News

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Olympus mju 720 SWDigitalCameraInfo have just reviewed the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera.

“Perhaps the camera’s best asset is its thick metal body: the Olympus Stylus 720SW can be dropped from 5 feet without incident because of its floating inner circuitry and sturdy outer body. This digital camera, with a waterproof classification that allows it to be immersed for an hour in 10 feet of water, also takes the all-weather Stylus line to a new level. On paper, the Olympus Stylus 720SW looks extremely attractive. In practice, however, many of its features fail to impress.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus mju 720 SW Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraInfo have just reviewed the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera. “Perhaps the camera’s best asset is its thick metal body: the Olympus Stylus 720SW can be dropped from 5 feet without incident because of its floating inner circuitry and sturdy…

Canon Digital IXUS 65CNET have reviewed the Canon Powershot SD600 (also called the Canon Digital IXUS 60), which has 6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode, and a 2.5 inch LCD.

“A lot of cameras in the crowded and competitive digital point-and-shoot market are all flash and no substance. They add all sorts of extra gimmicks such as fancy slide shows and colorful borders that don’t actually contribute to the cameras’ pictures. Canon thumbs its nose at that design philosophy with the simple yet functional PowerShot SD600, a 6-megapixel point-and-shoot camera that’s light on features but heavy on image quality, performance, and usability. It’s simply a great camera for anyone interested in just taking great-looking images.”

Website: CNET - Canon Powershot SD600 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET have reviewed the Canon Powershot SD600 (also called the Canon Digital IXUS 60), which has 6 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode, and a 2.5 inch LCD. “A lot of cameras in the crowded and competitive digital point-and-shoot market are all flash and no substance. They…

HP Photosmart R927DigitalCameraReview have just published their review of the new top of the range 8 megapixel HP Photosmart R927 digital camera.

“HP has done a superb job with the interface. It’s simple enough that pretty much anybody can pick up the camera and start shooting, while providing enough advanced features that a hobbyist or semi-pro won’t feel like they’re sitting at the kids table. There have been a number of times that I’ve wished my existing camera had just a little more adjustability, say for selecting a specific white balance, or manually focusing, or whatever. This camera delivers that sort of option, then goes back to being almost idiot proof. It’s the hallmark of a well-built technology product, to be both simple and powerful.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - HP Photosmart R927 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraReview have just published their review of the new top of the range 8 megapixel HP Photosmart R927 digital camera. “HP has done a superb job with the interface. It’s simple enough that pretty much anybody can pick up the camera and start shooting, while providing enough advanced features that…

Canon Digital IXUS 65Digital Camera Tracker have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD630 (also called the Canon Digital IXUS 65), a 6 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode and a 3 inch LCD screen.

“Outdoor shooting tends to stress a sensors abilities because of the inherent dynamic range that exist. I found that with the SD630 and using just a little photographic common sense I could capture images that were sharp and had excellent color balance and saturation without causing the cameras sensor to freak out and do funny things to the image quality. As a matter of fact, for a sub-compact, the SD630 delivered time and again outstanding overall image quality, even when I pushed the sensors ability just a little.”

Website: Digital Camera Tracker - Canon PowerShot SD630 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Digital Camera Tracker have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD630 (also called the Canon Digital IXUS 65), a 6 megapixel camera with 3x zoom lens, ISO 800, Widescreen (16:9) mode and a 3 inch LCD screen. “Outdoor shooting tends to stress a sensors abilities because of the inherent dynamic range…

Ricoh GR DigitalThe Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras.

Website: Quesabesde - Ricoh GR Digital Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. Website: Quesabesde - Ricoh GR Digital Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Sony DSC-W50The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-W50.

Website: Quesabesde - Sony DSC-W50 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-W50. Website: Quesabesde - Sony DSC-W50 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Casio EX-Z1000The Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam is announced today, offering 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously. The Casio EX-Z1000 will cost £379.99 in the UK and be available in May.

Casio UK Press Release

APRIL 26 2006, LONDON, UK– Casio have announced the release of the EX-Z1000, the latest exciting addition to CASIO’s stylish series of EXILIM ZOOM digital cameras. The Casio EX-Z1000 captures images of remarkable quality for its very compact size, and its new wide-format Super Bright LCD display gives users the power to enjoy instant, high-impact images of their shots. The new Casio Z1000 packs a powerful punch in a sleek, compact package. Small enough to be held in the palm of the hand, this 10.1 megapixel digital camera still captures super high-resolution images that reproduce crystal-clear even in very large sizes—perfect for printing or on-screen viewing of those priceless, once-in-a-lifetime shots. The Casio Z1000 is the first in the series to incorporate a large 2.8 inch, wide and bright LCD display. CASIO makes the most of this extra screen space to offer great new functions like simultaneous viewing of a wide angle and a telephoto shot, and a convenient right side set of icon controls.

The Casio EX-Z1000 compact digicam is announced today, offering 10 megapixels, 2.8 inch LCD screen, IS0 3200 and an interesting new Zoom Continuous Shutter mode that allows you to compare a wide angle and a telephoto shot in the same display and to take both shots simultaneously. The Casio EX-Z100…

Nokia N93Nokia Press Release

Nokia Introduces the Next Story in Video with the Nokia N93 - Digital camcder and multimedia computer in one easy-to-use compact package

Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia have introduced the Nokia N93, the ultimate mobile device for spontaneous video recording. Offering uncompromised digital camcorder, telephony and rich Internet communication functionalities, the Nokia N93 features a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, DVD-like video capture and 3x optical zoom. You can connect the Nokia N93 directly to your TV for a widescreen movie experience or upload your images and video to online albums or blogs. Moreover, you can create high-quality home movies and burn them to DVD with the included Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software. “The Nokia N93 marks a new era in the digital camcorder market,” said Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president and general manager of Multimedia, Nokia. “Incorporating all the features you need for great quality movie-making, the Nokia N93 is a fantastic example of a multimedia computer with true digital camcorder performance at its core. Thanks to its connectivity, it allows you to immediately share the memories you’ve captured, taking the entire camcorder experience to the Internet age.”

Nokia Press Release Nokia Introduces the Next Story in Video with the Nokia N93 - Digital camcder and multimedia computer in one easy-to-use compact package Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia have introduced the Nokia N93, the ultimate mobile device for spontaneous video recording. Offering uncompromised digital camcorder…

Nokia N73Nokia Press Release

Digitally Divine Nokia N73 - the Ultimate Challenge to the Digital Camera

Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia have unveiled the latest addition to the Nokia Nseries family, the Nokia N73, a stunning multimedia computer in a compact and savvy exterior with exquisite photography features and integrated stereo speakers with 3D sound for optimized audio pleasure. In addition to a large 2.4 inch display, the Nokia N73 includes a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus and support for Internet communities like Flickr - a package ready to challenge any digital camera. “The ideal companion for the digital camera lover, the Nokia N73 is as easy to use as it is compact to carry. Imagine, stunning print quality photos and multimedia are just a slide and a click away, ready to be shared immediately, said Juha Putkiranta, senior vice president, Multimedia Computers, Nokia. “Being able to intuitively capture, edit and share your digital memories is at the core of the Nokia N73, which also offers the enriched multimedia experiences of the Nokia Nseries range. The joy of using the Nokia N73 extends beyond the actual device, by fusing people to their passions and with others who share them. The Nokia N73 is truly a camera for the Internet age, enabling people to share their photos on the Web in an instant, on Flickr or other photo sharing communities.”

