DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Review

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DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have reviewed the Olympus MJU DIGITAL 500 digital camera.

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Olympus MJU DIGITAL 500 Review

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Sanyo Xacti VPC-S5 is announced. The Sanyo VPC-S5 has 5.1 megapixels, 1.8 inch LCD screen and a 2.8 optical zoom lens from Olympus. The originally recorded 5.1 megapixels can be converted to the equivalent of 10 megapixels on the Sanyo Xacti VPC-S5. USB-connectivity to a PictBridge-compatible printer and a variety of automatic modes are also offered by the VPC-S5. Price and availability to be announced.

Website: Sanyo Xacti VPC-S5

Cameratown have today reviewed the entyr-level HP Photosmart M407, a 4 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom, 1.8 inch LCD screen and the usual HP emphasis on ease-of-use.

“With a suggested selling price of $199, the M407 is fairly inexpensive, but not necessarily a bargain. Consider the Canon Powershot A85, one of last year’s hottest models. With its recent price reduction to $199, the Powershot A85 offers better image quality, and a few more manual control options when compared to the M407. The final decision is, of course, yours. The HP takes decent pictures, is simple to use, and isn’t as “chunky” as some of the other cameras in this price range (including the Canon Powershot A85).”

Website: Cameratown - HP Photosmart M407 Review

Website: Read my HP Photosmart M407 Review

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The-Digital-Picture.com have posted their review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II DSLR.

“Of highest importance is image quality - I am also not disappointed in any way in this regard. I didn’t find anything sacrificed in image quality to get the large 16.6 megapixel image. The sensor and the related software deliver the excellent image quality I expect from Canon Digital SLRs. Dynamic range is very good (non-officially rated at 9.5 f-stops), colors look natural. Auto white balance is very good (I am using it more often than ever). “

Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review

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DIWA Press Release

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:

Canon EOS 20D : DIWA Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Digital System Camera”

DIWA Press Release

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:

Olympus CAMEDIA C-8080: DIWA Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Advanced Digital Camera”

DIWA Press Release

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:

HP Photosmart R707 : Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Digital Amateur Camera”

Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, Nikon COOLPIX 8800 and Canon Digital IXUS 40 are the latest DIWA Gold Award winners.

DIWA Press Releases

DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. The gold medal represents the highest level of performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

With the Dynax 7D, Konica Minolta makes their debut into the fast growing market of digital system cameras. Founded on a long history as high quality camera and optical manufacturers, the high performance Konica Minolta Dynax 7D comes as no surprise. 

It continues the legacy of the highly successful and reputed analogue Dynax SLR cameras, with distinct design resemblance to make the conversion from film to digital as smooth as possible for any experienced Dynax enthusiast. Supporting the full range of existing AF lenses, the Dynax 7D also eases the financial aspect.

Olympus E-300, Olympus µ-mini [mju:] DIGITAL and the Nikon COOLPIX 8400 are the latest DIWA Silver Award winners.

DIWA Press Releases

Olympus E-300 achieves DIWA Silver Award

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Silver Award to Olympus E-300 D-SLR. The camera, a high resolution entry-level priced E-System D-SLR, received very high scores for its system features and overall handling from a number of reviews made by DIWA members throughout the world, rating the Olympus E-300 to win a DIWA Silver Award.

The Olympus E-300 is the second D-SLR camera based on the FourThirds Standard and delivers a high resolution of 8 Megapixels. Like its professional brother, the Olympus E-1, the E-300 incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that prevents dust and other foreign particles to ruin the captured image. This is just one of many features distinguishing the E-300 from its rivals, another being its unique appearance in an ultra-compact body. The silver medal represents recognition of high overall performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

ProFotoSoftware Press Release

London, UK 12th March 2005

ProFotoSoftware have today released v1.62 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS RAW converter for Windows (98SE or better).

This release adds a Highlight/Shadow recovery filter and Gray Grad filters to the post raw development options, as well as user interface enhancements.

PFS Image Darkroom provides full control of the Raw Development settings, batch processing of images and high quality post processing options which can reduce or even eliminate the need for further image editing.

PFS Image Darkroom remains fully usable during Raw Processing, improving workflow by eliminating frustrating delays.

Samsung Press Release

HANNOVER, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 11, 2005—Samsung Electronics today held its European unveiling of a breathtaking array of new information, display, and telecommunications products at CeBIT 2005. The world’s largest PDP, LCD and DLP TVs are just the astounding range of technologies on display, highlighting Samsung’s 2005 portfolio of design-led, innovative products.

Samsung will be showcasing 30 innovative products and live demonstrations of DVB-H, S-DMB and T-DMB. Of the 30 phones that are being displayed, 20 new products, including the SGH-Z700 3 megapixel 3G phone, will be unveiled exclusively during CeBIT. After introducing three new 3G phones at 3 GSM World Congress in Cannes this past February, Samsung will expand its 3G portfolio with the introductions of three new 3G phones at CeBIT.

Shuttertalk have reviewed the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens.

