News
With only 6 weeks to go until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to buy for the photographer in your life, even if that’s you! I’ve looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2004 and picked my favourites, from digital cameras to printers and books. I’ve also suggested some other products that may be worth looking at (which I haven’t reviewed), and there are handy links to online shops so that you don’t even have to venture out and brave the hordes of shoppers!
So, somewhat in advance, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Website: Holiday Gift Guide 2004
With only 6 weeks to go until Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to buy for the photographer in your life, even if that’s you! I’ve looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2004 and picked my favourites, from digital cameras…
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new Canon PIXMA iP8500, which is is Canon’s first ChromaPLUS eight-color ink A4 format photo printer.
”...if you are one of those people (like me) that just have to have the best then this printer is for you. The 8-color ink system yields awesome looking prints and the super-wide print head makes this the fastest letter-size inkjet photo printer on the market. Just remember that this printer uses 8 ink tanks and these ink tanks and the cost of special photo paper can certainly add up in the long run. If you only print photos every now and then it’s probably a lot more cost effective to have your prints made at WalMart. However - if you’re like me, to heck with it!”
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new Canon PIXMA iP8500, which is is Canon’s first ChromaPLUS eight-color ink A4 format photo printer. ”...if you are one of those people (like me) that just have to have the best then this printer is for you. The 8-color ink system yields awesome…
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the six colour, 4800 x 1200 dpi Canon PIXMA iP6000D printer, which uses FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology with 2-picolitre Micro-Nozzles and has card slots for all popular brands of memory card.
“The big attraction of the iP6000D is its computer-free printing capabilities. Direct printing from most popular flash memory cards is quick and easy with preview, adjustment and cropping on the big 2.5-inch color monitor. It’s also PictBridge compatible, most current 2004 digicams can be plugged into the front USB port for direct printing from the camera. And finally, there’s an IrDA (infrared) receiver port on the front that allows compatible cellphones to wirelessly transmit JPEG images for printing.”
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the six colour, 4800 x 1200 dpi Canon PIXMA iP6000D printer, which uses FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology with 2-picolitre Micro-Nozzles and has card slots for all popular brands of memory card. “The big attraction of the iP6000D is its computer-free printing capabilities. Direct…
Photoxels have posted the first review that I have seen of the new entry-level Olympus C-370 Zoom (this camera is known as the Olympus D-535 Zoom in the USA).
“The Olympus Camedia D-535 Zoom is an entry-level point-and-shoot digital camera targeted to first-time users. For less than US$150, you get a 3.2 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom digital camera that is both easy to use and gives good results.”
Photoxels have posted the first review that I have seen of the new entry-level Olympus C-370 Zoom (this camera is known as the Olympus D-535 Zoom in the USA). “The Olympus Camedia D-535 Zoom is an entry-level point-and-shoot digital camera targeted to first-time users. For less than US$150, you get…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer. Website: Index Digicam - Epson PictureMate Review Check the Latest Prices for the Epson PictureMate
The German website digitalkamera.de have posted the first internet review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.
The German website digitalkamera.de have posted the first internet review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800. Website: digitalkamera.de - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8800
DCResource have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA).
“I very much enjoyed using the Olympus C-7000 Zoom, and it gets my recommendation. Photo quality was very good, though I’d definitely crank the sharpness and especially the saturation up a notch or two. The C-7000Z has a 5X zoom lens packed into a midsized body, though the lens starts at 38 mm, making it a bad choice for wide-angle lovers. Camera performance is excellent, with the exception of saving or viewing RAW and TIFF files. The C-7000 is nicely-designed for the most part, with the exception of the clumsy door over the memory card / battery compartment.”
DCResource have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA). “I very much enjoyed using the Olympus C-7000 Zoom, and it gets my recommendation. Photo quality was very good, though I’d definitely crank the sharpness and especially the saturation up…
The Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3.
