News
The latest issue of Nikon’s Pro Views online magazine has just been published. Highlights this month include an indepth look at Nikon’s NEF RAW file format and a preview of the D2X digital SLR, complete with sample images (found via Rob Galbraith).
“Long-awaited…highly anticipated…state-of-the-art…new generation of professional quality. Those are some of the things we can say about Nikon’s top gun, the D2X digital SLR, which is coming to market in February. All true, but nowhere near adequate. Let’s say it right off: Nothing we can tell you is going to compare with picking up the camera and working with it. But here are a few things to keep in mind.”
Website: Nikon - Pro Views
The latest issue of Nikon’s Pro Views online magazine has just been published. Highlights this month include an indepth look at Nikon’s NEF RAW file format and a preview of the D2X digital SLR, complete with sample images (found via Rob Galbraith). “Long-awaited…highly anticipated…state-of-the-art…new generation of professional quality. Those are…
Photo-i have started an interactive review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR.
“The Canon EOS 1Ds Mk II is a full frame 36 x 24mm (35mm film full frame) digital camera, with a 16.70 megapixel CMOS sensor. This will produce a 47.5mb file, a good selling point for professional users and the seriously rich hobbyist. For the editorial, stock and commercial photographer this may be the only camera a photographer will ever need. At just over £5000 it has to deliver a lot of quality, so does this camera live up to expectations? Read on and find out.”
Website: Photo-i - Canon 1D Mark II Review
Photo-i have started an interactive review of the 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. “The Canon EOS 1Ds Mk II is a full frame 36 x 24mm (35mm film full frame) digital camera, with a 16.70 megapixel CMOS sensor. This will produce a 47.5mb file, a good selling…
Digital Outback Photo casts doubt on a photographic technique that I use all the time - select the centre autfocus sensor on my camera, point it at the part of the photo that I want to be in focus, then reframe the image as required. Sounds like a familiar technique that yo use too? Well, at least in Jonathan Wienke’s opinion, this will cause the focus to fall behind the subject, instead of on it, which is pretty critical in situations where you have a very shallow depth of field available. Wienke’s suggests that we should all use the autofocus points that is nearest to the subject instead to achieve correct focus, which does mean having to faff about with changing the autofocus point…
“The error introduced by focus-recompose is greater with shorter camera-to-subject distances. If you are using a telephoto lens and focus-recompose on a football coach on the other side of the field, the error introduced would only be a small fraction of an inch and would be dwarfed by many other factors such as subject movement, photographer movement, and the fact that depth of field at 50+ yards distance is usually at least a few feet; even an inch of error in that case is about as significant as a fart in a tornado. But when shooting portraits at close range with wide apertures and the resulting narrow depth-of-field, it can really cause problems.”
Digital Outback Photo casts doubt on a photographic technique that I use all the time - select the centre autfocus sensor on my camera, point it at the part of the photo that I want to be in focus, then reframe the image as required. Sounds like a familiar technique…
creativepro.com have reviewed the 8-colour Canon i9900 printer (also known as the i9950), which can create a 13 x 19-inch borderless photograph in under three minutes and has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi (found via digicamera.net).
“In the interest of full disclosure I must admit that, when it comes to photo printing, I have been a devout Epson chauvinist. Yes, down through the years, there have been some very nice photo printers from other vendors, but overall, Epson has always had an edge in terms of quality, longevity, and overall value. Therefore, after several months of using Canon’s new i9900 Photo Printer, I’m surprised to say that not only am I satisfied with my prints, I’m a bit relieved to be rid of some perpetual Epson hassles (more on that anon).”
Website: creativepro.com - Canon i9900 Printer Review
creativepro.com have reviewed the 8-colour Canon i9900 printer (also known as the i9950), which can create a 13 x 19-inch borderless photograph in under three minutes and has a maximum resolution of 4800 x 2400 dpi (found via digicamera.net). “In the interest of full disclosure I must admit that, when…
Pentax have released a new firmware version for the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.
Version 1.01 contains the following change:
At the long time exposure situation such as astronomical photography, green noise might be generated partially on the image when the noise reduction is turned on.
This phenomenon only occur rarely under special shooting condition such as starry sky, and will never occur at the general situation that we are assuming.
