News
Hama have announced the Mobile DataSafe On-The-Go portable storage device. This is a product that was introduced at the CES show a couple of weeks ago, but which I missed in the flurry of press activity that surrounded the show.
Hama Press Release
Mobile DataSafe OTG with 20 GB hard drive by Hama
Mobile mini-master
“Just like a small portable PC” would be a good description of the new Mobile DataSafe On-The-Go (OTG) which Hama will introduce at this year’s CeBIT. Housed in a case slightly bigger than a cigarette box, it manages the data of most connected removable media as a portable “commander”. It imports images from digital cameras, adds tracks to MP3 players or copies files from a USB stick. This is made possible by the DataSafe’s OTG interface. The device, which weighs only 134 grams, acts as a so-called master and can perform many tasks which could normally only be implemented via USB on a PC.
Hama have announced the Mobile DataSafe On-The-Go portable storage device. This is a product that was introduced at the CES show a couple of weeks ago, but which I missed in the flurry of press activity that surrounded the show. Hama Press Release Mobile DataSafe OTG with 20 GB hard…
Liquid Mirror Enterprises Press Release
Affordable Photo Manipulation Powerhouse
Liquid Mirror Enterprises has released Images: In Context!, a powerful Windows application that lets computer novices turn snapshots into stunning images. Without having to read a 600-page manual or spend weeks learning complicated photo manipulation techniques, applying more than 70 extraordinary image filters and effects can be as simple as right-clicking the image in Windows File Explorer.
It’s easy to color-correct, resize, crop, stylize, or remove red-eye from your pictures, without buying an expensive, confusing photo enhancement program. There’s no need to learn about alpha channels or bezier curves. Simply right-click an image, and select the effect that you’d like to apply.
You can select multiple images, and turn them into a slide show or web page with a single click. You can even rename groups of images, taking the work out of managing your vacation photos.
Liquid Mirror Enterprises Press Release Affordable Photo Manipulation Powerhouse Liquid Mirror Enterprises has released Images: In Context!, a powerful Windows application that lets computer novices turn snapshots into stunning images. Without having to read a 600-page manual or spend weeks learning complicated photo manipulation techniques, applying more than 70 extraordinary…
CNET have today reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.
“If this camera were a DVD, we’d rate it an enjoyable flick but skimpy on the special features. Sony crams 7 megapixels into a compact package that delivers good photo quality, great performance, and outstanding battery life but includes none of the extras found in other, similarly priced 7-megapixel models.”
Website: CNET - Sony DSC-P150 Review
CNET have today reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera. “If this camera were a DVD, we’d rate it an enjoyable flick but skimpy on the special features. Sony crams 7 megapixels into a compact package that delivers good photo quality, great performance, and outstanding battery life…
Snapfish Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 25, 2005—Snapfish, a leading online photo service, today announced the offering of complete Snapfish photo services on Circuitcity.com.
The new offering, currently live at www.circuitcity.com/photocenter, provides consumers access to the value, ease of use and selection of Snapfish’s online services. The new relationship also demonstrates how Snapfish’s online services can be easily incorporated into a retailer’s existing offerings to improve customer choice, while also exposing potential new customers to the retail brand through the incredible ease of online photo sharing.
Snapfish Press Release SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 25, 2005—Snapfish, a leading online photo service, today announced the offering of complete Snapfish photo services on Circuitcity.com. The new offering, currently live at www.circuitcity.com/photocenter, provides consumers access to the value, ease of use and selection of Snapfish’s online services. The new relationship also…
Ampex Corporation Press Release
Jan. 24, 2005 Ampex Corporation (OTCBB:AEXCA) today announced that it has concluded license agreements with three manufacturers of digital still cameras based in Japan: PENTAX Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., which markets to consumers under the PANASONIC and other brands, and Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. which markets under the JVC brand.
The agreements permit the use of several United States and foreign patents held by Ampex in the manufacture and sale of digital still cameras. The licenses provide that their terms are confidential.
