News
Samsung Electronics Press Release
Seoul Korea , September 12 , 2005 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leader in advanced s emiconductor technology, announced that it has developed a 7.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor (CIS). It is the world’s first 7.2M-pixel CIS for compact cameras with the smallest pixel size. Higher resolution CIS chips reflect the industry-wide attention on CIS technology as a promising new imaging technology as well as a feasible replacement of charge-coupled device (CCD), especially in mobile applications such as camera phones, digital still cameras and digital camcorders.
This announcement was made at a press conference hosted by Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor business president and CEO, Dr. Chang-Gyu Hwang in Seoul .
Samsung’s 7.2M-pixel CIS has a 1/2-inch lens aperture and a 2.25um pixel size. The proprietary pixel structure enhances the fill factor over 55 percent and delivers high signal to noise ratio. Copper technology has been used for interconnects, and the resulting reduced pixel height gives high focusing efficiency and sensitivity. The overall performance is comparable to , or even exceeds, CCD quality.
Samsung Electronics Press Release Seoul Korea , September 12 , 2005 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leader in advanced s emiconductor technology, announced that it has developed a 7.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor (CIS). It is the world’s first 7.2M-pixel CIS for compact cameras with the smallest pixel size…
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.
“Image quality is very good indeed with noise well controlled in low lighting, better even than on the D70 and D70s in my view. Punchier images are the name of the game and this is no surprise given the target market as it allows more colourful and better looking images straight out of the camera.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Nikon D50 Review
Website: Read my Nikon D50 Review
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. “Image quality is very good indeed with noise well controlled in low lighting, better even than on the D70 and D70s in my view. Punchier images are the name of the game and this…
Pocket-Lint have reviewed the Lexmark P4350, an all-in-one printer and scanner with a colour LCD screen and 48-bit color scan depth.
“Overall, a near perfect solution in the home office environment. The 4350 covers a lot of ground and will provide ideal solution if you need to print, scan and copy regularly without wishing to purchase dedicated equipment to perform each task separately. The saving on space made by a single device in reflected in an overall cost saving. The computer free printing options also make this an ideal solution for digital photographers who want hard copies of their images quickly without the need of booting up a PC, and who aren’t fussed in the chase for the perfect monochrome shades.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Lexmark P4350 Review
Pocket-Lint have reviewed the Lexmark P4350, an all-in-one printer and scanner with a colour LCD screen and 48-bit color scan depth. “Overall, a near perfect solution in the home office environment. The 4350 covers a lot of ground and will provide ideal solution if you need to print, scan and…
TrustedReviews have published the first online review of the new Epson Stylus DX4800 printer.
“Perhaps not surprising on a device at this price point, there’s no LCD monitor screen, but since the device includes a memory card reader – behind a spring-loaded, acrylic cover on the left – this can make life a bit awkward. You have two choices: you can print an index sheet and mark off the prints you want to reproduce from a card, or upload the images to your PC and select them from there. If your camera supports PictBridge, it’s a much better bet to select from the camera.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Epson Stylus DX4800 Review
TrustedReviews have published the first online review of the new Epson Stylus DX4800 printer. “Perhaps not surprising on a device at this price point, there’s no LCD monitor screen, but since the device includes a memory card reader – behind a spring-loaded, acrylic cover on the left – this can…
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam.
“The big 2.5in LCD monitor is an impressive item. With 215,000 pixels it is extremely sharp, and the BrightCapture technology means that unusually for a compact snapshot camera, as well as the usual program auto exposure mode, the mju 800 has aperture priority and shutter priority modes. The range of apertures (F2.8 – F8.0 in 1/3EV steps) and shutter speeds (4 – 1/1000th sec also in 1/3EV steps) on offer are genuinely useful and allow a lot of creative control, ideal for keen amateurs who are looking primarily for a snapshot camera but would like something with a bit of versatility.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 Review
TrustedReviews have just reviewed the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam. “The big 2.5in LCD monitor is an impressive item. With 215,000 pixels it is extremely sharp, and the BrightCapture technology means that unusually for a compact snapshot camera, as well as the usual program auto exposure mode, the mju…
PCMagazine are the first website to review the new Canon PIXMA iP1600 printer.
