OpenRAW and Luminous Landscape have started an online petition to try and put some pressure on the world’s camera makers to both adopt openly documented RAW formats, as well as a universal RAW format (be it DNG, or something else).

“The digital camera industry is very young; less than 10 years old. Because of this each camera maker has developed their own RAW formats. And, as their ability to improve the way in which information from the camera’s sensor is recorded improves, these manufacturers have changed their formats continuously, usually with each new camera model.

How many RAW formats are there? Believe it or not, as of mid-2005 there are more than 100 different RAW formats in existence.

This alone is cause for concern. Companies come and go, and even those that persist often orphan old formats. There are in fact RAW formats in existence for which no manufacturer’s software is currently available. And that’s after less than 10 years.”

Website: The RAW Flaw

Jeff Schewe over at the impressive PhotoshopNews website has published a detailed look at Adobe’s DNG file format and how to fit it into your workflow.

“You get the benefit of knowing your proprietary Raw file formats have been converted to a fully documented Raw file format. You will probably see file size savings of 10-30% (or more, perhaps less). You have the ability to store not only the DNG converted Raw file but also embed, directly in the DNG a bit for bit copy of the original Raw file should you need it. You also get the benefit of having your Raw files stored with all your metadata embedded directly in your DNG file so you won’t need to worry about side car files at all. You get the potential benefit, depending upon the EXIF jpg thumbnail size in the original Raw file, of better performance inside of Adobe Bridge. If you shoot with multiple cameras possibly from multiple manufacturers, you also get the benefit of having all your Raw files in the same format.”

Website: PhotoshopNews - DNG Workflow / Part I

Samsung seem to be going all out recently to try and make a big splash in the digicam market. Not content with launching a digital camera with the biggest zoom lens and LCD screen, Samsung have now posted a website teaser for what could be the world’s slimmest digicam. The Samsung #1 will supposedly be just 1.73cms thick, making it the glamorous supermodel of the compact digicam world. Other details about the Samsung #1 divulged through the rather tedious flash-based advert include a 2.5 inch LCD screen, inner zoom, safety flash (whatever that is), corporate buzzwords like “cool interface” and “stylish”, and an announcement date of June 1st. Let’s hope that Samsung issue a proper press release then…

Website: Samsung #1 Teaser

The German website digitalkamera.de have some more details about the Samsung Digimax i5, which looks like the same camera with a slightly different name (to my untrained eye…).
Website: Samsung Digimax i5

ABSoft Press Release

Improving the de facto standard, ABSoft introduces the next generation noise reduction solution

Neat Image team, ABSoft, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new generation of its noise reduction solution for digital photography that inherits and refines the highest quality and efficiency traditionally delivered by Neat Image: Neat Image v5.0 /Win.

New in Neat Image v5.0 /Win is significantly improved quality and efficiency of noise reduction, stronger integration with the latest image editors and enhanced usability.

Renowned for its noise reduction quality, Neat Image is used by photographers all over the world as a tool that turns noisy photos and grainy scans into clean and neat digital images.

GretagMacbeth Press Release

Latest enhancements to GretagMacbeth’s Eye-One color management solutions set new benchmark for speed and error-free handling

- New accelerated Eye-One Pro spectrophotometer and enhanced Eye-One Match software incorporate improved, intelligent algorithms, making chart reading twice as fast and even more effortless
- New, easy-to-use Digital Camera module addresses primary photo workflow tasks

Regensdorf, Switzerland, – May 19, 2005 – GretagMacbeth, the worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions announced that it is shipping the accelerated version of its award winning Eye-One color management solutions that set a new benchmark for speed, error free handling and usability. The new features make it possible to go from zero to color in no time and ensure GretagMacbeth’s Eye-One solutions are the fastest, smartest, and easiest to use color management solutions available for creative and photographic professionals.

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH is announced. The LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH lens features a floating element so that it can focus as close as 0.7 meters. The LEICA f/2 75 mm lens will be available in June.

LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH Brochure (PDF)

Leica Press Release

Leica Camera AG, Solms has added a compact medium telephoto to its range of lenses for Leica rangefinder cameras. The LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH. is the first lens of this focal length class to feature a floating element: During focusing, the last lens element change their position in relation to the rest of the optical system. The LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M f/2/75 mm ASPH. is thus able to offer superlative quality in the close-focus range down to 0.7 meters. To take full advantage of the floating element, a highly precise adjustment mechanism has been used, although finding the space for it in a compact M lens was no easy feat!

Canon USA have issued an advisory note on their website about two separate issues with images disappearing on a number their digital SLR cameras. Canon are planning to issue new firmware to address the first problem, whilst Lexar also plan to offer a free firmware update by the end of May. Read on for all the details…

Canon USA Service Notice

Digital SLR Image Disappearance

May 20, 2005 - Canon U.S.A.

We have received inquiries about the problem of images disappearing when using specific digital SLR cameras. As a result of our investigation, we found that the following two problems may occur. Please be advised of the details and countermeasures.

