Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional - a new higher-speed version of the incredibly popular Velvia 50 colour transparency film from Fujifilm. First announced last year, Fujifilm will be showcasing Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional at the PMA Show in Orlando next week.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES FUJICHROME VELVIA 100 PROFESSIONAL

Successor to Velvia 50 Offers Higher Speed and Finer Grain

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is introducing new Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional color transparency film at the PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL. Velvia 100 employs new technologies to deliver finer grain and twice the speed while offering the color saturation and palette that have made Velvia 50 the film of choice for leading landscape and nature photographers.

“Fujichrome Velvia 50 was the first high color saturation, high contrast transparency E-6 compatible film when it was introduced in 1990, and it has been a favorite among photographers ever since,” said Steve Herstatt, Marketing Director, Professional Film, Imaging Group, Fujifilm USA. “In new Velvia 100, using its vast emulsion experience and knowledge, Fujifilm has applied updated technology to develop an improved product that is truly a worthy successor to the original. The new generation Velvia 100 not only will appeal to photographers demanding the color saturation standard that Velvia 50 created, but will also provide state of the art technology that fits in perfectly with the complete Fujichrome Professional line.”

Fujicolor True Definition 400 35mm Film has been announced by Fujifilm, featuring Fujifilm’s New Fine-Color Film Technology, which provides natural skin tones, wide latitude, soft gradation and high speed. Available from March in a 3x 24 exposure pack.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES FUJICOLOR TRUE DEFINITION 400 FILM

New Premium 35mm Film Delivers Enhanced Performance

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is introducing new Fujicolor True Definition 400 35mm film at the PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL. True Definition 400 is a premium ISO 400 35mm color print film featuring Fujifilm’s New Fine-Color Film Technology that delivers extremely accurate color and skin tone reproduction, wide exposure latitude and precise detail for exceptional prints.

“Our research indicates that, despite the growth of digital imaging, there are many consumers who are devoted to the convenience and quality of film,” said Jim Riekert, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Film and Optical Cameras, Photo Capture Division, Fujifilm USA. “These consumers know that they can enjoy the benefits of both film and digital imaging by outputting their photos as prints as well as to a CD and they are looking for the highest image quality. Fujifilm’s True Definition 400 film is designed to meet their needs.”

Fujifilm introduce Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type II, a new silver halide colour paper for digital photo labs. Crystal Archive Type II replaces the popular Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type One, making improvements such as more vivid color reproduction and brilliant whites.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES FUJICOLOR CRYSTAL ARCHIVE PAPER TYPE II

More Vivid Color Reproduction, More Brilliant Whites, Improved Highlight Detail and Image Stability

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of imaging products and services, will debut the newest evolution in its renowned and trusted Crystal Archive Paper brand at the PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL with the introduction of Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type II.

This new RA-4 silver halide color paper is designed to produce high-quality color prints, optimized for digital printers. In addition to the many superb features of the predecessor—Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type One, Fujicolor Crystal Archive Type II incorporates a new silver halide emulsion technology, coupler technology and layer design technology to deliver enhanced color reproduction, white purity, image stability and processing tolerance. When used in conjunction with the newly developed Frontier 550/570 Digital Lab System, it allows for Prints in Minutes performance—super-fast processing, which results in a dramatic improvement in productivity.

Fujifilm US Press Release

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is exhibiting a broad range of imaging technologies and products at PMA 2005 under the banner, “Fujifilm. Leading Imaging Solutions”. Even as technology and the marketplace evolve, Fujifilm is continuing to lead the industry in providing advanced imaging solutions along the capture - store - print - share continuum.

“For more than 70 years Fujifilm has consistently researched and introduced advances in its technology to deliver excellent quality imaging products and great services for all of our customers,” said Atsushi Yoneda, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. “Even as the photo-imaging industry redefines itself in digital terms, the imaging know-how we’ve amassed can be seen in our latest products and solutions. As a result, we remain a reliable brand, a premier manufacturer, a valued supplier and in this complex market - a sought-after business partner.”

At PMA 2005, Fujifilm will unveil new digital cameras, new 35mm film and film cameras and the latest advances in printing solutions - all underscoring the company’s commitment to providing the best solutions to its customers.

Toshiba/Sandisk Press Release

TOSHIBA AND SANDISK DEVELOP 8-GIGABIT NAND FLASH MEMORY CHIP WITH 70NM PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

Sunnyvale, CA, February 7, 2005 – Toshiba Corporation and SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced an 8-gigabit (Gb) NAND flash memory chip fabricated with 70-nanometer (nm) process technology that ushers in the new era of gigabyte chips: 1-gigabyte data storage capacity on a single chip. The new chip was today reported at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) 2005 in San Francisco.

