Canon UK Press Release

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the stylish and super-compact 1.33 Megapixel MVX350i, MVX330i and MVX300 digital video cameras. The MVX350i features a 20x optical zoom (400x combined), while the MVX330i and MVX300 both feature an 18x zoom (360x combined). Digital video cameras in the range incorporate high-resolution 16:9 mode, built in mini video light (MVX350i), digital still flash (MVX350i and MVX330i), Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) and large 2.5” 123K pixel LCD screen.

With generous specifications and highly sculptured ergonomics that include flush switches and recessed buttons, the super-compacts are expected to appeal to consumers demanding feature-rich products with superior finish quality and design.

All models utilise Canon’s DIGIC DV processor for split path video and still image processing. All are PictBridge compliant and feature a Print/Share button for simple PC-less printing of digital stills direct to compatible photo printers, and PC/internet uploads. The MVX350i comes equipped with a 0.6x wide converter lens.

Canon UK Press Release

Easy operation camcorders ideal for first time buyers

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of 800K pixel digital video cameras: the MV800 series. Designed to appeal to first time buyers looking for simplicity and quality, the MV850i, MV830i, MV830 and MV800 combine Canon’s easiest ever operation with uncompromising build quality and precision optics.

A new ‘Easy’ button which puts the camcorder into full auto mode has been introduced for the benefit of users looking for immediate, uncomplicated results straight out of the box. All models in the range feature a powerful optical zoom: 22x (440x combined) for the MV850i and 20x for the MV830i, MV830 and MV800. They also feature Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS), high-resolution true 16:9 wide screen mode with letterbox display, a double neutral density filter, web cam functionality, Super Night mode (MV850i) and Night Mode. The MV850i, MV830i and MV830 feature digital still capability plus PictBridge for direct printing to compatible photo printers without the computer.

Despite their tiny size (only 51mm thick and weighing just 430g), the digital video cameras feature a large 2.4” colour LCD screen and are powered with the same DIGIC-DV processor used to drive Canon’s high end digital video cameras.

SanDisk Corporation Press Release

Sunnyvale, CA, Jan 4, 2005 — SanDisk Corporation announced today that its Charitable Fund has donated $200,000 to eight different organizations that are working in relief efforts to aid the victims of the Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunami. The funds were allocated through the Community Foundation Silicon Valley.

“The need to respond quickly to a crisis such as this tsunami disaster reinforced for us the effectiveness of our corporate philosophy for organized charitable contributions and our use of the Community Foundation as an effective vehicle,” said Judy Bruner, SanDisk executive vice president of administration and chief financial officer. “Having made donations on a regular basis to the SanDisk Fund at the foundation, SanDisk was able to quickly request that donations be made from the fund to multiple charitable organizations. We were able to rely on a trusted entity—the Community Foundation Silicon Valley—to ensure that the funds were quickly and properly distributed.”

The Slovenian website Slo-Foto.net have posted a review of the new 6 megapixel Pentax *ist DS DSLR.

Website: Slo-Foto.net - Pentax *ist DS Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax *ist DS

Photoxels have just posted their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550.

“Finally, the Fujifilm E550 is f-a-s-t! If you miss a candid shot, it won’t be because of this camera: the lens extends in about 1 sec. and the LCD displays in about 0.5 sec. more; shutter lag is negligible for all practical purposes; and shot-to-shot is about 1 sec., except for flash pictures when it takes about 3 sec. to recharge the flash.”

Website: Photoxels - Fuji FinePix E550 Review

Northlight Images have just reviewed the Noise Ninja plugin for Adobe Photoshop, which claims to solve the image noise problem using new, patent-pending technology.

“The Canon 1Ds that Keith regularly uses, has very little noise in images produced at the ISO 100 setting, however at higher speeds noise can become objectionable. Just as with film it’s the price you pay for increased sensitivity. Noise Ninja has been round a while as a standalone application, but is soon to be released as a Photoshop plugin. As a plugin it potentially becomes a much more usable part of Keith’s imaging workflow. Keith has been reviewing some of its features and finding just how well it works. Do bear in mind that as of writing this review, the plugin is still Beta software, and may well still have some glitches.”

Website: Northlight Images - Noise Ninja Review

Website: Noise Ninja

Pacific Image Electronics Press Release

PACIFIC IMAGE ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES VALUE-PRICED HIGH-RESOLUTION FILM SCANNER WITH DIGITAL ICE3

Torrance, CA, January 4, 2005…..Pacific Image Electronics Inc. announces the PrimeFilm 3650u, a value-priced film scanner with high optical resolution and Digital ICE3™.

