News

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Fujifilm Finepix F30The Fujifilm Finepix F30 attempts to improve on what is already a great camera, the Finepix F11. The F30 offers an increased ISO speed of 3200, longer battery life, new anti-blur and intelligent flash modes, higher resolution LCD screen and a refined user interface. So can the Fujifilm F30 take the F11’s crown of best compact digital camera? Read our latest review to find out…

Website: Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

The Fujifilm Finepix F30 attempts to improve on what is already a great camera, the Finepix F11. The F30 offers an increased ISO speed of 3200, longer battery life, new anti-blur and intelligent flash modes, higher resolution LCD screen and a refined user interface. So can the Fujifilm F30 take…

IlexWin copies of three new digital photography books, courtesy of Ilex Press, in the PhotographyBLOG July 2006 Prize Giveaway!

On Monday 14th August 2006, 3 names will be randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers.

3 winners will each receive a copy of the Birdwatcher’s Guide to Digital Photography, the Book of Digital Photography and the Digital Photographer’s Guide to Photoshop Elements 4.

Prizes kindly donated by Ilex Press (http://www.ilex-press.com)

All you have to do to enter is subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter before August 14th 2006.

Win copies of three new digital photography books, courtesy of Ilex Press, in the PhotographyBLOG July 2006 Prize Giveaway! On Monday 14th August 2006, 3 names will be randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers. 3 winners will each receive a copy of the Birdwatcher’s Guide to Digital…

Friday, August 11, 2006

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSMSigma Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM lens. Specially designed for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, this large aperture F2.8 lens has a compact and lightweight construction of 76.3mm (3.0”) in diameter, 132.6mm (5.2”) in length and weighing just 780g (27.5oz) (Nikon Mount). The incorporation of the very latest optical technology gives optimum lens performance providing excellent correction for flare, ghosting and all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. Four SLD(Special Low Dispersion)glass elements are used for utmost correction of chromatic aberrations. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override. The addition of the 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters (optional extras) produces a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

Sigma Press Release The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM lens. Specially designed for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, this large aperture F2.8 lens has a compact and lightweight construction of 76.3mm (3.0”) in diameter…

Stephen Johnson on Digital PhotographyO’Reilly Press Release

O’Reilly Releases: “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography” - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Digital Tools From a Photography Pioneer

Sebastopol, CA—No doubt about it—the allure of the digital camera seduced us all. Yet many photography enthusiasts and professionals still don’t know how to tap into the power and range of today’s digital tools to create compelling photos. That is, until now. In the joyful and long-anticipated “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography” (O’Reilly, $39.99 US), a master teacher shares how to use digital technology to develop and refine one’s artistic expression.

O’Reilly Press Release O’Reilly Releases: “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography” - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Digital Tools From a Photography Pioneer Sebastopol, CA—No doubt about it—the allure of the digital camera seduced us all. Yet many photography enthusiasts and professionals still don’t know how to tap into the…

Harman directorsIlford Photo Press Release

Having long established its reputation for the production of market-leading black-and-white photographic paper, ILFORD Photo has now taken the whole genre onto a new level of archival and presentational excellence with the fusion of modern digital technology and true silver gelatine printing.

ILFORD Photo has announced the addition of a new paper to its range of specialist black-and-white photo products, which not only represents a major step forward in the production of high quality images, but also utilises the latest advances in digital processing. Called ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL, this 315gsm fibre base baryta paper has been created for printing with digital laser printers, and is compatible with digital printers such as the Durst Lambda and Océ Lightjet models. This is the only paper in the world which utilises ILFORD Photo’s renowned fibre base baryta material, made famous by such products as Ilfobrom Galerie FB and Multigrade IV FB papers, with the ability to be exposed in digital laser printers (Lightjet and Lambda) writing directly from digital files.

Ilford Photo Press Release Having long established its reputation for the production of market-leading black-and-white photographic paper, ILFORD Photo has now taken the whole genre onto a new level of archival and presentational excellence with the fusion of modern digital technology and true silver gelatine printing. ILFORD Photo has announced…

KODAK EASYSHARE V610DPReview have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera.

“Unusually I’m not going to talk too much about image quality here; it’s not great, but the color is excellent and at the lowest ISO settings it’s perfectly good enough for small (up to, say, 5x7 inches) prints or for viewing on a typical 1024x768 screen. If you’re more demanding, want to produce larger prints or shoot in low light I’d suggest you turn around and walk away now.”

Website: DPReview - Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

Website: Read our Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DPReview have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. “Unusually I’m not going to talk too much about image quality here; it’s not great, but the color is excellent and at the lowest ISO settings it’s perfectly good enough for small (up to, say…

Sony A100DCResource have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.

