News
The KODAK EASYSHARE V610 zoom digital camera is announced today. The 6 megapixel Kodak V610 is the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. The Kodak V610 will be available in the UK in May 2006 (£349.99 RRP).
Kodak UK Press Release
Kodak Develops World’s Smallest 10X Optical Zoom Digital Camera; Innovative Dual-Lens EASYSHARE V610 Camera Just 0.9 Inches Thick; Proprietary RETINA Dual Lens and Integrated BLUETOOTH Wireless Technologies Change the Rules for Camera Design and Capability
London, April 25 — Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the KODAK EASYSHARE V610 dual lens digital camera, the world’s smallest 10X (38 – 380 mm equiv.) optical zoom camera at less than an inch thick. Using innovative KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology, the sleek, pocket-size V610 camera precisely combines two SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON all-glass, non-protruding prism lenses to deliver such a long zoom range — a first for a camera so small (just 4.4 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches). The innovative 6-megapixel EASYSHARE V610 camera, with anti-blur technology, can be carried where bigger, bulkier high-zoom digital cameras cannot — in a pocket while skiing, in a small purse during a day on the town, or on a wrist while hiking. The result is the ability to get extremely close, high quality pictures of distant subjects without the obtrusiveness of a larger camera.
The KODAK EASYSHARE V610 zoom digital camera is announced today. The 6 megapixel Kodak V610 is the world’s smallest 10x zoom digital camera. The Kodak V610 will be available in the UK in May 2006 (£349.99 RRP). Kodak UK Press Release Kodak Develops World’s Smallest 10X Optical Zoom Digital Camera…
Kodak Marks the Fifth Anniversary of Revolutionary EASYSHARE System with a New Wave of Imaging Technologies For the Future - Dual lens BLUETOOTH Technology-Enabled Camera Launched, Facial Recognition, Context Sorting and Auto Albuming Among Future Kodak Innovations Demonstrated
London, April 25 - Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the next advances in imaging innovation while marking the fifth anniversary of its first ground-breaking EASYSHARE consumer digital camera and docking system. Ranging from the market’s first dual lens BLUETOOTHÒ enabled 6 megapixel, 10X optical zoom pocket-size digital camera to facial recognition and auto albuming software, Kodak’s line-up of innovations offer consumers new ways to radically enhance their imaging experience. “Kodak continues to innovate to make the complex simple - delivering new technologies that enrich the consumer experience,” said Julian Baust, UK Country Manager, Eastman Kodak Company. “Today we’re unveiling the next innovations in consumer digital photography that will allow people to take, share and archive pictures in ways they never thought possible.”
Kodak Marks the Fifth Anniversary of Revolutionary EASYSHARE System with a New Wave of Imaging Technologies For the Future - Dual lens BLUETOOTH Technology-Enabled Camera Launched, Facial Recognition, Context Sorting and Auto Albuming Among Future Kodak Innovations Demonstrated London, April 25 - Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the next advances…
Announced at PMA in February, the Nikon Coolpix P4 is Nikon’s top-of-the-range compact camera for 2006 (the Nikon P3 is the same camera with the addition of WiFi). 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3.5x zoom lens are fairly standard features nowadays. More interesting on the Nikon P4 is the introduction of Vibration Reduction, the first time that an optical image stabilisation system has featured on a Nikon compact camera. 16 scene modes and Aperture-priority mode make the Nikon P4 of interest to both advanced photographers and casual snapshooters. Can the Nikon P4 live up to its “Performance” tag? Read the full review to find out.
Website: Nikon Coolpix P4 Review
Announced at PMA in February, the Nikon Coolpix P4 is Nikon’s top-of-the-range compact camera for 2006 (the Nikon P3 is the same camera with the addition of WiFi). 8 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3.5x zoom lens are fairly standard features nowadays. More interesting on the Nikon P…
News has emerged over the weekend that Mamiya, best known for it’s film medium format cameras, is in financial crisis. According to Engadget, the venerable Japanese company is planning to sell its camera division to IT company Cosmos Scientific in September.
“According to reports out of Japan (which we’ve confirmed with our Japanese bureau), Mamiya, best known for its high-end pro equipment, will be selling off its film and digital camera business to focus on other sectors. The company apparently has had “stagnant sales” of its digital models, including its 22-megapixel, $12,000, Mamiya ZD, which was released in Japan in December and in Europe just last month.”
Website: Engadget - Mamiya bailing on camera biz
Website: DPNow - Mamiya medium format camera business in crisis
News has emerged over the weekend that Mamiya, best known for it’s film medium format cameras, is in financial crisis. According to Engadget, the venerable Japanese company is planning to sell its camera division to IT company Cosmos Scientific in September. “According to reports out of Japan (which we’ve confirmed…
BenQ Press Release
20 April 2006 - Stylish cameras featuring a large 2.4” TFT LCD screen and 3X Optical Zoom. BenQ unveils two new additions to its digital camera classic line-up, the BenQ DC C530 and C630. Both digital cameras offer an ultra-compact design and versatile feature set, and are ideal for consumers seeking a high-quality multi-function digital camera at an affordable price. In addition, the large 2.4” TFT LCD screen and 480x234 high resolution enable true-to-life, crisp photos with pristine clarity and superb contrast. The BenQ DC C530/C630 is available in the colors red, blue, black, white and silver, respectively. For the European Market the standard color offering will be Black and Silver.
BenQ Press Release 20 April 2006 - Stylish cameras featuring a large 2.4” TFT LCD screen and 3X Optical Zoom. BenQ unveils two new additions to its digital camera classic line-up, the BenQ DC C530 and C630. Both digital cameras offer an ultra-compact design and versatile feature set, and are…
Olympus have released a firmware update, version 1.1, for the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera.
New features in version 1.1:
13 languages (European) added to download service.
Olympus have released a firmware update, version 1.1, for the Olympus mju 720 SW, a 7.1 megapixel, 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD, weatherproof digital camera. New features in version 1.1: 13 languages (European) added to download service. Website: Olympus mju 720 SW Version 1.1 Firmware Update
Kodak Press Release
KODAK Service & Support expands into new markets opening offices in Israel, Poland and South Africa
April 24, 2006 - As part of its continual strategy to offer customer and partner support worldwide, KODAK Service & Support, Eastman Kodak Company’s global service organisation, announces the opening of new offices in Israel (Tel Aviv), Poland (Warsaw), and South Africa (Johannesburg). Encompassing the complete product portfolio, Kodak’s field engineers and technical specialists will now provide industry-leading expertise locally in these growth markets, servicing and maintaining document imaging equipment, commercial print equipment and software and storage systems.
Kodak Press Release KODAK Service & Support expands into new markets opening offices in Israel, Poland and South Africa April 24, 2006 - As part of its continual strategy to offer customer and partner support worldwide, KODAK Service & Support, Eastman Kodak Company’s global service organisation, announces the opening of…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-W50.
“I was pleased with the image quality of the W50’s 6M Fine mode. Outdoor images were well-exposed and sharp with true to life colors. Indoor shots are limited to small rooms and small group portraits because of the W50’s limited flash range (13 feet at wide angle) and the lens limited field of view at its full 38mm wide angle. Portraits had realistic skin tones, but the red eye reduction flash mode proved only marginally effective because of its relatively weak power.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC-W50. “I was pleased with the image quality of the W50’s 6M Fine mode. Outdoor images were well-exposed and sharp with true to life colors. Indoor shots are limited to small rooms and small group portraits because of…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have taken a look at the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC W30 which offers a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“Shooting performance was quite good for a camera in this class. Power up to first image captured measured just 1.5 seconds. Shutter lag, the time between depressing the shutter release and capturing an image, was less than 1/10 second when pre-focused and 3/10 second including autofocus time; add 1/10 second to those times if using the LCD viewfinder. The shot to shot delay measured a fast 1.1 seconds without the flash and between 1.3 and 4 seconds using the flash, depending on subject distance. Shutter lag when using red eye reduction flash mode measured 8/10 second, during which the LCD viewfinder goes blank; this is another time when you’ll appreciate the W30’s optical viewfinder.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have taken a look at the new 6 megapixel Sony DSC W30 which offers a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “Shooting performance was quite good for a camera in this class. Power up to first image captured measured just 1.5 seconds. Shutter…
DIWA member Photoxels have today also reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 remains the ultra zoom digital camera with the best bang for the money. It has pretty much everything a beginner to serious amateur photographer could wish for: very good to excellent image quality, superb 12x optical zoom with an effective optical image stabilization, flexible exposure control, and very fast operations.”
DIWA member Photoxels have today also reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body. “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 remains the ultra zoom digital camera with the best bang for the money. It has pretty much everything a beginner to…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.
“In addition to the quality of the end results, working with the camera in practice is very enjoyable. The compact size of the Panasonic Lumix FZ7 enables you to carry it with you easily; you will in fact be more likely to take the FZ7 than the heavy and larger digital SLR camera. The camera offers a friendly operation and features a low entry-level. The user manual is needed only occasionally to fully comprehend the meaning of a function, but you will quickly familiarise yourself with the camera. The large screen on the back of the camera is a good replacement for the viewfinder.”
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body. “In addition to the quality of the end results, working with the camera in practice is very enjoyable. The compact size of the Panasonic Lumix FZ…
Auspicious Dragon have published an extensive review of the MAC-only Raw Developer software.
“Raw Developer (RD from here on) is a Mac only developer of digital camera raw files. Over 100 cameras are supported and the list is both wider and more up to date than either Adobe Camera Raw or Capture One. It costs USD 100 from Iridient Digital. This price includes 15 months of updates, major and minor. The website allows downloads of fully functioning demonstration copies which mark the resulting output files with a licence notice which is obvious enough to make the resulting images unusable, but discreet enough to allow the images to be assessed for quality.”
Auspicious Dragon have published an extensive review of the MAC-only Raw Developer software. “Raw Developer (RD from here on) is a Mac only developer of digital camera raw files. Over 100 cameras are supported and the list is both wider and more up to date than either Adobe Camera Raw…
DigitalCameraReview have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera.
“Auto ISO images are generally excellent with sharp resolution, bold colors, and lots of snap (although some very minor pattern noise is occasionally visible in shadow areas). ISO 50 and 100 images are consistently excellent with very good detail and virtually no noise. ISO 200 images are surprisingly good, essentially the same as lower ISO images. Noise levels rise noticeably at ISO 400 - images are a bit flat and some fine detail is lost (Noise comes through as an overall soft graininess sort of reminiscent of high speed film). I did see some blotching (chroma noise) in a couple of ISO 400 images.”
DigitalCameraReview have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera. “Auto ISO images are generally excellent with sharp resolution, bold colors, and lots of snap (although some very minor pattern noise is occasionally visible in shadow areas). ISO 50 and 100 images are consistently excellent with very…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.
“Not too long ago digital cameras with advanced features and SLR-mimmicking long zoom lenses were considered “chunky” or bulky. But with the public’s increasing demand for smaller and smaller cameras with longer and longer zooms—and with manufacturers’ ability to put more power into petite packages, those chunky cameras have been on a diet lately. The new 6.0-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 is just such a camera. Its remarkably trim body houses a Leica 12x optical zoom and Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.). Despite a bevy of features including a 2.5-inch LCD screen, a new widescreen VGA movie mode, and a joystick for controlling manual focus and manual exposure, the Panasonic FZ7 weighs in at just over half a pound and is small enough to stick in a backpack when traveling. Plus, the reasonable $350 price tag won’t break your travel budget.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body. “Not too long ago digital cameras with advanced features and SLR-mimmicking long zoom lenses were considered “chunky” or bulky. But with the public’s increasing demand for smaller…
TrustedReviews 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.
“After the poor results I got from the Coolpix S5, I am happy to report that the P4 produces much better images. In fact I would say that it has among the best image quality I’ve seen from a pocket compact camera. Colour reproduction, exposure and focusing are all extremely accurate, and the F2.7-5.3 lens produces excellent edge sharpness, high contrast and plenty of detail. There is significant barrel distortion at the widest setting, but not as bad as the lens on the S5.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Nikon Coolpix P4 Review
Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix P4 Review
TrustedReviews 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. “After the poor results I got from the Coolpix S5, I am happy to report that…
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. My Favorite Vacation Spot
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away (unless you request otherwise). No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are: 1. My Favorite Vacation Spot Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of…
Earlier this week Sony unveiled the new brand name for their up-coming DSLR camera range, which will be launched in the Summer of 2006. Dubbed “Alpha”, the name continues the tradition inherited from Konica Minolta, whose DSLRs were called the same thing in Japan for over 20 years before the company’s decision to pull out of the camera market. The new Sony Alpha DSLRS will be based on the existing Alpha / Maxxum / Dynax lens mount, which is good news for current Konica Minolta DSLR owners. But how much of an impact do you think Sony will have on the wider DSLR market, where Canon and Nikon retain the lion’s share? Can Sony make a bigger impression than Konica Minolta ever did, and challenge the major players, or will they be competing with the likes of Pentax and Samsung instead? Who do you think Sony’s first DSLR will be aimed at - will it be en entry-level model, prosumer or professional? Shout out now…
Earlier this week Sony unveiled the new brand name for their up-coming DSLR camera range, which will be launched in the Summer of 2006. Dubbed “Alpha”, the name continues the tradition inherited from Konica Minolta, whose DSLRs were called the same thing in Japan for over 20 years before the…
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
Sony Alpha DSLR Cameras
New Accessories
Sigma EX DG Filters for DSLRs
LaFrame LCD Monitor Frame
New Software
PhotoKit Color 2.0
Noise Ninja 2.1.1 RC
New Nikon Software Delayed
Other Headlines
60fps Sony CMOS Sensor
Price Increases for Kodak Film
Fujifilm’s Organic Image Sensor
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasSony Alpha DSLR Cameras New AccessoriesSigma EX DG Filters for DSLRsLaFrame LCD Monitor Frame New SoftwarePhotoKit Color 2.0Noise Ninja 2.1.1 RCNew Nikon Software Delayed Other Headlines60fps Sony CMOS SensorPrice Increases for Kodak FilmFujifilm’s Organic Image Sensor
After yesterday’s announcement by Sony that their new range of DSLR cameras will have the brand name “Alpha” comes some exciting news about their CMOS sensors.
“Sony is now pushing forward with the development of high-speed CMOS sensors for digital cameras that can provide continuous imaging from all pixels at the high frame rate of 60 frame/s. Sony is also developing in parallel a camera digital signal processor (DSP) that can take full advantage of this performance. Sony is now proposing a new way of enjoying photography in which one photographs and records images without concern for the difference between moving images and still images by using this frame readout of 60 frame/s high-speed CMOS sensor and new camera DSP.”
Reading between the lines, the article hints that this sensor may appear in the new camera that Sony are preparing to launch in the summer.
Website: Sony’s CMOS Sensors: Exceptional Imaging Quality and Speed
After yesterday’s announcement by Sony that their new range of DSLR cameras will have the brand name “Alpha” comes some exciting news about their CMOS sensors. “Sony is now pushing forward with the development of high-speed CMOS sensors for digital cameras that can provide continuous imaging from all pixels at…
Fujifilm UK Press Release
Fujifilm’s Landmark Compact Wins At The Camera Oscars - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Zoom scoops TIPA Award for Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2006
Fujifilm’s landmark digital compact camera, the FinePix F30 Zoom, is taking Europe by storm. Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) - the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe - has officially voted the FinePix F30 Zoom ‘The Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2006’. The FinePix F30 Zoom is the world’s first compact to deliver ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution. This means users are able to produce crisp images with minimal noise, no subject blurring and atmospheric lighting in dark conditions.
Fujifilm UK Press Release Fujifilm’s Landmark Compact Wins At The Camera Oscars - Fujifilm FinePix F30 Zoom scoops TIPA Award for Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2006 Fujifilm’s landmark digital compact camera, the FinePix F30 Zoom, is taking Europe by storm. Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) - the largest…