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”

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.

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.

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.

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published the first online review of the Nikon D2Hs digital SLR camera.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Nikon D2Hs Review

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The Hungarian website Index Digicam 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: Index Digicam - Sony DSC-H1 Review

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Pocket-Lint 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.

“It’s not every day you can buy a five megapixel digital camera for around £110 but with the C-180, you can. It has a very simple-to-use ethos thanks to a set of clearly marked ‘one button, one function’ controls. There’s a slide away on/off switch on the front, a shutter button on the top and a set of simple controls on the back plate accompanying the 1.5-ich colour screen.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Olympus C-180 Review

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The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published the first online review of the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S45 compact digicam.

Website: Index Digicam - Pentax Optio S45 Review

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PCMagazine have just reviewed the new Canon SELPHY CP600 compact photo printer.

“The Canon Selphy CP600 ($249 direct) is the faster, more polished cousin of the Canon Selphy CP400. Like the CP400, it’s a thermal dye–based, dedicated photo printer, designed primarily for 4- by 6-inch photos, but able to handle a variety of paper sizes from credit card size to 4- by 8-inches. In addition to offering better speed than the CP400, it prints better-looking output and comes with a rechargeable battery for full portability.”

Website: PCMagazine - Canon SELPHY CP600 Review

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Olympus Europe Press Release

Jon Nicholson puts the Olympus E-300 to the test amid the action of the F1 circuit

Hamburg, June 2005 – Since professional Formula One photographer Jon Nicholson first shot with the Olympus E-300, it has hardly ever left his hands. Starting with the first ’05 race in Melbourne, the digital SLR from Olympus has been his constant companion during each of this season’s F1 events so far. An enthused Nicholson cites the camera’s responsiveness, large LCD and professional ergonomic feel among his favourite features and sums up his fondness for the Olympus E-300 with an unmistakably clear “I am very impressed!”.

Website: Read my Olympus E-300 / Evolt Review

Olympus Europe Press Release

First Olympus µ DIGITAL 800 goes to Duran Duran

Hamburg, 13 June 2005 – The legendary Duran Duran are currently on a world tour promoting their latest album “Astronaut”. When they stopped by in Hamburg, Olympus had a special surprise in store for them: an 8.0 million pixel µ DIGITAL 800. The Japanese camera manufacturer presented Nick Rhodes, head of the band and avid photographer, with the first available model of this series in Europe. Incorporating BrightCapture Technology, the µ DIGITAL 800 is particularly suited for taking shots in challenging lighting conditions, such as at concerts. In situations of low light – where other cameras frequently disappoint – the built-in LCD automatically increases brightness to ensure accurate framing and deliver crystal clear images. And that’s sure to hit the right note with Duran Duran! The first of Nick’s shots can now be seen at www.duranduran.com.

Olympus have announced a new firmware update with enhanced functionality for their 8 megapixel Olympus E-300 / Evolt DSLR.

Website: Read my Olympus E-300 / Evolt Review

Olympus UK Press Release

Providing even more performance - Olympus announce version 1.3 firmware update for the E-300

London, 19th July 2005

Olympus has a well founded reputation for revolutionising the design and construction of cameras, most recently with the design and introduction of their E-system range. The fully digital SLR cameras are based on the TIPA Award-winning FourThirds Standard and have set new standards in SLR photography.

The Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG MACRO is announced. The new Sigma 28-300mm lens is designed for digital SLR cameras and provides a high zoom magnification of 10.7x and a minimum focusing distance of 50cm at all focal lengths. Available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon fittings, the Sigma 28-300mm Macro lens has a price tag of £229.99 in the UK.

Sigma UK Press Release

Digitally optimised super zoom lens with a 10.7x zoom magnification.

l New multi layer lens coating minimises flare and ghosting, a common problem with Digital SLR cameras.
l Wide angle, Standard, Telephoto and Close up, the all-purpose zoom lens.
l Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and four Aspherical Lenses produce superior optical performance.

Phase One Press Release

New “world records” in professional digital imaging.

Phase One A/S, Copenhagen, July 18th, 2005: Phase One, the world leader in digital imaging solutions, has yet again lifted the standards in professional digital photography.

Important benefits for Pros
The new opportunities for professional shooters are huge, now they can:
- Much better evaluate and protect the value of their digital camera investment. This is ensured with the new ability to upgrade existing digital solutions, and by having full insight into the product roadmap from top suppliers of digital solutions. This is especially important since the digital development is much faster than for camera bodies and lenses.
- Deliver higher image quality than ever before in advertising, fashion and portrait
- Dramatically increase the productivity of their workflow, this includes better teamwork with art directors, models and clients.
- Completely rely on the digital storage media for the data integrity, as they now guarantee that any captured image data can be retrieved.

Amazon.com are offering a free memory card worth $18.99 when you purchase one of the 60+ digital cameras that are part of this special promotion, which includes the new Canon PowerShot S2 IS (pictured). The offer is valid until July 31, 2005.

Website: Amazon.com - Memory Card Offer

Nikon Europe Press Release

Award-winning communication tool for professional photographers celebrates 10th anniversary

Amsterdam, 18 July 2005. Nikon toasts the enduring success and appeal of its award-winning NikonPro magazine, 10 years old this month and still going strong.

With ever-improving technology at their disposal, European photographers are today faced with steep learning curves and accelerating product turnover. Consequently, they need a guiding hand and constant reassurance that they are backing the right brand and products. NikonPro provides for this by showcasing the best images from some of the world’s leading photographers taken with the latest Nikon equipment. The aim of NikonPro is to demonstrate Nikon in action and to highlight its potential, supplying information and advice to users which goes into the heart of the image, to the very essence of photography.

Digitalcamerareview have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Samsung Digimax U-CA5 camera.

“Overall, the U-CA5’s image quality is a bit below average. The zoom is super sharp, but color is flat and under-saturated. Images look washed out because the U-CA5 has a consistent tendency to overexpose. Outdoor images often show burned out highlights and lack of detail in shadow areas. Pattern noise is noticeably above average, but well managed in ISO 100 and ISO 200 images. ISO 400 images show well above average noise levels.”

Website: Digitalcamerareview - Samsung Digimax U-CA5 Review

DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the entry-level Fujifilm Finepix A345 digital camera.

“Image quality when using 4M Fine mode was average for a camera in this class. Outdoors, the majority of our samples showed good overall exposure and colors seem to be nicely saturated. I did however notice visible edge blurring present in many of our sample photos as well as some exposure issues when shooting outdoor portraits. You can see what I mean by looking at our Samples. Noise levels were very low in high/low contrast areas and we didn’t see much purple fringing (aka Chromatic Aberration) around highlights.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm Finepix A345 Review

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DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the new Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom, which has a 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor, large 2.5-inch LCD screen and offers a battery life of 325 shots.

Website: Digit.no - Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom Review

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Olympus have released a new firmware update fo the C-480 Zoom, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 3x zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and 15 scene modes (called the D-545 in the USA).

Firmware Ver.1.1 has incorporated the following upgrade.
- Printing pictures with the date via a PictBridge connection has been improved.

Website: Olympus C-480 Zoom Firmware v1.1