News
News has reached us that Pentax are set to withdraw a number of its products from the European market, as new EU legislation regarding the use of lead solder in camera circuit boards is about to come into force (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2004 (RoHS Regulations)). Pentax is the second company to pull product due to this legislation - the Hasselblad Xpan has already been withdrawn from market. The full list includes the Pentax 645N II and 67II medium format cameras, some lenses and a number of digital compact cameras (the majority of which have already been discontinued due to product life cycles).
John Dickins, the Marketing Manager of Pentax UK, has issued the following statement.
“In light of impending EU legislation (RoHS) governing materials used in the manufacturing of consumer technology and IT products, Pentax will be discontinuing the production and European sales of a number of products, including its film based medium format cameras, some film and digital compact cameras, as well as a number of lenses and accessories.
Pentax is currently revaluating its European product portfolio in light of this legislation and information on future product introductions will be made in due course once assessments have been made into market demand. The company would like to make clear, however, that the decision to discontinue these products has been made in order to fully comply with this European directive - which comes into affect in July this year and which has implications for number of consumer electronic companies retailing within the EU.
News has reached us that Pentax are set to withdraw a number of its products from the European market, as new EU legislation regarding the use of lead solder in camera circuit boards is about to come into force (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and…
Corel Press Release
MAIDENHEAD, UK - 28 March 2006; Following this year’s extremely cold and gloomy winter period, the delights of spring seem all too far away; however, with Spring officially beginning and the sun starting to show its face, many households will honour the time-old tradition of spring cleaning - whether it be their homes, cars, PC or lives. This year Corel provides tips on how to re-organise, improve and spring clean those photo snaps that have been cluttering up your camera, PC or shoebox for too long! Corel® Photo Album* 6 offers the broadest range of easy-to-use features for organising, enhancing, sharing, showcasing and protecting digital photography. With Corel Photo Album 6 users are able to spring into action by simply plugging in their digital camera, card reader or scanned photos to a PC. Corel Photo Album 6 then automatically organises those photos into date order and vertically rotates photos for easy viewing. The user can further arrange their photos by using Folders, Collections, Keywords, Favourite Photos, Recent Downloads etc; whilst also using basic Improve and Enhance functions to add that air of professionalism to everyday photos.
Corel Press Release MAIDENHEAD, UK - 28 March 2006; Following this year’s extremely cold and gloomy winter period, the delights of spring seem all too far away; however, with Spring officially beginning and the sun starting to show its face, many households will honour the time-old tradition of spring cleaning…
DPReview have the first online review of 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: DPReview - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 Review
DPReview have the first online review of 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…
CNET have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera.
“The modest Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 tops Panasonic’s midrange line of compact, 6X-zoom snapshot cameras; its 6-megapixel resolution and about $50 are all that differentiate it from its 5-megapixel sibling, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3. Both incorporate a 37mm-to-222mm (35mm equivalent) Leica lens, optical image stabilization, and numerous ways to control image capture, though they lack manual exposure modes. The DMC-LZ5 fares moderately well in bright environments, but poor performance and average photo quality lessen the allure of this attractively priced model.”
Website: CNET - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Review
CNET have reviewed the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 camera. “The modest Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 tops Panasonic’s midrange line of compact, 6X-zoom snapshot cameras; its 6-megapixel resolution and about $50 are all that differentiate it from its 5-megapixel sibling, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3. Both incorporate a 37mm-to-222mm (35mm equivalent)…
Imation Press Release
Get Hooked on Imation’s New Clip Flash Drives - Rugged carabineer clip design provides easy file access for on-the-go professionals
OAKDALE, Minn. (March 27, 2006) – Feel secure knowing that your valuable files are with you – anytime, anywhere – with Imation’s (NYSE: IMN) new durable Clip USB 2.0 Flash Drives. Safely encased in a tough rubberized shell, this extremely compact flash drive can be quickly removed from its case and fit into the tightest USB slots. An ultra-tough carabineer clip attaches the drive quickly and easily to backpacks, shoulder bags or belt loops to ensure the drive is ready to go anywhere it’s needed. “Imation’s unique flash drive designs are built to last – giving the user the confidence that their important digital files will be protected,” said Tom Lally, U.S. executive director of sales and marketing, Imation. “For the ultimate in portable data storage, the durable carabineer design of our new Clip Flash Drive is ideal for professionals and students who are always on the go.”
