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Canon IXUS 70 Review

Website: Read our Canon Digital IXUS 70 Review

DigiCamReview have reviewed the Canon Powershot IXUS 70 camera (called the Powershot SD1000 in the USA), which is Canon’s slimmest optical zoom camera. “I was impressed by the camera’s image quality - the camera has good detail and excellent colour (accurate, and well saturated) although some images did appear slightly…

Panasonic DMC-FZ8CNET have just reviewed the new Panasonic DMC-FZ8 camera.

“In our tests, the Lumix DMC-FZ8 performed well, though in most cases it was a tad slower than its 5-megapixel predecessor. The FZ8 took 2.71 seconds from start-up to capturing its first JPEG. Subsequent JPEGs took 1.78 seconds between shots with the flash turned off, and 2.08 seconds with the flash enabled. When capturing raw images, the FZ8 took 3.88 seconds between shots. While that may seem like a long time, it’s not shabby for a superzoom.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FZ8 Review

CNET have just reviewed the new Panasonic DMC-FZ8 camera. “In our tests, the Lumix DMC-FZ8 performed well, though in most cases it was a tad slower than its 5-megapixel predecessor. The FZ8 took 2.71 seconds from start-up to capturing its first JPEG. Subsequent JPEGs took 1.78 seconds between shots with…