Canon UK Press Release

Stylish Canon Digital IXUS 40 opens window into footballers’ lives

‘The Other Side of Football’ – beyond the beautiful game

Over 100 elite European footballers and football personalities including Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Francesco Totti and Andriy Shevchenko show us ‘the other side of football’ with images taken on a Canon Digital IXUS 40

LONDON, May 17, 2005 – More than 100 of Europe’s leading footballers, referees, sports commentators and pundits welcomed a stylish Canon Digital IXUS 40 into their lives to produce a collection of highly personal images, which offer true insight into what drives and inspires them, their lifestyle and interests beyond the ‘beautiful game’.

PhotoshopNews have a couple of great articles about the new Epson R2400 and 4400 photo printers.

“The R2400 is MUCH MORE NEUTRAL than the 2200 when printing in the Advanced B&W mode. The 2200 suffers from considerable hue wandering, particularly between green/magenta, throughout the luminance range from black to white. The R2400 does a MUCH better job of reaching the neutrality of that found in traditional silver gelatin prints.”

Website: PhotoshopNews - Epson R2400 and Ultrachrome K3 Ink Report

Website: PhotoshopNews - Interview with Greg Gorman about the New Epson Printers

The Czech website Digineff have published a short review with sample images of the new Nikon D70s DSLR camera.

Website: Digineff - Nikon D70s Review

Website: Read my Nikon D70s Review

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Write a Review of the Nikon D70s

Bob Atkins has published a detailed and favourable review of the new Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), a new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.

“Overall the Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) shows good performance. Sharpness is consistant across all apertures and focal lengths, flare is very well controlled and vignetting is very slight. There is visible chromatic aberration and barrel distortion, especially at the shorter focal lengths. However in extreme wideangle lenses of this type such aberrations are probably to be expected.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Review.

Pocket-Lint have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.

” Nikon has distilled most of the good bits from this camera’s Coolpix predecessors, creating an almost perfect point and shooter. Image stabilisation would be nice and some perfecting of the AF system would be even nicer, but otherwise the Coolpix 7900 is very accomplished, particularly when you realise you can make prints up to A3, at an output resolution of 200dpi, or even bigger if you know what you’re doing thanks to its 7MP sensor. A near perfect Nikon point and shooter at a neat price too.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Nikon have released a new firmware version for the 6 megapixel D70 digital SLR.

Issues addressed with firmware version 2.0

1. Performance of the 5-area AF system has been improved (Dynamic area and Closest subject AF-area modes).
1. Changes have been made to the design of menu displays.
2. Page-size settings can now be applied from the camera with direct printing from a PictBridge-compatible printer.
3. The number of exposures remaining, displayed in the control panel and viewfinder, when shooting at an image-quality setting of NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG Basic has been changed (the number is calculated based on the size of compressed RAW file).
Maximum number of exposures displayed when a 256-MB CompactFlash memory card is used:
Version 2.00:  NEF (RAW):  approx. 44 exposures; NEF+JPEG Basic:  approx. 39 exposures
Version 1.03 or earlier:  NEF (RAW):  approx. 23 exposures; NEF+JPEG Basic:  approx. 21 exposures
4.  The default setting for camera clock has been changed from 2004.01.01 to 2005.01.01. Now you cannot set the clock back to a date before 2004.12.31.
5. A problem that sometimes caused communication between the camera and computer to be unexpectedly terminated when using Nikon Capture Camera Control has been corrected. (Windows)

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (Windows)

Website: Nikon D70 Firmware (MAC)

DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have reviewed the new Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom, which has an ISO range of 80 to 1600, Super CCD sensor with 6.1 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Website: Digit.no - Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom

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

“The overall conclusion is that there are hardly any disadvantages on the Nikon Coolpix S1. Bearing in mind the target group at which the Nikon is aimed at, there are no comments from our side. Regarding the speed, the Nikon S1 could be optimised here and there. An enhancement of the shutter speeds, to a slower and faster shutter speed would be desirable. Also speed could be gained with focussing, it takes a while before the flash is recharged completely and the camera has a limited range of ISO sensitivities up to ISO 400. Besides this, the optical zoom lens could do with more stops when zooming from wide angle to telephoto and vice versa.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix S1 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix S1

Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix S1

Bonusprint Press Release

~ Save, back-up and print to keep photos safe ~

Digital camera users are in danger of losing their precious memories if they do not take steps to preserve their photos, warns Bonusprint. To keep them safe, they must learn to save, back-up and print their images.

According to the photo printing company, the growing popularity of digital cameras has given people a false sense of security - that storing images on the computer or digital camera is enough. However, what is overlooked is what happens to their priceless memories if the camera or computer is lost, stolen or corrupted, for example.

Bonusprint Press Release

~ Save, back-up and print to keep photos safe ~

Digital camera users are in danger of losing their precious memories if they do not take steps to preserve their photos, warns Bonusprint. To keep them safe, they must learn to save, back-up and print their images.

According to the photo printing company, the growing popularity of digital cameras has given people a false sense of security - that storing images on the computer or digital camera is enough. However, what is overlooked is what happens to their priceless memories if the camera or computer is lost, stolen or corrupted, for example.

Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM lens is launched with a retail price of £1799.99 in the UK. The Sigma 300mm lens is compatible with both film and digital SLR cameras, featuring a new multi-layer coating to reduce flare. The Sigma 300mm F2.8 lens also features Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor for silent auto-focusing. The Sigma 300mm lens is available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon-D, Konica-Minolta and Pentax fittings.

Sigma UK Press Release

Fast maximum aperture F2.8 telephoto lens optimised for digital SLR cameras.

l Multi layer lens coating minimises flare and ghost.
l Two ELD (extraordinary low dispersion) glass elements produce excellent imaging capability.
l Accepts both 1.4x and 2.0x EX Teleconverters to produce 420mm F4 and 600mm F5.6 Autofocus ultra telephoto optics.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 300 F2.8 APO EX DG HSM lens.

A versatile, fast aperture telephoto lens for both digital and film SLR cameras. Two ELD glass elements reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure sharp, quality images of high contrast.

PixelGenius Press Release

Chicago, IL - May 13th, 2005 - PixelGenius LLC announces updates to PhotoKit, PhotoKit Color and PhotoKit Sharpener for use with Adobe Photoshop CS2. The updates are free for all registered users and available for download from: http://www.pixelgenius.com/downloads.html

PhotoKit: Analog Effects Toolkit
PhotoKit is a photographer’s plug-in toolkit comprising 141 effects that offer accurate digital replications of analog photographic effects. PhotoKit’s image enhancements and adjustments are designed to work in a way familiar to photographers. A simple dialog calls up the PhotoKit tool sets, where you can easily select the desired image effect, and let PhotoKit do the work and greatly improve your digital photography workflow. Compatible with Adobe Photoshop 6, 7, CS and CS2.

HP Harajuku Lovers digital camera is announced. Designed by Gwen Stefani, the Harajuku Lovers camera is based on the 4.1 megapixel HP Photosmart R607 digicam and only 3,000 will be made. As well as the digital camera, you also get an number of accessories if you’re lucky enough to actually find one of the Harajuku Lovers models, including a Gwen Stefani DVD (naturally), case and charms designed by Gwen herself. All of this for just $249. Or you could go and buy the newer and better-specced HP R717 instead (review coming on Thursday).

HP Press Release

HP AND GWEN STEFANI LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION “HARAJUKU LOVERS” DIGITAL CAMERA—ONLY 3,000 PRODUCED

HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced the availability of Gwen Stefani’s custom-designed HP digital camera exclusively at www.hp.com/buy/gwen.

Designed for her fans, the limited edition (only 3,000 produced) “HP Photosmart R607 Harajuku Lovers Digital Camera by Gwen Stefani” is styled in turquoise and white with maroon-colored accents, including hearts and Japanese kanji and katakana characters. The camera retails for $249 and features a host of stylish extras, including a carrying case and charms designed by Gwen herself.

The Nikon Coolpix 4600 is a stylishly designed 4 megapixel compact digital camera that was first announced at the PMA show back in February 2005. The Coolpix 4600 is one of the first Nikon digital cameras to feature the new D-Lighting technology, which intelligently lightens overly dark images, and Advanced Red-eye Reduction, which automatically detects and corrects red-eye in most situations. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 has a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 34-102mm on a 35mm camera, a 1.8 inch LCD screen and 16 different scene modes to help you take better pictures. This is one of the first Nikon digital cameras that I have reviewed, so did the Coolpix 4600 impress me with both its cutting-edge features and overall design? Carry on reading to find out.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

Pixel Outpost Press Release

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 16 /PRNewswire/—Pixel Outpost, a company with its roots in color management and digital print innovation, today announced the launch of a new Internet print service that focuses solely on large format prints.  Designed for both novice and expert digital photographers, Pixel Outpost creates new options beyond the 20-inch x 30-inch photo paper enlargements that are readily available.  The service makes it very simple for consumers to get affordable, high-quality, poster-size digital prints on canvas or paper up to 60 inches wide.

“The increase in the average resolution of digital cameras sold today enables consumers to finally get affordable large format digital prints that look great,” said Stephen Kozel, President of Pixel Outpost.  “We are dedicated to making it easy for all digital camera users to create big memories.”

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom lens.

“It’s easy to take snapshots with the Z700, and with the printer dock, it’s easy to print 4 x 6-inch prints of them, and easy to get the prints onto a computer or uploaded to Kodak’s online services. Kodak has been remarkably thorough in creating a system that really is self-explanatory. At moments when you’d need to read the manual with lesser devices, the Z700 provides a helpful hint right on the camera’s LCD screen. The camera’s poor resolution and limited manual controls are irrelevant to folks who will use it to make small prints and 50-kilobyte JPEGs for e-mailing. What’s for sale here is an easy-to-use integrated system – an environment, really – for taking pictures with as little bother as possible and gaining instant results and prints. Little effort and little work are needed to run the gamut on the Z700. This will be an ideal and affordable alternative for the right type of user.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo- Kodak EasyShare Z700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare Z700

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TrustedReviews take a look at the Pentax OptioS5n, a stylish and compact 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen.

“Overall image quality is extremely good, with superb natural colour reproduction, consistently accurate exposure and minimal lens distortion. The Pentax Sliding Lens System, although an admirable piece of optical engineering, does have something of a reputation for barrel distortion and corner blurring at the wide angle setting, however it looks like some improvements have been made this time around because these problems appear to have been all but eliminated. Another problem which plagues many high-performance cameras, the dreaded purple fringe, is also thankfully kept to an almost invisible minimum.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Pentax OptioS5n Review

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DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom lens.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Kodak EasyShare Z700 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare Z700

Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700

Last week Epson announced 7 new printers, all featuring a new inkset called Ultrachrome K3. This week, the completely independent body Wilhelm Imaging Research tell us that black and white prints from the large format Stylus Pro 9800 printer have a lifespan of 325 years under glass on Epson Enhanced Matte - yes, that’s right, 325 years! Apparently the three black inks that the 9800 uses (and all the other printers that use the K3 ink) are extremely stable carbon pigments, resulting in the dramatic increase in longevity. You don’t have to pay thousands to get this level of performance either - the £600 A3+ sized R2400 uses exactly the same inkset as the larger models. The improvements for colour prints aren’t so great - they’re comparable with the older Ultrachrome range - but black and white photographers should be grinning from ear to ear…

Website: Wilhelm Imaging Research - Epson Stylus Pro 9800 Permanence Ratings

AKVIS LLC Press Release

AKVIS Coloriage Turns Grey Skies To Blue

AKVIS LLC introduces Coloriage 1.1 for Windows.

Since 2004, AKVIS LLC has been designing digital photo editing software tools which inspire professional and amateur photographers alike to produce the most creative and fascinating images. With the introduction of Coloriage, the AKVIS family of software broadens into the arena of automatic photo colorization.

AKVIS Coloriage will add color to black and white photos with the same ease with which it will change the color of an object within a color photo. Whether the goal is to add the blush of young love to an 80 year-old wedding photo or to show your teenage son how much of a mistake green hair color might be by trying it out harmlessly on a photo first, AKVIS Coloriage offers an interface is as simple as a child’s coloring book.