“Being a digital SLR it’s not surprising that noise levels are very low all the way through ISO 400. At ISO 800 you start to pick up some noticeable grain, but the photo is absolutely usable, even at larger print sizes. Two things happen at ISO 1600: one, noise levels increase dramatically, and two, exposure and color saturation both drop through the floor. I’ve seen the same thing on some of Sony’s 2006 Cyber-shot cameras, so I guess they share a similar noise reduction system.”

Website: DCResource - Sony A100 Review

Website: Read our Sony A100 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DCResource have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera. “Being a digital SLR it’s not surprising that noise levels are very low all the way through ISO 400. At ISO 800 you start to pick up some noticeable grain, but the photo is absolutely usable, even at…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomNorwegian website Akam.no have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30, which offers ISO 3200, 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.

Website: Akam.no - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Norwegian website Akam.no have published a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F30, which offers ISO 3200, 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. Website: Akam.no - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Panasonic DMC-L1DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have published their review of the new Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera.

Website: Fotoaparat - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have published their review of the new Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera. Website: Fotoaparat - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Samsung GX-1LSteves Digicams have published their review of the Samsung GX-1L DSLR, which offers 6-megapixels, five-point wide-area Auto Focus system, three-mode metering system and 8 scene modes.

“We liked the Pentax *ist DL when we reviewed it earlier this year, and we like what is essentially its clone, the Samsung GX-1L, equally well. With a price point that overlaps well into consumer digicam territory, the GX-1L offers a compelling choice to upgraders, providing dSLR versatility and better high ISO image quality in a lightweight and compact package.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Samsung GX-1L Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Steves Digicams have published their review of the Samsung GX-1L DSLR, which offers 6-megapixels, five-point wide-area Auto Focus system, three-mode metering system and 8 scene modes. “We liked the Pentax *ist DL when we reviewed it earlier this year, and we like what is essentially its clone, the Samsung GX-1L…

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Samsung 3 Inch VGA LCD ScreenSamsung Press Release

Samsung Electronics Develops World’s First 3-inch LCD Screen of VGA Quality for Digital Still Cameras

SEOUL, South Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 10, 2006—Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s largest provider of thin-film transistor, liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, announced today that it has developed the first three-inch LCD panel with VGA (640 x 480 pixels) resolution that directly meets industry interface standards for digital still cameras. Executive Vice President Yun Jin-hyuk of Samsung Electronics said, “Our new LCD panel will make viewing of digital pictures distinctly more impressive on camera screens, personal multi-media players and other products requiring high-image resolution and low-power consumption.”

Samsung Press Release Samsung Electronics Develops World’s First 3-inch LCD Screen of VGA Quality for Digital Still Cameras SEOUL, South Korea—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 10, 2006—Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s largest provider of thin-film transistor, liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, announced today that it has developed the first three-inch LCD panel…

Olympus 2Gb xD-Picture CardOlympus follow hot on the heels of Fujifilm by announcing a 2GB xD-Picture Card, available from August and costing £69.99.

Olympus UK Press Release

New from Olympus, the M-XD2GM high-capacity 2GB compact memory media for digital cameras

London, 10 August 2006 - Olympus has announced the introduction of a Type M-series xD-Picture Card™, allowing photographers to take approximately 1000 shots using an 8 mega-pixel camera in HQ mode. This advanced ultra-compact memory card will enable users to take a year’s worth of photo shots and store them onto the same memory card. It will also allow users to keep more videos on their cards without having to worry about filling up the memory.  With a data-storage capacity of 2GB, the M-XD2GM card has the largest memory in the xD-Picture Card™ range to date.

Olympus follow hot on the heels of Fujifilm by announcing a 2GB xD-Picture Card, available from August and costing £69.99. Olympus UK Press Release New from Olympus, the M-XD2GM high-capacity 2GB compact memory media for digital cameras London, 10 August 2006 - Olympus has announced the introduction of a Type…

Luminous Landscape’s latest article focuses on how an image is moulded into the final print; what size, tone and colour it should be.

“The process of cropping the image to its final aspect ratio may also be influenced by the removal of unwanted elements. We all crop in the field when we choose where to stand, what lens to use, and how to frame the picture. These are all acts of cropping. But physical realities like fences, walls, tree branches and the like can not always be circumvented on location. Therefore the cropping tool becomes just another method for reducing the image down to its essence – what you want it to show. Nothing more, and nothing less.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Listening to the Print Inside the Image

Luminous Landscape’s latest article focuses on how an image is moulded into the final print; what size, tone and colour it should be. “The process of cropping the image to its final aspect ratio may also be influenced by the removal of unwanted elements. We all crop in the field…

A great article over on The Online Photographer blog addresses the idea of truth in photography, particularly poignant given the recent Reuters scandal in which one of their photographers was fired for doctoring an image.

