News

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Fantasea CP-8Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line, announces two new camera housings, the Fantasea CP-8, for the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and 5700 digital cameras and the CP-8N for the Coolpix 8800. The CP-8 and CP-8N housings are designed with a unique air lock system for sealing the camera and allowing the water to exert an even pressure on the O-ring, thus increasing the reliability of the watertight seal.

Fantasea Line Press Release Fantasea Line, announces two new camera housings, the Fantasea CP-8, for the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and 5700 digital cameras and the CP-8N for the Coolpix 8800. The CP-8 and CP-8N housings are designed with a unique air lock system for sealing the camera and allowing the…

ScooptScoopt Press Release

Snap…send… sell… Citizen reporting made easy.

Scoopt, the world’s first ‘citizen journalism’ picture agency, officially launches on August 4th. Now anybody with a cameraphone can sell their pictures to the press on the same terms as a professional photographer. Scoopt bridges the divide between the public and picture desk.

Using MMS and mobile email technology, Scoopt members can submit photographs straight from the scene—any scene—in seconds. Scoopt then licenses these photos for publication to the mainstream media. Membership is free and without commitment.

Scoopt Press Release Snap…send… sell… Citizen reporting made easy. Scoopt, the world’s first ‘citizen journalism’ picture agency, officially launches on August 4th. Now anybody with a cameraphone can sell their pictures to the press on the same terms as a professional photographer. Scoopt bridges the divide between the public and…

Canon PowerShot S2 ISDIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera.

Website: Digit.no - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera. Website: Digit.no - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS Write a…

The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital PhotographyBetterPhoto.com Press Release

BetterPhoto.com™ President Jim Miotke Authors New How-To Book on Digital Photography

BetterPhoto.com, the worldwide leader in online photography education, today announced that President Jim Miotke’s new book, The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography, is now available from the BetterPhoto.com website, and from amazon.com.

REDMOND, Washington – August 1, 2005 – BetterPhoto.com, the worldwide leader in online photography education, today announced that President Jim Miotke’s new book, The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography, is now available from the BetterPhoto.com website, and from amazon.com.

BetterPhoto.com Press Release BetterPhoto.com™ President Jim Miotke Authors New How-To Book on Digital Photography BetterPhoto.com, the worldwide leader in online photography education, today announced that President Jim Miotke’s new book, The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography, is now available from the BetterPhoto.com website, and from amazon.com. REDMOND, Washington – August…

Konica Minolta have bucked the recent trend by announcing a profit of 1% in the first financial quarter of this year. A move to higher-end cameras and aggressive restructuring helped the company to stay in the black.

” ‘But thanks to a strategic shift to high-end digital cameras, with more than 5 mln pixels, the average retail price of our digital cameras rose some 17 pct in the first quarter from a year earlier,’ public relations department general manager Yuji Suzuki told a press conference.”

Website: Forbes - Japan’s Konica Minolta Q1 net profit rises 1 pct on upturn in digicam prices

Konica Minolta have bucked the recent trend by announcing a profit of 1% in the first financial quarter of this year. A move to higher-end cameras and aggressive restructuring helped the company to stay in the black. ” ‘But thanks to a strategic shift to high-end digital cameras, with more…

In a curious move to say the least, HP are reported to be exiting from the digicam business in Asia and will instead “focus its investment around home photo printing, which is a high-growth area in the region”. The short reports by Forbes and Reuters don’t give too much insight into why HP are changing strategy so dramatically, other than increased competition may be a reason.

Website: Forbes - HP to quit digital camera business in Asia-Pacific

Website: Reuters - HP exiting digital camera business in Asia

In a curious move to say the least, HP are reported to be exiting from the digicam business in Asia and will instead “focus its investment around home photo printing, which is a high-growth area in the region”. The short reports by Forbes and Reuters don’t give too much insight…

Olympus is the latest digital camera manufacturer to report disappointing financial performance in the last quarter, as its net profits tumble by 62%.

“Olympus has blamed its woes in the digital camera market on its failure to launch popular cameras in a timely fashion. As a result, it has been unable to distinguish its products, making them susceptible to discounting. Another problem is its relatively small presence in fast-growing digital single lens reflex (SLR) models, high-end cameras that yield fatter margins and are less vulnerable to price falls than simple point-and-shoot compact cameras.”

Website: Reuters - Weak digital camera sales push Olympus profit down

Olympus is the latest digital camera manufacturer to report disappointing financial performance in the last quarter, as its net profits tumble by 62%. “Olympus has blamed its woes in the digital camera market on its failure to launch popular cameras in a timely fashion. As a result, it has been…

NikonNikonNet Press Release

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind The Lens’ Honor the Work of Internationally Acclaimed Travel Photographer Rosanne Pennella

MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/—Professional photographers will tell you that to succeed as a pro takes more than skill. One needs dedication, planning and even a little luck. Rosanne Pennella added self-confidence, courage, passion and inspiration to this combination.

