News

Monday, July 3, 2006

CanonCanon UK Press Release

Canon has been named most trusted brand for cameras for the sixth consecutive year in the Reader’s Digest European Trusted Brands Survey 2006, one of the broadest pan-European surveys of consumer attitudes towards brands. Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, asked over 25,000 of its readers in 14 European countries to nominate the brand they trusted most in a range of consumer categories, including cameras. Over 317,000 votes were cast across the product categories with over 112,000 different brands nominated. Canon was one of only five brands that were nominated as ‘most trusted’ in 10 or more countries. In addition, in every country respondents gave Canon a higher than average score for quality, a factor that is significant as the most important criteria for trust across the 14 countries was ‘high quality’.

Canon UK Press Release Canon has been named most trusted brand for cameras for the sixth consecutive year in the Reader’s Digest European Trusted Brands Survey 2006, one of the broadest pan-European surveys of consumer attitudes towards brands. Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, asked over 25,000 of its…

Pentax Optio A10Pentax have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Pentax Optio A10 digital camera. Improved auto focus performance is the only change.

Website: Pentax Optio A10 v1.01 Firmware Update

Pentax have released a new firmware update, v1.01, for the Pentax Optio A10 digital camera. Improved auto focus performance is the only change. Website: Pentax Optio A10 v1.01 Firmware Update

Microsoft Press Release

REDMOND, Wash., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Today at the first Microsoft(R) Pro Photo Summit, Microsoft Corp. announced the launch of the Icons of Imaging program, designed to celebrate and showcase professional photographers who are recognized around the world as leaders in photography and digital imaging. By displaying a sample of their incredible imagery on the dedicated Icons of Imaging Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/icons/de fault.mspx), initial program members Bambi Cantrell, Reed Hoffmann, Denis Reggie, John Shaw, Matthew Jordan Smith and Art Wolfe provide inspiration to other digital imaging photographers to create the best photographic images possible.

Microsoft Press Release REDMOND, Wash., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Today at the first Microsoft(R) Pro Photo Summit, Microsoft Corp. announced the launch of the Icons of Imaging program, designed to celebrate and showcase professional photographers who are recognized around the world as leaders in photography and digital imaging. By displaying a sample…

Canon Digital IXUS 800 ISDIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera).

“In the field, the Canon SD700 IS performed very well. There was no fumbling with the controls, no frustration trying to set the functions you want, and the camera was point-and-shoot simplicity. Even though most of the functions are accessed thru the FUNC. menu, I found it well implemented and fast. The image stabilizer works well and adds to the enjoyment of using this camera.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon SD700 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon SD700 IS Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Photoxels have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera). “In the field, the Canon SD700 IS performed very well. There was no…

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lensePhotoZine have reviewed the new Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM portait lens.

“The optical performs of the lens is impressive. By any standards! At the widest apertures it is very good and at f/5.6 it is stunning! And don’t forget that by the time you reach that aperture the lens has already been stopped down by 5 stops! The control of distortion, as could be expected on a prime lens, is good, measuring just -0.34% pincushion on the Imatest™ distortion module, an amount that is indistinguishable with the mark one eyeball.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens Review

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ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM portait lens. “The optical performs of the lens is impressive. By any standards! At the widest apertures it is very good and at f/5.6 it is stunning! And don’t forget that by the time you reach that aperture…

DIGITAL-MODUL-Rauspicousdragon.net have a short review of the Leica R9 and DIGITAL-MODUL-R 10 Megapixel digital back.

“mirror lock-up: this is really how it should be on all cameras. A switch (not a button) on the camera takes you from normal to mirror lock-up mode. In mirror lock-up mode you have to fire the camera twice to take a picture (using any of the shutter triggers or cable releases). The first trip puts the mirror up. The second takes the exposure. This means you have complete control over how long the mirror is up, and you can decide exactly when you want the exposure taken.”

Website: auspicousdragon.net - Leica R9 and DIGITAL-MODUL-R Review

auspicousdragon.net have a short review of the Leica R9 and DIGITAL-MODUL-R 10 Megapixel digital back. “mirror lock-up: this is really how it should be on all cameras. A switch (not a button) on the camera takes you from normal to mirror lock-up mode. In mirror lock-up mode you have to…

Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.

“We have now tried out several Casio digital cameras and we can conclude that Casio is a player to watch out for. The Exilim series is well thought out and fitted with all sorts of innovative solutions. In general, the speed is great and it is typical of Casio that they have succeeded in this. The Casio Exilim Z60 is a handy compact camera with a lot of automatic functionality. It’s not perfect, but its good image quality will be more than enough to satisfy the owners of this camera! “

Website: LetsGoDigital - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z60 camera, which offers 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. “We have now tried out several Casio digital cameras and we can conclude that Casio is a player to watch out for. The Exilim series…

Sony DSC-W100DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Sony DSC-W100, an 8 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens and ISO 1250.

“Introduced in February, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is the new flagship of the W-series point-and-shoot camera line. This compact digital camera keeps traditional elements, such as an optical viewfinder, and merges them with more modern assets, like a 2.5-inch LCD screen and 1/1.8-inch, 8-megapixel imaging sensor. The W100 has a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens on the front of the body and exhibits elements of the W-series makeover that slims the point-and-shoots down to a more portable size while still keeping pace with tradition. For $349, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 offers a redesigned body, a host of automatic modes and a wide ISO range from 64-1250.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Sony DSC-W100 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Sony DSC-W100, an 8 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens and ISO 1250. “Introduced in February, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is the new flagship of the W-series point-and-shoot camera line. This compact digital camera keeps traditional elements, such as an optical viewfinder, and merges them with…

Fujifilm FinePix F30 ZoomDCResource 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.

“It’s not very often where I really become fond of a camera that I review. Usually this happens with expensive digital SLRs that I can only dream about. This time around, I fell in love with a compact camera—the Fuji FinePix F30. While it’s not quite perfect, the F30 won me over with its great high ISO performance, battery life, LCD, and manual controls. It’s a camera that I can recommend without hesitation.”

Website: DCResource - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Review

Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F30 Review

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DCResource 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. “It’s not very often where I really become fond of a camera that I review. Usually this happens with expensive digital SLRs that I can…

Sony DSC-H2DPReview have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera.

“We praised the H1 - Sony’s first foray into this crowded part of the market - as not only a surprisingly mature, well-rounded product, but one offering performance and output that put it very near the top of the tree. The H2 doesn’t add a great deal, but it does offer some minor improvements in image quality, a few new features and a little more resolution. It also has a more usable ISO 200 and ISO 400 (and the option, if you really need it, for ISO 800 / 1000) thanks to a slightly better noise reduction system.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-H2 Review

Website: Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Review

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DPReview have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera. “We praised the H1 - Sony’s first foray into this crowded part of the market - as not only a surprisingly mature, well-rounded product, but one offering performance and output that put it very near the top of the…

Canon Digital IXUS 800 ISImaging Resource have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera).

“Along with its low-light potential, the SD700 IS has several deluxe features that suit its Digital ELPH flagship status. In a relatively slim body, the camera has a 4x optical (35mm-140mm in 35mm equivalent) extending zoom lens that’s fast at f/2.8-f/5.5. The SD700 IS also has Canon’s DIGIC II image processor, a 2.5-inch LCD with decent resolution and a wide-viewing angle, 16 shooting modes, widescreen (16:9) still recording, and a new attractive three-tone design that’s distinctively curved and pleasing to hold.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon SD700 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon SD700 IS Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have published their review of the SD700 IS (also known as the Canon Digital IXUS 800 IS), a 6 megapixel camera with an image stabilized 4x zoom lens (first time on an IXUS camera). “Along with its low-light potential, the SD700 IS has several deluxe features that suit…

CameraTown have published a review of the Exposure plug-in from Alien Skin.

“Alien Skin’s Exposure, announced in January 2006, is a Photoshop compatible plug-in which allows you to give your digital photographs the look and feel of film. In the world of digital photography more and more of our photographs are looking almost too “perfect,” with good exposures, accurate colors, and low noise - at least at lower ISO sensitivities. It is for this reason that many film photographers hesitate on making the switch to digital, and even when they do they still use their film cameras when they want the look, grain, and dynamic range of film. You see, not everyone likes the high contrast, sharp, and clean look of digital still photographs. Many wedding and landscape photographers still shoot with film due to it’s grain, wider dynamic range, and broader range of color. Is a plug-in that retails for $199 worth the price? Read our review to find out.”

Website: CameraTown - Alien Skin Exposure Review

CameraTown have published a review of the Exposure plug-in from Alien Skin. “Alien Skin’s Exposure, announced in January 2006, is a Photoshop compatible plug-in which allows you to give your digital photographs the look and feel of film. In the world of digital photography more and more of our photographs…

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Angus McBeanPresenting a new monthly roundup of all the must-see photography events and exhibitions around the world. Escape the World Cup football, tennis, cycling and multitude of other sporting events during July by visiting some of these fantastic shows.

Website: Photography Events and Exhibitions July 2006

Presenting a new monthly roundup of all the must-see photography events and exhibitions around the world. Escape the World Cup football, tennis, cycling and multitude of other sporting events during July by visiting some of these fantastic shows. Website: Photography Events and Exhibitions July 2006

Nikon Coolpix S6Here are the sample photos from our upcoming review of the Nikon Coolpix S6, a few days before the full review is online. The Nikon S6 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 3 inch LCD and WiFi functionality.

Website: Nikon Coolpix S6 Photos

Here are the sample photos from our upcoming review of the Nikon Coolpix S6, a few days before the full review is online. The Nikon S6 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 3 inch LCD and WiFi functionality. Website: Nikon Coolpix S6 Photos

Bibble 4.8Bibble Labs have reacted quickly to the recent news that Adobe have bought Pixmantec, by offering a discount to RawShooter Premium users.

Bibble Labs Press Release

Pixmantec RawShooter Premium Customers Gain Bibble Power at a Discount - for a Limited Time

AUSTIN TX, (June 27, 2006) - Yesterday, Adobe announced the purchase of Pixmantec ApS technology assets, and noted that RawShooter Premium will be discontinued. As a result, Bibble Labs is announcing a discounted competitive upgrade path for current RawShooter Premium customers. “Adobe’s announcement validates the need for competition amongst RAW Workflow applications like Bibble Pro for photo professionals and enthusiasts alike” says Eric Hyman, president and CEO of Bibble Labs, Inc. “Since our inception in 2000, we’ve been committed to developing the best cross platform RAW Workflow application, and to bringing value to our customers - both current and new - through powerful tools and frequent upgrades and are happy to provide an upgrade path for Pixmantec’s existing customers.”

Bibble Labs have reacted quickly to the recent news that Adobe have bought Pixmantec, by offering a discount to RawShooter Premium users. Bibble Labs Press Release Pixmantec RawShooter Premium Customers Gain Bibble Power at a Discount - for a Limited Time AUSTIN TX, (June 27, 2006) - Yesterday, Adobe announced…

Photodoto takes a look at 6 portable ways to store your photos.

“When you’re on the road and you run out of film, you can pop into almost any nearby store and just buy some more. But what do you do when you run out of space on a digital memory card? They’re also sold just about everywhere, but they’re not nearly as cheap. You could lug a laptop around and transfer files to the hard drive but what do you do if you don’t have a laptop or are loathe to bring something so bulky and expensive on a day trip or vacation? The solution is the portable media storage device. In this article I’ll discuss things to look for when purchasing one of these devices followed by a quick roundup of several popular units.”

Website: Photodoto - Portable photo storage buyer’s guide

Photodoto takes a look at 6 portable ways to store your photos. “When you’re on the road and you run out of film, you can pop into almost any nearby store and just buy some more. But what do you do when you run out of space on a digital…

tow.com has a vey useful article for all MAC users who own a Dual-Core G5 PowerMac with the Nvidia 6600 graphics card and who want to run Apple Aperture more quickly.

“Just purchased a reflashed Nvidia 7800GTX 512MB video card for my Quad. As you might know, the stock 6600 video card that many Dual- Core, Quad-Core PowerMac owners purchased last year is dog slow when running CoreImage intensive applications like Aperture. The 7800GTX makes the program sing compared to the 6600. I’ve posted some videos demonstrating the differences between the two cards on my website.”

Website: tow.com - Aperture and GeForce 7800GTX

tow.com has a vey useful article for all MAC users who own a Dual-Core G5 PowerMac with the Nvidia 6600 graphics card and who want to run Apple Aperture more quickly. “Just purchased a reflashed Nvidia 7800GTX 512MB video card for my Quad. As you might know, the stock 660…

Fujifilm FinePix V10 ZoomImaging Resource have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games!

“The Fujifilm V10 appears to be an entirely new direction for Fujifilm, not really a replacement for any previous model but an attempt to create a new category that mixes a cool design and fun features—the four video games—that might appeal to younger users; with new technology, including Real Photo and high ISOs, with the potential to attract a broad spectrum of users. And, for the most part, Fujifilm seems to hit its marks with this model. Loading it with games is one thing, but Fuji has created an elegant picture-taking machine that’s as fun to hold and look at as it is to shoot with. Image quality, which I’ll address later in this review, is another story. The camera doesn’t always live up to some of its “low-noise” claims.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games! “The Fujifilm V10 appears to be an entirely new direction for Fujifilm, not really a replacement for any previous model but an attempt to create…

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Casio Exilim EX-Z1000Here are the sample photos from our upcoming review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000, a few days before the full review is online. The Casio Z1000 offers 10 megapixels, a 2.8 inch LCD screen and a top IS0 speed of 3200.

Website: Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Photos

Here are the sample photos from our upcoming review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000, a few days before the full review is online. The Casio Z1000 offers 10 megapixels, a 2.8 inch LCD screen and a top IS0 speed of 3200. Website: Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 Photos

iView MediaPro 3Open letter from Yan Calotychos, founder of iView Multimedia

Tuesday June 27, 2006 - Today marks an exciting new chapter for iView and its relationship with our customers. We’re announcing that iView has been acquired and is now part of the Microsoft Corporation. With Microsoft’s purchase of iView, we are in a position to enhance our industry-leading product, whilst strengthening our customer service and support.As digital asset management has become an essential requirement for all creative professionals, many of you have told us that iView MediaPro is a critical component of your business. We take that responsibility very seriously. In my view, this Microsoft acquisition affords us an unprecedented opportunity to be even more responsive to a thriving market and ensure that iView MediaPro continues to perform to its full potential. Our engineering and marketing team here at iView are energized and excited to be joining the Microsoft team, and I personally will continue to be involved in the evolution of the product for years to come.

Open letter from Yan Calotychos, founder of iView Multimedia Tuesday June 27, 2006 - Today marks an exciting new chapter for iView and its relationship with our customers. We’re announcing that iView has been acquired and is now part of the Microsoft Corporation. With Microsoft’s purchase of iView, we are…