News
PCMagazine have published their review of the 4 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15 digicam.
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15 is the 4-megapixel cousin of the 5MP Lumix DMC-FZ20. Though it can’t come close to matching the sharpness of its higher-res stablemate, it still does quite well, and it’s actually a better camera when it comes to shooting action, because it needs 2 seconds less time to recycle between shots.”
PCMagazine have published their review of the 4 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15 digicam. “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15 is the 4-megapixel cousin of the 5MP Lumix DMC-FZ20. Though it can’t come close to matching the sharpness of its higher-res stablemate, it still does quite well, and it’s actually a better camera…
Danish website Akamera.dk have today posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550.
Website: Akamera.dk - Fuji FinePix E550 Review
Danish website Akamera.dk have today posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550. Website: Akamera.dk - Fuji FinePix E550 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Fuji FinePix E550 Write a Review of the Fuji FinePix E550
PCMagazine have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica.
“Larger than most superzooms, Panasonic’s top-of-the-line Lumix DMC-FZ20 is similar in size and look to a digital SLR. It combines very good image quality with top-notch specs and features. It isn’t perfect, but if we could take only one camera with us on vacation, it would be high on our list. With its impressive zoom lens and other capabilities, there are few scenes this camera couldn’t handle with aplomb.”
Website: PCMagazine - Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Review
PCMagazine have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica. “Larger than most superzooms, Panasonic’s top-of-the-line Lumix DMC-FZ20 is similar in size and look to a digital SLR. It combines very good image quality with top-notch specs and features. It isn’t perfect, but…
Futurice Press Release
Photos to Friends A Virtual Sofa for Digital Camera and Phone Camera Owners
Digital camera and phone camera owners alike will be able to enjoy the new ‘Photos to Friends service’
Feb. 11, 2005—Futurice launches Photos to Friends service at 3GSM World Congress on 14 February 2005. The service resembles a virtual sofa where users can watch each others’ photos and chat with friends. It is private photo sharing online; each photo can only be seen by persons you have chosen.
The free service allows sharing of all photos that are in digital format. The easiest way is to use Photos to Friends camera phone applications to upload photos to the web based service. You can choose the persons you want to share the photos with directly from the contact list in the phone using Futurice’s patent pending technology. Digital camera users can upload photos with an Internet browser and later with a PC application. The service has been created based on the results of studies by the University of California at Berkeley, Helsinki Institute for Information Technology and Futurice on people’s true needs in relation to camera phones and photography and the sociological phenomena regarding photo sharing.
Futurice Press Release Photos to Friends A Virtual Sofa for Digital Camera and Phone Camera Owners Digital camera and phone camera owners alike will be able to enjoy the new ‘Photos to Friends service’ Feb. 11, 2005—Futurice launches Photos to Friends service at 3GSM World Congress on 14 February 2005…
PCMagazine have reviewed the Pentax OptioMX4, which is a cross between a digital camera and a camcorder.
“You may not want to try and take the pistol-grip, raygun-shaped Pentax Optio MX4 through airport security. But otherwise it’s a passable, inexpensive 4MP superzoom still camera, and quite a good still/video hybrid as well. If you’re looking primarily for a superzoom that shoots great stills, you can do much better, but if you want one camera that’s also suitable for shooting a lot of video, the MX4 is well worth considering.”
Website: PCMagazine - Pentax OptioMX4 Review
PCMagazine have reviewed the Pentax OptioMX4, which is a cross between a digital camera and a camcorder. “You may not want to try and take the pistol-grip, raygun-shaped Pentax Optio MX4 through airport security. But otherwise it’s a passable, inexpensive 4MP superzoom still camera, and quite a good still/video hybrid…
Photo Tidbits has just published a detailed guide to creating infrared photos with your digital camera - apparently this is a technique best suited to cheaper digicams (found via StillJournal):
“Ironically, digital SLRs (except for the E-10/E-20 by Olympus) do not allow you to use the LCD monitor for picture preview and composition. You have to compose without the filter (using a tripod, of course), then put the filter on and shoot blind. If you have a digital SLR and intend working in infrared, you will be better off getting an inexpensive non-SLR model specifically for infrared. You need a small backup camera anyway.”
Website: Photo Tidbits - Infrared Photography With a Digital Camera
Photo Tidbits has just published a detailed guide to creating infrared photos with your digital camera - apparently this is a technique best suited to cheaper digicams (found via StillJournal): “Ironically, digital SLRs (except for the E-10/E-20 by Olympus) do not allow you to use the LCD monitor for picture…
PMAI have published a detailed 14-page report on the photography industry from a commercial point of view. Well worth reading despite being aimed at the photography manufacturers rather than the Joe Bloggs consumer.
