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Konica Minolta USA Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA ANNOUNCES CONSUMER MAIL-IN REBATES
Rebates available for DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 and Maxxum 7D digital cameras
Mahwah, NJ (March 28, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces new consumer mail-in rebates for the purchase of a DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 or Maxxum 7D digital camera. Available now until June 30, 2005, consumers that purchase a Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 digital camera are eligible for a $50 rebate. In addition, consumers that purchase a DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 together with a qualifying Epson printer are eligible for an additional rebate from Epson (total up to $100 in rebates from Konica Minolta and Epson). There is also a $200 mail-in rebate available for consumers who purchase a new Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera.
“These new consumer rebates put the power of digital photography within everyone’s reach,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Whether a consumer is making their first digital camera purchase, or they’re upgrading to the top-of-the-line digital SLR, there’s a rebate available to make their purchasing decision much easier.”
Konica Minolta USA Press Release KONICA MINOLTA ANNOUNCES CONSUMER MAIL-IN REBATES Rebates available for DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 and Maxxum 7D digital cameras Mahwah, NJ (March 28, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces new consumer mail-in rebates for the purchase of a DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 or…
Do you want to calibrate your monitor, but are unsure of exactly which product to choose? Digital Outback Photo have published a very useful overview of ten of the major contenders, including the recently-announced Spyder2 Pro (pictured).
“The ColorVision Spyder2 bears little resemblance to the original Spyder. That is a good thing. The tonality and accuracy of shadow colors is excellent. Grayscale accuracy is, overall, exceptional. The exception was on some laptop monitors. The Dell UltraSharp was one example. Here the Spyder2 was good but not outstanding. A strength of ColorVision has always been their feature-laden software. This still holds for the new offering. The Spyder2Pro software is flexible and powerful with most of the features I deem essential. One exception is not calibrating to the native gamma for CRT screens, but a draw your own gamma curve gives even more power.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Hardware Monitor Calibration systems: which ones to buy and use?
Do you want to calibrate your monitor, but are unsure of exactly which product to choose? Digital Outback Photo have published a very useful overview of ten of the major contenders, including the recently-announced Spyder2 Pro (pictured). “The ColorVision Spyder2 bears little resemblance to the original Spyder. That is a…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS-1D Mark II Review
The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II DSLR. Website: Quesabesde - Canon EOS-1D Mark II Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS-1D Mark II Write a Review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Olympus have released a new firmware update for their 8 megapixel E-300 / Evolt DSLR camera. Version 1.2 includes the following changes:
SHADING COMPENSATION
In some cases, the edges of the image may be shadowed due to the properties of the lens. The SHADING compensation function compensates by in increasing brightness at the dark edge of the image. Especially when the Wide-angle lens is used, this function is able to work effectively.
ANTI-SHOCK
This diminishes camera shake caused by vibrations when the mirror moves. You can select the interval from the time the mirror is raised until the shutter is released.
RELEASE PRIORITY S
In the S-AF mode, you can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity.
RELEASE PRIORITY C
In the C-AF mode, You can release the shutter button and take a picture without waiting until focusing and flash charge are finished. This function is useful when you need to take advantage of a shutter release opportunity. When RELEASE PRIORITY C is set to ON, Predictive AF is not available.
Olympus have released a new firmware update for their 8 megapixel E-300 / Evolt DSLR camera. Version 1.2 includes the following changes: SHADING COMPENSATION In some cases, the edges of the image may be shadowed due to the properties of the lens. The SHADING compensation function compensates by in increasing…
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows you to download digital photos and movies onto its 40Gb hard-drive and then view them on its 3.8 inch colour LCD screen. The Epson P-2000 has built-in card slots for Compact Flash and SD memory cards. The Epson P2000 will be of particular interest to digital SLR camera users as it can show a preview of some RAW file formats as well as JPEGs. You can connect the P-2000 directly to a PC or TV and it will even print directly onto compatible Epson printers. In addition the Epson P2000 can play digital music in the form of MP3 and AAC files. So can the Epson P-2000 do all of the things that it claims and do them well? Carry on reading to discover the answer.
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows you to download digital photos and movies onto its 40Gb hard-drive and then view them on its 3.8 inch colour LCD screen. The Epson P-2000 has built-in card slots for Compact Flash and SD memory cards. The Epson P2000 will be of particular…
DIWA member Steves Digicams 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.
