News
ByteSector have reviewed the new Samsung SPP-2020 6x4” compact photo printer, which uses Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology to produce water and fade resistant 4” x 6” prints in 60 seconds.
“I tested this printer with images taken with various digital cameras; Canon Digital Rebel XT, Konica Minolta Z3, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20, just to name a few. No matter the camera or its megapixel capture capacity, the photos the printer printed out were fantastic in colour and detail at the 4”x6” size. This is not to say that if you have a cheap quality digital camera that captured a horrible image with unbalanced colours that this printer could somehow make it pretty. The pictures came out more naturally colorful compared to what you might see on the monitor, bringing more life to the overall image.”
ByteSector have reviewed the new Samsung SPP-2020 6x4” compact photo printer, which uses Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology to produce water and fade resistant 4” x 6” prints in 60 seconds. “I tested this printer with images taken with various digital cameras; Canon Digital Rebel XT, Konica Minolta Z3, Panasonic…
The Kodak Easyshare V610 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with a difference - it has two lenses rather than the usual one. The V610 is the second Kodak camera to feature the company’s Dual Lens Technology. This time it offers a 38-114mm lens and a 130-380mm lens for a total 10X optical zoom range. In addition the Kodak V610 has a 2.8 inch LCD screen, Bluetooth support, 180-degree panorama mode, advanced video with built-in image stabilization and 23 different scene modes, all in a body that is just 2.3cms thick. Read my review to find out if the Kodak V610 is the ultimate compact camera.
Website: Kodak Easyshare V610 Review
The Kodak Easyshare V610 is a 6 megapixel digital camera with a difference - it has two lenses rather than the usual one. The V610 is the second Kodak camera to feature the company’s Dual Lens Technology. This time it offers a 38-114mm lens and a 130-380mm lens for a…
Fujifilm Press Release
May 17, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori, hereinafter Fujifilm) announced today that from June 2006 onward, it will implement worldwide price increases for its photosensitive material products. The rapid digitalization of photography has created harsh market conditions for the photo imaging business. To sustain its photo imaging business, Fujifilm is undertaking intensive structural reforms, but despite efforts to reduce fixed costs and improve productivity, it no longer can absorb the soaring costs of silver, oil and other raw materials.
Fujifilm Press Release May 17, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori, hereinafter Fujifilm) announced today that from June 2006 onward, it will implement worldwide price increases for its photosensitive material products. The rapid digitalization of photography has created harsh market conditions for the photo…
Nikon Press Release
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce strong results for the year end, 31st March 2006, which have exceeded original expectations.
• Net sales increased from 638.5 at the end of March 2005 to 730.9 at the end of March 2006.
• Operating income increased from 30.5 at the end of March 2005 to 66.6 at the end of March 2006.
• Net income increased from 24.1 at the end of March 2005 to 28.9 at the end of March 2006. (Units: billions of Yen)
• 1.34 million SLR cameras were sold in the fiscal year to March 2006, up from 1.05 million the previous year.
• 7.11 million compact digital cameras were sold in the fiscal year to March 2006, up from 5.56 million the previous year.
Nikon Press Release Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce strong results for the year end, 31st March 2006, which have exceeded original expectations. • Net sales increased from 638.5 at the end of March 2005 to 730.9 at the end of March 2006. • Operating income increased from 30.5 at…
Micron Technology Press Release
BOISE, Idaho—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 18, 2006— The world of digital cameras just got bigger and smaller at the same time. Using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron Technology (NYSE:MU), Inc., has built the world’s first 8-megapixel image sensor in a 1/2.5-inch optical format, the standard size for mainstream digital cameras. This new sensor comes loaded with features and functionality that will catapult Micron-equipped cameras into the next generation of digital cameras featuring high-resolution still images, ultra-fast image capture and vibrant high-definition video. The company today unveiled a prototype of an 8-megapixel image sensor that packs a punch with incredible capture rates at full resolution and stunning high-definition (HD) video capture. Because of its high resolution, the sensor captures large, crisp pictures (11-inch by 14-inch) or can be used to zoom-in and print just a portion of the image without sacrificing image quality.
