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Friday, July 28, 2006

Pentax K100D DSLRePhotozine have the first online review of the new 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D DSLR camera.

“An 11-point autofocus system allows for creative composition of off-centre subjects. The AF are not visible until one is elected, or the camera is focused, which I found a little disconcerting at first. When you get used to where all the points are this becomes less of a problem. Quite a wide area of the viewfinder is covered by these AF points which is great. When a point is selected, it lights up red and is clearly visible in all lighting conditions. Occasionally there can be quite a long pause between the camera focusing, and allowing you to take your shot in Single-Servo AF. I found this frustrating, especially when shooting moving subjects.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Pentax K100D Review

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ePhotozine have the first online review of the new 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D DSLR camera. “An 11-point autofocus system allows for creative composition of off-centre subjects. The AF are not visible until one is elected, or the camera is focused, which I found a little disconcerting at first. When you…

CameraLabs have a guide to backing-up your digital photos - why you should do it and how.

“This is the big problem with digital photography. We go out, stuff our cards with images, then wipe them clean once they’ve been copied onto the ‘safety’ of our hard disks at home. In many cases this hard disk could contain the only copy we have of certain images – and if we’re being honest, this is probably the case for the vast majority of our collections. Most of us are putting a great deal of faith into a single electro-mechanical device, which will fail at some point in the future. “

Website: CameraLabs - Protecting your digital photos

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CameraLabs have a guide to backing-up your digital photos - why you should do it and how. “This is the big problem with digital photography. We go out, stuff our cards with images, then wipe them clean once they’ve been copied onto the ‘safety’ of our hard disks at home…

Sony A100Popular Photography have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.

“The 2.5-inch LCD on the A100 is among the brightest and sharpest we’ve seen, with a great viewing angle and automatic data display that switches from horizontal to vertical when the camera body is rotated (another trait borrowed from Maxxum DSLRs). The display button also quickly resizes fonts, and the four-way controller gives you quick access to the histogram exposure display or rapidly rotates the image.”

Website: Popular Photography - Sony A100 Review

Website: Read our Sony A100 Review

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Popular Photography have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera. “The 2.5-inch LCD on the A100 is among the brightest and sharpest we’ve seen, with a great viewing angle and automatic data display that switches from horizontal to vertical when the camera body is rotated (another trait…

Kodak Easyshare P712Popular Photography have reviewed the 7 megapixel, 12x zoom Kodak Easyshare P712 digital camera.

“The camera is compact for a bridge model. Its SLR-like ergonomic grip allows for one-handed shooting when you need to. The buttons and controls are laid out nicely and are all within easy reach. In addition to all the controls is the mode dial, which offers direct access to a host of customizable shooting modes including: full manual, aperture- and shutter-priority, program, and auto, as well 17 scene modes including the Sports mode (which I utilized quite a bit in my shooting). It also offers a hot-shoe, which can be used with accessory flash for shedding more light on your subject when you need it.”

Website: Popular Photography - Kodak Easyshare P712 Review

Website: Read our Kodak Easyshare P712 Review

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Popular Photography have reviewed the 7 megapixel, 12x zoom Kodak Easyshare P712 digital camera. “The camera is compact for a bridge model. Its SLR-like ergonomic grip allows for one-handed shooting when you need to. The buttons and controls are laid out nicely and are all within easy reach. In addition…

Casio EX-Z1000DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously.

“The EX-Z1000 is not the leading camera its specs suggest it might be. It demonstrates why other manufactures haven’t made 10-megapixel ultra-compact cameras: 1) they can’t get good image quality out of such small sensors; 2) snapshooters don’t need that much resolution; 3) it’s a pain in the neck to store and download such large files.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Casio EX-Z1000 Review

Website: Read our Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam, which offers 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously. “The EX-Z100…

Nikon Coolpix L2Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L2, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD.

“Compared to some competing entry-level models that take AA batteries the new Nikon Coolpix L2 has very limited manual control particularly when it comes to ISO light sensitivity adjustment. The L2 makes up for its lack of control, however, with a robust automatic feature set that’s helps make picture-taking easier for the entry-level shooter. While it’s not the fastest camera in its class, the Nikon L2 does capture very nice images in adequate lighting conditions with its 6MP sensor and 3x Zoom Nikkor lens, making it a decent, if somewhat limited, snapshooter.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix L2 Review

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Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L2, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD. “Compared to some competing entry-level models that take AA batteries the new Nikon Coolpix L2 has very limited manual control particularly when it comes to ISO light sensitivity adjustment…

Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom digital camera.

