News
The Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal fisheye lens is announced today. This new Sigma 15mm fisheye lens has been digitally optimised to reduce flare and ghosting. The angle of view offered by the Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal is 180 degrees, minimum aperture is f/22 and weight is 370 grams. Price is £449.99 - availability to be announced.
Sigma Press Release
Digitally optimized circular fisheye auto-focus lens - 15mm F2.8 EX DG DIAGONAL FISHEYE
2005.10.07 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 15mm F2.8 EX DG DIAGONAL FISHEYE lens.
This digitally optimized diagonal fisheye lens is equipped with a new multi-layer coating technology that reduces both flare and ghosting. This also ensures an accurate color balance and high definition results.
With a minimum shooting distance of only 15cm (5.9 inch), this lens has a maximum magnification of 1:3.8. The close focusing capability together with a large depth of field allow close up photography that covers objects surrounding the photographic subject.
The Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal fisheye lens is announced today. This new Sigma 15mm fisheye lens has been digitally optimised to reduce flare and ghosting. The angle of view offered by the Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal is 180 degrees, minimum aperture is f/22 and weight is…
Canon Asia and Canon USA have announced that a problem exists with the CCD in 25 of its digital still and video cameras.
Canon Asia Advisory Notice
A problem has been discovered in some of the CCDs used in Canon digital camera and digital video camera products that causes images to appear distorted or not to appear at all. We apologize for the considerable inconvenience this represents for our customers. Along with our respectful apology, we would like to advise our customers of the details of this issue and our policy for handling it, which are as follows.
Affected Models
The CCDs in question are used in the following models.
Digital Cameras: PowerShot A60, PowerShot A70, PowerShot A75, PowerShot A300, PowerShot A310, Digital IXUS V3, Digital IXUS II, Digital IXUS IIs
Digital Video Cameras: MV600i, MV630i, MV650i, MV700i, MV730i, MV750i, MV5i, MV5i MC, MV6i MC, ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, Elura 40 MC, Elura 50
Canon Asia and Canon USA have announced that a problem exists with the CCD in 25 of its digital still and video cameras. Canon Asia Advisory Notice A problem has been discovered in some of the CCDs used in Canon digital camera and digital video camera products that causes images…
Canon have launched a new website dedicated to Picture Styles, which Canon suggests is “like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression”. As well as being able to shoot pictures with the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N cameras using a specific Picture style, you can also apply them to RAW files from older Canon DSLR cameras (right back to the D30) using the newly-released Digital Photo Professional v2.0 software.
“Color creativity with digital cameras has undergone enormous development and evolution since the advent of EOS DIGITAL cameras. The results of that progress have now been incorporated into Picture Style. Many functions have traditionally had to be adjusted through the Color Matrix and Developing Parameters. Picture Style integrates these into a display that is intuitive and unambiguous for professionals working with photographic data. Selecting the optimal Picture Style is like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression. By making this selection, you can create digital data fine-tuned for certain characteristics the moment the shutter is released. Picture Style makes it possible to produce images with the same characteristics regardless of the EOS DIGITAL camera used.”
Website: Canon Picture Style Special Site
Canon have launched a new website dedicated to Picture Styles, which Canon suggests is “like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression”. As well as being able to shoot pictures with the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N cameras using a specific Picture style, you…
The Leaf Aptus 75 and Leaf Aptus 65 digital camera backs are announced. The Leaf Aptus 75 offers 6726 x 5040 pixels, whilst the the Leaf Aptus 65 offers 6144 x 4622 pixels. The Leaf Aptus 75 will be avilable in November, and the Leaf Aptus 65 in Q1 2006.
Leaf America Press Release
Leaf America is pleased to announce the next generation of Leaf digital camera backs for professional photographers: Leaf Aptus 75 and Leaf Aptus 65.
These two new models offer superior image quality, flexibility and control. The 6×7cm LCD touch screen provides complete control over the image capture process. From pre-shoot setups to image capture, gray balancing and saving files to managing the data after the shoot, the improved workflow allows photographers to work the way they want, the Leaf Aptus 75 and Leaf Aptus 65 adapt to their needs.
The Leaf Aptus 75 and Leaf Aptus 65 digital camera backs are announced. The Leaf Aptus 75 offers 6726 x 5040 pixels, whilst the the Leaf Aptus 65 offers 6144 x 4622 pixels. The Leaf Aptus 75 will be avilable in November, and the Leaf Aptus 65 in Q1 2006…
Luminous Landscape have published a brief comparative test of the new professional level Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L IS lens (pictured) and the older consumer Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens.
