News
Have HP shot themselves in the proverbial foot? Yes, according to Boing Boing, who report in 2 separate stories that HP have decided to region encode HP inkjet printers to only accept region appropriate ink cartridges. This wouldn’t be an issue if the prices were similar worldwide, but apparently the cost of a HP cartridge in Europe is a lot more than the equivalent cartridge in the USA. In the second story, an anonymous HP employee replied:
“You may have a valid issue with respect to how the company should try to manage the effects of currency fluctuations, but I think the conspiracy theory about a one-time gouging of Europe to make a fast buck is a red herring. The only real solution to this might be truly dynamic, global pricing—which might work if HP only sold direct over the web, but real world sales channels consist of a web of retailers and resellers who cannot support it “
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: Boing Boing - Region Coding Electronics and Ink Cartridges
Website: Boing Boing - Explanation for region coded printer cartridges?
Have HP shot themselves in the proverbial foot? Yes, according to Boing Boing, who report in 2 separate stories that HP have decided to region encode HP inkjet printers to only accept region appropriate ink cartridges. This wouldn’t be an issue if the prices were similar worldwide, but apparently the…
Some more airport related shenanigans for you this week, as a photographer from Derry, Northern Ireland, wins a court case against Manchester Airport, who took a picture of him without his consent as he passed through the airport.
“Mr Harkin said: “This is an important victory for passengers from across Northern Ireland who have endured many years of discrimination simply because they are from here.
“While I accept the need for security at airports, especially with the continuing threat from international terrorism, I strongly believed that ordering passengers to have their picture taken without explaining the reasons behind such requests was immoral and downright rude.
“The airport has now claimed the measures have nothing to do with terrorism laws, but are designed to meet Customs & Excise standards.”
Website: Derry Journal - Derry Journalist Makes Legal History
Some more airport related shenanigans for you this week, as a photographer from Derry, Northern Ireland, wins a court case against Manchester Airport, who took a picture of him without his consent as he passed through the airport. “Mr Harkin said: “This is an important victory for passengers from across…
It was only announced yesterday, but PCMagazine already have a review out of Picasa 2, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC.
“It’s not just free. It’s better than ever. This past summer, the ever-expanding Google empire acquired Picasa, one of PC Magazine’s favorite photo-management tools, and a week later, in keeping with its usual business strategy, the company quit charging for the application. Now, for the first time since the acquisition, Google has released a new version, Picasa 2.0, and we like it even more than before.”
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: PCMagazine - Picasa 2 Review
In other Picasa-related news, USA Today has an interview with the man who created it, Lars Perkins.
“A camera enthusiast, he figured digital photography was a lot of fun but way too complicated. So he dreamed up Picasa, a software program that takes the pain out of finding photos stored on a computer hard drive.
Last summer, Google snapped up Picasa, a tiny firm with 18 employees and about 500,000 paying customers, for an undisclosed sum. It hired Perkins as part of the deal.”
Website: USA Today - Entrepreneur lets Google fly with his creation
It was only announced yesterday, but PCMagazine already have a review out of Picasa 2, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. “It’s not just free. It’s better than ever. This past summer, the ever-expanding Google empire acquired Picasa, one…
BBC News takes a look at the increasing number of companies that are offering storage of digital photos on the internet:
“Marcus Hawkins, editor of Digital Camera magazine, said: “As file sizes of pictures increase, storage becomes a problem. People are using their hard drives, backing up on CD and DVD and now they are using online storage solutions. They are a place to store pictures, to share their pictures with families and friends and they can print out their photos.”
BBC News takes a look at the increasing number of companies that are offering storage of digital photos on the internet: “Marcus Hawkins, editor of Digital Camera magazine, said: “As file sizes of pictures increase, storage becomes a problem. People are using their hard drives, backing up on CD and…
DIWA member website Steves Digicams have posted a review of the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.