Kodak Press Release

New KODAK EASYSHARE Picture Viewer an Ideal Gift for Dads, Grads or Yourself; Share Digital Pictures from the Palm of Your Hand; Available for the First Time: A Credit Card-Size Viewer with Big, Bright LCD Display

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 24, 2005—Are you searching for a trendy yet affordable gift for dads and new graduates, one that they’ll actually use instead of tossing in a drawer after a week? Look no further than the new KODAK EASYSHARE Picture Viewer, which is available at retail stores worldwide beginning this week (US$149).

This credit card-sized “digital photo album” can be slipped into a pocket or purse, but is powerful enough to hold life’s biggest memories. With the ability to internally store and show up to 150 digital pictures with its crystal-clear, 2.5-inch LCD screen, the EASYSHARE Picture Viewer is perfect for dads who want to show off snapshots of the kids, or the graduate who wants to keep pictures of hometown family and friends close at hand. To view even more pictures, simply insert a standard SD or MMC memory card.

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Licenses OLED Technology to Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 23, 2005—Eastman Kodak Company said that Fuji Electric Holdings Co., Ltd. of Japan (Fuji) is a licensee of Kodak’s organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology, and is applying its license toward development of its own color conversion matrix (CCM) full-color OLED display technology with the intention of offering flat panel passive matrix (PM) displays.

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Fuji Electric Holdings is comprised of four operating divisions: Fuji Electric Systems, Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems, Fuji Electric Device Technology and Fuji Electric Retail Systems. The company is focused on the development of high performance components, products, systems and services in the industrial, automation and information device fields.

Fuji Electric’s CCM technology uses a production technique the company calls the “metal mask-less organic film deposition method,” for dramatic improvement in manufacturing yield rate, and greater reliability in superior full-color PM displays.

ExpoImaging Press Release

ExpoDisc Announces ExpoAperture Depth-of-Field Guide—Simple, Fast and Accurate. 

Company Also Changes Name to “ExpoImaging”

MORGAN HILL, CA, (May 24, 2005) – ExpoDisc Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow photographers to balance color at capture, today announced the ExpoAperture Depth-of-Field Guide, a small circular pocket guide that enables photographers to quickly determine the maximum and minimum depth of field for a given focal length and aperture size.

The new Depth-of-Field Guide is compatible with all film and digital SLR cameras.  Suggested retail price is $19.95.  The versatile new Depth-of-Field guide is intended for the educational, hobbyist and professional markets.

LightScribe Press Release

Licensee base of market leaders highlights broad LightScribe technology adoption and reflects enthusiastic customer response

Corvallis, Oregon, May 24, 2005 – LightScribe today announced that a number of additional leading optical drive and system manufacturers, software developers, and hardware and media brands have licensed its Direct Disc Labeling technology. These new licensees include leading optical disc drive manufacturers Panasonic Communications, Panasonic Shikoku Electronics, Pioneer, and QSI; hardware brands Asustek, Freecom Technologies, I/OMagic, Lite-On IT, ProStar Computer and Sager Midern Computer; media brands BenQ and Maxell; software developers Acoustica, Droppix, New Tech Infosystems and NewSoft Technology; and system integrator Micro-Star International.

Olympus D-435 is announced. The Olympus D435 is 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 D435 has 14MB internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot. The Olympus D-435 offers 7 scene programmes plus a movie recording function. The D-435 accepts both CRV-3 cells or two AA batteries. The Olympus D-435 will be available in August with an RRP of $169.99.

Olympus USA Press Release

5.0-Megapixel Olympus D-435 Digital Camera Delivers Brilliant Images With Effortless Ease Of Use    
 
Designed for Simplicity with 10 Pre-set Shooting Modes and Built-in Help GUIDE

Melville, New York, May 20, 2005 - With the release of the new D-435, Olympus packs 5.0 megapixels of image resolution into an extremely easy-to-use digital camera. First-time digital camera buyers will be amazed at the camera’s simple operation and impressed by the brilliant, high-resolution images they are able to capture. A built-in Help GUIDE makes learning digital photography easier than ever before, and the light, compact body design makes it convenient to slip the camera in a pocket so you can take it anywhere.

Olympus C-180 is announced. The Olympus C-180 is 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 C180 has 14MB internal memory plus an xD-Picture Card slot. The Olympus C-180 offers 7 scene programmes plus a movie recording function. The C-180 accepts both CRV-3 cells or two AA batteries. The Olympus C-180 will be available from June with an RRP of £130.

Olympus UK Press Release

Style and Simplicity in One - Introducing The Olympus C-180

The extremely compact Olympus C-180 makes taking photos a breeze. Featuring a “one button, one function” design and choice of seven scene programmes, the C-180 is easy-to-use and delivers perfect results every time. Utilising Olympus’ TruePic TURBO image processor and featuring an accurate autofocus, the C-180 never fails to produce consistently high-quality images. Pictures are stored in the internal 14MB memory or onto an optional xD-Picture Card and a movie recording function rounds off the impressive range of features.

