Pentax UK Press Release

Pentax Markets a Powerful Clip-on Auto Flash with Auto Zoom Head and Digital-SLR Compatibility

Pentax Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of the Pentax AF540FGZ auto flash unit. Featuring a large guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m), this clip-on-type auto-zoom flash provides a variety of advanced flash applications, including P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronisation and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a Pentax SLR camera.

Major features
1. Large guide number
Despite its compact dimensions and clip-on design, the AF540FGZ auto flash offers a large guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m) to accommodate a wide range of flash applications.

No, I wasn’t asleep yesterday or under a rock. Instead I was at the Canon press launch in London and have only just returned to Paris, hence the slight pause in publishing news about the 5D and the 39 other new products. The upside is that I did get to have a nice meal, learn some circus tricks courtesy of the Cirque Bijou (!) and perhaps more importantly get to try some of the new cameras for myself, albeit rather briefly. The new 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR is much more compact than the 10D that I own and a little more than the 20D on which it is based. I preferred using it in conjunction with the new battery grip - without this the camera felt a bit short in terms of its height and I struggled to grip it with all the fingers of my right hand. The 5D felt very nicely balanced with the new 24-105mm f/4 L lens, which is itself very impressive, and the viewfinder is also a lot brighter than those found on the APS sensor cameras, even in the dim indoor conditions of Syon House. Will I buy one? I think I’ll wait and see until I’ve done a proper review :)

The Canon EOS 5D is announced. The Canon 5D is a 12.8 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera. The 5D uses the Digic II processor and features a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The BG-E4 is a new battery grip designed especially for the EOS 5D. The Canon EOS 5D will be available from October 2005 for £2539.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €3699.99 RRP inc VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s full frame, compact EOS 5D defines new D-SLR category

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 12.8 Megapixel EOS 5D, creating a new D-SLR category combining a full frame CMOS sensor with a lightweight, compact magnesium alloy body. Weighing just 810 grams, it features a second generation 35.8 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor, 3 frame per second, 60 Large JPEG frame burst and 0.2 second start up time operation.

“The discreet full frame EOS 5D is the camera many photojournalists and agencies have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “It will be an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of professionals – from contemporary wedding to reportage photographers.”

Marking five years since Canon’s first CMOS image sensor appeared in the EOS D30, the release represents Canon’s fifth new CMOS sensor to be released since April 2004. “CMOS sensors are a critical technology advantage driving Canon’s rapid digital SLR development,” remarked Jensen.

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera is announced. The EOS 1D Mark II N is an upgrade of the EOS-1D Mark II, principally offering a larger frame burst on both JPEG and RAW mode and increasing the size of the LCD monitor to 2.5 inches. Dual CF and SD memory card slots are provided on the Canon EOS 1D Mark II Nfor separate RAW and JPEG recording. The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N will be available from September 2005 for £3049.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €4399.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Professional requirements drive Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark II N

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EOS-1D Mark II N: an upgrade of the award winning EOS-1D Mark II. Still featuring 8.2 Megapixel performance at 8.5 frames per second, the upgraded camera has a higher performance buffer to deliver a 48 frame burst in JPEG and 22 frame burst in RAW. LCD monitor size increases from 2.0” to a 2.5”, and dual CF and SD memory card slots provide for separate RAW and JPEG recording. Colour Matrix and parameter settings are replaced with Canon’s new Picture Style – six pre-sets that simplify in-camera control over image optimisation and processing.

“The EOS-1D Mark II took photojournalism and sports photography by storm and was chosen by more than 70% of professional photographers at the 2004 Athens Olympics, ” reported Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Taking feedback from the professionals as their guide, Canon’s engineers have made a great camera even better.”

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens is announced. The Canon 24-105mm lens features a fixed aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range and an Image Stabiliser that allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than normal. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens will be available from September 2005 priced £869.00 RRP inc. VAT/ €1259.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s lightweight, Image Stabiliser zoom lens for professionals – the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series lens: the lightweight EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM with Image Stabiliser. Dust and moisture resistant and incorporating Canon’s very finest standards of precision optics, the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM is designed for reportage, event, travel and celebrity photographers looking for a lightweight and manoeuvrable lens with minimal image quality compromise.

