LLC Press Release

The Panorama Factory™ V4.2 Adds Support for Multi-Core Processors and 64-Bit Processors

Pittsburgh, PA - January 3, 2006—LLC has released two new editions of The Panorama Factory, its popular software product for creating panoramic images.

The Panorama Factory m32 Edition runs on single- and multi-processor computers, delivering improved stitching speed on multi-processor systems (including multi-core systems) by performing image computations in parallel. The m32 Edition requires Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2003 or Windows Vista.

HandHeld Entertainment Press Release

HandHeld Entertainment Announces ‘‘Third Generation’’ WiFi (Wireless) ZVUE Portable Media Player; New ZVUEs to Be Featured at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show

SAN FRANCISCO—(Business Wire)—Jan. 3, 2006 New WiFi ZVUE (Model 500) is One of Two New Landscape-Format ZVUEs That Feature a 3.5-Inch Screen (320 X 240), 1GB of On-Board Flash and Both Compact Flash and SD Card Slots

HandHeld Entertainment(TM) today announced a new “Third Generation” of ZVUE(TM) portable media players, one of which includes wireless (WiFi) 802.11a/b/g connectivity.

Today’s announcement was made just prior to the annual Consumer Electronics Show, where HandHeld Entertainment will showcase its family of ZVUE portable media players January 5-8, in booth #70454 of the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Luminous Landscape have published their initial impressions of the new Apple Aperture software.

“‘I’ve left the question of raw editing till last. I have to say that I’m not overly impressed. Both Camera Raw and Capture One do a much better job in almost every regard, and faster to. It will also be unusual for any photographer to be happy with the overall level and variety of image control offered by Aperture, and therefore a trip to Photoshop will be necessary. Apple makes this fairly easy on the way out, but problematic on the way back because Aperture doesn’t understand Photoshop’s layers. (Layers on files coming back into Aperture from Photoshop are flattened, though if you re-export they are still there). Also, the Photoshoped file needs to reside inside the Aperture database for the whole system to make any sense without large numbers of multiple copies of files ending up all over the place. I wonder how many photographers are going to be happy with this.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Apple Aperture First Impressions

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

Website: FotoAparat - Nikon D200 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CameraLabs have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“There’s very little to fault about the Nikon D200. It’s very robust, has great ergonomics and a wide array of features, while handling superbly and delivering excellent image quality. In use it performed very well and we struggled to find any downsides to list at the end of the verdict - indeed we felt almost churlish criticising Nikon for the way it zooms-in on images during playback, although it has to be said, simple zoom in and out buttons really are much more intuitive.”

Website: CameraLabs - Nikon D200 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Samsung Digimax i6 digital camera is announced today. The Samsung i6 is a 6 megapixel camera and also a portable media player with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and Advanced Shake Reduction. The Samsung Digimax i6 will be available in early 2006.

Samsung UK Press Release

Introducing the Samsung Digimax i6 PMP camera.

The i6 is the world’s first PMP slim camera
-  i6 PMP plays MP3 and works as a Portable Media Player
-  Slim, striking and ergonomic design
-  ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction)
-  large bright TFT LCD (2.5 inch)
-  All the great functions of a Samsung camera including 6-megapixels and 3x optical zoom

The 8 megapixel Samsung Digimax S800, 6 megapixel Samsung Digimax S600 and 5 megapixel Samsung Digimax S500 point and shoot digital cameras are announced today. All three models offer a 2.4 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The S800, S600 and S500 are expected to hit the market in early 2006.

Samsung UK Press Release

Introducing the “S” Series of Point & Shoot cameras.

‘S’ series point and shoot digital cameras to be launched
  -  5, 6, and 8 megapixels, all with 3x optical zoom
  -  Easy and quick operation
  -  Ergonomic design with camera grip
  -  Large and Vivid TFT LCD (2.4 inch)

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak Innovation Takes Center Stage at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show

Company Unveils World’s First Dual-Lens Digital Still Camera and New PHOTO VOICE Software; Chairman and CEO Antonio Perez to Address Attendees on Friday, January 6

LONDON, January 3 2006 - As the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) opens here to record crowds, Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced two products that propel picture taking and sharing to new levels:
• The KODAK EASYSHARE V570 zoom digital camera is the world’s first dual-lens digital still camera. Using proprietary KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology, the elegant device ingeniously wraps an ultra-wide angle lens (23 mm) and an optical zoom lens (39 – 117 mm) into a sleek, pocket-size package less than an inch thick.
• KODAK PHOTO VOICE software combines Kodak’s online picture sharing service ? KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery ? with Skype global Internet communications. With this free download from www.kodakgallery.com/photovoice, people can share their pictures in real time with friends around the globe using Skype’s free Internet calling service, talking live about the pictures as if they were in the same room.

