News
LaCie Press Release
April 18, 2006 - LaCie today unveils LaFrame for 100 Series Monitors. By eliminating distractions from the user’s field of vision, LaFrame creates visual comfort for the user. It allows full focus on the task at hand, thus enhancing productivity even in the busiest open-space corporate offices. LaFrame will ship with all LaCie 119 and 120 Monitors, a series designed to ensure documents are displayed in their best light thanks to high contrast ratios of up to 1000:1. LaCie Product Manager Daniel Mayer says, “LaFrame offers a revolutionary visual experience that ultimately helps you focus on your work. Paired with the high contrast ratio of our 100 Series Monitors, it’s the perfect choice for design, layout or editing work.”
LaCie Press Release April 18, 2006 - LaCie today unveils LaFrame for 100 Series Monitors. By eliminating distractions from the user’s field of vision, LaFrame creates visual comfort for the user. It allows full focus on the task at hand, thus enhancing productivity even in the busiest open-space corporate offices…
Samsung Electronics Press Release
Seoul, Apr 19 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that it has developed a 2GByte MultiMediaCard (MMCmicro TM) that combines four 4Gbit NAND flash devices. This is the smallest, fastest and highest capacity memory card for mobile phones, developed only three months after Samsung led the industry by launching a 1GByte MMCmicro. “The 2GByte high-performance MMC is a powerful indicator of Samsung’s expanding efforts to embrace the widest possible range of multimedia applications including mobile video,” said Don Barnetson, Director, Flash Marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.
Samsung Electronics Press Release Seoul, Apr 19 2006 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, announced today that it has developed a 2GByte MultiMediaCard (MMCmicro TM) that combines four 4Gbit NAND flash devices. This is the smallest, fastest and highest capacity memory card for mobile…
PictureCode Press Release
April 18, 2006—Noise Ninja Standalone 2.1.1 release candidate for Linux, Mac Intel, Mac PPC, and Windows. The latest Noise Ninja Standalone release candidate introduces native support for Linux and Mac Intel platforms. It also includes some minor enhancements for all platforms. The release candidates will be promoted to official release status as soon as we receive feedback from users indicating that they are functioning as intended.
PictureCode Press Release April 18, 2006—Noise Ninja Standalone 2.1.1 release candidate for Linux, Mac Intel, Mac PPC, and Windows. The latest Noise Ninja Standalone release candidate introduces native support for Linux and Mac Intel platforms. It also includes some minor enhancements for all platforms. The release candidates will be promoted…
Wacom Press Release
Innovative sensor integration technology enables operation using both electronic pen and finger
Tokio, Japan 18.4.2006 - Wacom Co., Ltd. announced the development of the world’s first sensor integration technology and its practical application in the “Penabled DualPad”. Incorporation of the new technology into mobile information devices such as notebook computers allows the user to perform cursor operation and input functions using the Company’s electronic pen or their finger. The technology will make its debut installed in Fujitsu’s “FMV-BIBLIO NB Series” notebook computers as “Flat Point Digitizer”, scheduled for introduction to the market in April 2006.
Wacom Press Release Innovative sensor integration technology enables operation using both electronic pen and finger Tokio, Japan 18.4.2006 - Wacom Co., Ltd. announced the development of the world’s first sensor integration technology and its practical application in the “Penabled DualPad”. Incorporation of the new technology into mobile information devices such…
Light Crafts Press Release
Palo Alto, CA—April 17, 2006—Light Crafts, Inc., today announced that the suggested retail price for it’s award-winning software LightZone is now $149.95. Designed and built from the ground up for professionals and other serious photographers, LightZone is available for computers running Windows and Mac OS X. The new Universal version runs natively on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Mac computers. Version 1.3 is now available to all current owners of LightZone as a free software update and offers increased performance and camera compatibility. LightZone provides a unique visual approach that focuses on what photographers want to do with their photos rather than how to do it. With LightZone, photographers are able to retouch their photos in a simple and natural way. The company also announced the availability of LightZone RT. LightZone RT (for ReTouch) responds to the need for better integration of the LightZone method with current image editing workflow solutions, and may be used with other RAW converters or image browsers.
Light Crafts Press Release Palo Alto, CA—April 17, 2006—Light Crafts, Inc., today announced that the suggested retail price for it’s award-winning software LightZone is now $149.95. Designed and built from the ground up for professionals and other serious photographers, LightZone is available for computers running Windows and Mac OS X…
Kingston Technology Press Release
Legendary Photographer Harry Benson Offers Six Tips That Helped Shape His Amazing Career At Kingston’s Icons Of Photography Website - Web Site Designed to Inspire/ Educate Photographers at All Levels with Tips and Techniques from World-Class Pros
Fountain Valley, CA – April 15, 2006 – - Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, announced that legendary photojournalist Harry Benson will be the featured photographer on Kingston’s Icons of Photography Web site beginning today. Icons of Photography is quickly becoming one of the most popular online forums for photo enthusiasts and professional photographers to learn tips and techniques from some of the world’s most respected photographers. Each month Kingston spotlights a new “Icon of Photography” who provides interesting advice and anecdotes for taking better pictures and shares their unique approach to digital imaging, storage, and workflow. Digital photography has changed the way we take photos and process them and Kingston is helping to educate and inform photographers at all levels about the importance of memory, whether it’s for the computer, the camera or as a convenient means of transporting images through secure and high capacity USB Flash drives.
Kingston Technology Press Release Legendary Photographer Harry Benson Offers Six Tips That Helped Shape His Amazing Career At Kingston’s Icons Of Photography Website - Web Site Designed to Inspire/ Educate Photographers at All Levels with Tips and Techniques from World-Class Pros Fountain Valley, CA – April 15, 2006 – -…
Digital-Lifestyles have posted the first online review of the Ricoh Caplio R4, a 6 megapixel camera with 7x zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Vibration Correction function.
“Noise levels were well under control at 64 -100 ISO, and still fairly reasonable up to 400 ISO. Ricoh Caplio R4 Superzoom Compact With Image Stabilisation: Review By 800 ISO we were entering arctic snowstorm territory, but the results were still easily usable for 6” x 4” prints (after a bit of cleaning up with noise-reduction programs like Noise Ninja). We didn’t see much in the way of pesky purple fringing (certainly far less than the Fuji F10/F11) and we were pleased with the lens performance overall.”
Digital-Lifestyles have posted the first online review of the Ricoh Caplio R4, a 6 megapixel camera with 7x zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Vibration Correction function. “Noise levels were well under control at 64 -100 ISO, and still fairly reasonable up to 400 ISO. Ricoh Caplio R4 Superzoom…
CNET have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games!
“A first-class 3-inch LCD, good high-ISO photo quality, and some useful, quirky features separate the ultracompact Fujifilm FinePix V10 from the pack, a lure for snapshooters who want a camera with its own personality. However, its 5-megapixel photos don’t rise above the crowd, it lacks manual exposure and focus adjustments, and the minuscule controls will frustrate all but the most dainty-fingered photographers.”
CNET have just reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix V10 Zoom, a 5 megapixel camera with 3 inch LCD screen that can also play games! “A first-class 3-inch LCD, good high-ISO photo quality, and some useful, quirky features separate the ultracompact Fujifilm FinePix V10 from the pack, a lure for snapshooters…
Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel, 28mm wide-angle lens Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01.
“Of course the sensor has long been the Lumix’s achilles heel, and noise is still enough of an issue here that some fairly harsh noise reduction is needed. But whereas other recent Lumix models have been so noisy that the problem threatened to overwhelm all the good stuff, here the noise is only a serious problem in daylight at ISO 400. That said, noise gets steadily worse as light levels drop, and I cannot recommend the output in low light at ISO 100 or above for anything over postcard-sized prints.”
Website: Quesabesde - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review
Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 6 megapixel, 28mm wide-angle lens Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01. “Of course the sensor has long been the Lumix’s achilles heel, and noise is still enough of an issue here that some fairly harsh noise reduction is needed. But whereas other recent Lumix models…
Digital Outback Photo have taken a look at the image resizing software SizeFixer.
“I have been working with Sizefixer since mid November 2005 and have used it to upsize over 100 different images. I have found that I can get excellent results from a 2.74mp D1 shot all the way to a 16mp 1DSMKII file. Each time I have found that the output from Sizefixer has amazingly accurate details. Even with the issues that have been pointed out, I prefer the output enough to develop work a-rounds to overcome these problems.”
http://www.outbackphoto.com/workflow/wf_92/essay.html
Digital Outback Photo have taken a look at the image resizing software SizeFixer. “I have been working with Sizefixer since mid November 2005 and have used it to upsize over 100 different images. I have found that I can get excellent results from a 2.74mp D1 shot all the way…
Kodak are set to raise the prices of some of its film products by as much as 17%, reports BusinessWeek. There are no details yet about which specific products are affected, but the cost of consumer and professional films will rise between 3% and 17% from May 1st this year. The rising costs of raw materials and transportation are apparently to blame. Good news for Kodak shareholders, bad news for film users.
Website: BusinessWeek - Eastman Kodak announces film price hikes
Kodak are set to raise the prices of some of its film products by as much as 17%, reports BusinessWeek. There are no details yet about which specific products are affected, but the cost of consumer and professional films will rise between 3% and 17% from May 1st this year…
Nikon Press Release
Capture NX and Nikon View Pro software release dates changed
Nikon Corporation announced on 21st February that Capture NX and Nikon View Pro software would be released in spring and in May respectively. However, the release schedule for these products has been changed due to a slight delay in their development schedule.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for customers waiting for the product release due to the delay from the original date projected in the initial announcement. We are working hard on completing the development process and we appreciate your patience and kind understanding.
Nikon Press Release Capture NX and Nikon View Pro software release dates changed Nikon Corporation announced on 21st February that Capture NX and Nikon View Pro software would be released in spring and in May respectively. However, the release schedule for these products has been changed due to a slight…
JP Distribution Press Release
JP Distribution are pleased to announce the new Studio Deluxe III L-398A Light Meter from Sekonic. The Studio Deluxe III L-398A has been modified from the discontinued L-398M, so, whilst maintaining all of the original features, it also has a number of new features that will make this a much-needed accessory for all photographers. Stock of the Studio Deluxe III L-398A will be available from the end of May and the suggested retail price is £129.99 inc vat.
JP Distribution Press Release JP Distribution are pleased to announce the new Studio Deluxe III L-398A Light Meter from Sekonic. The Studio Deluxe III L-398A has been modified from the discontinued L-398M, so, whilst maintaining all of the original features, it also has a number of new features that will…
Digital Foci Press Release
Los Angeles, CA, April 17, 2006 – Digital Foci announced today Memory Card Gateway, a high-speed USB 2.0 memory card reader/writer for virtually all memory card formats, including CompactFlash Type I/II, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card, SD Card, miniSD, Memory Stick,MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, and MagicGate MS. The Digital Foci Memory Card Gateway is the central access point for your digital camera, MP3 player, cell phone, PDA, digital video camera, and computer. With USB 2.0 connectivity, Memory Card Gateway lets you easily access pictures on your digital camera memory card and transfers those pictures to your computer at high speed. You can also easily share photos, music, and other data files with your friends by transferring files from your computer to their memory card. Available in 3 stylish colors: Lucid Purple, Midnight Gray, and Crystal Blue, Memory Card Gateway is compact, lightweight, and completely self-powered via USB port. The included velcro mounting pads also let you place it wherever you want.
Digital Foci Press Release Los Angeles, CA, April 17, 2006 – Digital Foci announced today Memory Card Gateway, a high-speed USB 2.0 memory card reader/writer for virtually all memory card formats, including CompactFlash Type I/II, MicroDrive, SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card, SD Card, miniSD, Memory Stick,MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo…
Gitzo Press Release
Ramsey, New Jersey (April 17, 2006) – 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 introducing the G2180 Fluid Head. Developed with a unique ergonomic design and with two individual uses, the low profile G2180 is ideal for compact DV camera equipment. With a sophisticated new design, the new G2180 features a curved handle that is fully adjustable to any angle for video applications. The handle can also be removed for use in still photography and is reversible for left and right-handed users. And, with every aspect of design in mind, Gitzo includes a cap to replace the handle attachment and preserve the sophistication of this piece. The G2180 head is crafted from a lightweight techno-polymer material and allows for easy transportation and travel, making the weight of the head a mere 1.19 pounds.
Gitzo Press Release Ramsey, New Jersey (April 17, 2006) – 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 introducing the G2180 Fluid Head. Developed with a unique ergonomic design and with two…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens.