The Norwegian website Digit.no have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3. Website: Digit.no - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3
Kodak USA have just announced a new promotion for their 14 megapixel Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c digital SLR camera, offering a massive $1,000 off the usual retail price between 11/15/04 and 12/31/04. The only requirement is you must purchase the camera from an authorised dealer of KODAK products (found via DCViews
Website: Kodak - $1000 Discount Voucher (PDF)
Kodak USA have just announced a new promotion for their 14 megapixel Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c digital SLR camera, offering a massive $1,000 off the usual retail price between 11/15/04 and 12/31/04. The only requirement is you must purchase the camera from an authorised dealer of KODAK products (found via…
LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-V3.
“Not one digital camera is perfect, neither is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3. However, in our opinion, Sony had developed an outstanding camera with an excellent photo quality. The innovative technique on board of the DSC-V3 stands on a high level and is not found in competing models. All in all we may conclude that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 is truly recommendable to those who have high expectations concerning photo quality, colour rendition and the versatile applications.”
LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-V3. “Not one digital camera is perfect, neither is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3. However, in our opinion, Sony had developed an outstanding camera with an excellent photo quality. The innovative technique on board of the DSC-V3 stands on…
The Slovenian website Slo-Foto have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).
Website: Slo-Foto - Olympus Mju Mini Review
The Slovenian website Slo-Foto have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA). Website: Slo-Foto - Olympus Mju Mini Review Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus Mju Mini
DigiCamReview.co.uk have published a review of the 3 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix A607.
“The design is okay, the size is okay, the camera is quite compact, stylish and pocketable. The small 1.5” screen updates smoothly but is a very low resolution and overly saturated and yellowly. The camera is very easy to use, the menu systems being easy to use, if a bit basic in the amount of options and features available. The 3x optical zoom lens seems to be very good. Camera handling, and button layout are good. The camera speed is good in use and has a quick zoom, shot to shot time is average, and the camera has an average switch on time. My other complaints are that it takes XD cards (expensive), there is no custom white balance, and the camera seems to scratch easily.”
DigiCamReview.co.uk have published a review of the 3 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix A607. “The design is okay, the size is okay, the camera is quite compact, stylish and pocketable. The small 1.5” screen updates smoothly but is a very low resolution and overly saturated and yellowly. The camera is very easy…
About.com has published a good guide to getting out and about during the winter months with your camera.
“The hours of daylight are shorter in winter, but this doesn’t really alter the possibilities for most types of photography. For working outdoors, the lower height of the sun in the sky means that you get more interesting lighting - assuming the sun is visible. Often in summer the light across the middle of the day is uninteresting as the sun is too close to overhead, while in winter you can work through the day. Winter tends to give more variable weather too, sometimes creating additional interest.”
About.com has published a good guide to getting out and about during the winter months with your camera. “The hours of daylight are shorter in winter, but this doesn’t really alter the possibilities for most types of photography. For working outdoors, the lower height of the sun in the sky…
Kodak executive Willy Shih has just announced his resignation. Not that interesting at first, but more so when you learn that Shih was largely responsible for turning around the fortunes of the struggling manufacturer and making Kodak one of the leading digital camera companies today.
“Shih came to Kodak in 1997 at a time when the company was struggling to find its footing in consumer digital photography. Over the course of the next six years, he helped organize and create a business that now does $1 billion in sales of digital cameras, printers, paper and related accessories. The year he arrived, Kodak lost more than $400 million in digital imaging; the consumer digital business is now profitable.”
Website: Democrat and Chronicle - Kodak’s digital pioneer to leave
Kodak executive Willy Shih has just announced his resignation. Not that interesting at first, but more so when you learn that Shih was largely responsible for turning around the fortunes of the struggling manufacturer and making Kodak one of the leading digital camera companies today. “Shih came to Kodak in…
The Sanyo Xacti C1 is quite unlike any other digital camera available today, looking more like a tiny version of a digital camcorder than a conventional digicam. It has been designed like this principally because it allows you to record both 3.2 megapixel still images and 640x480, 30fps MPEG-4 movies. Other notable features include a macro mode that allows you to get as close as 2cms away from the subject, and a 5.8 optical zoom lens that is equivalent to 38?220mm on a 35mm format camera. So is the Sanyo Xacti C1 the perfect fusion of still and moving images, or just a compromise between the two? Read on to discover the answer.
