News

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

StudioLine Photo 2.7H&M Systems Software Press Release

StudioLine Photo 2 Optimizes Image Management Workflow for All Photographers

Release 2.11 Brings a New Level of Ease to Archiving and Managing Photos
Along With Enhancements for Desktop Publishing and Online Albums

Upper Saddle River, NJ; July 25, 2005—H&M Systems Software, Inc. today introduced Release 2.11 of its award-winning StudioLine® Photo 2 digital imaging software.  Release 2.11 benefits photographers and designers of all skill levels with ease-of-use enhancements when loading photos and by streamlining image management. Users also benefit from easier online album creation and improved interfacing with desktop publishing tools.

H&M Systems Software Press Release StudioLine Photo 2 Optimizes Image Management Workflow for All Photographers Release 2.11 Brings a New Level of Ease to Archiving and Managing Photos Along With Enhancements for Desktop Publishing and Online Albums Upper Saddle River, NJ; July 25, 2005—H&M Systems Software, Inc. today introduced Release…

Pentax Digital SLR WebsiteCanon launched a website dedicated to digital SLR cameras a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s the turn of Pentax to produce their own website about this ever-expanding sector of the marketplace. As with the Canon site, Pentax have obviously skewed everything in favour of their DSLR product range, including a brief look at “Pentax’s glorious SLR camera history” but that shouldn’t stop you from paying a visit.

Website: Pentax Digital SLR Camera Website

Canon launched a website dedicated to digital SLR cameras a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s the turn of Pentax to produce their own website about this ever-expanding sector of the marketplace. As with the Canon site, Pentax have obviously skewed everything in favour of their DSLR product range, including…

DiskGO! 3.5EDGE Tech Corp Press Release

EDGE Tech Corp Announces New Multifunctional Portable Storage Product Just in Time for Back to School

Dallas, TX - July 22, 2005 EDGE Tech Corp, a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions announced today an addition to its portable storage category - the DiskGO!™ 3.5” Portable Hard Drive with Multi Card Reader & USB 2.0 Hub.

“We are committed to expanding our storage category to include an extensive offering of multi-use devices,” stated Jeff Thompson, CEO & President of EDGE. “We are very excited to release this product in time for students headed back to school. They can certainly take advantage of the extra work space the 3-in-1 product provides as well as its extreme portability,” Thompson added.

EDGE Tech Corp Press Release EDGE Tech Corp Announces New Multifunctional Portable Storage Product Just in Time for Back to School Dallas, TX - July 22, 2005 EDGE Tech Corp, a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions announced…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20CNET have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

“With a 12X zoom, image stabilization, macro focus down to 0.4 inch, and a medium-res 10-frame-per-second ultra-high-speed burst mode, the 5-megapixel Z5 stacks up well against the competition, specwise. However, mediocre image quality and a large, coarse, and rather dim electronic viewfinder limit this diminutive digital’s appeal as an SLR substitute.”

Website: CNET - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

CNET have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. “With a 12X zoom, image stabilization, macro focus down to 0.4 inch, and a medium-res 10-frame-per-second ultra-high-speed burst mode, the 5-megapixel Z5 stacks up well against the competition, specwise. However, mediocre image quality and…

Bonusprint Photo AlbumBonusprint Press Release

Print photo albums - not just photos - with Bonusprint

~ a personalised gift for every occasion ~

Bonusprint customers can now create their own hard cover, bound photo albums and personalised calendars.

Customers simply go to www.bonusprint.co.uk/photobooks to download the free Bonusprint Photo Book Editor software. This enables them to place up to sixteen photos – arranged and adjusted according to personal taste and preference – on the pre-set sheet. 58 different layouts and a variety of styles are available. Users also have the ability to write personalised captions on the pages. The software even tells you which images you have already used and which are not of a high enough quality in an easy to see colour code system.

Bonusprint Press Release Print photo albums - not just photos - with Bonusprint ~ a personalised gift for every occasion ~ Bonusprint customers can now create their own hard cover, bound photo albums and personalised calendars. Customers simply go to www.bonusprint.co.uk/photobooks to download the free Bonusprint Photo Book Editor software…

A350 ZoomDigiCamReview have published a joint review of the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom and A350 Zoom digital cameras.

“This is a joint review of the new Fujifilm Finepix A345 and A350. The Fujifilm Finepix A345 and A350 both feature a 3x optical zoom lens, the only difference is that that A345 is a 4 megapixel digital camera, whereas the A350 is a 5 megapixel camera. The A345 is available from around £100 (£123 at amazon with free postage), and the A350 is available from around £125 (£139 at amazon with free postage) - they replace the A330, and the A340, Fuji’s previous budget / value models. The 3x optical zoom lens is equivalent to 35-105mm on a 35mm camera. They both feature a 1.7” TFT screen. The camera is enclosed in a silver plastic body. It records unlimited 320 x 240 / 15fps videos with sound.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom

Write a Review of the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom

DigiCamReview have published a joint review of the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom and A350 Zoom digital cameras. “This is a joint review of the new Fujifilm Finepix A345 and A350. The Fujifilm Finepix A345 and A350 both feature a 3x optical zoom lens, the only difference is that that A34…

Monday, July 25, 2005

Sony DSC-S90DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life.

“The Sony Cybershot S90 is a compactly designed digital camera with a huge size LCD monitor on the back panel of the camera. The 2.5 inch sized monitor is a perfect replacement for the ‘old fashioned’ optical viewfinder. The Sony S90 aims at the crowd and therefore carries an affordable and attractive price tag. But that doesn’t mean we are dealing with a stripped down digital camera, on the contrary. The Sony Cybershot DSC-S90 is equipped with various setting possibilities, such as seven pre-set scene shooting modes, and together with the 4 Megapixels of resolution, a Carl Zeiss lens, 3x optical zoom and a movie function (VGA with 30 fps) the camera contains sufficient features to be able to compete with its competitors.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Sony DSC-S90 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-S90

Write a Review of the Sony DSC-S90

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life. “The Sony Cybershot S90 is a compactly designed digital camera with a huge size LCD monitor on the back panel of the camera. The…

Sony DSC-S60Imaging Resource have taken a look at the new Sony DSC-S60 digital camera.

“The Sony S60 is capable offering, and very similar (except for maximum resolution and a couple of exposure options) to the recently released W7 model; and even more similar to the S90. It is reasonably constructed, with a slightly reduced feel of quality from the S90, but it doesn’t affect the functionality at all. It does though, appear to have somewhat higher image noise at ISO 400, at least the sample I tested did. I also felt that its handling of household incandescent light sources wasn’t quite as good as that of the S90. (The other primary feature difference relative to the S90 is that the more expensive model comes with a pair of Sony NiMH rechargeable batteries and charger, where the S60 is packed with a set of alkaline cells.)”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-S60 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-S60

Write a Review of the Sony DSC-S60

Imaging Resource have taken a look at the new Sony DSC-S60 digital camera. “The Sony S60 is capable offering, and very similar (except for maximum resolution and a couple of exposure options) to the recently released W7 model; and even more similar to the S90. It is reasonably constructed, with…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33Imaging Resource have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33.

“The Sony DSC-T33 is one of Sony’s latest subcompact Cyber-shot models, quite similar to the original T1, and the new ultra-thin T7. A little lighter and slightly bigger, than the T7, the Sony T33 is still a full-featured digital camera, with a 5 megapixel CCD, a 3x optical zoom lens, a huge 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a full complement of options such as variable ISO settings, color saturation, contrast, and sharpness adjustments. Automatic exposure control offers point-and-shoot ease, with a handful of scene modes for more difficult shooting situations. Packaged with a camera dock for quick USB connection to a computer, the Sony T33 offers exceptional portability and a great selection of features.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33

Write a Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33

Imaging Resource have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33. “The Sony DSC-T33 is one of Sony’s latest subcompact Cyber-shot models, quite similar to the original T1, and the new ultra-thin T7. A little lighter and slightly bigger, than the T7, the Sony T33 is still a…

Sony DSC-H1 Cyber-shotThe Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Sony DSC-H1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-H1

Write a Review of the Sony DSC-H1

The Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen. Website: FotoAparat.cz - Sony DSC-H1 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-H1 Write…

Sony DSC-W7Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.

