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Friday, April 6, 2007

Photo Mechanic 4.5Photo Mechanic 4.5 adds a wealth of new features to this popular photo browser and workflow tool. Photo Mechanic is the most popular photo-editing tool used by newspapers and press photographers in the USA. Version 4.5 of Photo Mechanic is a free update for users who purchased licenses for Photo Mechanic on or after March 1, 2006. New licenses cost US$150.

Photo Mechanic 4.5 adds a wealth of new features to this popular photo browser and workflow tool. Photo Mechanic is the most popular photo-editing tool used by newspapers and press photographers in the USA. Version 4.5 of Photo Mechanic is a free update for users who purchased licenses for Photo…

Pentax K10DCameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.

“The Pentax K10D is certainly a feature-packed DSLR and one which offers a lot of bang for the buck at current online prices. You get 10 Megapixel resolution, built-in Shake and Dust Reduction, environmental sealing, two unique exposure modes and a wealth of RAW options which put other mid-range cameras to shame. Indeed in some respects these features elevate the K10D beyond mid-range DSLRs to compete against semi-pro models, and that’s impressive considering the price point.”

Website: CameraLabs - Pentax K10D Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing. “The Pentax K10D is certainly a feature-packed DSLR and one which offers a lot of bang for the buck at current online…

Canon IXUS 75CNET have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD750 digital camera (also known as the IXUS 75) which has a metallic finish, 3x zoom lens and 3 inch LCD screen.

“It lacks the image stabilization of the SD800 IS and the tiny appeal of the SD1000, but the Canon PowerShot SD750 has a more elegant, cutting-edge design, large LCD and—to my eyes, at least—better photo quality.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD750 Review

CNET have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD750 digital camera (also known as the IXUS 75) which has a metallic finish, 3x zoom lens and 3 inch LCD screen. “It lacks the image stabilization of the SD800 IS and the tiny appeal of the SD1000, but the Canon PowerShot SD750 has…

Pentax K10DImaging Resource have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.

“It’s astonishing that you can get a 10-megapixel SLR with the build of a Canon 30D for under $900. That you can get it with a lens is even better; and the bundled 18-55mm lens is built very nicely, made of metal, and quite handsome. Its performance is decent, just a little above most kit lenses; but serious photographers will want to check out Pentax’s tough-to-find prime lenses.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Pentax K10D Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing. “It’s astonishing that you can get a 10-megapixel SLR with the build of a Canon 30D for under $900. That you…

Olympus SP-550 UZSteves Digicams have reviewed the new Olympus SP-550 UZ. This is the first digital camera to offer an 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-504mm.

“The SP-550’s high speed sequential shooting modes offer astonishing capture rates, but have limitations on image size, quality and ISO. Both modes require a minimum sensitivity setting of ISO 400. While ISO 400 introduces a noticeable amount of image noise, its use can also result in overexposure; the smallest lens aperture of f/8 and the fastest shutter speed of 1/2000 second are sometimes simply not enough to use ISO 400 in very brightly illuminated conditions.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

Website: Read our Olympus SP-550 UZ Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Olympus SP-550 UZ. This is the first digital camera to offer an 18x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28-504mm. “The SP-550’s high speed sequential shooting modes offer astonishing capture rates, but have limitations on image size, quality and ISO. Both modes require a minimum…

Thursday, April 5, 2007

CanonCanon shipped 19.7 million digital cameras in 2006 to retain its position as global leader, according to an IDC report. Sony, Kodak and Olympus were next, with a surprise jump from 9th to 5th for Samsung, who more than doubled their market share from a year earlier. Nikon dropped to 6th, but retained 2nd place in the DSLR market, which was again headed by Canon.

Canon shipped 19.7 million digital cameras in 2006 to retain its position as global leader, according to an IDC report. Sony, Kodak and Olympus were next, with a surprise jump from 9th to 5th for Samsung, who more than doubled their market share from a year earlier. Nikon dropped to…

BenQ T700Measuring just 14.9mm, the new BenQ T700 is the world’s slimmest 7-megapixel camera with a 3.0” touch panel display. The “tap-to-enlarge” feature lets you tap and view any part of your photo up-close. The BenQ T700 will be available in China, Italy, Spain, and Russia at the end of March.

Measuring just 14.9mm, the new BenQ T700 is the world’s slimmest 7-megapixel camera with a 3.0” touch panel display. The “tap-to-enlarge” feature lets you tap and view any part of your photo up-close. The BenQ T700 will be available in China, Italy, Spain, and Russia at the end of March.

Panasonic DMC-L1Panasonic have released a new firmware update, v2.0, for the DMC-L1 DSLR camera.