“Even with all the advances in bargain basement digital cameras in recent years, there are still drawbacks to a camera this inexpensive. (They had to leave something out didn’t they?) Whether cost-cutting measures that affect the Fuji A500’s performance will bother you depends on how much experience you’ve had with digital photography so far. If you’ve spent any time with slightly more sophisticated models, you might be inclined to throw this bare-bones Fujifilm model back. But if it’s your first time with a digital camera and you don’t want to make a huge investment, the Fuji A500 could be the right catch.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom Review

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Imaging Resource have just reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom digital camera. “Even with all the advances in bargain basement digital cameras in recent years, there are still drawbacks to a camera this inexpensive. (They had to leave something out didn’t they?) Whether cost-cutting measures that affect the Fuji…

Sony Cybershot DSC-T30Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos.

“Like past models, the T30’s ergonomics are excellent. Although it is what we consider an “ultra-compact” model, I found the various controls were well-placed on the body, making for a comfortable feel in your hands. As usual, the onscreen menu system was logically organized, allowing you to quickly change camera settings. Its huge 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD worked great outdoors, however, it fails to “gain up” when shooting in marginal lighting. Fortunately, the AF-assist lamp will illuminate your subject for a brief moment while obtaining a focus lock. Overall the display was a pleasure to use, with only one real issue, fingerprints. The slightest amount of oil from your fingers will show on this LCD; so be prepared to clean it often.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony Cybershot DSC-T30 Review

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Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos. “Like past models, the T30’s ergonomics are excellent. Although it is what we consider an “ultra-compact” model, I…

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Casio EX-Z700The Casio EX-Z700 is announced today. The EX-Z700 is a 7.2 megapixel update of the EX-Z600, with a large 2.7 inch LCD screen with a brightness of 1200cd/m2 and 2 new Best Shot modes (Auto Framing and Layout Shot), bringing the total number of scene modes to 37. The Casio EXILIM EX-Z700 will be available in silver and gunmetal in the UK and Eire from August 2006.

Casio Europe Press Release

TOKYO, July 27, 2006 - CASIO Europe GmbH and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the release of the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z700, the latest addition to its stylish series of EXILIM digital cameras. This newest member of the EXILIM family combines the high-resolution performance of an effective 7.2 megapixels with Casio’s Super Bright LCD for easy viewing in broad daylight. The Casio EX-Z700’s Super Bright LCD is both big and bright: the 2.7-inch screen with 1200cd/m2 brightness is easy to see, even on a sunny day. At 7.2 megapixels, the high-performance Casio EX-Z700 ensures crystal-clear image output for both printing and screen, delivering extraordinary photographic detail. The long-life battery packs enough power for around 460 still images on a single charge, and the camera comes with Casio’s Anti Shake DSP to reduce photo blur due to shaky hands or moving subjects. All in all, the Casio EX-Z700 strikes an extremely attractive balance between slim, stylish looks and high-performance functionality. It also adds brand new picture-taking functions in BEST SHOT mode.

The Casio EX-Z700 is announced today. The EX-Z700 is a 7.2 megapixel update of the EX-Z600, with a large 2.7 inch LCD screen with a brightness of 1200cd/m2 and 2 new Best Shot modes (Auto Framing and Layout Shot), bringing the total number of scene modes to 37. The Casio…

Realviz Google Earth
REALVIZ Press Release

Sophia Antipolis, France (July 27, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, is pleased to confirm that it is now possible for users of their acclaimed photo-based software applications to display their content in Google Earth.  Panoramas, 3D models, virtual tours and other photo-realistic material created with the REALVIZ software products, Stitcher, ImageModeler and VTour, can now be directly exported and published within Google Earth, pin-pointing exact geographical positioning, courtesy of the Google Earth 3D viewer.

