Ulead PhotoImpact 11 image editing software is announced today. The box version and electronic download (ESD) of PhotoImpact 11 will be available via the Ulead website at www.ulead.co.uk for £49.99 inc Vat at the beginning of October.  The boxed version of Ulead PhotoImpact 11 will also be available from PC World, Staples, Jessops, Microwarehouse, Dabs.co, Saversoftware and Amazon.co.uk.

Ulead Press Release

Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software.

PhotoImpact 11 answers the needs of professional photographers while providing new interface modes that make it simple for beginners

Northampton September 23rd 2005, Ulead Systems, Inc., a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced the release of Ulead® PhotoImpact® 11, Ulead’s flagship PC image-editing software offering easy-to-use tools for a wide range of personal and professional image and photo-editing needs.  The latest version introduces an all-new interface system providing distinct modes for beginners and advanced users along with 16-bit editing/RAW support and next-generation tools for high-end digital photography and creative design.

Adobe is about to release version 3.2 of Camera Raw for Photoshop CS2. Support for the following cameras has been added from Camera Raw 3.1 to 3.2.

  * Panasonic - DMC-LX1, DMC-FZ30
  * Hasselblad - H2D (DNG)
  * Konica Minolta - Alpha Sweet Digital (Japan), Alpha-5 Digital (China), Maxxum 5D (USA), Dynax 5D (Europe)
  * Leaf - Valeo 17, Aptus 22
  * Leica - D-Lux 2, Digital-Modul-R (DNG)
  * Nikon - D2Hs, D70s, D50, Coolpix 8400, Coolpix 8800

Website: Adobe Camera RAW 3.2

Epson Japan have today announced the Epson P-4000 Photo Viewer, a new 80Gb version of the popular Epson P-2000 portable storage device. As well as the increased storage capacity, Epson P4000 adds a slightly more powerful powerful 2600 mAh battery and support for MPEG 4 files and MP3 / AAC files up to 320 kbps. With the ever increasing megapixel size of digital cameras, the P-4000 is a smart move by Epson. The Epson P-4000 is expected to cost 70,000 Yen when it launches at the start of October in Japan.

Website: Epson Japan - Photo Fine Player [P-4000]

Website: SLRWorld.com

Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review

Sony has announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs, roughly 7% of its global workforce, by 2008, with 11 manufacturing plants shutting their doors. Setbacks in the digital music and flat screen TV markets are to blame, as new CEO Sir Howard Stringer attempts to turn the fortunes of the ailing company around.

“In its announcement, which came after the close of trading on the Tokyo stock market, Sony said it expected a group net loss of 10bn yen ($90 million) in the current fiscal year. Over the past five years, Sony shares have lost two thirds of their value. In Thursday’s trading, its share price fell 2.2%.”

Website: BBC News - Sony to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide

Ulead MediaStudio Pro 8 video editing software is released. The box and electronic download versions of MediaStudio Pro 8 are available at $399.99 through retail channels and Ulead Websites. Current MediaStudio Pro users can upgrade for $249.99, and users of VideoStudio and DVD Workshop can upgrade for $299.99, also from Ulead Websites.

Ulead Systems Press Release

New version 8 offers complete HDV and DV editing solution in an intuitive package

Taiwan - September 20, 2005 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced it has started shipping Ulead® MediaStudio® Pro 8, the latest version of Ulead’s professional video editing software. The new release offers a professional, yet easy-to-use, approach to video editing suitable for video enthusiasts, newly-professional video editors, documentary filmmakers, wedding/event videographers and media producers in corporate and education.

“Version 8 is the most significant upgrade in the history of MediaStudio Pro,” said Lewis Liaw, president of Ulead Systems. “We listened carefully to what our loyal users want, and the result is a future-ready application with extensive HDV support, a streamlined workflow and ground breaking features such as the new Smart Compositor.”

Fujifilm have released a firmware update (version 2.18) for the FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.

This Firmware update incorporates the following enhancements:

- When upgrading from ver.2.16:
1) Updates for the setting of the sharpness for JPEG images in the PC control mode.

- When upgrading from ver.2.12 these additional enhancements are made:
2) Improves color accuracy at slow shutter speeds when using Nikon flash units.
3) Updates for custom white balance function and exposure control function in the PC control mode.

- When upgrading from ver.1.00 these additional enhancements are made:
4) Adds PC control function (needed to update Hyper- Utility Software HS-V2 Ver.3.1)
5) Updates AUTO ROTATE function
6) Updates the function for AF-S Nikon and AF-VR Nikon lens. (Will function properly even if the power switch is on when the lens is attached)
7) Updates the compatibility for high capacity of storage media.