Imation Press Release Get Hooked on Imation’s New Clip Flash Drives - Rugged carabineer clip design provides easy file access for on-the-go professionals OAKDALE, Minn. (March 27, 2006) – Feel secure knowing that your valuable files are with you – anytime, anywhere – with Imation’s (NYSE: IMN) new durable Clip…
DCResource have just branched out by launching a new printer review website called Printerspot.
“PrinterSpot is a new printer review site from the creator of the Digital Camera Resource Page, one of the leading websites of its kind on the Internet. Here at PrinterSpot we review multifunction and photo printers in a simple, easy to understand fashion, without any of the “tech speak” that you’ll find elsewhere. Our reviews are unbiased: we’re not afraid to call a spade a spade.”
Website: Printerspot
DCResource have just branched out by launching a new printer review website called Printerspot. “PrinterSpot is a new printer review site from the creator of the Digital Camera Resource Page, one of the leading websites of its kind on the Internet. Here at PrinterSpot we review multifunction and photo printers…
Sharp have developed a CMOS sensor that can calculate the distance between itself and the subject using infrared light. Sadly the resolution is only 320 x 240 pixels, so one for the future then in terms of digital cameras (found via digicamera.net).
“In order to provide these two functions, the company has adopted the Time-of-Flight (TOF) method as the distance measurement technique, in which a distance is back-calculated from the flight time of light. Commercialization is in progress, aiming at home appliances, automotive and security related products as its target applications.”
Website: TechOn - Sharp Develops CMOS Image Sensor Able to Measure Distance to Object
Sharp have developed a CMOS sensor that can calculate the distance between itself and the subject using infrared light. Sadly the resolution is only 320 x 240 pixels, so one for the future then in terms of digital cameras (found via digicamera.net). “In order to provide these two functions, the…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A540, which offers 6 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.
“When it comes to image quality, Canon’s models are almost always at the top. And, the A540 is no exception. We were very pleased with its Large SuperFine 6-megapixel images. Our sample images were sharp, well exposed, and showed accurate color balance. As you can see from our kayak shots, the exposure system of this model does an excellent job of capturing sky detail. Imager noise is an issue we touch with just about every model we test, and the A540 showed very little, if any, when using ISO 80 and 100. As the ISO sensitivity is increased, so does the noise; a common problem with almost all consumer cameras.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A540, which offers 6 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “When it comes to image quality, Canon’s models are almost always at the top. And, the A540 is no exception. We were very pleased…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A530, which offers 5 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.
“Shooting performance was very robust for a consumer model. From power up until the first image was captured measured just 1.8 seconds, and waking the camera from sleep mode to image capture took only 1.1 seconds. Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter button and capturing an image, was less than 1/10 of a second when pre-focused, and only 2/10 of a second including autofocus. When using single drive mode and shooting a sequence of images, the shot to shot delay averaged approx. 1.8 seconds without the flash, but increases dramatically to between 4 - 6 seconds when using the flash, depending on subject distance and battery life.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A530, which offers 5 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “Shooting performance was very robust for a consumer model. From power up until the first image was captured measured just 1.8 seconds, and waking…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens.
“Like its predecessor, the A430’s ergonomics are great. The various controls are well placed and easily accessed by your fingertips. It still has the same Zoom control that we disliked on past models, but it works just fine. The Menu system is logically organized and changing settings quickly is very easy with the FUNCtion menu. I was happy to see that Canon did away with the tiny 1.5-inch LCD display. The 1.8-inch LCD offers a better viewing surface and the text is more legible; something that is very important for those with less than perfect eyesight. “
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A430, which offers 4 megapixels, ISO 800, 2.5 inch LCD and a 4x optical zoom lens. “Like its predecessor, the A430’s ergonomics are great. The various controls are well placed and easily accessed by your fingertips. It still has the…
DigitalCameraInfo have published a comparative review of the new Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 5D digital SLR cameras.