REALVIZ Press Release Sophia Antipolis, France (July 27, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, is pleased to confirm that it is now possible for users of their acclaimed photo-based software applications to display their content in Google Earth. Panoramas, 3D models, virtual tours and other photo-realistic…

Extensis Portfolio 8Extensis Press Release

PORTLAND, Ore. — July 26, 2006 — Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today released a free update to Portfolio 8 –– the leading Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for creative professionals. This update is a Universal Application, adding native support for Intel-based Macintosh systems. The free update supports Portfolio single-user, Portfolio Client, Portfolio Server, Portfolio NetPublish, Portfolio NetPublish for Server, Portfolio SQL-Connect and Portfolio Browser. This is a Macintosh only update.  Registered owners of Portfolio 8 are eligible to receive the free upgrade immediately through the Extensis website at http://www.extensis.com/portfolio

Extensis Press Release PORTLAND, Ore. — July 26, 2006 — Extensis, a division of Celartem Inc., today released a free update to Portfolio 8 –– the leading Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for creative professionals. This update is a Universal Application, adding native support for Intel-based Macintosh systems. The free…

PhotoVu 19PhotoVu Press Release

Boulder, CO—July 27, 2006—Today PhotoVu™, the leading wireless digital picture frame company, announced compatibility with the latest beta software of Picasa™. Additionally, using RSS technology, the PhotoVu frame can directly download photos from Picasa Web Albums, letting friends and family easily display and share their published photos. “For a typical PhotoVu customer who has tens of thousands of photos, they need a photo management solution that is fast and efficient, and we’ve found that Picasa is ‘best in class’ when it comes to the speed of accessing and organizing large volumes of photos,” said Mark Van Buskirk, Partner, PhotoVu. “The response from our early beta customers has been extremely positive and we look forward to making Picasa compatibility a standard feature when the full version is formally released.”

PhotoVu Press Release Boulder, CO—July 27, 2006—Today PhotoVu™, the leading wireless digital picture frame company, announced compatibility with the latest beta software of Picasa™. Additionally, using RSS technology, the PhotoVu frame can directly download photos from Picasa Web Albums, letting friends and family easily display and share their published photos…

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Leica Launches New WebsiteLeica Press Release

Leica Camera has a new internet site! Please go to http://www.leica-camera.com and enjoy! You can also go to http://www.leica-camera.us directly to see the site in English. We are planning several further languages, which should come at the end of this year. We have tried to design a site, which could give a genuine portrait of the Leica brand today. Firstly, we have concentrated on a clear presentation of all our actual products and accessories with all necessary technical data and user manuals available as downloads. After browsing our products, you will be able to find a list of the dealers which we endorse in many countries world wide, as well as, the different local contacts to your Leica agent. This can be done for photographic products, as well as, for nature observation and hunting products.

Leica Press Release Leica Camera has a new internet site! Please go to http://www.leica-camera.com and enjoy! You can also go to http://www.leica-camera.us directly to see the site in English. We are planning several further languages, which should come at the end of this year. We have tried to design a…

Tamron WebsiteTamron Press Release

New, Redesigned and User-Friendly Website Lets You Access Advice and Images by Leading Imaging Experts in Just Two Clicks

July 24, 2006, Commack, NY — The popular Tamron website at http://www.tamron.com has had a major makeover that makes it even more visually exciting and considerably easier to navigate. The Pro Learning Center, the area of Tamron’s website most frequently visited by photo enthusiasts, is now much more up-front and easier to get to—when the home page comes up, just click on Photographic Lenses, then on Pro Learning Center, and you’re there! This remarkable resource provides 12 clearly marked subject areas, each chock full of concise, authoritative advice, shooting tips, tech data, and outstanding images by top pros.

Tamron Press Release New, Redesigned and User-Friendly Website Lets You Access Advice and Images by Leading Imaging Experts in Just Two Clicks July 24, 2006, Commack, NY — The popular Tamron website at http://www.tamron.com has had a major makeover that makes it even more visually exciting and considerably easier to…

Wacom Graphire4Wacom Press Release

26.7.2006 - Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays today announces an update to the Studio and Studio XL versions of its Graphire4 range, aimed at amateur photographers who record family events such as birthdays, weddings and holidays, and who want to get the best out of their digital photographs. From now on, all Graphire4 Studio packages will be equipped with Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. The Graphire Studio is priced at £99.99 and the Studio XL at £179.99 including VAT. Both tablets come with a two-year warranty.

Wacom Press Release 26.7.2006 - Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays today announces an update to the Studio and Studio XL versions of its Graphire4 range, aimed at amateur photographers who record family events such as birthdays, weddings and holidays, and who want to get…

Qimage v2007Digital Domain Press Release

Qimage v2007.100 (07/25/06): Digital Domain Inc. is making Qimage 2007 available early and is thrilled to announce the most significant change to it’s professional Windows photo printing software since its inception nearly ten years ago.  With a completely redesigned and “skinned” user interface, an unbelievably clear and super fast “Hybrid” interpolation algorithm, and features such as copyright/signature stamps and “hyper printing” dual core print processing geared toward studio professionals, this bold new release is packed with advances.  And there are three new editions to choose from, starting with the Lite Edition designed for the casual shooter through the Professional Edition aimed at the serious amateur/professional, all the way to our brand new Studio Edition for businesses such as photography studios.

Digital Domain Press Release Qimage v2007.100 (07/25/06): Digital Domain Inc. is making Qimage 2007 available early and is thrilled to announce the most significant change to it’s professional Windows photo printing software since its inception nearly ten years ago. With a completely redesigned and “skinned” user interface, an unbelievably clear…

Digital Foci Picture Porter EliteDigital Foci Press Release

Digital Foci Ships Picture Porter Elite - Portable Digital Photo Album with Large 3.6” LCD - 40GB & 80GB Portable Hard Drive Securely Saves Photos on the Road - Prints Photos without a Computer – Plays MP3s, Records Voice & Video!

Los Angeles, California, July 26, 2006– Digital Foci, Inc. today announced that it is shipping the highly anticipated Picture Porter Elite 40GB and 80GB portable digital photo albums with built-in hard drive and memory card reader.  Featuring a large 3.6” LCD for easy viewing, Picture Porter Elite lets you instantly and securely save and view digital photos and video on its hard drive wherever you go, so you can keep snapping away and stop worrying about limited memory card space on your digital camera.

Digital Foci Press Release Digital Foci Ships Picture Porter Elite - Portable Digital Photo Album with Large 3.6” LCD - 40GB & 80GB Portable Hard Drive Securely Saves Photos on the Road - Prints Photos without a Computer – Plays MP3s, Records Voice & Video! Los Angeles, California, July 26…

Rob Galbraith has just updated his CompactFlash / SD Performance Database with a number of new additions, including eleven different Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras and new CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SD) cards from Hoodman, Lexar, Ridata, SanDisk (including Extreme IV), Transcend and others. Well worth checking out if you’re looking for the fastest cards available.

Website: Rob Galbraith’s CompactFlash / SD Performance Database

Rob Galbraith has just updated his CompactFlash / SD Performance Database with a number of new additions, including eleven different Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras and new CompactFlash and Secure Digital (SD) cards from Hoodman, Lexar, Ridata, SanDisk (including Extreme IV), Transcend and others. Well worth checking out if…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomDPReview 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.

“So, whilst it would be unfair to label the F30 a ‘one trick pony’ (no matter how good that trick is), it is fair to say that it really shines in low light, whereas in daylight - especially bright daylight - it is merely competent. If I’m being brutally honest this sensor deserves a better camera - or at least one with some control over things like contrast, sharpness and saturation. The good news is that the recent announcement of the S6500fd certainly suggests that Fuji isn’t going to abandon this sensor for a while yet.”

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

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DPReview 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. “So, whilst it would be unfair to label the F30 a ‘one trick pony’ (no matter how good that trick is), it is fair to…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomDigiCamReview.co.uk 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.

“The F10 was groundbreaking in regards to low noise at high ISO settings, and the F30 has great abilities in this area.  Most digital cameras have low noise at ISO100 and ISO200 and you start to see problems at ISO400.  As can be seen from these test photos, at ISO400 noise is very low (in the F30 and F10) while it looks grainy for other cameras. Compared to the Canon Powershot A700 noise is significantly lower and pictures appear smoother. The results are excellent for a 6 megapixel digital camera.  If we compare the F30 with the F10, the images do appear smoother and less noisy on the F30, and in practice this is a useful improvement.  It should be noted however that I found the ISO3200 and ISO1600 images to contain low resolution blotches of colour - and colour reproduction was not as accurate as at lower ISO.”

Website: DigiCamReview.co.uk - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

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DigiCamReview.co.uk 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. “The F10 was groundbreaking in regards to low noise at high ISO settings, and the F30 has great abilities in this area. Most digital cameras…