Kodak UK Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE Z650 Digital Camera Brings Users ‘Closer’ to Picture Perfection via its 10X Extended Zoom Capabilities - Fast Performance, Stunning Shots Define the Latest Z-Series Camera

LONDON, January 3 2006 - On the eve of the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Eastman Kodak Company announced the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z650 zoom digital camera, the latest model in its Z-series line. The 6.1-megapixel camera offers aspiring photographers exceptional performance and greater photographic control through its professional-quality SCHENIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 10X optical zoom lens, helping capture detail from afar and flattering portraits.

Kodak UK Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE C663 Zoom Digital Camera First to Incorporate Innovative KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology for Better, Brighter Pictures - Affordable 6.1 Megapixel Camera Combines Compact Design and Stunning Image Quality

LONDON, January 3 2006 - Building upon its popular consumer digital photography system, Eastman Kodak Company has introduced the EASYSHARE C663 zoom digital camera. This model, with 6.1 megapixel resolution, a huge 2.5-inch LCD screen and a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens, is the first camera to incorporate proprietary KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology.

At the touch of a button, this innovative feature — previously available only on KODAK printers and kiosks, or via lab processing — creates better, brighter pictures by bringing out detail in shadows without affecting lighter areas. It’s ideal for underexposed pictures caused by shooting beyond the flash range or in adverse lighting conditions.

Kodak UK Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE Software Version 5.2 Offers Innovative ‘Favourites’ Feature, Providing Effortless Access to Your Best Pictures Anytime, Anywhere

Favourite Pictures Automatically Made Available Anywhere in the KODAK EASYSHARE System for Instant Viewing and Sharing — On Your Camera, Computer, and Online

LONDON, January 3 2006 - Eastman Kodak Company has introduced KODAK EASYSHARE Software version 5.2, which is free, simple-to-use software that helps users effortlessly organise, edit, share and print their digital pictures. This new version helps people quickly view and share their best pictures anytime, anywhere — on their computer, online, and on their camera — through an innovative, enhanced ‘favourites’ feature. The free download is available at http://www.kodak.com/go/easysharesw/

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak and Lexar Introduce High-Performance Memory Cards - New Cards Ideal for Rapidly Capturing and Viewing Still Pictures

LONDON, January 3 2006 - Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) and Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR) have introduced KODAK High Performance memory cards designed for digital camera owners who require high-speed processing for rapid-fire still shooting, high frame rate video capture, and fast computer transfer. Initially available in SD (Secure Digital) format, KODAK High Performance memory cards, offered by Lexar, are ideal for users of all SD format digital cameras with both still and video capture capabilities.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor Debuts New ColorVision Spyder2PRO At CES For Dynamic Display In Booming Digital Projector Market Introducing The Latest Color Calibration Tool for Digital Imagers in South Hall Booth 25754

LAS VEGAS, NV – Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – January 2, 2006 – Datacolor, an internationally known name in color technology, introduces the latest color calibration tool in its award winning
ColorVision line for the digital projector market at CES 2006. ColorVision Spyder2™ PRO V2.0, which targets digital imagers working in this growing medium, will be on display in Datacolor Booth No. 25754, South Hall No. 2 (Ground Level), at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“The new Spyder2PRO is in keeping with our R &D philosophy. We evolve color technology as market demands emerge, ensuring that color remains true as it migrates across media. In this case, LCD and DLP projectors continue to come down in price, replacing slide projectors as the fundamental tools for creative professionals. With Spyder2 PRO V2.0, pros know their work will be dynamically displayed in this new medium,” Datacolor Vice President Brian Levey explains.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor Brings Consumers “Digital Darkroom In a Box” For Complete Color Accuracy On Monitors and In Print At CES 2006 - ColorVision Spyder2 Plus Showcased at LVCC, Booth25754, South Hall No. 2

LAS VEGAS, NV– The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – January 3, 2006 – Datacolor, an internationally known name in color technology, showcases ColorVision® Spyder2Plus™ at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 25754, South Hall No. 2 (Ground Level), January 5 – 8, 2006.

ColorVision Spyder2 Plus (The Digital Darkroom in a Box™) is the latest color calibration innovation from the world color technology leader. It provides a full suite of tools for anyone working with digital
images and is frustrated by color discrepancy between the monitor image and final printout.

Sanyo Press Release

Pocket-sized, Tapeless SANYO Xacti HD1 Brings High-Definition Video Recording to the Mass Consumer Market in a Stylish, Feature-Rich and Affordable Package

LAS VEGAS, January 3, 2006, CES Booth #11017 – Making its debut at the 2006 International CES, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s first high-definition compact digital media camera.* Offering advanced, next-generation video performance, the SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s smallest and lightest high-definition digital media camera, ideal for recording today with the future in mind.

