News
Kingston Technology Press Release
Kingston U3 DataTraveler USB Smart Drive Combines Storage with Leading Software – Pass2Go, ACDSee, and Zinio
Fountain Valley, CA — Kingston Technology Company, Inc. today introduced the Kingston U3 DataTraveler, a U3™ powered smart drive that helps streamline and support the “digital life” experience. Available in capacities up to 2 GB and smaller than a pack of gum, the latest Kingston® U3 DataTraveler® features software to help file, organize and share photos; automatically populate forms; generate, manage and secure passwords; and read and interact with digital publications. Representing a new paradigm in computing, the U3 smart drive computing platform transforms a USB flash drive from simple storage device into a new consumer product that people can use to carry, store and launch their own applications from any PC, wherever they go. One of the goals of the U3 platform is to make software programs, personal preferences, passwords, settings, and files more portable, personal, and protected. U3 smart drives feature a “U3 Launchpad” from which applications can be opened on Windows 2000/XP.
Kingston Technology Press Release Kingston U3 DataTraveler USB Smart Drive Combines Storage with Leading Software – Pass2Go, ACDSee, and Zinio Fountain Valley, CA — Kingston Technology Company, Inc. today introduced the Kingston U3 DataTraveler, a U3™ powered smart drive that helps streamline and support the “digital life” experience. Available in…
Sigma Press Release
Multi coating filters optimized for Digital SLRs
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new SIGMA EX DG range of filters which is optimized for digital SLRs. The new filters benefit from a super multi-layer lens coating developed to counteract the highly reflective characteristics of digital image sensors reducing both flare and ghosting. Black rimmed glass eliminates unnecessary internal reflections. The Sigma EX DG range comprises UV filters, which not only reduce ultraviolet light but are ideal for protecting the lens during general photography, and Circular Polarizing (CP) filters which eliminate reflections from subjects such as glass and water and deepen the intensity of blue skies. The range of CP filters, with the exception of the 86mm, 95mm and 105mm, is encased within an ultra- thin metal ring that does not cause vignetting with wide-angle lenses. Each of these Sigma EX DG filters is designed to accept the front cap of the lens.
Sigma Press Release Multi coating filters optimized for Digital SLRs The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new SIGMA EX DG range of filters which is optimized for digital SLRs. The new filters benefit from a super multi-layer lens coating developed to counteract the highly reflective…
Ulead Press Release
New consumer video editing packages offer enhanced ease of use, expanded creative options and full high-definition support.
UK April 21st, 2006 – Ulead Systems Inc., a 17-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced VideoStudio® 10 and VideoStudio® 10 Plus, the newest versions of its consumer video editing and DVD authoring software. The new releases allow users of all levels to easily turn photos and video into high-quality productions for sharing on DVD, tape, the Internet or mobile devices. “With version 10, VideoStudio hasn’t changed so much as it has grown,” said Mark Wurdemann, European Marketing Manager, Ulead. “Users new to video editing will find the software easier than ever. Advanced users can now take advantage of multiple overlay tracks, and complete support for high-definition video.”
Ulead Press Release New consumer video editing packages offer enhanced ease of use, expanded creative options and full high-definition support. UK April 21st, 2006 – Ulead Systems Inc., a 17-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced VideoStudio® 10 and VideoStudio® 10 Plus, the newest versions of…
Epson Press Release
The Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) has awarded Epson three awards in its annual review of the best products in the digital photo imaging arena.
April 2006 - Epson, leader in digital imaging technology, has been presented with three of the most prestigious TIPA Awards 2006. The Epson Perfection V750 Pro scanner has been voted as the “Best Flatbed Photo Scanner in Europe 2006”, the Epson Stylus Photo RX640 as the “Best A4 Multifunction Photo Printer in Europe 2006” and Epson UltraChrome K3 ink as the “Best Printing Technology in Europe 2006”. TIPA currently has 31 member magazines, making it the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Widely regarded as experts, the editors of the magazines test the photo and imaging products and then meet once a year to judge the best in Europe.
Epson Press Release The Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) has awarded Epson three awards in its annual review of the best products in the digital photo imaging arena. April 2006 - Epson, leader in digital imaging technology, has been presented with three of the most prestigious TIPA Awards 2006. The…
Photodoto.com is a new photography tutorial site that aims to be a resource for learning how to make better pictures with tips and techniques for beginners to advanced amateurs. To celebrate their opening, Photodoto are running a photography contest through May 5 and giving away some great prizes, including a Canon SD450 5MP Digital Elph camera.
Website: Photodoto.com Competition
Photodoto.com is a new photography tutorial site that aims to be a resource for learning how to make better pictures with tips and techniques for beginners to advanced amateurs. To celebrate their opening, Photodoto are running a photography contest through May 5 and giving away some great prizes, including a…
DigitalCameraReview have published the first online review of the Pentax Optio W10, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and a waterproof body.
“The speed of the camera operation was good—not the fastest, but not the slowest. Start up time was about two seconds and shutter lag was minimal when the camera has achieved auto focus/auto exposure lock (about average for this class of camera). Shutter lag for a full press of the shutter was significant, especially when the flash needs to fire. You should get in the practice of doing the partial shutter press anyway—you will have a better idea of what your camera is going to focus on and can correct it if it’s not right. Cycle time was also average and can be adjusted to some extent by changing the review time via the camera menu.”
DigitalCameraReview have published the first online review of the Pentax Optio W10, a 6 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD and a waterproof body. “The speed of the camera operation was good—not the fastest, but not the slowest. Start up time was about two seconds and…
DigiCamReview have just reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 digicam.
“The camera’s 2” screen was good despite it’s low resolution of 86,000 pixels, it appeared to have very good dynamic range in both photo mode and playback mode - the screen was clear, bright, with saturated and accurate colours. The camera features a “High Angle” button that helps you view the image on the screen if you are holding the camera above you, this works surprisingly well. The camera is pocketable and fairly compact, but not ultra-compact. The camera is quite stylish with a silver plastic body. “
Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 Review
DigiCamReview have just reviewed the new 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2 digicam. “The camera’s 2” screen was good despite it’s low resolution of 86,000 pixels, it appeared to have very good dynamic range in both photo mode and playback mode - the screen was clear, bright, with saturated and accurate…
CNET have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.
“Image quality is decent on the A430, but colors tend to run oversaturated and cool; using the manual white balance yields the most neutral result. There’s a fair amount of fringing, and noise is a nuisance on this camera, with speckles appearing in shots taken at sensitivities as low as ISO 200. The noise tends to be even enough to pass off as artsy film grain, but it’s still irritating at higher ISO settings.”
Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot A430 Review
CNET have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “Image quality is decent on the A430, but colors tend to run oversaturated and cool; using the manual white balance yields the most neutral result. There’s a…
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.
“As far as we can tell, with the logos covered, the GX-1S and the Pentax *ist DS are virtually the same camera. Spokespeople for Samsung at the Photo Marketing Association convention this February, in fact, said that the GX 1L is a Pentax with their logo on it; Pentax had no comment. We haven’t examined an *ist DS, but as far as specifications are concerned, the 2 cameras are a lot alike.”
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount. “As far as we can tell, with the logos covered, the GX-1S and the Pentax *ist DS are virtually the same camera. Spokespeople for Samsung at the Photo Marketing Association…
DigitalCameraTracker have just published their review of the new top of the range 8 megapixel HP Photosmart R927 digital camera.
“One of most noticeable things about the R927 is the simple button arrangement. This is a nice way of saying there are VERY few buttons. I found it extremely easy to navigate using HP’s button layout. The only thing I would pass along is to go in and turn off the digital zoom because in the excitement of taking pictures it’s ultra easy to slip into digital zoom, and we all know the resulting images suffer in quality. The R927’s zoom is a little too jumpy at times or perhaps it was just my big fingers but I found that while trying to frame my pictures I spent quite a bit of extra time fiddling with the zoom to get it just right.”
DigitalCameraTracker have just published their review of the new top of the range 8 megapixel HP Photosmart R927 digital camera. “One of most noticeable things about the R927 is the simple button arrangement. This is a nice way of saying there are VERY few buttons. I found it extremely easy…
Sony Press Release
Sony Marks Entry Into Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Market With New Symbolic “Alpha” Sub-Brand
SAN DIEGO, April 19—Sony has established a new brand name, Alpha, for its digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras that will be launched worldwide this summer. Meaning “beginning” and “essential,” the symbol alpha embodies the spirit of Sony’s approach to the D-SLR market. Under this sub-brand, Sony will produce a complete camera system of accessories and lenses to enhance the enjoyment of photography. The Sony Alpha (TM) mount system of cameras, lenses and accessories will integrate advanced electromechanical technologies that are key to D-SLR performance, the versatility of the well-established Maxxum (R) lens mount system, and Sony’s renown in imaging devices and technologies. These include CCD and CMOS imaging sensors, as well as other image processing technologies, in addition to overall product miniaturization. People who have already made investments in many of Konica-Minolta’s lenses and accessories will be able to take full advantage of Sony’s new D-SLR cameras.
Sony Press Release Sony Marks Entry Into Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Market With New Symbolic “Alpha” Sub-Brand SAN DIEGO, April 19—Sony has established a new brand name, Alpha, for its digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras that will be launched worldwide this summer. Meaning “beginning” and “essential,” the symbol…
Hama Press Release
Party pictures make for good moods and lasting memories even after the big celebration. Yet often, the later it gets, the blurrier the snapshots are and that’s hard to eliminate even in the digital age. Small, light, and quick to set up, the Bottle Pod from Hama is a smart solution coming in at 5 centimetres and 46 grams. You simply pull the rubber attachment over the head of a bottle (up to 30 mm) like a cap, fasten the camera onto a small ball joint using the quick-release coupling (with an A 1/4-inch threaded mount), and the shakes are gone. Of course this practical helper is great for self-timer shots too. However, the bottle should then be as heavy as possible and therefore stable. The minitripod, which even has an eye for fastening it to the camera’s carrying strap, is available now in stores.
Hama Press Release Party pictures make for good moods and lasting memories even after the big celebration. Yet often, the later it gets, the blurrier the snapshots are and that’s hard to eliminate even in the digital age. Small, light, and quick to set up, the Bottle Pod from Hama…
OmniVision’s 5 Megapixel CMOS CameraChip (TM) Brings High-Definition Video to Digital Still Cameras
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today unveiled its second-generation, 5 megapixel camera chip. The OV5620 offers a small form-factor, 5 megapixel CMOS camera that surpasses CCD sensors in performance. Furthermore, the OV5620’s advanced high-definition (HD) video modes with vivid colors make this CameraChip especially attractive for next generation digital still cameras (DSCs) and hybrid cameras, which take both still and video pictures. “After several years of exponential growth, the DSC market has slowed down significantly, and the pixel race seems to have found its sweet spot around 5 megapixels,” said Brian O’Rourke, Senior Analyst at market research firm In- Stat. “With so many DSCs sold today featuring 5 megapixels, the key market differentiators in this segment are shifting away from the pixel count and towards advanced features such as video.”
OmniVision’s 5 Megapixel CMOS CameraChip (TM) Brings High-Definition Video to Digital Still Cameras SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: OVTI), a world leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, today unveiled its second-generation, 5 megapixel camera chip. The OV5620 offers a small form-factor, 5 megapixel CMOS camera that surpasses…
Sigma UK Press Release
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is awarded TIPA Best Consumer Lens in Europe 2006
The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM super wide-angle zoom lens, exclusively designed for digital SLRs, wins the “TIPA Best Consumer Lens in Europe, 2006” award. TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) is comprised of 31 publications from 12 countries. The knowledgeable chief editors and technical editors from these publications form the judging panel for the awards. Photo Imaging has been a prominent part of the TIPA awards since 1991.
Sigma UK Press Release Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is awarded TIPA Best Consumer Lens in Europe 2006 The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM super wide-angle zoom lens, exclusively designed for digital SLRs, wins the “TIPA Best Consumer Lens in Europe, 2006” award. TIPA (Technical Image Press Association)…
Ricoh Press Release
GR DIGITAL wins Best Prestige Camera in Europe 2006 at TIPA Awards 2006, Europe’s most prestigious photo and imaging awards
Tokyo, Japan – April 19 – Ricoh Co. Ltd are pleased to announce that the GR DIGITAL high-resolution compact camera released in October 2005 has been named the Best Prestige Camera in Europe 2006 at the TIPA Awards 2006. The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), an organization made up of European camera and video magazines, chooses the winners of these photo and imaging awards.
Ricoh Press Release GR DIGITAL wins Best Prestige Camera in Europe 2006 at TIPA Awards 2006, Europe’s most prestigious photo and imaging awards Tokyo, Japan – April 19 – Ricoh Co. Ltd are pleased to announce that the GR DIGITAL high-resolution compact camera released in October 2005 has been named…
PCMagazine have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body.
“As with most other Lumix superzooms, you can use either the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or the 2.5-inch LCD to compose you images. The LCD is decent, although it solarizes when looked at from a sharp angle. If the DMC-FZ7 had an articulating LCD, as the FZ30 does, this would be less noticeable. The EVF also worked pretty well, although I found it a little hard to see in low light; Panasonic should try to improve that.”
PCMagazine have reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 which combines a 12x optical zoom lens with MEGA O.I.S. in a compact body. “As with most other Lumix superzooms, you can use either the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or the 2.5-inch LCD to compose you images. The LCD is decent, although it…
DCResource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens.
“The PowerShot A700’s ISO performance was the same as the A540 that I just reviewed, which isn’t surprising, as they use the same sensor. You should be able to make large prints through ISO 200 without any problem. The ISO 400 image prints well at 4 x 6, and may be okay at larger sizes after a trip through NeatImage or similar. There was noticeable grain in the 4 x 6 inch print of the ISO 800 image, though it too could be usable (at that size) after some noise reduction.”
DCResource have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens. “The PowerShot A700’s ISO performance was the same as the A540 that I just reviewed, which isn’t surprising, as they use the same sensor. You should be…
DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first review of 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.
“The PowerShot SD600 is one of the latest additions to Canon’s very popular “ultra compact” Digital ELPH line (as of 4/2006.) This user friendly model includes many high-end features such as 6-megapixels of resolution, a large 2.5-inch anti-glare LCD, 640x480 30fps movie mode as well as various easy to use exposure modes, all jam packed into its durable all metal body. Beginners will appreciate the fully automatic scene modes that offer point-n-shoot simplicity, while still being able to control the white balance, ISO sensitivity, metering and much more with the Manual mode.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams has the first review of 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. “The PowerShot SD600 is one of the latest additions to Canon’s very popular…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus FE-110 digital camera.
“Simplicity is what the Olympus FE-110 is all about. Featuring a 5.0-megapixel CCD, 2.8x lens, and compact size, the FE-110 provides bare-bones digital photography for novice consumers. The FE-110’s automatic exposure control and point-and-shoot design leave limited choices for the user to worry over. Combine that with the Olympus FE-110’s very low price point, and you have an entry-level digital camera capable enough for most average shooting conditions. Performance is slow, but the pictures are decent.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus FE-110 digital camera. “Simplicity is what the Olympus FE-110 is all about. Featuring a 5.0-megapixel CCD, 2.8x lens, and compact size, the FE-110 provides bare-bones digital photography for novice consumers. The FE-110’s automatic exposure control and point-and-shoot design leave limited choices for…
Pixel Genius Press Release
Chicago – April 18th, 2006 - Pixel Genius, LLC ships PhotoKit (TM) Color 2.0. PhotoKit Color 2.0 replaces PhotoKit Color 1.0, an Adobe® Photoshop® Automate Plug-in that applies precise color corrections, automatic color balancing and creative coloring effects. With a retail price of $99.95, PhotoKit Color 2.0 offers a comprehensive set of coloring tools for Photoshop CS and Photoshop CS2 for both Macintosh and Windows. PhotoKit Color 1.0 users can upgrade for $29.98. The upgrade will be free to users who purchased PhotoKit Color 1.x after the public announcement date of October 20th, 2005.
Pixel Genius Press Release Chicago – April 18th, 2006 - Pixel Genius, LLC ships PhotoKit (TM) Color 2.0. PhotoKit Color 2.0 replaces PhotoKit Color 1.0, an Adobe® Photoshop® Automate Plug-in that applies precise color corrections, automatic color balancing and creative coloring effects. With a retail price of $99.95, PhotoKit Color…