“The EX-P505’s ergonomics are good and you won’t believe how small it is until you actually hold one in the palm of your hand. The controls are well placed and functional, and thanks to the large “barrel” lens, it feels comfortable in your hands and because of its size and weight, you’ll find it easy to hold with just one hand. the menu system was easy to access and navigate, and we like the ability to quickly change settings via the EX button on the side of the lens. This allowed for quick changes to White Balance, ISO, Metering and AF Area. Note that the EX-P505 does not have an optical viewfinder, all framing is done on the color LCD.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams 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. “The EX-P505’s ergonomics are good and you won’t believe how small it is until you…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a double review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 and A510 digital cameras.
Website: Index Digicam - Canon PowerShot A520 / A510 Review
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a double review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 and A510 digital cameras. Website: Index Digicam - Canon PowerShot A520 / A510 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot A520 Write a Review of the Canon PowerShot A520
Photo-i have just finished their interactive review of the brand new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the UK for £399.99 inc Vat and $549.99 in the USA.
“As a professional photographer with over 30 years experience and exhibited at many venues, I can say that the print I produced this afternoon is better than anything I have ever done in the darkroom. The print has sharpness, great colour saturation and all the qualities that I would expect from a wet chemistry photograph, let alone a digital print. It is stunning. Any photographer who questions the quality or merit of a digital print compared to a wet chemistry print need only look at the output from the R1800.”
Website: Photo-i - Epson R1800 Printer Review
Photo-i have just finished their interactive review of the brand new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus…
CNET have posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1, a rangefinder-like digital camera which is exactly the same as the Leica Digilux 2 in terms of camera design.
” The 5-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 is the somewhat cheaper (by roughly $250) sister to Leica’s Digilux 2. The LC1’s appearance and exterior finish are slightly different than the Leica’s, but the two cameras share the same extensive feature set; decent performance, and unique, efficient, analog-inspired design. But despite its somewhat lower price, the Lumix LC1, as with the Digilux 2, will have a tough time competing with cheaper digital SLR alternatives for the enthusiast’s dollar.”
CNET have posted a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1, a rangefinder-like digital camera which is exactly the same as the Leica Digilux 2 in terms of camera design. ” The 5-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 is the somewhat cheaper (by roughly $250) sister to Leica’s Digilux 2. The LC1’s appearance…
CNET have just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F440 Zoom.
“Picture quality was less than thrilling and not as sharp as most of the recent 4-megapixel crop. While exposures were generally good with sufficient detail in the shadows, highlights tended to wash out, and noise was apparent even at ISO 80. By ISO 250, multicolored noise speckles were prominent enough to provide a texture of their own to most pictures. The Fujifilm FinePix F440’s red-eye mode seemed to produce little more than an impressive preflash light show but very little in the way of red-eye reduction.”
Website: CNET - Fujifilm FinePix F440 Zoom Review
CNET have just reviewed the compact 4.1 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F440 Zoom. “Picture quality was less than thrilling and not as sharp as most of the recent 4-megapixel crop. While exposures were generally good with sufficient detail in the shadows, highlights tended to wash out, and noise was apparent even…
CNET have just reviewed the new 3 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-S100.
“Image quality was fair to good. Most of our test shots weren’t extraordinarily sharp, and there was visible noise even at ISO 50, rising to abundant at ISO 400. Chromatic aberration also reared its ugly head, with purple fringing quite evident around backlit subjects. Colors were good, if a little muted, although highlights were easily washed out. The red-eye-prevention preflash seemed to have little effect.”
Website: CNET - Casio EXILIM Card EX-S100 Review
Website: Read my Casio Exilim Card EX-S100 Review
CNET have just reviewed the new 3 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-S100. “Image quality was fair to good. Most of our test shots weren’t extraordinarily sharp, and there was visible noise even at ISO 50, rising to abundant at ISO 400. Chromatic aberration also reared its ugly head, with purple…
CNET have just published their review of the 5 megapixel Leica Digilux 2.
“Enter Leica and its 5-megapixel, 3.2X zoom Digilux 2, which boasts all of those Stone Age controls. It thereby outclasses nearly every other consumer digital model, but alas, it ends up falling far short of being the old-school enthusiast’s dream digital camera. Plus, it costs as much as a higher-resolution, entry-level digital SLR with a couple of lenses, which will rightly be a tempting alternative for many. If you’re willing to give up that swanky, red Leica badge, you can find the nearly identical Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 for about $250 less.”
Website: CNET - Leica Digilux 2 Review
CNET have just published their review of the 5 megapixel Leica Digilux 2. “Enter Leica and its 5-megapixel, 3.2X zoom Digilux 2, which boasts all of those Stone Age controls. It thereby outclasses nearly every other consumer digital model, but alas, it ends up falling far short of being the…
PhotographyBLOG was offline from approx 6pm last night to 12 midday today (GMT) due to a server error. Please accept my apologies for this temporary loss of service - everything is up and running again now.
