News
CNET have reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm Finepix A345 digital camera.
“We didn’t see a big difference between the A345’s 4-megapixel photos and the A350’s 5-megapixel shots. The best of our highest-resolution photos from the A345 were almost as sharp as the best highest-resolution photos from the A350; however, none of the photos were tack-sharp. Colors in our test photos from the A345 were highly saturated, though not quite to the point of appearing unnatural or unpleasant. Dynamic range was solid, with especially decent contrast in darker hues, which were well defined and tended to stand out more than usual.”
Website: CNET - Fujifilm Finepix A345 Review
CNET have reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm Finepix A345 digital camera. “We didn’t see a big difference between the A345’s 4-megapixel photos and the A350’s 5-megapixel shots. The best of our highest-resolution photos from the A345 were almost as sharp as the best highest-resolution photos from the A350; however, none of…
DIWA member and Czech website Index Digicam have reviewed the 5 megapixel, 8x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
DIWA member and Czech website Index Digicam have reviewed the 5 megapixel, 8x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20. Website: FotoAparat.cz - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Write a Review of the…
DigiCamReview have published their review of the Olympus C-180, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 1.5 inch LCD screen and a fixed focus lens that is equivalent to 36.7mm on a 35mm camera, plus a 4x digital zoom.
“The camera is very easy to use, the built in help explains the dial-modes when you select them. The controls on the back of the camera are very easy to use - with the clear photo / play buttons. The camera is compact but not overly small. The menus are responsive, easy to use, and the options are easy enough to see clearly. The modes are easy to access, quick and simple - there’s a fully automatic mode as well as various scene modes for simple point and shoot operation (there’s very little control beyond point and shoot operation).”
Website: DigiCamReview - Olympus C-180 Review
DigiCamReview have published their review of the Olympus C-180, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 1.5 inch LCD screen and a fixed focus lens that is equivalent to 36.7mm on a 35mm camera, plus a 4x digital zoom. “The camera is very easy to use, the built in help…
Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 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. The DMC-FZ30 replaces the older and very popular Panasonic DMC-FZ20 model. The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 will be available in the UK in September in black priced £549.99.
Panasonic Europe Press Release
Panasonic is proud to introduce the 8-Megapixel, 12x optical zoom¡¡(equivalent to 35mm to 420mm on a 35mm film camera) LUMIX DMC-FZ30 inheriting MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) as an up-and-comer to its creative super zoom FZ double-digit line. The DMC-FZ20, released in 2004, has been internationally acclaimed for meeting the needs of the market by realizing the ideals of users.
Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 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. The DMC-FZ30 replaces the older and very popular Panasonic…
Panasonic DMC-LX1 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-LX1 is an 8.4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm, optical image stabilizer and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The DMC-LX1 is the world’s first digicam with a wide angle lens and 16:9 aspect CCD. The aspect ratio can be easily selected between 16:9 or 3:2 in addition to the conventional 4:3 by using a switch on the lens barrel. The Panasonic DMC-LX1 can also record moving images at 848 x 480 16:9@Wide VGA at 30 fps. The Panasonic DMC-LX1 will be available in the UK in August in silver priced £449.99.
Panasonic Europe Press Release
Panasonic is launching a new LUMIX 16:9 wide LX series with the introduction of the DMC-LX1, 8.4-Megapixel 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 28 mm to 112 mm on a 35mm film camera) full manual compact camera. This creative compact incorporates a 8.4-Megapixel CCD and a high resolution 2.5-inch LCD in its undersized body. The aspect ratio is easily selectable between 16:9 wide, 3:2 and conventional 4:3 with a switch located on the lens barrel to shoot in the framing aspect that best suits the subjectsf composition or imagefs purpose of use.
Panasonic DMC-LX1 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-LX1 is an 8.4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm, optical image stabilizer and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The DMC-LX1 is the world’s first digicam with a wide angle lens and 16:9 aspect CCD. The…
Panasonic DMC-FX9 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-FX9 is a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. There is no optical viewfinder on the DMC-FX9. The DMC-FX9 replaces the older Panasonic DMC-FX8 model and is available in red, silver and black. The Panasonic DMC-FX9 will be available in the UK in August for £349.99.
Panasonic Europe Press Release
Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FX9, which is the next-generation model of the world-renowned stylish and compact MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)-equipped FX series. The FX series boasts high picture quality, a large LCD, compactness and stylish design, features desired in a compact camera.@Its startup time accelerated, the DMC-FX9 is now with substantially upgraded with total effective pixels increased to 6-Megapixel, and includes the zoom function Extra Optical Zoom that extends zoom ratio up to 4.1x in 3-Megapixel recording and a clearer LCD based on the FX8 that was released earlier.
Panasonic DMC-FX9 is announced today. The Panasonic DMC-FX9 is a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. There is no optical viewfinder on the DMC-FX9. The DMC-FX9 replaces the older Panasonic DMC-FX8 model and is available in red…
PhotoVu Press Release
PhotoVu™ Launches First Wireless 19” Digital LCD Picture Frame under $1000
Also announces upgraded support for latest versions of photo management software from Adobe® and Apple®
Boulder, CO—July 20, 2005—Today PhotoVu™ announced the availability of their new PV1945 19” picture frame at $999, expanding the PhotoVu product line to a portfolio of three full featured, wall-mounted models.
“As the LCD panel industry moves forward and prices continue to fall, we are able to rapidly incorporate these newer panel technologies into our portfolio, creating the highest quality customized digital picture frames, while at the same time passing our costs savings on to our customers,” said Mark Van Buskirk, Partner, PhotoVu.
PhotoVu Press Release PhotoVu™ Launches First Wireless 19” Digital LCD Picture Frame under $1000 Also announces upgraded support for latest versions of photo management software from Adobe® and Apple® Boulder, CO—July 20, 2005—Today PhotoVu™ announced the availability of their new PV1945 19” picture frame at $999, expanding the PhotoVu product…
Despite selling their lenses to the likes of BenQ (see next story), Pentax have announced that their first-quarter profits fell by a whopping 42%, largely caused by losses in its photography division. To counteract this, Pentax is expanding its medical equipment and optical component businesses. The Japanese company gave few hints about the long-term future of its photographic unit, other than that some employees from that unit are being moved elsewhere within the company. And there’s also the seemingly inevitable shift to digital SLRs:
”“We’ll shift focus to more profitable single-lens reflex digital cameras, to offset price declines in compact types,” Urano said. Pentax plans to raise the pace of new model introductions to three per year from two, starting this year, he said.”
Despite selling their lenses to the likes of BenQ (see next story), Pentax have announced that their first-quarter profits fell by a whopping 42%, largely caused by losses in its photography division. To counteract this, Pentax is expanding its medical equipment and optical component businesses. The Japanese company gave few…
The new BenQ E510 and E520 cameras have already been announced. Now BenQ are making noises about the use of the Pentax Super-Multi Coating (SMC) camera lens in its new cameras, claiming that it “marks an important step for digital camera users”. Well, for future BenQ digital camera users anyway. In an interesting end to this press release, BenQ say that “In camera tests hosted by a worldwide accredited camera website, BenQ’s image processing technology outshone other competitors in terms of image noise reduction, speed and battery life.” I’d love to know which website conducted those tests, and who exactly the competitors were…
BenQ Press Release
BenQ Digital Cameras to use Pentax SMC Camera Lens
EUROPE, 20 th of July, 2005 – BenQ announces the use of Pentax’s Super-Multi Coating (SMC) camera lens in its new BenQ digital cameras. The new BenQ E510 and E520 cameras will feature Pentax’s SMC system providing transparency above 99.8% and superior image-formation performance.
“Within a decade of its inception, digital cameras have transformed from simple shooting devices into an indispensable digital product for all consumers. Our partnership with Pentax marks an important step for digital camera users,” expressed Peter Chen, BenQ Vice-President and General Manager of Digital Media Business Group, “BenQ will combine the strengths of our imaging technology with Pentax’s high-quality lenses to provide consumers the very best digital imaging solution.” We will continue co-operate with Pentax with our entire upcoming model in the future.
The new BenQ E510 and E520 cameras have already been announced. Now BenQ are making noises about the use of the Pentax Super-Multi Coating (SMC) camera lens in its new cameras, claiming that it “marks an important step for digital camera users”. Well, for future BenQ digital camera users anyway…
Apparently, as a DSLR owner, I use my camera more than other photographers do, shoot more photos (erm, well I guess that figures), print more photos and am much better-looking than people who use other types of cameras. OK, that last part may not be 100% true (just wishful thinking on my part!)...
PMA Marketing Research Press Release
Digital SLRs spell consumer growth and enjoyment, according to PMA Marketing Research study
JACKSON, Mich. - A new mini report by PMA Marketing Research indicates digital SLRs are more likely to embrace the skills necessary to master the picture-taking process. More than two-thirds of digital SLR owners just “like to take photographs” “for pure enjoyment.” In addition to enjoying the picture-taking process, they are also interested in capturing the highest quality memories.
