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

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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

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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

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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.

Sony Press Release

Tokyo, Japan and Berlin, Germany, 20th September 2005 - Sony Corporation today announced that Chris Deering, President of Sony Europe has decided to retire from Sony, in order to pursue personal opportunities in the U.S., where his family now resides. Effective November 1, 2005, Mr. Deering will be succeeded by Fujio Nishida, who currently serves as EVP, Corporate Executive, in charge of Electronics Marketing at Sony Corporation in Tokyo. During the coming weeks Messrs. Deering and Nishida will work closely together to facilitate a smooth transition of responsibilities, after which Mr. Deering will continue to work with the company in a consulting capacity.

New Digital Photo Editing and Image Processing Software Debuts at DEMOfall 2005; Light Crafts Announces LightZone for Mac OS(R) X Tiger

PALO ALTO, Calif. & HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 20, 2005—Light Crafts, Inc. today announced LightZone for Mac OS X Tiger. Unlike the pixel-paint model of many existing applications, LightZone allows photographers to edit and process their images in terms of light and objects instead of pixels. Designed specifically for photographers, the intuitive solution significantly reduces the time necessary to produce better photographs and optimizes the images for print or other media output.

LightZone for Mac OS X Tiger photo editing software was publicly previewed for the first time at DEMOfall 2005. The annual DEMO conference is one of the world’s premier forums for new technology innovations and focuses on emerging technologies and new products, which are hand-selected from across the spectrum of the technology marketplace.

Wiley Press Release

From Little League to Olympians, Shoot Sports Like a Pro

21 Professional Sports Photographers Share Their Tips for Capturing Winning Moments

HOBOKEN, N.J., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/—Sports photography gets photographers up close and personal with the action they crave, the athletes they idolize, or the activities that make memories for their children.  It also presents unique challenges for photographers trying to capture that perfect moment.  DIGITAL SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY: Take Winning Shots Every Time (Wiley; Sept. 2005; $29.99) helps readers master this art by providing professional insights and advice on the techniques and methodology for capturing the action, drama, and personalities in everything from swimming and running to skateboarding and cross-country skiing.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

(Weymouth, MA) September, 20 2005… Digital camera unit sales reached 22.5 million units in Western Europe in 2004 and the market is expected to grow by 32% in 2005, reaching 29.8 million units by year end. Although average selling prices for digital cameras declined in 2004, revenues increased by a staggering 42%. Revenues are expected to continue to increase by 29% in 2005 to total just over €10 billion. This makes Western Europe the largest digital camera market worldwide in terms of units sold and revenue.

Lexar Press Release

Lexar Professional LockTight™ CompactFlash™ Offers Card Level Protection to Security-Conscious Photographers

Industry Experts Agree That Restricted Access to Stored Images and Information is Vital in the Growing Digital Camera Market

FREMONT, Ca., September 20, 2005 – Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, announced its LockTight™ CompactFlash™ security system is an essential solution for digital photographers who want to protect their stored digital images and information. Photographers working in highly sensitive and vulnerable areas who require added security can leverage the LockTight system for card level security designed to limit unauthorized access to data and material stored on the card.

O’Reilly Press Release

Master New Digital Photography Techniques

Farnham, UK—Digital cameras have become increasingly accessible—they’re now available with more features, better quality, and at lower prices. Professionals, amateur photographers, and mainstream consumers alike are buying them or upgrading older cameras in record numbers.  In fact, sales will surpass 100 million units worldwide in 2008, according to Lyra Research.  As a result, the need to alter, enhance, tweak, and manage digital photos continues to grow—sparking a growing generation of digital darkroom enthusiasts.

“Folks can do so much more with their digital photos than they think possible,” states author Deke McClelland. “Happily, the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, CS2, is the best upgrade I’ve seen in the past five years. The possibilities are endless. Well, assuming you really understand the new features.” McClelland applies his winning formula for learning new techniques in his latest book, “Adobe Photoshop CS2 One-on-One” (O’Reilly)—visual inspiration, projects seen through to completion, real-world solutions, and entertaining and educational video.

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Kodak PROFESSIONAL 1400 printer that was first announced in late 2004.

“Being squarely aimed at the Pro market, expectations for print quality were quite high when we recieved this printer. One huge advantage it has over inkjet rivals, due to its dye-sub technology, is excellent consistency. There’ll be no starting to run out of ink half way through a print or other inkjet troubles. Colour accuracy, as we’d expected, is spot on, showing a true copy of the original source image. Detail levels are very good, comparing very well to some of the best inkjet technologies available. “

Website: ePhotoZine - Kodak PROFESSIONAL 1400 Printer Review

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DPNow have published a detailed preview of the new Kodak EasyShare One Wi-Fi digital camera, complete with sample images.

“There are going to be some who suggest the camera is a gimmick, or that four megapixels is mean and inadequate. After having used an EasyShare One for a few hours, I’m loathed to describe the camera as gimmicky – wireless connection to the Web makes Web-based sharing a cinch and you get instant photo emailing capability too. There are some rough edges to the user interface, but in the end it hangs together and actually works. Perhaps more of a concern is the bottom line cost of public hotspot services, because I can see myself using this facility a great deal in conjunction with a camera like the EasyShare One.”

Website: DPNow - Kodak EasyShare One Preview

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The Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a new technology that blocks digital camera and cameraphone pictures by firing a beam of bright light at the lens. Capable of detecting any camera up to 33 feet away, the researchers hope to develop a commercial version. Expect to see one strapped to every A-List celebrity soon…

“The technology is a stab at ameliorating the privacy problems that have arisen with the advent, quick ubiquity and tiny dimensions of digital cameras. Nearly 85 percent of cell phones in Japan come with built-in digital cameras, and the figure for North America and Western Europe is supposed to rise to 80 percent by the end of next year, according to market researcher Gartner.”

Website: CNET News - Crave privacy? New tech knocks out digital cameras

Kodak Press Release

New Products from Kodak and Olympus Support the IMAGELINK Print System; Others Expected Over the Next Year

ROCHESTER, N. Y., Sept. 19—One year after the announcement of the IMAGELINK print system - a specification designed to simplify at-home picture printing - new cameras and printers supporting the standard are being released.  Joining a host of KODAK EASYSHARE cameras and printer docks already released this year, Olympus has announced the Camedia C315 zoom digital camera, the D555 zoom digital camera and ILP-100 printer dock which are all IMAGELINK compatible.

“Since the IMAGELINK print system was announced last September by Kodak and a group of the world’s largest consumer digital photography companies, the response has been overwhelming,” said Yusuke Kojima, vice president, Eastman Kodak Company; and president, Kodak Japan Ltd.  “Now with the first compatible products hitting the market and others expected over the next year, people can begin to experience the greater ease of use and higher satisfaction that this system provides.”

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

Networked Entertainment Devices Expected to Drive Distribution of Digital Content and Expand Opportunities for CE Vendors, According to New InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Report

(Weymouth, MA) September, 19 2005… The market for multimedia home networks (home networks that contain A/V devices) is still in its infancy. A recent InfoTrends/CAP Ventures study shows that while nearly 20% of U.S. households have a data home network, less than 5% currently have a multimedia network such as one with a television or stereo connected to the network. Nevertheless, several factors are laying the groundwork for sharing digital content in the future, including the growing penetration of devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, PVRs, and MP3 players, as well as lower-cost networking technologies being integrated into these same products.