News

Thursday, June 9, 2005

Casio Exilim EX-S500Casio Exilim EX-S500 is announced today. The Casio EX-S500 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.2 inch LCD screen. The thin and compact Casio EX-S500 also offers an anti-shake system, 33 different ‘BESTSHOT’ scenes and can record up to an hour’s worth of movies. The Casio Exilim EX-S500 will cost £299 and is available in July in silver or white.

Casio UK Press Release

Tell your story with the Casiology inspired EX-S500

The slim and stylish new CASIO EXILIM CARD EX-S500 with 5 megapixels and high quality movie function

London, 9th June 2005 - Those clever CASIOLOGISTS have once again been working hard to bring the world what is perhaps the coolest, most stylish digital camera ever released. The CASIO EXILIM CARD EX-S500 is so small and stylish that it will quickly become a part of your life you just can’t live without.

Casio Exilim EX-S500 is announced today. The Casio EX-S500 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.2 inch LCD screen. The thin and compact Casio EX-S500 also offers an anti-shake system, 33 different ‘BESTSHOT’ scenes and can record up to an hour’s worth of…

Canon PIXMA iP5000 PrinterCameraTown have posted a review of the Canon PIXMA iP5000 printer, which features the industry’s first 1 picoliter droplets.

“The Canon PIXMA iP5000 is an ideal printer for anyone who wants a fast, high quality 8.5” x 11” photo printer. The combination of Canon’s ink and paper will provide water and smudge resistant prints that will last as long or longer than traditional prints (when stored in an album). Canon’s ContrastPLUS ink system offers highly saturated colors, high contrast, and sharp prints, while the individual ink cartridges help to reduce waste. If you prefer a printer that will handle larger print sizes, take a look at the Canon i9900 wide-format (13"x19”) photo printer, which features Canon’s 8-color ChromaPLUS ink system. “

Website: CameraTown - Canon PIXMA iP5000 Review

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CameraTown have posted a review of the Canon PIXMA iP5000 printer, which features the industry’s first 1 picoliter droplets. “The Canon PIXMA iP5000 is an ideal printer for anyone who wants a fast, high quality 8.5” x 11” photo printer. The combination of Canon’s ink and paper will provide water…

The New York Times has an interesting interview with pro photographer David Burnett, who has used film cameras to differentiate his work, with great success.

“Everyone is using the same couple of Canon and Nikon digital cameras and the same three or four lenses,” Mr. Burnett said. “And it isn’t that everyone is using them in exactly the same way, but I started to notice a sameness in the look of most things I was seeing. Don’t get me wrong: I think digital is incredible in a lot of ways. For me, digital has pretty much totally replaced shooting 35-millimeter slides. But as a photojournalist, you’re just trying to get someone turning the pages of the magazine to stop for that extra second before they go on to the jeans ad or whatever. So I started thinking about different looks.”

Website: New York Times - Which Camera Does This Pro Use? It Depends on the Shot

Thanks to Terence Chay for letting me know about the article.

The New York Times has an interesting interview with pro photographer David Burnett, who has used film cameras to differentiate his work, with great success. “Everyone is using the same couple of Canon and Nikon digital cameras and the same three or four lenses,” Mr. Burnett said. “And it isn’t…

PQI mPack P800PQI aren’t the first company that spring to mind when you think of portable storage devices, but their new mPack P800 looks like it could be a viable alternative to the likes of the Epson P-2000, at least according to an enthusiastic review by PCStats.com (found via Gizmodo).

”...the mPack P800 even supports a range of picture formats beyond the expected JPEGs. GIF and BMP pics can be viewed, and even RAW images, something that should make photography enthusiasts smile.

Coupling well with its photo-viewing abilities, the mPack P800 sports another handy feature which is surprisingly uncommon among other players: its own Compact Flash slot. This thoughtful addition makes the player much more flexible to use and transfer data with, especially when away from home. “

Website: PCStats.com - PQI mPack P800 Review

Website: mPack

PQI aren’t the first company that spring to mind when you think of portable storage devices, but their new mPack P800 looks like it could be a viable alternative to the likes of the Epson P-2000, at least according to an enthusiastic review by PCStats.com (found via Gizmodo). ”...the mPack…

Sony DSC-S90Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life.

