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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage ViewerThe Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows you to download digital photos and movies onto its 80Gb hard-drive and then view them on its 3.8 inch colour LCD screen. The Epson P-4000 has built-in card slots for Compact Flash and SD memory cards. The Epson P4000 will be of particular interest to digital SLR camera users as it can show a preview of some RAW file formats as well as JPEGs. You can connect the P-4000 directly to a PC or TV and it will even print directly onto compatible Epson printers. In addition the Epson P4000 can play digital music in the form of MP3 and AAC files. So can the Epson P-4000 do all of the things that it claims and do them well?

Website: Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review

The Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows you to download digital photos and movies onto its 80Gb hard-drive and then view them on its 3.8 inch colour LCD screen. The Epson P-4000 has built-in card slots for Compact Flash and SD memory cards. The Epson P4000 will be of particular…

muveeThe June 2006 Giveaway has now ended - here are the 10 lucky winners who each win a prize.

Cesar Fandino, Denise Kissinger, Si Johnson, rayhelena at hotmail.com, s.ouarez at seznam.cz have each won a copy of muvee autoProducer 5 (worth $99.95) AND a photoCentric stylePack (worth $19.95) (PC Only)

Rehana Apu, mort friedman joe at joefoxphoto.co.uk, Alexander Vander, Tommy Williams have each won a copy of a photoCentric stylePack (worth $19.95) (PC Only)

Prizes kindly provided by muvee (http://www.muvee.com)

Don’t worry if you didn’t win this time - a brand new contest will be starting soon…

The June 2006 Giveaway has now ended - here are the 10 lucky winners who each win a prize. Cesar Fandino, Denise Kissinger, Si Johnson, rayhelena at hotmail.com, s.ouarez at seznam.cz have each won a copy of muvee autoProducer 5 (worth $99.95) AND a photoCentric stylePack (worth $19.95) (PC Only)…

The BBC has today launched its 2006 Photographer 0f the Year contest. First prize is the chance to shoot a photographic story of your choice which will then be displayed on the BBC News website. In addition there will be an extra prize made to the photographer whose image catches the judge’s eye. Here are the themes:

ENTRY DEADLINES: THEMES
2 August - Shelter
9 August - Rock ‘n’ Roll
16 August - Uniform
23 August - Technology
30 August - Love
6 September- Look up
13 September - Final vote

Website: BBC Photographer of the Year 2006

The BBC has today launched its 2006 Photographer 0f the Year contest. First prize is the chance to shoot a photographic story of your choice which will then be displayed on the BBC News website. In addition there will be an extra prize made to the photographer whose image catches…

JPG Magazine Issue 6JPG is the magazine of brave new photography, and the 6th issue on the theme “Oops!” has just been published. JPG Magazine is created by nonprofessionals with a passion for imagemaking without attitude. For many of our contributors, this is the first time they’ve ever been published in print.

“Whether it was faulty settings, old film, the random photo on the last frame of film, or the last photo a camera ever took, this issue features some of the finest slip-ups, freak-outs, and happy accidents ever captured on film or pixels. We’re also joined by featured photographer Rion Nakaya, who shares some of her favorite serendipitous moments, and Ryan Gallagher, to talk camera tossing.”

Website: JPG Magazine Issue 6

JPG is the magazine of brave new photography, and the 6th issue on the theme “Oops!” has just been published. JPG Magazine is created by nonprofessionals with a passion for imagemaking without attitude. For many of our contributors, this is the first time they’ve ever been published in print. “Whether…

Lexar 133X 8GB CompactFlashThe new Lexar 133X 8GB CompactFlash will be available in August for the suggested price of $424.99.

Lexar Press Release

Large Capacity and High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Benefits Professionals and Advanced Amateurs Shooting in RAW Format

Fremont, Ca., July 18, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc., a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced that it has increased the performance of its popular Professional 8GB CompactFlash® memory card to 133X. This performance improves the digital imaging workflow for both professional and advanced amateur photographers working with and managing large files. Lexar’s new card is capable of a minimum sustained data write speed of 20MB per second and is currently available in CompactFlash Type I flash memory card format, the most popular format for today’s digital SLR cameras. “Lexar has encouraged photographers to ‘keep shooting’ while consistently introducing products that improve digital imaging workflow once images are stored on their flash memory cards,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar.  “Those who shoot in RAW format require a vast amount of storage capacity, but also need reliable high-speed performance at all steps in the digital imaging process. Our new 133X 8GB cards directly address and satisfy both needs and, as a result, are ideal for photographers shooting in all situations,” he added.

