News
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 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
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…
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 about half of its asking price), so at the point of sale it’s a double edged sword.”
Website: DPReview - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review
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…
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 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…
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 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.”
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…
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 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 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…
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 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…
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 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…
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 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.”
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…
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 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…
TrustedReviews have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera.
“The Adobe DNG RAW files that the GX-10 uses average just over 16MB each, which is quite large for a 10MP camera, almost twice the size of the RAW files recorded by the Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 30D, and even larger than those of the Nikon D200. JPEG files however are surprisingly small, averaging only around 3MB for a typical scene. This indicates quite a lot of JPEG compression, so using RAW mode is obviously essential for maximum quality.”
TrustedReviews have reviewed the 10 megapixel Samsung GX-10 DSLR camera. “The Adobe DNG RAW files that the GX-10 uses average just over 16MB each, which is quite large for a 10MP camera, almost twice the size of the RAW files recorded by the Nikon D80 or Canon EOS 30D, and…
PixInfo 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.
“The Nikon D40X has got the same 10 megapixel imaging sensor as the Nikon D80. The advantage of this is definitely the higher resolution and the wider sensitivity range. The sensitivity can be set from ISO 100, while it was ISO 200 at the Nikon D40. While the smaller brother gave a nice, clean image on that sensitivity as well, the higher starting has a disadvantage when we want to reach long exposure in bright sunlight (e.g. a waterfall, where we want to express motion). The D40X will be able to take that shot without the ND filter, too.”
Website: PixInfo - Nikon D40x Review
Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review
PixInfo 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. “The Nikon D40X has got the same 10 megapixel imaging sensor as…
Kingston Technology has added several new interactive features to its Icons of Photography microsite, including the opportunity to be critiqued by members of the ‘Icons’ program. 20 Questions is a personal interview conducted with each photographer, Ask the Icon allows you to submit questions directly to an Icon, and Critique My Image does the same with your images. Current Kingston icons include Sports Illustrated photographer Peter Read Miller, National Geographic photographer Gerd Ludwig, world-renowned photojournalist Harry Benson.
Kingston Technology has added several new interactive features to its Icons of Photography microsite, including the opportunity to be critiqued by members of the ‘Icons’ program. 20 Questions is a personal interview conducted with each photographer, Ask the Icon allows you to submit questions directly to an Icon, and Critique…
It seems that the Pentax and Hoya merger that was first announced just before Christmas 2006 has hit rocky ground. Plans to merge and rename the company HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation were cancelled on April 4th, according to a report on Bloomberg.com. Now Hoya are attempting a cash takeover of Pentax, offering about 770 yen a share to Pentax shareholders. Hoya’s offer values Pentax at 98.5 billion yen ($830 million), 17% more than the value placed on the company in the original merger. Pentax’s board members are meeting today to discuss the takeover bid from Hoya.
It seems that the Pentax and Hoya merger that was first announced just before Christmas 2006 has hit rocky ground. Plans to merge and rename the company HOYA PENTAX HD Corporation were cancelled on April 4th, according to a report on Bloomberg.com. Now Hoya are attempting a cash takeover of…
The new BenQ E605 digital camera features a 3D-rotating lens that was first seen on the E600 model. The 3D lens allows you to zoom in and out at a faster speed than conventional lenses. The E605 also has a 2.4 inch LCD screen, 6 megapixel sensor, Panoramic Focus mode and Shake-Free function. Availability and price of the BenQ E605 to be confirmed.
The new BenQ E605 digital camera features a 3D-rotating lens that was first seen on the E600 model. The 3D lens allows you to zoom in and out at a faster speed than conventional lenses. The E605 also has a 2.4 inch LCD screen, 6 megapixel sensor, Panoramic Focus mode…
Shozam! is a new gallery service aimed at professional photographers. “Shozam is the best product for professional photographers to quickly and easily promote, protect and sell images online,” said Brooks Clayton, President of Mid South Color, Jackson, TN. “I’ve created Shozam galleries with hundreds of images in under 10 minutes, start to finish. And the results are top notch. We recommend Shozam to our customers, and include it as part of our complete photographic and digital service offering.” The Shozam Business Edition is estimated to retail at a regular price of $299.95 and will be available in April 2007. The Beta version is free until the official launch of the product.
