News

Sunday, June 4, 2006

KODAK EASYSHARE V610Don’t want to browse our entire list of over 100 reviews? Then take a look at our guide to the Best Digital Cameras, which represents what we currently think are the best cameras in each price category. Note that this guide will constantly be updated to reflect the ever-changing digital camera marketplace, so make sure to check back often.

Don’t want to browse our entire list of over 100 reviews? Then take a look at our guide to the Best Digital Cameras, which represents what we currently think are the best cameras in each price category. Note that this guide will constantly be updated to reflect the ever-changing digital…

Saturday, June 3, 2006

Saturday ShoutIn this week’s Saturday Shout we’re coming over all introspective and asking you, our loyal readers, what we can do to improve PhotographyBLOG. Is there something that you’d really like to see, or something that you’d like us to do differently? Good or bad, long or short, this is your opportunity to help make PhotographyBLOG a better place. And you never know, we might actually implement some of the best ideas. So make your voice heard and shout out now…

In this week’s Saturday Shout we’re coming over all introspective and asking you, our loyal readers, what we can do to improve PhotographyBLOG. Is there something that you’d really like to see, or something that you’d like us to do differently? Good or bad, long or short, this is your…

Friday, June 2, 2006

HP LogoHP Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO, May 31, 2006 - Driving growth across its $25 billion imaging and printing business, HP today announced a fleet of products for fall, the expansion of its Halo Collaboration Studio business and two company milestones. HP rolled out more than 100 imaging and printing products for the home and home office, including six HP Photosmart printers and all-in-ones based on the company’s scalable printing technology to deliver the industry’s fastest printing speeds(1) at affordable prices - as low as $129(2); HP’s first printer with a touch-activated image display for an easy-to-use, kiosk-like printing experience in the home; the industry’s first compact photo printer capable of storing up to 4,000 photos; and four ultra-compact digital cameras.

HP Press Release SAN FRANCISCO, May 31, 2006 - Driving growth across its $25 billion imaging and printing business, HP today announced a fleet of products for fall, the expansion of its Halo Collaboration Studio business and two company milestones. HP rolled out more than 100 imaging and printing products…

CanonCanon UK Press Release

LONDON, 31 May, 2006 – Canon Europe’s position as a leading provider of imaging technology solutions has been reconfirmed by IDC, ahead of the release of the industry analyst’s forthcoming Western European digital camera market forecast report , in which Canon is positioned as the 2005 market leader for the fourth consecutive year. The forthcoming IDC sector report will show that, despite increased market competition, Canon has retained the No.1 position in 2005 and claims 16.5% of the overall Western European digital camera market, which saw total shipments of 27 million units (up from 25 million in 2004). IDC has calculated combined sales for Canon in 2005 of more than 4 million units for SLR (D-SLR) and compact digital cameras, allowing the company to double its lead over closest competitor Sony from 2.8% to 5.6%.

Canon UK Press Release LONDON, 31 May, 2006 – Canon Europe’s position as a leading provider of imaging technology solutions has been reconfirmed by IDC, ahead of the release of the industry analyst’s forthcoming Western European digital camera market forecast report , in which Canon is positioned as the 200…

InfoTrends/CAP VenturesInfoTrends Press Release

(Weymouth, MA) May, 31 2006… InfoTrends, the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry, announced today the appointment of Alan Bullock as Associate Director of the Internet Imaging Trends Service. Mr. Bullock will focus on the online photo services market and the mobile imaging and camera phone markets, as well as other technologies combining images and the Internet. He will also be responsible for producing market forecasts, conducting primary research studies, and identifying industry trends.

InfoTrends Press Release (Weymouth, MA) May, 31 2006… InfoTrends, the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry, announced today the appointment of Alan Bullock as Associate Director of the Internet Imaging Trends Service. Mr. Bullock will focus on the online photo…

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Nkon D2xsNikon UK Press Release

Thursday June 1, 2006 - Nikon’s latest digital SLR, the D2xs, combines 12.4 effective megapixels, superb precision and high speed for a powerful professional performance. Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D2xs professional digital SLR camera, following the success of the award-winning Nikon D2x. While the Nikon D2xs shares many features with its predecessor, the new model boasts an array of refinements that enhance performance and improve the user experience. Such features include, refined viewfinder performance; a new LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle; significantly increased battery life; and a wide range of firmware enhancements.

Nikon UK Press Release Thursday June 1, 2006 - Nikon’s latest digital SLR, the D2xs, combines 12.4 effective megapixels, superb precision and high speed for a powerful professional performance. Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D2xs professional digital SLR camera, following the success of the award-winning…

Nikon Camera Control ProNikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce its new Camera Control Pro remote control software which allows users to control many digital SLR functions remotely from a PC. The new software succeeds Nikon’s Capture 4 Camera Control, released in 2003, and includes advanced features such as “Viewer”, providing substantial operational improvement. Nikon Camera Control Pro is compatible with Nikon’s latest software, including Capture NX (to be released in summer 2006), allowing for smoother image processing from shooting to transfer and storage. Release date is July 2006, price is £29.99 / €44.00.

Nikon UK Press Release Nikon UK is pleased to announce its new Camera Control Pro remote control software which allows users to control many digital SLR functions remotely from a PC. The new software succeeds Nikon’s Capture 4 Camera Control, released in 2003, and includes advanced features such as “Viewer”…

Nikon Image Authentication SoftwareNikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce a new Image Authentication Software application which is designed exclusively for use with the Nikon D2Xs digital SLR. The software enables users to determine whether an image has been altered since capture. Image data can be used for verifying image authenticity by law enforcement and other government agencies, the media, insurance companies and has a variety of other business applications. Verification results are displayed as a list on a PC screen with selected images displayed as thumbnails within the same screen. Release date is July 2006, price £399.99 / €589.

Nikon UK Press Release Nikon UK is pleased to announce a new Image Authentication Software application which is designed exclusively for use with the Nikon D2Xs digital SLR. The software enables users to determine whether an image has been altered since capture. Image data can be used for verifying image…

iView MediaPro 3iView Multimedia Press Release

iView Multimedia has released iView MediaPro 3.1 for both Windows and Macintosh. MediaPro is now a Universal application and runs natively on Intel-based Macs. Version 3.1 also features the new Notepad Tool, designed to enable communication between creative professionals and their clients.

iView Multimedia Press Release iView Multimedia has released iView MediaPro 3.1 for both Windows and Macintosh. MediaPro is now a Universal application and runs natively on Intel-based Macs. Version 3.1 also features the new Notepad Tool, designed to enable communication between creative professionals and their clients.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Fujifilm FinePix Z3 ZoomFujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm FinePix Z3 Zoom: a stylish addition to Fujifilm’s ‘Z’ range of digital cameras that will appeal to gadget-loving girls. 

30 May 2006 - Fujifilm today announced the launch of its new FinePix Z3 Zoom, an ultra-chic compact digital camera, available in some cutting-edge colours - silver, metallic blue and light pink. The Fujifilm Z3 Zoom will have particular appeal to female digital camera owners who have felt that performance is frequently sacrificed for the sake of style – it is accomplished enough to capture images of impressive quality, but small enough to fit into the tiniest of handbags. The distinctive design is only part of the story; the big news is that Fujifilm’s renowned Super CCD sensor, combined with the company’s Real Photo Technology Processor II, spells the end for spoiled shots.

Fujifilm UK Press Release Fujifilm FinePix Z3 Zoom: a stylish addition to Fujifilm’s ‘Z’ range of digital cameras that will appeal to gadget-loving girls. 30 May 2006 - Fujifilm today announced the launch of its new FinePix Z3 Zoom, an ultra-chic compact digital camera, available in some cutting-edge colours -…

PFS BrowserProFotoSoftware Press Release

London United Kingdom, 29th May 2006 - ProFotoSoftware Ltd have today released a major update to PFS Browser - their free image browser for Windows. This new version features a demo of the RAW Plugin for the Browser - using this plugin, PFS Browser is now a fully featured RAW Image Processor, rather than just an image browser. PFS Browser supports all the major image formats, including the RAW formats from most camera manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Pentax and Olympus. A demo version of the RAW Plugin is included with PFS Browser and the full plugin can be purchased at the introductory price of just $9.99 USD.

For full details, visit http://www.profotosoftware.com

ProFotoSoftware Press Release London United Kingdom, 29th May 2006 - ProFotoSoftware Ltd have today released a major update to PFS Browser - their free image browser for Windows. This new version features a demo of the RAW Plugin for the Browser - using this plugin, PFS Browser is now a…

PUBPAT Press Release

Patent Asserted Against JPEG Standard Rejected by Patent Office as Result of PUBPAT Request: Public Interest Group’s Review Results in Broadest Claims of Forgent Networks Patent Being Ruled Invalid

NEW YORK—May 26, 2006—In the reexamination proceeding initiated late last year by the Public Patent Foundation (“PUBPAT”), the United States Patent and Trademark Office has rejected the broadest claims of the patent Forgent Networks (Nasdaq: FORG) is asserting against the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) international standard for the electronic sharing of photo-quality images. In its Office Action released yesterday, the Patent Office found that the prior art submitted by PUBPAT completely anticipated the broadest claims of the patent, U.S. Patent No. 4,698,672 (the ‘672 Patent).

PUBPAT Press Release Patent Asserted Against JPEG Standard Rejected by Patent Office as Result of PUBPAT Request: Public Interest Group’s Review Results in Broadest Claims of Forgent Networks Patent Being Ruled Invalid NEW YORK—May 26, 2006—In the reexamination proceeding initiated late last year by the Public Patent Foundation (“PUBPAT”), the…

Fluid MaskPhoto-i have just reviewed Fluid Mask, a Photoshop plugin for cutting out objects.

“The single thing that I like most about digital photography is being able to cut out an object or person and place them in a new photograph. Depending on your software, cutting out and masking skills, you can produce a very accurate cut out and still retain the finest of hair detail. An item of software that recently came to my attention was Vertus Fluid Mask 2.0, a Photoshop plug in that allows you to quickly create very complex masks. The software is available for both Mac OSX and Windows XP. Let’s put this software through some tough tests and see how it compares to some other offerings.”

Website: Photo-i - Fluid Mask Review

Photo-i have just reviewed Fluid Mask, a Photoshop plugin for cutting out objects. “The single thing that I like most about digital photography is being able to cut out an object or person and place them in a new photograph. Depending on your software, cutting out and masking skills, you…

Olympus mju 810DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body.

“The Stylus 810 is yet another versatile “water resistant” model to add to Olympus’ already popular line. It features almost identical specs with its sibling the Stylus 710, but increases resolution to 8-megapixels, more advanced use of its Image Stabilization mode as well as a beefier body. Shared features include a 3x optical zoom lens, high quality VGA-size movie mode, and large 2.5-inch LCD. This is a point-n-shoot model that can be used by just about any member of your home or office. The Auto and scene modes are perfect for those who like to take great pictures without dealing with exposure settings, while its Program exposure mode gives the novice user a bit more control with access to settings like ISO, Metering, AF mode, White balance, etc.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus mju 810 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first online review of the Olympus mju 810 digital camera, which offers 8 megapixels, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, and a stainless steel, weatherproof body. “The Stylus 810 is yet another versatile “water resistant” model to add to Olympus’ already popular line. It features…

Sony DSC-H5CNET 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.

“Step-up snapshooters, soccer moms, and even some advanced amateurs will find that the Cyber Shot DSC-H5 has a lot to offer. The huge zoom range is great for occasions when you want versatility but don’t want to lug around a DSLR and a ton of lenses. Plus, the wide maximum aperture of f/2.8, along with the image stabilization, helps in low light. Unfortunately, this camera’s higher ISOs yields so much noise that picky low-light shooters will want to look elsewhere.”

Website: CNET - Sony DSC-H5 Review

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CNET 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. “Step-up snapshooters, soccer moms, and even some advanced amateurs will find that the Cyber Shot DSC-H5 has a lot to offer. The huge zoom range is great…

Casio EX-S600DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Casio EX-S600, a 6 megapixel ultra-slim digital camera with a movie stabilizer function that reduces camera shake when recording movies.

“The conclusion is that the camera is extremely thin and small, yet provides ample space for camera handling. The 6 Mp CCD delivers adequate image resolution for amateur use, but the lens needs a general improvement to meet the requirements. In general, the EX-S600 performs fairly well in terms of image quality, with precise exposure, reliable white balance and well controlled image noise at sensitivities from ISO 50 to 400. Unfortunately, the LCD is rather small, with low resolution and there is no optical viewfinder available. All in all, an average camera in an extremely compact housing.”

Website: Digit.no - Casio EX-S600 Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Casio EX-S600, a 6 megapixel ultra-slim digital camera with a movie stabilizer function that reduces camera shake when recording movies. “The conclusion is that the camera is extremely thin and small, yet provides ample space for camera handling. The 6 Mp…

Sony DSC-H5DCResource 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.

“Even with a few flaws, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is still one of the best ultra zoom cameras on the market. It offers a high resolution sensor (with low noise levels through ISO 400), a 12X zoom lens, optical image stabilization, and an enormous 3-inch LCD display. Downsides are few, and they include above average purple fringing and a so-so continuous shooting mode.”

Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-H5 Review

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DCResource 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. “Even with a few flaws, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 is still one of the best ultra zoom cameras on the market. It offers a high resolution sensor…

Samsung GX-1SDIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.

Website: Fotoaparat - Samsung GX-1S Review

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DIWA member and Czech website Fotoaparat have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount. Website: Fotoaparat - Samsung GX-1S Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Sony Cybershot DSC-T30Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos.

“Sony’s Cyber-shot T-series of digital cameras have proven popular in the market thanks to their slim, compact bodies and ease of use while still allowing a fair degree of control over photos. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T30 builds on that heritage, as an update to the existing DSC-T9 model.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cybershot DSC-T30 Review

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Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Sony Cybershot DSC-T30, a 7.2 megapixel camera with a 3 inch LCD screen, image stabilisation and high sensitivity mode (ISO 1000) to help avoid blurry photos. “Sony’s Cyber-shot T-series of digital cameras have proven popular in the market thanks to their slim, compact bodies…

Olympus mju 700DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body.

“Image stabilisation is always welcome, but when you compare this to the competing cameras on the market, you see that models with optical image stabilisation have a big advantage. This system works the best, something that works to the Olympus Mju 700’s disadvantage. Olympus has taken the first step by recognising the added value of image stabilisation in a compact digital camera. If the next generation of compact digital cameras from Olympus have optical image stabilisation, the journey will be complete.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus mju 700 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body. “Image stabilisation is always welcome, but when you compare this to the competing cameras on the…