News

Friday, December 23, 2005

A much more probable story than the Samsung DSLR, but probably much less imminent (as they first announced this in early 2004), is a brief article on the Leica website about a digital Leica M system. Apparently, Leica intend to release a digital version of the Leica M system, complete with new wide-angle lenses. The “article” is just a teaser for the full story in the LFI paper magazine - if there are any subscribers out there with the full details, please let us know more! If you’re a Leica fan, are you excited or appalled by this possible development?

Website: Leica Digital M

A much more probable story than the Samsung DSLR, but probably much less imminent (as they first announced this in early 2004), is a brief article on the Leica website about a digital Leica M system. Apparently, Leica intend to release a digital version of the Leica M system, complete…

Apple ApertureApple have released a new update, v1.0.1, for their Aperture software.

Aperture 1.0.1 Update addresses a number of issues related to reliability and performance. It also delivers improved image export quality and metadata handling.

Among the key areas addressed are:

- White balance adjustment accuracy and performance
- Image export quality
- Book and print ordering reliability
- Auto-stacking performance
- Custom paper size handling

Website: Download Apple Aperture v1.0.1

Apple have released a new update, v1.0.1, for their Aperture software. Aperture 1.0.1 Update addresses a number of issues related to reliability and performance. It also delivers improved image export quality and metadata handling. Among the key areas addressed are: - White balance adjustment accuracy and performance - Image export…

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Ricoh Caplio R3The Ricoh Caplio R3 is currently the second most popular camera on PhotographyBLOG, and its easy to see why. A 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm, anti-shake mode, 5 megapixel sensor, 1cm macro mode, all in a very compact body. But can Ricoh over-come the image quality issues that have plagued them in the past? Carry on reading my review to find out…

Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 Review

The Ricoh Caplio R3 is currently the second most popular camera on PhotographyBLOG, and its easy to see why. A 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm, anti-shake mode, 5 megapixel sensor, 1cm macro mode, all in a very compact body. But can Ricoh over-come the image quality issues that…

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is currently the most talked-about camera on PhotographyBLOG, but does it live up to all the hype? Read my extensive review to find out…

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 is currently the most talked-about camera on PhotographyBLOG, but does it live up to all the hype? Read my extensive review to find out… Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Review

Holiday Gift Guide 2005With the Thanksgiving holiday over and only a few weeks until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to buy the photographer in your life, even if that’s you! I’ve looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2005 and picked my favourites, from digital cameras to printers and stocking fillers. I’ve also suggested some similar products that may be worth looking at which I haven’t reviewed, and there are handy links to the latest and most competitive prices from online retailers. So, somewhat in advance, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Website: Holiday Gift Guide 2005

With the Thanksgiving holiday over and only a few weeks until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to buy the photographer in your life, even if that’s you! I’ve looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2005 and picked my favourites…

Pixmantec RawShooter Premium 2006PhotographyBLOG and Pixmantec have teamed up to offer you a great Seasonal offer on the new Pixmantec RawShooter Premium 2006 RAW conversion software.

From now until December 31st, you can purchase this great software for a special discounted price of just $69 US (the e-shop allows you to specify your local currency).

You can also download the software and try it first via Pixmantec’s 15 day free trial. If you like it, you can then can sign on to the website (http://www.pixmantec.com) and buy it.

To qualify for the discounted price of $69, just enter the code xmasblog in the Coupon Code field on the Preferred Payment Sethod screen when you place your order. It’s simple!

Website: Pixmantec

PhotographyBLOG and Pixmantec have teamed up to offer you a great Seasonal offer on the new Pixmantec RawShooter Premium 2006 RAW conversion software. From now until December 31st, you can purchase this great software for a special discounted price of just $69 US (the e-shop allows you to specify your…

Sony DSC-H1 Cyber-shotSony has withdrawn 6 of its digital cameras from sale in China, after they failed quality control by the hejiang Administration for Industry and Commerce. The DSC-H1, DSC-L1, DSC-P200, DSC-W7, DSC-W5 and DSC-S90 models all failed to make the grade.

Website: Interface China - Sony stops sales of six cameras in China that failed inspection

Sony has withdrawn 6 of its digital cameras from sale in China, after they failed quality control by the hejiang Administration for Industry and Commerce. The DSC-H1, DSC-L1, DSC-P200, DSC-W7, DSC-W5 and DSC-S90 models all failed to make the grade. Website: Interface China - Sony stops sales of six cameras…

Nikon D200Sigma have announced an auto-focus problem when their HSM equipped lenses are used with the new Nikon D200.

Sigma Service Notice

Notice to end-users using Sigma’s HSM equipped lens with Nikon D200 camera

To our valued customers,

AF function of our HSM equipped lenses do not operate when “AF operation button” on the back of the body of Nikon “D200” digital SLR camera (recently introduced to the market by Nikon) is used. This problem is caused due to a firmware “bug” of our HSM equipped lenses.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers who own D200 camera and we are committed to making this situation right. In this respect, we will start updating firmware of these lenses free of charge today.