Ampex Corporation Press Release Jan. 24, 2005 Ampex Corporation (OTCBB:AEXCA) today announced that it has concluded license agreements with three manufacturers of digital still cameras based in Japan: PENTAX Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., which markets to consumers under the PANASONIC and other brands, and Victor Company of Japan…
Pentax have unveiled the Pocket Jet 3 Series of mobile printers, with 300dpi printing available on the PocketJet 3 Plus model. Measuring just 10.04 inches wide and weighing less than one pound, the new series of printers will offer high quality text and graphics, rather than photo quality prints. The printers can accommodate letter, legal, or A4 width paper.
Pentax USA Press Release
January 24, 2005
PENTAX EXPANDS MOBILITY PRINTER LINE WITH POCKETJET 3 SERIES:
Latest Mobile Printers Feature Usability and Functionality Enhancements
Golden, CO. (January 24, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company, a leading worldwide provider of rugged mobile printers, has introduced the PocketJet 3 and 3 Plus portable printers to its product line. With more than ten years of mobile printing market expertise, PENTAX designed the PocketJet 3 family of printers to support mobile professionals who require highly reliable devices in rugged environmental settings such as sales automation, field service, public safety, utilities, insurance, federal, military as well as business travel.
Pentax have unveiled the Pocket Jet 3 Series of mobile printers, with 300dpi printing available on the PocketJet 3 Plus model. Measuring just 10.04 inches wide and weighing less than one pound, the new series of printers will offer high quality text and graphics, rather than photo quality prints. The…
The M¼-Card is a new memory card being proposed by a Taiwanese technology consortium. The The M¼-Card, which stands for micro ¼ card, is said to be twice as fast as the USB 2.0 standard and compatible with the SecureDigital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) formats. Will this new card see the light of day? Yes - fully functional cards will be available by the end of 2005. Do we actually need another new format? Hmmmmm.
“Simplicity derives from the use of USB protocols for the digital portion. But the speed is twice that of USB, and the low-power consumption is only one-third or one-fourth that of USB 2.0, said Liu Chih-yuan, who directed the project at ITRI and is chairman of the M¼-Card Alliance. “That’s our strength. It’s a very low-power, high speed USB compatible interface. So we are complementary to the MMC.”
Website: EETimes - Taiwan consortium readying new memory card format
The M¼-Card is a new memory card being proposed by a Taiwanese technology consortium. The The M¼-Card, which stands for micro ¼ card, is said to be twice as fast as the USB 2.0 standard and compatible with the SecureDigital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) formats. Will this new card see…
Luminous Landscape has enthusiastically reviewed the image management software program IMatch from photools.com.
“Some software just ‘clicks’ with you when you start using it, Imatch is one of those utilities that feels right, tools are where you expect them to be and the whole package is somehow logical. Right away, Imatch is a snap to use. There are a series of detailed ‘coaching’ popups which explain everything you do for the first time and after reading each one you can dismiss it permanently, or reactivate them later if you forget how to do something.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - IMatch Review
Luminous Landscape has enthusiastically reviewed the image management software program IMatch from photools.com. “Some software just ‘clicks’ with you when you start using it, Imatch is one of those utilities that feels right, tools are where you expect them to be and the whole package is somehow logical. Right away…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Kodak Easyshare LS753, which was first announced back in January.
Website: Quesabesde - Kodak Easyshare LS753 Review
The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Kodak Easyshare LS753, which was first announced back in January. Website: Quesabesde - Kodak Easyshare LS753 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak Easyshare LS753 Write a review of the Kodak Easyshare LS753
DIWA member website LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.
“In general the image quality is perfect, visible is the rich detail rendition due to the high resolution. The quality of the 10x optical zoom lens is undisputable and is in spite of its minor beauty spots like chromatic aberration at wide angle, a valuable tool on this camera. Working with an electronic viewfinder can differ from camera to camera and ones experiences with it can differ completely. Sometimes it is utterly annoying, in fact diminishing the ease of use, and sometimes it’s incredibly satisfying, like we experienced when working with the Coolpix 8800.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review
DIWA member website LetsGoDigital have just posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800. “In general the image quality is perfect, visible is the rich detail rendition due to the high resolution. The quality of the 10x optical zoom lens is undisputable and is in spite of…
The Tech Zone have just reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound.