Micron Technology Press Release BOISE, Idaho—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 18, 2006— The world of digital cameras just got bigger and smaller at the same time. Using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron Technology (NYSE:MU), Inc., has built the world’s first 8-megapixel image sensor in a 1/2.5-inch optical format, the standard size for…
Stamps.com Press Release
LOS ANGELES, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Stamps.com (Nasdaq:STMP), a leading provider of Internet-based postage services, today announced the availability of PhotoStamps(R) from within Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) CS2, Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Album Starter Edition software. The launch of PhotoStamps for Business, also announced today, will now allow users of the Photoshop family of products to easily design and use PhotoStamps to create awareness for their products or services, to build their brand, or for other commercial uses.
Stamps.com Press Release LOS ANGELES, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Stamps.com (Nasdaq:STMP), a leading provider of Internet-based postage services, today announced the availability of PhotoStamps(R) from within Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) CS2, Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Album Starter Edition software. The launch of PhotoStamps for Business, also announced today, will now allow users of the…
Sony Electronics Press Release
New VAIO UX Model Combines Micro-Portable Design with Smooth Functionality
SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2006 – Sony Electronics today introduced the VAIO® UX Micro PC, placing full-size computer performance in a pocket-sized package. Weighing just over a pound, the new PC has a Microsoft® XP Professional operating system and an Intel® Core™ Solo Ultra Low Voltage CPU for fast processing and long battery life. The UX model also features a 4.5-inch wide SVGA screen with XBRITE™ technology for viewing that slides up to expose an integrated keyboard. This allows you to access familiar applications easily in the same way you would on a full-sized computer. The pocket-sized PC also comes equipped with a stylus and Sony’s VAIO touch launcher for quick access to functions frequently used such as Internet access, e-mail, various computer applications, games and music. Just push the launcher button located on the side of the unit.
Sony Electronics Press Release New VAIO UX Model Combines Micro-Portable Design with Smooth Functionality SAN DIEGO, May 16, 2006 – Sony Electronics today introduced the VAIO® UX Micro PC, placing full-size computer performance in a pocket-sized package. Weighing just over a pound, the new PC has a Microsoft® XP Professional…
Imation Press Release
Imation’s new Flash Drive plays a pivotal role in providing rugged security - Resilient drive will protect important files and applications from damage
Bracknell, 17 May 2006 - Imation, a leading supplier of removable data storage media, has today announced the launch of its new Pivot Flash Drive. Set in a tough rubberised, water-resistant shell and designed with a reinforced ring, the Imation Pivot Flash Drive offers high capacity and file encryption in a durable form. The Imation Pivot Flash Drive is also protected with a pivot cap to prevent loss and includes an ultra-sturdy keychain clip.
Imation Press Release Imation’s new Flash Drive plays a pivotal role in providing rugged security - Resilient drive will protect important files and applications from damage Bracknell, 17 May 2006 - Imation, a leading supplier of removable data storage media, has today announced the launch of its new Pivot Flash…
PMA UK Press Release
Manufacturers and importers are to be banned from bringing cameras and other photographic equipment made using lead solder into the UK after the end of June. According to the DTI, electrical and electronic products are “placed on the EU market” as soon as they leave the point of manufacture in the EU or clear customs in the EU and, with effect from July 1st, “placing them on the market” will be banned. However, provided no further work, of any sort, is performed on them after July 1st 2006 products already in stock in the UK can still be sold. The restrictions are contained in an EC directive which bans the use of lead solder and other materials in new electrical and electronic equipment and which has already led to the demise of cameras such as Hasselblad’s XPan and Pentax’s 67 and 645 models.
PMA UK Press Release Manufacturers and importers are to be banned from bringing cameras and other photographic equipment made using lead solder into the UK after the end of June. According to the DTI, electrical and electronic products are “placed on the EU market” as soon as they leave the…
DxO Labs Press Release
DxO Labs adds highly sought-after camera and lens combinations to its DxO Optics Pro offerings
Paris, France, May 17, 2006 – DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro v3.55 Digital SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement software now supports the recently released Canon EOS 30D Digital Single-lens Reflex (SLR) camera. Existing users of either DxO Optics Pro Elite or Standard versions can add support for the Canon EOS 30D free of charge from the DxO Optics Pro Web site. DxO Optics Pro v3.55 is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users.
DxO Labs Press Release DxO Labs adds highly sought-after camera and lens combinations to its DxO Optics Pro offerings Paris, France, May 17, 2006 – DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro v3.55 Digital SLR and lens automatic image quality enhancement software now supports the recently released Canon EOS…
Photography Laureates Press Release
As part of John Warton’s evaluation of photographs at photography laureates, he has a basic rule. The photograph must speak for itself; regardless of the photographer, the equipment, or the history of the shoot.
