OurPictures Press Release

OURPICTURES LAUNCHES NEW VERSION OF AWARD-WINNING SOFTWARE FOR THE EASY SHARING, PRINTING AND ARCHIVING OF DIGITAL PHOTOS

Never Lose A Precious Digital Photo Again! New Groundbreaking Service - OurPictures PictureSafe - Automatically Backs Up and Archives Entire Digital Photo Collections

More Choices for Printing Digital Photos! OurPictures Expands Retail Choices for consumers to Include More Than 25,000 Retail Locations Including Wal-Mart, Costco and Longs Drugs

Palo Alto, Calif., May 12, 2005 - – OurPictures, Inc., a leading provider of complete digital photo solutions for retailers and consumers, announced today that the company has launched a new version of their award-winning software complete with several groundbreaking new features and services including OurPictures PictureSafe. Unlike other services available to consumers, OurPictures PictureSafe automatically archives and backs up entire digital photo collections, keeping them safe from computer viruses, theft and computer crashes. To coincide with the new software launch, OurPictures also announced an expanded retail print network that includes an agreement with digital image processing solutions provider Silverwire to leverage the company’s thousands of independent networked photofinishers and retail chains. In addition, OurPictures is offering consumers even more choices when it comes to the online ordering of digital photo prints by adding Wal-Mart, Costco and Longs Drugs to their retail network, which now includes more than 25,000 doors.

Pentax OptioS5z is introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S5z (pictured) has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor. The Optio S5z features Pentax’s Sliding Lens system to help make it extremely compact and light. The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available in the UK in July for £249.99.

Pentax UK Press Release

An Evolving Classic – Introducing the Pentax OptioS5z

The latest addition to the award winning OptioS family, the OptioS5z boasts the style and function of its predecessors, but with an enlarged 2.5-inch LCD screen

Pentax is delighted to introduce the new OptioS5z — a stylish, compact and lightweight digital camera combining an easy-to-view 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels.  Developed in line with the qualities benchmarked by its predecessors, the OptioS5z combines style, function and ease of use, all contained within an ultra-compact and portable frame.

Pentax Optio SVi is announced. The Pentax Optio SVi is identical in terms of features to the Pentax Optio SV. The Pentax SVi has a 5 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (36mm - 180mm) and a 1.8 inch LCD screen. A cosmetic change in appearance seems to be the only real improvement to the Optio SVi , plus a reduced price tag when compared to the SV. The Optio SVi will cost £249.99 in the UK and be available in June.

Pentax UK Press Release

The Pentax OptioSVi — a Compact Digital with the Power of 5.0 Effective Megapixels, the Versatility of 5X Optical zoom and an Enhanced New Design

Pentax is pleased to introduce the new OptioSVi — a compact, lightweight digital camera designed specifically for power with portability.  With 5X optical zoom capability, it gives users a greater freedom of composition, and the new improved grip ensures comfortable handling that adds to shooting confidence.

Pentax OptioS45 and Pentax OptioS55 are introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S55 is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations. The Optio S45 has 4 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S55 will cost £229.99 in the UK and be available in June. The Optio S55 will cost £169.99 in the UK and be available in June/July.

Pentax UK Press Release

Digital photography just got even easier

Pentax introduces two entry-level compact digital cameras

Pentax is delighted to announce the launch of two entry-level digital compact cameras, the OptioS45 and the OptioS55. Both feature a large, easy-to-view LCD monitor, making composition simple. Each offers all-round functionality that will appeal to any user, regardless of their experience or budget. The cameras also feature 3x optical zoom and 12 picture modes to ensure all picture environments can be supported.

The Mossberg Solution have taken a look at 2 different ways of storing and sharing your digital photos whilst on the move - the Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer (pictured) and the iPod Camera Connector (plus an iPod Photo of course!).

“There’s no doubt that using the iPod Photo with a Camera Connector offers greater versatility for storing and viewing photos than the Kodak EasyShare Picture Viewer. But if you can’t afford an iPod Photo and you’d like a way to bring your digital memories with you on the go, the Picture Viewer is a less expensive, lightweight option. Just don’t count on it for heavy photo storage, especially without expanding the memory with an SD or MMC card.”

Website: The Mossberg Solution - New Ways to Store and View Digital Pictures

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ Western European Digital Photography Study Reveals Strong Regional Differences in Digital Camera and Print Behaviour

LUTON, U.K.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 11, 2005—Germany and the U.K. are the most mature digital camera markets in Europe, according to a new study from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures that details European digital camera and printing behaviour.

Although Europe is still in the early adopter stage of the digital camera market, significant growth is expected in 2005, with household penetration expected to reach 40% by the end of this year.

Replacement cameras are helping to drive the market. European consumers are paying premium prices for replacement and additional cameras to obtain the brands and features they desire, which is good news for camera manufacturers.

It’s been quite a week for Olympus as they announce a restructure involving 4,000 job losses, following a recent sharp decline in profits. Falling prices are blamed for Olympus’ loss-making camera division. Olympus shares fell by 3% following the announcement.

“It aims to reduce its global workforce by 4,000 employees to 10,000 by the end of September, mostly by suspending hiring at two Chinese plants. The move marks the first drastic restructuring in the digital camera industry to include consolidation of manufacturing facilities, the financial daily said.”

Website: Forbes.com - Japan’s Olympus to overhaul digital camera ops; to cut 4,000 jobs

Website: BusinessWeek Online - Olympus closing plants in Japan

Kodak have had a lot of success recently with their Easyshare line of compact photo printers. Now they look set to introduce a range of bigger photo quality inkjet printers, at least according to a report by Reuters.

“Photo-quality consumer inkjet printers will be announced in mid-2006 by Kodak, which believes its technology is superior to that in current models, Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross said following a briefing with the Rochester, New York, company.

Kodak spokesman Dave Lanzillo reiterated that inkjet printers are part of its growth plan, but declined to comment on the likelihood of a 2006 product launch.”

Website: Reuters - Kodak seen selling consumer inkjet printers in ‘06

More Kodak news is the announcement yesterday of a new CEO, with Dan Carp retirng and being replaced by Antonio Perez.

Website: Yahoo News - Perez to Replace Carp As Kodak CEO

Thanks to Sanj for letting me know.

Phase One Press Release

CAPTURE ONE 3.7 - Available for download

Capture One 3.7 with new features & increased stability

What’s new in PRO/DB?
One of the major news in Capture One 3.7 PRO is tethered support for Canon cameras as well as new RAW file support for Canon 350D/G6, Nikon D2X, Olumpus E-300/C7070 and Pentax *istDS. Also, the new noise suppression slider will enhance the overall quality of your images.

The PRO Mac version provides you with the ability to use current image adjustments sliders to create special styles that can then be applied to individual images and saved as your personal styles.

Pixmantec Press Release

Pixmantec Demonstrate Impressive Dedication To Community Relationship Management

Copenhagen May 11, 2005 – Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec ApS announce the appointment of Michael Tapes, as Executive Consultant. Michael Tapes, owner of RawWorkflow.com, will be head-up of Pixmantec community relationship using his extensive experience having previously held a similar responsibility for Capture One RAW conversion software.

Kenneth Laerke, Pixmantec CEO comments “Michael will manage our popular online communities and will serve our users with knowledge and integrity ensuring that they will get the best possible response to their product queries. With the unprecedented success of RawShooter essentials 2005 we aim to continue our valued community service and support and ensure that we provide the most up to date and best quality information available. Having a dedicated community manager clearly demonstrates our commitment to being the most responsive and innovative RAW workflow company in the market today.”

Total Training Press Release

Carlsbad, CA, May 12, 2005—Total Training™, Inc., a pioneer in engaging and innovative video-based training for popular software programs, today announced NewMedia AV as its newest UK trade distributor. NewMedia AV will market Total Training’s CD- and DVD-based video series for mastering Adobe’s print, web, and video software applications.

“We are delighted to be working with Total Training,” said Rob Pickering of NewMedia AV. “Total Training’s comprehensive videos are just what Adobe users need to develop a new skill or refresh existing knowledge. By providing resellers with a local source, it will now be easy for users to buy Total Training products and receive local customer support.”

“NewMedia AV will be instrumental in expanding the reach of our premium quality video training. We look forward to our new partnership with NewMedia AV and the opportunity to provide visual training to creative professionals around the world,” said Jerry Yen, VP of Sales & Marketing at Total Training, Inc.

Mike Johnson explains why 40mm is his favourite focal length in the latest Sunday Morning Photographer column.

“40mm has long been my favorite focal length for 35mm cameras. I got “turned on” to the focal length when I interviewed Sally Mann for Camera & Darkroom magazine in the 1980s. She told me she had supported her artwork by doing lots of small freelance jobs, including many for the local military academy. She said she used Olympus OM cameras, and that, if she were going to do any artwork in 35mm, she would use the 40mm Zuiko. We talked about the focal length for a while, but all I remember now is Sally saying that 40mm is “about right.” That’s what started my interest in 40mms.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer - Why 40mm?

DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the waterproof Pentax OptioWP digital camera.

“While not intended for the fully manual control market, this sleek and small camera fits perfectly into the pocket of any traveling consumer wherever they go, regardless of rain or snow. This camera can operate free of the bulky and cumbersome add-on protective cases that other manufacturers sell in an attempt to waterproof their cameras. This camera comes with a moderate 1/2.5 inch 5 MP CCD and a 3x optical, 4x digital zoom lens. Its 2.0-inch LCD is large considering the petite and slender overall form of the camera, but the low pixel count of the screen displayed a poor overall image that is difficult to see in daylight, let alone underwater. The OptioWP can record in six still image settings and two movie settings, which offers some shooting versatility to the traveling vacationer. But if having a waterproof camera isn’t essential, then this camera doesn’t really seem like a sensible option.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Pentax OptioWP Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax OptioWP

Write a Review of the Pentax OptioWP

Successor to the popular Caplio R1, the Ricoh Caplio R1V is a powerful 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle, 4.8x optical zoom in an exceptionally slim 25mm body. TrustedReviews have published their review of the Ricoh Caplio R1V.

“Concerning the all-important photography tests, the R1V performed well. It focused quickly and accurately, coped well in low-light situations and its extra-wide zoom range offers a lot more versatility than most cameras in its class. Colour rendition was generally excellent, although the landscape mode, which biases the camera towards blue and green, tended to produce rather unnatural-looking tones, making trees and grass look like plastic and any human skin tones look like something from a George Romero movie.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Ricoh Caplio R1V Review

Write a Review of the Ricoh Caplio R1V

CNET have just reviewed the new Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom, which has a 7.2 megapixel CCD sensor, large 2.5-inch LCD screen and offers a battery life of 325 shots.

“The 7.2-megapixel Z750 is the impressive spiritual successor to the handsome Exilim EX-Z55, a camera with admirable looks but disappointing image quality and a dearth of manual features. It offers the same 2.5-inch screen and trendy sub-inch-thick jeans-pocketable design as its forbearer but brings a host of new features to the table, as well as solid performance and very good image quality. Though it still lacks some of the advanced manual features found in Casio’s larger but similarly priced EX-P700, we’re willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. If you’re a photographer who craves style but also has a creative itch, the EX-Z750 is one of the few cameras we’ve seen that adequately addresses both.”

Website: CNET - Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

Write a Review of the Casio EX-Z750 Exilim Zoom

PHOTOgraphic Magazine have published a review of the 4 megapixel Contax U4R digital camera.

” It should come as no surprise to those familiar with Contax cameras that the U4R features a premium lens—in this case a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 5.8–17.4mm f/2.8–4.7 zoom that’s equivalent to 38–115mm in the 35mm format. That’s a lot of numbers, but the short translation is with its combination of both aspheric and high-index elements, this lens delivers impressive sharpness, contrast and color rendition throughout its 3x zoom range.”

Website: PHOTOgraphic Magazine - Contax U4R Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Contax U4R

Write a Review of the Contax U4R

The Nikon Coolpix 5600 is a stylishly designed 5 megapixel compact digital camera that was first announced at the PMA show back in February 2005. The Coolpix 5600 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 5600 has a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-105mm 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 5600 impress me with both its cutting-edge features and overall design? Carry on reading to find out.

Website: Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review

Olympus - µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 is announced today. The Olympus - µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera that features Olympus’ new Bright Capture technology. Bright Capture improves shooting performance when photographing in minimal light. Other standout features on the mju 800 include a 6.4cm LCD screen with 215,000 pixels, a bright, 3x zoom all-glass lens, 19 scene modes and Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. The Olympus mju 800 uses xD-Picture Cards and has 19Mb of built-in storage. The Olympus - µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 is available from July 2005 and will have an estimated street price of £350.

Olympus UK Press Release

Highly illuminating - Eight million pixels in a stylish metal body, the new Olympus - µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 will light up your life

London, 12th May 2005 - Olympus is set to redefine low-light photography with the launch of their latest model, the µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800. Olympus’ new Bright Capture technology will enable photographers to achieve excellent results in dark situations, and provide trouble free night time and indoor photography in conditions that were previously unheard of.

Come rain or shine, night or day, the compact and weatherproof µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 allows you to keep on shooting. Its eight million pixel resolution coupled with Bright Capture technology and an array of additional image capturing options, means the µ [mju:] DIGITAL 800 is a welcome addition to the growing range of mju cameras. Finished in a dark blue or silver metal body with a 3x optical zoom the camera will be available from July 2005 and will have an estimated street price of £350.

Epson PictureMate 500 is announced today by Epson UK. The PictureMate 500 is an updated version of the original popular PictureMate which offers several improvements. Most notable is the addition of a 2.4 inch colour LCD screen for previewing and editing your photos (the lack of a colour LCD was something that I criticised in my review of the original PictureMate). There is also a new battery option which makes the PictureMate 500 truly portable. The PictureMate 500 can now print more quickly - Epson claims 40 percent faster than the original PictureMate. The PictureMate 500 will be available by June 2005 for a suggested retail price of £179.

Editor’s Note: This product was announced earlier today by Epson USA, where it is known as the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition.

Epson UK Press Release

PictureMate 500, the latest personal photo-lab from Epson

Visits to high-street photo labs promise to be a thing of the past, as Epson introduce their new PictureMate 500. The 10x15cm photo printer offers a colour LCD screen, fast print speeds and an optional battery for improved portability.

June, 2005: As digital cameras continue to be favoured over the traditional film camera, the number of photos printed at home continues to increase.  In light of this change, Epson’s easy-to-use home photo printer range just gets better.  The PictureMate 500 is the latest 10x15cm photo printer providing professional lab quality photos from the comfort of your own home. It makes home photo printing even quicker and easier with the addition of a 2.4” LCD screen, optional battery for improved portability and faster print speeds.  You can now enjoy high quality photos, minutes after they are captured.  At 29p a photo1 it rivals the cost of most high-street vendors.

ExposureManager Press Release

ExposureManager: The Internet leader in Event Photography Services and Fulfillment

Visit us at www.exposuremanager.com.

ExposureManager announces recent major improvements to our popular online portfolio and sales management service. Responding to feedback from our users, we have recently added the following features:

- Our drag & drop uploader can now resize images prior to upload, therefore dramatically reduce upload time
- Set up color correcting, sharpening and watermark settings prior to uploading (note: this only affects the files used for display, not the files that will be send to the printer)
- Upload color-corrected, cropped print ready, files only after an order has been placed for those particular photos