PhotographyBLOG was offline from approx 6pm last night to 12 midday today (GMT) due to a server error. Please accept my apologies for this temporary loss of service - everything is up and running again now.
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their initial impressions of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR camera.
“It Many of the feature advancements and innovations on the EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera are inherited from its EOS 20D “prosumer big brother.” Both cameras employ a Canon 8-megapixel, high resolution color CMOS image sensor, and provide the same effective angle of view, equivalent to 1.6 x the normal EF lens focal length. The consumer looking only at the fact that they are both 8-megapixel SLRs might not easily see the real differences between these two cameras. The 20D offers faster continuous shooting (5 frames-per-second (fps) vs. 3 fps) with a larger burst capability (23 frames vs. 14), more custom settings (18 vs. 9) and a rugged magnesium body. The Rebel XT was created for those migrating to digital that don’t want to lose the power or flexibility of a SLR system, but can’t justify the $600 higher price of the EOS 20D.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT First Look
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their initial impressions of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR camera. “It Many of the feature advancements and innovations on the EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera are inherited from its EOS 20D “prosumer big brother.” Both cameras employ…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PIXMA MP760 Multifunction Photo Centre, a new multifunctional printer which includes a Film Adapter Unit for 35mm film scanning, plus a a 2.5 inch colour LCD screen.
“As I said when we reviewed the Canon iP4000 (which also uses the ContrastPLUS 5-color ink system)—many people will wonder why there is a need for 6- or 8-color photo printers. Unless you are a real perfectionist or just someone who has to have “the best of the best of the best,” I feel that most consumers will be more than pleased by the MP-760’s print quality and colors. The vast majority of photo prints made today are 4 x 6” (aka Jumbo) prints and I defy most people to tell me the difference between one made by the MP-760 and another printed on the 8-color i9900. Even the borderless 8.5 x 11” prints I made on Canon Photo Paper Pro looked simply amazing.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Canon PIXMA MP760 Multifunction Photo Centre, a new multifunctional printer which includes a Film Adapter Unit for 35mm film scanning, plus a a 2.5 inch colour LCD screen. “As I said when we reviewed the Canon iP4000 (which also uses the ContrastPLUS 5-color…
ePhotoZine have published their review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM lens.
“With modern computer-aided design and manufacturing practices, complete dogs are becoming rare, but as this lens is aimed at professionals and high-end amateurs we expect the very. In our tests we found the contrast throughout the zoom range is consistently good and it’s virtually as sharp wide open as it is stopped down two or three apertures.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM Lens Review
ePhotoZine have published their review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO IF HSM lens. “With modern computer-aided design and manufacturing practices, complete dogs are becoming rare, but as this lens is aimed at professionals and high-end amateurs we expect the very. In our tests we found the contrast throughout…
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February.
Website: e-fotografija - Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5600 that was announced at PMA in February. Website: e-fotografija - Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 5600 Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 5600
DPReview have just posted their review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.
“In an increasingly crowded ‘super zoom’ market the DiMAGE Z5 offers a combination of features only matched by Panasonic’s FZ5 and FZ20 models. It’s fast and easy to use, offers reliable exposure and focus (save for some hunting at the long end of the zoom) and is excellent value for money. The image quality is by no means class-leading, but the saturated colors and generally good detail make for lovely prints at up to around 8x10 inches, though virtually all shots benefit from a little post-processing.”
Website: DPReview - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review
DPReview have just posted their review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. “In an increasingly crowded ‘super zoom’ market the DiMAGE Z5 offers a combination of features only matched by Panasonic’s FZ5 and FZ20 models. It’s fast and easy to use, offers reliable exposure and focus (save for…
DIWA member and Norwegian website digIT.no have just posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.
Website: digIT.no - FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Review
DIWA member and Norwegian website digIT.no have just posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR. Website: digIT.no - FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Review Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Write a Review of the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
DigitalCameraInfo 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.
“The Panasonic DMC-FZ5 makes some marked improvements over the earlier Lumix FZ3. The most notable is the larger 1/2.5-inch CCD with 5 effective megapixels and a Venus Engine imaging processor. The FZ5 still keeps the best features from its little sibling: the Leica 12x optical zoom lens, two modes of image stabilization, a full range of automatic and manual modes, and the same body size and shape. The FZ5 includes a lithium ion battery with a charger, a lens hood, a full suite of software, and other accessories. There are a few drawbacks, such as the small 1.8-inch LCD and loud zooming function, but Panasonic keeps this digital camera in consideration with a $499 retail price tag and flashy features like flip animation and sleep mode.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 Review
DigitalCameraInfo 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. “The Panasonic DMC-FZ5 makes some marked improvements over the earlier Lumix FZ3. The most notable…