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

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak PROFESSIONAL 1400 Printer

Write a Review of the Kodak PROFESSIONAL 1400 Printer

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

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare One

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare One

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.

Lexar Media Press Release

FREMONT, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 19, 2005—Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today responded to litigation initiated by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc.

Fuji filed a lawsuit against Lexar, alleging that certain of Lexar’s flash cards infringe Fuji’s U.S. Patent No.‘s 5,303,198; 5,386,539; and 5,390,148. Fuji seeks damages and injunctive relief in this litigation, which was filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on September 16, 2005.

“We believe that Fuji’s litigation is a tactical move in response to the ongoing patent infringement case that Lexar brought against Fuji over three years ago, in July 2002,” said Eric Whitaker, executive vice president and general counsel, Lexar. “In that case, we intend to prove that Fuji’s sale of digital cameras and flash memory products infringe multiple Lexar patents. We expect discovery to be complete in that case in the next five months and anticipate a trial next year. It appears that Fuji recognizes its potential exposure in that litigation and is now trying to deflect attention from it by filing this new action. Based on our initial review of the patents asserted by Fuji, we do not believe that they apply to our flash cards, and this litigation will not deter us from protecting Lexar’s intellectual property from Fuji’s infringement.”

Sandisk Press Release

SanDisk to Ship Units of Its First ‘‘U3 Smart’’ Flash Drive That Creates a Portable Secure Personal Workspace; U3-Powered SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Smart Drive Will Be Distributed to U.S. Retailers in October

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 19, 2005—SanDisk(R) Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced its first USB smart drive using U3(TM) technology, a powerful new platform that enables users to store and manage their “personal workspace”—including files, programs, passwords and settings—on a tiny device the size of a pack of gum. The announcement was made at DEMOfall, where SanDisk’s first U3 production units were demonstrated. The event at the Hyatt Huntington Beach is showcasing 70 of the world’s most promising new technologies.

SanDisk Cruzer(R) Micro smart drives will offer a private, securely protected experience on any PC with Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 without leaving the user’s personal information on the host machine at the end of a session when the drive is removed. These smart drives will be able to launch a variety of U3-compatible (called “U3 smart”) software programs, including anti-virus, security, communications, audio, video, gaming and photo-editing, to name a few.

Triscape Inc. Press Release

Users Have the Full Power of FxFoto to Securely Archive, Organize, Edit and Scrapbook Photos on Any PC Using the U3 Smart Drive Computing Platform

WINDHAM, N.H., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/—DEMOfall—Triscape Inc., makers of the popular FxFoto(R) software for digital photographers, today announced that Portable Pictures(TM) is available on the U3(TM) smart drive computing platform. FxFoto Portable Pictures, the first photo software designed specifically for traveling and on-the-go digital photo users, is a complete suite designed to run directly from U3 powered USB smart drives, occupying only a few megabytes and leaving more than enough room for digital image storage.

U3 smart drives create a private and portable workspace that simply plugs into any computer. Applications such as FxFoto can be carried on any U3 powered USB smart drive and launched on any PC running Windows XP or 2000 for a highly mobile and secure computing experience. FxFoto Portable Pictures allows users to not only take their pictures with them, but also carry a complete application to manage, edit and share them.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie Breaks Ground With Carte Orange: Credit-Card Sized 8GB USB Key

September 19, 2005

  * Ultra thin 8GB credit-card sized USB key
  * Sturdy and convenient metal design
  * Amazing price per gigabyte for mobile storage

LaCie unveils the latest in storage technology: a credit-card sized USB key called the LaCie Carte Orange that offers an unprecedented 4GB (4000MB) or 8GB (8000MB) storage capacity. LaCie Carte Orange is ideal for exchanging or backing up large amounts of office files, and storing hours of music, videos, photos and slideshows. With its sturdy metal design and plastic bumper, LaCie Carte Orange is amazingly light and thin—far thinner than most traditional 1GB or 2GB USB keys. Measuring at 6mm height and weighing less than 60g, LaCie Carte Orange’s smart and convenient design easily fits in small pockets and wallets making it the most convenient way to travel with lots of data.

Paradigm Imaging Group Press Release

Costa Mesa, CA – September 7, 2005 - Paradigm Imaging Group, a leading distributor of large format scanning and printing solutions, is pleased to announce a distribution agreement with Canon U.S.A. The agreement will allow Paradigm Imaging Group to market Canon’s complete line of large format printers including the new imagePROGRAF W6400 and W8400 pigment ink large format printers.

Paradigm President Randy Geesman says, “Our new relationship with Canon represents a significant opportunity for us to further expand our large format product offering. We plan to distribute Canon printers through our channel of authorized resellers as both a stand-alone printing solution or integrated with our Rocket Scanner controller, Graphtec and Colortrac scanners for scan-to-print applications”.

Minox Press Release

A new service now available: A MINOX laboratory (at Siegen, Germany) copies pixel by pixel onto traditional chemical film

Carsten Chadt explains: “Well maintained traditional film material is known to last for at least a century or two and reproduction is easy.” Loss of data can be caused by many different means. The storage medium ages, they may get damaged or deleted by accident or another unknown and that is today’s standards may not be read by future hardware and software. Therefore, it should be common practice to regularly copy to the latest standards, but in practice this is becoming more and more complex as the number and size of the files grow. The answer is that pixel by pixel and basic colour by basic colour the information of digital photos will be transferred by cathode rays to conventional film material by a newly developed machine. This provides the ability to produce classic photos on demand on photo paper. Also, to the best of our knowledge today, every future scanner will be able to read films or transparencies as they are optical memories.

Shutterfly Press Release

Shutterfly expands consumer reach with television debut

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — (September 19, 2005) — Shutterfly, the leading independent e-commerce company specializing in digital photo products and services, today announced a new partnership with TV and web retailing giant HSN.  Shutterfly products and services will be bundled with digital camera and scrapbook supply purchases made through HSN’s TV shopping programs and through the hsn.com website.

“HSN’s selling environment provides Shutterfly with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to demonstrate the many thoughtful and creative ways HSN’s audience can use their digital camera photographs to stay connected with family and friends,” said Doug Galen, SVP of Corporate & Business Development for Shutterfly.

The first ever Europe Photobloggers Meetup is taking place later this coming weekend (September 23rd-25th) in London. As I’ve just moved back to the English capital (which is noticeably colder than Paris), I’m planning to attend at least one of the planned events, which include a photographic meetup, photo display and of course some drinking. So if you’re not doing anything this weekend, get yourself to central London for some photography-related, ermm, frolics?!

Website: Europe Photobloggers

It’s the end of an era this week as Mike Johnston publishes his final “Sunday Morning Photographer” column.

“This week marks the last installment of “The Sunday Morning Photographer.” It has endured more than three years and well over 100 separate columns, and given its modest aims I think I am justified in calling it a success. I’d like to extend my thanks to the various web hosts and translators who have done so much to help make it a success, and to the many regular and occasional readers who seem, by and large, to have enjoyed it. Although it’s impossible to please “all of the people all of the time,” I hope I have ranged widely enough to have been of some usefulness to each of you at least occasionally.”

Website: The Sunday Morning Photographer