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Monday, September 26, 2005

Fujifilm FinePix Z1 ZoomBytesector have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom.

“Small, stylish, lightweight and quick response time; that is what best describes FujiFilm’s FinePix Z1 digital camera. This camera can easily step all over Nikon’s Coolpix S1 model with its better image and performance results. This FinePix is equipped with a non-extending 3x optical lens, 5.1 megapixel CCD, 0.6 second start-up time, 0.01 second shutter lag, and a 2.5” scratch resistant LCD screen. This fast little device has impressed me where the Coolpix S1 hasn’t delivered.”

Website: Bytesector - Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Review

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Bytesector have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom. “Small, stylish, lightweight and quick response time; that is what best describes FujiFilm’s FinePix Z1 digital camera. This camera can easily step all…

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLRImaging Resource have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

“Canon has held a commanding position at the high end of the professional SLR market, ever since they introduced the original EOS-1D in late 2001. The full-frame 11-megapixel EOS-1Ds was likewise a breakthrough product when announce in 2002. In late 2004 though, the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II set a new standard for ultimate resolution in a full-frame 35mm-format digital SLR. Carrying over a host of improvements and innovations from the 1D Mark II, the EOS-1Ds Mark II improves image quality and performance over the original 1Ds, while at the same time raising the resolution to an incredible 16.7 megapixels. No other camera currently on the market comes close to matching the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II for its combination of resolution and shooting speed, and (as of this writing in September 2005), Canon is the only manufacturer offering digital SLRs with full frame 35mm sensors.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review

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Imaging Resource have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR. “Canon has held a commanding position at the high end of the professional SLR market, ever since they introduced the original EOS-1D in late 2001. The full-frame 11-megapixel EOS-1Ds was likewise a breakthrough product when…

Canon IXUS 750DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“Ergonomics are great. The SD550 continues Canon’s tradition of stylishness and sleek design, but departs from the boxiness of its predecessors with an attractive curved body design. But not overlooked was the need to allow the camera to stand in either vertical or horizontal orientation; tiny feet are built into the bottom and side of the camera body, allowing it to be placed on an even surface for a self-timer triggered self- portrait, or for long exposures in lieu of a tripod.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon IXUS 750 Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “Ergonomics are great. The SD550 continues Canon’s tradition of stylishness and sleek design, but departs…

Minox DMP-1MINOX Press Release

MINOX presents the DMP-1, a pocket-sized digital photo album, MP3 player / recorder and FM radio in one tiny package.

The Minox DMP-1 weighs in at just 62 grams and fits into almost any pocket thanks to its compact dimensions of 75x52x15mm. Incorporating a digital photo album, MP3 player and recorder, FM radio, digital sound equalizer, E-book facility for storing and viewing text files and a selection of pre-installed games to play.

A stylish metal body with practical and well-situated controls completes the attractive look of the DMP-1. A central thumb-controlled joystick for easy menu navigation, and a surrounding array of buttons gives the user full control over all functions. The menu navigation on the display is simple and intuitive.

MINOX Press Release MINOX presents the DMP-1, a pocket-sized digital photo album, MP3 player / recorder and FM radio in one tiny package. The Minox DMP-1 weighs in at just 62 grams and fits into almost any pocket thanks to its compact dimensions of 75x52x15mm. Incorporating a digital photo album…

ImpressionImpression Press Release

Impression automates asset archiving for OS X by moving large amounts of data to spanned DVD/CD sets or to mounted drives for offline storage.  Other noteworthy features include the preservation of all HFS+/Spotlight metadata, after-write file verification and bookmark-based management features.

New to version 2.9 (beta 3) comes a set of ‘Tiger’ (a.k.a. OS X 10.4) enhancements, support for dual-layer DVD media, a few bug fixes and a number of other requested additions.  The beta release is offered in addition to Impression’s regular distribution on this discreet web page:

From now until October 10th, 2005 Impression will enjoy a sale flush with threes - its price will be discounted to US$33.33.  Buy now and save!

Impression Press Release Impression automates asset archiving for OS X by moving large amounts of data to spanned DVD/CD sets or to mounted drives for offline storage. Other noteworthy features include the preservation of all HFS+/Spotlight metadata, after-write file verification and bookmark-based management features. New to version 2.9 (beta 3)…

Olympus mju DIGITAL 800DigiCamReview have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam.