Shozam! is a new gallery service aimed at professional photographers. “Shozam is the best product for professional photographers to quickly and easily promote, protect and sell images online,” said Brooks Clayton, President of Mid South Color, Jackson, TN. “I’ve created Shozam galleries with hundreds of images in under 10 minutes…
CameraLabs have taken a look at the various Nikon kit lenses, including the new Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. Useful info for would-be Nikon owners.
“Since many owners end up using their first lens for some time, or even the entire lifespan of their camera body, it’s clearly important to choose the right one from the start. In this group test we’ll examine the four most popular lenses bought with Nikon DSLRs, whether the official kit models, or popularly bundled alternatives. All are DX models which means they’ll work with any Nikon DSLR, from the entry-level D40 to the professional D2X. They’re also all AF-S models which means they’ll auto-focus when fitted on the latest D40 and D40x bodies.”
Website: CameraLabs - Nikon Kit Lens Roundup
CameraLabs have taken a look at the various Nikon kit lenses, including the new Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. Useful info for would-be Nikon owners. “Since many owners end up using their first lens for some time, or even the entire lifespan of their camera body…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the new weatherproof Olympus Stylus 760. This is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x zoom (37-111mm), Dual Image Stabilization and a slim-line metal body.
“The Olympus Stylus 760 offers both hardware image stabilization and software anti-blur in a very pocket friendly body. The Stylus 760 includes both a seven megapixel CCD image sensor and Olympus-branded 3x optical zoom lens, as well as a 2.5” LCD display with 230,000 pixels. The LCD is a wide-view type that allows good visibility within a useful 140 degree angle, and unusually there’s a button on the camera body to boost the backlight strength to help improve the view when sharing photos with friends on the camera’s LCD.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the new weatherproof Olympus Stylus 760. This is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x zoom (37-111mm), Dual Image Stabilization and a slim-line metal body. “The Olympus Stylus 760 offers both hardware image stabilization and software anti-blur in a very pocket friendly body. The Stylus 76…
TrustedReviews have cast their critical eye over the Ricoh R6, which improves on the older R5 model by offering a larger 2.7 inch LCD screen, new face recognition mode (following the trend set by most other 2007 compact cameras), a slimmer body at just 20.6mm thick and 54Mb internal memory.
“One or two previous Ricoh cameras have been let down by inferior image quality, but this is not the case with the R6. Despite its compact design the lens performs extremely well, producing very little distortion at the wide angle end with good corner sharpness. In almost all exposure situations the metering system performed superbly, coping with high contrast, backlighting, bright colours and low light with equal precision.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Ricoh R6 Review
Website: Read our Ricoh Caplio R6 Review
TrustedReviews have cast their critical eye over the Ricoh R6, which improves on the older R5 model by offering a larger 2.7 inch LCD screen, new face recognition mode (following the trend set by most other 2007 compact cameras), a slimmer body at just 20.6mm thick and 54Mb internal memory…
SimpleTech SimpleDrive is a new family of stylish external hard drives, ranging in capacity from 160Gb to 1Tb. The new range has been designed by Pininfarina, the Italian firm that has been the primary designer of Ferraris and other cutting-edge products and automobiles. All SimpleDrives are preloaded with One-Click backup software and include a free 2GB myfabrik.com online account. Pricing begins at $99 for the 160GB model.
SimpleTech SimpleDrive is a new family of stylish external hard drives, ranging in capacity from 160Gb to 1Tb. The new range has been designed by Pininfarina, the Italian firm that has been the primary designer of Ferraris and other cutting-edge products and automobiles. All SimpleDrives are preloaded with One-Click backup…