News
Reuters are reporting that Nikon are “running at full tilt to meet robust demand” for its digital SLR cameras. Sales of the D50, D70s and D200 has produced a 35 percent year-on-year increase in April and May for the Japanese giant, beating its own growth estimates. Senior Managing Director Makoto Kimura also commented “In the film era there were mass-market SLR models selling at $300. So there are people out there that want to take pictures with a SLR that costs about that much. I don’t know when it will happen, but the next target after $500 is the $300 mark,” he said.” A DSLR for just $300 - whatever next?!
Website: Reuters - Nikon says digital SLR cameras beating plan
Reuters are reporting that Nikon are “running at full tilt to meet robust demand” for its digital SLR cameras. Sales of the D50, D70s and D200 has produced a 35 percent year-on-year increase in April and May for the Japanese giant, beating its own growth estimates. Senior Managing Director Makoto…
First announced back in January 2006, X-Rite has now completed its acquistion of Gretag Macbeth’s parent company, Amazys Holding AG, creating a new company called X-Rite, Incorporated.
X-Rite Press Release
Creates Global Leader in the Color Industry - Will Utilize Color Science and Technology Knowledge to Increase Value for All Stakeholders and Expand Global Color Market Through Innovation
Grandville, Mich., July 5, 2006 – X-Rite, Incorporated (Nasdaq: XRIT), a global leader offering color measurement technology solutions, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Amazys Holding AG for a purchase price of CHF 77 per share plus 2.11 shares of X-Rite, Incorporated stock for each Amazys share. The total purchase price on the settlement date of July 5, 2006 was approximately $280 million. The acquisition was financed through a combination of cash, debt and X-Rite stock. Amazys develops, markets and supports hardware, software and services to measure and communicate color under the GretagMacbeth brand. The combined company will be called X-Rite, Incorporated.
First announced back in January 2006, X-Rite has now completed its acquistion of Gretag Macbeth’s parent company, Amazys Holding AG, creating a new company called X-Rite, Incorporated. X-Rite Press Release Creates Global Leader in the Color Industry - Will Utilize Color Science and Technology Knowledge to Increase Value for All…
O’Reilly Press Release
Digital Photographers Sizzle with O’Reilly’s 2006 Photoshop Cook-Off All-Star Panel of Judges and Great Prize Packages Make it Summer’s Hottest Contest
Sebastopol, CA—With summer heating up and cameras clicking right and left, it’s the ideal time to get out that favorite Photoshop recipe and see how creative you can be. If you need more inspiration, O’Reilly’s 2006 Photoshop Cook-Off contest can get you cooking. It’s an opportunity to win great prizes—like a Pentax K100D Digital SLR and DA 18-55 mm lens kit or an Epson Stylus Photo R2400 printer—and gives you a chance to get your work in front of top Photoshop experts such as Mikkel Aaland, Katrin Eismann, Tim Grey, Deke McClelland, Bert Monroy, Eddie Tapp, Vincent Versace, John Beardsworth, the glitterguru, and others.
O’Reilly Press Release Digital Photographers Sizzle with O’Reilly’s 2006 Photoshop Cook-Off All-Star Panel of Judges and Great Prize Packages Make it Summer’s Hottest Contest Sebastopol, CA—With summer heating up and cameras clicking right and left, it’s the ideal time to get out that favorite Photoshop recipe and see how creative…
Nikon UK Press Release
Wednesday July 5, 2006 - Nikon is pleased to support a photographic documentary of the 2005 LIVE8 event in London’s Hyde Park captured by Mike McCartney. The book has been produced to celebrate the LIVE8 event, one year on, with the objective of raising further funds for the “Make Poverty History” campaign. All the images used within the book were taken on a Nikon COOLPIX 4500 camera, rather than a whole host of professional products, to enable Mike to take an informal diary of the day’s events. Only 1,500 special limited edition copies of Live8 will be published, with profits going directly to the Live Aid Trust.
Nikon UK Press Release Wednesday July 5, 2006 - Nikon is pleased to support a photographic documentary of the 2005 LIVE8 event in London’s Hyde Park captured by Mike McCartney. The book has been produced to celebrate the LIVE8 event, one year on, with the objective of raising further funds…
Fuji Hunt Press Release
Fuji Hunt’s dedicated R&D division has long been developing methods to bring digital printing media to a par with traditional papers. Now, a new trio of especially smooth finishes have passed the quality barrier and represent the very best materials on which imagery of all types can be printed.