“Image quality is good, the images have very good colour, saturation, contrast and detail - however noise can be quite high, and images appear overly sharpened. Images tend to come out of the camera looking good, however blown highlights occured in the clock tower photos. The camera did a good job focusing the majority of the time, even in low light. I did not notice vignetting in photos. There is a very good range of image sizes and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is very good, allowing you to be as close as 3cm away from the subject, this provides good detail, only let down by lack of custom white balance. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be good. Red-eye was noticable - and unfortunately the built in red-eye reduction wasn’t always successful. The movie mode average with a low frame rate by todays standards.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 Review

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DigiCamReview have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam. “Image quality is good, the images have very good colour, saturation, contrast and detail - however noise can be quite high, and images appear overly sharpened. Images tend to come out of the camera looking good, however blown highlights…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1DigiCamReview have published their review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1.

“Image quality is good, the images have good colour, saturation, contrast and detail - however noise is high, and some images were quite soft. Images tend to come out of the camera looking good, however blown highlights occured in the clock tower photos, and ISO should be set to 50 to get the best photos. The camera did a good job focusing the majority of the time, only struggling in low light. I did not notice vignetting in photos, but I did notice barrel and pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is good, allowing you to be as close as 5cm away from the subject, this provides good detail. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be good. Red-eye was noticable. The movie mode is feature packed for an ultra compact camera at 640x480 / 20fps with sound, optical zoom, anti-shake and night mode.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Review

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DigiCamReview have published their review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1. “Image quality is good, the images have good colour, saturation, contrast and detail - however noise is high, and some images were quite soft. Images tend to come out of the camera looking good, however blown highlights…

Friday, September 23, 2005

Nikon D50DIWA Press Release

DIWA experts honour Nikon D50 with a Gold Medal for high performance and excellent value for money

Nikon D50 has become one of the leading models in the rapid growing D-SLR market by offering a vast selection of features and excellent performance at a very modest price. The D50 is unmistakably built on the established and reputed Nikon design, but it is smaller and lighter, yet compatible with the same range of high quality lenses that first and foremost is responsible for Nikon’s success among professional photographers.

Amsterdam, 23. September, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announce a DIWA Gold Award to the budget-friendly Nikon D50 digital system camera.

Nikon is a major contributor to the enormous increase in popularity and sales presently boosting the D-SLR camera market. Most popular of all their models, is the D50, thanks to its perfect balance between performance and price. Virtually all vital features found in the more expensive models, are also installed into the Nikon D50, making it capable of shooting the same high quality images with 6.1 Megapixel resolution. DIWA experts found the D50 to be pleasantly robust built, and delivering professional quality images, despite its amateur status.

DIWA Press Release DIWA experts honour Nikon D50 with a Gold Medal for high performance and excellent value for money Nikon D50 has become one of the leading models in the rapid growing D-SLR market by offering a vast selection of features and excellent performance at a very modest price…

Ricoh GR DigitalDIWA member LetsGoDigital have previewed the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras.

“The Ricoh GR Digital is a kind of camera that GR-fans or owners of one of Ricoh’s analogue GR series cameras have been waiting for. From a photographer’s point of view it is a joy to see that a company like Ricoh takes the effort to develop a digital jewel like the Ricoh GR Digital. A fantastic high quality GR lens, a great versatility as a result of using the converter to create a 21mm lens and the highly attractive optional viewfinder that gives the Ricoh GR Digital a distinctive look and feel. Having had the pleasure of using the GR1 analogue version together with the GR Digital camera I came to the conclusion that this is a successful transformation of going from analogue to digital. The Ricoh GR Digital really is one of a kind…”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Ricoh GR Digital Preview

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have previewed the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. “The Ricoh GR Digital is a kind of camera that GR-fans or owners of one of Ricoh’s analogue GR series cameras have been waiting for. From…

Leica D-Lux 2Photoworkshop.com have published details about the new Leica D-Lux 2, an 8.4 megapixel digital camera which also supports images in the 16:9 format. The DLux 2 also offers a 4x optical lens equivalent to 28–112mm, 2.5 inch LCD screen and optical image stabilsation The Leica D-Lux 2 appears to be a rebranded version of the Panasonic DMC-LX1. The main differences seem to be a new Leica digital adapter for connecting the D-Lux 2 to a spotting scope (nature photographers rejoice) and a different accessories package. No word yet on price or availability, although the Leica D-Lux 2 is rumoured to be available in November.