Website: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Firmware

Google Press Release

GOOGLE RELEASES PHOTO MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE ACROSS EUROPE TO HELP USERS ORGANISE, EDIT AND SHARE PICTURES

Picasa Offers Editing Tools, Advanced Effects, Better Organization and CD Burning for Digital Photo Users - For Free

Google Inc. today released Picasa in six European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and The Netherlands). Picasa is a free photo management software application that makes it simpler than ever for people to, edit and share their digital pictures. Available at http://picasa.google.co.uk and other relevant country URLs, Google’s Picasa offers photographers of all skill levels easy-to-use tools that automatically organise even the largest photo collections on a PC and turn average snapshots into great pictures.

ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), a new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.

“This lens goes a long way in overcoming the biggest drawback of the cropped digital sensor, that of wide-angle coverage. The light weight, which possibly compromises build quality slightly, reduces the penalty incurred by carrying extra lenses. The only disappointment was the quality drop-off towards the edges of the image, but many compositions can cope with the anomaly. The front element does not rotate during use, making the use of filters, which are the common 77mm size, easy to use. Filter systems need to be 100mm or more though in order to cope with the wide angle of view.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Review.

DIWA member and German website digitalkamera.de have published the first review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom, a new 9 megapixel digital camera with a 28-300mm lens with twist-barrel zoom control.

Website: digitalkamera.de - Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom Review

Website: Read my Fujifilm Finepix S9500 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“The Nikon D50 is a solid contender among entry level DSLRs, providing users with a 6 megapixel APS-format sensor, 2.5 frames-per-second burst mode, vibrant color rendition, and excellent noise performance. Available at an MSRP of $899.95 and selling for around $700 or even below online, the D50 falls into an increasingly crowded segment of the DSLR realm. Supplying a 2-inch, 130,000 pixel LCD and strong autofocus system, the rugged consumer-level DSLR is even smaller than the D70 and contains a very deep feature set and host of manual controls that will help first time digital SLR owners hone their skills and grow into the medium.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon D50 Review

Website: Read my Nikon D50 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon D50

Write a Review of the Nikon D50

The Czech website Digineff are the first to review 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.

Website: Digineff - Kodak Easyshare P880 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare P880

Write a Review of the Kodak Easyshare P880

Tokina Press Release

The Tokina AT-X 100 PRO D is a new macro lens capable of life-sized (1:1) reproduction at 11.8 in. (30 cm). The lens’ multi-coating have been re-engineered to match the highly reflective silicon based CCD and CMOS sensors in today’s digital SLR cameras. This lens gives the best of both worlds because optics still give full coverage and excellent sharpness on 35mm film. A macro lens that can handle both the digital and film worlds with ease.

The AT-X 100 PRO D also has a very convenient focus limiter switch that can lock the focus out of the closes focus making it focus faster when used as a moderate telephoto lens that is excellent portraits as well.

CNET have enthusiastically reviewed the Panasonic DMC-LX1, an 8.4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm, optical image stabilizer and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“Aside from its 8-megapixel resolution, the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 justifies its premium price with a tasty array of too-cool-for-school features, including world’s first incorporation of a 16:9 CCD imager, a crisp 4X Leica zoom lens that starts at a commendably wide 28mm, and a nimble optical stabilization system that steadies your camera reliably at slow shutter speeds. It also has an enthusiast-friendly collection of features such as full manual control over focus and exposure, robust burst modes, and both TIFF and raw file formats.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-LX1 Review

Website: Read my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Panasonic DMC-LX1

Write a Review of the Panasonic DMC-LX1

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

“The new style is immediately apparent from the pictures accompanying this review. Everyone who has seen this camera while I have been testing it has commented on how good it looks. The X1 is available in three coloured finishes; an attractive wine red, a stunning gunmetal black and the satin-finish silver version pictured here. The all-metal case is has a futuristic rounded capsule-like design that slips easily into a shirt pocket, with a metal cover over the lens and a flat one-piece rear panel covering the big 2.5in, 118,000-pixel LCD monitor. There are indicator lights concealed behind the mirror finish of the rear panel, and the minimalist control layout is both attractive an easy to use. It’s an extremely pretty camera, although the glossy finish does show up fingerprints, so you’ll be polishing it a lot.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed the new Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom, which has a 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor, large 2.5-inch LCD screen and offers a battery life of 325 shots.