Improvements:
  1. Added a multiple exposure function.
  2. Added “panning mode”(MODE3) to the optical image stabilizer.
  3. Added a “low-angle” viewing mode that makes it easier to view the LCD display when the camera is held below eye level.
  4. Added feature that simplifies setting the aperture when using a lens without an aperture ring.
  5. Added two manual white balance settings to GUI. GUI design uses navigational cursor to easily select, and set, white balance (WB) to change the color temperature, or set the ISO sensitivity or flash.
    Time restriction for making changes was removed.

Panasonic have released a new firmware update, v2.0, for the DMC-L1 DSLR camera. Improvements: 1. Added a multiple exposure function. 2. Added “panning mode”(MODE3) to the optical image stabilizer. 3. Added a “low-angle” viewing mode that makes it easier to view the LCD display when the camera is held below…

ParavueParavue Turbo Mask is a new image masking software tool for Adobe Photoshop CS and Photoshop CS Extended. Turbo Mask works like human eyes to pick out the important subject in an image. Paravue Turbo Mask will begin shipping in late May 2007 for $249 USD.

Paravue Turbo Mask is a new image masking software tool for Adobe Photoshop CS and Photoshop CS Extended. Turbo Mask works like human eyes to pick out the important subject in an image. Paravue Turbo Mask will begin shipping in late May 2007 for $249 USD.

StrataStrata has announced three new 3D plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. “Our applications have already been described as ‘the 3D cousin to Photoshop’ by industry publications. Now our products are more like immediate family.” stated Ken Bringhurst, president of Strata. For more information about Strata’s new 3D[in] plug-ins and the rest of Strata’s products, visit http://www.strata.com/cs3d

Strata has announced three new 3D plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. “Our applications have already been described as ‘the 3D cousin to Photoshop’ by industry publications. Now our products are more like immediate family.” stated Ken Bringhurst, president of Strata. For more information about Strata’s new 3D[in] plug-ins and…

Nikon Coolpix P5000Soulcatcher Studio is featuring guest photographer Charles Peterson for an exclusive exhibition, featuring a selection of previously unpublished images from his vast archive. Within this retrospective exhibition, Peterson’s documentation of the Seattle music scene in the late 1980s and 1990s is showcased, featuring such well-known bands as Nirvana (pictured), Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and many more. “I recall seeing Charles at shows, darting in and out of the action, both on stage and in the audience. His photographs perfectly capture the birth of this musical movement; the raw energy, emotion and authenticity.” commented Eric J. Keller, Director, Soulcatcher Studio.

Website: Soulcatcher Studio - Charles Peterson

Soulcatcher Studio is featuring guest photographer Charles Peterson for an exclusive exhibition, featuring a selection of previously unpublished images from his vast archive. Within this retrospective exhibition, Peterson’s documentation of the Seattle music scene in the late 1980s and 1990s is showcased, featuring such well-known bands as Nirvana (pictured), Pearl…

Nikon Coolpix P5000DIWA member Photoxels have the first online review of the Nikon Coolpix P5000 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 3.5x zoom lens (36-126mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 3200 capability and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“With very good image quality and its many practical features, the Nikon Coolpix P5000 will appeal to the serious amateur photographer desiring a compact and light digital camera with an effective image stabilization and full control over camera operations.”

Website: Photoxels - Nikon Coolpix P5000 Review

DIWA member Photoxels have the first online review of the Nikon Coolpix P5000 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 3.5x zoom lens (36-126mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 3200 capability and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “With very good image quality and its many practical features, the Nikon Coolpix…

Panasonic DMC-TZ3DPReview have also reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body.

“And so then, the TZ3 is another fantastic Panasonic camera with a fantastic lens that struggles to impress if you look at the images too closely because of overblown noise reduction. It’s a classic example of a camera that will never do that well in a dpreview test because the output doesn’t look great at a pixel level, but that I would happily buy for myself for walkaround snapping.”

Website: DPReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

DPReview have also reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body. “And so then, the TZ3 is another fantastic Panasonic camera with a fantastic lens that struggles to impress if you look at the images…

Panasonic DMC-TZ3Megapixel.net have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body.

“The Panasonic DMC-TZ3 is a relatively compact camera that manages to squeeze in a powerful 10X optical zoom that one would normally expect to see in a much larger body. Moreover, its controls are responsive and easy to use, and the effective optical stabilization makes it possible to take full advantage of the 10X zoom. The DMC-TZ3 offers a good image quality when photos are captured under good light, but is lower when the light is poor, making it well-suited to bright and sunny environments.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

Website: Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 Review

Megapixel.net have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-TZ3 camera, which fits a 10x optical zoom, 7.2 megapixels and 3 inch LCD screen into a compact, stylish body. “The Panasonic DMC-TZ3 is a relatively compact camera that manages to squeeze in a powerful 10X optical zoom that one would normally expect to…

Kodak 5500Kodak’s new All-in-One printers promise to save customers up to 50% on everything they print. PopPhoto have tested that claim and compared the Kodak 5300 printer to its main rivals.