Nokia Press Release Digitally Divine Nokia N73 - the Ultimate Challenge to the Digital Camera Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia have unveiled the latest addition to the Nokia Nseries family, the Nokia N73, a stunning multimedia computer in a compact and savvy exterior with exquisite photography features…

Nokia FlickrNokia Press Release

Nokia and Yahoo! add Flickr support in Nokia Nseries Multimedia Computers - Easy mobile photo sharing directly from your device

Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, and Yahoo!, the number one Internet destination, announced that they are making it easy for mobile photographers to upload and add comments to photos directly from their Nokia Nseries multimedia computers to Flickr, the largest online photo sharing community on the Web. Consumers will be able to connect to their online Flickr accounts without the need to download or install any additional applications. The Nokia N93, Nokia N73 and Nokia N72, also announced today, are the first Nokia Nseries devices to support Flickr. “More and more people are using mobile products to access Internet services and applications, which is why we are adding support for services like Flickr to our Nokia Nseries devices,” said Mikko Pilkama, director, Multimedia, Nokia. “Powerful multimedia computers like the Nokia Nseries are the best way to enjoy these new experiences and have them with you all the time. Being able to share a spontaneously captured photo with friends, or even complete strangers, is easy when you have a connected computer sitting in your pocket.”

Nokia Press Release Nokia and Yahoo! add Flickr support in Nokia Nseries Multimedia Computers - Easy mobile photo sharing directly from your device Berlin, Germany and Hong Kong, China - Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, and Yahoo!, the number one Internet destination, announced that they are making it…

Nokia AdobeNokia Press Release

Adobe and Nokia Join Forces to Bring Consumers a Complete Video Editing Solution - Award-winning Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software for video capture, editing and sharing to ship with the new Nokia N93

Berlin, Germany; Hong Kong, China and San Jose, Calif. - Nokia, the global leader in mobility, and Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE), have announced that the standard sales pack of the new Nokia N93 mobile device will incorporate Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software for Windows XP. With Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0, video captured using the Nokia N93 can now be transferred to compatible desktop PC’s to edit, burn to DVD, and export to other formats for Web streaming and email. Delivered free of charge to Nokia N93 customers, Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 (valued at US$99.99) will further enhance the video capture and sharing experience.

Nokia Press Release Adobe and Nokia Join Forces to Bring Consumers a Complete Video Editing Solution - Award-winning Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 software for video capture, editing and sharing to ship with the new Nokia N93 Berlin, Germany; Hong Kong, China and San Jose, Calif. - Nokia, the global leader…

Apple 17-inch MacBook ProApple UK Press Release

Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro with 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo Processor Up to Five Times Faster Than PowerBook G4

CUPERTINO, California - April 24th, 2006 - Apple today unveiled its new 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer featuring the Intel Core Duo processor and an all-new system architecture that delivers up to five times the performance of the PowerBook G4. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a stunning aluminium enclosure just one inch thin, weighs only 6.8 pounds, includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go, and the breakthrough Front Row media experience with Apple Remote. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro also features a MagSafe Power Adaptor, invented by Apple especially for mobile users. “The 17-inch MacBook Pro delivers the speed and screen area of a professional desktop system in the world’s best notebook design”, said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With Intel’s state of the art dual-core processor, the new 17-inch MacBook Pro delivers unrivalled performance in an innovative, sleek, one-inch thin design”.

Apple UK Press Release Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro with 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo Processor Up to Five Times Faster Than PowerBook G4 CUPERTINO, California - April 24th, 2006 - Apple today unveiled its new 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer featuring the Intel Core Duo processor and an all-new system…

Lexmark X3470Lexmark USA Press Release

Lexmark’s new all-in-ones raise the bar on value and ease of use in home printing - New toolbar optimizes printing of Web content

LEXINGTON, Ky. - 04/25/2006 - Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today introduced three new all-in-one (AIO) printers that deliver industry-leading value and ease of use for the home printing market. The new Lexmark X3470 and X2470 AIOs offer some of the best values in the industry for feature-rich direct photo printing and reliable everyday print, scan and copy functionality. The X3470 and X2470 also include the new Lexmark Web Toolbar, which makes it quick and easy to print pages, text and photos from the Web. The new Lexmark X1270 is the industry’s price-leading AIO, combining high quality printing, scanning and copying in a compact, stylish design. “Our new family of all-in-ones gives your family the capability to do more, whether you are printing homework, Web pages, photos or other everyday documents. These reliable, easy-to-use all-in-ones represent a terrific value,” said Najib Bahous, Lexmark vice president and president of its Consumer Printer Division.

Lexmark USA Press Release Lexmark’s new all-in-ones raise the bar on value and ease of use in home printing - New toolbar optimizes printing of Web content LEXINGTON, Ky. - 04/25/2006 - Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today introduced three new all-in-one (AIO) printers that deliver industry-leading value and ease…

OpenRAW SurveyOpenRAW.org Press Release

Will the digital camera you buy tomorrow fairly serve the future of photography? Are today’s camera manufacturers making decisions that may adversely affect the preservation of photographic works for future generations? More than 19,000 digital photographers and preservationists from around the world have now weighed in with opinions on RAW imaging technology, a concept that many compare to a “digital negative.“The OpenRAW initiative (http://www.OpenRAW.org/) is a one-year-old international organization representing the interests of photographers and digital imaging practitioners. From January 31 to March 15, 2006, OpenRAW conducted an international online survey (http://www.OpenRAW.org/survey/) designed to give photographers and other interested parties a voice in the further development of RAW imaging technology. The response was outstanding. During the six-week 2006 RAW Survey, over 19,000 individuals – professional photographers, dedicated amateurs, and other imaging specialists – answered all 25 of the survey’s targeted questions. The average respondent had 19.5 years’ experience in photography.

OpenRAW.org Press Release Will the digital camera you buy tomorrow fairly serve the future of photography? Are today’s camera manufacturers making decisions that may adversely affect the preservation of photographic works for future generations? More than 19,000 digital photographers and preservationists from around the world have now weighed in with…

Kodak EasyShare-One Digital Photography SystemBuried away in the USA press release for the V610 launch was news of a 6 megapixel update to the Kodak Easyshare-One camera. This wasn’t in the UK version, so I’m not sure yet if it only applies to the US.

Kodak UK have confirmed that there no plans at present for a UK release of the new 6mp version.

Extracted from Kodak USA Press Release

Also introduced today is the next generation of the award-winning EASYSHARE-ONE, the world’s first Wi-Fi consumer digital camera, and the only camera in the world from which people can e-mail pictures. The new KODAK EASYSHARE-ONE 6 MP digital camera combines the power of taking, sharing, organizing, and printing pictures into a single, highly innovative product. Its new WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider recommendation) protocol increases the number of hot spot locations to connect anytime, anywhere, wirelessly. The EASYSHARE-ONE 6 MP camera will be available in the U.S. beginning this summer for US$299 (MSRP). The Wi-Fi card is an optional accessory US$99.

Buried away in the USA press release for the V610 launch was news of a 6 megapixel update to the Kodak Easyshare-One camera. This wasn’t in the UK version, so I’m not sure yet if it only applies to the US. Kodak UK have confirmed that there no plans at…

HP Photosmart R927VSO Software Press Release

Toulouse. April 26th, 2006—In one click, Image Resizer by VSO Software resizes pictures or changes their format as desired: the reduced file size enables faster loading, improved pictures management and saves storage space. Image files which are smaller in size are more easily sent by email, something difficult to do with the original file size. It is also the perfect tool for webmasters or people wanting to publish images on the internet. Image Resizer handles images in all popular formats: bmp, jpeg, gif, png and can converts them at the preferred resolution (from 320x200 to 1600x1200, including even Ipod photo and video, Sony PSPS, HDTV and DVD). The images will adjust automatically to the size of the desktop or to the source used to display them.

VSO Software Press Release Toulouse. April 26th, 2006—In one click, Image Resizer by VSO Software resizes pictures or changes their format as desired: the reduced file size enables faster loading, improved pictures management and saves storage space. Image files which are smaller in size are more easily sent by email…

InfoTrends/CAP VenturesInfoTrends Press Release

Camera Function Tops List of Frequently Used Features on Cell Phones, According to InfoTrends’ Study

(Weymouth, MA) April, 25 2006… According to recent research by InfoTrends, the camera is the most popular mobile application. Although consumers may not be purchasing phones initially for their imaging components, it seems that once they try the camera feature, they are pleasantly surprised by its utility. Of course, as digital cameras on cell phones become more widely available, the function is graduating from a special feature to one of a list of product specifications. InfoTrends’ data shows that 29% of U.S. Internet users now have a camera phone, up from 18% in June of 2005. As the market moves towards an early majority phase, behaviors will change accordingly. For example, the number of images captured per month has been cut by more than 60% from 2004 to 2005. The cause of this decline can be attributed to some consumers no longer purchasing camera phones for “fun” and “spontaneity,” but rather because the handset was the most affordable and had the best overall features.