Website: Index Digicam - Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

Write a Review of the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

Wacom Press Release

PenPartner2 provides a comfortable input solution and allows handwritten annotations to be added in Microsoft Office

Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, today announces PenPartner2 – an ultra-slim and compact pen tablet for use with a notebook. It perfectly combines a contemporary, ergonomic design with reliable functionality and is aimed at business professionals and business travellers. PenPartner2 is ideal for the comfortable navigation of PC applications and with the JustWrite Office software included, it is perfect for adding hand-written notes in Microsoft Office documents and personalising emails with signatures.

PenPartner2, the successor to PenPartner launched in April 2004 - Wacom’s first tablet designed specifically for use with laptops - reflects the current style trends for notebooks on the market today. Its design is sleek and professional looking, and both the tablet and pen come in black with anthracite accents. It also has a smaller footprint than its predecessor of 146mm x 150.6mm, which provides improved portability and requires less desk space.

Engadget have posted a lengthy review of the new Philips 7FF1AW Digital Photo Display.

“The display is, unfortunately smaller than we imagined from the press photos and marketing collateral. Guess we fixated too much on those, er “7-inches” which in photography patter would indicate a device for showcasing 5 x 7-inch photos. Oh right, Philips manufactures displays so that measurement is diagonal! Thus the actual LCD is 3.6 x 5.4-inches (9 x 14-centimeters) which is still respectable and in-line with traditional frames you’ll find in most homes — just not what we had expected.”

Website: Engadget - Philips 7FF1AW Digital Photo Display Review

The new Dell Photo All-in-One Printer 924 and Dell Photo All-In-One Printer 944 offer faster printing speeds, enhanced photo capabilities, wireless capacity and a new design for $89 and $149 respectively.

Dell Press Release

Dell Expands Personal Technology Portfolio with Printers, Handhelds and Miniature Music Player

Round Rock, Texas, September 20, 2005 - Dell today announced six personal technology products-ranging from feature-packed all-in-one photo printers and enhanced AximTM handhelds to the tiny new Dell DJ DittyTM music player-each designed to extend the capabilities of the personal computer for work and play.

The new products underscore Dell’s commitment to meet the needs of diverse lifestyles. For example, the company’s newest all-in-one photo printers feature high speeds, enhanced standalone photo printing options and optional wireless capabilities. Three new Axim handhelds offer data protection with persistent storage and on-the-go entertainment features. Weighing a little more than an ounce1, the Dell DJ Ditty music player, the latest addition to Dell’s Digital Jukebox lineup, holds up to 220 songs2 and supports FM radio and digital books.

Creative UK Press Release

INTRODUCING THE WEBCAM LIVE! MOTION: A BREAKTHROUGH IN WEBCAM DESIGN

With automatic motorised Pan-n-Tilt for smooth tracking, plus an ultra-wide angle lens to capture more information, this is the new reference level in high-end webcams.

London; 21 September 2005: Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, announces a breakthrough in webcam design with the WebCam Live! Motion. This premier Creative WebCam quietly and smoothly follows user movements during video instant messaging with its MaxView™ technology, a combination of motorised Pan-n-Tilt and the ViewPlus™ 76-degree wide-angle lens. The system can also capture high-resolution panoramic stills with a single click.

The auto Pan-n-Tilt feature gives users wide freedom of movement during video instant messaging with friends, family or business colleagues. It automatically follows their natural movements during conversations, so they don’t have to make constant manual adjustments to stay centred in the field of view. Users can select Smart Face Tracking so the WebCam Live! Motion follows the movements of one person, or they can use the system in standard mode to include a group of people and take advantage of the widest view available in a webcam. Ideal for broadband users, the Creative Live! Motion incorporates true high-speed USB 2.0 for crisp, high-resolution video at up to twice the video frame rates of USB 1.1 cameras. It also supports popular instant messaging services including MSN® Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM and Windows® Messenger.

Colour Confidence and Iridius team up to provide a Totally Colour Managed day

- Most extensive UK colour management roadshow ever
- All day seminar represents great value at £99.00 ex. VAT, and book before the 14th of October to receive early bird discount and pay just £79.00 ex. VAT
- ‘Ask the Experts’ is open all day and is totally free of charge

Birmingham UK, 21st September 2005 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today announced the dates for the colour management event of the year - Totally Colour Managed.

Totally Colour Managed is a series of one day events, which are set to bring colour management to a location near you for the first time.