“Although the growth of digital printing has been impressive, the volumes understate the potential of the photoservice market. In fact, the majority of pictures taken with digital cameras do not get printed. More specifically, the number of images kept in digital format in 2004 was 9.4 billion, representing share of 65 percent and is projected to grow to 12.3 billion in 2005. The share of digital images that are not printed is declining as the industry is doing a better job of establishing awareness for services and attracting consumers with custom gifts and other innovations. Note that the numbers below do not include images from cameraphones, PDA’s, or other camera-able devices. The number of images saved in digital format could indeed explode in the next few years, creating opportunities for more photo products and services.”
PMAI have published a detailed 14-page report on the photography industry from a commercial point of view. Well worth reading despite being aimed at the photography manufacturers rather than the Joe Bloggs consumer. “Although the growth of digital printing has been impressive, the volumes understate the potential of the photoservice…
Photoscala have a fascinating interview on the topic of the Four Thirds System with both Olympus and Panasonic, who recently recently signed a joint development agreement with Olympus for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras based on the Four Thirds System standard.
“photoscala: What is Panasonic expecting from this agreement? Where will the company benefit, where will the company bring in?
Michael Langbehn: At first, the joint agreement is a benefit for „Four Thirds“. Both partners bundle their power. With Olympus’ experience with digital SLRs, and Panasonic’s knowledge in digital technology it shall go ahead for the Four Thirds System. Moreover, this alliance is supporting us in our goal to be registered better as a manufacturer of digital cameras, and to achieve a 10 per cent global market share in 2006.”
Website: Photoscala - Interview: Four Thirds on the up and up
Photoscala have a fascinating interview on the topic of the Four Thirds System with both Olympus and Panasonic, who recently recently signed a joint development agreement with Olympus for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras based on the Four Thirds System standard. “photoscala: What is Panasonic expecting from this agreement…
About Photography have a detailed look at taking care of your lenses, from a digital SLR point of view, explaining how best to change them, protect them and clean them.
“I’ve noticed that some photographers have far more trouble with dust on digital sensors than others. In part this seems to be due to camera differences, and in general CMOS sensors have seemed to give fewer problems than CCD devices. This could reflect differences in electrostatic build-up on the two types. How well the mirror physically seals the sensor may also be important, as well as heating effects in different areas of the camera during use which could cause air currents. But even photographers using the same camera model find marked differences, and my hunch is that it may be down to how we change lenses.”
Website: About Photography - Lens Care: Cleaning and Changing Lenses
About Photography have a detailed look at taking care of your lenses, from a digital SLR point of view, explaining how best to change them, protect them and clean them. “I’ve noticed that some photographers have far more trouble with dust on digital sensors than others. In part this seems…
Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann has taken a look at 3 of his favourite Photoshop plugins - Noise Ninja, Convert To B&W Pro and Photokit Sharpener.
“One of the questions that I’m asked most often, both at my seminars, and by e-mail, is – what software tools do I use; particularly for noise reduction and sharpening. And, how do I do my B&W conversions. Over the past several years I have tried many of the programs and plug-ins to come to market, on both Mac and PC platforms. Below are brief looks at the ones that are my current preferred choices. The ones that I use every day, and that I count on when producing my commercial images and fine-art display prints.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Three Must-Have Photoshop Plug-ins
Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann has taken a look at 3 of his favourite Photoshop plugins - Noise Ninja, Convert To B&W Pro and Photokit Sharpener. “One of the questions that I’m asked most often, both at my seminars, and by e-mail, is – what software tools do I use…
DCViews have posted their review of the new, competitively priced Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR.
“The E-300 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 1600. At lower settings images are remarkably noise free. However when you go higher up the scale some noise becomes present and especially at ISO 1600 noise is clearly visible. Obviously the Kodak CCD does not like to be pushed to such high sensitivities, although you should keep in mind that ISO 1600 is only meant for those situations where flash is banned or not appropriate, such as in a church, museum or theatre. For best image results stick to settings between 100 and 400.”
Website: DCViews - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review
DCViews have posted their review of the new, competitively priced Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR. “The E-300 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 1600. At lower settings images are remarkably noise free. However when you go higher up the scale some noise becomes present and especially at ISO 1600 noise is…
Digital Outback Photo have published part 2 of a series of articles by Byron Jorjorian that will interest anyone who is interested in making some money from their photography by selling them as stock images.
“Consider telling your friends and relatives about your ventures. They may know art directors or editors in companies that need the type of images that you produce. Experts say that everyone knows at least 200 people. Those 200 people also know 200 people. That means by contacting the 200 people you know and asking for referrals, you have gained access to more than 40,000 potential photo buyers!! Naturally, they aren’t all clients but you only need a few for your business to begin moving forward.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Marketing Your Images Part 2
Digital Outback Photo have published part 2 of a series of articles by Byron Jorjorian that will interest anyone who is interested in making some money from their photography by selling them as stock images. “Consider telling your friends and relatives about your ventures. They may know art directors or…
DxO Optics Pro 2.2 has been made available by DxO Labs. Optics Pro 2.2 now supports the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera, the new Adobe Digital Negative file format and has a simplified pricing structure.
DxO Labs Press Release
DXO LABS SHIPS DXO OPTICS PRO 2.2 ADDING SUPPORT FOR CANON EOS-1DS MARK II, ADOBE DIGITAL NEGATIVE SUPPORT (DNG) AND A SIMPLIFIED PRICING STRUCTURE
Paris, France, February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, announced today the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest version of DxO Labs’ flagship product for demanding photographers adds:
- Support for the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II.
- Support for the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.
- A simplified pricing structure and even better value. DxO Optics Pro is now offered either in a “Standard” version for expert amateur cameras or “Elite” version for all cameras including professional D-SLRS. DxO Raw Engine is now included in both versions.
DxO Optics Pro 2.2 has been made available by DxO Labs. Optics Pro 2.2 now supports the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera, the new Adobe Digital Negative file format and has a simplified pricing structure. DxO Labs Press Release DXO LABS SHIPS DXO OPTICS PRO 2.2 ADDING…
DxO Labs has introduced DxO Lighting and DxO Noise technologies, adding to its range of image enhancement software. Photos enhanced with DxO Lighting more accurately reflect the reality of the scene, whilst images corrected by DxO Noise will need up to 4 times less light to deliver identical image quality.
DxO Labs Press Release
Leading imaging software company DxO Labs adds two major technology components to its DxO Technology Foundations
Paris, France - February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software company developing image generation and image enhancement technologies, announces that it has added two major technology components to its DxO Technology Foundations: DxO Lighting and DxO Noise.
“Our mission at DxO Labs is to transfer the latest results in applied mathematics academic research to technologies and solutions for our customers,” comments Frederic Guichard, DxO Labs Chief Scientist. “DxO Lighting and DxO Noise are good examples of our academic partnerships – both are based on recent academic breakthroughs which have been very quickly adapted to real life challenges to serve the imaging community.”
“The DxO Technology Foundations are at the heart of all our imaging solutions,” adds Jerome Meniere, CEO of DxO Labs. “As a result, DxO Lighting and DxO Noise will soon be integrated in all our products and solutions – for digital camera and cameraphone vendors, mobile operators, as well as demanding photographers.”
DxO Labs has introduced DxO Lighting and DxO Noise technologies, adding to its range of image enhancement software. Photos enhanced with DxO Lighting more accurately reflect the reality of the scene, whilst images corrected by DxO Noise will need up to 4 times less light to deliver identical image quality…
DxO Labs Press Release
Announcing DxO Mobile Embedded Edition availability on Texas Instruments OMAP media processor for cameraphones
Digital camera image quality now available to mainstream cameraphones
Paris, France - February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software company developing image generation and enhancement technologies, announces that its award-winning DxO image quality enhancement technology is now available on Texas Instruments OMAP-DM275 imaging processor targeted at cameraphone vendors.
DxO Mobile Embedded Edition for cameraphones will be demonstrated at the 3GSM World Congress 2005, achieving a quantum leap in mobile imaging quality. Cameraphones powered by DxO Mobile Embedded Edition will deliver images of the same quality as today’s digital still cameras (DSCs). Cameraphone vendors can now easily design products that meet consumer expectations for superior image quality, all within existing project parameters.
“Both customers and prospects have expressed significant interest in TI’s OMAP-DM275 imaging processor for use in cameraphones,” said Jorge Salhuana, Business Manager, Texas Instruments, Camera Phone Business Unit. “We believe the incorporation of DxO Labs’ innovative technology will make an even more compelling value proposition for cameraphone manufacturers seeking to deliver greater image quality in mass market consumer electronics products.”
DxO Labs Press Release Announcing DxO Mobile Embedded Edition availability on Texas Instruments OMAP media processor for cameraphones Digital camera image quality now available to mainstream cameraphones Paris, France - February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software company developing image generation and enhancement technologies, announces that its award-winning DxO…
DxO Labs Press Release
DXO LABS APPOINTS FORMER NOKIA EXECUTIVE LAURENT SAMAMA TO HEAD ITS MOBILE IMAGING BUSINESS
Paris, France, February 10, 2005 – DxO Labs, a software company focused on research in digital imaging, announces that Laurent Samama has joined the management team of the company as Vice President, Mobile Imaging.