“For the past year I have been using the 28~135 IS USM because it is relatively inexpensive, portable, has good zoom range and is an eminently decent quality lens. I knew it wasn’t top-of-the-line Canon, but it worked well for me. Along came the 24~105 offering portability (only a wee bit heavier than the 28~135), good zoom range and top quality at three times the price. Quandary: is it worth sinking about USD $1250 on top of the $400 I spent last year on the 28~135? The solution: test and see.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - How I Decided to Up-Grade From a Canon 28-135 IS to a Canon 24-105 F/4L IS
Luminous Landscape have published a brief comparative test of the new professional level Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L IS lens (pictured) and the older consumer Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens. “For the past year I have been using the 28~135 IS USM because it is relatively inexpensive, portable, has good zoom…
Plasq Press Release
New features include Curvy balloon tails, additional built in fonts, updated styles and bug fixes.
South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (September 28th, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.2 (Update) for Mac OS X.
Comic Life - Expand what you can do with your digital photos!
plasq announces the latest 1.2 update to their award winning “Comic Life” comic creation software. The update brings a range of new features and improvements; including highly-requested ‘curly tails’ for speech balloons allowing a much more authentic ‘comic’ look.
Plasq Press Release New features include Curvy balloon tails, additional built in fonts, updated styles and bug fixes. South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (September 28th, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.2 (Update) for Mac OS X. Comic Life - Expand what you can…
Canon UK Press Release
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is helping World Press Photo to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. World Press Photo is an independent non-profit organisation that is renowned for organising the world’s most prestigious photojournalism competition on an annual basis. On the occasion of the foundation’s 50th birthday, Canon is holding a special dinner in celebration of over a decade of involvement as a corporate sponsor. All recipients of the World Press Photo of the Year Award will be invited to attend the dinner that will be hosted by Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.
Canon UK Press Release Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is helping World Press Photo to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. World Press Photo is an independent non-profit organisation that is renowned for organising the world’s most prestigious photojournalism competition on an annual basis. On the occasion of the foundation’s…
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the Canon PIXMA iP90 mobile photo and document printer which can print a 4” x 6” borderless photo print in just 51 seconds.
“There are several features of the Pixma iP5200R which make it an interesting colour printer for general office or photo printing needs. Although it has only four ink colours, it comes as standard with both dye-based and pigmented black inks, so when you’re printing black text you get the increased permanence of black pigments and when printing colour graphics or photos, you get extra depth from dye-based black. The printer can also handle duplex (double-sided) printing as standard and you can print on coated CDs or DVDs, using the separate disc-holder, supplied with the machine.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Canon PIXMA iP90 Review
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the Canon PIXMA iP90 mobile photo and document printer which can print a 4” x 6” borderless photo print in just 51 seconds. “There are several features of the Pixma iP5200R which make it an interesting colour printer for general office or photo printing needs. Although…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera (also known as the SD30). The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen.
“Image quality when using Large SuperFine mode was pleasing for a camera in this class, with a large majority of our images showing good overall expose and color balance. Its exposure and white balance systems did an excellent job in almost any lighting condition with the color temperature being very true. We noticed very little noise in both high and low contrast areas with virtually no signs of purple fringing (aka Chromatic Aberrations.)”
Website: Steves Digicams - Canon IXUS i Zoom Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera (also known as the SD30). The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen. “Image quality when using Large SuperFine mode was pleasing for…
CNET have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom, a new 9 megapixel digital camera with a 28-300mm lens with twist-barrel zoom control (also known as the S9000).
“Fujifilm’s FinePix S9000 shows just how close digital SLR wannabes are getting to the real thing. This is one EVF-equipped camera that can compete in both the SLR and non-SLR arenas. Just a hair smaller and priced within $50 of compact dSLRs such as the Pentax *ist DL, the FinePix S9000 looks and handles very much like its interchangeable-lens competitors and in some ways outfeatures them. It boasts a 28mm-to-300mm (35mm equivalent) 10.7X zoom lens, where most low-end dSLRs come with a skimpy normal zoom; and its 1/1.6-inch Fuji Super CCD HR sensor packs in 9 million pixels, compared to 6 megapixels for most budget digital SLRs.”
Website: CNET - Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom Review
Website: Read my Fujifilm Finepix S9500 Zoom Review
CNET have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom, a new 9 megapixel digital camera with a 28-300mm lens with twist-barrel zoom control (also known as the S9000). “Fujifilm’s FinePix S9000 shows just how close digital SLR wannabes are getting to the real thing. This is one EVF-equipped…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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.”
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…
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.”
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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.
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’…