News

Monday, June 20, 2005

HP Photosmart 8750DIWA member and Danish website Digital Magasinet have reviewed the new A3+ printer from the HP, the Photosmart 8750, which was announced at PMA in February.

Website: Digital Magasinet - HP Photosmart 8750 Review

Website: Read my HP Photosmart 8750 Review

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DIWA member and Danish website Digital Magasinet have reviewed the new A3+ printer from the HP, the Photosmart 8750, which was announced at PMA in February. Website: Digital Magasinet - HP Photosmart 8750 Review Website: Read my HP Photosmart 8750 Review Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart 875…

Nikon D50DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“All in all the Nikon D50 is an excellent digital SLR camera. Ideal for those who have outgrown their compact camera or for those who want to take their first steps into digital photography. The Nikon D50 may be a so-called entry level model; nevertheless it offers the user almost everything. Nikon offers a model of the lowest priced segment; this will make us meet more Nikons in the street. The Nikon D70 already did very well, and the D50 will do equally well or even better!”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon D50 Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. “All in all the Nikon D50 is an excellent digital SLR camera. Ideal for those who have outgrown their compact camera or for those who want to take their first steps into…

PNYBIOS have published their review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500).

“Print quality is ultimately what counts with a dedicated photo printer - and the PictureMate 500 won’t disappoint. Output quality is virtually identical to its predecessor, and you have to look really closely to see slight vertical banding and ink droplets - flaws found on all inkjet printers. Viewed at arms length however, prints were as good as any you can get from film. In particular, colours were vibrant and lifelike, details crisp, skin tones natural, and saturation levels spot on. Like the original Picture Mate, you’ll be able to get great quality prints out-of-the-box without having to tweak a printer’s driver settings.”

Website: BIOS - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review

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BIOS have published their review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500). “Print quality is ultimately what counts with a dedicated photo printer - and the PictureMate 500 won’t disappoint. Output quality is virtually identical to its predecessor, and you have…

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Nikon D70sDIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera.

“With the introduction of the D70s, Nikon has refined its most popular dSLR. There is no increase in resolution or responsiveness, usually hallmarks of new models, over the D70 we reviewed in 2004, but you’ll find several improvements that add to its appeal, including a larger 2-inch LCD monitor, a higher capacity battery, faster image recording, improved autofocus system and the ability to attach a remote shutter release; while not revolutionary, Nikon’s efforts have made an already good camera even better. With introduction of the entry-level D50, the D70s occupies the mid-range of Nikon’s amateur dSLR line, competing directly with Canon’s Digital Rebel XT.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon D70s Review

Website: Read my Nikon D70s Review

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DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera. “With the introduction of the D70s, Nikon has refined its most popular dSLR. There is no increase in resolution or responsiveness, usually hallmarks of new models, over the D70 we reviewed in 2004, but you’ll…

Friday, June 17, 2005

Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P505DIWA Press Release

Numerous members of the DIWA organisation having tested individual, off-the-shelf samples of the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P505, praise the camera for its clever approach to satisfy the constantly more demanding consumer. 5x optical zoom, 5 Megapixel resolution, High Quality movie with stereo sound and loads of useful features are fitted into a remarkably compact and user-friendly body.

Amsterdam, 17. June, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Silver Award to the Casio EXILIM EX-P505 digital compact camera.

DIWA Press Release Numerous members of the DIWA organisation having tested individual, off-the-shelf samples of the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P505, praise the camera for its clever approach to satisfy the constantly more demanding consumer. 5x optical zoom, 5 Megapixel resolution, High Quality movie with stereo sound and loads of useful…

Olympus C-55 ZoomPCMagazine have posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom digital camera (called the C-55 Sports Zoom in the rest of the world).

“Though it sounds like a contradiction, the 5.1-megapixel Olympus Camedia C-5500 Sport Zoom is a large compact digital camera. That may not be such a bad thing for those with larger hands, but if you’re looking for a camera to slip into your pocket or purse when you’re done shooting, this isn’t it. Still, the camera produces clean images, and we like its long zoom.”

PCMagazine - Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom Review

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PCMagazine have posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Olympus C-5500 Sport Zoom digital camera (called the C-55 Sports Zoom in the rest of the world). “Though it sounds like a contradiction, the 5.1-megapixel Olympus Camedia C-5500 Sport Zoom is a large compact digital camera. That may not be…

Canon SELPHY CP400PCMagazine have cast their critical eye over the compact Canon SELPHY CP400 photo printer.