The new NAND flash memory utilizes multi-level cell (MLC) technology that allows two bits of data to be stored in one memory cell, doubling memory capacity. Innovative circuit design techniques were utilized to improve chip area efficiency resulting in an 8Gb chip size that is less than 5 percent larger than the previous generation 4Gb chip on 90 nanometer. At 146 square millimeters, the 8Gb chip has an areal density of 6 billion bits or 3 billion transistors per square centimeter (20 billion transistors per square inch of silicon).

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1 are both announced ahead of PMA 2005. Both the DMC-LZ2 and DMC-LZ1 feature 6x optical zoom lenses and an Optical Image Stabilizer to combat camera shake. The 5.0-megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-LZ1 both have Venus Engine Plus, a new image processor, which reduces power consumption and improves shutter lag and consecutive shooting performance.

Panasonic Press Release

5-Megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4-Megapixel DMC-LZ1 Featuring Optical 6x Zoom and MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 5.0-megapixel DMC-LZ2 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-LZ1, incorporating MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and 6x optical zoom(equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera) lens, that run on 2 AA batteries. Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera. Compared to the previous models, the DMC-LC80/70/50, the image processor Venus Engine has been upgraded to the newly developed Venus Engine Plus, which achieves about 50% low energy consumption while providing even higher image quality and quick response. The new models have a large 2.0 inch TRM(Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD display which is extremely easy to view, even outdoors on bright, sunny days. And despite the equipment of optical 6x zoom lens unit, the body size is yet as compact as ordinary AA-battery operated 3x optical zoom camera.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LS1 announced today. The LUMIX DMC-LS1 is a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom that incorporates an Optical Image Stabilizer to reduce the effects of camera shake. The DMC-LS1 also features a 2 inch LCD screen and a battery life of 215 photos.

Panasonic Press Release

MEGA O.I.S. Equipped 4-megapixel 3x Optical Zoom DMC-LS1 Running on AA batteries

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 4.0-megapixel DMC-LS1, incorporating MEGA O.I.S., an Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the handshake, and 3x optical zoom lens, that runs on 2 AA batteries. Panasonic is the first company in the industry to have succeeded in incorporating MEGA O.I.S. into a compact digital camera. 　Compared with the previous models DMC-LC80/70/50, the image processing LSI Venus Engine has been upgraded to the newly developed Venus Engine Plus, which achieves about 50% low energy consumption while providing even higher image quality and quick response. The new model has a large 2.0 inch TRM (Transmissive with Micro Reflective) LCD monitor which is extremely easy to view, even outdoors on a bright sunny day. In addition, the zoom lens features the crystallization of Panasonic’s optics technology, 3 aspherical lenses, which are used to achieve compactness and higher optical performance.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 and DMC-FZ4: successors to the Lumix DMC-FZ3. Panasonic have announced the 5 megapixel DMC-FZ5 and 4 megapixel DMC-FZ4 ahead of the PMA show 2005. With a 12x image stabilized Leica lens, both models improve on the DMC-FZ3 by offering faster auto-focus and improved body design, as well as more megapixels.

Panasonic Press Release

Combine 12x Optical Zoom with MEGA O.I.S. in Compact Body

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model 5.0-megapixel DMC-FZ5 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-FZ4 with MEGA O.I.S., Optical Image Stabilizer that compensates the handshake, incorporating a newly developed 12x optical zoom (equivalent to 36mm to 432mm(FZ5) / 35mm to 420mm(FZ4) on a 35mm film camera) lens. The DMC-FZ5/FZ4 is the heir to the 3.1-megapixel DMC-FZ3, but enhanced its excellence not only with the total number of pixels but also with other innovative technical improvements such as faster AF and various design development on the grip or the position of shutter button, to encourage higher-level shooting with comfortable operation. Panasonic has already introduced the DMC-FZ20, 5-megapixel 12x optical zoom model in 2004 for high-end prosumers. DMC-FZ5, however, makes clear distinction in the point of body size and usability, by which nonexclusive users can enjoy the deeper world of photography.

Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom is announced before PMA 2005. The F10 Zoom has an ISO range of 80 to 1600, Super CCD sensor with 6.1 megapixels and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The FinePix F10 Zoom has a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36-108mm on a 35mm camera. The Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom will also take 500 shots before the batteries need recharging.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

FinePix F10 Zoom: Fujifilm’s stamina camera

Announcement Date: 08 February 2005

500-shot battery life, ISO 1600 and rapid responses make this a true 24-hour camera

Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FinePix F10 Zoom. With a battery life of 500 shots per single charge, this compact camera will outlast even the most devoted of photography addicts. Furthermore, the 24-hour photographer will appreciate the 1600 ISO and ultra-fast responses provided by Fujifilm’s new ‘Real Photo Processor’ technology.

The FinePix F10 Zoom is characterised by incredibly clean images, due to its refined Super CCD sensor and ‘Real Photo Processor’. These two components are the outcome of thousands of hours of research by Fujifilm’s imaging technicians, and reflect the company’s desire to set, rather than chase, image quality benchmarks. The newly-designed 6.3 megapixel Super CCD sensor features Fujifilm’s trademark octagonal photodiodes, which act as more efficient light receptors than traditional CCD structures.

Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom is launched: the Z1 Zoom is a 5 megapixel compact digital camera with a large 2.5inch LCD screen and 3 optical zoom. Inside the FinePix Z1 Zoom is a fifth generation version of Fujifilm’s Super CCD HR sensor, outside Z1 is small enough to fit in your pocket.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom: a body for the catwalk with a spec for the studio

Announcement Date: 08 February 2005

Five megapixel power in a pocketable, ultra-cool body

Fujifilm today announced the launch of its new FinePix Z1 Zoom, a super-slim compact digital camera that boasts 5.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a mammoth 2.5 inch LCD monitor, inside an aluminium body barely bigger than a credit card.

The FinePix Z1 Zoom showcases a variety of Fujifilm’s inventive construction techniques that help the camera achieve its sleek, seamless casing and miniature dimensions. The zoom lens has a special refractive, non-extending design that delivers 3x optical reach without any visible movement on the Z1 Zoom’s flat exterior.

Fujifilm FinePix A345 Zoom and FinePix A350 Zoom announced. The A345 and A350 are two new entry-level 4 and 5 megapixel cameras from Fujifilm, both with 3x optical zoom and 1.7inch LCD screens. The FinePix A345 Zoom and FinePix A350 Zoom are aimed at beginners and designed to be easy to operate.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm’s FinePix A345 Zoom and FinePix A350 Zoom: an ‘A’ in entry level excellence

Announcement Date: 08 February 2005

Four and five megapixel digital cameras that are high on performance and low in complexity

Fujifilm today announced the FinePix A345 Zoom and A350 Zoom: two simple-to-operate four and five megapixel resolution cameras, with a neat, compact design, high quality 1.7 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens.

Following in the footsteps of their predecessors – the hugely popular FinePix A330 and A340 Zoom – these models offer exceptional power and value in a new and improved design. Whilst the entry-level category can often mean that corners are cut on build quality and feel, anyone who handles these cameras will be pleasantly surprised by their compact solidity.

Spanish website Quesabesde have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i. With 5.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens, the Optio S5i features a stylish design in an ultra-compact, lightweight digital camera

Website: Quesabesde - Pentax Optio S5i Review

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Photo-i have started an interactive review of the Epson Perfection 4990 Photo flatbed scanner, which has the ability to scan medium and large format film. The Perfection 4990 Photo scanner features, 4800 x 9600 dpi resolution, a high optical density of up to 4.0 Dmax and is aimed at photo enthusiasts and professionals.

“It seems like this is becoming an annual habit, one year ago I reviewed the Epson 4870 scanner, the year before it was the 3200. Both scanners produced high quality scans that were close if not better than most dedicated film scanners. Although having said that, good quality film scanners are thin on the ground. This is mainly due to the fact that most people are now shooting digitally. Film scanning is rapidly becoming passe’, but is often the only option for film based photographers and there are still many people who want to convert slides and negatives into digital files.”

Website: Photo-i - Epson Perfection 4990 Photo Scanner Review

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Successor to the popular Caplio R1, the Ricoh Caplio R1V is a powerful 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle, 4.8x optical zoom in an exceptionally slim 25mm body. DigiCamReview have published their review of the Ricoh Caplio R1V.

“The Ricoh Caplio R1v is a compact 5 megapixel digital camera with an impressive 4.8x wide optical zoom lens and a good 1.8” screen. The camera records unlimited length 30fps videos with sound. It is easy to use, and produces good images with very good colour and detail. It is very quick, with a quick switch on time, focus time and shutter response time. For around £186 (UK) this fast, compact and feature packed camera offers excellent value for money. It’s quite stylish, fits very easily into pockets, produces very good images, and has an excellent macro mode. The only things that let this camera down are the zoom control, occassional corner darkness, and high noise.”