“The first thing that strikes you about the *ist DS is its diminutive (for an SLR) size. Weighing in at just 2 pounds including batteries and DA 18-55mm lens, it is the smallest and lightest dSLR currently available. Pentax reduced its size by switching to an SD memory card versus the CF card of the *ist D, and rearranging the camera’s controls. Its small size does not diminish its ergonomic qualities, however; the *ist DS is comfortable to hold and its revamped controls are both logically organized and easy to operate.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax *ist DS Review
DIWA member website Steves Digicams have posted a review of the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR. “The first thing that strikes you about the *ist DS is its diminutive (for an SLR) size. Weighing in at just 2 pounds including batteries and DA 18-55mm lens, it is the…
DIWA member website Steves Digicams have posted their first look at the long-delayed DSLR, the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro.
“The S3 Pro makes full use of Fujifilm’s extensive color film expertise. Rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and color space selection. Once the photographer is familiar with these settings, they will be able to produce JPEG images straight from the camera, which require no post-production. Photographers can choose between smooth, extended tonality and natural skin tones, or the dramatic impact of highly saturated color. The Film Simulation Mode is the equivalent of changing film type to suit shooting conditions, and achieves this at the touch of a button.”
Website: Steves Digicams - FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro First Look
DIWA member website Steves Digicams have posted their first look at the long-delayed DSLR, the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro. “The S3 Pro makes full use of Fujifilm’s extensive color film expertise. Rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has…
Photo-i have published a short review of the book “Surreal Digital Photography” by Barry Huggins & Ian Probert, published by ILEX Press.
“It’s easy for some to look at surreal digital photography and wonder what’s the point of some of the pictures. But that’s looking at it in the wrong way. This book takes the conventions of digital photography into the realm of digital art – which is quite a place to be. Sure, there will be a load of rubbish produced along the way, but there will be those who will go beyond and emerge as a new generation of artists.”
Photo-i have published a short review of the book “Surreal Digital Photography” by Barry Huggins & Ian Probert, published by ILEX Press. “It’s easy for some to look at surreal digital photography and wonder what’s the point of some of the pictures. But that’s looking at it in the wrong…
The following InfoTrends press release indicates that more and more people are turning to retail outlets to have their photos printed. So what do you do? Use an inkjet printer at home, get them printed via an online service like myPIXmania, take them to the local store, or don’t actually bother having them printed at all?
InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release
InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ Study Indicates Continued Digital Print Growth for Retail Photofinishers
(Weymouth, MA) January, 18 2005… According to a new consumer survey from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures, 37% of digital camera owners who print photos said they had tried retail services in 2004. Retail services include ordering prints at a photo kiosk, ordering over-the-counter at a retail store, or ordering through a retailer’s online site for pickup in the store. This percentage is up from 14% in 2003, demonstrating the growing popularity of printing digital photos in retail stores.
The following InfoTrends press release indicates that more and more people are turning to retail outlets to have their photos printed. So what do you do? Use an inkjet printer at home, get them printed via an online service like myPIXmania, take them to the local store, or don’t actually…
Nikon have just released a new firmware version for the 3-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital camera.
Issues addressed with firmware version 1.2
- When trying to print multiple images using PictBridge after specific operations, only one image was printed. This problem has been corrected.
- Errors in time zone (city) names and French and Dutch menus have been corrected.
Website: Nikon - Coolpix 3200 Firmware (Windows)
Website: Nikon - Coolpix 3200 Firmware (MAC)
Nikon have just released a new firmware version for the 3-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital camera. Issues addressed with firmware version 1.2 - When trying to print multiple images using PictBridge after specific operations, only one image was printed. This problem has been corrected. - Errors in time zone…
EDGE Tech Corp Press Release
EDGE Tech Corp Announces New Lifetime Warranty for Digital Media and Portable Storage Products
New warranty one of the industry’s longest
Dallas, TX - January 18, 2005—EDGE Tech Corp, a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions announced today a new lifetime warranty on its complete line of digital media products as well as the majority of its portable storage product line.