SANYO, the world’s leading manufacturer of digital cameras and components, designed the Xacti HD1 Digital Media Camera to easily record both 720p high-definition video and 5.1 megapixel digital still images to a standard SD flash memory card. The SANYO Xacti HD1 will be available in the U.S. in late March at an MSRP of $799.99**

Cornice Press Release

Cornice Introduces Ultra-Thin 8GB and 10GB Micro Hard Drive; Enables Smaller and Thinner Consumer Electronics Devices

LONGMONT, Colo.—(Business Wire)—Jan. 2, 2006 Small Form Factor Storage Innovator Launches Its First Two-Headed Storage Product and Decreases Its Size by 40 Percent

Cornice Inc.—an innovator in consumer storage solutions—today announced the expansion of its storage offerings with the addition of an ultra thin, high-capacity personal storage device. The Cornice Dragon series micro hard drives, available in 8- and 10-gigabytes, will allow OEMs to offer thinner and higher-capacity consumer electronics (CE) devices while featuring industry-leading robustness, durability, and low power requirements for everyday consumer use. Audio/video players, mobile phones and personal storage devices will all be enhanced by the Dragon series micro hard drive.

CameraBright Press Release

CameraBright Introduces Two New Products that Address the Growing Digital SLR Camera and High-End Camcorder Markets

The Extended Range Plus CameraBright! TM ER+ light Delivers Durability for Digital SLR or Camcorder users, while the HS1 Hotshoe Mount Adds Versatility for Connecting any CameraBright! TM Light to a universal shoe mount.

CameraBright, Inc. expands its product line of the world’s only consumer-based photographic lighting accessory product line by introducing two new products, the CameraBright! X1-ER Plus lighting accessory with durable metal threads for heavier use applications and the HS1 universal camera shoe adapter for connecting any of the available CameraBright! lighting accessories to a digital SLR camera or camcorder shoe mount. CameraBright! X1 lighting accessories connect to virtually any digital camera or camcorder to allow users to capture better pictures and videos in low and no light situations.

Pacific Digital Press Release

PACIFIC DIGITAL® AND MICROSOFT® COLLABORATE ON INTERGRATING WINDOWS VISTA TECHNOLOGIES WITH DIGITAL PICTURE FRAMES

Pacific Digital ® announces collaboration with Microsoft® in integrating new multimedia features of Microsoft’s Windows Vista with the MemoryFrame line of Digital Photo Frames.

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 1, 2006 – Pacific Digital Corporation is working with Microsoft to integrate the next generation MemoryFrame family of digital picture frames with enhanced features built into the upcoming Microsoft Windows Vista release. Pacific Digital will be demonstrating Microsoft Windows Vista at it’s booth at CES.

Digital Picture Frames are quickly becoming a standard part of the home, displaying digital photos and other content as an “electronic scrapbook”. The MemoryFrame will be able use the features of Windows Vista to further integrate digital picture frames into the home experience by supporting Windows Vista capabilities such as Windows Media Connect, Windows Connect Now and RSS Feeds.

Lexar Press Release

Lexar Increases Performance of Platinum Memory Card Line; Faster Platinum II Cards Ideal for Rapid Fire Shooting and Full Motion Video

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 3, 2006 Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, will showcase its new Platinum II offering, an enhanced version of the company’s Platinum line of flash memory cards, at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Lexar’s new Platinum II memory cards provide photographers with performance levels capable of sustained rapid-fire shooting and full motion video, two of the most popular and sought after features in digital cameras. The Platinum II CompactFlash memory card is speed-rated at 80X, capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 12MBs per second, while the Platinum II Secure Digital memory card is speed-rated at 60X, capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 9MBs per second. The Platinum II line also includes popular Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo flash memory cards.

Lexar Press Release

Lexar Adds Corel Corporation’s Digital Imaging Software to Line of Flash Memory Cards; Award-Winning Paint Shop(TM) Family Software to Enhance Value of Lexar Memory Cards

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Jan. 3, 2006 Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced that the company is adding further value to its widely popular lines of flash memory products by including digital imaging software from Corel Corporation—valued at $30 to $100 per application—to select flash memory cards in Lexar’s Professional, Platinum and Value lines. The included software programs are Corel(R) Paint Shop Pro(R) 9, Corel(R) Photo Album(TM) 6 (Standard Edition) and Corel(R) Photo Album(TM) 6 (Starter Edition)—all designed to help photographers of all levels enhance, edit and manage their images.