Kodak Press Release

Kodak Adds WiFi Support to Best-Selling EASYSHARE Printer Dock Line; Transfer and Print Pictures from Any Room in the House

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5—Helping people share their pictures from any room in their house, Eastman Kodak Company today introduced WiFi support for its EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus snapshot printer. The KODAK Wi-Fi card will be available this June for US$99 (MSRP).

After inserting the Wi-Fi (802.11b) card into the Printer Dock Plus, pictures from a docked EASYSHARE digital camera can be transferred wirelessly to a computer on the home network for immediate viewing, sharing and printing. In addition, the Printer Dock Plus can then act as a wireless picture printer for WiFi-enabled devices such as desktops, laptops, and even the new KODAK EASYSHARE-ONE digital camera.

The DSC-T33 that was first announced by Sony Japan at the end of 2004 is going to be released in the USA, available in March for about $450.

Sony USA Press Release

SONY CYBER-SHOT LINE SLIMS DOWN

New DSC-T33 Camera Combines Thin Profile with Big Performance

LAS VEGAS, (CES, Booth #N109), Jan. 5, 2005 - Sony’s best-selling Cyber-shot® T-series of digital still cameras just got even slimmer with the introduction of the 5.1-megapixel DSC-T33 model.

With a depth of just one-half inch, the new camera packs a range of powerful features into Sony’s thinnest model to date. It sports a large 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, occupying about two-thirds of the back of the camera, so friends and family can gather round and enjoy images the moment they are captured.

Sony USA Press Release

SONY’S BEST-SELLING CYBER-SHOT P SERIES CELEBRATES FIVE GREAT YEARS WITH INTRODUCTION OF 7.2-MEGAPIXEL DSC-P200

LAS VEGAS, (CES, Booth #N109), Jan. 5, 2005 - Get ready to fall in love all over again. Five years after the Cyber-shot® Series first hit the market, the new DSC-P200 is expected to capture the hearts of consumers with unsurpassed grace, speed and style. Loaded with 7.2 megapixels, this compact point-and-shoot digital camera puts spectacular photos in the palm of your hand.

More compact than its predecessor model, the P200 camera slips comfortably into a shirt pocket or handbag. The camera’s slimmed down design makes it even more convenient for users to snap breathtaking photos anytime, anywhere. It will be available next month for less than $400.

“Since the Cyber-shot P Series was introduced, it has been one of our best selling camera families,” said Hiroshi Takahashi, vice president for digital imaging products at Sony Electronics. “The P200 will take this to greater heights with its advanced features, lower pricing, and more compact design.”

Sony USA Press Release

SONY’S NEW 4GB MEMORY STICK PRO (HIGH SPEED) MEDIA TAKES DIGITAL STORAGE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Higher Capacity Helps Store and Easily Share Digital Photos, Video and More

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #N109), Jan. 5, 2005 - Sony is doubling the capacity of its flash media product line with the introduction of 4GB Memory Stick PRO™ (High Speed) media. The new 4GB media is expected to become a valuable tool for users who need to store and easily transfer large quantities of digital content, such as high-resolution digital photos and video clips.

The high-capacity media features increased durability with a standard operating temperature range of -13°F to +185°F, swift data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wide selection of currently available Memory Stick PRO devices. The 4GB Memory Stick PRO (High Speed) media will be available in March for about $900.

Sony USA Press Release

SONY PHOTO VAULT™ MINI CD-R STATION NOW AVAILABLE

Product Features Standard USB Interface for Direct-from-Camera CD Burning

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #N109), Jan. 5, 2004 - Sony Electronics has just made available the new Photo Vault™ Mini CD-R Station, a portable, “PC-free” device for burning photos directly from digital still cameras to mini CD-R media.

Weighing only eight ounces, Photo Vault Mini CD-R Station adds convenience and flexibility to digital photography storage. Users can burn images directly from their camera to 8 cm mini CD-R using a standard USB interface. The device also features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television using its standard AV input.

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Seagate Press Release

SEAGATE SET TO SHIP 5GB CF PHOTO HARD DRIVE FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS

Highest capacity and best value for photography and other CompactFlash applications

LAS VEGAS—05 January 2005— Seagate, the world’s number-one consumer electronics hard drive designer, announced today at CES that the Seagate CompactFlash Photo Hard Drive, with a massive 5GB capacity, begins shipping next month into retail stores across the country. The first 5GB CompactFlash media storage card ever introduced, the Seagate CompactFlash Photo Hard Drive offers unparalleled capacities at cost-effective price points for digital photography hobbyists and professional photographers that shoot and store large volumes of high-resolution digital photos. Available in 2.5GB and 5GB capacities, it’s ideal for high-resolution, point-and-shoot and professional digital cameras with a Compact Flash type II media slot. It’s also the most cost-effective solution for entertainment, gaming and PDA devices that use Compact Flash Type II media.