Website: Photoworkshop.com - Leica D-LUX 2 Debuts

Photoworkshop.com have published details about the new Leica D-Lux 2, an 8.4 megapixel digital camera which also supports images in the 16:9 format. The DLux 2 also offers a 4x optical lens equivalent to 28–112mm, 2.5 inch LCD screen and optical image stabilsation The Leica D-Lux 2 appears to be…

Canon EOS 5DLuminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann has posted a full field report on a pre-production Canon EOS 5D digital SLR, used on a two week trip to Athens, Istanbul and the islands of the Aegean Sea.

“Hand a new camera to a photographer and the first thing that he’ll do is put it up to his eye. It’s a reflex (no pun intended). For photographers who have never looked though the viewfinder of a film SLR, or a 1 Series Canon, the first response when looking through the 5D will be to ask – Who turned on the lights? Now the reason for the added bulk of the 5D over the 20D becomes apparent. It’s caused by the larger mirror and larger prism, both of which contribute to a vastly brighter and larger viewfinder image.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon 5D Hands-On Field Report

Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann has posted a full field report on a pre-production Canon EOS 5D digital SLR, used on a two week trip to Athens, Istanbul and the islands of the Aegean Sea. “Hand a new camera to a photographer and the first thing that he’ll do is…

Nikon D70sBytesector have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera.

“As an entry level DSLR, the D70s has everything an experienced photographer will expect to find in a camera, while not being difficult to use for an amateur. It allows for full manual control of every aspect of your photographs, as well as auto modes which range from complete auto control to aperture/shutter priority modes. This is perfect for amateurs just getting into SLR photography, as well as for pros, since you can change the level of control the user has by the twist of a dial. While most people will rely mainly on the manual, shutter, and aperture priority modes, the auto modes on the camera are still great for a quick shot where you don’t have the time to tweak settings to get the perfect shot.”

Website: Bytesector - Nikon D70s Review

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Bytesector have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera. “As an entry level DSLR, the D70s has everything an experienced photographer will expect to find in a camera, while not being difficult to use for an amateur. It allows for full manual control of every aspect of…

Samsung Pro815Samsung have posted 7 sample images taken with their new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen. You can download the full sized original for each image to take a closer look at the picture quality that this camera will offer.

Website: Samsung Pro815 Image Gallery

Samsung have posted 7 sample images taken with their new Samsung Pro815, an 8 megapixel digital camera with a massive 15x optical zoom lens and a 3.5” LCD screen. You can download the full sized original for each image to take a closer look at the picture quality that this…

DXG-503The 5.1 megapixel DXG-503 digital camera is announced. The DXG 503 offers a 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen and 320x240 pixel movies with sound. The DXG-503 is available now and has a price of $149-169.

DXG USA Press Release

Low cost 5.1 megapixel CCD digital camera with a high quality optical zoom

September 22,2005 - DXG USA has today announced the availability of the DXG-503, a long-awaited 5.1 megapixel CCD digital camera with a high quality optical zoom and a price point low enough to attract many first-time buyers this holiday season.

The DXG-503 features a 2-inch LCD display, 32 megabytes of built-in memory, SD/MMC card slot and Direct Print capability. Other customer-friendly features include a real image optical viewfinder, red-eye reduction, self timer and the ability to record video clips with sound. The camera can be powered by two standard AA alkaline batteries and offers TV-Out capability for viewing pictures on a television . The DXG-503 is now shipping and has an estimated street price of $149-169.

The 5.1 megapixel DXG-503 digital camera is announced. The DXG 503 offers a 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD screen and 320x240 pixel movies with sound. The DXG-503 is available now and has a price of $149-169. DXG USA Press Release Low cost 5.1 megapixel CCD digital camera with…

Sony Press Release

Sony Group Mid-Term Corporate Strategy FY2005-FY2007 - Strengthening Group Performance through Revitalization of Electronics

Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2005 – Sony today announced significant moves to strengthen its competitiveness by focusing on its three core sectors: electronics, games and entertainment. In particular, the company is concentrating on the revitalization of its electronics business through further structural reforms and promotion of a well-defined growth strategy. Our target is for the Sony Group to achieve consolidated sales of over 8 trillion yen and an operating profit margin of 5% (electronics 4%) by the end of fiscal year 2007. (*1)

Sony Press Release Sony Group Mid-Term Corporate Strategy FY2005-FY2007 - Strengthening Group Performance through Revitalization of Electronics Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2005 – Sony today announced significant moves to strengthen its competitiveness by focusing on its three core sectors: electronics, games and entertainment. In particular, the company is concentrating on…

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC LensePhotoZine have just reviewed the Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC lens.