“Small, compact, and easy on the eyes with its matte-silver plastic body, the new Sony DSC-S90 digital camera continues the more traditional digital camera styling that differentiated the W-series models from the Cyber-shot pack. The Sony S90 offers a 4.1-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, and 32 megabytes of internal memory, as well as a large, bright 2.5-inch color LCD monitor. A range of preset Scene exposure modes is useful for common but tricky situations, and a full manual exposure mode should pique the interest of more experienced consumers looking for a fun, more portable digital camera.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-S90 Review

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Imaging Resource have reviewed the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x optical zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life. “Small, compact, and easy on the eyes with its matte-silver plastic body, the new Sony DSC-S90 digital camera continues the more traditional digital camera styling…

Epson Stylus Photo R300DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Epson Stylus Photo R300 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Epson Stylus Photo R300

Write a Review of the Epson Stylus Photo R300

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. Website: FotoAparat.cz -…

Nikon D70sDCResource have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera.

“Overall I highly recommend the Nikon D70s to anyone who wants a well built, high performance digital SLR from a company with a huge collection of lenses. If you already have Nikkor lenses than the D70s is a no-brainer. If you’re just starting out things get a little more difficult. The Canon EOS-20D costs a lot more but is definitely a better camera in almost every way. The Rebel XT costs about the same and offers more a higher resolution sensor, USB 2.0 High Speed support, more advanced white balance controls, and an optional battery grip. At the same time it feels a lot cheaper in the hand, something which bothered me quite a bit.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon D70s Review

Website: Read my Nikon D70s Review

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DCResource have published their review of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera. “Overall I highly recommend the Nikon D70s to anyone who wants a well built, high performance digital SLR from a company with a huge collection of lenses. If you already have Nikkor lenses than the D70s is a…

Panasonic  DMC-FX7CNET have published a review of the new 5 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX7.

“With a Leica lens that lives up to its name and optical image stabilization that dampens the effect of the shakiest hands, this 5-megapixel ultracompact is an alluring camera for the snapshot photographer whose expectations can be summed up by the time-honored words sharp and clear. Yet, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7 offers more than good picture quality. It features a versatile burst mode among its high-performance features, a useful complement of scene options to simplify picture-taking decisions, and a no-brainer Simple mode that enables even neophytes to take good snapshots. While enthusiasts will miss the almost complete lack of manual controls and should probably look elsewhere, casual photographers will like the quality and convenience, as well as the ultracompact package.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FX7 Ultra Zoom Review

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CNET have published a review of the new 5 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX7. “With a Leica lens that lives up to its name and optical image stabilization that dampens the effect of the shakiest hands, this 5-megapixel ultracompact is an alluring camera for the snapshot photographer whose expectations can be summed…

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

Vosonic X'S Drive Super VP6210The Vosonic X’S Drive Super VP6210 is an all-in-one portable storage device, music and video player and 12-in-1 card reader. The VP6210 features a 2.5-inch hard disk drive, ranging from 20Gb to 80Gb capacity, and three memory card slots which support 12 different types of memory cards. A 2 inch colour LCD screen on the VP6210 allows you to view and manage your digital photos (JPEG and some RAW formats) and watch MPEG-1 or Motion JPEG videos. The VP6210 can also play MP3 and WMA music files. So is the Vosonic X’S Drive Super VP6210 the ultimate all-round entertainment device, or has it bitten off more than it can chew? Find out by reading my review.

Website: Vosonic X’S Drive Super VP6210 Review

The Vosonic X’S Drive Super VP6210 is an all-in-one portable storage device, music and video player and 12-in-1 card reader. The VP6210 features a 2.5-inch hard disk drive, ranging from 20Gb to 80Gb capacity, and three memory card slots which support 12 different types of memory cards. A 2 inch…

Imaging Resource have unearthed a lot of interesting information about Microsoft’s support of the RAW file format in the next version of Windows by interviewing Josh Weisberg, Group Product Manager for Windows Digital Media.

“Not to criticize Microsoft’s move here in the slightest - This RAW codec strategy promises to dramatically increase the usefulness of RAW-formatted image files in a broad range of consumer and business applications, a feat they’re to be applauded for. Their stated neutral stance on “who owns the bits” in proprietary formats is also good news for third-party developers.—It’s just that I’m sure many of us in the photo community were hoping for a broader solution to the whole proprietary file format issue.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Further details on Microsoft’s RAW File Support

Imaging Resource have unearthed a lot of interesting information about Microsoft’s support of the RAW file format in the next version of Windows by interviewing Josh Weisberg, Group Product Manager for Windows Digital Media. “Not to criticize Microsoft’s move here in the slightest - This RAW codec strategy promises to…

Apacer CP300Apacer CP300 DVD Disc Steno is announced today. The Apacer CP300 DVD Disc Steno is a portable DVD burner with a built in colour LCD screen which can be used for viewing images and playing movies. The CP300 is capable of multi-session burns and a single charge of the battery will give approximately 20 burns from a 512MB memory card. The Apacer CP300 has an RRP of £329.99 including VAT.

Intro 2020 Press Release

The world’s first portable battery or mains powered DVD burner with built in colour viewing screen

Following the success of the CP100 and CP200 CD burning models, the CP300 gives users the capability to burn directly from most popular flash cards directly to DVD & & R/RW and DVD-R/RW in situations where mains power is not available or battery power is more convenient. This gives users of larger 1GB+ cards a fantastic back up facility to a single DVD, rather than multiple CDs.

Apacer CP300 DVD Disc Steno is announced today. The Apacer CP300 DVD Disc Steno is a portable DVD burner with a built in colour LCD screen which can be used for viewing images and playing movies. The CP300 is capable of multi-session burns and a single charge of the battery…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7The Spanish website Quesabesde have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens.

Website: Quesabesde - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7 Review

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Write a Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7

The Spanish website Quesabesde have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 3x optical zoom lens. Website: Quesabesde - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7X Write a Review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7

Pentax *ist DSDIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have just published their review of the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Pentax *ist DS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS

Write a Review of the Pentax *ist DS

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have just published their review of the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR. Website: FotoAparat.cz - Pentax *ist DS Review Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS Write a Review of the Pentax *ist DS

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USMDIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have a great comparative review of the new Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (pictured) and Tokina AT-X 12-24mm f/4 lenses, with plenty of sample shots for all you non-Slovenian speakers.

Website: e-fotografija - Canon EF-S 10-22mm / Tokina AT-X 12-24mm f/4 Lens Review

DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have a great comparative review of the new Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (pictured) and Tokina AT-X 12-24mm f/4 lenses, with plenty of sample shots for all you non-Slovenian speakers. Website: e-fotografija - Canon EF-S 10-22mm / Tokina AT-X 12-24mm f/4 Lens Review…

HP Photosmart M417CNET have reviewed the HP Photosmart M417, a 5 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“If you have only two Benjamins to spend and still crave a 5-megapixel camera, this HP compact fills the bill. However, don’t expect any frills. This camera is delivered sans memory card, rechargeable batteries, or charger, and its feature set mainly covers the basics. But the real killer is mediocre image quality, with soft images that break down when enlarged much beyond 4x6 inches. Still, the price is right, and the camera is easy to operate. It may satisfy casual snapshooters who value simplicity over versatility.”

Website: CNET - HP Photosmart M417 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart M417

Write a Review of the HP Photosmart M417

CNET have reviewed the HP Photosmart M417, a 5 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “If you have only two Benjamins to spend and still crave a 5-megapixel camera, this HP compact fills the bill. However, don’t expect any frills. This camera is…

Canon Digital IXUS 50Pocket-Lint have reviewed the Canon Digital IXUS 50, a 5 megapixel digital camera with stainless steel finish that is Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel optical zoom camera (also known as the SD400).