“Until we saw the Canon Pixma iP1600, we thought that the HP Deskjet 3940 Color Inkjet Printer was the epitome of the “giving away the razor to sell the blades” marketing strategy. Subtract the price of the ink cartridges that come with the 3940, and the printer itself is only $20. But the iP1600 makes the 3940 look expensive. The iP1600’s two ink cartridges cost $44.98 direct from Canon. Subtract that from the $49.99 direct price for the printer, and iP1600 itself is only $5.01. Call it the world’s first disposable printer.”
Website: PCMagazine - Canon PIXMA iP1600 Review
PCMagazine are the first website to review the new Canon PIXMA iP1600 printer. “Until we saw the Canon Pixma iP1600, we thought that the HP Deskjet 3940 Color Inkjet Printer was the epitome of the “giving away the razor to sell the blades” marketing strategy. Subtract the price of the…
PCMagazine have published theirreview of the new HP Photosmart 385 compact photo printer.
“The ink jet–based HP Photosmart 385 GoGo Photo Printer ($199.99 direct) is a later, greater version of the HP Photosmart 375 Compact Photo Printer, which HP introduced last year. It offers all the same features that we liked in the 375: easy portability, with the same 4.5- by 8.7- by 4.6-inch (HWD) size and 2.6-pound weight; the ability to print from PictBridge cameras or memory cards; a 2.5-inch LCD to preview photos; and a kiosk-style menu to let you crop, edit, print multiple photos per page, and more. We just wish the resulting photo print wasn’t slightly adhesive or gummy to the touch.”
Website: PCMagazine - HP Photosmart 385 Review
PCMagazine have published theirreview of the new HP Photosmart 385 compact photo printer. “The ink jet–based HP Photosmart 385 GoGo Photo Printer ($199.99 direct) is a later, greater version of the HP Photosmart 375 Compact Photo Printer, which HP introduced last year. It offers all the same features that we…
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Lexmark P315 portable photo printer.
“The ink jet–based Lexmark P315 ($100 street) is a little different from other dedicated photo printers. Like most, it focuses on the 4- by 6-inch photo format. And like many, it prints directly from PictBridge cameras and a wide choice of memory card formats. But don’t plan on using it to print photos from your computer or even for transferring photo files from a memory card to your hard drive. The P315 is strictly a camera accessory. It offers direct printing only, with no way even to connect to a computer.”
Website: PCMagazine - Lexmark P315 Printer Review
PCMagazine have just reviewed the Lexmark P315 portable photo printer. “The ink jet–based Lexmark P315 ($100 street) is a little different from other dedicated photo printers. Like most, it focuses on the 4- by 6-inch photo format. And like many, it prints directly from PictBridge cameras and a wide choice…
DPReview have just reviewed the eagerly-anticipated Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.
“But if the FZ30 represents a quantum leap in terms of handling and control it is little more than a tiny step forward in terms of image quality. Yes, there’s more detail, but there’s also more noise and a less effective image stabilization system. If you want a camera that can beat all the 5MP super zooms (including the FZ20), you’ll be happy, but if you actually need the additional pixels to produce larger prints you may well be disappointed - it simply isn’t that much better.”
Website: DPReview - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review
DPReview have just reviewed the eagerly-anticipated Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels. “But if the FZ30 represents a quantum leap…
Designtechnica have posted their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).
“This very compact, sleek 7-megapixel digicam is amazing. Smaller than the proverbial deck of cards but about as thick, the SD500 (around $450) is truly a go anywhere point-and-shoot digicam. It slips so easily into a pocket you’ll take it with you everywhere and that’s a good thing since you’ll grab great spontaneous photographs all of the time. And it’s light years ahead of any cameraphone, today’s chic casual photography solution.”
Website: Designtechnica - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review
Designtechnica have posted their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH). “This very compact, sleek 7-megapixel digicam is amazing. Smaller than the proverbial deck of cards but about as thick, the SD500 (around $450) is truly a go anywhere…
Designtechnica have just reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
“The quality of the images I shot in bright early Fall light was excellent, with very accurate colors and fine detail when viewed on a PC monitor and turned into 8.5x11 prints. I too played with the camera’s manual adjustments, especially pushing the ISO indoors. Is there grain at 3200? Of course but it really didn’t become too noticeable until 800 on my prints. The Anti-Shake mechanism did a very solid job, letting me take indoor shots at high ISOs without much blur at all. The battery did its Energizer Bunny thing and just kept going—it’s terrific.”
Website: Designtechnica - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
Designtechnica have just reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera. “The quality of the images I shot in bright early Fall light was excellent, with very accurate colors and fine detail when viewed on a PC monitor and turned into 8.5x11 prints. I too played with…
The winners of the August 2005 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for August was “Landscapes” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:
1st Place
“Wild Lupins” by pauljm
View this entry
1 x 24x24” or 24x18” Canvas Print of a Photo of Your Choice
Kindly donated by Photo Artistry.
http://www.photoartistry.co.uk
2nd Place
“Time and Tide” by Maculatus
View this entry
1 x 36x24” Artist Canvas Print of a Photo of Your Choice
Kindly donated by Pixel Outpost.
http://www.pixeloutpost.com
3rd Place
“SELAMAT PAGI BROMO” by mario andi supria
View this entry
Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com
4th Place
“Saltburn” by Onion Club
View this entry
Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro Pack
Kindly donated by Powerretouche.
http://powerretouche.com
5th Place
“Scottish Borders” by NCD
View this entry
ShutterPoint.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by ShutterPoint.
http://www.shutterpoint.com
Congratulations to the 5 winners and thanks to everyone who took part!
The September 2005 Competition is now open for entries. This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 5 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit one photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets September’s theme, which is “Churches”.
The winners of the August 2005 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for August was “Landscapes” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners: 1st Place “Wild Lupins” by pauljmView this entry 1 x 24x24” or 24x18” Canvas Print of…
2 winning names have been randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers. If you are one of the winners, you will already have received an email from me ([email protected]). In order to protect the winners’ email addresses, I’m not going to publish them here.
- One person has won ColorVision Spyder2 (worth €189.00 + VAT).
- One person has won ColorVision ColorPlus (worth €109.00 + VAT).
Both kindly donated by ColorVision Europe.
http://www.colorvision.ch/index.php
If you haven’t won anything, then don’t worry, as a brand new contest will start soon!
To have any chance of winning, you must subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter.
2 winning names have been randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers. If you are one of the winners, you will already have received an email from me ([email protected]). In order to protect the winners’ email addresses, I’m not going to publish them here. - One person has…
FotoWare Press Release
FotoWare has released FotoStation Pro for Mac OS X
With more than 2,5 million licenses sold worldwide FotoStation is the leading digital imaging workstation application.
Finally the Mac OS X version of FotoStation Pro is available! Many users have been waiting for the Pro version of FotoStation. FotoStation Classic for OS X however has been on the market for almost a year now. Since FotoStation Pro offers an additional edit menu, today’s release makes a highly demanded enhancement for repro workers and advanced users on Mac OS X clients. For fast picture prosessing and colour management tasks FotoStation Pro also utilizes the advanced technology from FotoWare’s own media processing and production workflow tool Color Factory. When connecting FotoStation Pro to FotoWare’s Index Manager the user can have immediate access to millions of pictures.
FotoWare Press Release FotoWare has released FotoStation Pro for Mac OS X With more than 2,5 million licenses sold worldwide FotoStation is the leading digital imaging workstation application. Finally the Mac OS X version of FotoStation Pro is available! Many users have been waiting for the Pro version of FotoStation…
REALVIZ Press Release
Latest Release of Award-winning Panorama Software Adds Range of New Features, Including Full Automatic Engine
Sophia Antipolis, France (September 13, 2005) - REALVIZ has confirmed, that they will begin shipment of version 5 of their multi award-winning panorama software, Stitcher this month. Stitcher is a professional-level application, used by thousands of professional photographers, architects, multimedia and 3D artists worldwide, and enables the creation of superb wide-angle panoramas for the Web, film, print, and 3D.