“In this position, Laurent will be in charge of DxO Labs’ business with the mobile industry at large, including mobile network operators and cameraphone vendors,” says Jerome Meniere, founder and CEO of DxO Labs. “Mobile imaging is a considerable growth opportunity for DxO Labs and his 15 years of international management experience in this industry is a real asset for us.”
Before joining DxO Labs, Laurent spent 10 years with Nokia where he held various senior management positions. As managing director of Nokia France, he significantly increased the company’s business and presence in this country. He later relocated to the Silicon Valley to head one of the company’s global business units delivering end-to-end mobile business solutions. Through strategic partnerships with the IT industry, he also developed new markets globally, particularly mobile banking.
DxO Labs Press Release DXO LABS APPOINTS FORMER NOKIA EXECUTIVE LAURENT SAMAMA TO HEAD ITS MOBILE IMAGING BUSINESS Paris, France, February 10, 2005 – DxO Labs, a software company focused on research in digital imaging, announces that Laurent Samama has joined the management team of the company as Vice President…
ProFotoSoftware Press Release
ProFotoSoftware have today issued V1.6 of PFS Image Darkroom, their Canon EOS Raw Image conversion software for Windows.
This new version adds image Cropping to the post conversion processing tools and Click White Balance to the Raw Conversion settings as well as numerous usability enhancements.
These new features provide PFS Image Darkroom the ability to be a true one stop shop when it comes to preparing EOS Raw Images for printing, publication and display on the Internet.
ProFotoSoftware Press Release ProFotoSoftware have today issued V1.6 of PFS Image Darkroom, their Canon EOS Raw Image conversion software for Windows. This new version adds image Cropping to the post conversion processing tools and Click White Balance to the Raw Conversion settings as well as numerous usability enhancements. These new…
The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 has just been reviewed by BIOS Magazine. Tthe Stylus Photo RX620 is an all-in-one inkjet multifunction printer featuring a 2400X4800 dpi flatbed scanner, 2.5 inch preview monitor, integrated memory card reader, 6 individual ink cartridges and up 5760dpi print resolution. The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 can also back up data directly from CD-R/Zip drives via its USB port. The RX620 will cost £199 RRP inc VAT.
“Epson’s Photo RX620 (456x439x299mm, 10kg) is a robust and high performing all-in-one photo centre for photo enthusiasts. Placing the emphasis on high resolution printing and scanning, the Stylus Photo RX620 all-in-one offers a complete solution for home photo users working from both digital and analogue photo sources, but will be especially appreciated by those who have a portfolio of film-based images. It’s not the fastest printer on the block, but its results are definitely worth the wait. The Stylus Photo RX620 is an outstanding value-for-money offering for discerning photographers.”
Website: BIOS Magazine - Epson Stylus Photo RX620 Review
The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 has just been reviewed by BIOS Magazine. Tthe Stylus Photo RX620 is an all-in-one inkjet multifunction printer featuring a 2400X4800 dpi flatbed scanner, 2.5 inch preview monitor, integrated memory card reader, 6 individual ink cartridges and up 5760dpi print resolution. The Epson Stylus Photo RX62…
Yahoo News have posted a review of the Olympus m:robe MR-500i photo viewer/MP3 player, which also has a built-in 1.2 megapixel digital camera.
“As I aimed the 500i, a jostling and sluggish image previewed on the LCD screen. I trusted the unit’s brains to focus this as I tapped on the screen to snap the shot, but what I got wasn’t much better than the preview — too blurry, and of little use. A letdown, considering that this gadget comes from Olympus, a company that made its name on optics and imaging and whose digital cameras are often top-rated. “
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Yahoo News have posted a review of the Olympus m:robe MR-500i photo viewer/MP3 player, which also has a built-in 1.2 megapixel digital camera. “As I aimed the 500i, a jostling and sluggish image previewed on the LCD screen. I trusted the unit’s brains to focus this as I tapped on…
The winners of the January 2004 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for January was “Red” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 3 winners:
1st Place
“Red Reflections” by gaja
View this entry
Prize: 1 copy of Digital Photography Hacks by Derrick Story.
Kindly donated by O’Reilly.
http://www.oreilly.com
2nd Place
“New York City” by Bellavance
View this entry
Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com
3rd Place
“red—” by Dax Carand
View this entry
Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro Pack
Kindly donated by Powerretouche.
http://powerretouche.com
Congratulations to the 3 winners and thanks to everyone who took part!
The February 2005 Competition is now open for entries. This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit one photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets February’s theme, which is “The Countryside”.
The winners of the January 2004 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for January was “Red” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 3 winners: 1st Place “Red Reflections” by gaja View this entry Prize: 1 copy of Digital Photography Hacks…