“I was very pleased with the overall image quality of the A700’s 6-megapixel Large SuperFine mode. Our outdoor samples were beautiful, showing good exposure and color saturation. Thanks in part to the Canon 6x optical zoom lens, just about every single shot I took was nice and sharp from edge to edge. In fact i saw almost no signs of edge blurring or softness; a common trait of consumer models. Noise is nonexistent at the lower ISO settings (80 or 100), but does become more noticeable as the sensitivity is increased. “
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens. “I was very pleased with the overall image quality of the A700’s 6-megapixel Large SuperFine mode. Our outdoor samples were beautiful, showing good exposure…
Shutterbug have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
“Although it’s one of the smallest and lightest digital SLRs on the market, the E-500 has a solid feel that exudes high quality. That was achieved with an aluminum and plastic exterior, aluminum die-cast chassis, and a metal lens mount. Although the body is compact, the handgrip is large and well sculpted. The viewfinder seems very small, however. The LCD monitor is oversized, great for image playback and for viewing the various menu items that are shown with easy-to-read symbols and numbers. The camera sports analog controls for most of the frequently used features, all conveniently placed. “
Website: Shutterbug - Olympus E-500 Review
Shutterbug have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. “Although it’s one of the smallest and lightest digital SLRs on the market, the E-500 has a solid feel that exudes high quality. That was achieved…
CNET have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens.
“Like its stablemate, the PowerShot A540, the compact Canon PowerShot A700 offers abundant manual controls, respectable image quality, and acceptable ISO 800 performance. Either camera should appeal to enthusiast photographers or serious beginners who want some control over exposure and focus. But the A700’s biggest edge is its 6X zoom lens, a nice step up from the A540’s 4X glass. Plus, the A700 includes macro focusing down to 0.4 inch, a higher-resolution 2.5-inch LCD, and a rear-sync flash that fires at the end of your exposure to keep car headlights from looking like laser beams.”
Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot A700 Review
CNET have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A700, a 6 megapixel camera with ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 6x optical zoom lens. “Like its stablemate, the PowerShot A540, the compact Canon PowerShot A700 offers abundant manual controls, respectable image quality, and acceptable ISO 800 performance. Either camera should appeal…
NE Asia Online has an interesting article about the development of an organic CMOS sensor by Fujifilm.
“The reason the organic CMOS sensor has been referred to as the ideal imaging sensor is its structure. Existing imaging devices extract only specific wavelengths, using color filters, and convert them to charges. In the green image, for example, blue and red light is discarded. The organic CMOS sensor, however, uses all visible light thanks to a vertical stack of organic photoelectric conversion films (Fig 3, p53). The per-pixel optical utilization is tripled, making it possible that sensitivity would be significantly higher than that of existing imagers.”
Website: NE Asia Online - Fuji Film’s Success with Organic Imaging Sensor
NE Asia Online has an interesting article about the development of an organic CMOS sensor by Fujifilm. “The reason the organic CMOS sensor has been referred to as the ideal imaging sensor is its structure. Existing imaging devices extract only specific wavelengths, using color filters, and convert them to charges…
Maxtor Press Release
Bringing Digital Content to Life, a Series of New Products Are Scheduled in 2006 to Help Consumers Organize, Share, Protect and Access Their Content Anytime, Anywhere
MILPITAS, Calif. - The way people access, share, view and experience digital content is quickly evolving, and storage pioneer Maxtor (NYSE: MXO - News) is introducing several new products to address these changing consumer needs. Mike Williams, vice president and general manager, Maxtor Branded Products, today presented the future of storage innovation, and outlined a series of new products that Maxtor will make available through its retail and distributor channels during the second quarter. “Maxtor’s goal is to help people bring their digital content to life through an extended family of simple, elegant and intuitive solutions that allow people to expand, protect, and now easily organize, personalize and share their digital lives,” said Williams. “Maxtor is well-positioned to provide groundbreaking solutions and services, building off our years of success in launching value-add products.”
Maxtor Press Release Bringing Digital Content to Life, a Series of New Products Are Scheduled in 2006 to Help Consumers Organize, Share, Protect and Access Their Content Anytime, Anywhere MILPITAS, Calif. - The way people access, share, view and experience digital content is quickly evolving, and storage pioneer Maxtor (NYSE…