“In our opinion, the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX DC is one of the best consumer/prosumer wide-angle zoom lenses we’ve used. While the price is a little higher than some lenses in this category, the constant – and usable! – f/2.8 aperture makes the lens a real winner in terms of value. While it would have been nice to have a HSM motor and a depth of field scale, the missing elements do not detract from its otherwise strong performance. If you are considering a wide-angle “digital lens,” do consider giving the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 a try.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Lens Review

Pixmantec RawShooter essentials is updated today. Pixmantec RawShooter essentials is a free RAW convertor. Version 1.1 of Pixmantec RawShooter essentials adds support for the Canon EOS Rebel XT / 350D digital SLR camera.

Pixmantec Press Release

Pixmantec RawShooter essentials 2005 Update (v.1.1) - Including Support for Canon EOS Rebel XT/350D

Copenhagen, March 11th 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the update of the FREE download RAW Workflow management tool RawShooter essentials 2005 (v.1.1). Central to the release is the support of RAW files from the recently released Canon EOS Rebel XT/350D. Pixmantec are dedicated to providing timely support for all new DSLRs from the major manufacturers and the early support for the much awaited Rebel XT/350D clearly demonstrates their commitment. Additional functionality provided by the update includes support for the Windows 2000 operating system in addition to general enhancements to workflow, quality and hardware compatibility.

Since its release at PMA on February 20th 2005, RawShooter essentials 2005 has seen an unprecedented number of downloads. User feedback has been extremely positive with the majority of users supporting the claim that the software produces the best quality output on the market today.

“How to Establish a Personal Photographic Style” for a Specific Image with both Film and Digital Capture” is the ninth part of Alain Briot’s Aesthetics and Photography series over on Luminous Landscape:

“While visiting a street art show last year I was amazed at how many of the exhibiting photographers had merely copied the styles of famous photographers. I surmise they had done so in order to give a unique “quality” to their work and, perhaps, to allow them to stand out among the many other photographers who exhibit at art fairs. Among them I found several “Ansel Adams,” several “David Muench,” and at least one “Jerry Uelsmann.” The show being held in the Southwest there was a large number of landscape photographs on display. But if the subject had been portraiture, wildlife, travel photography or other mainstay photographic subject I believe I would have found a similar attitude in regards to other famous photographers. I do understand that this approach is legitimate from a legal perspective. After all these artists all create original works of art and do not sell copies of images created by the originator of the style they emulate. However, it is difficult (if not impossible) for me to remember these artists for anything but a pale copy of the masters they copy.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - How to Establish a Personal Photographic Style

Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH.

“Good image quality and user-friendly design are synonymous with the ELPH name, and are the reasons why the line is so popular with a wide range of consumers. Extending the brand name’s excellent reputation in the film world, members of the digital ELPH series have always impressed me with their quality and versatility. The Canon SD20 updates last year’s SD10 model, with higher resolution and a minor revamp of the feature set. It retains the SD10’s ultra-sleek styling and subcompact size, but there are tradeoffs, such as a fixed focal length lens (no zoom), shorter battery life, and no optical viewfinder.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH Review

DCResource have published a double review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 and A510 digital cameras.

“First, the good news. Despite being smaller than their predecessors, the A510 and A520 offer a bigger zoom lens. Where most cameras have 3X zoom lenses, the A-series models offer a 4X zoom. Not satisfied with that? The cameras support wide-angle, telephoto, and close-up conversion lenses. A new optional feature on these models is an external slave flash, which attaches to the side of the camera. For people who take a lot of flash shots, this may be worth the $100 price. While the A-series cameras offer a new “zoom flash” feature, that doesn’t necessarily translate into better flash range. It does, however, focus the light on the subject while you’re shooting at the telephoto end of the lens.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot A520 / A510 Review

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DCResource have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 digital camera.

” The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33, like its predecessor, is best suited for outdoor photos, where it does a very good job. Indoor photos will leave much to be desired, thanks to a weak flash, lots of redeye, and an LCD which is too dark to see in those conditions. The T33 is a very stylish, ultra-thin metal camera that will attract attention wherever it goes. The design changes since the T1 are for the better: no more sliding door on the front, and the LCD is now much more usable outdoors. Like with the T1, you need to keep an eye on your fingers, as they can easily block the lens, flash, or microphone.”

Website: DCResource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 Review

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DCResource have just posted their review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

“The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 doesn’t really break any new ground when compared to its predecessor, the DiMAGE Z3. While an extra megapixel of resolution is always nice, the more useful new features include a larger LCD display and improved battery life. Something that changed for the worse is the shutter speed range. While the Z3 could keep the shutter open for as long as 15 seconds, the Z5 limits you to 4 seconds. There are other areas that weren’t touched at all, namely low light focusing and image softness, both of which are issues on this camera.”

Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

DCViews have just reviewed the SmartDisk FlashTrax portable storage device.

“After working with the SmartDisk FlashTrax for some time we have to admit that it really is a very comfortable unit to use. If you regularly take lots of images and need a portable storage medium, the FlashTrax could be just the thing for you. Copying memory cards or transferring images to a computer is very easy indeed and requires no technical knowledge at all. FlashTrax allows you to store, view and play all sorts of media files, all in one palm-sized portable device. The fact that it doubles up as a (desktop) MP3 player and provides you with entertaining music while you are working on your photo files, makes this device even more attractive.”

Website: DCViews - SmartDisk FlashTrax Review