Minox DM 1 is announced. The Minox DM 1 is an all-in-one digital still camera, video camera, webcam, MP3 player and dictaphone. The Minox DM 1 has a 3.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that can be interpolated up to 6 megapixels in-camera. The DM1 offers 128 MB of internal memory for storage and also uses external SD memory cards. A large 2 inch LCD screen is used for composition and playback (there is no optical viewfinder on the DM1). The digital video function stores the images using the latest MP4 compression. The Minox DM1 uses the same Li-Ion battery that most recent Nokia phones use. Price and availability of the Minox DM 1 to be announced.

Minox Press Release

MINOX DM 1: A portable Multimedia electronic compendium.

The new Minox DM 1 is crammed full of usable features which allow you to digitally record almost any occasion. A 3.2 MP digital still camera, digital video recorder and digital dictaphone comprise the recording capabilities and these are all fitted into a slimline body measuring just 17 mm thick and weighing less than 95 grams, which can easily fit into a shirt pocket or fashion handbag.

Rollei Prego dp6000 is announced. The Rollei Prego dp6000 is a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with a 1/1.8” CCD sensor housed in an all-metal body. The dp6000 offers a 3x zoom lens equivalent to 35 - 105 mm in 35mm format with a 4.4x digital zoom available. The Rollei dp6000 has a large 2.5 inch colour LCD screen and uses the SD memory card format. ISO range is 50-200, shutter speed range is 8 secs. to 1/1500 second, and the dp6000 can focus as close as 9cms in macro mode. The dp6000 offers video and voice-recording as well as a built-in speaker and microphone. Price and availability of the Rollei dp6000 to be announced.

Rollei Prego dp5500 is announced. The Rollei Prego dp5500 is a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a 1/1.8” CCD sensor housed in an all-metal body. The dp6000 offers a 3x zoom lens equivalent to 32 - 98 mm in 35mm format with a 4x digital zoom available. The Rollei dp5500 has a 1.8 inch colour LCD screen plus an optical viewfinder and uses the SD memory card format. ISO range is 50-200 and the dp5500 can focus as close as 6cms in macro mode. The dp5500 offers video and voice-recording as well as a built-in speaker and microphone. Price and availability of the Rollei dp5500 to be announced.

First announced back at the start of January 2005 with a June shipment date, the innovative Kodak EasyShare-One digital camera has now been delayed until October. No specific reason has been given by Kodak for the delay:

“A Kodak spokesman declined to specify issues that led to the delay. He said: “This represents a significant technological advance in the digital camera marketplace. We’re taking the time to do it right.”

Website: SmartMoney.com - Kodak Delays Release of Digital Camera

Olympus UK Press Release

It’s the camera that’s almost impossible to miss. The weatherproof design, multi-coloured range of models and impressive performance make it stand out from the crowd. Now, the five million pixel Olympus µ-mini DIGITAL S has been awarded the 2005/06 “Best Innovative Design” prize by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).

Available now, the Olympus µ-mini Digital S has an estimated street price of £250

With the µ-mini DIGITAL, Olympus designers broke away from past conventions, concentrating on packing the latest digital technology into a never before seen ergonomic, weatherproof body that appeals to even the most discerning design lovers. Using a special manufacturing process to mould a single sheet of metal, a distinctly unique design was created to make the camera one of the most striking models available today. The µ-mini DIGITAL was the star of Photokina 2004 and since then has continued to pick up awards for its styling.

Back in September 2004 I reported that the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority were considering banning photography on the New York subway. Well, it seems that common sense has prevailed, as several news websites report that the controversial ban has been dropped.

“Police officials have concluded that the ban is not necessary to keep the city’s transportation systems safe…The NYPD says that officers will continue to investigate any suspicious activity.”

Website: ABC News

Website: NY1 News

The Archos AV 700 Mobile Digital Video Recorder is announced. The Archos AV 700 features a 7 inch colour screen and 100Gb hardrive which can store up to one million JPEG photos. You can transfer photos onto the Archos AV 700 from a computer using USB 2.0 or from a digital camera using the USB Host connection. The Archos AV 700 Mobile DVR will be available in June 2005 at $599.95 and $799.95 for the 40-gigabyte and 100-gigabyte models, respectively.

Archos Press Release

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 23, 2005—ARCHOS(R), Inc., a global consumer electronics manufacturer and leader in portable digital entertainment solutions, introduced today the new AV 700 Mobile Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which combines the mobility and wide screen of a portable DVD player, with the video recording and scheduling features of a digital video recorder. The ARCHOS AV 700 is the only portable video player to enable direct video recording onto a 100-gigabyte hard drive, which makes up to 400(1) hours of video or 250(1) movies available for viewing anytime, anywhere. The AV 700 will be available for purchase at retail and from the ARCHOS Web site beginning in June 2005.