“Playing about with colours is something most of us do after we have transferred digital pictures from camera to computer. Now you can do it on your camera before you take a picture. Canon’s IXUS 50 introduces a new mode called My Colors. It allows you to change the colours in the picture you are about to take. The balance between red, green and blue can be altered, skin can be given pale or tanned effects and one colour can be highlighted with everything else rendered in black and white. Colours can also be swapped.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Canon Digital IXUS 50 Review

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Pocket-Lint have reviewed the Canon Digital IXUS 50, a 5 megapixel digital camera with stainless steel finish that is Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel optical zoom camera (also known as the SD400). “Playing about with colours is something most of us do after we have transferred digital pictures from camera…

HP Photosmart M417TrustedReviews have published a review of the HP Photosmart M417, a 5 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

“But it’s picture quality, always the final criterion for any digital camera, that is unfortunately the M417’s Achilles heel. Although the results from the Adaptive Lighting technology are impressive from a technical standpoint, the actual images can become very noisy as the camera increases the gain on the CCD to catch shadow details. Other images shot without the Adaptive Lighting also show signs of excessive noise reduction, with blurred out fine detail and some distinctly odd colour artifacts. Images containing bright highlights also have an unacceptable level of purple fringing.”

Website: TrustedReviews - HP Photosmart M417 Review

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Write a Review of the HP Photosmart M417

TrustedReviews have published a review of the HP Photosmart M417, a 5 megapixel digicam with a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. “But it’s picture quality, always the final criterion for any digital camera, that is unfortunately the M417’s Achilles heel. Although the results from the Adaptive…

EDGE Tech CorpEDGE Tech Corp Press Release

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 a significant expansion to its digital media line to include two reduced-sized formats as well as a professional series of flash memory cards. The new additions include ProShot SD Memory Cards, RS-MMC (reduced size MMC) and miniSD.

“The digital photography craze is at an all time high. People are investing more to purchase higher quality cameras, and they want higher quality flash memory cards in order to realize maximum performance,” said Simon Crossley, VP of Sales for EDGE.

EDGE Tech Corp Press Release 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 a significant expansion to its digital media line to include two reduced-sized formats as well as a professional series of flash…

KodakAmicus Press Release

Amicus on Job Cuts at Kodak, Harrow

LONDON, June 7/PRNewswire/—It’s just been announced that 180 jobs are going at Kodak in Harrow. 130 of these jobs are being offshored to Mexico. This news follows the loss of 250 at Harrow in October last year and the closure of the Kodak plant in North Nottinghamshire with the loss of 350 jobs which is happening next week.

Amicus officer, Joe McGowan, said:
“This is more devastating news for Kodak staff at Harrow who are facing the loss of almost 500 jobs in less than a year. We want an urgent meeting with Kodak and reassurance that the Harrow plant has a future.”

Source: Amicus

Amicus Press Release Amicus on Job Cuts at Kodak, Harrow LONDON, June 7/PRNewswire/—It’s just been announced that 180 jobs are going at Kodak in Harrow. 130 of these jobs are being offshored to Mexico. This news follows the loss of 250 at Harrow in October last year and the closure…

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO LensSigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO lens is announced. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO lens offers macro photography with a 1:2 maximum magnification at the 300 mm focal length. The Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO lens is available for Sigma, Canon, Nikon-D, Pentax and Konica/Minolta cameras and costs £199.99.

Sigma UK Press Release

70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO

Telephoto zoom lens with tele-macro function optimised for digital SLR cameras.

l New design and multi layer lens coating minimise flare and ghost.
l A Macro Switch is incorporated for ease of for conversion to macro photography with a 1:2 maximum magnification.
l Equipped with three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 70-300mm APO F4-5.6 DG Macro lens.

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO lens is announced. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO lens offers macro photography with a 1:2 maximum magnification at the 300 mm focal length. The Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG MACRO…