DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the 5 megapixel, 8x zoom Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20.

“Design wise, the Z20 cuts corners in terms of visibility, offering a choice between a 1.5 inch, 113K pixel LCD screen and an equally inept viewfinder that displays images appearing as if projected through a sequence of screens. The lack of image quality and uncomfortable design make the viewfinder unsuitable for prolonged use. Potential consumer should not overlook these flaws, as they will certainly compromise the recorded image at times as well as the shooting experience, but the Z20 will offer full manual control, long zoom, and a lower price than other models on the market with the same size CCD.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z20 Review

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Samsung Digimax A402 is announced. The Samsung Digimax A402 is a 4 megapixel camera with a 4x digital zoom (no optical zoom) and 1.8 inch LCD screen. The Samsung A402 uses SD/MMC memory cards and has 16MB internal flash memory. Perhaps the biggest attraction of the Samsung Digimax A402 is its price - likely to be under £100.

Samsung UK Press Release

Samsung Cameras has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of the incredibly stylish Digimax A402. Available in Black, Red or Silver, the 4 mega-pixel A402 certainly has plenty of wow factor.

With a street price likely to be under £100, the new addition to the A Series is at the forefront of Samsung’s commitment to designing great digital cameras suited to how you want to take pictures.

CNET News has a good roundup of portable storage devices for photos, inlcuding the Epson P-2000 that I enthusiastically reviewed a few weeks ago.

“Most have a slot only for Compact Flash cards. If your camera uses a smaller type, you’re expected to provide your own card adapter. Only the Epson P-2000 also offers a slot for SD cards. Nor is that the only virtue of the sleek black Epson ($500 online). The size, brightness and clarity of its 3.8-inch screen blows its competition off the equipment rack. Thanks to its supercrisp 640 pixels by 480 pixels (four times the resolution of its rivals), photos look like glossy drugstore prints. Photo transfer is fast: just under two minutes for a 256MB memory card filled with 103 pictures.”

CNET News - Photo vaults shoot, store, show

Thanks to Sanj for letting me know.

SmartDisk FlashTrax XT is announced today. The SmartDisk FlashTrax XT is a portable storage device with a folding 3.6” LCD screen. The SmartDisk FlashTrax XT costs $399.99 for the 40GB version and $499.99 for the 80GB version.

SmartDisk Press Release

SmartDisk Introduces FlashTrax XT—Today’s Digital Lifestyle Portable Multimedia Player/Recorder

FORT MYERS, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 18, 2005—SmartDisk Corporation today introduced FlashTrax(R) XT, a handheld portable device for storing, playing and sharing digital images, video and music. FlashTrax is being demonstrated in Booth SL5828 at the National Association of Broadcasters and RTNDA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 18-21.

FlashTrax XT, a palm-sized, portable multimedia player and video recorder, stores high-resolution images transferred from any flash memory card or video device and displays them on its 3.6” LCD screen, on a TV or a projector. In addition, the user can enjoy music from a personal collection, listen to the built-in FM tuner, or watch slide shows while listening to music. A user-friendly screen display and control make video, image or music selection quick and easy. The LCD folds to ensure that both the screen and control buttons remain protected while on the go—a unique feature among portable multimedia players. With transfer speeds of up to 480MBps, FlashTrax XT can also serve as an external hard drive to transfer, store and access data. To facilitate portability, FlashTrax also includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

MobileBurn have published a review of the new 5 megapixel Samsung SCH-S250 cameraphone (found via Still Journal).

“Of course the reason we are here is not the killer display, nor the MP3 player, 3D games, or the phone’s 92MB of internal storage and RS-MMC card slot. Everybody wants to know about the camera. Well, I spent a decent amount of time with the camera, getting a good feel for it. The short version: it’s good, but not on par with a dedicated camera. The long version? Read on….”

MobileBurn - 5MP camera phone from Samsung

The curiously named Burns Auto Parts has a great article about photographers websites - essential reading if you have or would like your own website.

“Generally speaking, forget about the fancy Flash animated intro. These are particularly disliked, as evidenced by the survey ABs’ responses: 17% said they “always hate them” and 70% said they “bother them but it’s not too bad as long as there is a ‘skip’ button.” When 87% of your target market is at some level bugged by a part of your marketing, dump it. In fact, you might want to skip any use of Flash. It can be a memory hog and many people don’t like to have the plug-in on their machines at all. Flash can even crash some computers, especially if it is not done just right. And, contrary to some claims, it does not provide any real protection against someone using your images illegally (i.e., downloading the image from your site). So, think hard about using Flash, and if you do, make sure you have an HTML version of you site clearly available from the main page.”

Website: Photographers’ Websites – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Leica Press Release

The Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, Solms, unanimously and jointly with the Company’s Board of Management, proposes measures to restore the capital base of the Company and to finance a restructuring. A simplified capital reduction by € 10.0 million to € 1.5 million will be proposed to the shareholders of the Company. Each three no-par-value shares are to be combined into one no-par-value share. Simultaneously, the capital reserve amounting to € 4.2 million will be released. Both measures will be implemented in order to offset depreciation and other losses totalling € 14.2 million.

DIWA member Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Casio Exilim EX-Z57, a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 2.7 inch LCD screen.

“Indoors it also performs well. Considering it lacks a focus-assist lamp, the AF system does an excellent job of focusing in low ambient lighting. Our indoor samples were sharp, well exposed, and skin tones appear natural. Its flash and 35mm wide angle equivalent zoom range are sufficient for most indoor situations; but don’t expect to illuminate the entire dance floor or reception hall. We achieved the best results shooting portraits of individuals or small groups. However, due to the position of the flash (just above the lens), you will notice that the majority of your “people” shots will have traces of Red eye, even when using its Red Eye Reduction mode. But a few seconds in any image editor/viewer will take care of this problem.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio Exilim EX-Z57 Review

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The Spanish website Fotopolis have posted their review of the 7.2 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 digital camera.

Website: Quesabesde - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200 Review

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The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted a review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33.

Website: Index Digicam - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 Review

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Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new slimline 5 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 digital camera.

“The Casio Exilim EX-Z50 is one of the latest offerings from a company with a long history of innovation in the digital camera field. They promise the “Unexpected Extra” in their products, and the Casio EX-Z50 lives up to that billing, with no fewer than 23 special shooting modes, including ones for capturing and straightening images of white boards and business cards or other documents: Perfect for business or school note-taking. Compact, well-constructed, and stylish, the Casio Exilim EX-Z50 is a great “bring along” camera for casual outings, business, or vacation trips. Read on below for all the details on the Casio EX-Z50!”

Website: Imaging Resource - Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 Review

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DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the 5 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. With a 12x image stabilized Leica lens, the DMC-FZ5 improves on the DMC-FZ3 by offering faster auto-focus and improved body design, as well as more megapixels.

Website: FotoAparat - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review

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DIWA member and Danish website DigitalMagasinet have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

Website: DigitalMagasinet - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

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DCResource have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.

“All things considered I’d say that the Canon Digital Rebel XT is the entry-level digital SLR to beat at this point in time. It offers nearly all of the features of the more expensive EOS-20D but for hundreds less. My biggest complaints are the soft images, especially using the kit lens at smaller apertures, and some build quality gripes that I’ll get into later. But for those ready to move up to something bigger and better, the Rebel XT is where it’s at.”

Website: DCResource - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review

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DIWA member and Turkish website Diginorm have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

Website: Diginorm - Pentax *ist DS Review

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Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens is announced. The Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and has a constant aperture of f/5.6 throughtout its focal length. When the Sigma APO 300-800mm lens is used with the 1.4x EX or 2x EX Apo Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 420-1120mm F8 MF lens or a 600-1600mm F11 MF lens respectively. The Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens costs £4999.99 and is available now.

From 300mm telephoto to 800mm ultra-telephoto this new lens provides a constant fast maximum aperture and is optimized for digital SLR cameras.

l New multi layer coating minimizes flare and ghost.
l Two Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements produce excellent image quality.
l The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quiet, high-speed and precise auto-focusing and full time manual focus override.
l Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters (produces an ultra-telephoto zoom lens of 1600mm!)

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens.

This digitally optimized lens covers the ultra-telephoto range up to 800mm and has a fast maximum aperture. Its new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. It incorporates two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements for effective compensation of chromatic aberrations and also ensure sharp, quality images.

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens is announced. The 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is an ultra-telephoto lens that has been optimized for digital SLR cameras. By adding a teleconvertor, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens can be used as a 700ｍm Ｆ6.3 MF ultra-telephoto lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 1000mm F9 MF ultra-telephoto lens with a 2X teleconverter. The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM lens costs £2999.99 and is available now.

Sigma UK Press Release

Fast maximum aperture telephoto lens optimized for digital SLR cameras.

l Most effective coating for minimizing flare and ghost.
l Two Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements produce excellent image quality.
l Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters. The lens can be used as a 700mm MF or a 1000mm MF ultra-telephoto lens. 

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 500 F4.5 APO EX DG HSM lens.

This ultra-telephoto lens has a fast maximum aperture, and also features a new super multi-layer coating, which optimizes the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.

Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer is introduced. The Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer has a 2.5-inch high-resolution display screen and stores up to 150 digital pictures. The Kodak Picture Viewer also has a SD/MMC memory card slot, is Pictbridge compatible and is compatible with any a KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Series 3 device. The Kodak EASYSHARE Picture Viewer will be available in May for £99.99 RRP.

Kodak UK Press Release

Showcase and Share Digital Pictures “On the Go” with New KODAK EASYSHARE Picture Viewer

Credit Card-Sized Device Brings Favourite Memories to Life in the Palm of Your Hand

LONDON, 18 April — Eastman Kodak Company is making digital picture sharing more convenient, personal and portable by introducing its new EASYSHARE Picture Viewer, a pocket-sized “digital photo album” that fits in the palm of your hand.  Whether showing off recent vacation pictures, priceless memories or snapshots from life’s everyday moments, the Picture Viewer (£99.99 RRP; available beginning in May 2005) is designed for people who love to share favourite pictures on the go.

Adobe Press Release

Combined Company to Deliver Industry-Defining Technology Platform for Rich, Interactive Content

SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 18, 2005 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Macromedia (Nasdaq: MACR) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $3.4 billion.

The combination of Adobe and Macromedia will provide customers a more powerful set of solutions for creating, managing and delivering compelling content and experiences across multiple operating systems, devices and media. Together, the two companies will meet a wider set of customer needs and have a significantly greater opportunity to grow into new markets, particularly in the mobile and enterprise segments.

“Customers are calling for integrated software solutions that enable them to create, manage and deliver a wide range of compelling content and applications - from documents and images to audio and video,” said Bruce Chizen, chief executive officer of Adobe. “By combining our powerful development, authoring and collaboration software - along with the complementary functionality of PDF and Flash - Adobe has the opportunity to bring this vision to life with an industry-defining technology platform.”

Wacom Graphire Bluetooth pen tablet is announced. The Wacom Graphire Bluetooth is a 6” x 8” wireless pen tablet. The Wacom Graphire Bluetooth can be used up to 30 feet away from your computer and is priced at $249.99.

Wacom Press Release

First Wacom Wireless Pen Tablet for Photo Enthusiasts

The New Graphire Bluetooth, With Wacom’s Patented Cordless, Battery-Free Pen Technology, Provides up to 30 Feet of Wireless Freedom

VANCOUVER, Wash., April 15 /PRNewswire/—Wacom(R) Technology today announced the newest member of its Graphire(R) pen tablet family and the first Wacom pen tablet to incorporate Bluetooth(R) wireless technology. The new model, named Graphire Bluetooth, is expected to be warmly embraced by photo enthusiasts who seek the control and comfort of Wacom’s patented cordless, battery-free pen and the freedom of a wireless device. Mobile office workers, educators and aspiring digital artists will also appreciate the new device and the ability to work where and when they want. Available immediately, Graphire Bluetooth offers a 6” x 8” active area and is priced at $249.99.