This August, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of admired travel photographer Rosanne Pennella, a woman who took a chance and pursued her passion.

“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Rosanne Pennella in this August’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of Communications at Nikon Inc. “She’s been an inspiration for so many years, not only making outstanding contributions in travel photography, but sharing her knowledge and expertise as well.”

NikonNet Press Release NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind The Lens’ Honor the Work of Internationally Acclaimed Travel Photographer Rosanne Pennella MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/—Professional photographers will tell you that to succeed as a pro takes more than skill. One needs dedication, planning and even a little luck. Rosanne Pennella added…

Transcend 150X SD Memory CardsTranscend Press Release

Transcend Releases the latest Advancement in SD™ Memory Card Technology, the SuperFast 150X SD™ Memory Card

The growing popularity of high-resolution digital cameras and multimedia devices has increased the demand for faster and better performing Flash Memory Cards. Transcend Information Inc., a world leader in flash memory devices, continues its role as an innovative developer with the release of its 150X Ultra-Performance High-speed Secure Digital (SD™) Cards (up to 2GB), the highest performing SD™ Memory Cards in the world.

Transcend Press Release Transcend Releases the latest Advancement in SD™ Memory Card Technology, the SuperFast 150X SD™ Memory Card The growing popularity of high-resolution digital cameras and multimedia devices has increased the demand for faster and better performing Flash Memory Cards. Transcend Information Inc., a world leader in flash memory…

X-Rite Pulse ColorEliteX-Rite Press Release

Grandville, MI – August 1, 2005 –X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT) today announced that its Pulse™ ColorElite System has received the 2005 PIA/GATF Intertech Technology Award, one of the most coveted awards in the graphic arts industry. The Pulse ColorElite System was selected by a panel of independent judges from a record 52 nominations. This is the second major award garnered by Pulse in the past two months. The award-winning color management solution received the Five Star Award from Photoshop User Magazine in June.

Commenting on the award, James Weaver, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development said, “We are honored to receive the highest recognition for innovation in the Graphic Arts market. We thank all of the judges who evaluated Pulse and will proudly display this award at Print 2005 in September.”

X-Rite Press Release Grandville, MI – August 1, 2005 –X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT) today announced that its Pulse™ ColorElite System has received the 2005 PIA/GATF Intertech Technology Award, one of the most coveted awards in the graphic arts industry. The Pulse ColorElite System was selected by a panel of independent judges…

Nikon D50The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

Website: Quesabesde - Nikon D50 Review

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The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. Website: Quesabesde - Nikon D50 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon D50 Write a Review of the Nikon D50

Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM LensePhotoZine have the first online review of the new Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens wide-angle zoom lens for digital SLRs.

” This lens is sharp! At 20mm, resolution tests showed it matched, and at one point even slightly out performed the venerable Canon 17-40mm L. At 15mm it’s a little soft at the edges, although still nice in the centre, but by the time it gets down to the 10mm mark the edges have improved again. In fact, at the wide end, the overall performance was the best in the range. The lens has obviously been optimised for the shorter focal length as there was no distortion there, whereas the 20mm end did have a little pin-cushioning. “

Website: ePhotoZine - Sigma 10-20mm Lens Review

ePhotoZine have the first online review of the new Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens wide-angle zoom lens for digital SLRs. ” This lens is sharp! At 20mm, resolution tests showed it matched, and at one point even slightly out performed the venerable Canon 17-40mm L. At 15mm it’s…

Epson Stylus Photo R800 PrinterDIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review

Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Stylus Photo R800

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. Website: FotoAparat.cz - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review Website: Read my review of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Stylus Photo R800

Pentax Optio S45TrustedReviews have published their review of the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S45 compact digicam.

“There’s no doubt the S45 is an attractive camera, and thanks to the sandblasted matt metal finish it will stay looking good for a long time. Pentax build quality has always been good and the S45 is certainly no exception. The pressed aluminium body feels very strong, with no creaks or flexing when squeezed. Design and handling are superb, with a comfortable handgrip on the front, easy-to-use controls on the back and that huge LCD monitor. The card slot hatch is separate from the battery hatch and is latched and spring-loaded. The battery hatch is on the base of the camera, but since the tripod bush is right over on the left edge it might be possible to change batteries while the camera is fixed on a tripod.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax Optio S45 Review

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TrustedReviews have published their review of the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S45 compact digicam. “There’s no doubt the S45 is an attractive camera, and thanks to the sandblasted matt metal finish it will stay looking good for a long time. Pentax build quality has always been good and the S4…

Nikon Coolpix 7900ByteSector have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.

“In standard shooting mode, the camera provides enough manual control to please most advanced users, but not so much that it’ll overwhelm a beginner. You get adequate control over the shutter by being able to adjust it +/- 2.0 EV (exposure units) in increments of 1/3 EV. While this isn’t quite the same shutter speed control that many other cameras provide, this feature is good enough in that the camera’s AI typically sets the right exposure automatically. This is more useful if you need to purposely over or underexpose a shot slightly.”