“Images however, unlike our experience with the T7 (see review) were sharp and impressive. Colours were bright and crisp and images clear and virtually noise-free. The camera’s capturing lag is minimal and this combined with the camera’s fast start-up time meant that you still had plenty of time to capture an image before it was too late.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Sony DSC-W7 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-W7

Write a Review of the Sony DSC-W7

Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory. “Images however, unlike our experience with the T7 (see review) were sharp and impressive. Colours were…

HP Photosmart R717Digital Camera Review have reviewed the HP Photosmart R717, a 6.2 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens in a stylish stainless steel body.

“The HP Photosmart R717 is a serious attempt by a long-time computer manufacturer to make all aspects of digital photography enjoyable. This 6 MP compact camera goes beyond traditional digital photography and basic image editing and integrates itself with a host of online web services, in-camera help functionality, and external printers to bring the full spectrum of digital photography to life. Thoughtful design went into this camera and it shows. Novices will be thrilled with the built-in help functionality, automatic red eye removal, and a host of other features.

Website: Digital Camera Review - HP Photosmart R717 Review

Website: Read my HP Photosmart R717 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart R717

Write a Review of the HP Photosmart R717

Digital Camera Review have reviewed the HP Photosmart R717, a 6.2 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens in a stylish stainless steel body. “The HP Photosmart R717 is a serious attempt by a long-time computer manufacturer to make all aspects of digital photography…

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Kodak Easyshare V550DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.

“The EASYSHARE V550 breaks new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still pictures perfect for printing and sharing. Record longer, TV-quality videos with sound — up to 80 continuous minutes — while using less memory storage. Avoid on-screen shaking with built-in digital image stabilization technology, and zoom-in on video subjects while recording using the 3x optical SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lens. Then watch the videos with friends on the big, bright, 2.5-inch LCD screen, viewable from nearly any angle.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare V550

Write a Review of the Kodak Easyshare V550

DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen. “The EASYSHARE V550 breaks new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still…

KODAK EASYSHARE C360DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Kodak Easyshare C360 digital camera.

“The EASYSHARE C360 camera bundled with the Printer Dock Series 3 offers a full-featured, affordable digital camera system with a touch of style. The elegant, pocket-sized design lets you take the camera everywhere, then capture, print and share both everyday and once-in-a-lifetime moments. The large, two-inch LCD display enables instant picture review and sharing right on the camera. Convenient, intuitive controls provide access to most functions with just a slight thumb movement.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Kodak Easyshare C360 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare C360

Write a Review of the Kodak Easyshare C360

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Kodak Easyshare C360 digital camera. “The EASYSHARE C360 camera bundled with the Printer Dock Series 3 offers a full-featured, affordable digital camera system with a touch of style. The elegant, pocket-sized design lets you take the camera everywhere, then capture…

Nikon D50DPReview have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“The nicest thing about the D50 however is that it just feels right, build wise it’s a step above the Canon EOS 350D and Pentax *ist DS, it’s also not too small, I’m all for making cameras lighter but there’s a limit as to how small you can make an SLR before the hand grip feels cramped and controls begin to get in the way. The D50 feels as responsive as any film camera and is a pleasure to shoot with. The only change I would make would probably be a larger viewfinder view (like that of the Pentax *ist DS).”

Website: DPReview - Nikon D50 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon D50

Write a Review of the Nikon D50

DPReview have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. “The nicest thing about the D50 however is that it just feels right, build wise it’s a step above the Canon EOS 350D and Pentax *ist DS, it’s also not too small, I’m all…

Olympus C-170DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-170 (also called the D-425 in the US).

“The Olympus D-425 performed fairly well, displaying consistent color reproduction throughout testing. The camera managed to garner an overall color rating of 8.42 with over-saturation occurring in areas which can be expected from most point-and-shoot cameras. The Foliage Green (#4) and Brown (#1) hues were both over-saturated which is a bit unexpected although an over-saturated green will merely make the enhanced red and orange tones pop from the image even more without seeming too unnatural. For a low priced point-and-shoot mode, the Olympus D-425 will produce colors that are far stronger than some cameras costing twice as much.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus C-170 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-170

Write a Review of the Olympus C-170

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-170 (also called the D-425 in the US). “The Olympus D-425 performed fairly well, displaying consistent color reproduction throughout testing. The camera managed to garner an overall color rating of 8.42 with over-saturation occurring in areas which can be expected from…

Kodak EasyShare Z740CNET have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera.

“A 10X zoom lens, manual exposure controls, 5-megapixel resolution, a versatile burst-shooting mode, and an electronic viewfinder that works as well in blazing sunlight as in murky interiors—there are certainly aspects of the Kodak EasyShare Z740 that might cause photo enthusiasts to sit up and take notice. Unfortunately, the downside includes rampant purple fringing, a bit of noise (marring otherwise decent image quality), a lack of manual focus, and a low-resolution EVF, which suffers from ghosting and blackouts between shots.”

Website: CNET - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare Z740

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare Z740

CNET have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera. “A 10X zoom lens, manual exposure controls, 5-megapixel resolution, a versatile burst-shooting mode, and an electronic viewfinder that works as well in blazing sunlight as in murky interiors—there are certainly aspects of the Kodak…

Friday, July 22, 2005

Pentax Optio60Pentax Optio60 digital camera is announced today. The Pentax Optio60 is an easy to use 6 megapixel compact digicam with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.0 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder. The Optio60 digital camera ships next month and the price will be $200 US.

Pentax USA Press Release

PENTAX ANNOUNCES Optio60 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH HIGH RESOLUTION AND LOW LEARNING CURVE

Golden, Colorado (July 21, 2005)…High resolution digital photography is simpler than ever with the new PENTAX Optio60 digital camera.  An excellent choice for digital newcomers, the PENTAX Optio60 offers 6.0 megapixel resolution and a 3X zoom lens in a compact, lightweight, and stylish design.

An easy-to-understand “Simple mode” deserves the credit for lowering the learning curve of the PENTAX Optio60.  Set in this mode, users are free to concentrate on photography subjects while the Optio60 automatically selects optimal focus and exposure settings for scenes at hand.  Even more, the PENTAX Optio60 incorporates Manual exposure settings plus Aperture and Shutter priority modes to allow room for users to grow their photography skills.

Pentax Optio60 digital camera is announced today. The Pentax Optio60 is an easy to use 6 megapixel compact digicam with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.0 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder. The Optio60 digital camera ships next month and the price will be $200 US. Pentax USA Press Release PENTAX…

Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage ViewerEpson have released a new firmware update for thier P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which I enthusiastically reviewed a couple of months ago.

The v2.04 firmware provides the following enhancements:

- Additional RAW file support for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT.
- Fixed error with Konica Minolta Dynax 7D files.
- Processing time to identify SD cards has been increased.

Website: Epson America - P-2000 Updates (Windows)

Website: Epson America - P-2000 Updates (Mac)

Epson have released a new firmware update for thier P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which I enthusiastically reviewed a couple of months ago. The v2.04 firmware provides the following enhancements: - Additional RAW file support for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT. - Fixed error with Konica Minolta Dynax 7D files…

Does film out-resolve digital? How can you tell? Does anyone really care? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in Michael Reichmann’s latest article over on Luminous Landscape.

“One of the favourite debates on web discussion forums is – “why film is or is not sharper then digital”. Experienced photographers know through the evidence of their own eyes that, other things being equal – same lens, similar ISO, etc; in real-world photographs digital is incontrovertibly sharper than film. Yet the debates continue.

This is reminiscent of the urban myth that bumble bees can’t fly. Their wings are far too small to generate enough lift given their weight. A lift to weight ratio thing. (Sound familiar?)”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Clumps and Chumps

Does film out-resolve digital? How can you tell? Does anyone really care? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in Michael Reichmann’s latest article over on Luminous Landscape. “One of the favourite debates on web discussion forums is – “why film is or is not sharper then…