News

Monday, July 18, 2005

Olympus C-7070 Wide ZoomOlympus have released a new firmware update for the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom.

C-7070 Wide Zoom Firmware Ver.1.1 has incorporated the following upgrade.
- Printing pictures with the date via a PictBridge connection has been improved.

Website: Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Firmware v1.1

Olympus have released a new firmware update for the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom. C-7070 Wide Zoom Firmware Ver.1.1 has incorporated the following upgrade. - Printing pictures with the date via a PictBridge connection has been improved. Website: Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Firmware v1.1

Wacom Intuos3 A4 Pen TabletShutterbug have taken a look at the Wacom Intuos3, a pen tablet that replaces the traditional keyboard and mouse combination for a wide variety of computer-based tasks, including photography related programs like Adobe Photoshop.

“Graphic tablets have come a long way from their early beginnings. Easier to use and more suited to digital image editing than ever, the tablet is a standard feature of many photographers’ digital darkrooms. I continue to find new uses for my tablet and can’t imagine doing any serious image editing without one.”

Website: Shutterbug - Wacom Intuos3 Pen Tablet Review

Website: Read my Wacom Intuos3 Pen Tablet Review

Shutterbug have taken a look at the Wacom Intuos3, a pen tablet that replaces the traditional keyboard and mouse combination for a wide variety of computer-based tasks, including photography related programs like Adobe Photoshop. “Graphic tablets have come a long way from their early beginnings. Easier to use and more…

Canon EOS 350D Digital SLRTopicPoint have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.

“I’m happy to say that in use, the 350D performs extremely well. It turns on almost instantly, wakes up almost instantly, has an imperceptible shutter delay, and feels fast and snappy in use. This is a huge improvement over my older Canon 10D. In addition, uploading pictures over the USB cable is noticeably faster than the 10D. Shooting continuously, it can do approximately 3 frames per second for 14 JPEG images in a row or 4 RAW images in a row. In use, the camera is moderately quiet- the shutter is definitely quieter than the rather noisy Canon 20D, but, slightly louder than the Canon 10D. “

Website: TopicPoint - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT

Write a Review of the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT

TopicPoint have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR. “I’m happy to say that in use, the 350D performs extremely well. It turns on almost instantly, wakes up almost instantly, has an imperceptible shutter delay, and feels fast and snappy in use…

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Luminous Landscape have an exclusive report on 3 new digital backs from Phase One, including the 39 megapixel P45. The report is so exclusive that Phase One haven’t actually published the news themselves yet… Price is a mere US $29,995.

“No, it doesn’t have a 45 Megapixel chip, just like the current P25 doesn’t have a 25 Megapixel chip, rather being 22MP. The P45 does though have a 39 Megapixel (usable) chip, making it the highest resolution single-shot imaging device ever made. This produces a 112 Megabyte file in 8 bit mode, and a 224 megapixel file in 16 bit mode. Yes – almost a quarter Gigabyte file from a single one-shot frame. Using Phase One’s IIQ Large lossless file format each image will occupy approximately 47MB in the CF card.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Phase One Takes the High Ground

Luminous Landscape have an exclusive report on 3 new digital backs from Phase One, including the 39 megapixel P45. The report is so exclusive that Phase One haven’t actually published the news themselves yet… Price is a mere US $29,995. “No, it doesn’t have a 45 Megapixel chip, just like…

About Photography have reviewed the DSLRClean, a sensor cleaning product that uses a unique micro-pore swab to create a mini vacuum effect, gently lifting dust from both CCD and CMOS type sensors.

“DSLRClean provides a reasonably simple and effective method for cleaning the sensor of your dSLR camera, but it is not a miracle cure. My problems may well be a result of inexperience, but the average user is never going to become particularly proficient, as sensors should only be cleaned when necessary.”

Website: About Photography - DSLRClean Review

About Photography have reviewed the DSLRClean, a sensor cleaning product that uses a unique micro-pore swab to create a mini vacuum effect, gently lifting dust from both CCD and CMOS type sensors. “DSLRClean provides a reasonably simple and effective method for cleaning the sensor of your dSLR camera, but it…

Nikon Coolpix 7600The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix 7600, a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.

Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 7600

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 7600

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the Nikon Coolpix 7600, a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7600 Review Check the Latest Prices…

Konica Minolta Dynax 5DDIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have also published a preview of the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera that was announced yesterday.

Website: Fotopolis - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Preview

DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have also published a preview of the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera that was announced yesterday. Website: Fotopolis - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Preview

Delkin eFilm Pop-Up ShadesDelkin Press Release

DELKIN DEVICES® INTRODUCES POP-UP SHADE LINE TO PROTECT EXPENSIVE DIGITAL CAMERA LCD SCREENS AND TAKE BETTER PICTURES!

Delkin Devices, Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm® memory cards and other innovative digital photography products, today introduced its new line of innovative eFilm® Pop-Up Shades™. Pop-Up Shades are LCD screen protective covers, which double as glare guards. These sturdy, lightweight covers are easily installed (and removed), protect a digital camera’s expensive LCD screen in the closed position, and pop up to provide easier viewing of the display in bright sunlight. Delkin begins shipping Pop-Up Shades to camera store dealers and distributors worldwide today, and the product is now available to the public at www.delkin.com.

Delkin Press Release DELKIN DEVICES® INTRODUCES POP-UP SHADE LINE TO PROTECT EXPENSIVE DIGITAL CAMERA LCD SCREENS AND TAKE BETTER PICTURES! Delkin Devices, Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm® memory cards and other innovative digital photography products, today introduced its new line of innovative eFilm® Pop-Up Shades™. Pop-Up Shades are LCD…

Canon PowerShot S2 ISCNET have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera.

“The successor to the image-stabilized S1 IS has more than just a slightly expanded waistline. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS boasts an upgrade to a 5-megapixel sensor (from 3.2), a 12X zoom lens (up from 10X), and a 1.8-inch LCD (vs. 1.5 inches). A Digic II processor and a high-speed USB connection speed things up. Add a full complement of manual controls, as well as high-quality video with stereo sound, and the S2 IS is sure to find its way into the hands of photo enthusiasts who want to shoot long and print big.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

Write a Review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS

CNET have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera. “The successor to the image-stabilized S1 IS has more than just a slightly expanded waistline. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS boasts an…

Canon PIXMA iP8500 PrinterShutterbug have just reviewed the new Canon PIXMA iP8500, which is is Canon’s first ChromaPLUS eight-color ink A4 format photo printer.

“Although this is a high-end photo printer that will satisfy imaging enthusiasts, the PIXMA iP8500 is surprisingly uncomplicated in its basic operation. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall look of the letter-size color glossies. They’re bright, sharp, and richly colorful with great clarity and definition of fine detail. Some of the prints are a bit too light overall, but they’re better than those I would expect from a conventional enlargement made by a high-volume photofinishing lab.”

Website: Shutterbug - Canon PIXMA iP8500 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PIXMA iP8500

Write a Review of the Canon PIXMA iP8500

Shutterbug have just reviewed the new Canon PIXMA iP8500, which is is Canon’s first ChromaPLUS eight-color ink A4 format photo printer. “Although this is a high-end photo printer that will satisfy imaging enthusiasts, the PIXMA iP8500 is surprisingly uncomplicated in its basic operation. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall…

Samsung SPP-2040TrustedReviews have published their review of the new Samsung SPP-2040 printer.

“As with most dye sublimation printers, working out the costs of printing is very simple. Samsung supplies packs containing both ink ribbons and 6 by 4-inch photo blanks in either 40-print or 120-print versions. Not surprisingly you get better economy from the 120-print pack and using this to calculate print costs gives 27p per photo. This is marginally better than Canon’s cost and compares well with typical inkjet prices.”

http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=1637

TrustedReviews have published their review of the new Samsung SPP-2040 printer. “As with most dye sublimation printers, working out the costs of printing is very simple. Samsung supplies packs containing both ink ribbons and 6 by 4-inch photo blanks in either 40-print or 120-print versions. Not surprisingly you get better…

We're Not AfraidWe’re Not Afraid is a defiant response to the London bombings. “Show the world that We’re not afraid of what happened in London, and that the world is a better place without fear. Email your images to [email protected]

Website: We’re Not Afraid

We’re Not Afraid is a defiant response to the London bombings. “Show the world that We’re not afraid of what happened in London, and that the world is a better place without fear. Email your images to [email protected]” Website: We’re Not Afraid

Snaps MagazineSnaps Magazine showcases the work of more than 20 photographers, who have submitted images based on a particular theme. Now in its 4th issue, the latest edition has some great interpretations of the theme Fairs, Festivals and Fireworks. If you feel suitably inspired, you can submit up to 5 of your own photographs. Well worth checking out - thanks to Clay Jackson for letting me know.

Website: Snaps Magazine

Snaps Magazine showcases the work of more than 20 photographers, who have submitted images based on a particular theme. Now in its 4th issue, the latest edition has some great interpretations of the theme Fairs, Festivals and Fireworks. If you feel suitably inspired, you can submit up to 5 of…

So you’ve calibrated your monitor and maybe even invested in some custom printer profiles. Looking for something else to calibrate? PhotographyBLOG reader Gordon McKinney has let me know about LCD Color Corrector, an application that will calibrate your web browser (amongst other applications) - - MS Internet Explorer (tested with IE5.x and IE6.0), Opera (tested with 6.0.x, 7.0.2), Netscape (tested with 6.2.3, 7.0.2) and Mozilla (tested with 1.2.1) are all supported. You can download this shareware program and try it out for free for 30 days - it then costs $15 if you decide to register it.

“LCD Color Corrector transforms colors in some application windows in such a way that image in those windows appears on your LCD display as close as possible to the same image represented by calibrated sRGB-compliant display. LCD Color Corrector would be especially useful for web-designers, because web design tools as well as browsers commonly do not provide proper color management.”

Website: LCD Color Corrector

So you’ve calibrated your monitor and maybe even invested in some custom printer profiles. Looking for something else to calibrate? PhotographyBLOG reader Gordon McKinney has let me know about LCD Color Corrector, an application that will calibrate your web browser (amongst other applications) - - MS Internet Explorer (tested with…

Konica Minolta Dynax 5DDIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a preview of the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera that was announced yesterday.

“Konica Minolta introduced themselves on the digital SLR market with the introduction of the Dynax 7D camera. With the launch of the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR a new and very large market will be able to get to know the way Konica Minolta means digital SLR. I am very enthusiastic about the fact that another (well respected) brand is offering an entry-level digital SLR. I am anxious to learn what this will mean for the competition…”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Preview

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a preview of the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera that was announced yesterday. “Konica Minolta introduced themselves on the digital SLR market with the introduction of the Dynax 7D camera. With the launch of the Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR…

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a preview of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 that was announced yesterday.

“To be short: stunning design! At first the camera shows remarkable resemblance with a digital camera like the Nikon Coolpix S1, but just turn the neat camera around and it hits you right in the eye. The back of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 is just like a mirror, amazing design, truly unique in its appearance! Konica Minolta developed the Konica Minolta X1 to create a digital camera that has it all in terms of image quality, functions, design, and size. The new DiMAGE X1 is the result of continuous restyling and shaping of the DiMAGE X-series digital cameras. Combined with Konica Minolta’s image technology, innovations and an impressive 8 Megapixel resolution the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 is there to set a new standard for digital design cameras.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Preview