The new Lexar 133X 8GB CompactFlash will be available in August for the suggested price of $424.99. Lexar Press Release Large Capacity and High-Speed Data Transfer Rate Benefits Professionals and Advanced Amateurs Shooting in RAW Format Fremont, Ca., July 18, 2006 – Lexar Media, Inc., a leader in advanced digital…

Fujifilm FinePix Z2 ZoomDIWA member LetsGoDigital have the first online review of the new Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with a large 2.5 inch scratch-resistant glass LCD screen and a non-extending 3x zoom lens.

“The speed with which the Fujifilm Z2 processes the pictures is great to use. If we look at picture quality, the realistic colours and fantastic performance of the white balance stand out. In particular, the different ISO values are great to work with, a quality that Fujifilm has also scored well with in the past. The pictures have a good strong contrast and great colour saturation that can be seen directly in the prints. If we add the excellent video features, we can only conclude that Fujifilm has once more made a compact digital camera without compromising the picture quality. “

Website: LetsGoDigital - Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have the first online review of the new Fujifilm FinePix Z2 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with a large 2.5 inch scratch-resistant glass LCD screen and a non-extending 3x zoom lens. “The speed with which the Fujifilm Z2 processes the pictures is great to use. If we…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomSteves Digicams 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.

“I was very surprised at how low noise levels were, even at ISO 800. Both ISO 1600 and 3200 are also quite low for a camera in this class, due to the in-camera noise reduction processing. Image detail, however, does suffer a bit, making pictures look a bit “fuzzy” when being viewed at 100%. However, the usefulness of this feature greatly out weighs the negative effects.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Steves Digicams 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. “I was very surprised at how low noise levels were, even at ISO 800. Both ISO 1600 and 3200 are also quite low for…

Samsung Digimax L60Steves Digicams have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L60, which has 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, MPEG4 video recording and a 2.4-inch LCD screen.

“Image quality was average for a 6-megapixel consumer model. While the majority of our samples were sharp with pleasing color saturation and exposure, the canon shot was a bit troubling. When you view the image to fit your screen (about 30% for my 19-inch LCD set at 1024x768), the image looks good. However, at 100% you can see lots of chromatic aberrations (purple fringing around highlights) and the subject itself looks pixelated. “

Website: Steves Digicams - Samsung Digimax L60 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Samsung Digimax L60, which has 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, MPEG4 video recording and a 2.4-inch LCD screen. “Image quality was average for a 6-megapixel consumer model. While the majority of our samples were sharp with pleasing color saturation and exposure, the canon shot…

Monday, July 17, 2006

doyoulikeitIn a brand new series, we cast the spotlight on members of the PhotographyBLOG Gallery and ask them about their photography. The second member to sit in the interview chair is doyoulikeit.

“I’m always amazed at what I see in the streets and I like to try and capture those moments whenever possible. I find myself going out hunting for interesting people and the strange things that they do on the streets. “

Website: Gallery Member Spotlight - doyoulikeit

In a brand new series, we cast the spotlight on members of the PhotographyBLOG Gallery and ask them about their photography. The second member to sit in the interview chair is doyoulikeit. “I’m always amazed at what I see in the streets and I like to try and capture those…

SanDisk 4Gb SDHC Flash CardSanDisk Press Release
 
New Large-Capacity Cards Are Ideal For Digital Video Or Still Cameras; SanDisk Bundles 4GB SDHC Cards With Free MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader

MILPITAS, CA, July 17, 2006 – SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced a 4-gigabyte (GB)1 SD High Capacity (SDHC ™ ) card. The new cards, which support capacities of 4GB and higher, are rated Class 2 for speed and performance and can store more than 2,000 high-resolution pictures, more than 1,000 digital songs or up to 8 hours of MPEG 4 video 2. The 4GB SDHC card will be bundled with the MicroMate ™ USB 2.0 reader at no extra charge. These new readers work with both SDHC and SD cards. SDHC cards require an SDHC-compatible reader.

SanDisk Press Release New Large-Capacity Cards Are Ideal For Digital Video Or Still Cameras; SanDisk Bundles 4GB SDHC Cards With Free MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader MILPITAS, CA, July 17, 2006 – SanDisk ® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced a 4-gigabyte (GB)1 SD High Capacity (SDHC ™ ) card. The new…

Sanyo Xacti HD1ASano Press Release

CHATSWORTH, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—A video recording mode optimized for the video iPod (R) and other portable video players tops the advanced feature set of the new SANYO Xacti HD1a high-definition compact digital media camera. Following quickly on the strong sales and critical success of the SANYO Xacti HD1 introduced in January 2006, the new high-definition HD1a also adds such compelling features as a selectable 16:9 widescreen still picture mode and easy, convenient in-camera video editing. The SANYO Xacti HD1a retains its title as the world’s smallest and lightest high-definition digital media camera*. Featuring ergonomic, one-handed operation, the camera can record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. It will be available in the U.S. from SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, in September 2006 at a very competitive $699.99** MSRP.