InfoTrends Press Release Camera Function Tops List of Frequently Used Features on Cell Phones, According to InfoTrends’ Study (Weymouth, MA) April, 25 2006… According to recent research by InfoTrends, the camera is the most popular mobile application. Although consumers may not be purchasing phones initially for their imaging components, it…

Gitzo Basalt TripodsGitzo Press Release

Gitzo, revered throughout the world for its precision, quality and innovation in bringing new products to market for both the professional photo and video markets, is proud to introduce the world’s first monopod developed from volcanic rock – the GM2940 Basalt Monopod. In 2005, Gitzo, maker of the original carbon fiber tripods and magnesium alloy photographic heads, introduced their new, exclusive Basalt technology.  The volcanic-based basalt materials used to develop the line of tripods and monopods provide photographers advanced performance and durability at affordable prices. Basalt tripods and monopods are designed to achieve the best performance for camera support applications.  The new line is composed of Gitzo’s innovative fiber tube fabrication capabilities, which were developed for the space program because of the material’s lightweight and insulating fire-proof properties.

Gitzo Press Release Gitzo, revered throughout the world for its precision, quality and innovation in bringing new products to market for both the professional photo and video markets, is proud to introduce the world’s first monopod developed from volcanic rock – the GM2940 Basalt Monopod. In 2005, Gitzo, maker of…

LightMachine v1.01The Plugin Site Press Release

April 24, 2006 - The Plugin Site (www.thepluginsite.com) released the MacOS X version of LightMachine, a plugin for performing all kinds of light adjustments in photos. LightMachine combines shadow/highlight, virtual lighting and color-based correction tools for performing sophisticated corrections without the need for time-consuming selections and layer stacks. It lets you selectively correct photos taken under bad light conditions or with inadequate camera settings and achieve results that rival photos taken under the best circumstances. Additionally LightMachine can achieve special effects like glows, sunsets, high key and selective b/w effects, replace one color with another and simulate polarizing filters. LightMachine works in several graphics applications including Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Illustrator, Painter, Canvas and Fireworks. LightMachine can be applied to 8bit and 16bit RGB images.

The Plugin Site Press Release April 24, 2006 - The Plugin Site (www.thepluginsite.com) released the MacOS X version of LightMachine, a plugin for performing all kinds of light adjustments in photos. LightMachine combines shadow/highlight, virtual lighting and color-based correction tools for performing sophisticated corrections without the need for time-consuming selections…

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Mamiya ZD Digtial SLRJP Distribution, the UK distributor for Mamiya, have today issued the following statement in response to the recent internet news about their sale.

“We have been informed by Mamiya-OP Co., Ltd. that they are to transfer their Optical Equipment Business to Cosmo Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.

The Board of Directors have approved a contract to sell the entirety of the optical instruments business section to Cosmos Scientific Systems Inc. The plan will be put before shareholders at a general meeting scheduled for June 29th, 2006 - and if approval is gained, the transaction will be concluded on September 1st 2006.

This is a positive move for the Mamiya brand. The integration of Mamiya’s design and manufacturing techniques with Cosmo’s digital technology will enable the new organisation to fully exploit future growth opportunities.

Mamiya have confirmed that their forward plans include both professional medium format film and digital cameras.”

JP Distribution, the UK distributor for Mamiya, have today issued the following statement in response to the recent internet news about their sale. “We have been informed by Mamiya-OP Co., Ltd. that they are to transfer their Optical Equipment Business to Cosmo Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. The Board of Directors…