“Add the Canon Selphy CP400 ($149 direct) to the growing list of dedicated photo printers for 4- by 6-inch photos. Similar in many ways to other printers in this category, it’s easy to set up and use; it can print directly from PictBridge cameras or from computers (but not memory cards); and its output is smudge- and waterproof thanks to thermal-dye technology (also known by the misnomer “dye sublimation”). It also brings a few extra tricks to the table, including the ability to print on a variety of paper sizes, from credit card size to 4 by 8 inches (though most people print at 4-by-6).”

Website: PCMagazine - Canon SELPHY CP400 Printer Review

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PCMagazine have cast their critical eye over the compact Canon SELPHY CP400 photo printer. “Add the Canon Selphy CP400 ($149 direct) to the growing list of dedicated photo printers for 4- by 6-inch photos. Similar in many ways to other printers in this category, it’s easy to set up and…

Olympus C-7070 Wide ZoomTrusted Reviews have reviewed the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show back in January.

“As a camera reviewer I get to see all the latest models usually before they’re in the shops, but I only have them for a week or so before they have to go back to the manufacturers. Most of the time this is a perfectly fine arrangement, however once in a while I get a camera that makes such an impression on me I’m reluctant to return it. The Olympus C-7070 is just such a camera. I’ve only had it two weeks so far, but I have to admit I’ve completely fallen in love with it. I wonder if the marketing team at Olympus would believe me if I told them I’d lost it?”

Website: Trusted Reviews - Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Review

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Trusted Reviews have reviewed the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show back in January. “As a camera reviewer I get to see all the latest models usually before they’re in the shops, but I only have them for a week or so before…

Sony DSC-H1 Cyber-shotImaging Resource 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.

“Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-H1 is a new form factor addition to a long and very broad line of digital cameras that reflect Sony’s commanding position in the digital camera marketplace. Like many other long zoom cameras, the Sony H1 has a miniature SLR look and feel, with the big grip and large lens barrel. Rather than an optical viewfinder, there’s a secondary LCD inside an eyepiece that you can use when in bright sunlight. Most of the functions will be familiar to users of other Sony digital cameras, as will be the generous 2.5-inch color LCD monitor that is appearing on more and more Sony digicams. What’s new on the Sony H1 is the 12x zoom and Super SteadyShot image stabilization mechanism. The Sony H1 offers a Beach preset scene mode, in addition to the six other preset scene modes common to Sony cams, plus four metering modes offering full exposure control. Solidly built, the Sony H1 has a smooth and fast zoom mechanism and a good feel in the hand.”

Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-H1 Review

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Imaging Resource 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. “Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-H1 is a new form factor addition to a long and very broad line of…

Nikon Coolpix 4600DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February.

“The Nikon Coolpix 5600 boasts 5.1 effective megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD. When tested, we determined the camera utilizes just 2.72 megapixels for imaging. This is 54% of its advertised count and a dismal resolution score. These results are not altogether surprising as many of the compact Coolpix models we have tested thus far seem to fall short in this department. This does not mean small (4x6-inch) prints made from the 5600 will display compromised quality, it just limits the potential print size considerably. Users who attempt to make 8x10 prints from the 5600 will likely be disappointed, particularly after realizing much of the camera’s $249.99 retail price stems from the 5 megapixel CCD included. Consumers might be better off looking for a more affordable 4 megapixel camera with additional shooting flexibility and control. “

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review

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DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February. “The Nikon Coolpix 5600 boasts 5.1 effective megapixels on its 1/2.5-inch CCD. When tested, we determined the camera utilizes just 2.72 megapixels for imaging. This is 54% of its advertised count and a dismal…

Nikon Coolpix S1CNET have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S1, a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens.

“Image quality from the Nikon Coolpix S1 was decent but not great for a 5-megapixel camera. The exposure system was easily misled by backlighting, prompting us to use the Backlighting scene mode and the D-lighting option more than we’d have liked. Images tended to be a little soft, and there was noticeable blooming and color bleeding from one area to another.”

Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix S1 Review

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CNET have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S1, a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. “Image quality from the Nikon Coolpix S1 was decent but not great for a 5-megapixel camera. The exposure system was easily misled by backlighting, prompting us to use the Backlighting scene…

Polaroid x530Doing a search for the Polaroid x530 on PhotographyBLOG reveals the rather optimistic headlines like “Polaroid x530 Now Available”. First revealed way back in February 2004, the Polaroid x530 is the first compact digital camera to feature the Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Well, it would be if it ever reached the shops. There may be a chink of light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Polaroid have announced yet another release date for the long-delayed 4.5 megapixel x530.  Available August 2005 declares the Polaroid Digital Camera website. Will this elusive camera ever make it out of the factory? I wouldn’t bet my house on it (not that I own one, but still you get the idea…).

http://www.polaroid-digital.com/site.php?cid=13&lid=1

Doing a search for the Polaroid x530 on PhotographyBLOG reveals the rather optimistic headlines like “Polaroid x530 Now Available”. First revealed way back in February 2004, the Polaroid x530 is the first compact digital camera to feature the Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Well, it would be if it ever…

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

Worldwide Consumer Scanning Market Shows Signs of Stabilizing after Market Consolidation and Fierce Competition from All-in-Ones, According to New Report by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

(Weymouth, MA) June, 16 2005… The worldwide mass scanner market continues to evolve as digital imaging vendors vie for consumer mindshare. Today’s challenge is to continue differentiating single-function scanners from low-cost, multifunctional, inkjet based all-in-one devices. The combined functionality and rock-bottom price points offered by all-in-one vendors have recently made the price/performance of single-function scanners less attractive to prospective buyers, particularly in North America.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release Worldwide Consumer Scanning Market Shows Signs of Stabilizing after Market Consolidation and Fierce Competition from All-in-Ones, According to New Report by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures (Weymouth, MA) June, 16 2005… The worldwide mass scanner market continues to evolve as digital imaging vendors vie for consumer mindshare. Today’s challenge…

Adobe Press Release

Adobe Systems Reports Record Revenue in Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2005

Adobe Creative Suite 2 Launch and Continued Adobe Acrobat Momentum Drive 21 Percent Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth

SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 16, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today reported strong financial results for its second quarter ended June 3, 2005.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, Adobe achieved record revenue of $496.0 million, compared to $410.1 million reported for the second quarter of fiscal 2004, and $472.9 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.  On a year-over-year basis, this represents 21 percent revenue growth.  Adobe’s second quarter revenue target range was $475 to $495 million.

Adobe Press Release Adobe Systems Reports Record Revenue in Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2005 Adobe Creative Suite 2 Launch and Continued Adobe Acrobat Momentum Drive 21 Percent Year-Over-Year Revenue Growth SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 16, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today reported strong financial results for its…

ColorVision Spyder2Lexar Press Release

Fremont, CA, June 16, 2005 – Is Fido ready for his close-up? Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced the start of its online Picture Perfect Pets amateur digital photography contest, in conjunction with its sponsorship of the upcoming publication of “DOGS 24/7” and “CATS 24/7,” by Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen, follow-on books to the hugely popular “America 24/7” book series. Entry details for contestants are at www.lexar.com/pets.

Lexar Press Release Fremont, CA, June 16, 2005 – Is Fido ready for his close-up? Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq: LEXR), a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today announced the start of its online Picture Perfect Pets amateur digital photography contest, in conjunction with its sponsorship of the upcoming…

X-Rite Press Release

-Calibration standard ensures precision, accuracy, and repeatability of results-

Grandville, MI—June 16, 2005— X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT) today announced that it has achieved ISO 17025 Accreditation for its Grandville headquarters in the United States and GMBH operations in Germany. Achieving ISO 17025 Accreditation validates X-Rite’s competence of calibration, ensuring customers consistent and repeatable production yields, optimized results, and compatibility with other products. According to its research, X-Rite is the first and only color management company with this accreditation.

X-Rite Press Release -Calibration standard ensures precision, accuracy, and repeatability of results- Grandville, MI—June 16, 2005— X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT) today announced that it has achieved ISO 17025 Accreditation for its Grandville headquarters in the United States and GMBH operations in Germany. Achieving ISO 17025 Accreditation validates X-Rite’s competence of calibration…

Thursday, June 16, 2005

As if you needed further evidence that film has been surpassed by digital, at least from a marketing point of view, Kodak have announced (well, more like whispered) that they are ending production of their entire black and white paper range. At the same time, the US manufacturer pledged to carry on producing both black and white film and chemicals - how confusing is that?

“Kodak will discontinue the production and sale of black and white photographic papers as part of its worldwide digital growth strategy,” said a company statement. “As the imaging industry transitions from film to digital technologies, demand for B and W paper is declining by 25 percent per year and no longer represents an attractive market for Kodak.”

Website: PDNOnline - Kodak Announces End Of Black And White Paper Production

Website: Fox News - Kodak to Stop Making Black-and-White Paper

Website: Yahoo News - Kodak to Stop Making Black-and-White Paper

Thanks to the several readers who let me know.

As if you needed further evidence that film has been surpassed by digital, at least from a marketing point of view, Kodak have announced (well, more like whispered) that they are ending production of their entire black and white paper range. At the same time, the US manufacturer pledged to…

Samsung SPP-2040Samsung SPP-2020 and Samsung SPP-2040 printers are introduced today. The SPP-2020 and SPP-2040 use Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology to produce water and fade resistant 4” x 6” prints in 60 seconds. The Samsung SPP-2040 additionally offers a 2” color TFT-LCD and 7-in-1 memory card interface. Price and availability of the Samsung SPP-2020 and SPP-2040 to be announced.

Samsung Press Release

SAMSUNG MAKES BOLD ENTRY INTO THE COMPETITIVE PHOTO PRINTER MARKET

Two New Photo Printers Produce Striking Fade-Resistant 4” x 6” Prints At A Fast 60-Second Print Speed that Lessens the Gap from Snap to Fridge

Irvine, CA – Samsung, the world’s second largest laser engine manufacturer, bursts onto the photo printer scene with a pair of compact, high quality dye-sublimation photo printers—the SPP-2020 and the deluxe SPP-2040—that allow users to print perfect snap shots, with or without a PC. These desktop units feature an industry-leading 60-second print speed and produce beautiful 4” x 6” prints that emerge dry, and with a water and fade resistant finish that protects photos from fingerprints and smudging.

Samsung SPP-2020 and Samsung SPP-2040 printers are introduced today. The SPP-2020 and SPP-2040 use Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer technology to produce water and fade resistant 4” x 6” prints in 60 seconds. The Samsung SPP-2040 additionally offers a 2” color TFT-LCD and 7-in-1 memory card interface. Price and availability of…

PFS Image DarkroomProFotoSoftware Press Release

London, UK 16th June 2005

ProFotoSoftware have today released V1.73 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS Raw Image processor for Windows.

This new version adds support for the Canon 350D/Digital Rebel XT camera. PFS Image Darkroom now supports Raw image processing for the entire range of Canon EOS Digital SLRs.

A 30 day trial version can be downloaded from:
http://www.profotosoftware.com/download.php

ProFotoSoftware Press Release London, UK 16th June 2005 ProFotoSoftware have today released V1.73 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS Raw Image processor for Windows. This new version adds support for the Canon 350D/Digital Rebel XT camera. PFS Image Darkroom now supports Raw image processing for the entire range of…

Epson Stylus Pro R2400DPNow have published a detailed evaluation of the K3 Ultrachrome inkset from Epson, as used in the new Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer (pictured).

“In this article we focus entirely on colour gamut, the breadth of colour a printer is capable of reproducing. Using Gretag Macbeth ProfileMaker we custom profiled an Epson Stylus Pro 4800 for use with Epson Premium Semi Gloss photo paper and plotted the measured base colour gamut at L:50 (mid-density), L:25 (darker) and L:75 (lighter). The results are compared over the following pages with those from the Epson Stylus Photo R1800, which uses Epson’s UltraChrome High Gloss inks introduced last year and the Epson Stylus Photo 2100 (2200 in some markets), which uses Epson’s original three year old UltraChrome ink formulation. We’ve also compared the results with HP’s new Photosmart 8750 A3 printer and Canon’s i9950 A3 model.

Website: DPNow - Epson UltraChrome K3 inks on test

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DPNow have published a detailed evaluation of the K3 Ultrachrome inkset from Epson, as used in the new Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer (pictured). “In this article we focus entirely on colour gamut, the breadth of colour a printer is capable of reproducing. Using Gretag Macbeth ProfileMaker we custom…