“With a zoom ratio of just under 7:1 this lens covers a good range without going to the extremes of the 10+ times zooms. As with most wide ranging zoom lenses, the performance is better at the shorter end with some fall-off in performance as focal length is extended. However, the fall-off in this lens is kept to a minimum with a good starting point at the short end. Distortion is well controlled for the class of lens, with minimum barrel at the short end moving to negligible pincushion at the longer length. Sigma have learnt well how to control chromatic aberrations and none of their new designs have suffered from the anomaly. That includes this design, which showed no significant signs throughout the range.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Review

ePhotoZine have just reviewed the Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC lens. “With a zoom ratio of just under 7:1 this lens covers a good range without going to the extremes of the 10+ times zooms. As with most wide ranging zoom lenses, the performance is better at the shorter end with…

Wacom Graphire BluetoothDPNow have today reviewed the new Wacom Graphire Bluetooth, a 6” x 8” wireless pen tablet that can be used up to 30 feet away from your computer.

“Previous Graphire mouse models had been criticised for an unpleasantly hard feel when pushed around the tablet area and the new fabric base certainly helps, but I never once felt that the Graphire Bluetooth mouse was a patch on my Logitech MouseMan Optical. The Graphire mouse felt cumbersome and heavy in its movement and without precision. And to make matters worse, a standard optical mouse won’t work on the surface of the tablet because it is transparent. “

Website: DPNow - Wacom Graphire Bluetooth Review

DPNow have today reviewed the new Wacom Graphire Bluetooth, a 6” x 8” wireless pen tablet that can be used up to 30 feet away from your computer. “Previous Graphire mouse models had been criticised for an unpleasantly hard feel when pushed around the tablet area and the new fabric…

Canon IXUS 750DCResource have published the first online review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“With the PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH, Canon has taken a great camera and made it even better. While current SD500 owners need not rush out and buy it, those of you looking for a compact and very capable point-and-shoot camera should take a close look at the SD550. The PowerShot SD550 (also known as the IXUS 750) is a compact (but not tiny) and very stylish metal camera. Its perpetual curve design and large LCD display will catch the eyes of those around you. That large LCD display (2.5”) is one of the new features on the camera, and while it’s big in size, the resolution could be better. One nice thing about it is that it works very well in low light situations, unlike most screens. And, unlike most of the competition, Canon has managed to keep an optical viewfinder on the camera.”

Website: DCResource - Canon IXUS 750 Review

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DCResource have published the first online review of the Canon IXUS 750 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD550), which has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “With the PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH, Canon has taken a great camera and made it even…

Epson Stylus Photo R220BIOS are the first website to review the Epson Stylus Photo R220 printer, which includes a direct CD and DVD printing function and uses MicroPiezo technology delivering a resolution of up to 5760x1440 dpi.

“Epson’s latest inkjet photo printer is designed for home users looking to produce cost-effective photographs up to A4 in size, as well as personalise printable CDs and DVDs. It’s far from being the most complete photo studio, but its low cost, wide range of features and above-average print quality make it a solid choice for general photo printing duties. Competitively priced, easy to use and relatively economical to run, the Stylus Photo R220 is hard to beat for the money.”

Website: BIOS - Epson Stylus Photo R220 Review

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BIOS are the first website to review the Epson Stylus Photo R220 printer, which includes a direct CD and DVD printing function and uses MicroPiezo technology delivering a resolution of up to 5760x1440 dpi. “Epson’s latest inkjet photo printer is designed for home users looking to produce cost-effective photographs up…

Pentax Optio S55DigiCamReview have reviewed both the Pentax Optio S55 and S45, 5 and 4 megapixel cameras respectively with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“Image quality is good, the images have saturated colour, good contrast and good detail - however there is some purple fringing, and some images were quite soft. Images tend to come out of the camera looking very good. The camera did a good job focusing the majority of the time, only slightly struggling in low light. Noise was well controlled and low upto ISO200 but at ISO400 resulted in slight loss of detail. I did not notice vignetting in photos.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Pentax Optio S55 / S45 Review

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DigiCamReview have reviewed both the Pentax Optio S55 and S45, 5 and 4 megapixel cameras respectively with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “Image quality is good, the images have saturated colour, good contrast and good detail - however there is some purple fringing, and some…