News
Pentax Optio S5z, Pentax Optio S55 and Pentax Optio S45 are announced today by Pentax USA.
The Optio S5z (pictured) has a 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 for under $350 US.
The Optio S55 is also 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 and will be available for under $300 US.
The Optio S45 has 4 megapixels, a 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The Optio S45 will be available for under $230 US. PhotoShow Express software ships with all 3 models.
Pentax USA Press Release
Golden, Colorado (May 10, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three new digital camera additions to its popular Optio digital camera lines. The PENTAX Optio S5z, the Optio S55 and the Optio S45 as well as the manufacturer’s sixth DA lens will ship to dealers in June 2005.
Pentax Optio S5z, Pentax Optio S55 and Pentax Optio S45 are announced today by Pentax USA. The Optio S5z (pictured) has a 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…
Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition is announced by Epson USA. The Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition 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). The Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition can now print more quickly - Epson claims 40 percent faster than the original PictureMate. The PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition will be available by June 2005 for a suggested retail price of $249.
Epson USA Press Release
At-Home Photo Printing Even More Convenient with Epson’s PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 10, 2005—Extension of PictureMate Line Features Premium Photo Viewer, Faster Print Speed And Enhanced Printing and Editing Features for Easier, More Versatile Digital Photo Printing
With digital camera adoption surging to nearly 46 million households(a), an increasing number of consumers want better solutions for printing lab quality photos in the convenience of home. One of the biggest annoyances has been having to download images onto a computer and then fuss around with software in order to format and print photos, which can be difficult and time-consuming. And what about the growing number of digital camera owners who don’t even own a computer?
Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition is announced by Epson USA. The Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition 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…
PNY Press Release
PNY and Olympus Sign Distribution Agreement to Offer the Latest Flash Card Format
PARSIPPANY, NJ – May 10, 2005 – PNY Technologies®, Inc. allows professional photographers and enthusiasts the freedom to entrust their most valuable photographs with the latest flash card format. As a leader in the flash card market, PNY Technologies has signed a distribution agreement with Olympus Imaging America Inc. to introduce the xD-Picture Card.
“Resulting from increased market growth in portable, compact digital cameras, PNY Technologies is pleased to partner with Olympus to deliver our customers the xD-Picture Card,” said John Orzepowski, marketing manager for flash media, digital entertainment and flash drives for PNY Technologies. “As demand for new flash formats continues to increase, PNY will offer more choices for popular digital solutions. Therefore users can enjoy today’s sleek, stylish digital cameras while gaining increased memory capacity to ensure high quality photos.”
PNY Press Release PNY and Olympus Sign Distribution Agreement to Offer the Latest Flash Card Format PARSIPPANY, NJ – May 10, 2005 – PNY Technologies®, Inc. allows professional photographers and enthusiasts the freedom to entrust their most valuable photographs with the latest flash card format. As a leader in the…
DIWA member and Slovenian website FotoAparat.cz have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen.
Website: e-fotografija - Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505 Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website FotoAparat.cz have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen. Website: e-fotografija - Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505 Review Check the Latest Prices for…
Imaging Resource have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.
“Beginning through intermediate users will be right at home with the W7, and advanced users will enjoy its excellent portability and new manual exposure control option. Although the W7 is technically a high-end point-and-shoot digital camera, it has a lot of creative options and enough image adjustments to handle a wide variety of shooting situations. So, while it’s designed to relieve you from complicated exposure decisions, advanced amateurs and business users will appreciate it for its quality, portability, and varied shooting options. It appears well-built and its lens mechanism is impressively fast. Accessory lenses make it more versatile for wide or telephoto use. Overall, an excellent “all around” camera, with impressive speed and resolution.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-W7 Review
Imaging Resource have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory. “Beginning through intermediate users will be right at home with the W7, and advanced users…
PhotographyBLOG has teamed up with Shopping.com to bring you an online Buyer’s Guide for digital cameras and other photography products. You can use the new Buyer’s Guide to find the right product for you, compare products, prices, and stores and make a purchase from any one of thousands of trusted online stores. If you’re shopping for a new digital camera, memory card, printer or any photography product, make sure that you check out our Buyer’s Guide first.
Website: PhotographyBLOG Buyer’s Guide
PhotographyBLOG has teamed up with Shopping.com to bring you an online Buyer’s Guide for digital cameras and other photography products. You can use the new Buyer’s Guide to find the right product for you, compare products, prices, and stores and make a purchase from any one of thousands of trusted…
Kodak’s digital strategy seems to be paying off, at least in the USA anyway, as they maintained their market share as number one digital camera retailer. Canon moved up to second whilst Sony dropped to third.
“Kodak shipped 900,000 point-shoot digital cameras to domestic retailers in the January-to-March quarter - 41 per cent more than in the first quarter of 2004 - and its market share rose to 20.4 per cent from 18.1 per cent a year ago, according to IDC, based in Framingham, Mass.”
Kodak’s digital strategy seems to be paying off, at least in the USA anyway, as they maintained their market share as number one digital camera retailer. Canon moved up to second whilst Sony dropped to third. “Kodak shipped 900,000 point-shoot digital cameras to domestic retailers in the January-to-March quarter -…
After the recent controversy surrounding the encryption of the white balance data in Nikon RAW files, Engadget have stoked the fire and kept the flames burning by interviewing Steve Heiner, General Manager of Nikon’s Digital SLR Systems division. Did they ask about the encryption “issue” - of course they did! Did they get an answer from Nikon - of course they didn’t…
“There was a report in CNET on April 21 about the encryption being broken on the white balance metadata for RAW files in the Nikon Capture application, does Nikon plan to take any action against the programmer who broke your encryption code?
Wahi: Again, whatever information that we have available right now is available in the advisory, and I can make sure I can send that out to you.
Could we just talk about the business decision of Nikon encrypting its white balance metadata in the RAW files?
Wahi: Again, the advisory contains all the information that we have available to give to you, and we’ll send that out to you.”
Website: The Engadget Interview: Steve Heiner, General Manager, Digital SLR Systems, Nikon
After the recent controversy surrounding the encryption of the white balance data in Nikon RAW files, Engadget have stoked the fire and kept the flames burning by interviewing Steve Heiner, General Manager of Nikon’s Digital SLR Systems division. Did they ask about the encryption “issue” - of course they did…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ1, which has a 6x optical zoom lenses and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake.
“The overall image quality when using 2304/Fine mode was only average. The majority or our outdoor test shots were sharp and properly exposed, but noise was detectable in shadow areas even at the camera’s lowest sensitivity, ISO 64. In addition, the LZ1 applies more sharpening than I care for, compounding the effects of noise. Image noise is quite noticeable at ISO 100, and objectionable at ISO 200 and 400. While users of the camera’s Normal exposure mode can limit noise by selecting ISO 64, beginners who use Simple and Scene modes will be disappointed when the camera selects ISO 200 or higher.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ1, which has a 6x optical zoom lenses and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake. “The overall image quality when using 2304/Fine mode was only average. The majority or our outdoor test shots were sharp and properly exposed, but noise was…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2, which features a 6x optical zoom lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake.
“In an entry-level point-n-shoot digicam market dominated by “me-too” 3x optical zoom 4 and 5-megapixel compact cameras, Panasonic has moved beyond the ordinary with their 2005 models, the LZ2 and LZ1, equipping them with a 6x optical zoom lens and image stabilization. With its Simple and Scene modes, the 5-megapixel LZ2 automates all of its exposure functions, allowing the beginner to concentrate on the picture, not the camera. Normal mode gives the more experienced user control of white balance, ISO, focusing modes and image processing options, but the advanced user will not find aperture priority, shutter priority or manual exposure modes.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2, which features a 6x optical zoom lens and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake. “In an entry-level point-n-shoot digicam market dominated by “me-too” 3x optical zoom 4 and 5-megapixel compact cameras, Panasonic has moved beyond the…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR. Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Write a Review of the…
Photoxels have reviewed the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show back in January.
“In fact, the Olympus C-7070 packs more professional features into a rugged solid body than you would probably use and can do almost anything you ask of it, though you should be prepared to spend some time learning its many features. It provides full exposure flexibility, program shift, two live histograms, a swivel LCD, dual memory card slots (CF and xD), RAW file format, image stabilization in movie mode, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, a hot shoe to attach an external flash, and supports lots of optional accessories, including an underwater housing certified to depths of up to 131 feet.”
Website: Photoxels - Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom Review
Photoxels have reviewed the 7 megapixel Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, which was announced at the CES show back in January. “In fact, the Olympus C-7070 packs more professional features into a rugged solid body than you would probably use and can do almost anything you ask of it, though you…
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 digital camera, which has 5 megapixels and a 12x image stabilized Leica lens.
“Moderate image noise, with a fairly fine grain pattern. The DMC-FZ5 generally showed moderate image noise with a fine grain pattern. There was noise in the blue channel, even at ISOs 80 and 100, but it was for the most part invisible when viewing the full-color image. At ISOs 200 and 400, the noise level increased, with stronger blue and yellow pixels present that were visible on-screen. Noise was most distracting at the 400 ISO setting, even though a modest amount of subtle detail was traded away to reduce it. While the noise at ISO 400 was quite distracting on-screen or in large prints, it didn’t look bad at all in 5x7 inch prints, and was for all intents and purposes invisible at 4x6.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 digital camera, which has 5 megapixels and a 12x image stabilized Leica lens. “Moderate image noise, with a fairly fine grain pattern. The DMC-FZ5 generally showed moderate image noise with a fine grain pattern. There was noise in the blue…
DPReview 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.
“It may not look it, but the FinePix F10 is something of a revolution, and is probably the first time a compact camera has really shown the potential offered by Super CCD for high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise. I cannot emphasize enough the value of usable high ISO settings in a compact camera - from reducing camera shake to more natural low light portraits (without flash) to extended flash range and all the other advantages DSLR users take for granted and most compact users - stuck to ISO 200 (or 400 at a push) can only dream of.”
Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review
DPReview 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. “It may not look it, but the FinePix F10 is something of a revolution, and is probably the first time…
DCResource have published the first online review of the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x opticlal zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life.
“The DSC-S90’s F2.8-5.2, 3X optical zoom lens should look familiar to you. That’s because it’s been used on many other Sony cameras, including the DSC-P150/200 and the DSC-W5/7. This Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens has a focal range of 6 - 18 mm, which is equivalent to 39 - 117 mm. That’s not very wide-angle, so keep that in mind if you take a lot of indoor shots. Sony does offer a wide-angle conversion lens, but not everyone wants to carry it around with them. Speaking of which, to add conversion lenses to the S90 just remove that shiny plastic ring from around the lens and attach the conversion lens adapter and then the lens itself. Easy!”
Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-S90 Review
DCResource have published the first online review of the Sony DSC-S90 digicam, which has a 3x opticlal zoom lens, 32 MB of internal memory and 550 shots battery life. “The DSC-S90’s F2.8-5.2, 3X optical zoom lens should look familiar to you. That’s because it’s been used on many other Sony…
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have published their review of the new 7 megapixel Samsung Digimax V700.
Website: Digit.no - Samsung Digimax V700 Review
DIWA member and Norwegian website Digit.no have published their review of the new 7 megapixel Samsung Digimax V700. Website: Digit.no - Samsung Digimax V700 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Samsung Digimax V700 Write a Review of the Samsung Digimax V700 Zoom
The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the 5 megapixel, 8x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20.
Website: Digineff - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review
The Czech website Digineff have reviewed the 5 megapixel, 8x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20. Website: Digineff - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE…
Sony Press Release
SONY ELECTRONICS’ IMAGESTATION.COM AND RITZ CAMERA CENTERS OFFER IN-STORE PHOTO PICK-UP SERVICE BEGINNING TODAY
Offers Convenience of One-Hour Pick-Up Option
SAN DIEGO, May 9, 2005- As part of an effort to offer consumers multiple avenues to print their digital images, Sony Electronics’ ImageStation® online has teamed up with Ritz Camera Centers to provide faster fulfillment of digital print orders.
Beginning today, consumers can upload their digital images from their home/personal computers to ImageStation.com. There, consumers can configure their print orders, pay online and pick up their photos at their local Ritz or Wolf Camera store in as little as one hour. A store locator allows customers to easily locate their nearby Ritz or Wolf Camera store.
“Ritz Camera Centers is known for bringing creative offerings to consumers online and this relationship provides ImageStation customers with an easy-to-use benefit,” said Bob Nell, vice president of network solutions for Sony Electronics eSolutions Company. “Whether customers want to take advantage of this quick pick-up option or order by mail, we are able to provide them with printing options.”
Sony Press Release SONY ELECTRONICS’ IMAGESTATION.COM AND RITZ CAMERA CENTERS OFFER IN-STORE PHOTO PICK-UP SERVICE BEGINNING TODAY Offers Convenience of One-Hour Pick-Up Option SAN DIEGO, May 9, 2005- As part of an effort to offer consumers multiple avenues to print their digital images, Sony Electronics’ ImageStation® online has teamed up…
CNET have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
“In terms of image quality, the Rebel XT is a bargain, delivering wonderfully detailed and colorful images for a competitive price. While the Rebel XT lacks some features found on the more solid and slightly pricier Nikon D70, the XT is the clear winner when it comes to resolution and dynamic range.”
Website: CNET - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
CNET have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR. “In terms of image quality, the Rebel XT is a bargain, delivering wonderfully detailed and colorful images for a competitive price. While the Rebel XT lacks some features found on the more…
Pocket-Lint have just reviewed the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer.
“But I defy anyone to look at the Viewer in action, see that amazing screen and not be won over. While not exactly cheap for a 40GB portable hard disk, the other elements it contains (music and video player) and the superb screen make it well worth the dosh in my view. In fact, I want one and so does my wife… ‘Nuff said.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
Pocket-Lint have just reviewed the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer. “But I defy anyone to look at the Viewer in action, see that amazing screen and not be won over. While not exactly cheap for a 40GB portable hard disk, the other elements it contains (music and video player) and…