Transcend Press Release

Specialized devices are often operated in extreme conditions such as, industrial environments with high temperatures. Transcend’s industrial type CompactFlash® (CF) Memory Cards are specially designed and engineered to withstand higher temperatures and the more severe environmental conditions, which can be experienced in industry. Transcend Information, Inc., a company always at the cutting edge and a world leader in flash memory cards, has increased the capacity of its Ultra performance industrial type CF Memory Card to an incredible 8GB, currently the highest capacity industrial CF Card in the world.

Transcend’s industrial type CF Memory Cards are thoroughly tested to comply with the most popular digital cameras, storage products and industrial devices. Ultra performance and the ability to work in the most demanding environments with an extended operating temperature range of -40ºC to 85ºC (normal CF Card ranges 0ºC to 70ºC) makes Transcend’s industrial type CF Cards (128MB ~ 8GB capacities) the perfect choice when performance is required in extreme temperatures.

Nokia Press Release

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that deliveries of the new Nokia N93 have begun. The latest addition to Nokia’s high performance Nokia Nseries multimedia computer range, the Nokia N93 offers uncompromised digital camcorder, telephony and rich internet functionality. Boasting a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, 3x optical zoom and DVD-like video capture, the Nokia N93 also offers advanced connectivity and editing options. You can connect the Nokia N93 directly to your compatible TV for a widescreen movie experience, upload your images and video directly from the handset to select online albums or blogs, and even create high-quality home movies and burn them to DVD with the included Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software.

Nokia Press Release

Espoo, Finland - Nokia is proud to announce that shipments have begun for the Nokia N73, a stunning multimedia computer with excellent photography features and integrated stereo speakers for optimized audio pleasure. The Nokia N73 includes a 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with Carl Zeiss optics, and support for social networks on the Internet like Flickr, the world’s leading online photo sharing community. This is truly a connected camera for the digital shutterbug. The Nokia N73 is estimated to retail at roughly 400 euro without tax and subsidies and is available in three beautifully designed color combinations: silver grey/deep plum, frost white/metallic red and frost white/mocha brown.

Adobe UK Press Release

1,800 College Students from 24 Countries Competed in Sixth Annual Awards Program

London. — July 24, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the winners of the sixth annual Adobe Design Achievement Awards, the premier student design competition that honours the world’s most talented student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers and computer artists from the top design, film and broadcast institutions. Using the latest Adobe products, more than 1,800 students from 24 countries competed in the annual program. “Honouring the top students in the creative arts is part of Adobe’s ongoing commitment to design and film education, and to the creative professional market,” said Melissa Dyrdahl, senior vice president of corporate marketing and communications at Adobe. “Winning an Adobe Design Achievement Award is just the beginning for these students; winners have the opportunity to gain exposure to the creative community, jumpstart their careers in the creative arts, and showcase their talents at industry events such as Sundance, Cannes and the ZeroOne Festival.”

DIWA member Photoxels 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 Fujifilm FinePix F30 is a beautifully crafted digital camera with low-light capability that most closely matches that of a digital SLR. Beginners, as well as seasoned pros, will find it a compact take-anywhere digital camera that is fast and responsive—and be impressed by its excellent image quality, exceptional low-light capability in a non-dSLR, and additional manual control in the form of Aperture-Priority AE and Shutter-Priority AE mode. This is one digital camera that is easy to recommend.”

Website: Photoxels - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the 7.5 megapixel, live preview Olympus E-330 DSLR camera.

“Naturally, the main selling point of this camera is the live view. The way in which Olympus have integrated this feature in the Olympus E-330 truly is unique. Fortunately, the latest firmware will now also enable the photographer to use the auto focus in combination with the macro live view. Meeting this demand proves to be a particularly clever move by Olympus. The opinions on live view turn out to be somewhat mixed. On one hand it can be put to excellent use, such as when working in high or low positions, as well as to focus accurately when capturing macro images. On the other hand, it isn’t exactly the goose with the golden eggs, especially not in the way it is used in this camera.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus E-330 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

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

“Like a mythical bird rising from the ashes of Konica Minolta, Sony’s first digital SLR, named the Alpha DSLR-A100, marks the company’s entry into the big leagues of digital still imaging. With a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a bevy of convenience features, an updated version of Konica Minolta’s CCD-shift image stabilization, and a design that improves slightly on the Maxxum 5D, Sony has delivered a worthy competitor in the sub-$1,000 dSLR market.”

Website: CNET - Sony A100 Review

Website: Read our Sony A100 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare P850 camera which features a 12x, 36 – 432 mm, image-stabilised, f2.8 – f/3.7, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON lens.