This new film scanner is a high resolution upgrade to the company’s basic model, and is designed for the hobbyist or photography enthusiast who is looking for image enhancement features and easy handling of large image files.

The inclusion of Digital ICE3TM by ASF (Kodak Austin Development Center) allows the user to digitally clean, correct and restore film images to optimize the image quality.

Pacific Image Electronics Press Release

PACIFIC IMAGE ELECTRONICS FIRST TO MARKET WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND MAGAZINE-FED SLIDE SCANNER

Torrance, CA, January 4, 2005…..Pacific Image Electronics’ PowerSlide 3600 is a one-of-a-kind scanner that batch scans mounted slides automatically, creating high-quality digital files that can be stored to hard disk, zip drive, CD-R, CD-RW or any other storage media. The PowerSlide turns all your slides into a digital format, allowing your slide shows to be viewed on your living room TV, LCD projector, computer monitor, e-mail or web site. Heavy and bulky slide projectors are no longer needed.

This easily wins the award for funniest CES press release of the day. Just what all you iPod Photo owners need…

Playboy.com Press Release

Playboy.com Offers Stunning Image Galleries for Hand-Held Digital Photo Devices Like the iPod Photo

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/—Playboy.com has harnessed the digital photo revolution to put the sexiest girls next door in the palm of your hand with the site’s new “iBod” editorial feature. Given the popularity of handheld media toys like Apple’s new iPod Photo, Playboy.com has created both non-nude and nude image galleries to help beautify these portable players.

“Playboy has always been committed to delivering the fun and sexiness of the classic Playboy lifestyle to customers on any media platform they wish to use,” said John D. Thomas, editor of Playboy.com. “The overwhelming response we have received for this feature supports our theory that iPod Photo users are a technologically advanced group with a significant interest in enjoying beautiful Playboy images.”

The Copernio Corporation Press Release

Future Formats Group Launches ‘The Consumer’s Guide to Understanding Blu-ray and HD-DVD’

LAS VEGAS, CES, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/—The Copernio Corporation, an innovator in the defense systems and photonics research markets, announced today that it has launched a consumer’s guide to next generation optical disc formats at the 2005 International CES. Offered as a simple guide to help consumer’s evaluate future optical disc technologies, Copernio anticipates that this practical guide will concisely inform consumer choices.

The optical disc market covers all areas related to the production and recording of CD, DVDs and newer emerging disc-based technologies such as Blu-ray, HD-DVD, EVD and holography. The technological sophistication of the market often leaves the average consumer behind.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor Debuts ColorVision ColorPlus Update; Puts Accurate Color on Consumer Monitors for Under $100
Produce Stunning Photos Using the Tools Professionals Rely on for Color Accuracy

LAS VEGAS, NV January 4th, 2005 - Datacolor, the internationally known name in color technology announced the latest updated V1.0.3 software for ColorVision® ColorPlus”, part of the PANTONE® COLORVISION® product line. Now available in 8 - languages - English, French, German, Spanish, Italian,Japanese and Chinese (Traditional and simplified) with an all new easy to use wizard and interface. ColorPlus is an affordable monitor calibration tool for consumers and photo hobbyists that calibrates a monitor to produce stunning photos in a few easy steps.

Datacolor has chosen to exhibit the ColorVision Digital Imaging product line at TechZones “Flash Forward 2.0: Bringing Digital Imaging into Focus” Central Plaza Booth # 24 &26. Previously driven by professionals alone, the demand for precision color in digital imaging still and moving has inspired the Colorvision Product line to expand distribution of digital color tools to consumer retail outlets.

Datacolor Press Release

Datacolor and Pantone Announce Spyder2 Plus, The New Standard in Consumer Color Electronics

Breakthrough ‘Darkroom in a Box’ Technology Provides Accurate and Affordable Color on Monitors and in Print

LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show International 2005 (CES) – January 4, 2005 – Datacolor, the internationally known name in color technology and global color authority Pantone, Inc., today announced ColorVision® Spyder2 Plus™, a virtual ”Darkroom in a Box™,” complete with digital imaging tools and software. The product debuted today at UNVEILED, the official press event of CES International.

The show runs January 6 - 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ColorVision booth is located at TechZones; “Flash Forward 2.0: Bringing Digital Imaging into Focus” Central Plaza Booth # 24 & 26. This special area devoted to digital imaging innovation supports the growing interest among consumers for this product category.