Stitcher 5 represents a considerable advance on the current version of the software, with a range of exciting new features, including most notably the introduction of a full automatic stitching engine, as well as a completely new user interface, with a full-screen 3D window to maximize the working area.
REALVIZ Press Release Latest Release of Award-winning Panorama Software Adds Range of New Features, Including Full Automatic Engine Sophia Antipolis, France (September 13, 2005) - REALVIZ has confirmed, that they will begin shipment of version 5 of their multi award-winning panorama software, Stitcher this month. Stitcher is a professional-level application…
OnAsia Press Release
ONASIA PHOTOGRAPHER MASARU GOTO WINS GRAND PRIZE AT ‘PHOTO CITY SAGAMIHARA’ FESTIVAL
SAGAMIHARA, Japan – September 16, 2005 – OnAsia photographer Masaru Goto has won the prestigious Grand Prize at this year’s 5th ‘Photo City Sagamihara’ General Photography Festival. The award was given for Masaru’s photo essay entitled ‘Smile in Despair – Stories from a Cambodian AIDS Ward.’
One of Japan’s leading photojournalists, Masaru has previously won the 2002 Fifty Crows documentary photography award for his coverage of human rights issues in Columbia. His work places heavy emphasis on highlighting pressing human rights and social issues.
Having covered Cambodia’s civil war in the late 1990s, Masaru later turned his attention to the plight of Cambodia’s AIDS victims in early 2001.
OnAsia Press Release ONASIA PHOTOGRAPHER MASARU GOTO WINS GRAND PRIZE AT ‘PHOTO CITY SAGAMIHARA’ FESTIVAL SAGAMIHARA, Japan – September 16, 2005 – OnAsia photographer Masaru Goto has won the prestigious Grand Prize at this year’s 5th ‘Photo City Sagamihara’ General Photography Festival. The award was given for Masaru’s photo essay…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published the first online review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1.
“I was pleased with the X1’s ergonomics. Although this is the smallest model we have worked with from Konica Minolta, I found it was easy to hold (even with large hands), and one-handed shooting was no problem at all. Its metal exterior helps ensure it will stand the test of time, however it’s shinny finish is very prone to finger prints. Controls are arranged for quick and easy access and the menu system is logically organized. We especially like the ability to customize the Up/Down and Left/Right functions of the 4-way controller. Its large 2.5-inch LCD covers about 2/3 of the back side of the camera. Outdoors it works great with only a few angles that reflect the sun. However when shooting in low-ambient lighting the display fails to “gain up” making it difficult to see your subject in these conditions.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published the first online review of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1. “I was pleased with the X1’s ergonomics. Although this is the smallest model we have worked with from Konica Minolta, I found it was easy to hold (even with large hands), and…
DigitalCameraReview have just reviewed the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD.
“The Samsung Digimax i5 is an attractive camera in a busy field of ultra-compact cameras. The inclusion of 50MB of internal memory is a real plus for this camera as is the excellent 2.5 inch LCD. However, slower than average shutter lag and average image quality need to be weighed against the positives in order for this to be a good choice for you.”
Website: DigitalCameraReview - Samsung Digimax i5 Review
DigitalCameraReview have just reviewed the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD. “The Samsung Digimax i5 is an attractive camera in a busy field of ultra-compact cameras. The inclusion of 50MB…
Imaging Resource have taken a look at the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5, an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“Sony cameras offer excellent features and performance, good build quality and great picture quality. Sony currently offers no fewer than five distinct lines of cameras, spanning an incredible range of features, price, and performance. In their “Compact” line, they’ve now added a new five-megapixel model that builds on the success of the preceding T1 model. With a 3x optical zoom lens, compact design, and very generous 2.5-inch LCD screen, the new DSC-T5 is about the thickness of a ladies’ compact and very pocket friendly. Automatic exposure control offers point-an-shoot ease, with a handful of scene modes for more difficult shooting situations.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 Review
Imaging Resource have taken a look at the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5, an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “Sony cameras offer excellent features and performance, good build quality and great picture quality. Sony currently offers no fewer than five distinct…
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have recently reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have recently reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera. Website: FotoAparat.cz - 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…