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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…
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…