“The Canon S1 IS is the perfect trade show camera. Not only does it take fantastic photos but it can double as a camcorder. The video quality of the S1 is so good, I had a hard time telling it apart from video made with my JVC camcorder . Add in 10X optical zoom with image stabilizer and you have the perfect camera for getting up close and personal with the booth babes.”
The Tech Zone have just reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound. “The Canon S1 IS is the perfect trade show camera. Not only does it take fantastic photos but…
Following my enthusiastic review of the Lensbaby a few months ago, Photofocus Magazine have posted their review of this unique product.
“The lens works like a bellows camera. You don’t twist a focusing knob; you simply move the focusing collar out by compressing the lens tubing until you get the image you want. You can bend the lens in any direction. Yes that’s right, you can BEND the lens. You can bend it up, down, left and right or any twisted combination that you can contort your fingers to make.”
Website: Photofocus Magazine - Lensbaby Review
Website: Read my review of the Lensbaby
Following my enthusiastic review of the Lensbaby a few months ago, Photofocus Magazine have posted their review of this unique product. “The lens works like a bellows camera. You don’t twist a focusing knob; you simply move the focusing collar out by compressing the lens tubing until you get the…
After yesterday’s review of the HP Designjet 30 and HP Designjet 130 printers by Digital Outback Photo, there’s another new review today by Photofocus Magazine of the Designjet 130 (found via Digicamera.net).
“HP’s DesignJet 130 is a direct competitor to the Epson 4000. But because it is priced between the Epson 2200 and the 4000, it can actually steal sales from Epson in both markets. Normally, I would assume it has no chance against giant Epson. But in this case, I’d be wrong. Photographers who want to make large prints should strongly consider this sleek and impressive printer.”
After yesterday’s review of the HP Designjet 30 and HP Designjet 130 printers by Digital Outback Photo, there’s another new review today by Photofocus Magazine of the Designjet 130 (found via Digicamera.net). “HP’s DesignJet 130 is a direct competitor to the Epson 4000. But because it is priced between the…
Leica Press Release
Leica Camera AG, Solms, will establish a new Japanese subsidiary on March 1, 2005. The subsidiary, to be named Leica Camera Japan Co., Ltd., will take care of the promotion and distribution of Leica products in the important Japanese market. To date, these tasks have been performed by the independent distributor Nihon SiberHegner K.K. Leica products are already held in high esteem by Japanese customers for their quality, precision, and solidity. The Company’s creation of its own Japanese sales organisation will reinforce its service to the customers and will also stimulate sales increases.
Leica Press Release Leica Camera AG, Solms, will establish a new Japanese subsidiary on March 1, 2005. The subsidiary, to be named Leica Camera Japan Co., Ltd., will take care of the promotion and distribution of Leica products in the important Japanese market. To date, these tasks have been performed…
Adesso Press Release
Adesso Opens the Door to Creativity with New Line of Pen-based PC Tablets
Adesso’s new tablets offer USB and wireless connectivity and control with an active tablet space of up to 12 x 9-inches
WALNUT, CALIF., Jan. 24, 2005 - Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative and stylish keyboards, digital cameras, mice, touchpads, and input peripherals, today introduced a brand new family of pen-based tablets for PCs running Windows 2000 and XP. The new CyberTablet series feature a powerful, yet easy-to-use combination of a pressure-sensitive pen, tablet, and software that enables PC users to naturally draw and write freehand graphics and text as comfortably as they would on real paper. The Cyber-series will be available mid-February.
Adesso Press Release Adesso Opens the Door to Creativity with New Line of Pen-based PC Tablets Adesso’s new tablets offer USB and wireless connectivity and control with an active tablet space of up to 12 x 9-inches WALNUT, CALIF., Jan. 24, 2005 - Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor…
Pantone Press Release
Color Just Got Bigger for 2005 with the New PANTONE Color Guides
Redesigned Guides Boast 25 Percent Larger Swatches for Greater Visualization; New State-of-the-Art Printing Press Improves Color Quality
CARLSTADT, N.J.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 24, 2005—Pantone, Inc., the leading provider of professional color standards for the graphic communications industry worldwide, today announced the most substantial redesign of its flagship product, the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM(R) formula guide, in more than 30 years. The reproduction of color to exact standards is vitally important to designers, printers and their clients. The 2005 formula guide sets a new benchmark for color and includes color swatches that are nearly 25 percent larger for increased accuracy and visual reference when specifying and matching colors. The PANTONE solid chips book, also published in this new format, provides designers with larger tear-out chips.