Sigma have announced an auto-focus problem when their HSM equipped lenses are used with the new Nikon D200. Sigma Service Notice Notice to end-users using Sigma’s HSM equipped lens with Nikon D200 camera To our valued customers, AF function of our HSM equipped lenses do not operate when “AF operation…

Lexar JumpDrive LightningLexar Media Press Release

Lexar and Google Team Up to Offer USB Flash Drives with Popular Web Applications

FREMONT, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 20, 2005—Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies announced it is bringing Google applications directly to customers by including Picasa, Google Toolbar and Google Desktop Search applications on its line of popular USB flash drives. The offering is the first time consumers will be able to install Google applications from a USB flash drive directly to their desktop to edit photos, find files and search the web using popular Google applications.

Lexar Media Press Release Lexar and Google Team Up to Offer USB Flash Drives with Popular Web Applications FREMONT, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 20, 2005—Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies announced it is bringing Google applications directly to customers by including Picasa, Google Toolbar and Google…

ATP Press Release

ATP Expands Professional Series Flash Cards by Introducing the ProMax CompactFlash(TM) Line; Designed for High Mega-pixel Digital SLR Cameras from Nikon, Canon and Others, the ProMax CompactFlash Line is Rated at 30MB/s (150X)

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 20, 2005—ATP Electronics Inc., a leading manufacturer of digital flash media products, today announced the addition of its ProMax(TM) family product line with the release of its highest performance ProMax(TM) CompactFlash (CF) memory cards. With a blazing speed rating of 150X, the ProMax CF card is the fastest CF card available on the market today. ATP will showcase their new water & shock resistant ProMax CF card product line at the CES 2006 January 5-8 in Las Vegas, at the Sands Expo booth # 71440. The complete ProMax CF card lineup will be initially available through ATP distribution partners Ingram Micro, BKA, and D&H while end users can buy the card direct at store.atpinc.com.

ATP Press Release ATP Expands Professional Series Flash Cards by Introducing the ProMax CompactFlash(TM) Line; Designed for High Mega-pixel Digital SLR Cameras from Nikon, Canon and Others, the ProMax CompactFlash Line is Rated at 30MB/s (150X) SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 20, 2005—ATP Electronics Inc., a leading manufacturer of digital flash media…

DxO Optics Pro Starter EditionDxO Labs Press Release

DxO Labs puts its award-winning DxO Optics Pro technology in the hands of high-end digicam users.

Paris, France, December 20, 2005 – DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition is on sale via the company’s e-store (http://store.dxo.com). DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition will be available through selected retailers starting late in January 2006.

Specifically designed for advanced digicams, also known as “ZLR”, “SuperZoom” or “Bridge” cameras, DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition supports digital cameras including: Sony DSC-H1, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, Canon PowerShot Pro S2 IS, Kodak P850, Olympus SP-500, Nikon Coolpix 8800, Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6, Panasonic DMC-FZ30, Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2, Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200, and Sony F-828. More camera support will be added in the future.

DxO Labs Press Release DxO Labs puts its award-winning DxO Optics Pro technology in the hands of high-end digicam users. Paris, France, December 20, 2005 – DxO Labs announces today that DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition is on sale via the company’s e-store (http://store.dxo.com). DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition will…

Fujifilm USB 2.0 Pen DriveFujifilm UK Press Release

Speed it up with Fujifilm’s USB 2.0 Pen Drive range

Fujifilm has announced a new range of USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Pen Drives, adding to its ever-expanding range of digital accessories and media.

The translucent green card readers - available in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities - can be slotted straight into your PC, laptop or digital camera, enabling fast transfer of all documents, images and music files to and from all compatible digital devices.

Fujifilm UK Press Release Speed it up with Fujifilm’s USB 2.0 Pen Drive range Fujifilm has announced a new range of USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Pen Drives, adding to its ever-expanding range of digital accessories and media. The translucent green card readers - available in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities -…

Sharpics Press Release

New Portable Studios Make Taking Professional Photos Quick and Easy for Product Photography, Selling On-Line or Home Inventory

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/—More people are using digital cameras in their professional and personal lives including selling on the internet, inventory for insurance or estate planning, scrapbooking, web designing, appraisals, and advertising.

Product photography can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive including finding the appropriate lighting, space and background.  The D-Flector Portable Photo Studios lets everyone including novices, professional photographers, publishers, or inventory managers, have great looking product photographs cost effectively.  Visit http://www.sharpics.com.

“We wanted to make product photography easy.  All you need is a D-Flector, a digital camera with a flash and a monopod set up at a 30 degree angle. Results are excellent photos that increase product visibility and sales,” explains Danica Mazon, Vice President Sharpics.