”...the D200 and the 5D are the latest cameras from the leading DSLR manufacturers, and are the results of big R&D efforts. As such, they ought to show where the two companies are going, and what they’re capable of. Second, they are Canon and Nikon’s step-down models to their flagship DSLRs – both the EOS 5D and D200 represent more affordable, scaled-down versions of their top of the line cousins, with the full-frame 5D a smaller iteration of the 1Ds Mark II, and the D200 a mid-level D2X.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon D200 vs Canon EOS 5D Review
DigitalCameraInfo have published a comparative review of the new Nikon D200 and Canon EOS 5D digital SLR cameras. ”...the D200 and the 5D are the latest cameras from the leading DSLR manufacturers, and are the results of big R&D efforts. As such, they ought to show where the two companies…
CNET have just reviewed the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor.
“The picture quality is generally solid, with minimal noise at typical settings and nearly no chromatic aberration. A minor weakness is the DS2’s erratic automatic white balance, but overall, the DS2 is a hearty, well-performing, intuitive, and easy-to-handle camera. For those approaching the dSLR market with a bag of Pentax lenses—or no lenses at all—it’s a camera to consider.”
Website: CNET - Pentax *ist DS2 Review
CNET have just reviewed the Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor. “The picture quality is generally solid, with minimal noise at typical settings and nearly no chromatic aberration. A minor…
Earthbound Light have just reviewed version 2.1 of a Photoshop plugin called Curvemeister (PC only), which adds some missing functionality to Photoshop’s Curves feature.
“As the title of this article says, Curvemeister is Curves on steroids. The main Curvemeister Curves window shows a combination histogram and curves display that can be configured to show any one channel or be split into displays for all channels simultaneously. It can be freely toggled between RGB, wide-gamut CMYK, Lab, and HSB (Hue-Saturation-Brightness) color models at any point while working on a curve so you can use whichever seems best for the task at hand. And it works the same in Photoshop Elements as it does in the full version of Photoshop. Sure would be nice if Adobe would take a cue from Curvemeister in this regard, now wouldn’t it?”
Earthbound Light have just reviewed version 2.1 of a Photoshop plugin called Curvemeister (PC only), which adds some missing functionality to Photoshop’s Curves feature. “As the title of this article says, Curvemeister is Curves on steroids. The main Curvemeister Curves window shows a combination histogram and curves display that can…
ePhotoZine have just reviewed version 1.0 of Apple’s Aperture software.
“Aperture from Apple is one of the first of a new generation of all-in-one RAW workflow solutions that incorporate both image management features and RAW image processing in one package. In this review, professional social photographer, Mike French takes a look at the main features of Aperture version 1.0. The review will be updated with a comprehensive look at Aperture’s RAW processing abilities upon release of Aperture 1.1, due out by the end of March.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Apple Aperture Review
ePhotoZine have just reviewed version 1.0 of Apple’s Aperture software. “Aperture from Apple is one of the first of a new generation of all-in-one RAW workflow solutions that incorporate both image management features and RAW image processing in one package. In this review, professional social photographer, Mike French takes a…
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels.
“Panasonic is somewhat unique in this area, offering stabilization on camera models that offer as little as 3x optical zoom, where other manufacturers until recently have restricted the feature to their long-zoom cameras. While stabilization on a 3x zoom camera like the Panasonic Lumix FX9 may not be as much of a necessity as it would be on a long-zoom digicam, it does make a useful difference in the photos you’ll be able to shoot in available light—without flash and, therefore, without red-eye. You’ll also need a tripod much less often, and those times when a tripod just isn’t an option, you won’t have to resort to boosting the ISO sensitivity (and noise levels) as much as you might have with a non-stabilized camera. If you’re in the market for an affordable digital camera with the advantages of optical image stabilization, the Lumix FX9 could be the camera for you.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. “Panasonic is somewhat unique in this area, offering stabilization on camera models that offer as little as 3x optical zoom, where other manufacturers…
Olympus Europe Press Release
The innovative Olympus E-330 digital SLR available in a choice of six kits for specific applications
Hamburg, March 2006 – Whether for travel, medical, macro, nature, architectural or underwater photography – and just about anything in between – Olympus will introduce six kits to accompany the sales start of the E-330 digital SLR, and thereby provide customised, professional solutions for virtually any photographic situation. Key element in each of the kits is, of course, the Olympus E-330 body – a remarkable feat of technology. It is the world’s first digital SLR to provide continuous Live Previews. Now, instead of being forced to frame compositions by looking through the viewfinder, photographers have the freedom of framing while looking at the Live Preview on the camera’s large 6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD. Extending usability even further, the screen can be tilted up 90° and down 45° to provide unparalleled shooting and framing ease. Image quality, speed and sensitivity are second to none thanks to the incorporation of a latest-generation Live MOS sensor with 7.5 million pixels. Naturally, as with all cameras in the Olympus E-System range, the E-330 is equipped with the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter which eliminates the danger of dust entering the camera body and settling on the image sensor. Compatibility with the full range of E-System accessories makes the E-330 ideal for a multitude of applications. And the availability of these six new kits makes this surprisingly affordable.
Olympus Europe Press Release The innovative Olympus E-330 digital SLR available in a choice of six kits for specific applications Hamburg, March 2006 – Whether for travel, medical, macro, nature, architectural or underwater photography – and just about anything in between – Olympus will introduce six kits to accompany the…
ePhotoZine have the first online review of the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera.
“ISO50 and 100 both produce clean results, with ISO200 being slightly noisier, but still very usable. At ISO400 the noise level increases dramatically, but it retains a random, film-like pattern which is still suitable for printing up to around 7x5 inches. Compact digital cameras have been steadily improving there ability to shoot at high ISO settings, many have sensitivity settings up to ISO1600 now. For this camera to be so noisy at its maximum ISO400 setting is a disappointment. I expected better from a newly released camera.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon Coolpix S5 Review
ePhotoZine have the first online review of the new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S5 digital camera. “ISO50 and 100 both produce clean results, with ISO200 being slightly noisier, but still very usable. At ISO400 the noise level increases dramatically, but it retains a random, film-like pattern which is still suitable…
Pentax USA Press Release
(GOLDEN, CO) March 25, 2006…Nothing screams “take me with you” quite like the line of PENTAX Optio waterproof digital cameras. So, that is exactly what world-class surf champion Kelly Slater and his friends did when they convened recently for the second annual Kelly Slater Invitational (KSI) surfing event on the beautiful coast of Kona, Hawaii in February 2006. Every year, KSI brings together pro surfers, Hollywood celebrities and musical guests for a weekend of surf, sand and sun. Equipped with PENTAX waterproof Optio W10 digital cameras, the official camera of the event, professional photographers and celebrities alike snapped images of the activities. With the capability to capture images up to five feet underwater for up to 30 minutes, the Optio W10 is the perfect camera for use in and around water.
Pentax USA Press Release (GOLDEN, CO) March 25, 2006…Nothing screams “take me with you” quite like the line of PENTAX Optio waterproof digital cameras. So, that is exactly what world-class surf champion Kelly Slater and his friends did when they convened recently for the second annual Kelly Slater Invitational (KSI)…
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body.
“The large 2.5inch screen on the back is clear and satisfyingly bright when used indoors or in dim light. Dim light is where this display excels, the process of brightening the on-screen image that is termed ‘BrightCapture Technology’ by Olympus, really does help with composing shot in low light conditions.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus mju 700 Review
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus mju 700 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 710 in the USA), a 7.1 megapixel camera with 3x zoom, 2.5 inch LCD and a weatherproof body. “The large 2.5inch screen on the back is clear and satisfyingly bright when used indoors or in dim…
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera.
Website: Fotopolis - Sony DSC-H2 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Sony DSC-H2 ultrazoom camera. Website: Fotopolis - Sony DSC-H2 Review Website: Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews