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Professional photographer Thom Hogan has decided to let you all take a peek inside his camera bag - find out what a professional typically carries with them.
“Articles showing what gear a pro is using are always popular with readers, but I’ve hesitating doing one on this site because my equipment since my switch to digital has been in an almost constant state of flux. With the appearance of the D2x, I find myself once again honing in on a more stable set of gear, so I’ve decided to let you take a look in the bag, complete with short explanations for many of the items I’ve chosen.”
Website: Thom Hogan - It’s in the Bag
Professional photographer Thom Hogan has decided to let you all take a peek inside his camera bag - find out what a professional typically carries with them. “Articles showing what gear a pro is using are always popular with readers, but I’ve hesitating doing one on this site because my…
Photoxels have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February.
“CA is minimal in everyday shots. It’s not too sunny here, but out of our high contrast shots, we found a couple with a bit of purple fringing at full image size. In the above photo, the corner delimited by the red square at top middle, and reproduced at 100% crop at bottom right, showed some purple fringing. At 4x6 in. prints, this should not be a problem at all and won’t show up.”
Website: Photoxels - Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review
Photoxels have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February. “CA is minimal in everyday shots. It’s not too sunny here, but out of our high contrast shots, we found a couple with a bit of purple fringing at full image size. In the…
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Write a Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR camera.
“Overall the F6 is as impressive a camera as you are likely to see at the top-end of the market. Make no mistake, this is not the camera for 98% of photographers, the F6 is aimed at the kind of people who already know what the camera does without having to open the manual and can actually use AUTO FP High-speed Sync Capability correctly (it’s a flash thing). It’s not simply enough to flash the plastic for the F6, you must first acquire the knowledge of how to use it. This is how you obtain enlightenment, and very good photographs on the way.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Nikon F6 Review
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR camera. “Overall the F6 is as impressive a camera as you are likely to see at the top-end of the market. Make no mistake, this is not the camera for 98% of photographers, the F6 is aimed at…
The Czech website Digineff have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).
Website: Digineff - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review
The Czech website Digineff have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH). Website: Digineff - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon Digital IXUS 700 Write a Review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700
The Danish website Akamera.dk have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Acer CR-6530 digital camera.
Website: Akamera.dk - Acer CR-6530 Review
The Danish website Akamera.dk have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Acer CR-6530 digital camera. Website: Akamera.dk - Acer CR-6530 Review
DigiCamReview have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus MJU DIGITAL 500 digital camera.
“The Olympus Mju Digital 500 is a very nice digital camera - it has an excellent large 2.5” screen, good image quality, a stylish weatherproof metal body, an excellent super macro mode, and is extremely fast and easy to use as well. The only negatives I can think of are the lack of custom white balance and other more advanced controls, the movie mode is fairly average, and the lack of an optical viewfinder may put some people off. “
Website: DigiCamReview - Olympus MJU DIGITAL 500 Review
DigiCamReview have reviewed the 5 megapixel Olympus MJU DIGITAL 500 digital camera. “The Olympus Mju Digital 500 is a very nice digital camera - it has an excellent large 2.5” screen, good image quality, a stylish weatherproof metal body, an excellent super macro mode, and is extremely fast and easy…
MediaGear XtraDrive is lauched today. The MediaGear XtraDrive allows you to turn memory cards into USB devices. The XtraDrive supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard, Sony Memory Stick, Compact Flash Types I and II, MicroDrives, SmartMedia and xD card formats. The The MediaGear XtraDrive will cost $14.95 MSRP and be available this month.
MediaGear Press Release
MediaGear Launches New See-Through XtraDrives That Turn Your Unused Flash Memory Cards into Convenient USB Drives
April 4, 2005 – Santa Ana, CA –MediaGear announced the next generation of its popular Keychain drives called “XtraDrive”, to help satisfy the growing consumer demand for convenient extra USB flash drives created from unused memory cards.
XtraDrives have a colored, transparent cap that allows the user to see if a media card is installed. Also, to eliminate crowding of several drives together on a PC or notebook, the XtraDrive package also includes a USB adapter cable.
“Photographers have an abundance of old memory cards that are no longer used because of their low megabyte storage. The new XtraDrive gives these outdated memory cards a brand new life,” noted Terry Smith, VP of Marketing at MediaGear.
MediaGear XtraDrive is lauched today. The MediaGear XtraDrive allows you to turn memory cards into USB devices. The XtraDrive supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard, Sony Memory Stick, Compact Flash Types I and II, MicroDrives, SmartMedia and xD card formats. The The MediaGear XtraDrive will cost $14.95 MSRP and be available…
Further evidence that the digicam boom is slowing down comes from a Reuters report which says that Japanese exports of digital cameras fell for the first time ever last month. A sharp drop in shipments to Europe was blamed for the 0.9 % decline. Exports to Europe in February dropped by over 10%. Japan’s Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) compiled the report.
Further evidence that the digicam boom is slowing down comes from a Reuters report which says that Japanese exports of digital cameras fell for the first time ever last month. A sharp drop in shipments to Europe was blamed for the 0.9 % decline. Exports to Europe in February dropped…
Canon Europe Press Release
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, March 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded two prizes by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) for outstanding digital cameras: the Canon EOS 20D received DIWA’s Platinum Award for the best ‘Digital System Camera’ of 2004, and the Digital IXUS 40 won a gold medal in the Amateur Digital Mini Camera category.
Throughout the year, DIWA members rigorously test and review digital imaging products, awarding those with the highest scores gold, silver or bronze medals. Once a year, one of the gold winners from each of three categories is selected by the members as the best of the best – honoured by a DIWA Platinum Award.
“At Canon we are passionate about photography, so we are delighted to receive these two prestigious DIWA awards,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “The awards reinforce our commitment to Canon customers and cement our dedication to continually setting standards in digital photography technology.”
Canon Europe Press Release Amstelveen, The Netherlands, March 2005. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, has been awarded two prizes by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) for outstanding digital cameras: the Canon EOS 20D received DIWA’s Platinum Award for the best ‘Digital System Camera’ of 2004, and the…
Trusted Reviews have published their review of the new waterproof Pentax OptioWP digital camera.
“More seriously, the WP coped very well under water and sub-aqua operation had no deleterious affects. The image quality was actually reasonably sharp and colours where reproduced well, despite the light bending watery environment. Detail is not quite up to that of the air breathing world, but it’s far better than the results I’ve obtained from those disposable underwater cameras. I’ll also add that the water in the fish tank was crystal clear and very still, and I’d imagine that taking pictures in our Worlds’ not so clean seas could result in murkier results. That said, Pentax include an Underwater mode that brings out the blueness of the sea for that added bit of vibrancy. The other point I should make, if you haven’t already noticed from my first picture, is the fact that the WP doesn’t float so be sure to keep that hand strap wrapped around your wrist before you wade in.”
Trusted Reviews have published their review of the new waterproof Pentax OptioWP digital camera. “More seriously, the WP coped very well under water and sub-aqua operation had no deleterious affects. The image quality was actually reasonably sharp and colours where reproduced well, despite the light bending watery environment. Detail is…
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new A3+ printer from the HP, the Photosmart 8750, which was announced at PMA in February.
“For large format printing the HP8750 isn’t what I would call “fast,” taking 13 minutes to make a borderless 13x19” print that the Canon i9900 cranks out in two minutes and forty seconds. Not sure how HP came up with the 3.5 minute figure in their specs as no one is going to print a 13x19” photo using less than “Best” quality. The HP 8750 does produce superior black and white prints over any of the Canon printers due to its photo gray inks. The only other wide carriage printer that does B&W this well is the Epson 2200, which also has a dedicated photo grey (light black) ink cartridge.”
Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart 8750 Review
Steves Digicams have reviewed the new A3+ printer from the HP, the Photosmart 8750, which was announced at PMA in February. “For large format printing the HP8750 isn’t what I would call “fast,” taking 13 minutes to make a borderless 13x19” print that the Canon i9900 cranks out in two…
It might be Staurday today, but that hasn’t stopped Mike Johnston from celebrating the 3rd anniversary of his “Sunday Morning Photographer” with a look at digital black and white using ConvertToBW Pro v.3 from The Imaging Factory.
“There are all sorts of ways to convert a color digital image to B&W. Some cameras have it as a capture option; you can click on “grayscale” in most image-processing programs; and there are various different ways you can do it in Photoshop, such as using Channel Mixer. Then there are a number of freeware, shareware, and commercial applications, several but by no means all of which I’ve tried. This column’s home base is The Luminous Landscape, and thanks to a recent recommendation from Michael Reichmann, the site’s proprietor, called Three Must-Have Photoshop Plug-ins, I got turned on to what I think is a really great one: ConvertToBW Pro v.3.”
Website: The Sunday Morning Photographer: A Digital Black and White Update
It might be Staurday today, but that hasn’t stopped Mike Johnston from celebrating the 3rd anniversary of his “Sunday Morning Photographer” with a look at digital black and white using ConvertToBW Pro v.3 from The Imaging Factory. “There are all sorts of ways to convert a color digital image to…
A new version of Qimage has just been released. Qimage is a software application that is designed to make image printing easy.
New features in Qimage v2005.200 include:
Direct email support: v2005.200 offers the ability to send multiple images via email by opening your email client and preparing a message with the images already attached. Images may be selected by selecting multiple thumbs and right clicking “Send via Email” or by using the “Create email/web copies” function from the queue. See the help on this function for more details.
A new version of Qimage has just been released. Qimage is a software application that is designed to make image printing easy. New features in Qimage v2005.200 include: Direct email support: v2005.200 offers the ability to send multiple images via email by opening your email client and preparing a message…
CNET have just reviewed the 5 megapixel, twistable Pentax Optio X.
“The Pentax Optio X’s stylish appearance and distinctive design will appeal to snapshooters looking for a pocketable conversation piece, but molasses-slow performance, mediocre image quality, and lack of manual controls will turn off both casual and serious photographers looking for high-quality results.”
Website: CNET - Pentax Optio X Review
CNET have just reviewed the 5 megapixel, twistable Pentax Optio X. “The Pentax Optio X’s stylish appearance and distinctive design will appeal to snapshooters looking for a pocketable conversation piece, but molasses-slow performance, mediocre image quality, and lack of manual controls will turn off both casual and serious photographers looking…
NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Esteemed Nature Photographer James Balog
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 1 /PRNewswire/—From the beauty of endangered animals to the destruction of natural disasters, nature has many sides that a photographer can capture. The true legends in this field respect nature’s awesome power while working to share its vast beauty with the rest of the world. It is the secret behind the success of one of the world’s most respected nature photographers, James Balog.
This April, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of esteemed nature photographer James Balog.
“NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of James Balog in this April’s ‘Legends Behind the Lens,’” said Tracy Mack-Jackson, Senior Manager of Internet Development and Programs at Nikon Inc. “For many, Jim has been our eyes in some of the most breathtaking parts of the world, delivering inspiring images and shedding much needed light on many of the issues that affect the globe. His work is truly exceptional.”
NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Esteemed Nature Photographer James Balog MELVILLE, N.Y., April 1 /PRNewswire/—From the beauty of endangered animals to the destruction of natural disasters, nature has many sides that a photographer can capture. The true legends in this field respect nature’s awesome power…
Nikon have announced a number of money-off rebates on their SLR range of cameras, including $100 off the Nikon D70 digital SLR with 18-70mm DX lens. This follows the news that Nikon are set to introduce 2 new DSLRs soon, the Nikon D50 and Nikon D70s. Other rebates include $100 off the F100 film SLR camera and up to $150 off a wide range of lenses.
Website: Nikon USA - SLR Rebate Form
Nikon have announced a number of money-off rebates on their SLR range of cameras, including $100 off the Nikon D70 digital SLR with 18-70mm DX lens. This follows the news that Nikon are set to introduce 2 new DSLRs soon, the Nikon D50 and Nikon D70s. Other rebates include $10…
Adobe Press Release
Adobe Collaborates with IPTC and AdsML To Extend Metadata Standards
XMP ensures metadata content is preserved throughout advertising and creative publishing workflows
SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 31, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced results of its collaboration with the International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) and IDEAlliance with development of a new public specification, IPTC Core Schema for XMP. Exposed through Adobe® Creative Suite software, “custom panels” are now available at www.iptc.org , giving photographers and news services immediate access and compliance with a standard that aims to streamline data capture for images used in news outlets. Additionally, Adobe announced that it is working with the AdsML™ Consortium (Advertising Mark-up Language) and IDEAlliance to implement advertising standards using XMP within advertising workflows.
Adobe Press Release Adobe Collaborates with IPTC and AdsML To Extend Metadata Standards XMP ensures metadata content is preserved throughout advertising and creative publishing workflows SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 31, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced results of its collaboration with the International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC)…
Back in January 2005 Olympus and Panasonic signed a joint development agreement for DSLR cameras. Now Matsushita (who own the Panasonic brand) and Olympus have announced plans to jointly-develop new DSLRs based on the Four Thirds System, which was established back in 2002 by Olympus and Kodak, and present them at the PMA Show in February 2006. Olympus already have two Four-Thirds DLSRs, the E-1 and new E-300 (look out for my review soon…), but this would be the first digital SLR for Panasonic, and more good news for the Four-Thirds standard.
“Matsushita said it planned to develop a digital SLR and sell it under its own brands, which include Panasonic, expanding its product lineup beyond compact models and helping it achieve its goal of having 10 percent of the global digital camera market in two years. “Launching a digital SLR will do much to strengthen our brand in the digital camera market,” Fumio Ohtsubo, senior managing director at Matsushita, told a news conference.”
Website: MSNBC - Matsushita, Olympus to develop digital SLRs
Back in January 2005 Olympus and Panasonic signed a joint development agreement for DSLR cameras. Now Matsushita (who own the Panasonic brand) and Olympus have announced plans to jointly-develop new DSLRs based on the Four Thirds System, which was established back in 2002 by Olympus and Kodak, and present them…
Charging $30 for something that should have been in the original design seems more than a little unreasonable to me, but if you own an iPOD Photo then you’ll naturally be interested in finding out if the new iPod Camera Connector actually works. Playlist have a review for you…
“A question on the minds of many of those with more expensive digital cameras is whether the iPod Camera Connector supports RAW images. The answer is “not exactly.” Although the device will download RAW images to the iPod, those images can’t be displayed on the iPod. In the thumbnail display you’ll see RAW images represented by the word RAW surrounded by a gray circle. When you select one of these images and press the Select button, you see this message: “This photo format cannot be viewed on iPod. Transfer imported photos to your computer and synchronize through iTunes to display them on iPod.” For professional photographers, this limitation may queer the deal.”
Charging $30 for something that should have been in the original design seems more than a little unreasonable to me, but if you own an iPOD Photo then you’ll naturally be interested in finding out if the new iPod Camera Connector actually works. Playlist have a review for you… “A…