EDGE Tech Corp Press Release EDGE Tech Corp Announces New Lifetime Warranty for Digital Media and Portable Storage Products New warranty one of the industry’s longest Dallas, TX - January 18, 2005—EDGE Tech Corp, a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other…
The Vosonic X’S Drive Pro VP3310 is both a portable storage device and MP3 music player, featuring a 2.5-inch 20Gb Toshiba laptop hard disk drive and several memory card slots which support 8 different types of memory cards. The X’S Drive Pro VP3310 has a blue backlit monochrome LCD display that enables you to see a list of the files that are stored on it - there is no actual viewing of the images themselves, which helps to keep the price below £200. Should the X’S Drive Pro VP3310 be on your shopping list? Read my review to find out.
Website: Vosonic X’S Drive Pro VP3310 Review
The Vosonic X’S Drive Pro VP3310 is both a portable storage device and MP3 music player, featuring a 2.5-inch 20Gb Toshiba laptop hard disk drive and several memory card slots which support 8 different types of memory cards. The X’S Drive Pro VP3310 has a blue backlit monochrome LCD display…
Konica Minolta Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS Wins CNET’s ``Next Big Thing’’ Award at 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show
MOBILE, Ala.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—magicolor(R) 2430 DL Tops CNET’s “Peripherals” Award Category
KONICA MINOLTA’s magicolor 2430 DL—the first color laser printer equipped with PictBridge-compatible camera direct photo printing—has received the CNET “Next Big Thing” award in the “Peripherals” category. CNET editor-in-chief Patrick Houston announced the winners of CNET’s “Next Big Thing” awards on Friday, January 7th at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Konica Minolta Press Release KONICA MINOLTA PRINTING SOLUTIONS Wins CNET’s ``Next Big Thing’’ Award at 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show MOBILE, Ala.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—magicolor(R) 2430 DL Tops CNET’s “Peripherals” Award Category KONICA MINOLTA’s magicolor 2430 DL—the first color laser printer equipped with PictBridge-compatible camera direct photo printing—has received the…
Konica Minolta Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA’s magicolor 2400W Named PC Magazine’s ``Editors’ Choice’‘; Newest Personal Color Laser Printer Praised for its Speed and Output Quality
MOBILE, Ala.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—The magicolor(R) 2400W—the newest personal color laser printer from KONICA MINOLTA—has been named as PC Magazine’s “Editors’ Choice”. In a January 5th on-line review, PC Magazine said of the magicolor 2400W, “. . . what you get for the price is one of the faster four-pass color lasers we’ve seen, combined with output quality that ranges from good to excellent. And the 2400W’s particular mix of speed, quality, and price makes it an impressive package indeed.” PC Magazine also gave the magicolor 2400W high praise for ease of set-up.
Konica Minolta Press Release KONICA MINOLTA’s magicolor 2400W Named PC Magazine’s ``Editors’ Choice’‘; Newest Personal Color Laser Printer Praised for its Speed and Output Quality MOBILE, Ala.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—The magicolor(R) 2400W—the newest personal color laser printer from KONICA MINOLTA—has been named as PC Magazine’s “Editors’ Choice”. In a January…
Lyra Research Press Release
January 18, 2005 01:30 PM London Timezone
Lyra Research Forecasts Ink Jet Photo Paper Shipments Will Double by 2008; Growth Will Be Driven Primarily by Digital Camera Ownership
NEWTONVILLE, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—Lyra Research forecasts ink jet photo paper shipments will double, increasing from 2.6 billion sheets in 2003 to 5.2 billion sheets in 2008, a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent. Growth in the ink jet photo paper market will be driven primarily by worldwide increases in digital camera ownership coupled with the widespread availability of low-cost ink jet photo printers. While many photos printed at home are currently printed on plain paper, use of gloss or semigloss photo paper will increase as snapshot-sized A6 or 4 x 6-inch prints grow in popularity.