(PRWEB) May 17, 2006—John Warton actively works at reviewing and evaluating photography submissions for a photography association called photography laureates (www.photolaureates.org). He sometimes reads skeptical comments in Internet forums, some from professional photographers, which sometimes doubt his ability to judge photographs. Does photography only belong to professionals? Can professionals decide what is publishable or not on behalf of amateurs? John says, “The answer is a resounding ‘no!’ Inflexible and rigid professional photographers have laid down certain ‘rules’ and then, being a certain sort that they are, call them ‘guidelines’ and see themselves as rule-makers of some sort. I say to them: Diversity is a source of creation. I embrace the diversity of the creations of my fellow amateur photographers, their passion and interpretation of the thousands of daily instances that make our lives memorable. They deserve the promotion and exposure that I work on getting for the most talented of them.”
Photography Laureates Press Release As part of John Warton’s evaluation of photographs at photography laureates, he has a basic rule. The photograph must speak for itself; regardless of the photographer, the equipment, or the history of the shoot. (PRWEB) May 17, 2006—John Warton actively works at reviewing and evaluating photography…
Kodak UK Press Release
New Capture Software release offers enhanced functionality for KODAK document scanners
o New search, retrieval, share, security, and scan-to-email capabilities included
o Enables optimum scanner throughput and maximises operator productivity
May 16th, 2006 — Eastman Kodak Company today announces the availability of KODAK Capture Software , version 6.9, the latest release of its production scanning application for the electronic capture of documents. Designed specifically to unleash the full capabilities of all KODAK scanners, it is an intuitive, easy-to-use yet powerful front end capture application for enterprise content management, imaging, forms processing and workflow applications, as well as a standalone solution.
Kodak UK Press Release New Capture Software release offers enhanced functionality for KODAK document scanners o New search, retrieval, share, security, and scan-to-email capabilities included o Enables optimum scanner throughput and maximises operator productivity May 16th, 2006 — Eastman Kodak Company today announces the availability of KODAK Capture Software …
PopPhoto have a great article about photographer Joel Meyerowitz conversion to printing with inkjets instead of C-prints or dye transfers.
“Anyone who has spent time in the darkroom knows the struggles and the tradeoffs of traditional printing. I think that contemporary digital printing, together with Photoshop, gives you the opportunity to recast certain pictures that were at best a compromise—prints where you had just a few seconds to move your hands in the light and, hopefully, open up some little corner that you were worried might go too dark. But there was never enough time.”
Website: PopPhoto - Inkjet Printing Lessons from Joel Meyerowitz
PopPhoto have a great article about photographer Joel Meyerowitz conversion to printing with inkjets instead of C-prints or dye transfers. “Anyone who has spent time in the darkroom knows the struggles and the tradeoffs of traditional printing. I think that contemporary digital printing, together with Photoshop, gives you the opportunity…
DCResource have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix P3 camera, which offers 8.1 megapixels, 3.5x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD.
“Overall the photo quality on the Coolpix P3 was very good. It generally took well-exposed photos (it underexposed a few shots) with accurate colors and minimal purple fringing. Noise levels are reasonable given the resolution of the camera. My only real complaint is that photos are a bit soft straight out of the camera. If you agree you can turn up the sharpness a bit in the shooting menu.”
Website: DCResource - Nikon Coolpix P3 Review
DCResource have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix P3 camera, which offers 8.1 megapixels, 3.5x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD. “Overall the photo quality on the Coolpix P3 was very good. It generally took well-exposed photos (it underexposed a few shots) with accurate colors and minimal purple fringing…
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera.
“It’s an ultracompact. It’s a superzoom. It’s even wireless. Is this some kind of Orwellian digital camera triplespeak? No, it’s Kodak being (mostly) truthful in introducing its new 6-megapixel dual-lens camera, the EasyShare V610 ($449.95 list). I love the idea of the V610, but the pictures I took didn’t blow me away, and the price is no bargain. In the end, the V610 is a good camera that has some unique features, but it falls short of being a great buy.”
Website: PCMagazine - Kodak Easyshare V610 Review
Website: Read my Kodak Easyshare V610 Review
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V610, the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. “It’s an ultracompact. It’s a superzoom. It’s even wireless. Is this some kind of Orwellian digital camera triplespeak? No, it’s Kodak being (mostly) truthful in introducing its new 6-megapixel dual-lens camera, the EasyShare V610 ($449.9…
CNET have just reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom digital camera.
“Image quality at wide-angle and medium-range focal lengths was acceptable, especially if you take the time to adjust the EV settings. Without tweaking, we found exposures to be quite erratic and frequently overbright with blown-out highlights. Using exposure compensation to dial it back a bit produced better images. Pics shot at the lens’s telephoto end were quite soft but displayed good detail at less extreme settings. Colors were accurate but unsaturated, and JPEG compression artifacts reduced image sharpness.”
CNET have just reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm FinePix A500 Zoom digital camera. “Image quality at wide-angle and medium-range focal lengths was acceptable, especially if you take the time to adjust the EV settings. Without tweaking, we found exposures to be quite erratic and frequently overbright with blown-out highlights. Using exposure…
CNET have reviewed the Pentax Optio W10, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and a waterproof body.
“Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sand, nor mud, nor dust will stop the 6-megapixel Pentax Optio W10. This postal-worker-worthy camera is specially sealed to prevent damage from the elements, completely submersible in water to a depth of 4.9 feet for up to 30 minutes, and impenetrable to dust particles as fine as talcum powder. Even if you don’t plan on taking it into the drink or the desert, the Optio W10’s design makes it virtually immune to the wet, nasty weather that could kill other cameras.”
Website: CNET - Pentax Optio W10 Review
CNET have reviewed the Pentax Optio W10, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and a waterproof body. “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sand, nor mud, nor dust will stop the 6-megapixel Pentax Optio W10. This postal-worker-worthy camera is specially sealed to prevent…
DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the Olympus SP-320, a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes and RAW format.
“The Olympus SP-320 is a good choice for someone looking for camera with advanced features (RAW, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes) but who still has a pretty tight budget. At a street price under $300, the SP-320 stays affordable for such “advanced” features. The camera takes high quality images with good color and detail. It’s also easy to use, yet still has plenty of customizability with custom shortcuts and the ability to set up to four custom modes. Battery life is good, if you can handle some of the power management issues that I’ve brought up (cycle time and LCD black out after batteries have discharged a bit). “
DigitalCameraReview have published their review of the Olympus SP-320, a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, full range of shooting modes and RAW format. “The Olympus SP-320 is a good choice for someone looking for camera with advanced features (RAW, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes)…
PCMagazine have reviewed the wireless Canon PIXMA MP800R all-in-one printer.
“Some all-in-one printers (AIOs) are designed for the office. Others are meant for general home use. Still more, like the Canon Pixma MP800R Photo All-In-One ($399.99 direct), target the photo enthusiast who wants a standalone photo lab in addition to a printer, scanner, and standalone copier. This extremely capable device isn’t for everyone, but if you have a collection of 35mm slides and negatives that you’d like both to print from and turn into digital files, the MP800R is one of the best choices around.”
PCMagazine have reviewed the wireless Canon PIXMA MP800R all-in-one printer. “Some all-in-one printers (AIOs) are designed for the office. Others are meant for general home use. Still more, like the Canon Pixma MP800R Photo All-In-One ($399.99 direct), target the photo enthusiast who wants a standalone photo lab in addition to…
PCMagazine have taken a look at the Canon PIXMA MP830 all-in-one.
“The Canon Pixma MP830 is, quite simply, the fastest ink jet AIO I’ve yet seen. Its total time—12 minutes, 10 seconds—on our business applications suite (timed with QualityLogic’s hardware and software) slashes more than two minutes off the previous record, the 14:14 achieved by the Canon Pixma MP950 Photo All-In-One. The MP830 is also the fastest ink jet AIO I’ve yet measured for printing photos, averaging 46 seconds for each 4-by-6 snapshot and 1:46 for each 8-by-10 printout. In addition, all of our test photos qualified as true photo quality and were highly water-resistant too.”
PCMagazine have taken a look at the Canon PIXMA MP830 all-in-one. “The Canon Pixma MP830 is, quite simply, the fastest ink jet AIO I’ve yet seen. Its total time—12 minutes, 10 seconds—on our business applications suite (timed with QualityLogic’s hardware and software) slashes more than two minutes off the previous…