The version 1.01 will minimize this phenomenon as much as possible for the customer who use *istDS for this purpose.
Website: Pentax *ist DS Firmware
Pentax have released a new firmware version for the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR. Version 1.01 contains the following change: At the long time exposure situation such as astronomical photography, green noise might be generated partially on the image when the noise reduction is turned on. This phenomenon…
CNET have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 digital camera, which features fastest-in-class startup, 8x optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design.
“Konica Minolta’s Dimage Z10 is the lowest-end unit in the company’s Z series of unusual-looking megazooms. It pairs a 3-megapixel CCD with an 8X zoom lens and offers respectable performance as well as a feature set flexible enough for midlevel photographers. Other Z-series models, past and present, might have bigger zooms, higher-resolution sensors, or antishake stabilization, but the Z10 offers plenty to bargain-hunting megazoom lovers.”
Website: CNET - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 Review
Website: Read my Review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10
CNET have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 digital camera, which features fastest-in-class startup, 8x optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design. “Konica Minolta’s Dimage Z10 is the lowest-end unit in the company’s Z series of unusual-looking megazooms. It pairs a 3-megapixel CCD with…
CNET have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Pentax Optio 30, which is a simple digital camera aimed at photography beginners.
“Our test photos were nicely saturated, with generally accurate colors and good exposure. The flash powered down nicely for most macro shots, although we noticed a hot spot here and there. A little haloing occurred around high-contrast edges, but we noticed little purple fringing. Transitions between highlights and shadows could be a little smoother, but that will make little difference in 4x6-inch snapshot prints.”
Website: CNET - Pentax Optio 30 Review
CNET have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Pentax Optio 30, which is a simple digital camera aimed at photography beginners. “Our test photos were nicely saturated, with generally accurate colors and good exposure. The flash powered down nicely for most macro shots, although we noticed a hot spot here and…
It seems that prints are still the way that most of us want to view our photographs, according to a recent IDC survey, with over 60% of people saying that they preferred a physical print to viewing images on a monitor. The number of megapixels is still by far the leading criteria for deciding which digital camera to buy, and France takes the most pictures out of all the European countires surveyed.
IDC Press Release
IDC’s European Consumer Digital Imaging Survey Highlights Key Growth Opportunity in the Home Printing Market
19 Jan 2005
LONDON, January 19, 2005 — IDC’s European Consumer Digital Imaging Survey has brought to light several key priorities and preferences in consumers’ experience of digital photography and photo printing. Most notable is the fact that the majority of respondents (62%) either agreed or strongly agreed when asked if they get more pleasure out of seeing a good quality printed photo rather than viewing the image electronically on a screen or LCD. Of the countries surveyed, respondents in France gave the most positive response to this question with 72% expressing this opinion.
It seems that prints are still the way that most of us want to view our photographs, according to a recent IDC survey, with over 60% of people saying that they preferred a physical print to viewing images on a monitor. The number of megapixels is still by far the…
The Estonian website Foto.diip have just posted their review of the competitively priced 8 megapixel Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR.
Website: Foto.diip - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review (English)
Website: Foto.diip - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review (Estonian)
The Estonian website Foto.diip have just posted their review of the competitively priced 8 megapixel Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR. Website: Foto.diip - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review (English) Website: Foto.diip - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review (Estonian) Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus E-300 / Evolt Write a Review of the Olympus E-300 /…
Photo.net have a great do-it-yourself article that describes how to hook your digital camera up to a 7 inch portable LCD display - great for zooming in to see all the detail in your images. At $129, this is a cheap alternative to a laptop too.
“In the ‘old’ days we used to pass Polaroids around the studios to clients, art directors, teachers, etc. Now that I have switched to DSRL I really don’t feel like passing around my camera nor do I enjoy holding it while everyone has a chance to look at the image(s). So, I set out to find a solution that would allow instant playback with an image large enough for clients & me to view comfortably, without having to take the CF card out of the camera and load the images into a laptop. (I like to keep my shoots as time conscious as possible).
After much researching I have found the solution in the automotive retro-fit market.”
Website: Photo.net - Portable LCD Display
Photo.net have a great do-it-yourself article that describes how to hook your digital camera up to a 7 inch portable LCD display - great for zooming in to see all the detail in your images. At $129, this is a cheap alternative to a laptop too. “In the ‘old’ days…
Think Tank Photo Press Release
SANTA ROSA, CA – For veteran photographic equipment bag creator Doug Murdoch, designing camera bags and accessories is more than a craft, it is a cause. “Many of history’s greatest moments are captured only because the photographer was ready ‘Before the Moment,’ intuitively pressing the shutter before the definitive moment occurred,” says Murdoch. The goal of his new company, Think Tank Photo (www.thinktankphoto.com), is to design inventive carrying solutions, based upon photographer behavioral input, that help them capture these moments.
Think Tank Photo Press Release SANTA ROSA, CA – For veteran photographic equipment bag creator Doug Murdoch, designing camera bags and accessories is more than a craft, it is a cause. “Many of history’s greatest moments are captured only because the photographer was ready ‘Before the Moment,’ intuitively pressing the…
Canon has kicked off its pre-PMA announcements with an entry-level model, the compact 3 megapixel PowerShot A510, available from early Febuary 2004 for £ 199.00 RRP inc. VAT / € 289.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 4x optical zoom PowerShot A510. The super compact 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot is smaller than many 3x zoom cameras and features 20 shooting modes, VGA movies, a powerful zoom flash, extended direct print functions, plus an optional waterproof case and adaptor lenses.
Canon has kicked off its pre-PMA announcements with an entry-level model, the compact 3 megapixel PowerShot A510, available from early Febuary 2004 for £ 199.00 RRP inc. VAT / € 289.99 RRP inc. VAT. Canon UK Press Release Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the…
Minox Press Release
MINOX MobiDV – the multimedia bundle that fits into a shirt pocket
A digital video camcorder, a digital camera, a MP3 player and a dictating device, all combined in a flat slimline body of just 16mm and weighing a featherweight 87 grams including storage card and battery – a device boasting these key data is absolutely unique, just like the famous MINOX spy camera was. This small and powerful MINOX MobiDV is a true multimedia bundle in shirt pocket format.
Minox Press Release MINOX MobiDV – the multimedia bundle that fits into a shirt pocket A digital video camcorder, a digital camera, a MP3 player and a dictating device, all combined in a flat slimline body of just 16mm and weighing a featherweight 87 grams including storage card and battery…
Rollei Press Release
January 2005
Digital Super Bundle from Rollei
Ever since the dawn of the digital era, Rollei 6000 Series cameras have neatly blended in with the digital workflow thanks to the option of simply exchanging their film magazine (and this without losing a single picture due to their laminar drawslide) for a digital back.
A development that started over 10 years ago with the Chip Back and the Scan Back has been consistently pursued and now culminates in a unique bundle offer. To meet the requirements of extremely discriminating digital photographers, Rollei are offering the Rolleiflex 6008 AF with a db20p digital back – an outfit that covers the entire spectrum from studio work to architectural and landscape photography because it benefits from the extensive line of Rollei-6000 lenses.
Rollei Press Release January 2005 Digital Super Bundle from Rollei Ever since the dawn of the digital era, Rollei 6000 Series cameras have neatly blended in with the digital workflow thanks to the option of simply exchanging their film magazine (and this without losing a single picture due to their…
Sigma Corporation Press Release
Four New DC lenses for “Konica Minolta” digital SLR camera. 2005.1.20
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the availability of four compact-lightweight DC lenses (18-50mm F2.8 EX DC, 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 55-200mmF4-5.6 DC) in Konica Minolta digital SLR fitting. These lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle that DC lenses create is large enough to cover these smaller APS-C image sensors adequately. These lenses especially designed and optimized to complement the characteristics of digital cameras. These compact dimensions and lightweight of these lenses offer superb handling and mobility.
* It cannot be used with 35mm film Single Lens Reflex cameras and APS film Single Lens Reflex cameras. In case of such use, vignetting occurs on the screen and in the resulting images.
Sigma Corporation Press Release Four New DC lenses for “Konica Minolta” digital SLR camera. 2005.1.20 Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the availability of four compact-lightweight DC lenses (18-50mm F2.8 EX DC, 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 55-200mmF4-5.6 DC) in Konica Minolta digital SLR fitting. These lenses are exclusively…
Jessops Press Release
Jessops introduce more Raynox digital lenses - 19 Jan 2005
Jessops have added three new accessories to their range of Raynox brand lens converters and adaptors.
The Raynox DCR-2020 PRO is a high definition telephoto lens converter that will magnify the subject up to 2.2 times. It is suitable for either digital still cameras or digital camcorders when used with an appropriate adapter and/or holder.
Using high index, low dispersion optical coated glass elements, light reduction is minimal and a maximum resolution of 260 lines/mm can be achieved. The converter has a 62mm mounting thread, and comes with 52mm and 58mm adapter rings.
Jessops Press Release Jessops introduce more Raynox digital lenses - 19 Jan 2005 Jessops have added three new accessories to their range of Raynox brand lens converters and adaptors. The Raynox DCR-2020 PRO is a high definition telephoto lens converter that will magnify the subject up to 2.2 times. It…
Bonusprint UK Press Release
Digital camera users can now save even more on their prints, thanks to Bonusprint’s new banded pricing which starts from just 9p per print.
For customers ordering digital prints online at www.bonusprint.co.uk, prices start at 12p per print. This drops to only 10p per print for 50 or more prints, and further still to 9p per print for orders of 100 or more. The bargain prices from Bonusprint roll on with further savings on enlargements (with 8”x10” falling to just 99p for 10 or more) and mugs.
Bonusprint UK Press Release Digital camera users can now save even more on their prints, thanks to Bonusprint’s new banded pricing which starts from just 9p per print. For customers ordering digital prints online at www.bonusprint.co.uk, prices start at 12p per print. This drops to only 10p per print for…
Fuji Photo Film Co Press Release
Reuters
Tokyo, January 19, 2005|15:31 IST
Japan’s Fuji Photo Film Co said on Wednesday it expects its global digital camera sales to grow 21 per cent in the next business year, and unveiled plans to cut production costs by 10-15 per cent by using more common parts.
Fuji Photo, the world’s fifth-largest vendor of digital cameras, is struggling to maintain profit margins along with other players in the industry due to sharp price falls and slowing growth rates in more mature markets like Japan.
Confirming plans first unveiled by the company in an interview with Jiji news agency, a Fuji Photo spokesman said it would aim to sell 8.5 million digital cameras in the business year starting April 1.
Fuji Photo Film Co Press Release Reuters Tokyo, January 19, 2005|15:31 IST Japan’s Fuji Photo Film Co said on Wednesday it expects its global digital camera sales to grow 21 per cent in the next business year, and unveiled plans to cut production costs by 10-15 per cent by using…
Ricoh Corporation Press Release
San Bernardino, CA –January 18, 2005 - Ricoh Corporation a leader in specialized digital imaging devices today launched the Pro G3. The Pro G3 is a high-resolution digital camera that embeds captured images with GPS coordinate information received from either its on-board GPS unit or from external GPS devices.
Once these captured ‘geo-images’ are transferred to a PC, they are automatically converted to shape files or merged to geo-databases for instant integration into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Points representing each image’s position may be hovered over to display a thumbnail, or clicked on to access the full-size image.
Ricoh Corporation Press Release San Bernardino, CA –January 18, 2005 - Ricoh Corporation a leader in specialized digital imaging devices today launched the Pro G3. The Pro G3 is a high-resolution digital camera that embeds captured images with GPS coordinate information received from either its on-board GPS unit or from…
World Photo Day - June 1, 2005 - “capture and record on camera worldwide, our daily lives, and all in just 24 hrs”
The World PhotoDay 2005 project is an exploration into the everyday lives of people on a global scale. The diversity of this planet we inhabit is grand beyond belief. While you are having breakfast reading the paper, what do you think the rest of the world is doing? You will find out what happens on just one single day in the lives of people worldwide. What a journey it will be.
Website: World Photo Day 2005
World Photo Day - June 1, 2005 - “capture and record on camera worldwide, our daily lives, and all in just 24 hrs” The World PhotoDay 2005 project is an exploration into the everyday lives of people on a global scale. The diversity of this planet we inhabit is grand…