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a preview of the 8 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 that was announced yesterday. “To be short: stunning design! At first the camera shows remarkable resemblance with a digital camera like the Nikon Coolpix S1, but just turn the neat camera around and it hits…

Friday, July 15, 2005

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

Digital Camera Shipments to Set New Record in 2005, According to InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Report

(Weymouth, MA) July, 14 2005… The North American digital camera market hit another high point in terms of unit shipments for 2004, growing 27% over 2003 to reach 22.2 million cameras shipped. The market is expected to grow once again to reach 26 million cameras in 2005, but at a slower pace of 16%. The market will peak in 2006 when it reaches just under 28 million cameras, and will begin to decline thereafter.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release Digital Camera Shipments to Set New Record in 2005, According to InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Report (Weymouth, MA) July, 14 2005… The North American digital camera market hit another high point in terms of unit shipments for 2004, growing 27% over 2003 to reach 22.2 million cameras shipped…

Konica Minolta Dynax 5DKonica Minolta Dynax 5D is announced today. The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is a 6.1 megapixel digital SLR camera that is smaller and lighter than the Dynax 7D. The Konica Minolta 5D features Anti-Shake technology that is compatible with all Dynax system lenses, large, 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor and a glass fibre plastic body. The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is available in September and will cost £599.99 body only, or £649.99 including the AF DT 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 (D) lens.

The price of the Dynax 7D has also been revised: body only £799.99 (was £899.99), including the AF 28-100mm f3.5-5.6 (D) lens £899.99 (was £999.99).

Konica Minolta UK Press Release

High-Performance Digital SLR Camera Unites Body-Integral Anti-Shake Technology and Smooth Operation in a Lightweight Design

Following the release of the award winning Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, Konica Minolta is proud to announce the Dynax 5D, a high-performance interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera that combines Konica Minolta’s advanced technologies and greater ease of use into a smaller and lighter design.

Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is announced today. The Konica Minolta Dynax 5D is a 6.1 megapixel digital SLR camera that is smaller and lighter than the Dynax 7D. The Konica Minolta 5D features Anti-Shake technology that is compatible with all Dynax system lenses, large, 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor and a…

Konica Minolta DT Series LensesKonica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta introduces new DT series lenses

As the new standard for digital SLR cameras, DT lenses are ideally suited to digital SLR cameras such as the Dynax7D and Dynax 5D that are equipped with APS-C sized (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CCD’s.

Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 18 -70 mm F3.5 to 5.6 (D) - £110.00
Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 11-18 mm F4.5 to 5.6 (D) - £449.00
Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 18-200 mm F3.5 to 6.3 (D) - £379.99

The 18-70mm and 11-18mm lenses will be available in September 2005. The 18-200mm lens will be available in November 2005.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release Konica Minolta introduces new DT series lenses As the new standard for digital SLR cameras, DT lenses are ideally suited to digital SLR cameras such as the Dynax7D and Dynax 5D that are equipped with APS-C sized (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CCD’s. Konica Minolta AF…

Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G LensKonica Minolta UK Press Release

Development of Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G (D) Interchangeable Lens for SLR Cameras of the Dynax Series

Konica Minolta has developed the Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G (D) * interchangeable lens for SLR cameras of the Dynax Series. An overview of the lens is given below. Timing of this lens is planned for Spring 2006.

Development Targets
The Konica Minolta AF 35mm f1.4G (D) was developed as the successor model of the Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G lens that has been well respected amongst users for the beautiful defocused effect rendered around the aperture. This lens was developed as an interchangeable lens for the Dynax Series and delivers high resolution performance using a newly designed optical system, as well as enabling a high level of flash metering owing to a distance encoder within the lens.

Konica Minolta UK Press Release Development of Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G (D) Interchangeable Lens for SLR Cameras of the Dynax Series Konica Minolta has developed the Konica Minolta AF 35mm F1.4G (D) * interchangeable lens for SLR cameras of the Dynax Series. An overview of the lens is given…