Complementing the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, the lens completes Canon’s f/4L-series zoom lens range. These lenses are designed for professional photographers requiring a light zoom lens with a fixed aperture throughout the zoom range. For outstanding camera shake reduction, Image Stabiliser allows shutter speeds of 3 stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is announced. The Canon 70-300mm lens features Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabilisation system and replaces the existing EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens will be available from October 2005 priced £469.00 RRP inc VAT/ €679.99 RRP inc VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabiliser – the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens. Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser (IS) for outstanding camera shake reduction, the lens is also equipped with super responsive auto focus. Replacing the popular EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world’s first interchangeable lens with IS, the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX is announced. The Canon 430EX replaces the Speedlite 420EX and increases the guide number to 43. The Canon Speedlite 430EX is available from September 2005 priced at £199.00 RRP inc. VAT/ €287.00 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon extends its range of digital compatible flashes with the Speedlite 430EX

Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the Speedlite 430EX flash unit, replacing the popular Speedlite 420EX. The Speedlite 430EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, and includes new features to maximise digital image quality when using a flash. These include automatic selection of camera white balance settings, and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached. The Speedlite 430EX has increased its guide number to 43 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm), and has approximately 40% faster recycling time than the Speedlite 420EX.

The Canon IXUS 750 and Canon IXUS 55 compact digital cameras are announced. The Canon IXUS 750 has 7.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Canon IXUS 55 has 5.0 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. Both the IXUS 750 and IXUS 55 use Canon’s Digic II processor, as used in their high-end digital SLR cameras. The Canon IXUS 750 and Canon IXUS 55 will be available from September 2005 for £419 and £329 RRP inc. VAT respectively/ €599 and €489 RRP inc VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon expands its Digital IXUS range with two stylish new models – the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of two new additions to its Digital IXUS range - the Digital IXUS 750 and Digital IXUS 55. As the Digital IXUS flagship, the Digital IXUS 750 maintains the style and sophistication for which Digital IXUS is renowned. The elegant ‘perpetual curve’ design returns and is available in two stunning finishes – Silver Grey and Satin Beige. Featuring a new interpretation of the iconic ‘box and circle’ design, the Digital IXUS 55 has a unique starburst effect radiating from the lens ring, and is finished in silver-white palladium plating on stainless steel.

The Canon PowerShot S80 compact digital camera is announced. The Canon S80 is an 8 megapixel update of the S70 and offers a 28-100mm f/2.8-5.3 lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen and Canon’s advanced image processor, DIGIC II. The Canon PowerShot S80 is available from October 2005 priced at £499.00 RRP inc VAT/ €719.00 RRP inc VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches the new look 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot S80

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the release of the 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot S80 – the new flagship to its S-Series PowerShot range. The camera’s rich feature set includes a wide-angle 28-100 mm f/2.8-5.3 (3.6x) optical zoom lens incorporating Canon’s UA lens technology, the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s professional series Digital SLRs and an oversize 2.5” LCD. A striking, contemporary finish complements the compact body of the camera, which is considerably smaller than its predecessor – the PowerShot S70.

The Canon IXUS i Zoom digital camera is announced. The Canon IXUS i Zoom is a 5 megapixel model with a 2.4x optical zoom lens and 1.8 inch LCD screen. The IXUS i Zoom uses Canon’s DIGIC II image processor and is supplied with a docking station. The Canon IXUS i zoom will be available from September 2005 for £319 RRP inc. VAT/ €479 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new Digital IXUS i zoom – now with an optical zoom lens

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the Digital IXUS i zoom. Building on the Digital IXUS i 5 performance and chic design, the Digital IXUS i zoom adds a 2.4x optical zoom and embraces the perpetual curve design of its big brother, the Digital IXUS 750. The sleek and compact Digital IXUS i zoom comes with 5.0 Megapixels and DIGIC II processing for high image quality and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for fast transfer speeds. The supplied Camera Station allows for easy connectivity to the PC, printer and television – perfect for viewing contemporary slide shows created by the camera.  The Camera Station also charges the camera when docked. The Digital IXUS i zoom is available in an array of striking colours: Jet (Black), Sahara (Gold), Cranberry (Red) and Ultra-violet. A silky finish completes the look and feel of this ultimate digital accessory.

The Canon PowerShot A620 and Canon PowerShot A610 compact digicams are announced. The The Canon A620 has a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2 inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35–140 mm focal length. The Canon A610 also offers the same size screen and lens, but has a 5 megapixel sensor instead. The PowerShot A620 and PowerShot A610 are available from September 2005 priced £319.00 RRP inc. VAT and £279.00 RRP inc. VAT / €479.00 RRP inc. VAT and €399 RRP inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches new A-series PowerShots A620 and A610 – with G-series performance

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest high performance compact digital still cameras, the PowerShot A620 and PowerShot A610. With 7.1 and 5.0 Megapixels, respectively, the cameras incorporate a host of high-end features normally reserved for G-series PowerShots. DIGIC II processors drive a fast, responsive performance, and – in combination with the cameras’ 4x optical zoom lenses – deliver superior image quality. A wide range of manual, automatic and special scene modes offer flexibility, creative control, and simplicity when required.

The Canon PowerShot A410 compact digital camera is announced. The Canon A410 is an entry level model with 3.2 megapixels and 1.5 inch LCD screen which replaces the A400. The Canon A410 offers a 3.2x optical zoom lens and includes Canon’s renowned DIGIC II image processor as used in their high-end digital SLR cameras. The Canon PowerShot A410 will be available from September 2005 priced £139.00 RRP inc. VAT/ €199.00 RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new entry level PowerShot – the A410 now with DIGIC II power

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the PowerShot range-opening 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot A410. Replacing the popular PowerShot A400, the PowerShot A410 has a bold new design and incorporates improved operability and performance through DIGIC II processing, and a 3.2x optical zoom with maximum aperture of f/2.8 – f/5.1. It is housed in a smaller, more compact and robust body.

Featuring 5 point AiAF auto focus and a range of shooting modes, the A410’s ease of use makes it the ideal camera for those making the change to digital.

The Canon SELPHY CP510, Canon SELPHY CP710 and Canon SELPHY DS810 compact photo printers are announced. The SELPHY CP510 and CP710 are dye-sub models whilst the DS810 is an inkjet printer. The SELPHY CP510, CP710 and DS810 will be available from September and October 2005 priced £129 RRP inc VAT, £169 RRP inc VAT and £149 RRP inc VAT / €189 RRP inc. VAT, €249 RRP inc. VAT, €215.00 RRP inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon drives home photo printing growth with three new SELPHY Printers

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce three new SELPHY Compact Photo Printers to its home photo printing line-up. Portable and stylish, SELPHY Printers offer direct photo printing from compatible digital still cameras, digital video cameras, mobile phones and PDAs, without the need for a PC. They produce durable 100-year photolab quality prints for as little as 22p per print.

Frame Destination Press Release

Innovative Frame Company Fills Void in Photography with Elegant Frames in Non-Standard Sizes

Aug 3, 2005 – Dallas, TX – When amateur photographer Mark Rogers started researching frames for his own digital prints, he discovered frame companies simply did not offer the non-standard sized frames needed to fit the unique shape of digital prints. For example, he found many 13x19 prints available but not one single company sold 13x19 frames. Another very common paper size used in digital photography, 8.5x11, was available only in certificate frames and not in fine-art frames. These and other challenges inspired Mark Rogers to found Frame Destination, Inc. (http://www.framedestination.com).

Shutterfly Press Release

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — (August 22, 2005) — Shutterfly, the leading independent e-commerce company specializing in digital photo products and services today announced a new relationship with Amazon Services, Inc. to promote and provide its products and services through the Amazon.com website. Amazon.com customers can take full advantage of Shutterfly’s award-winning service immediately through a co-branded website (www.amazon.shutterfly.com) as well as through the Amazon.com homepage and the Amazon.com Electronics store (www.amazon.com/electronics).

“Amazon is looking forward to working with Shutterfly,” said Glenn Cunningham, Vice President of Amazon’s Electronics store. “Our customers have come to expect a superior shopping experience from Amazon.com and we believe, with the addition of Shutterfly’s digital photography products and services, this will serve to enhance their shopping experience with us.”

The Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera is announced. The Pentax DS2 is virtually identical to the existing *ist DS, adding a larger, higher-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor. The Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR (body only) will ship in September 2005 for under $800 US.

Pentax Press Release

Pentax Expands Digital SLR Offerings with New Model, Lens and Flash

Golden, CO. (August 21, 2005) - Pentax Imaging Company announced today it will continue to expand its digital SLR line with another new model and accessories. The latest model, the PENTAX *ist DS2 digital SLR camera, comes equipped with a large, high-resolution 2.5 inch color LCD monitor and a high-magnification glass pentaprism viewfinder for a large, clear view at every stage of digital photography from shooting to playback to editing. With its enhanced operability and maneuverability, the new *ist DS2 assures high-quality digital SLR photography to photographers of all levels.

Canon Europe Press Release

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of 13 designer PIXMA photo printer models, including 5 multifunctionals. The launch meets a rapidly accelerating photo printer market, which has grown by over 123% in 2004.

The next generation PIXMA printers are up to 58% faster than previous models, in some cases producing borderless photolab quality prints 10x15cm in approx 36 seconds. “People are placing increasing importance on speed and print quality,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “That we can increase both simultaneously is the key competitive advantage of Canon’s FINE technology”.

With this new PIXMA range Canon will focus on communicating photo print speeds rather than traditional document page per minute (ppm) figures.”With the increasing demand for photo printers consumers expect a more transparent indicator of how fast they can print a photo” said Jensen.

The Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer is announced today. The Canon iP6600D offers 6 ink photo quality, 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution, 1 picolitre Micro Nozzles and FINE print head. Direct printing is supported on the iP6600D with a range of built-in image enhancement features, including Red-eye Correction, Image Optimiser and Face Brightener via a large 8.9 cm colour LCD. The Canon PIXMA iP6600D uses the new ChromaLife100 systemt for prints resist fading for 100 years when album-stored. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP6600D printer to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new photo direct PIXMA iP6600D – with ultimate connectivity.

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the addition of a new high-speed photo direct printer to the PIXMA line-up: the PIXMA iP6600D. The stylish printer features cutting edge FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head technology for fast, superb quality photo prints. With a host of in-built photo enhancement features, the iP6600D can print direct from a range of sources: popular memory cards , PictBridge compliant digital cameras, or mobile phones using a built in IrDA port or optional Bluetooth adaptor.

The Canon PIXMA iP5200 and Canon PIXMA iP5200R printers are announced today. The Canon iP5200 and Canon iP5200R both offer 1 picolitre, 9600 x 2400 dpi, 5 ink printing and can print a 10 x 15 cm photo in 36 seconds. Both the iP5200 and iP5200R use the new ChromaLife100 system which produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. The iP5200R can also be networked via any Wi-Fi or standard wired Ethernet connection. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP5200 and Canon PIXMA iP5200R printers to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Super fast, 1 picolitre photo prints: PIXMA iP5200 and PIXMA iP5200R

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the addition of two premium photo printers to its PIXMA range – the 1 picolitre , 9600 x2400dpi PIXMA iP5200, and wireless version PIXMA iP5200R.

Replacing the already super-fast PIXMA iP5000 and iP4000R, the photo printers feature upgraded FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print heads with over 3,500 individual nozzles. A 10 x 15 cm photolab quality borderless photo print outputs in approx 36 seconds.

The Canon PIXMA iP4200 printer is announed today. The Canon iP4200 is a 1 picolitre, 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution inkjet printer which replaces the iP3000. The iP4200 uses the ChromaLife100 system which produces prints that resist fading for 100 years when stored in an album. Price and availability of the Canon PIXMA iP4200 to be announced.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s 1 picolitre PIXMA iP4200: exceptional quality, exceptional value

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 22 August, 2005: Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the high-speed PIXMA iP4200 – the first personal photo printer at this price point to feature 1 picolitre ink droplets and 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution. Replacing the popular PIXMA iP3000, the iP4200 produces borderless 10 x 15cm photo prints in approx 51 seconds .

A FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head and five-ink ContrastPLUS technology generate high contrast, professional photolab quality results.

“The offer of a 1 picolitre printer at this price point represents another PIXMA landmark,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The speed, functionality and print quality delivered by this printer are compelling, and represent excellent value for money.”