Fuji Hunt’s range of FUJIFILM Fine Art Museum inkjet media, which has already proven extremely popular with users seeking a higher than average result, especially when used for display and exhibition work in both black-and-white and colour, has been extended with three additional products: Fine Art Museum Baryt paper; Fine Art Museum Smooth RAG paper; and HD White Cotton Canvas.
Fuji Hunt Press Release Fuji Hunt’s dedicated R&D division has long been developing methods to bring digital printing media to a par with traditional papers. Now, a new trio of especially smooth finishes have passed the quality barrier and represent the very best materials on which imagery of all types…
ePhotoZine 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.
“For a compact digital camera the low level of noise at all sensitivities is stunning, rivalling many SLR cameras. Noise levels are very low up to ISO400. At ISO800 a little more luminance noise shows, but it’s still very acceptable. By ISO1600 the noise levels have increased to noticeable levels, but still very low by comparison. The ‘landmark’ sensitivity of ISO3200 produces acceptable quality with very little chroma noise. I did notice that the colour tends to shift slightly at the maximum sensitivity, but not enough to cause any major problems and the noise that is present is fine, randomly arranged and not brightly coloured, giving a wonderful film-like appearance.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review
Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review
ePhotoZine 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. “For a compact digital camera the low level of noise at all sensitivities is stunning, rivalling many SLR cameras. Noise levels are very low up…
CNET have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare Z650, which has a 6.1-megapixel sensor and 10x zoom lens.
“You’d expect Kodak to cut some corners with its budget-conscious superzoom, the EasyShare Z650, and you’d be right. Unlike the more expensive Kodak EasyShare Z612, which includes a 12X optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, the EasyShare Z650 comes with a 10X optical, 38mm-to-380mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-to-f/3.7 lens without image stabilization. On the one hand, the fast maximum aperture of the EasyShare Z650’s lens makes it useful for low-light shooting, but we expect to find image stabilization on a camera with such a long zoom lens.”
Website: CNET - Kodak Easyshare Z650 Review
CNET have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare Z650, which has a 6.1-megapixel sensor and 10x zoom lens. “You’d expect Kodak to cut some corners with its budget-conscious superzoom, the EasyShare Z650, and you’d be right. Unlike the more expensive Kodak EasyShare Z612, which includes a 12X optical zoom lens with…
CNET have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Sony DSC-W70 digital camera.
“Aside from its 7-megapixel sensor, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W70 is physically and functionally identical to its series brethren, the 6-megapixel DSC-W50 and the 8-megapixel DSC-W100. And just like its siblings, the DSC-W70 delivers a pleasant snapshooting experience—with the photos to match—making it a good choice for many casual and vacation photographers. However, photo artifacts will disappoint pickier shooters, and the deft finger work needed to manipulate its tiny controls may frustrate others.”
Website: CNET - Sony DSC-W70 Review
CNET have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Sony DSC-W70 digital camera. “Aside from its 7-megapixel sensor, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W70 is physically and functionally identical to its series brethren, the 6-megapixel DSC-W50 and the 8-megapixel DSC-W100. And just like its siblings, the DSC-W70 delivers a pleasant…
Nikon UK Press Release
Wednesday July 5, 2006 - Nikon is pleased to announce an exclusive offer entitling customers to cashback on selected COOLPIX Life series compact cameras during 14th-16th July through selected national press. For one weekend only customers will be able to claim £50 cashback on Nikon’s COOLPIX L2 compact camera, RRP £179.99. Alternatively, Nikon is also offering £40 cashback on the COOLPIX L3 camera, RRP £149.99.
Nikon UK Press Release Wednesday July 5, 2006 - Nikon is pleased to announce an exclusive offer entitling customers to cashback on selected COOLPIX Life series compact cameras during 14th-16th July through selected national press. For one weekend only customers will be able to claim £50 cashback on Nikon’s COOLPIX…
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.0, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera.
This firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following additional functions:
* Enhancement of direct printing with specific printers.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.4 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to perform this update.
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.0, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera. This firmware update (Version 1.1.0) incorporates the following additional functions: * Enhancement of direct printing with specific printers. This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.4 installed. If your…
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.0, for their 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
This firmware update incorporates the following additional functions and corrections:
1. Enhancement of direct printing with specific printers.
2. Correction of the communication errors that occurred when shooting with EOS 5D and EOS Capture software after shooting about 138 shots.
3. Correction of the phenomenon in which the flash mode settings are changed from E-TTL to M (Manual) when EOS 5D is used in combination with Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 and Speedlite 580EX.