Website: DigiCamReview - Ricoh Caplio R1V Review

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CNET have just posted their review of the 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6.

” A modest update to the G5, the 7-megapixel PowerShot G6 faithfully follows in the footsteps of previous Canon G-series models. With a powerful, enthusiast-oriented feature set and very solid photo quality, it gets most of the same high marks as its predecessors. But its good-but-not-great performance lags behind the competition’s, keeping the G6 from garnering the Editors’ Choice-level ratings of its ancestors.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot G6 Review

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DarkVision Hardware have just reviewed the Pentax Optio SV, a compact digicam with 5 Megapixels and 5x zoom lens.

“It’s not just the dimensions of the Optio SV that remind me of the Ixus 500, the specs are very similar too, with a five megapixel CCD - although the maximum image resolution is slightly lower at 2,560 x 1,920. But where the Optio SV does have the edge over its rival is in the optical zoom department. Whereas the Ixus 500 has a 3x optical zoom, Pentax has managed to squeeze a 5x optical zoom into the Optio SV - that’s equivalent to 36-180mm in 35mm language. Pentax attributes this feat to its newly designed “Sliding-Lens Technology”, but marketing babble aside, having a 5x optical zoom in a camera this small is definitely a bonus.”

Website: DarkVision Hardware - Pentax Optio SV Review

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Strong demand for the 6 megapixel Nikon D70 DSLR (pictured) saw Nikon post a profit of £30.2 million in the three months to December 31, reports the Scottish newspaper Edinburgh Evening News (found via CameraTown).

“Last year, managing director Makoto Kimura said Nikon was increasing production capacity for the D70, with a view to eventually halting production of film-dependent compact cameras for which demand is sliding. He said Nikon aimed to sell one million digital SLRs in the business year to March 2005, compared to about 300,000 in 2003/4.”

Website: Edinburgh Evening News - Nikon snap happy as profits hit £30m

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Noise Ninja plugin for Photoshop released. Noise Ninja is a noise reduction software program from Picturecode, available either as a stand-alone program or now as a plugin for Photoshop (Winodws and MAC versions).

PictureCode Press Release

February 7, 2005—Plug-in version of Noise Ninja released

PictureCode today officially released a Photoshop plug-in version of its top-rated Noise Ninja software, which removes high-ISO noise and grain from digital images. The plug-in has been in a public beta test for the last few months, and license keys have been on sale since December, allowing the general public early access to the technology while the product remained under development.

“Response to the Noise Ninja plug-in beta test was extremely positive,” remarks Jim Christian, founder of PictureCode. “The software was downloaded approximately 20,000 times, and we already have thousands of paying customers for it. We’re also seeing rapid adoption by first-tier newspapers, and it was used at the Superbowl yesterday. Now that the product is officially released, we expect accelerated adoption in all of our key market segments.”

Corel Press Release

COREL NOW DELIVERING PAINT SHOP™ PRODUCTS TO THE MARKET!

Paint Shop Family of Products Shipped by Corel

London, UK - 8th February 2005 - Corel Corporation, a leading provider of easy-to-use personal productivity software, today announced that it is now shipping the award-winning Paint Shop family of products, as of January 2005.

Following the acquisition of Jasc Software in October 2004, the Paint Shop products (including Paint Shop Pro® 9) are now being supplied and distributed by Corel. The products can be obtained from the online Corel store (www.corel.co.uk) as well as a number of leading resellers and distributors across the UK including:
- GEM Distribution
- Ingram Micro
- Computers Unlimited.

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak To Sponsor Young Photographer Category in 2005 Visions of Science Awards

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, February 9th 2005 - Kodak has once again agreed to sponsor the Young Photographer Category in the 2005 Novartis and The Daily Telegraph Visions of Science Photographic Awards.

This category is aimed specifically at students in full time education and caters for age ranges 16 Years and Under and 17-18 Years. Submitted images can show any aspect of science or the natural world and can be taken by any standard or specialist photographic technique, scientific technique or can be computer generated. Kodak’s sponsorship includes a financial contribution towards promotion of the Visions of Science Photographic Awards across UK schools plus photographic equipment for the winners. Each will receive a KODAK EASYSHARE DX7590 Digital Camera and Printer Dock for themselves and their school.