Website: ByteSector - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

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ByteSector have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. “In standard shooting mode, the camera provides enough manual control to please most advanced users…

Fujifilm FinePix Z1 ZoomPocket-Lint.co.uk have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom.

“Image quality is excellent, with exposures generally very good, focusing working well (even in low light and despite the camera lacking an AF assist lamp) although some shots had a very slight fuzziness when the camera was working hard in lower lighting conditions and at higher ISOs. However, the SuperCCD HR works well at those higher ISOs (up to ISO 800) and noise is well controlled indeed, less noise is good and sharpness can be tweaked on a PC later if needed.”

Pocket-Lint.co.uk - Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom

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Pocket-Lint.co.uk have published their review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom. “Image quality is excellent, with exposures generally very good, focusing working well (even in low light and despite the camera lacking an AF…

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Kodak Easyshare P880Kodak Easyshare P880 and Kodak Easyshare P850 digital cameras are announced today. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2,5 inch LCD screen. The Kodak P880 is available in September for £449.99. The Kodak Easyshare P850 is a 5.1 megapixel model with a 12x 36–432 mm image stabilized ultrazoom lens. The Kodak P850 is also available in September for £349.99. For the first time, Kodak has added RAW file support to both the P880 and P850. In addition, Kodak is introducing a host of accessories including the new external KODAK P20 Zoom Flash, £99.99 (RRP), which intelligently and automatically interacts with the P880 and P850 cameras for additional flash range.

Kodak UK Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE P-Series Digital Cameras Unveiled; High Performance Models Bring KODAK Technologies, Simplicity to Serious Photographers

Flagship EASYSHARE P880 Model Features 24 mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, Full Range of Advanced Controls; £449 Camera a New Alternative to Pricier, Bulkier DSLRs

LONDON, August 2 — Building on the global success of its EASYSHARE digital photography system, Eastman Kodak Company today announced the KODAK EASYSHARE P-Series camera line. This new class of advanced digital cameras extends Kodak’s signature simplicity-of-operation to avid photographers, giving them better tools to capture the exact images they want.

Kodak Easyshare P880 and Kodak Easyshare P850 digital cameras are announced today. The Kodak Easyshare P880 is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2,5 inch LCD screen. The Kodak P880 is available in September for £449.99. The Kodak Easyshare P850 is a 5.1 megapixel model…

Monday, August 1, 2005

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5It was only announced a few hours ago, but tht hasn’t stopped DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis from publishing the first online review of 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.

Website: Fotopolis - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 Review

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It was only announced a few hours ago, but tht hasn’t stopped DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis from publishing the first online review of 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. Website: Fotopolis - Sony…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 is announced. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 is an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Sony T5 has a vertical design and is available in 4 colours - red, champagne gold, silver and black. The Sony DSC-T5 will be available in September for about $350.

Sony Press Release

CAPTURE THE ACTION AND COLOR IN STYLE WITH SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT DSC-T5

SAN DIEGO, July 31, 2005 — Why not spice up the color and activity of fall with Sony’s latest “always with you, always ready” compact camera that easily slips in your pocket or smallest bag. The new Cyber-shot® DSC-T5 digital camera is ultra slim, yet delivers great pictures.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 is announced. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 is an ultra-slim 5.1 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Sony T5 has a vertical design and is available in 4 colours - red, champagne gold, silver and black. The Sony DSC-T…

Mamiya 645AFDIIMamiya 645 AFDII is announced. The Mamiya 645 AFDII 6x4.5cm medium format film camera that accepts digital backs. The new Mamiya 645 AFDII replaces the now discontinued 645AFD. The Mamiya 645 AFDII will be available from September 2005 and will retail at £1872 for the camera body and £2553 for the body, 80mm lens and 120/220 RFH. (Prices exclude VAT).

Mamiya Press Release

We are pleased to introduce the 645AFDII, a successor model of the discontinued 645AFD.

  * Mamiya 645AFDII Body w/Neck Strap
  * Mamiya 645AFDII Body w/AF 80mm f/2.8 Lens & Film Back HM401

The product highlights of our new 645AFDII are …

  * Electronically controlled mirror-up
  * 1/3 or 1/2 f/stop adjustment of aperture and shutter speed
  * Dedicated buttons for multiple exposure and auto-bracket
  * 36 custom setting menus
  * New “l + l” shaped AF sensor (was “l-l” shaped)
  * 2-way (normal or spot) auto-focusing
  * AF lock function
  * 2 or 3 shot auto-bracketing

Mamiya 645 AFDII is announced. The Mamiya 645 AFDII 6x4.5cm medium format film camera that accepts digital backs. The new Mamiya 645 AFDII replaces the now discontinued 645AFD. The Mamiya 645 AFDII will be available from September 2005 and will retail at £1872 for the camera body and £2553 for…