Olympus UK Press Release

Wide-eyed precision and accuracy - The Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom

London, 5 January 2005
Today Olympus launches the much-anticipated new 7.1 million pixel C-7070 WIDE ZOOM.  With a magnesium-alloy body and high quality lens, extending from 27mm all the way to 110mm for 4x optical zoom power, it excels in versatility and precision.  And, for the very first time in an Olympus compact camera, it incorporates a 143-point dual autofocus system that enables predictive measurements, allowing images to be taken with incredible sharpness – even when the subject is moving.

The C-7070 WIDE ZOOM will hit the shelves from the end of February 2005, priced at £499.99 inc VAT (769.99 Euros)

Olympus UK Press Release

(also called the C-5500 Sports Zoom in the US)

Creative Photography The Easy Way - The Olympus C-55 ZOOM

London, 5th January 2005

The new 5.1 million pixel Olympus C-55 ZOOM provides extensive manual control to allow photographers the ability to explore their creative instincts. As with the C-70 ZOOM, just about every parameter can be adjusted to meet the specific situation. With a bright 1:2.8-4.8, 5x zoom lens (equivalent to 38-190mm) incredible shooting versatility is available.  This is enhanced with a 4x digital zoom for combined maximum magnification power of up to 20x. Action scenes can also be captured at up to 2.7 frames per second, while Super Macro can be shot from as close as 2cm.  After shooting, the results are viewable on the 5.1cm LCD monitor featuring a calendar as well as slideshow function with various display modes including zoom and fade.

The C-55 ZOOM will be available from March 2005 at under £300 (exact pricing to be confirmed at time of availability)

Olympus UK Press Release

(also called the D-425 in the US)

Olympus makes four million pixels affordable and user-friendly - The Olympus C-170

London, 5th January 2005

Point, shoot and enjoy the results. It really is that simple with the 4 million pixel Olympus C-170 digital camera. With its “one button, one function” design principle, which makes navigating menus and features incredibly easy, this new autofocus camera from Olympus ensures trouble-free operation – even for those new to the world of digital photography.

Available from early March exclusively through Argos. Pricing to be confirmed at time of availability.

Olympus UK Press Release

Extend your camera’s focal range without compromising aperture

Introducing the Olympus TCON-30C tele conversion lens

London, 5th January 2005

Digital camera owners can now significantly enhance their creative shooting options with the new Olympus TCON-30C tele conversion lens. Making a threefold increase in your camera’s existing focal range possible the TCON-30C brings distant subjects much closer for spectacularly detailed results. In addition Olympus’ usual high standard of manufacturing ensures shooting with the TCON-30C doesn’t result in any change to your camera’s specified aperture values.

Available from January 2005 the TCON-30C will be priced at £169.99 (or Ï259.99) inc VAT.

I/OMagic Press Release

I/OMagic Adds New Portable Storage Device, the GigaBank Elite 40, to its Product Line-Up

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 5, 2005—New GigaBank(TM) Elite 40 has up to 40GB of Storage Space and a Single-Touch Data Back-up Function

I/OMagic Corporation (OTCBB:IOMG), a provider of data storage and digital entertainment products, announced today the latest addition to its line of portable storage devices, the new GigaBank(TM) Elite 40. The GigaBank(TM) Elite 40 features up to 40 GB(a) of storage capacity within a 1.8” IDE hard disk drive (HDD). Highlights include its single-touch data back-up function, the fact that it requires no batteries, adapters or installation software, and that it is compact enough to fit in your pocket.

IDC Press Release

Bright Future of Digital Cameras to Boost Consumer Photofinishing Market, IDC Expects

05 Jan 2005

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., January 5, 2005 – IDC expects positive growth in the consumer photofinishing market. Even though film usage will decline, the bright future of digital camera shipments will increase the number of images captured, shared and received, reveals a new IDC study. Digital camera images captured, shared and received worldwide will grow an average of 35% for 2003-2008. Digital cameras will continue to be the largest generator of digital images despite the greater forecasted proliferation of camera phones. Prints from digital images will surpass film prints in 2006 and will account for 71% of total worldwide prints by 2008.

Imation Press Release

Imation’s New ForceField(TM) Scratch Resistant Coating Defends Discs Against Scratches, Smudges, Static and Debris

OAKDALE, Minn., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Do you often discover your children’s sticky fingerprints and smudges on your favorite CDs? Do your friends use your new DVDs as coasters? Do you toss CDs into your briefcase or backpack on the way out the door or stack your latest music mixes on the backseat of your car? If you’re like most people, you know that everyday life can be hard on CDs and DVDs—until now. Imation Corp’s (NYSE:IMN) new proprietary ForceField(TM) scratch resistant coating for Imation CDs and DVDs provides a long-lasting “memory protection” layer designed to resist the rigors of everyday life: scratches, dust, smudges and everyday wear and tear that can interfere with the maximum enjoyment of music, photos and videos.

“Disc reliability and longevity are top concerns of CD and DVD users,” according to Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, removable storage at IDC. “Imation’s new ForceField scratch resistant coating addresses those concerns by providing a layer of protection that resists damage, helping discs last longer.”

“Say goodbye to excessive skips and playback interruptions, worrying about scratches, handling CDs and DVDs by their edges, or searching for lint-free cleansing cloths,” said Tom Lally, executive director of sales and marketing, Consumer and Office Markets, Imation. “With Imation’s new ForceField scratch resistant coating, your discs—and your precious memories or valuable data—are protected against scratches, smudges and dust. This means no more worries about disc scratches or smudges that can result from slipping CDs in file folders, sliding DVDs across countertops or handling discs with your fingers.”

The rigors of everyday use can render a disc unplayable, jeopardizing the life of music, photo and video memories, and other valuable files when not cared for or stored properly. But Imation’s CDs and DVDs with ForceField protection have a revolutionary scratch resistant coating that provides the following benefits over standard uncoated discs.

  —Scratch and Scuff-Resistance means discs can withstand the rigors of
    everyday handling at home or the office, including skids across a
    tabletop or being cleaned with ordinary tissues or fabrics.
  —Anti-Static Dust-Resistance repels up to 100 times more dust than a
    standard uncoated disc, helping prevent playback skips caused by dust
    and debris.  This eliminates the need for extra care when storing or
    carrying discs, or spending time searching for lint-free cleaning
    cloths.
  —Smear-Resistance allows fingerprints and surface smudges to be
    contained and easily wiped away—like the effects of car wax causing
    liquids to bead up rather than bleed and smear—reducing
    interference with disc recording and playback.  Use any soft tissue,
    cloth or even a shirt sleeve to wipe the debris away.

Imation CDs and DVDs protected by Imation’s ForceField scratch resistant coating are fully compatible with standard CD and DVD recorders and players, and will be available in assorted pack sizes of 52x CD-Rs, 8x DVD+Rs and 8x DVD-Rs. Imation discs with ForceField scratch resistant coating will be priced at a slight premium compared to standard, uncoated discs, and will begin shipping to retailers nationwide in February.

For more information on Imation CDs and DVDs protected by ForceField coating, go to http://www.imation.com/forcefield .

About Imation
Imation Corp is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of magnetic and optical removable data storage media. Additional information about Imation is available on the company’s website at http://www.imation.com/ , or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

Imation, ForceField and the Imation logo are trademarks of Imation Corp. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Kodak Press Release

Get Closer to the Action and Emotion with 10X and 5X Zoom Lenses; Z740 and Z700 Models Packaged with #1-Selling EASYSHARE Printer Dock

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5—Building on the global success of its EASYSHARE DX7590 and DX6490 zoom digital cameras, Eastman Kodak Company today announced a new category of EASYSHARE digital cameras. The KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series helps everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots through extended zoom lenses.

The KODAK EASYSHARE Z740 (10X optical zoom) and Z700 (5X optical zoom) digital cameras combine point-and-shoot flexibility and affordability with the photographic control granted by higher optical zoom ranges. Both models will be packaged with the new EASYSHARE Printer Dock Series 3, which makes real, borderless KODAK 4 x 6-inch pictures in as little as 90 seconds with just one touch.

Kodak Press Release

Credit Card-Sized Device Brings Favorite Memories to Life in the Palm of Your Hand

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5—Eastman Kodak Company is making digital picture sharing more convenient, personal and portable by introducing its new EASYSHARE Picture Viewer, a pocket-sized “digital photo album” that fits in the palm of your hand.  Whether showing off recent vacation pictures, priceless memories or snapshots from life’s everyday moments, the Picture Viewer (US$149 MSRP; available beginning in May 2005) is designed for people who love to share favorite pictures on the go.

The EASYSHARE Picture Viewer, approximately the size of a credit card, allows people to keep their favorite digital pictures by their side at all times, and then display one or all for family and friends. With a crystal-clear, 2.5-inch high-resolution display screen, it stores up to 150 favorite digital pictures — simply synchronize with a computer-based picture collection using the included KODAK EASYSHARE software. People can view these favorites, or hundreds more when using the expandable SD/MMC memory card slot. Single view and slideshow features are accessible via the easy-to-use menu and four-way navigation buttons.

Kodak Press Release

KODAK Products Win Prestigious Awards at 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show

EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus, EASYSHARE DX7590 Camera and KODAK Picture Maker Receive Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Awards

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5—Eastman Kodak Company’s continued innovation in the digital imaging industry secured top honors during the opening of the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show, where the company won multiple high-profile awards for its consumer digital imaging products. The KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus, KODAK EASYSHARE DX7590 zoom digital camera, and the KODAK Picture Maker G3 Digital Print Station all garnered Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Awards.

The Innovations 2005 Design and Engineering Awards, sponsored by Consumer Electronics Association and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America, honor superior design and engineering among the year’s most technologically advanced products. Chosen for the honor by a panel of independent industry designers, engineers and journalists, the EASYSHARE DX7590 camera, EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus and KODAK Picture Maker will join other winners on display at the 2005 International CES Innovations Pavilion (LVCC, Central Plaza).

Pentax UK Press Release

The new PENTAX OptioWP — a slim, compact digital camera with waterproof performance that enables underwater shooting

PENTAX is pleased to introduce the OptioWP, a compact digital camera that features JIS Class 8-equivalent waterproof performance and has a body only 22mm thick. What’s more, the new OptioWP also features a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, a 3X optical zoom lens and the imaging power of 5.0 effective megapixels.

Developed in line with the three keywords, “Sportiness”, “Elegance”, and, “Leisure”, the OptioWP provides the user with the advantage of waterproof performance that enables confident shooting during a range of water sports. And unusually for a camera with such sporting capability, the OptioWP also has surprisingly sophisticated styling that makes it ideal for use on practically any kind of occasion.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Press Release

Hitachi’s Hard Drive Family is Expecting Two New Babies; Baby ‘‘Mikey’’ and Big Brother ‘‘Slim’’ Expand Biggest Small-Form-Factor Family  

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 5, 2005—Hitachi Global Storage Technologies will christen a smaller one-inch Microdrive product and a slimmer 1.8-inch hard drive later this year. These two miniature drives are designed to meet the accelerating demand for ultra-portable handheld devices—such as mobile phones and digital music players—that don’t compromise on storage capacity.

Hitachi will deliver on these requirements by re-engineering its world-renowned one-inch Microdrive to create a 20-percent smaller version with the highest capacity at 8-10 gigabytes(1) (GB) of storage. The new smaller Microdrive is affectionately called baby “Mikey” for its diminutive size.

Applying a similar approach to a new 1.8-inch Travelstar product, Hitachi will trim 30 percent off the thickness of the drive to create a 5 mm version, nicknamed “Slim.” With a slighter profile equivalent to that of the Microdrive, “Slim” will be the world’s smallest and lightest 1.8-inch drive, beating the closest competitor by 10 percent in total volume.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the ultra-stylish, compact Inkjet Printer, the PIXMA iP90 mobile photo and document printer. With capability to print a 4” x 6” borderless photo print in just 51 seconds and 16 ppm A4 mono printing, the 4800 x 1200 dpi , 2 picolitre droplet size iP90 is designed to offer the best available high performance mobile solution for photo and document printing for the demanding creative user.

The printer features optional Bluetooth and IrDA support for wireless photo/document printing from compatible mobile phones, PDAs and PCs. An optional battery pack/charger and car charger are available for ultimate mobility. A PictBridge port allows direct connection and photo printing with any compliant digital camera or digital video camera, without the need for a PC.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to its LiDE range: the film-capable 2400 x 4800 CanoScan LiDE 500F scanner. Designed for operational flexibility, the LiDE 500F incorporates a Film Adapter Unit (FAU) and infrared Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement technology for high quality enlargement of 35mm film.

Just 35mm thick, the sheer, stylishly designed and USB-powered device features an innovative built-in stand, allowing the scanner to be operated on its edge to free up precious desk space. A new concept lid allows scanning of everything from thick books and small packages to oversize objects such as large maps, and convenient ‘drop-in’ scanning when the scanner is upright.