PQI Press Release

PQI Releases 0.12 in. Thin Credit Card Sized Card Drive(TM) with 16GB Capacity

FREMONT, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 7, 2006—PQI Corporation, a leading manufacturer of digital media solutions, today introduced Card Drive(TM) U510, a state of the art portable storage device with breakthrough in USB technology and innovative design. The drive itself is only 0.12 in. thin credit card sized, holds a maximum capacity of 16GB. Card Drive(TM) uses PQI’s own patented Intelligent Stick technology; it is compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 ports. The Card Drive(TM) with Intelligent Stick retractable connector can be stowed away to retain a credit card format. “For consumers who crave for flash based storage device with large storage capacity and sleek design, Card Drive(TM) is the perfect choice,” said Lindy Chan, Product Manager of USB Drive at PQI. With 16GB capacity, Card Drive(TM) is many times the storage capacity of the largest USB drive available on the market today. Light and durable, its shock proof and low power consumption characteristics outweigh traditional hard drives.

Bonusprint Press Release

Bonusprint has launched an online World Cup photo album for football fans to share their pictures of joy and despair, at www.bonusprint.co.uk/worldcup2006 . To enter an image, fans should send their picture to [email protected]. Each week the best photo will be picked and the winner will get the choice of eleven photo mugs, t-shirts or poster prints, bearing the winning image – enough for their own team! The overall winner will be announced on July 13, 2006 and will get their own photo canvas of ‘the ultimate photo to remember the World Cup 2006’ and a crate of beer to share with friends.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to announce today that it will launch a 4GB* SDHC (SD High-Capacity) Memory Card based on the new SD Specification Version 2.00. This latest specification was established to meet the growing demand for HD (High Definition) video and high-resolution image recording now used in many SD-enabled devices. Sales of the memory card worldwide are scheduled to begin in August.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic is pleased to announce today that it will launch a new SD Memory Card lineup compliant with the Class 2 SD Speed Class specification designated by the SD Card Association. Sales of the new lineup are scheduled to begin in August 2006. The SD Speed Class specifications were established to standardize data transfer speeds (Class 2, Class 4, and Class 6, with guaranteed increases in speed from one class to the next), instead of relying on the different standards of individual manufacturers.

Epson UK Press Release

Epson introduces the EMP-S4, a versatile 3LCD video projector that provides office and classroom users with improved brightness and greater performance at an affordable price.

08th June 2006 – Epson’s EMP-S4 projector offers sharp, clear images and outstanding brightness.  It features 1800 ANSI lumens, a contrast ratio of 500:1, an A/V mute slide and quick start up/shut down time. The projector also comes with the latest in 3LCD technology, ensuring smooth, natural images and excellent colour reproduction. With a native SVGA resolution and the highest level of brightness is the result of Epson’s Twin Optimise Reflection Lamp (E-TORL) technology - a high performance lens that gathers and projects light efficiently, eliminates light-leakage and minimises light diffraction. This means that the EMP-S4 can be used in the brightest of environments, without compromising image quality.

CNET have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix P4, which offers a 3.5x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36mm-126mm on a 35mm film camera, vibration reduction, aperture-priority mode and and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“This 8-megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera is a nonwireless version of the Nikon Coolpix P3. With the exception of Wi-Fi capabilities, the two cameras are identical in design, image quality, performance, and features.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix P4 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix P4 Review

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Nikon UK Press Release

Wednesday June 7, 2006 - Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of two new themed product kits which have been especially tailored to suit the different interests of digital SLR users. Both kits are ideally twinned with the purchase of a Nikon D50 or D70s, Nikon’s award winning digital SLR cameras. For a limited period, photography enthusiasts will be able to purchase these kits complete with all the essential equipment needed for capturing impressive images which have been especially tailored, to meet their individual needs. A family and travel kit has been produced, to enable photographers of all levels to take advantage of having a ready made kit, containing all the essential photographic items.

Samsung Press Release

To renovate its brand image, Samsung is newly launching the i6PMP Limited Edition Titanium. The Limited Edition Titanium scheduled to be launched at the end of June is a special edition product, combining the Digimax i6PMP released last February with a titanium cover for added value. The titanium cover used for the i6PMP Limited Edition Titanium is scratch resistant and strong against corrosion caused by certain things like salt water; it is one of the best materials that can be used as a camera body. Its unique packaging design and accessories different from the i6PMP also catches the eye of the consumer and makes this limited edition more valuable.

HP have issued a firmware update for the Photosmart R707 digital camera. Apparently the R707 “can cause certain non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Duracell CP-1, to overheat when the camera is connected to an AC adapter or docking station, posing a fire hazard”. There has been one report of a camera actually catching fire, prompting HP’s action. You can actually fix the issue by downloading a new firmware update (links below).

Website: CSPC - Hewlett-Packard Company Recalls Digital Cameras Due to Fire Hazard, Offers Download Fix

Website: HP R707 v2.00.24 Firmware Update (Windows)

Website: HP R707 v2.00.24 Firmware Update (MAC)

Medea International Press Release

Medea International introduces the new Peach ‘Snap and Print’ inkjet cartridge system, the solution to cutting HP, Canon and Lexmark printing costs AND maintaining quality. The Peach ‘Snap and Print’ system incorporates a re-useable print head so you only need to replace the ink tank and not the whole cartridge.  Tests have proven that original print heads can be used more than 25 times so why throw it away after one use?  Because you are only replacing the ink tank and not the whole cartridge you are saving more and more money each time. The Peach ‘Snap and Print’ system incorporates a brand new manufacturer’s print head ensuring maximum compatibility and only requiring the snap-in ink tank to be replaced, not the entire print cartridge.  This means , if you by a Peach Snap and Print cartridge for your HP printer your getting a genuine HP print head on the cartridge.

DigitalCameraInfo have interviewed with Mark Weir, Senior Product Manager for Digital SLR Cameras, about the new 10.2 megapixel Sony DSLR-A100 camera.

“DCI:
In your opinion, what do you think will make Sony’s SLR attempt successful when Konica Minolta’s was not?

Mark Weir:
Well I don’t know that Konica Minolta’s was not. Konica Minolta had a strong and enthusiastic following for some time. To say that they were unsuccessful, probably isn’t a point of view that I would espouse. I would say that they didn’t have as much share as other, rivals that did, but I wouldn’t say that they did not succeed.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Sony Alpha Interview

FujiFilm USA Press Release

Protective Housing for FinePix A400 and A500 Digital Camera Models; Perfect for Summertime Fun!

Valhalla, NY, June 7, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc., today unveiled the new, custom-made ‘Aquamask’ – a protective housing designed specifically for Fujifilm’s FinePix A400 and A500 digital cameras. The Aquamask is a tough, protective shell that allows for full digital camera operation as it protects the models from sand, dust and dirt, plus water up to a depth of 10 feet. As the summertime approaches, Fujifilm’s Aquamask is a smart, complementary companion to the FinePix A400 and A500 and is one of the few protective, waterproof casings available for entry-level digital cameras. Sporting fun, light green color accents, the Aquamask is ideal for families who spend their summer days engaged in a myriad of outdoor activities.

CNET have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L3, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD.

“The Nikon Coolpix L3 is the midrange member of Nikon’s simple, inexpensive L-series digital cameras. The 5-megapixel camera sports a 3X optical zoom lens, a handful of useful scene modes, and a small price tag. It’s not the fastest, sharpest, or sleekest digital camera on the market, but this little shooter produces good-looking images for the price.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix L3 Review

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CNET have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix L4, a 4 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD.

“The Nikon Coolpix L4 is the least expensive of Nikon’s low-end L-series line of digital cameras. The L4 has a small, 4-megapixel sensor, a 3X optical zoom lens, and a handful of scene preset modes but few high-end settings. Though slow and not very versatile, it puts out some pretty good pictures for its price.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix L4 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigiCamReview have reviewed the new 10x zoom, 5 megapixel, compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 digital camera.

“Image quality is very good, the images have good colour (rich colours, highly saturated), with good contrast and generally good detail, although noise is high and detail is lost when ISO settings are increased. Images were slightly softer than I would have liked, however isn’t a major problem. Best results were achieved outside on sunny days, but inside noise was noticably high. Purple fringing was quite low unless the full zoom was used, and red-eye was not a problem. Exposure seemed very good inside and outside. The camera was generally very competent at focusing thanks to the focus assist lamp. I did not notice vignetting, or barrel or pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes, aspect ratios, and compression options. Auto white balance seemed to be good. The camera doesn’t give you very many options to customise images - there are no sharpness or contrast controls for example. The camera’s built in optical image stabilisation is effective and helps get blur free photos in low light or when using the zoom.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review

Website: Read my Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraReview have the first online review of the new Kodak Easyshare V603 camera, which offer 6.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, and available for $299.95.

“The V603 is one of the fastest operating Kodak cameras that I’ve used recently. Shutter lag was very good (almost instantaneous when focus lock already achieved). Cycle time was also very good, even with the flash enabled. In fact, this led to some odd behavior—after repeated quick shots, the camera was “allowed” to capture the shot before the flash had a chance to recharge. Not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but definitely interesting.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - Kodak Easyshare V603 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The winners of the May 2006 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been announced. The theme for May was “The Past” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
“Stevie” by Rangy Lil
View this entry

ShutterPoint.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by ShutterPoint.
http://www.shutterpoint.com

The Sony DSLR-A100 is announced. Despite several websites leaking the news ahead of schedule (including Sony themselves), Sony has now unveiled the 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR and a wide range of lenses and accessories to go with it. With built-in image stabilisation and dust-removale features, the new Sony A100 certainly looks like it has what it takes to challenge the likes of Canon and Nikon in the mid-range DSLR market, proving that it is more than simpy a re-badged Konica Minolta. With a price-tag of $900 body-only and $1000 for the body and 18-70mm kit lens, the Sony A100 is also competitively priced.

Sony Press Release

SAN DIEGO, June 5, 2006 — Sony is jumping into the digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera market with today’s introduction of the a (alpha) DSLR-A100 system. The system combines advanced SLR features with other Sony digital imaging innovations. With its 10.2-megapixel APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A100 camera is expected to have the highest resolution available in its class. It will be introduced with 19 high-quality Sony lenses, and will be compatible with most of the former Konica-Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses. The system will include a wide range of accessories as well. Sony developed a new Dynamic Range Optimizer image analysis technology to provide exceptional picture quality and natural color reproduction, along with a new Bionz image processing engine. This new engine supports a continuous burst mode for fast-action shooting and performs intelligent power management.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

Oberkochen/Germany, 06.06.2006 - The scientific expertise of Carl Zeiss in camera optics and the industry-leading position of Sony in the consumer electronics market offer a solid foundation for expanding the existing cooperation in the field of DSC and Camcorders into the field of digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLR). The first Sony DSLR camera with Carl Zeiss inter- changeable lenses is the Sony ALPHA, also launched today. “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Sony, the world leader in consumer electronics. We consider this collaboration as an important step into the DSLR market,” comments Dr. Winfried Scherle, General Manager & Vice President Carl Zeiss AG Camera Lens Division. “Sony’s technological expertise and under- standing of consumer markets combined with Carl Zeiss’ proven proficiency of optics and lens solutions makes us a strong team.”

“All right me ol’son, who want’s a shiny new digital camera? I’ve got the latest 5 Megapixel model goin’ for a steal. I mean it’d cost me more in petrol to drive to the warehouse and back to nick you one of these. They’ve got a pop out zoom for crystal clear close ups of every ‘air on Uncle Alberts ‘ead, they’re that good! Now they sell in the shops for an ‘undred nicker, but I won’t even ask you for half that! I’m not even asking for forty! If you give me thirty five quid, I’ll even give you a penny change. And for the ladies I’ve a lovely pink slimline model to match those mobile phones I sold you last week. And I’ll even do these cameras at a special price of £24.99. Rodders has even bought one for Cassandra, haven’t you?”

If the above statement sounds too good to be true, let me assure you it’s not. However, it’s not Del Boy from “Only Fools and Horses” doing the selling, but UK high street chain Superdrug! They are offering the Vivitar 5385, a de-featured Pentax Optio 50 clone with a 1.75 inch LCD,  for the amazing price quoted above, because they’re clearing out all digital cameras at half price.