Sharpics Press Release New Portable Studios Make Taking Professional Photos Quick and Easy for Product Photography, Selling On-Line or Home Inventory SAN DIEGO, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/—More people are using digital cameras in their professional and personal lives including selling on the internet, inventory for insurance or estate planning, scrapbooking, web…

Nikon D200Digital Outback Photo have started a diary-like report on the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Remember all these shots are with all noise removal off 9in camera and raw converter). Up to ISO 200 very smooth with virtually no noise. ISO 400 still excellent, ISO 800 very good. At 1600 some fine grain but very useable and if you need 3200 you still may risk it. For images at 1600-3200 we would use some good noise removal tools like Noise Ninja, Neat Image, PS CS2 “Reduce Noise” or Helicon Pro.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Nikon D200 Report

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Digital Outback Photo have started a diary-like report on the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. “Remember all these shots are with all noise removal off 9in camera and raw converter). Up to ISO 200 very smooth with virtually no noise. ISO 400 still excellent, ISO 800 very…

HP Photosmart 8250DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have tested the HP Photosmart 8250 photo printer, which features six individual ink cartridges and can print photos in just 14 seconds.

Website: FotoAparat - HP Photosmart 8250 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have tested the HP Photosmart 8250 photo printer, which features six individual ink cartridges and can print photos in just 14 seconds. Website: FotoAparat - HP Photosmart 8250 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z6TrustedReviews have published their review of the Konica Minolta Z6, which updates the popular Z5 and features a 6 megapixel sensor, 12x zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen.

“Digital cameras have been around for nearly 10 years now. The first consumer models appeared in late 1996, and since that time they have become more and more popular. For several years now digital cameras have out-sold film cameras by a significant margin. Despite this, many manufacturers still design their digital cameras to resemble film cameras, at least in general appearance. One of the few to break with this tradition is Konica Minolta, whose innovative Z series, first introduced in 2003, looks like no film camera ever made. Instead they are designed with purely digital functionality in mind, and the result is one of the oddest-looking but best handling cameras on the market.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Konica Minolta Z6 Review

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TrustedReviews have published their review of the Konica Minolta Z6, which updates the popular Z5 and features a 6 megapixel sensor, 12x zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen. “Digital cameras have been around for nearly 10 years now. The first consumer models appeared in late 1996, and since that…

Kodak Easyshare P880CNET have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“Cameras made for advanced amateurs are often tuned for capturing high-quality images quickly and easily, and they’re stripped of extraneous gimmicks, such as an overabundance of scene modes. The 8-megapixel Kodak EasyShare P880, at the top of the company’s flagship Performance Series, offers a wide-angle zoom lens, as well as design elements, features, and specs that place the camera in that category but delivers them in an uneven and frequently disappointing implementation.”

Website: CNET - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET have reviewed the new Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “Cameras made for advanced amateurs are often tuned for capturing high-quality images quickly and easily, and they’re stripped of extraneous…

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Mamiya ZD Digtial SLRMamiya have published 9 full-sized sample JPEG photos taken with the Mamiya ZD digital SLR, a 22 megapixel digital SLR that will cost around £8,000 body only. Take a look at what 22 megapixels is actually like…

Website: Mamiya ZD Digtial SLR Sample Photos

Mamiya have published 9 full-sized sample JPEG photos taken with the Mamiya ZD digital SLR, a 22 megapixel digital SLR that will cost around £8,000 body only. Take a look at what 22 megapixels is actually like… Website: Mamiya ZD Digtial SLR Sample Photos

Canon EOS 5DCanon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.3, for their 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

This firmware update incorporates the following improvements:

  1. Fixes the phenomenon of large image files (1.7GB) being created.
  2. Improves the brightness of the LCD monitor.
  3. Fixes an operational abnormality in the AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) shooting.
  4. Fixes the mistakes in the Swedish-language MENU displays.

This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware versions 1.0.1 installed. By installing this update, the phenomena will be fixed, and the affected cameras can be used without these problems. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to perform this update.

Website: Canon EOS 5D v1.0.3 Firmware

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Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.3, for their 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. This firmware update incorporates the following improvements: 1. Fixes the phenomenon of large image files (1.7GB) being created. 2. Improves the brightness of the LCD monitor. 3. Fixes an operational abnormality in the…

Canon EOS-1D Mark II NCanon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.2, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera.

This firmware update (version 1.0.2) includes the following improvements:

  1. Fixes a file-numbering error that occurred during Bulb shooting.
  2. Improves the brightness of the LCD monitor.
  3. Fixes mistakes in the Russian-language MENU displays.

This firmware update applies to cameras with firmware version up to 1.0.0 installed. If your camera’s firmware is already version 1.0.2, it is not necessary to perform this update.

Website: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N v1.0.2 Firmware

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Canon have released a new firmware version, 1.0.2, for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera. This firmware update (version 1.0.2) includes the following improvements: 1. Fixes a file-numbering error that occurred during Bulb shooting. 2. Improves the brightness of the LCD monitor. 3. Fixes mistakes in the Russian-language…