Sano Press Release CHATSWORTH, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—A video recording mode optimized for the video iPod (R) and other portable video players tops the advanced feature set of the new SANYO Xacti HD1a high-definition compact digital media camera. Following quickly on the strong sales and critical success of the SANYO…

Sanyo Xacti CA6Sanyo Press Release

CHATSWORTH, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—The new, 6-megapixel SANYO Xacti CA6 is a pocket-sized digital still and MPEG-4 video camera specially designed to capture outdoor fun under the sun and around water. The stylish SANYO CA6 is “protected from splash in all directions,” conforming to the IEC international IPX4 standard*. Splash-proof water resistance makes it practical to point and shoot even around the pool or at the beach. It’s also rugged enough to safely take photos or shoot video with wet hands while fishing, hiking, boating, skiing or enjoying many other outdoor leisure activities. While remarkably water resistant, the CA6 should never be immersed in water. Ergonomically designed for convenient, one-handed operation, the CA6 digital media camera records both 640 x 480 resolution MPEG-4 video and 6-megapixel digital still images to a standard SD or SDHC flash memory card. It will be available in the U.S. from SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, in August 2006 at $399.99 MSRP**.

Sanyo Press Release CHATSWORTH, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—The new, 6-megapixel SANYO Xacti CA6 is a pocket-sized digital still and MPEG-4 video camera specially designed to capture outdoor fun under the sun and around water. The stylish SANYO CA6 is “protected from splash in all directions,” conforming to the IEC international…

HP Memory Spot ChipHP Press Release

PALO ALTO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 17, 2006—HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced that its researchers have developed a miniature wireless data chip that could provide broad access to digital content in the physical world. With no equal in terms of its combination of size, memory capacity and data access speed, the tiny chip could be stuck on or embedded in almost any object and make available information and content now found mostly on electronic devices or the Internet. Some of the potential applications include storing medical records on a hospital patient’s wristband; providing audio-visual supplements to postcards and photos; helping fight counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry; adding security to identity cards and passports; and supplying additional information for printed documents.

HP Press Release PALO ALTO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 17, 2006—HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced that its researchers have developed a miniature wireless data chip that could provide broad access to digital content in the physical world. With no equal in terms of its combination of size, memory capacity and data access…

Corel Corporation Press Release

Maidenhead, UK - 17 July 2006. Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL; TSX:CRE) and Sony Media Software today announces the availability of a new software bundle in the UK that will help users transform their digital photos and videos into keepsakes - Visual Creation Studio Pro™ - at a considerable saving over standalone products. During the summer holidays, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of photos and video that will sit in video and digital cameras or on computer hard drives. Available now directly from Amazon.co.uk and the Corel Store (www.corel.co.uk/store), the bundle features award-winning software from Sony and Corel that provides easy-to-use, affordable solutions for video production, photo editing and management and DVD creation all in one box.

Corel Corporation Press Release Maidenhead, UK - 17 July 2006. Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL; TSX:CRE) and Sony Media Software today announces the availability of a new software bundle in the UK that will help users transform their digital photos and videos into keepsakes - Visual Creation Studio Pro™ - at a…

Sharpcast Press ReleaseImpression

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire/—Sharpcast, Inc., a pioneer in personal media synchronization and management, today released Sharpcast Photos Beta, an all-in-one solution that delivers the absolute simplest way to share, sync, back up and access digital photos from anywhere. Sharpcast Photos keeps PCs, the web and mobile phones automatically in sync, so people can view and manage their photo collection from any time and anywhere they want, whether they are online or off. Sharpcast Photos Beta is available for free at www.sharpcast.com. Current Sharpcast Photos Alpha users can upgrade by simply launching Sharpcast Photos Alpha on their desktop to begin the quick auto-update.

Sharpcast Press Release PALO ALTO, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire/—Sharpcast, Inc., a pioneer in personal media synchronization and management, today released Sharpcast Photos Beta, an all-in-one solution that delivers the absolute simplest way to share, sync, back up and access digital photos from anywhere. Sharpcast Photos keeps PCs, the web and…

AVCHD HD Video FormatSony Press Release

Tokyo, Japan, July 13, 2006 - Panasonic, the brand name for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known and Sony Corporation (hereafter Sony) announced jointly today the commencement of licensing for “AVCHD,” the high definition (HD) digital video camera recorder format, as well as expansion of the format’s specifications. Panasonic and Sony announced basic specifications for “AVCHD” on May 11th this year, and since then have extensively promoted the format throughout the industry while preparing for licensing. Then, the two companies have decided to include memory cards (SD Memory Card and Memory Stick) and hard disk drives as applicable recording media of the format in addition to previously-announced 8cm DVD. This is for the purpose of broadening the range of applicable media, thereby allowing wide variety of products to be developed by various manufacturers. The new specification was defined as “AVCHD” format Version 1.0.

Sony Press Release Tokyo, Japan, July 13, 2006 - Panasonic, the brand name for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known and Sony Corporation (hereafter Sony) announced jointly today the commencement of licensing for “AVCHD,” the high definition (HD) digital video camera recorder format, as well as expansion of…

PhotoKit Color 2.0PictureCode Press Release

Version 2.1.1 of the Noise Ninja standalone application and version 2.1.3 of the plug-in version have been officially released. The plug-in update fixes a bug in the Noise Brush that sometimes resulted in corruption of the brush mask. The standalone update introduces Linux x86 support and Mac Intel support. It also adds profile annotation auto-fill support for image quality and adds jpe as a valid jpeg extension on all platforms. Both the plug-in and the standalone have added support for reading ISO information from EXIF Makernotes of recent Canon point-and-shoots. The updates are available on the download page.

PictureCode Press Release Version 2.1.1 of the Noise Ninja standalone application and version 2.1.3 of the plug-in version have been officially released. The plug-in update fixes a bug in the Noise Brush that sometimes resulted in corruption of the brush mask. The standalone update introduces Linux x86 support and Mac…

Gerd LudwigKingston Technology Press Release

National Geographic Photographer Gerd Ludwig Offers Tips for Photographing Life’s Expeditions at Kingston.com - Confidence in Equipment and Knowledge of Surroundings is the Key for Taking Great Photographs

Fountain Valley, CA – July 14, 2006 – Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, will feature photography advice from world renowned National Geographic photographer Gerd Ludwig on its Icons of Photography Web site beginning today. Each month, Kingston® spotlights a world-class photographer who provides helpful tips and interesting anecdotes for taking better pictures. Photographers previously featured at Kingston.com include Colin Finlay, Douglas Kirkland, Barbara Bordnick, Chris Rainier, Peter Read Miller and Harry Benson. These accomplished Icons of Photography deliver useful suggestions that photo enthusiasts at all levels can apply to their own photography as they learn to make digital imaging a natural part of their workflow, or learn a unique process or trick the Icon has provided to give them a competitive edge.

Kingston Technology Press Release National Geographic Photographer Gerd Ludwig Offers Tips for Photographing Life’s Expeditions at Kingston.com - Confidence in Equipment and Knowledge of Surroundings is the Key for Taking Great Photographs Fountain Valley, CA – July 14, 2006 – Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory…

Sony A100CameraLabs have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.

“There’s no denying Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 is an impressive camera for the money. Simply having 10.2 Megapixel resolution and built-in anti-camera-shake is enough to elevate it beyond most budget digital SLRs. Throw in a high resolution 2.5in screen and some neat image processing options along with a kit lens which zooms-in further than the competition, and it’s looking even stronger.”

Website: CameraLabs - Sony A100 Review

Website: Read our Sony A100 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CameraLabs have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera. “There’s no denying Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A100 is an impressive camera for the money. Simply having 10.2 Megapixel resolution and built-in anti-camera-shake is enough to elevate it beyond most budget digital SLRs. Throw in a high resolution 2.5in screen…

Olympus mju 720 SWDIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera.

“The Olympus Mju 720SW is a unique mini camera, not primarily because of its 7.1 MP image resolution and fully integrated 3x zoom lens, but thanks to its water-proof and shock-resistant casing of steel and aluminium. The camera seems to be the ideal choice for any outdoor activities, both on land and at sea, regardless of event or weather conditions. Also parents may now leave the picture taking to careless kids without fear of expensive consequences. Although the price is slightly higher than for ordinary mini cameras, we raised a question whether the extreme exteriour has come at the cost of its inner qualities. Not at all, in most respects the image quality is higher than usual for this type of camera, although the folded lens design does have its weaknesses. Also, the buttons and controls are too small for comfort and the grip is too slippery. At times, the lack of an optical viewfinder is also missed, as the LCD screen does not provide optimum viewing clearity in bright sunlight. Its weak points are too minor to influence on our general impression that the Olympus Mju 720SW has what it takes to satisfy its targeted audience. We have yet to see a mini-compact digital camera in a more versatile, robust and family-friendly package.”

Website: Digit.no - Olympus mju 720 SW Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera. “The Olympus Mju 720SW is a unique mini camera, not primarily because of its 7.1 MP image resolution and fully integrated 3x zoom lens, but…