This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware versions up to 1.0.5 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to perform this update.
Website: Canon EOS 5D v1.1.0 Firmware
Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.1.0, for their 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. This firmware update incorporates the following additional functions and corrections: 1. Enhancement of direct printing with specific printers. 2. Correction of the communication errors that occurred when shooting with EOS 5D and EOS…
Sony Europe Press Release
Paris, 5 July, 2006 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division has announced its smallest class USB drive yet - the MICRO VAULT Tiny – part of the MICRO VAULT family line-up. The ‘Tiny’ USB drive is compact and light, making it ideal for travelling, and offers storage capacity ranging from 256MB to 2GB. The Tiny USB drive, wafer thin at only 2.4mm and weighing just 1.5g, plugs directly into a USB compatible interface and is capable of storing a variety of file formats, from word documents to photos, music files and videos.
Sony Europe Press Release Paris, 5 July, 2006 - Sony Europe’s Recording Media & Energy (RME) division has announced its smallest class USB drive yet - the MICRO VAULT Tiny – part of the MICRO VAULT family line-up. The ‘Tiny’ USB drive is compact and light, making it ideal for…
Canon UK Press Release
Canon UK, world leader in digital imaging technology, today announced the launch of its online consumables and accessories shop. The new, online ‘Canon Store’ can be accessed through Canon’s existing web pages at www.canon.co.uk . A wide range of printing consumables, including Canon’s high-quality ink & toner cartridges as well as a variety of print media are being stocked alongside popular accessories such as camera cases and battery packs. These products, which are not always easy to find on the high street, are now available to purchase online directly from Canon for the first time.
Canon UK Press Release Canon UK, world leader in digital imaging technology, today announced the launch of its online consumables and accessories shop. The new, online ‘Canon Store’ can be accessed through Canon’s existing web pages at www.canon.co.uk . A wide range of printing consumables, including Canon’s high-quality ink &…
UPDATE 05/07/06 - A new larger version of the Adobe Lightroom Workflow eBook is now shipping. The eBook now contains information on all the new features in Adobe Lightroom Beta 3. The price will increase from US$ 9.99 to US$ 19.99 on the 11th of July. dpmac.com will continue to give free updates to all the current and future Adobe Lightroom Workflow eBook subscribers as long as Adobe keeps their Adobe Lightroom Beta software program running. The final release of this eBook will be available both in HTML and PDF versions.
dpmac.com Press Release
After finishing the first month of a three month daily on-line seminar/tutorial series on Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CS2, George Mann of dpmac.com has decided to sell a downloadable Beta version of the final eBook for a special pre-release price of US$9.99. The downloadable html based eBook contains all the articles in the online series (minus the advertising) plus updates and more material that will not be released on the website series.
UPDATE 05/07/06 - A new larger version of the Adobe Lightroom Workflow eBook is now shipping. The eBook now contains information on all the new features in Adobe Lightroom Beta 3. The price will increase from US$ 9.99 to US$ 19.99 on the 11th of July. dpmac.com will continue to…
Nikon Europe have released a fully functional 30-day trial version of Camera Control Pro. This stand alone remote camera control software allows full control of all aspects of the camera prior to shooting, and the subsequent extraction of files afterwards. The remote control software is compatible with supported wired and wireless interfaces. Extremely useful in high production studio environments like packshot photography, thumbnail images can be viewed on screen during transfer.
Nikon Europe have released a fully functional 30-day trial version of Camera Control Pro. This stand alone remote camera control software allows full control of all aspects of the camera prior to shooting, and the subsequent extraction of files afterwards. The remote control software is compatible with supported wired and…
Maine Photographic Workshops Press Release
The Maine Photographic Workshops announces the winners of the 2006 Golden Light Awards.