According to the PMA study, Focus on Digital SLRs . Trends and Opportunities, the digital SLR user also uses their camera more than other camera owners, including three times as often as 35mm SLR owners. The 35mm SLR user was ready to move up to the digital SLR to reinvigorate their interest in photography. And, because they are shooting more often, they are also producing a far greater quantity of photos.
Apparently, as a DSLR owner, I use my camera more than other photographers do, shoot more photos (erm, well I guess that figures), print more photos and am much better-looking than people who use other types of cameras. OK, that last part may not be 100% true (just wishful thinking…
Designtechnica 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.
“I really liked using the DSC-H1 and enjoyed the resulting images. The optical image stabilization did a nice job eliminating the blur from slower shutter speeds and extremely zoomed telephoto images, where any bit of handshake rears its ugly head in your prints. Having the ability to zoom such a long focal length is a real plus. Just try it out in the store; you’ll immediately see why we were so pleased and why it’s a great travel companion.”
Website: Designtechnica - Sony DSC-H1 Review
Designtechnica 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. “I really liked using the DSC-H1 and enjoyed the resulting images. The optical image stabilization did a nice…
Designtechnica have published a review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500).
“When PictureMate hit the market a couple of years ago, its cute lunch pail design sent the message that a printer could travel. The only thing missing was a photo viewer so that you could see the images you were selecting. Epson corrected the flaw in the latest version of PictureMate—the Deluxe Viewer Edition ($249)—which adds a 2.4-inch LCD to complete the package.”
Website: Designtechnica - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Write a Review of the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Designtechnica have published a review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500). “When PictureMate hit the market a couple of years ago, its cute lunch pail design sent the message that a printer could travel. The only thing missing was a…
TrustedReviews have published their review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart M22 digital camera.
“Finally we come to image quality, and here’s where the bad news really starts. Even under ideal conditions on a bright sunny day the images lack definition and look massively over-processed. With the Adaptive Lighting turned off images look like they’ve been blurred and then sharpened again, edges are jagged and pixelated, whereas areas of colour lack any detail and look like they were painted on with a brush. Add the adaptive lighting into the mix and shadow areas fill up with random colour noise and artefacts. Use the digital zoom and all you are left with is vague shapes with no detail at all. Flash range is severely limited, and coverage does not reach into the corners of the frame. All in all, a very disappointing performance even considering the budget price.”
Website: TrustedReviews - HP Photosmart M22 Review
TrustedReviews have published their review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart M22 digital camera. “Finally we come to image quality, and here’s where the bad news really starts. Even under ideal conditions on a bright sunny day the images lack definition and look massively over-processed. With the Adaptive Lighting turned…
CNET have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom, a new entry-level 5 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.7inch LCD screen.
“Call it a love-hate relationship: there are things we really like about the Fujifilm FinePix A350 and things we really dislike about it. Whether it’s a good pick may depend on whether you’re willing to live with—or adapt to—its quirks. The FinePix A350 is the flagship model for Fujifilm’s A series of inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras. Its 5.2-megapixel resolution marks an increase over the 4 megapixels of its predecessor, the A340, and this camera slightly bumps up the LCD size from 1.5 inches to 1.7 inches.”
Website: CNET - Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom Review
CNET have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom, a new entry-level 5 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.7inch LCD screen. “Call it a love-hate relationship: there are things we really like about the Fujifilm FinePix A350 and things we really dislike about it. Whether it’s a…
DigiCamReview have just published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1.
“Outside image quality was good, colour was rich and saturated, and noise seemed quite low, the pictures had good contrast, although images were soft and as a result detail was average - it was also very easy to produce lens flare which you may like, although you may not. Indoors - image quality was good - and focusing was good thanks to the focus-assist lamp. Images were generally fairly soft, and may benefit from sharpening. The maco mode was fairly poor as the closest you can get to the subject is 12cm away.”
Website: DigiCamReview - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1 Review
DigiCamReview have just published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1. “Outside image quality was good, colour was rich and saturated, and noise seemed quite low, the pictures had good contrast, although images were soft and as a result detail was average - it was also very easy…
ExpressDigital Press Release
ENGLEWOOD, CO—July 19, 2005— ExpressDigital, the leading provider of digital workflow software, internet storefronts, and lab solutions, has won the American PHOTO Editor’s Choice Award for ExpressDigital Darkroom software.
American PHOTO looks closely at the state-of-the-art imaging technology that enables photographers to turn their vision into reality. The American PHOTO Editor’s Choice Award is the most authoritative and comprehensive award issued in the industry, honoring many imaging products essential to readers. It is ‘the best of the best’, a symbol that conveys to consumers – quality products on the cutting edge of technology.
ExpressDigital Press Release ENGLEWOOD, CO—July 19, 2005— ExpressDigital, the leading provider of digital workflow software, internet storefronts, and lab solutions, has won the American PHOTO Editor’s Choice Award for ExpressDigital Darkroom software. American PHOTO looks closely at the state-of-the-art imaging technology that enables photographers to turn their vision into reality…
Konica Minolta and Sony have today announced that they have agreed to jointly develop digital SLR cameras. Sony look like they have most to gain from this move, as they don’t currently have any DSLRs in their product line-up, whereas Konica Minolta introduced their second model, the Dynax 5D, only last week. Both companies are set to “begin joint development of advanced and feature-rich digital SLR cameras” based on Konica Minolta’s Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system. It’s probably safe to say that Sony will not be joining the Four Thirds camp, which Olympus and Panasonic have pledged support to.
Konica Minolta / Sony Press Release
Tokyo (July 19, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. and Sony Corporation have reached an agreement to jointly develop digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. Taking full advantages of their respective imaging technologies and key devices, the two companies will develop and commercialize new digital SLR cameras based on and compatible to “Maxxum/Dynax lens mount system.*1”
Konica Minolta and Sony have today announced that they have agreed to jointly develop digital SLR cameras. Sony look like they have most to gain from this move, as they don’t currently have any DSLRs in their product line-up, whereas Konica Minolta introduced their second model, the Dynax 5D, only…
HP PSC 1510 all-in-one device is announced today. The HP PSC 1510 can print up to 20 pages per minute, offers PictBridge technology and scans at 1200 x 1200-dpi optical resolution and 48-bit colour. The HP PSC 1510 All-in-One is available from September 1, 2005 at a recommended retail price of 84.99 GBP
HP UK Press Release
HP Launches a Sleek and Compact All-in-One for the Home - Get a stylish addition to the home with the HP PSC 1510 All-in-One
London, UK, 19 July 2005 - HP today announced the launch of the HP PSC 1510 All-in-One. Featuring a curvaceous elegant design and advanced intuitive technology, this all-in-one device offers all the benefits of a complete home office in one neat, affordable package.
HP PSC 1510 all-in-one device is announced today. The HP PSC 1510 can print up to 20 pages per minute, offers PictBridge technology and scans at 1200 x 1200-dpi optical resolution and 48-bit colour. The HP PSC 1510 All-in-One is available from September 1, 2005 at a recommended retail price…
Belkin USA Press Release
The Belkin USB Anywhere Lets You Transfer Photos from Your Digital Camera to a Portable Hard Dive—Without a Computer
Ideal for traveling, the compact USB Anywhere eliminates the need for a computer for photo storage
(Compton, CA) - July 13, 2005 - With Belkin’s new USB Anywhere, you can now transfer your songs, photos, and files from one mass-storage device (media reader, digital camera, hard drive) to another—without a computer. The device will begin shipping in North America in October 14, 2005.
Belkin USA Press Release The Belkin USB Anywhere Lets You Transfer Photos from Your Digital Camera to a Portable Hard Dive—Without a Computer Ideal for traveling, the compact USB Anywhere eliminates the need for a computer for photo storage (Compton, CA) - July 13, 2005 - With Belkin’s new USB…
Shutterfly Press Release
Shutterfly Makes Award-Winning Picture Management Easier; Launches One-of-Kind Search Technology to Bring Customers Lightning-Fast Results
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 18, 2005—Shutterfly, PC Magazine’s “Editors’ Choice(1) for best photo-printing service,” today announced multiple enhancements to its already “extremely easy navigation,” including a customized viewing experience, a new picture “film strip,” ability to mark “favorite” pictures and powerful new search functionality. Designed to help customers keep their fast-growing collections of digital images organized, these new ways to view and find pictures make the Shutterfly service even more intuitive and faster to use.
Shutterfly Press Release Shutterfly Makes Award-Winning Picture Management Easier; Launches One-of-Kind Search Technology to Bring Customers Lightning-Fast Results REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 18, 2005—Shutterfly, PC Magazine’s “Editors’ Choice(1) for best photo-printing service,” today announced multiple enhancements to its already “extremely easy navigation,” including a customized viewing experience, a new picture…