“Kodak has been in the business of simple digital cameras for several years. As its customers grow out of the starter models and technology continues to get better and better, Kodak is expanding its offerings to include higher end features and SLR-like qualities. Enter the EasyShare P850. Sure, it’s the baby of Kodak’s Performance Series, but it has 5.1 megapixels and an optically stabilized 12x zoom lens. It joins the P880 and the P712 in the series that touts SLR-like bodies, long zoom lenses, and manual functionality.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Kodak Easyshare P850 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens.

“An excellent 2.5inch LCD screen fills two thirds of the rear. The image it displays is bright and sharp. My only reservation is with the shiny protective cover, which can make it difficult to see the screen in bright conditions as reflections on the surface reduce the contrast of the display.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Canon PowerShot A700 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera.

“On the other hand, the Kodak V610 does some things brilliantly. I very much enjoyed its many conveniences: using the 10x zoom over two lenses, wireless printing, sophisticated in-camera panoramas, Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology, macro shooting, sports shooting, docking it to make prints and recharge, and even selecting Scene modes (something I’m not found of generally).”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V610 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F470 Zoom digital camera.

“Along with being about as slim as you want a digital camera, the Fuji F470 is extremely light at just five ounces with the battery and memory card. Though the camera’s polycarbonate body has a plastic feel in spots, the generous metal accents give it solid durability. This really is a “take anywhere” camera, and under normal daylight conditions the F470 can capture some great pictures, with the rich color you’d expect from Fujifilm. Though the camera struggled in low-light situations when shooting without a flash, and offers barely any manual control, if you’re using the Fuji F470 just for on-the-go snapshots, it’s a steal at just $279.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix F470 Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:

1. Different Horizontal And Vertical Resolutions
2. Digital Dust Revisited
3. Olympus Stylus 710, A Good Choice

Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, inventor, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected] , and then, En Garde!

You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.

Samsung USA Press Release

Samsung Camera Bolsters Feature?Packed Premium Line with Two New Models - Seven MP S700 and Ten MP S1000 Complete the “S” Series Line

Secaucus, NJ (July 20, 2006) – Samsung is pleased to announce the launch of two new “S” Series models within its Premium line of Samsung Digimax digital still cameras.  The seven mega-pixel Samsung S700 and the ten mega-pixel Samsung S1000 are full featured models designed to deliver maximum value, style and performance for digital photographers of all skill and experience levels.  Offering features useful to the entire family, both models boast a crystal-clear 2.4-inch LCD and a 3x optical zoom in both still and movie modes. “The “S” Series cameras are perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced digital photographers,” says Stewart Henderson, National Marketing Manager at Samsung Opto?Electronics.  “With the addition of the Samsung S700 and the Samsung S1000, we have bolstered our already strong and comprehensive range of digital still cameras.  This, combined with the recent launch of our NV Series, enables us to deliver products that meet the needs of a diverse dealer and consumer base.”

SanDisk Press Release

SanDisk Introduces SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash - World’s Fastest Cards For Professional Photographers - New Cards Result In Faster Capture of High-Resolution Images and Quicker Card-to-Computer Transfers

NEW YORK, NY, July 19, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced the new SanDisk Extreme® IV line of CompactFlash® digital film cards for professional photographers. The line is targeted at photographers who require the highest possible performance and the largest capacities for their medium format and high-end digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. The SanDisk Extreme IV cards are available in capacities of up to 8-gigabytes (GB)1 and deliver minimum read and write speeds of 40 megabytes per second (MB/sec.)2 making these the fastest flash memory cards in the world. This exceptionally fast card speed is critical when shooting large numbers of high-resolution images. SanDisk also introduced the new SanDisk Extreme FireWire reader that can transfer images from the SanDisk Extreme IV cards to a computer at up to 40MB/sec. for significantly improved workflow efficiency. These new products were announced at a press conference held today at the NASDAQ Market Site in New York City.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic today introduced the Lumix DMC-LX2, successor to the DMC-LX1, which has received high acclaim worldwide for its unique 16:9 wide CCD, plentiful functions, and smart design. The Panasonic DMC-LX2 inherits the f/2.8 28mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 112mm on a 35mm film camera) and MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) system in addition to an enhanced CCD capable of 10.2-megapixels and larger 2.8 16:9 wide LCD. The Panasonic DMC-LX2 is unique in that it incorporates triple-wide features of 28 mm wide angle LEICA DC lens, 16:9 wide CCD and 16:9 wide LCD. Not only that, the L X2 is further distinguished from other cameras by its full manual controllability with a joystick allowing users to easily enjoy creative shooting. The DMC-LX2 also boasts Venus Engine III high performance image processing LSI to dramatically reduce the noise that challenged the predecessor, realizing image recording at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.