Pantone Press Release Color Just Got Bigger for 2005 with the New PANTONE Color Guides Redesigned Guides Boast 25 Percent Larger Swatches for Greater Visualization; New State-of-the-Art Printing Press Improves Color Quality CARLSTADT, N.J.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 24, 2005—Pantone, Inc., the leading provider of professional color standards for the graphic communications industry…
Photoshop World Conference & Expo
LAS VEGAS IS CITY CHOSEN FOR PHOTOSHOP WORLD CONFERENCE & EXPO 2005 – WEST
March 8-10, 2005 – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
TAMPA, FL – Monday, Jan. 24, 2005 – Photoshop World Conference & Expo, the largest Photoshop educational event in the world, is heading to the world-famous Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on March 8-10, 2005. Photoshop World Conference & Expo is sponsored Adobe Systems and produced bi-annually (once each on the east and west coasts) by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP).
Thousands of NAPP members, Photoshop users, and digital imaging professionals and novices worldwide are expected to descend on Vegas to learn from Photoshop World’s all-star instructor team. Each instructor, 28 in total, are considered an industry heavyweight either in Photoshop, digital photography, or motion graphics.
Photoshop World Conference & Expo LAS VEGAS IS CITY CHOSEN FOR PHOTOSHOP WORLD CONFERENCE & EXPO 2005 – WEST March 8-10, 2005 – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV TAMPA, FL – Monday, Jan. 24, 2005 – Photoshop World Conference & Expo, the largest Photoshop educational event in…
SearchEngineWatch editor Danny Sullivan has posted his review of Picasa 2, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Sullivan compares it to the the program that he has been using for the last year, Adobe Photoshop Album 2.
“Outside of photo management, Picasa seems to shine much better when compared to the free version of Adobe Photoshop Album. The range of photo fixes available in Picasa is better—and you’ve got to love the one-touch “fix it” feature being renamed “I’m Feeling Lucky.” That’s even more suitable with automatic photo adjusting than searching the web with Google!
I also love—absolutely love—how Picasa doesn’t touch your original photo. Photoshop Album doesn’t as well, but not in as slick a fashion. With Album, if you make an edit, crop, etc—it duplicates your photo and creates a link. You see the edited version, but the original is not touched and always available so you can revert.”
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: PCMagazine - Google Picasa 2 Vs. Adobe Photoshop Album 2
SearchEngineWatch editor Danny Sullivan has posted his review of Picasa 2, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Sullivan compares it to the the program that he has been using for the last year, Adobe Photoshop Album 2. “Outside of…
ProFotoSoftware Press Release
January 23rd 2005
ProFotoSoftware have today released V1.5 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS Raw Processing system for Windows.
This release adds Post Processing operations, which enhance the image after the initial Raw Development. The added operations include Histogram Levels Adjustment, Unsharp Masking, Borders and Frames, image resize and a unique save for web feature that calculates the required JPEG compression level to achieve a specified image file size.
ProFotoSoftware Press Release January 23rd 2005 ProFotoSoftware have today released V1.5 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS Raw Processing system for Windows. This release adds Post Processing operations, which enhance the image after the initial Raw Development. The added operations include Histogram Levels Adjustment, Unsharp Masking, Borders and Frames…
Pocket-Lint have reviewed the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004.
“If you want a small, easily pocketed, yet stylish digicam the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Xg might be the one for you. Opening the box and hefting this little beauty for the first time makes a real impact. The wife has the original ‘X’ version of this. The Xg is the latest update and at 20mm thin and weighing in at only 120g, it’s remarkably small and stylish. It betters the original for sheer exuberance in its red livery.”
Pocket-Lint have reviewed the ultra-thin Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004. “If you want a small, easily pocketed, yet stylish digicam the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Xg might be the one for you. Opening the box and hefting this little beauty for the first…