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release

CONCORD CAMERA ANNOUNCES BLISTER PACK & HOLIDAY BLOW-OUT PRICES FOR 3-6 MEGAPIXEL DIGITAL CAMERAS

Packaging Increases Impulse Buying at Retail Stores
Concord First to Market with 6 Megapixel for $229

Las Vegas, NV, January 4, 2005 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENSE), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, easy-to-use, popularly priced digital cameras, announced today at CES new easy-to-reach consumer-friendly clamshell blister pack packaging and lower post holiday blow-out pricing for their award-winning lineup of 3, 4, 5, and 6 Megapixel digital cameras.  The convenient newly designed Concord clamshell-shaped packaging now makes it easier for consumers to purchase higher end cameras at more affordable prices—without waiting for sales staff.  In addition, retailers can increase sales and impulse buying by stocking cameras up front where consumers can easily buy, instead of hiding the cameras behind hard-to-reach display cases.

Concord also announced today new blowout pricing for their most popular 3, 4, 5, and 6 Megapixels digital cameras—with prices as low as $99 for the 3346z 3 Megapixel digital camera to $229 for the 6340z 6 megapixel digital camera.

DPReview have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400.

“The Coolpix 8400’s unique lens makes it an interesting beast, it offers a slightly wider field of view (about 10° more; 72° horizontally at 24 mm equiv.) than other prosumer eight megapixel digital cameras which start at 28 mm equiv. That extra 10° can be especially useful if you shoot a lot of architecture, landscapes, real estate etc. At the other end of zoom however it has the least telephoto of any current eight megapixel, its nearest competitor, the Olympus C-8080 WZ offers 28 - 140 mm equiv. (compared to the 8400’s 24 - 85 mm equiv.)”

Website: DPReview - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

DPReview have just posted their full review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.

“The Coolpix 8800 is out to prove that it’s a credible alternative to the new cheaper digital SLR’s and a set of lenses. From a practicality stand point it certainly delivers, in a package not much bigger than the smallest D-SLR you get eight megapixels and a 35 - 350 mm equiv. lens with Vibration Reduction. Next you consider the price, which may seem high but when you take into account how much a D-SLR and matching set of lenses would cost it does start to make sense. Where the 8800 can’t compete however is noise at higher sensitivities and the ‘SLR shooting experience’ (camera feel, manual zoom, AF speed, shutter lag and processing / write speed).”

Website: DPReview - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8800

D-Link Unveils Industry’s First Wireless Media Player Supporting Microsoft Windows Connect Now at Consumer Electronics Show

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/—D-Link(R), a global leader in consumer network connectivity, today unveiled the industry’s first Digital Media Player supporting Microsoft Windows Connect Now to help ease network installation and network expansion for consumers in the digital home. The D-Link MediaLounge(TM) Wireless Media Player with DVD and Flash Card Reader (DSM-320RD) is based on the best-selling D-Link MediaLounge Player platform and will be demonstrated at both the D-Link Booth # 35832 in Upper South Hall 4 and at the Microsoft booth at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas January 6 - 9, 2005.

The Slovenian website Slo-Foto.net have published their review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400.

Website: Slo-Foto.net - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Rob Galbraith has posted a review of the photo browsing software Photo Mechanic 4.3, which is due to be released later this week.

“Version 4.3 of Photo Mechanic continues the program’s march forward. We’ve been using successive beta releases on both supported platforms for some time now, and already can’t imagine going back to an earlier version. This is a way cool release.”

Website: Rob Galbraith - Photo Mechanic Review

The Spanish website Quesabesde have posted their first look report on the new Konica Minolta 7D DSLR.

Website: Quesabesde - Konica Minolta 7D First Look Report

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Newsline International Press Release

According to the recently completed 2003-2004 PMA U.S. Industry Trends Report: Retail Markets digital camera sales are estimated to have grown 30 percent in 2004 to 25.1 million units and accounted for 67 percent of all camera sales. Digital camera penetration is expected to be slightly above 40 percent of the U.S. household population compared to almost 30 percent in 2003. These positive trends are expected to continue through 2005 and 2006, and then unit sales are projected to peak in December 2006 when household penetration is anticipated to reach 63 percent. Sales will continue as consumers upgrade or buy additional cameras, but replacement cycles will lengthen as further improvement of features will have less of an impact on consumer satisfaction. For example, upgrading from a 2-megapixel camera to a 4-megapixel camera provides substantially more benefit to consumers than switching from a 6- to 8-megapixel model since the difference in quality is much less noticeable to most consumers.