Lyra Research Press Release January 18, 2005 01:30 PM London Timezone Lyra Research Forecasts Ink Jet Photo Paper Shipments Will Double by 2008; Growth Will Be Driven Primarily by Digital Camera Ownership NEWTONVILLE, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 18, 2005—Lyra Research forecasts ink jet photo paper shipments will double, increasing from 2.6 billion…
Photoleap Press Release
Photoleap To Launch Ground-Breaking Photo Transfer Technology at DEMO@15!; New Company to Release Digital Photo Distribution Software At Conference
SAN DIEGO—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—Photoleap(TM), a privately held, San Diego-based company, announced today its invitation to demonstrate at DEMO@15!, the world’s foremost forum for new product innovations. The company will unveil its pioneering digital photo distribution technology, ushering in a new age in digital photography. The event takes place February 13-15 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photoleap Press Release Photoleap To Launch Ground-Breaking Photo Transfer Technology at DEMO@15!; New Company to Release Digital Photo Distribution Software At Conference SAN DIEGO—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—Photoleap(TM), a privately held, San Diego-based company, announced today its invitation to demonstrate at DEMO@15!, the world’s foremost forum for new product innovations. The…
Epson America Press Release
Popular Epson Online Experience Digital Printing Course Now Available via Authorized Photo Dealers
Unique On-Demand Program Enables Photo Enthusiasts and Advanced Amateurs to Learn Digital Printing Secrets of the Pros at Home at Their Own Pace
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—In response to the ongoing demand for high-quality education in digital photography, Epson America Inc. has begun offering its Online Experience digital photography and printing program via authorized photo dealers, making it even easier for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs to participate in the valuable on-demand program. This unique program offers participants expert techniques, valuable tips and insider secrets the pros use to create spectacular digital prints.
Epson America Press Release Popular Epson Online Experience Digital Printing Course Now Available via Authorized Photo Dealers Unique On-Demand Program Enables Photo Enthusiasts and Advanced Amateurs to Learn Digital Printing Secrets of the Pros at Home at Their Own Pace LONG BEACH, Calif.—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—In response to the ongoing…
Version 2 of Picasa, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC, has just been quietly released by its owners, Google. It is still available as a free download (it previously cost $29.99) and now has the following additional features:
- Make CD - backup and gifts
- Edit with basic fixes, 12 lighting and color effects
- Organise using labels and stars
- Write captions for all your pics
- Order prints from favourite sites
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: Picasa
Website: Read my Picasa Review
Version 2 of Picasa, a software program that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC, has just been quietly released by its owners, Google. It is still available as a free download (it previously cost $29.99) and now has the following additional features: -…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.
Website: Quesabesde - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review
The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800. Website: Quesabesde - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8800 Write a Review of the Nikon Coolpix 8800
DPReview have posted their usual extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR.
“In use the 7D proved to be an excellent ‘photographic tool’, it feels good to hold, it’s easy to change settings (thanks to the fact that almost all the major settings have external buttons / levers) and the camera feels responsive in use. The 7D is one of those cameras which I enjoyed using and encourages you to shoot more and experiment more (the availability and access to manual controls achieves this).”
Website: DPReview - Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Review
DPReview have posted their usual extensive review of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR. “In use the 7D proved to be an excellent ‘photographic tool’, it feels good to hold, it’s easy to change settings (thanks to the fact that almost all the major settings have external buttons /…
Capture One version 3.6 for Windows has finally been released - grab the 50Mb download file here (you need to login to download it; alternatively there is a trial version available).
Capture One Press Release
Capture One 3.6 available NOW
Support for Canon 1Ds MKII
Camera support highlights
Just bought the new Canon 1Ds MKII? Now is then the perfect time to get started with professional RAW shooting. Capture One allows you to open and edit RAW files from the most commonly used DSLR cameras and convert them into TIFF or JPEG. Working with RAW files instead of JPEGs provides you with better image quality since you are working with the camera’s “native image data”. Shooting RAW will help you get the most out of your pictures.
Capture One version 3.6 for Windows has finally been released - grab the 50Mb download file here (you need to login to download it; alternatively there is a trial version available). Capture One Press Release Capture One 3.6 available NOW Support for Canon 1Ds MKII Camera support highlights Just bought…