“We have tested the new Kodak All in One Ink Jet Printer and compared them to others in their class. Our findings were surprising: Kodak has built a lot of hype around claims of 10 cent photo prints and 50% savings over it’s competitors, but after exhaustive testing and hundreds of prints, we found that to get the quality that Kodak claimed you could get for 10 cents a print, consumers would have to upgrade to more expensive paper and end up spending more than 35 cents a print (nowhere near the 50% savings they claimed). “

Website: PopPhoto - Kodak’s New Inkjet Printer—and Bold Claims—Put To The Test

Website: PopPhoto - All-in-One Printer Shootout

Kodak’s new All-in-One printers promise to save customers up to 50% on everything they print. PopPhoto have tested that claim and compared the Kodak 5300 printer to its main rivals. “We have tested the new Kodak All in One Ink Jet Printer and compared them to others in their class…

Samsung NV7DigiCamReview have taken a look at the distinctive Samsung NV7 digital camera.

“Image quality is good but not brilliant for an ultra compact digital camera - the images have good colour with very high saturation, good contrast, although noise is noticeable at all ISO settings. The higher ISO settings of ISO800 and ISO1000 were fairly disappointing and lacked colour. Detail seemed lower than expected, and images did appear slightly over-processed resulting in soft looking images. Indoors photos were good, but noise was high, and there was noticeable red eye.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Samsung NV7 Review

Website: Read our Samsung NV7 Review

DigiCamReview have taken a look at the distinctive Samsung NV7 digital camera. “Image quality is good but not brilliant for an ultra compact digital camera - the images have good colour with very high saturation, good contrast, although noise is noticeable at all ISO settings. The higher ISO settings of…

Panasonic DMC-FX30ePhotoZine have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX30, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens.

“It renders landscapes quite well, with plenty of detail, though, the image quality isn’t first rate. This becomes very pronounced when looking at a portrait taken using a fairly low level of available light. Here, the skin tones get patchy, the quality is quite bitty and detail disappears in areas like the eyebrows. When looking at the noise tests and how the Venus processing engine handles noise reduction, there are distinct similarities. The ISO1250 test, loses detail but keeps the noise within an overall pattern that makes it useful. The portrait and landscape shots in lower light exhibit the same characteristics.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Panasonic DMC-FX30 Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX30, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens. “It renders landscapes quite well, with plenty of detail, though, the image quality isn’t first rate. This becomes very pronounced when looking at a portrait taken using a fairly low level of available light…

Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS LensThe-Digital-Picture have just reviewed the Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS lens.

“Fortunately, OS (Optical Stabilization) comes to the aid of handholding this large, heavy lens. The Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens user manual advertises 2-stops of increased handholdability when using OS - and this is close to what I am seeing. I can handhold this lens on a full-frame body at 400mm without OS and seem to hit an acceptable sharpness wall at 1/125 with OS active. This is a very valuable feature to me - It makes this lens much more useful to me. “

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens Review

The-Digital-Picture have just reviewed the Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS lens. “Fortunately, OS (Optical Stabilization) comes to the aid of handholding this large, heavy lens. The Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS Lens user manual advertises 2-stops of increased handholdability when using OS - and this is close to…

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Casio EWC-10 Snorkel HousingThe new Casio EWC-10 snorkel housing is designed for the EX-Z75 and EX-Z65 compact digital cameras. The EWC-10 allows snorklers to use their camera up to a depth of three meters. Price and availability to be announced.

The new Casio EWC-10 snorkel housing is designed for the EX-Z75 and EX-Z65 compact digital cameras. The EWC-10 allows snorklers to use their camera up to a depth of three meters. Price and availability to be announced.

Olympus E-410LetsGoDigital have published 18 sample photos taken with the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera.

“Like the Nikon D40x we have used last week for shooting test images at the same location, the Olympus E410’ compact size is ideal to take it with you all the time. The weight of the Olympus E-410 SLR is only 375 g (body only) and in combination with the standard zoom lens 565 g of total weight. Compared to the Olympus E-330, weighing 550 g (body only), the Olympus E-410 kit weighs more or less the same as an E-330 body only. What does this mean in practice? Well, it is just very convenient to take a small high resolution DSLR like the Olympus E410 with you and enjoy the day.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus E-410 Test Photos

LetsGoDigital have published 18 sample photos taken with the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera. “Like the Nikon D40x we have used last week for shooting test images at the same location, the Olympus E410’ compact size is ideal to take it with you all the time. The weight of the…