Panasonic Press Release

The New Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ50 is a 10.1-Megapixel, 12x Optical Zoom Digital Camera Featuring Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S. and World’s First* Intelligent ISO Control
*For a digital still camera, as of July 19, 2006.
 
Panasonic today introduced the 10.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FZ50 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) featuring powerful 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 420 mm on a 35 mm film camera) f/2.8 LEICA DC lens, as a successor to the Panasonic DMC-FZ30, which has received high acclaim worldwide. The Panasonic DMC-FZ50 boasts a 10.1-megapixel high resolution CCD for its image sensor and Venus Engine III for the image processing LSI, making it possible to record a image at max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity setting at full resolution.  Furthermore, by dramatically reducing the noise levels that challenged its predecessor, the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 is able to capture 10.1-megapixel full resolution images even in high sensitivity recording.

Panasonic Press Release

7.2-Megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX07 with 28mm Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens*  Featuring Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S. and World’s First** Intelligent ISO Control
*35mm film camera equivalent.
**For a digital still camera, as of July 19, 2006.

Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FX07 7.2-megapixel, 28mm wide angle f/2.8 LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 102mm on a 35mm film camera) and DMC-FX50 cameras, both featuring an Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO control. The DMC-FX50 also newly incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX07 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD. Inheriting the highly valued 28mm LEICA DC lens in a compact body from its their predecessor, the DMC-FX50 / FX07 cameras allow users to enjoy the benefit of a wide angle lens when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes. To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake – a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images – movement of the subject – the FX50 / FX07 cameras are also equipped with the world’s first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max. ISO 1250 high sensitivity recording at full resolution capabilities within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject’s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.

Panasonic Press Release

7.2-Megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX50 with 28mm Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens*  Featuring Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S. and World’s First** Intelligent ISO Control
*35mm film camera equivalent.
**For a digital still camera, as of July 19, 2006.

Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FX50 7.2-megapixel, 28mm wide angle f/2.8 LEICA DC lens with 3.6x optical zoom (equivalent to 28mm to 102mm on a 35mm film camera) and DMC-FX07 cameras, both featuring an Intelligent Image Stabilizer by MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO control. The DMC-FX50 also newly incorporates a 3-inch large LCD whereas the DMC-FX07 pursues further compactness with a 2.5-inch LCD. Inheriting the highly valued 28mm LEICA DC lens in a compact body from its their predecessor, the DMC-FX50 / FX07 cameras allow users to enjoy the benefit of a wide angle lens when shooting indoor group portraits, expansive landscapes, or architectural scenes. To fight against the major cause of blurred images, Panasonic invented the MEGA O.I.S. system taking advantage of its superior lens technology to compensate for handshake – a feature which has long been incorporated into the LUMIX range of cameras. In addition, to also compensate for the other major cause of blurred images – movement of the subject – the FX50 / FX07 cameras are also equipped with the world’s first* Intelligent ISO Control (hereafter I.I.C.) and max. ISO 1250 high sensitivity recording at full resolution capabilities within the advanced image processing LSI Venus Engine III. When set to the I.I.C., the Venus Engine III detects the subject’s movement and adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the subject movement and the light condition automatically. Panasonic’s excellent image stabilizing system allows users to take clear, crisp images in any situation, leaving everything to the camera.

Panasonic Press Release

6-Megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX3 with LEICA DC Lens Featuring MEGA O.I.S. and Max. ISO 1600 High Sensitivity Mode

Panasonic today introduced the new LUMIX DMC-FX3, a 6-megapixel camera with f/2.8 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35 mm to 105 mm on a 35 mm film camera) LEICA DC lens, featuring MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and max. ISO 1600 high sensitivity mode*.
Panasonic has long led the industry with its incorporation of an optical image stabilization system - MEGA O.I.S. - into even its compact range of cameras. This system produces no deterioration of picture quality and has now become a standard feature for all digital cameras in the market. Now the new Panasonic DMC-FX3 also benefits from a High Sensitivity mode* which allows shooting at a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 1600*. This mode acts as another anti-blurring measure, in addition to the MEGA O.I.S. system on the DMC-FX3, by suppressing image blur which can be caused by the movement of subjects, and especially benefits indoor photography of children and pets at fast shutter speeds.

Adobe Press Release

Digital Photography Workflow Solution Now Available for Windows® and Macintosh Platforms

London — July 19, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the public beta of Adobe® Lightroom™ software for the Windows platform, a digital imaging workflow solution for professional photographers. Now available for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms, Adobe Lightroom beta is the efficient new way for professional photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images. Windows-based photographers now have the opportunity to assist with the development of Lightroom by testing this new beta download and submitting feedback to the Adobe Labs forums at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom.