News
Research and Markets Press Release
DUBLIN, Ireland, April 22 /PRNewswire/—Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c16197 ) has announced the addition of 4 x 6 Shoot-Out: Are Camera-Phones Ready To Make Consumer Prints? to their offering.
Camera-phones are on the verge of delivering the snapshot capabilities that people currently expect from single-use film cameras and entry-level digital cameras. The recent release of two-megapixel camera-phones by all three Japanese wireless carriers raises the question: Why buy a digital camera?
The purpose of this 40-page study, including 119 figures, charts, and tables, was to determine if currently available camera-phones are capable of delivering acceptable consumer prints and to assess how the images produced measure up to those produced by the most popular standalone consumer cameras.
Research and Markets Press Release DUBLIN, Ireland, April 22 /PRNewswire/—Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c16197 ) has announced the addition of 4 x 6 Shoot-Out: Are Camera-Phones Ready To Make Consumer Prints? to their offering. Camera-phones are on the verge of delivering the snapshot capabilities that people currently expect from single-use film…
Canon PowerShot S2 IS is announced today. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera. The Canon S2 IS uses the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s DLSR cameras and also incorporates optical Image Stabiliser technology. The S2 IS can shoot continually and uninterrupted at 2.4 fps until the memory card becomes full. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS will be available from early June 2005 for £469 RRP / €689 RRP.
Canon UK Press Release
PowerShot S2 IS: Canon’s new monster zoom compact
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 12x optical zoom, 5.0 Megapixel PowerShot S2 IS. An exceptional blend of versatility with power, this worthy successor to the PowerShot S1 IS features optical Image Stabiliser technology, outstanding optics and 30 fps digital video camera quality extended video recording of up to 60 minutes¨ with stereo sound.
Powered by the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s pro-series D-SLR cameras, the S2 IS features super-responsive 2.4 fps shooting*, start up times and auto focus speeds almost twice as quick as that of its predecessor, 18 shooting modes and shutter speeds to 1/3200 of a second. The processor even makes it possible to capture a maximum resolution digital still whilst shooting video. As well as giving camera performance a real boost, DIGIC II also improves colour rendition and white balance accuracy, and speeds up playback review and scrolling. A USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface is provided for super quick image and video transfers.
Canon PowerShot S2 IS is announced today. The Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera. The Canon S2 IS uses the same DIGIC II processor found in Canon’s DLSR cameras and also incorporates optical Image…
Forbes.com has an interesting overview of the perennial problem of backing up your digital photos, including using microfilm (!) which will apparently have a 500 year shelf life. Thanks to Dave Trayers for letting me know about the article.
“But sometimes even 100 years isn’t good enough. Rosenthaler, the Swiss researcher, says he’s currently looking at ways of using microfilm, the old standby of archivists and librarians everywhere, to preserve digital files. Rather than preserving the image itself, Rosenthaler’s proposal is to preserve the individual bits from the image file as a series of light and dark dots indicating the ones and zeros of the file. If properly stored, microfilm could preserve the information for 500 years or so, he says. The method could also be used to preserve music or even video information for centuries in such a way that basic technology like a microscope could be used to assemble the dots into usable data.”
Forbes.com has an interesting overview of the perennial problem of backing up your digital photos, including using microfilm (!) which will apparently have a 500 year shelf life. Thanks to Dave Trayers for letting me know about the article. “But sometimes even 100 years isn’t good enough. Rosenthaler, the Swiss…
auspiciousdragon.net have published their review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back.
“Anybody currrently using medium format gear must be aware that film is dying. And whilst rumours of its death are much exaggerated and it will go on for some time in mass use and for longer in niche use, there are many photographers who are considering if and when to switch to digital. For some genres digital is already de rigueur and there is a mass of information about the pros and cons of different hardware and different workflows. This article aims to fill one of the gaps in this information universe. Can digital do the business in the fine art and landscape field?”
auspiciousdragon.net have published their review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back. “Anybody currrently using medium format gear must be aware that film is dying. And whilst rumours of its death are much exaggerated and it will go on for some time in mass use and for…
BIOS have just published their review of Roxio Easy Media Creator 7, a digital media software package.
“Thanks to Sonic Solutions acquisition of Roxio’s software division in December 2004, the latest version of Roxio’s digital media suite combines technologies from both companies, including new music, data backup, and DVD playback capabilities. The modest audio editor has also been improved and there are now wizards that make it easy to record LPs and tapes, and to convert DivX movies to DVD. The majority of the suite’s components remain virtually unchanged in this latest release, but the merger of applications and technology makes Easy Media Creator 7.5 the most complete recording and management suite available today, making it exceptional value for those who want to create, manage, share and preserve their personal digital content.”
BIOS have just published their review of Roxio Easy Media Creator 7, a digital media software package. “Thanks to Sonic Solutions acquisition of Roxio’s software division in December 2004, the latest version of Roxio’s digital media suite combines technologies from both companies, including new music, data backup, and DVD playback…
Epson UK Press Release
New Firmware for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music. The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality.
April 2005 - A firmware upgrade is now available for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer. New features include; increased image handling; compatibility with a larger range of digital SLR cameras and the addition of histograms. Existing P-2000 customers can download the new firmware (version 02.02), free of charge from the Epson website. Go to www.epson.co.uk, click on digital photography products and follow the support link from the product information page.
Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
Epson UK Press Release New Firmware for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music. The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality. April 2005 - A firmware upgrade is…
Plasq Press Release
PLASQ RELEASES COMIC LIFE 1.0.1 UPDATE, NEW LOWER PRICING
New features, lower cost. Wildly popular.
South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (April 21, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.0.1 (Update) for Mac OS X with new pricing.
Comic Life 1.0.1 adds many more, beautifully designed styles for comic elements and new TIFF, GIF, JPEG, and PNG export options (up to 1200dpi). Other new features include cross-comic page dragging and new page sizes including CD jewel case. Several bugs previously experienced by some users have also been fixed.
Plasq Press Release PLASQ RELEASES COMIC LIFE 1.0.1 UPDATE, NEW LOWER PRICING New features, lower cost. Wildly popular. South Carolina, USA and Melbourne, Australia (April 21, 2005) - plasq today announced the immediate availability of Comic Life 1.0.1 (Update) for Mac OS X with new pricing. Comic Life 1.0.1 adds…
The business website Forbes.com 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.
“The biggest difference between the F10 and most other conventional cameras I’ve used is that this one dispenses completely with an optical viewfinder. Instead it has a huge LCD display viewfinder on the back of the camera. The display is 2.5 inches, large enough that seconds after taking a picture you can see what the picture looks like. Smaller LCD displays make this a little more difficult. Personally, I don’t miss the optical viewfinder, though I suspect some will.”
Website: Forbes.com - Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review
The business website Forbes.com 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. “The biggest difference between the F10 and most other conventional cameras I’ve used is that this one…
Steves Digicams have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
“Overall, the XT’s AF system was very effective, producing consistently sharp results. It was also quite flexible, allowing not only a choice of AF modes, but the selection of AF points (7) as well. The XT’s AF system performed well in dim lighting conditions, and effectively uses its pop-up flash as an AF illuminator when necessary. Although it is not quite as responsive and does not provide as many AF points as the 20D, the XT’s AF system easily handles most shooting conditions. Its responsiveness, flexibility and accuracy also distinguish the XT from high-end prosumer digicams.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
Steves Digicams have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR. “Overall, the XT’s AF system was very effective, producing consistently sharp results. It was also quite flexible, allowing not only a choice of AF modes, but the selection of AF points…
Imaging Resource have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).
“Detectable noise at all ISO levels, but fine, tight pattern makes it quite acceptable, even at ISO 400. As sensor resolution increases in digital cameras, noise levels increase as well. BUT, if the ultimate aim is to make prints, you have to consider the fact that the noise that’s very evident when viewed 1:1 onscreen may be less significant in a normal-sized print. In this light, while the Canon SD500 shows at least some blue-channel noise even at ISO 50, and quite a lot of it by the time you get to ISO 400, this noise isn’t all that visible in prints. Even at ISO 400, 8x10” prints from its images should be entirely acceptable to most users, and at 5x7” the noise simply isn’t an issue at all.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review
Imaging Resource have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH). “Detectable noise at all ISO levels, but fine, tight pattern makes it quite acceptable, even at ISO 400. As sensor resolution increases in digital cameras, noise…
Imaging Resource have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera.
“Very good exposure accuracy, but high contrast, both indoors and out. As you’d hope from a camera intended as a “point & shoot” model, the Kodak Z740 required very little intervention to produce nicely exposed shots, making it a good choice for a novice photographer. My one complaint is that its high contrast (which produces the bright, snappy photos most consumers seem to love) also causes it to lose detail in strong highlights. The Z740 also has a very powerful flash, good for group shots at night, but it can tend to overexpose close subjects a little.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review
Imaging Resource have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera. “Very good exposure accuracy, but high contrast, both indoors and out. As you’d hope from a camera intended as a “point & shoot” model, the Kodak Z740 required very little intervention to produce…
DPReview 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.
“The Panasonic LZ2 promises a lot for under $300, and in the most part it doesn’t disappoint. For one thing offers a longer zoom range than just about every other major-brand 5MP camera in its price range, and that’s before you throw in the undeniably useful image stabilization system. It’s as well built as can be expected of an all-plastic ‘entry-level’ camera, seems pretty tough and handles a lot better than it looks. The images produced are - if you keep the ISO low - very sharp, and detailed, and color, contrast and white balance leave little to complain about.”
Website: DPReview - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 Review
DPReview 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. “The Panasonic LZ2 promises a lot for under $300, and in the most part it doesn’t disappoint. For one thing offers a longer zoom range…
DCResource have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera.
“While it’s not perfect, the Kodak EasyShare Z740 is a pretty good ultra zoom camera for people on a budget. It offers good photo quality, manual controls, an easy-to-use interface, an AF-assist lamp, and Kodak’s famous EasyShare system. You can buy the Z740 alone or as part of a package including Kodak’s Printer Dock 3. While the Printer Dock is a fun toy and is certainly convenient, be warned that each print will cost you 63 cents—a lot more than having it developed at Costco or similar. The whole system works together very well, so if you don’t mind spending more for each print, it’s definitely worth getting the printer dock kit.”
Website: DCResource - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review
DCResource have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera. “While it’s not perfect, the Kodak EasyShare Z740 is a pretty good ultra zoom camera for people on a budget. It offers good photo quality, manual controls, an easy-to-use interface, an AF-assist lamp, and…
DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot A510 digital camera.
“The Canon PowerShot A510’s small compact frame will greatly please the point-and-shoot user looking for an introductory camera that performs. The simple physical design comes equipped with a wide variety of manual control options - a surprising trait for a point-and-shoot camera which is currently available online for $179.95. Equipped with a 1/2.5 inch 3.2 MP CCD, the camera performs in line with the conventional Canon reputation. Unlike many PowerShot models before it, the A510 effectively suppresses noise in higher ISO ratings and works well in auto mode. The A510 is also quite flexible for an introductory digital camera, allowing for the application of external “slave” flash and conversion lens units.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Canon PowerShot A510 Review
DigitalCameraInfo have published their review of the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot A510 digital camera. “The Canon PowerShot A510’s small compact frame will greatly please the point-and-shoot user looking for an introductory camera that performs. The simple physical design comes equipped with a wide variety of manual control options - a…
DigiCamReview have published the first online review of the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1, a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom that incorporates an Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of camera shake. The DMC-LS1 also features a 2 inch LCD screen and a battery life of 215 photos.
“The camera is compact and is designed well - the camera feels very comfortable in my hands. The camera is very compact considering it takes AA batteries. The camera is easy to use, the menu system is easy to use and there is a good layout of buttons and controls. There is a good choice of features and options although the majority are aimed at beginners, rather than experts, however there is manual white balance, a live histogram, and high speed shooting. The camera speed is good, with a okay switch on time, good focusing time, good shutter response, and an especially impressive 4fps continous shooting mode - which is better than some of the new digital SLRs!”
Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1 Review
DigiCamReview have published the first online review of the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1, a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom that incorporates an Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of camera shake. The DMC-LS1 also features a 2 inch LCD screen and a battery life of…
CNET have posted their review of the Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro digital camera, which sits at the top of the FinePix range.
“The 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S20 Pro is a superior camera for budget-strapped photo enthusiasts in need of top-quality images, a 6X zoom, generous functions, and excellent performance but who can’t afford the price jump to a dSLR. With this camera, however, you have to shoot photos in the raw—Fujifilm’s JPEG compression reduces the image quality significantly.”
Website: CNET - Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro Review
CNET have posted their review of the Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro digital camera, which sits at the top of the FinePix range. “The 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S20 Pro is a superior camera for budget-strapped photo enthusiasts in need of top-quality images, a 6X zoom, generous functions, and excellent performance but…
Target and Yahoo! Press Release
Target and Yahoo! Debut a Full-Featured Digital Photo Resource; Consumers Can Easily Store, Share, Print Digital Photos with Co-Branded Target Yahoo! Photos Site
MINNEAPOLIS & SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 21, 2005—Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) and Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO) have come together to introduce a complete digital photo destination that allows photo enthusiasts an easy and affordable way to store, share and print photos. The co-branded digital photo resource, Target Yahoo! Photos (www.target.com/yahoophotos), provides a simple solution for consumers to manage their digital or camera phone photos. In fall 2005, Target Yahoo! Photos will offer consumers the choice of ordering their prints online and picking them up within a few hours at their local Target store.
Target and Yahoo! Press Release Target and Yahoo! Debut a Full-Featured Digital Photo Resource; Consumers Can Easily Store, Share, Print Digital Photos with Co-Branded Target Yahoo! Photos Site MINNEAPOLIS & SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 21, 2005—Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) and Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO) have come together to introduce a complete digital photo…
Getty Images Press Release
Getty Images Acquires Digital Vision, Significantly Expands Imagery Market Leadership Worldwide; Acquisition Primes Company for Emerging Platforms and Licensing Models
SEATTLE—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 20, 2005—Getty Images, Inc. (NYSE:GYI), the world’s leading imagery company, announced today that it has acquired London-based Digital Vision, one of the world’s leading royalty-free photography businesses, for $165 million in cash. This acquisition, the largest Getty Images has made in five years, unequivocally confirms the company as the leading creator and provider of royalty-free imagery worldwide. Combined with Getty Images’ Photodisc, which pioneered the royalty-free licensing model and remains the world’s largest royalty-free imagery business, Digital Vision will provide more choice for customers and additional opportunities for photographers.
Getty Images Press Release Getty Images Acquires Digital Vision, Significantly Expands Imagery Market Leadership Worldwide; Acquisition Primes Company for Emerging Platforms and Licensing Models SEATTLE—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 20, 2005—Getty Images, Inc. (NYSE:GYI), the world’s leading imagery company, announced today that it has acquired London-based Digital Vision, one of the world’s leading…
HP UK Press Release
LONDON ,UK, April 21, 2005 - HP has announced that it will be offering dedicated colour management solutions with its printer and scanning products for photographers, creative and pre-press professionals. Users will now be able to achieve more consistent and accurate colours with the new, easy-to-use colour management solutions, powered by GretagMacbeth technology. The colour management solutions will be available with a selection of HP printers and high resolution scanners. Advanced users can also opt for the HP Spectrophotometer, now being offered as a separate accessory.
Colour management benefits
“These new printer and scanner solutions fall in line with HP’s Graphic Arts Initiative, launched in 2003, to provide complete solutions to the creative professional. Our solutions are tailored to specific workflows, and are designed to improve price/performance ratios,” says, Kevin Dobson, Hewlett-Packard, Business Manager. Mac-connect, Imaging and Personal Systems Group, UK and Ireland.
HP UK Press Release LONDON ,UK, April 21, 2005 - HP has announced that it will be offering dedicated colour management solutions with its printer and scanning products for photographers, creative and pre-press professionals. Users will now be able to achieve more consistent and accurate colours with the new, easy-to-use…
Firing Squad have reviewed the new Dual Core AMD Opteron CPU. I’m sure you’re thinking that doesn’t sound too exciting, but they review it from a photography point of view, testing programs such as Capture One, Bibble and Noise Ninja.
“In my article, I explain why the future of computing is with multiple CPUs and test a 2x dual core Opteron with real-world benchmarks including a suite of digital photography tests. The dual Dual-Core AMD Opteron was so fast processing RAWs with Bibble 4.2.2 that I repeated the test five times to make sure something wasn’t amiss. Turns out, it really was that fast. Processing 1GB of Canon EOS-20D images took just 4 minutes.”
Firing Squad have reviewed the new Dual Core AMD Opteron CPU. I’m sure you’re thinking that doesn’t sound too exciting, but they review it from a photography point of view, testing programs such as Capture One, Bibble and Noise Ninja. “In my article, I explain why the future of computing…