Golden Light Awards Grand Prize Winner: Steve Stenzel, Faribault County
Photographic Book of the Year: NIAGARA, by Alec Soth
The 2006 Golden Light Awards were juried by:
Kathy Ryan, Photo Editor of The New York Times Magazine
Catherine Johnson, Vice President and Senior Art Buyer of Arnold Worldwide, and Photo Editor
Tim Whelan, Book Seller and Photographer
Maine Photographic Workshops Press Release The Maine Photographic Workshops announces the winners of the 2006 Golden Light Awards. Golden Light Awards Grand Prize Winner: Steve Stenzel, Faribault County Photographic Book of the Year: NIAGARA, by Alec Soth The 2006 Golden Light Awards were juried by: Kathy Ryan, Photo Editor of…
HARMAN technology Press Release
ILFORD Photo’s parent company HARMAN technology has been successfully paving its route to the stars since it first exploded onto the photographic industry just over a year ago. Since then, its growth has been meteoric, extending its business to a far wider audience than was at first envisaged. Now into its second year of trading, HARMAN technology Limited can look back over a period of unprecedented growth and success. Following the acquisition in February 2005 of the ILFORD black-and-white photographic business, premises and name from the receivers of the old ILFORD Imaging group, HARMAN, named after the founder of the ILFORD business, Alfred Harman, has grown exponentially to its present position among the major companies of the global photographic and imaging arena.
HARMAN technology Press Release ILFORD Photo’s parent company HARMAN technology has been successfully paving its route to the stars since it first exploded onto the photographic industry just over a year ago. Since then, its growth has been meteoric, extending its business to a far wider audience than was at…
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.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.
“Once again, Fujifilm has developed a mini-compact camera with impressive qualities. Its predecessor, the FinePix F10, received numerous awards, like the DIWA Platinum Award as “Best compact camera i 2006”. It will come as no surprise if the FinePix F30 repeats this success. At present, the F30 is without doubt the best performing mini-compact at high ISO-values, with image noise levels only beaten by high-end D-SLR cameras. This makes the F30 extraordinary useful in poor lighting conditions and for moving subjects. Although the flash itself is quite weak, thanks to the high sensitivity performance, its operating range is phenomenal. The body is distingushed by a solid metal exteriour with exclusive finish, a superior 2.5” LCD screen with anti-reflex coating, high resolution and instant maximum brightness control, making the lack of an optical viewfinder almost unnoticeable. The 3x zoom lens is no optical marvel as such, but it delivers 6.3 MP images with natural colours and fine details, only impurified by extensive purple fringing at wide angle. Although the F30 has few advanced features, like RAW format, histogram etc, shutter and aperture priority modes and pure performance will make it a desirable compact camera even for demanding, experienced photographers.”
Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review
Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.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. “Once again, Fujifilm has developed a mini-compact camera with impressive qualities. Its predecessor, the FinePix F10, received numerous awards, like…
DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen.
“The good news is that everything we liked about the H1 and the H2 is still here; handling is excellent, it’s very fast and responsive and the results - even shooting in full auto mode with default settings - excellent. There are few cameras I can wholeheartedly recommend to both novice ‘snappers’ and experienced photographers, but the H5, like the H2, is that rarest of beasts; a ‘compact’ camera with handling and control close to a DSLR, yet one that - even in inexperienced hands - can be left in ‘idiot-proof’ mode and trusted to produce the goods time and time again. Above all, the H5 is fun and easy to use, which means you will find yourself taking a lot more pictures, which has to be a good thing.”
Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-H5 Review
DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H5 ultra-zoom digital camera, offering a 12x optical zoom lens, 7.2 megapixels and a 3 inch LCD screen. “The good news is that everything we liked about the H1 and the H2 is still here; handling is excellent, it’s very fast and responsive and the…
The Samsung NV7 OPS is priced at £299, Samsung NV10 at £279 and Samsung NV3 at £229, available from leading high street and online retailers by September. We have some exclusive product shots from the recent European press conference.
Samsung UK Press Release
Samsung offers a brand new vision with premium “NV Series” - NV Series strengthens digital compact camera portfolio for Samsung
London, UK - Samsung Cameras is bringing a new vision to the digital compact camera market with the NV Series. Consisting of three cameras, the NV7 OPS, NV10 and NV3, the NV Series was developed following a two year consumer research study to gain insight into the lifestyle and needs of consumers and their picture-taking interests. Samsung has devised attractive designs and new user interface (UI) concepts to create a premium product group. As well as offering practical technology and easy usability, the new NV Series stands for individuality and style. Launched with a new blue ring, this design concept aims to become a consistent mark for Samsung quality and design in the digital camera market. The NV Series introduces the innovative UI using Smart Touch buttons for the first time in a digital camera, offering easy and convenient control for the NV7 OPS and NV10 – a gentle touch is all it takes to navigate menu items, manipulate the settings, or view your pictures.
The Samsung NV7 OPS is priced at £299, Samsung NV10 at £279 and Samsung NV3 at £229, available from leading high street and online retailers by September. We have some exclusive product shots from the recent European press conference. Samsung UK Press Release Samsung offers a brand new vision with…