“Our problem as photographers today is even worse. There are no demarcation lines anywhere. Some pictures are true, and some merely pretty, and many of each look more or less the same as the other: it’s up to the viewer to sort out which is which, and the task is seldom easy. A picture with all the cues of truth might be merely propaganda, and a picture which looks standard-pretty might in fact be true. And of course there is no way to know which is which…”

Website: The Online Photographer - Truth is Elusive

A great article over on The Online Photographer blog addresses the idea of truth in photography, particularly poignant given the recent Reuters scandal in which one of their photographers was fired for doctoring an image. “Our problem as photographers today is even worse. There are no demarcation lines anywhere. Some…

GettyGetty Images have selected 35 photographers as the star advertising photographers of 2007 - take a look and see if you agree…

“With input from art directors and industry peers around the globe, Getty Images selected photographers from a variety of backgrounds. It’s a hypothetical, hopeful and perhaps even controversial list. As broadly as the photographers’ styles vary, a common thread linking their work is the marriage of authenticity and surrealism. Some are local stars meriting a larger stage; some have achieved success on the editorial side but employ techniques that could also enliven advertising; and others are just plain provocative. Put simply, it’s a look at what’s next. Now.”

Website: Getty - New Photographers 2007

Getty Images have selected 35 photographers as the star advertising photographers of 2007 - take a look and see if you agree… “With input from art directors and industry peers around the globe, Getty Images selected photographers from a variety of backgrounds. It’s a hypothetical, hopeful and perhaps even controversial…

Panasonic DMC-L1DIWA member Photoxels have published the very first online review of the new Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera.

“The Panasonic L1 is truly a photographer’s camera: it is full-featured and there are no scene modes—and so the photographer needs to have a good understanding of how to adjust the exposure in various tricky lighting situations. The new Live MOS image sensor produces excellent image quality with low noise from ISO 100 to 800. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 will appeal to pros and amateur photographers desiring a digital camera with superb analogue-like handling, Live View LCD, Dust Reduction System and excellent image quality.”

Website: Photoxels - Panasonic DMC-L1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Photoxels have published the very first online review of the new Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLR camera. “The Panasonic L1 is truly a photographer’s camera: it is full-featured and there are no scene modes—and so the photographer needs to have a good understanding of how to adjust the exposure in…

Canon PowerShot A530Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A530, which offers 5 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.

“At the end of the day, the Canon A530 should be a very strong-selling model in the popular PowerShot line, providing not only easy use for beginners (in full-auto mode), but a nice complement of advanced exposure and metering modes for the more experienced shooter. This is a camera that offers novice photographers plenty of capability to grow into, and should make a great choice for families or couples with widely varying levels of photo expertise.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot A530 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A530, which offers 5 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “At the end of the day, the Canon A530 should be a very strong-selling model in the popular PowerShot line, providing not only easy use for…

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Nikon D80The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera is officially announced. In one of the most protracted launches ever, where even Nikon themselves leaked pictures of the new camera and several sites started D80 forums, we can finally tell you about the 10 megapixel Nikon D80, which will cost £699.99 body only in the UK. The D80 is also available in kit form with the 18-70mm lens for £899.99, and the new 18-135mm lens for £949.99. Early September is the anticipated release date.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D80, a high performance digital SLR camera incorporating Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies. This outstanding interchangeable-lens digital SLR boasts automated operation and advanced features, designed to satisfy photographers with the passion to create beautiful photographs. The Nikon D80 features a 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, providing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail. With this, however, also comes the freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements. Nikon’s DX Format sensor and F bayonet lens mount design assures compatibility with the Nikon D80 across the comprehensive range of AF and DX Nikkor lenses.

The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera is officially announced. In one of the most protracted launches ever, where even Nikon themselves leaked pictures of the new camera and several sites started D80 forums, we can finally tell you about the 10 megapixel Nikon D80, which will cost £699.99 body only…

Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-300mm LensThe Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is announced, which will cost £399.99 and be available in October 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced features. The lens features Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII) to ensure the best images. Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is suitable for various telephoto shooting opportunities, particularly in sports, nature and wildlife photography. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.

The Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is announced, which will cost £399.99 and be available in October 2006. Nikon UK Press Release Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced…

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm LensThe Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens for Nikon DX format digital SLRs is introduced today, costing £299.99 and available in September 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, a compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens. Boasting a range of state-of-the-art optical technologies, this new lens offers outstanding performance at a remarkably affordable price. The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED features Nikon ED glass, aspherical lens elements and SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for enhanced performance. With a focal length range of 18-135mm, the lens is suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations; from sports, action and portraits to wide-angle landscapes. The picture angle is equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format. Advanced Nikon engineering, particularly the compact SWM, has realised the possibility of a compact lightweight lens with excellent handling characteristics. The optical design features one ED glass element and two hybrid aspherical lens elements to assure high-resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The compact SWM built into the lens offers the smooth and quiet autofocus performance that users have come to expect from Nikon lenses.

The Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens for Nikon DX format digital SLRs is introduced today, costing £299.99 and available in September 2006. Nikon UK Press Release Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, a compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens…