CNET have posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5900 digital camera.

“A smattering of gee-whiz features lifts this compact point-and-shoot model above the busy crowd of highly automated 5-megapixel pocket cameras. A less expensive stablemate of the 7-megapixel Coolpix 7900, the Nikon Coolpix 5900 shares its sibling’s Face-Priority Autofocus, postshot shadow-brightening tool, help features, and blur detection, all of which spice up an otherwise mundane feature set.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix 5900 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 5900 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 5900

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 5900

DigitalCameraReview have reviewed the HP Photosmart 475 compact photo printer, which can store up to a thousand photos internally on an internal hard drive, eliminating the need to store images on a PC or camera.

“Quality is also very good. I used a single image and printed it both to the Photosmart 475 and a Photosmart 2510, which utilizes six colors for truer photo prints. Both printers were set to print in Best mode and the 2510 had the Maximum DPI option selected. In side-by-side testing, images from the portable 475 were as good as or better than the 2510. The 475’s photo had crisper detail and more vibrant colors. Granted the 2510 is two years old, but it just goes to show how much printing technology continues to change. In this case, the 475 uses HP’s Vivera inks whereas my older 2510 does not. It makes a notable difference in side-by-sides provided you’re looking for the differences. Finally, I will mention that the Photosmart 2510 required just over 4 minutes to print a photo that took the 475 just 2 minutes.”

Website: DigitalCameraReview - HP Photosmart 475 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart 475

Write a Review of the HP Photosmart 475

Canon USA have released a new version, 2.0.3, of Digital Photo Professional, Canon’s software application for editing and converting RAW images shot by EOS Digital cameras.

1. Changes from Digital Photo Professional 2.0.1
1-1. In Picture Style, some of the setting item names were incorrect. Those names have been fixed as the following chart shows.
Incorrect / Correct
- / Landscape
- / Portrait
- / Neutral
- / Faithful
B/W / Monochrome

1-2. In images taken with EOS 5D or EOS-1D, some of the color tones would be missing. This problem has been fixed

X-Rite Press Release

X-Rite Premium ICC Color Profiles, Color Guide and Demo Version of MonacoEZColor Software to be Bundled with Epson’s New Stylus® Photo R2400

Grandville, MI — October 5, 2005 — X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT) today announced that Epson will bundle X-Rite premium ICC profiles, Complete Guide to Color Management publication, and a demo version of MonacoEZcolor color management software with each Epson Stylus Photo R2400. The Epson Stylus Photo R2400 is a revolutionary printer that uses the new Epson UltraChrome K3™ ink and delivers large, archival prints worthy of gallery display. Premium ICC color profiles were specifically created for the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 using X-Rite’s award-winning MonacoPROFILER 4.8 software, the graphic arts industry’s leading color profile engine. X-Rite is currently offering the same bundle for the Epson Stylus Photo R1800 printer, introduced at PMA in February.

“Epson strives to set new standards that enable photographers and digital artists to both express and exceed their vision,” said Patrick Chen, Product Manager, Photo Imaging, Epson America. “X-Rite shares these same values and we are proud to include X-Rite premium ICC profiles for the mutual benefit of our customers.”

Ever seen a great photograph and wondered exactly how it was taken, right down to the exposure, and Photoshop techniques? Well, wonder no more, as a new series of articles over at the promising new blog I Like Cameras takes you behind the scenes of their photographs.

“The exposure was a shutter speed of 1/250th, an aperture value of f/8 and an ISO of 100. The Canon 10D was in Aperture Priority mode which means that you set the aperture and it figures out the best shutter speed for you. I would say that 80% of my photographs are shot in AV mode and that a lot of pro-photographers use AV mode too. It allows for creativity while still being fast enough to use in most situations. Had this been a serious photo taking excursion I would have used a tripod and bracketed the scene by a stop on either side.”

Website: I Like Cameras - Behind the photograph #001

Luminous Landscape have reviewed the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, which features a fixed aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range and an Image Stabiliser that allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than normal.

“Of course the reduction in maximum aperture from f/2.8 to f/4 is a loss, but not as big as it once would have been. The current generation of Canon digital cameras produce remarkably clean and noise free images right through ISO 400, and so unlike in the days of film there is not much lost when using a slower lens by jacking up the ISO. On the other hand the reduction in size and weight is undeniable. In the 10 days that I’ve owned the lens I’ve been out shooting for several 4-6 hour sessions, and each time have appreciated the reduced bulk and weight over the 24-70mm.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

“Konica Minolta lowered the cost of the 5D in part by replacing some of the 7D’s switches and control dials with menu choices. Gone are the 7D’s metering, continuous/single AF, exposure compensation, flash compensation and AF area selection controls, all replaced by a menu called-up by depressing the Fn button. While some may miss the 7D’s plentiful switches and dials, the 5D’s function menu is well-organized and very effective, consolidating functions that are scattered around the 7D’s body.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

French website Zone Numerique have just reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.

Website: Zone Numerique - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera.

“The Canon PowerShot S2 picks up where the PowerShot S1 IS left off, though not perhaps in the ways some might expect: it improved upon the S1’s strengths while still falling short in all the same areas. The S2 makes significant strides in the push towards hybrid functionality, adding stereo recording, manual audio controls, dual recording buttons, and a wind reduction function. The 12x optical zoom lens is extremely versatile and includes selectable stabilization settings to optimize performance and distinguish it from other ultra zoom models—and if it’s not versatile enough, the user has the option to purchase compatible accessory lenses for increased wide angle and telephoto capabilities.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Write a Review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Nikon Europe Press Release

Amsterdam, 5 October 2005 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Nikon Europe launches a new website today dedicated to its highly sophisticated D2x professional digital SLR camera, celebrating its amazing attributes and images taken using the D2x by leading professional photographers from around the world.

‘The Grand Total’ website – which can be found at www.nikond2xpro.com – features interviews, anecdotes and images from professional photographers in the US, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. The professionals featured address an exciting variety of disciplines, including sports, automotive, lifestyle, nature, wildlife and fashion photography.

The Sigma APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and Sigma APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG are announced today. The new Sigma tele-converters have been digitally optimised to reduce both flare and ghosting.

Sigma UK Press Release

Digitally optimised tele-converters, exclusive to Sigma’s telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses.   

- New multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghosting.
- The high image quality of the master lens will not be compromised thanks to this new design concept.
- High-speed Auto Focus is retained even when these teleconverters are utilised.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG

These dedicated APO teleconverters are mounted between specific lenses and the camera body to increase the focal length by the power of 1.4 or 2.

The Epson PictureMate Express Edition is announced. The PictureMate Express Edition is the third PictureMate and will retail for $149. The new Epson PictureMate Express Edition is 35% faster than the original PictureMate model and can print a 6x4 inch photo in 80 seconds.

Epson USA Press Release

Epson Adds PictureMate(R) Express Edition to Its Line of Personal Photo Labs - Company Also Reduces Pricing for PictureMate and PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition in Anticipation of Holiday Shopping Season

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/—Last year, Epson’s PictureMate(R) personal photo lab was a top choice among gift givers looking for the perfect digital camera companion for their friends and family members. With less than 90 days left to shop for holiday gifts, Epson is giving consumers yet another PictureMate product to choose from—and making the popular line of 4” x 6” compact photo printers even more affordable.

The latest addition to the PictureMate product line, Epson’s new PictureMate(R) Express Edition (MSRP $149) has all the benefits of the original PictureMate, plus a faster print speed that allows users to print brilliant, glossy 4"x6” photos in as little as 80 seconds—35 percent faster than the original PictureMate(1). In addition to the introduction of a third PictureMate model, Epson also is reducing the price of its existing PictureMate products. PictureMate and PictureMate(R) Deluxe Viewer Edition are now available for a suggested retail price of $129 and $199, respectively.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie Introduces Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0: Compact 1TB USB Hard Drive

  * Packs up to 1TB of storage in a tough aluminum case
  * The latest in cooling technology
  * Use it anywhere: no software needed, universal USB connectivity

October 4, 2005 - LaCie today introduces an affordable and easy-to-use Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hard drive: LaCie Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0 packing up to 1TB into a sturdy aluminum d2 case. With USB connectivity and no software to con¬figure, LaCie Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is the ultimate combination of convenience, capacity and affordability per gigabyte. Drives ship standard with LaCie’s new One Click Backup Software for PC and Mac.

The Big Disk Hi-Speed USB 2.0’s portability and versatility make it easy to use at any workstation. This low-cost alternative is ideal for backing up several workstations or handling space-hungry applications. No need to configure any software—just hook it up to a universal USB port on any PC or Mac and start swapping images, large files or office documents right away.

Epson UK Press Release

Epson announces sponsorship of school newspaper competition: TES Newsday 2006

•    New category: Student Photojournalist of the Year

05 October 2005 – Epson, provider of printers and projectors to the education market, is to sponsor Newsday 2006, the Schools Newspaper of the Year competition. Now in its 14th year, the competition typically attracts around 700 entries ranging from primary schools to sixth form colleges across the world, who are given a day to create a newspaper or news portal for their school. Winners are selected by a panel of teachers and journalists and will receive prizes that have a variety of uses within schools. This year entrants have the opportunity to win an Epson AcuLaser colour laser printer, Epson projector or Epson photo-printer.

Extensis Press Release

Extensis’ Digital Asset Management Solution—Portfolio—Honored by Industry Leaders; KMWorld, American PHOTO, and Digit Agree: Portfolio is the Choice for Workgroups among Creative Professionals, Photographers and Knowledge Workers

PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 4, 2005—Extensis, a division of Celartem, Inc., today announced three prestigious industry magazines have recognized its Portfolio Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for superior functionality and value. Portfolio was honored with American PHOTO’s Editors’ Choice Award, Digit’s “Digit Best Buy” recognition and was selected as one of KMWorld’s Trend Setter products of the year in its September 2005 issue.

Portfolio enables workgroups to organize, retrieve, repurpose and distribute digital files quickly and easily. Portfolio is ideal for both workgroups in small-to-medium sized organizations or multiple workgroups in global 2000 companies.

Fotki Press Release

Fotki Celebrates Its 60,000,000th Photo and Brakes All Storage Limits on This Occasion: Free 30 MB from the Start and 120 MB Free Annually!

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) October 3, 2005—Fotki. Inc., a company behind a popular online photo-sharing web portal, Fotki.com, has recently changed its policy with respect to standard free account users. Free account photo-storage space limit was considerably raised, and ability to keep online journals given to all Fotki users. After the global mid-September update of the site, Fotki keeps polishing newly introduced tools and adding new features.

As free members are a significant and very important part of Fotki’s fast growing community, these Fotki loyal users are given more abilities to better exploit Fotki potentialities. Fotki has tripled a standard photo storage space for free accounts. Now newcomers will start from 30 MB free space (against former 10 MB); and current free users will get 20 MB extra space. Moreover, all free members are given a chance to become more active by using an option of obtaining a 10-MB additional space every 30 days that totals to 120 MB annually.

Spanish website Quesabesde have previewed (in English) the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras.

“Apart from the image quality that it will offer (we will have to wait a little to be able to try out a final production model) and the success it may achieve in the shop fronts, the new GR Digital will definitely create interest for Ricoh. One of those rare novelties which, because of its peculiar characteristics represents a small parenthesis in the strident rhythm of new arrivals to the digital market.”

Website: Quesabesde - Ricoh GR Digital Preview

Hungarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S4, which has 6 megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that is equivalent to 38-380mm.

Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix S4 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix S4

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix S4

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60, which has a large 2.5inch LCD screen (but no optical viewfinder), 5 megapixels and a sliding lens cover.

“This year, the latest model continuing the heritage of the “X” line is the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60. While still closely related to its predecessor the DiMAGE X50, the X60 does away with the optical viewfinder, reducing the camera’s size and weight, at the expense of a little versatility. It also replaces the X50’s essentially useless bundled SD card with 15MB of built-in memory - much more useful since it is always in the camera in addition to your own flash card. Although there have been a lot of hardware changes made, the Konica Minolta X60 will feel very familiar to owners of earlier X-series models. With each generation, Konica Minolta’s “X” series has continued to improve, and the images from the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 offer high resolution, and good color as well. Read on for all the details, but if you’re looking for a super-portable, easy to use, and stylish camera, the DiMAGE X60 deserves a close look.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60

CNET have just reviewed the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD.

“There’s no doubt that 5-megapixel resolution currently defines the sweet spot of point-and-shoot digital cameras. Samsung’s 5-megapixel ultracompact entry, the Digimax i5, offers a competitive snapshot feature set housed in a nondescript but slender metal body. Interesting features, a bright 2.5-inch LCD, and a VGA movie mode, however, don’t compensate for listless performance and just so-so image quality.”

Website: CNET - Samsung Digimax i5 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Samsung Digimax i5

Write a Review of the Samsung Digimax i5