Website: Sanyo Xacti C1 Review
The Sanyo Xacti C1 is quite unlike any other digital camera available today, looking more like a tiny version of a digital camcorder than a conventional digicam. It has been designed like this principally because it allows you to record both 3.2 megapixel still images and 640x480, 30fps MPEG-4 movies…
The 42nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Patricio Burraco.
“I’m Patricio, from Cachari, Argentina. I’m sending some of my pictures. As you can see, I like BW approach to people and nature. Nothing formal here!. Even pets or little details in my own backyard offers me great chances of getting colorful pictures, including my friends doing joking “and interesting” faces to my lens!
There’s a couple of pics covering some flowers or details in my garden, five close-ups of my brother in BW/sepia, in the trainyard, and two of my cat, Pappo. There’s also a picture of my town’ railway station. Almost a desert, as you can see. The stunning red picture was a Photoshop Elements approach to a BW picture of other friend, Pablo, the “Beer Dude”, as he is know here.
Technically speaking, my camera is a F828, which is astounding, and I love. Really great to get BW, real color or saturated color photos. Each picture is less than 100kb in size, because Net’s problem handling full 8Mpx images (in the future it will be milliseconds to download, but for now, 56kps is a cool speed) :-D”
Website: Portfolios: Patricio Burraco
The 42nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Patricio Burraco. “I’m Patricio, from Cachari, Argentina. I’m sending some of my pictures. As you can see, I like BW approach to people and nature. Nothing formal here!. Even pets or little details in my own backyard offers me great chances of…
The German book “Die digitale Dunkelkammer” (‘The Digital Darkroom’) has won the “Deutsche Fotobuchpreis 2004” awarded by the “Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”. It was picked among 200 entries by a jury of photographers, booksellers and book designers in the category “textbook/manual”.
The book teaches about the processing of digital images once they leave the camera. It targets pro photographers, ambitious amateur photographers, pre-press professionals, and students of design.
The German book “Die digitale Dunkelkammer” (‘The Digital Darkroom’) has won the “Deutsche Fotobuchpreis 2004” awarded by the “Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”. It was picked among 200 entries by a jury of photographers, booksellers and book designers in the category “textbook/manual”. The book teaches about the processing of digital images…
Lecia Press Release 19/11/04
Internet chat on November 23rd, 2004 informs on the recent developments LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R
The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R, which was presented at the photokina 2004, is being anxiously awaited by a great number of customers. We are pleased over the positive resonance that we have received and are working diligently with our partners in order to get serial production underway. The photographic results have exceeded our expectations. We are sure that with the DIGITAL-MODUL-R we have achieved a high quality and long lasting solution for our
customers.
On November 23rd, 2004 we will hold an internet chat in which we will inform you on the recent developments and the beginning of the first deliveries. Starting at 5 pm local time, a competent Leica team will answer your questions on the LEICA DIGITAL-R. We would be pleased to welcome you at the Leica internet chat.
To participate in the Leica chat all users have to be registered. Further information on the registration to the Leica chat are available http://www.leica-camera.com/markt/forum/chat/index_e.html
Lecia Press Release 19/11/04 Internet chat on November 23rd, 2004 informs on the recent developments LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R The LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R, which was presented at the photokina 2004, is being anxiously awaited by a great number of customers. We are pleased over the positive resonance that we have received and are…
The manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off.
Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual
The manual for the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR is now available on KM’s USA website as two separate downloadable files (2.75 MB and 2.98 MB). Thanks to Cameron Hill for the tip-off. Website: Konica Minolta 7D Manual Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D
FotoBuzz Press Release 20/11/04
We’re proud to announce the first release of the FotoBuzz viewlet. With just a few small changes to your existing website you can have image commenting.
This release of FotoBuzz requires PHP or Python support on your server and version 7 of the Flash Player. Since comments are actually stored inside your images, there is a current limitation that your images must be on the same server as the FotoBuzz script files.
The download includes a sample page to test your setup and our how to page shows you how to modify your existing pages to support FotoBuzz.
Give it a try and let us know what you think! Finally, comment on images the way you were always meant to!
FotoBuzz Press Release 20/11/04 We’re proud to announce the first release of the FotoBuzz viewlet. With just a few small changes to your existing website you can have image commenting. This release of FotoBuzz requires PHP or Python support on your server and version 7 of the Flash Player. Since…