News
DIWA Press Release
Amsterdam, 19. November 2004: Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) today announced that an Innovation Award is granted to the revolutionary Fujifilm Image Intelligence System.
Remarkable image processing software was disclosed by Fujifilm at the international Photokina 2004 trade show. Combining modern computer technologies and 70 years of photographic expertise, Fujifilm made this intelligent imaging system possible. The core of this exciting innovation is formed by the sophisticated Scene Classification, Face Detection and Face Recognition functions, all playing key roles in the development of future products.
Even the basic information revealed at this moment is highly convincing, with enormous potentials for both amateur and professional applications. One of these features is the ?Scene Classification? that allows automatic recognition of various image characteristics to secure correct exposure and image processing. The second innovation is the Face Detection technology, which is capable of automatically optimizing skin tones, cropping portrait pictures and eliminating red eyes from flash pictures. The most surprising technology is the Face Recognition feature, which will automatically detect and identify human faces and sort pictures accordingly.
DIWA finds these new innovations highly interesting, as they may prove extremely useful for amateur photo albums as well as professional ID and security systems in the future.
DIWA Press Release Amsterdam, 19. November 2004: Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) today announced that an Innovation Award is granted to the revolutionary Fujifilm Image Intelligence System. Remarkable image processing software was disclosed by Fujifilm at the international Photokina 2004 trade show. Combining modern computer technologies and 70 years of…
About Photography’s latest article, Sharpening & Workflow, is a great introduction to the trciky subject of sharpening, as well as reviewing two popular software tools, PhotoKit Sharpener and FocalBlade.
“FocalBlade (FB) is designed as a single pass sharpening plugin, and seems to me the ultimate of its type. It allows you to separate the sharpening of edges from the sharpening of surfaces and also offers to attempt to fix sharpening haloes. One advantage of the plugin is that it can be used in either novice or expert mode. Another useful feature is the ability to save presets. “
About Photography’s latest article, Sharpening & Workflow, is a great introduction to the trciky subject of sharpening, as well as reviewing two popular software tools, PhotoKit Sharpener and FocalBlade. “FocalBlade (FB) is designed as a single pass sharpening plugin, and seems to me the ultimate of its type. It allows…
FujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS.
FujiFilm have just released 4 sample images taken with their long-delayed DSLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. The 4 images have been saved as JPEGs in Photoshop CS. Website: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Sample Images Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
Kodak publishes a monthly online magazine aimed to professional photographers. Issue 10 of ProPass magazine includes articles on the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer, Kodak’s new Pro Lab Locator and an interesting look at the topic of Image Stability:(found via Rob Galbraith).
“You’ll often see stability reported as, ‘Resistance to light fade’ or ‘Light fastness, good for 75 years,’” says LaBarca. “It may also say, ‘...75 years, when stored behind glass’ or ‘when stored in protective sleeves.’ All those statements are clues that they’ve only tested for light fade. ‘Behind glass’ presumably protects the print from ozone, other atmospheric pollutants, and humidity. So, most of the claims that you see today are claims for light fastness only.”
Website: Kodak ProPass Magazine - Issue #10
Kodak publishes a monthly online magazine aimed to professional photographers. Issue 10 of ProPass magazine includes articles on the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer, Kodak’s new Pro Lab Locator and an interesting look at the topic of Image Stability:(found via Rob Galbraith). “You’ll often see stability reported as…
Imaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.
“Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other d-SLRs, but as I’ve noted in the past, graphs like this tell only part of the story, because they don’t reveal what the image noise actually looks like. In the case of the 20D, its noise pattern is particularly fine and tight-grained, which makes it much less visually apparent and objectionable than that of many cameras. At the same time, the 20D’s noise-suppression technology does an excellent job of holding noise in check, without losing subject detail in areas of subtle contrast.”
Imaging Resource have published their usual comprehensive review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Low image noise is one of the real standout features of the EOS-20D, particularly at very high ISOs (1600 and 3200). The chart above compares the 20D’s image noise levels against those of other…
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. It’s packed to the rafters this month with some great articles - here are my highlights, in no particular order:
- Just Another Tool?
“I look at my cameras as tools. Just as any good craftsman worth his salt, I take care of them, and maintain them. But while I may have some affection for some of my older cameras, I’m not invested in them emotionally the way that some photographers are. I look at the whole digital-versus-film debate the same way. I can make professional quality images with either format. So the question is not which format is better, but rather which is best for the job at hand?”
- Let The Weather Affect Your Photography!?
“You can stay in bed if you choose, but not me! I’ve discovered that the rest of the time, those drizzly days, those cold days, those foggy days, those snowy days have all brought me some of my most exciting photographic experiences. As I’ve mentioned in past articles, effort plays an important part in the process and in letting the weather affect your photography.”
- Just Burn it to Disk - Not So Fast!
“How big of an issue is it? At PhotoPlus I spoke with a Fuji Rep. He told me that while consumer film sales continue to decline, pro film sales have seen a sharp increase in the past year. Why? As pros have gotten burned by disks they couldn’t read and high migration costs when upgrading systems they’ve reassessed their work flows. Archivally stored slides will last a lifetime and they can be easily scanned, worked in Photoshop, and distributed to clients and publishers.”
Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #39
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. It’s packed to the rafters this month with some great articles - here are my highlights, in no particular order: - Just Another Tool?“I look at my cameras as tools. Just as any good…
The Polish website Fotopolis have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).
Website: Fotopolis - Olympus Mju Mini Review
The Polish website Fotopolis have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA). Website: Fotopolis - Olympus Mju Mini Review Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus Mju Mini
DPReview have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.
“The DX7590 is a camera that rewards those prepared to take the time to learn how to use all its functions and to work around its foibles - you start getting better and better pictures the more you use it. Quite how this fits in with the ‘EasyShare’ concept I’m not sure, though Kodak has done a fairly good job at combining sophisticated features with genuine ease of use. The 7590 may have a friendly interface and cartoony icons, but it is stuffed to the gills with enough features to keep even the most enthusiastic photographer happy.”
DPReview have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera. “The DX7590 is a camera that rewards those prepared to take the time to learn how to use all its functions and to work around its foibles - you start getting better and…
DigitalCameraInfo have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.
“The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 packs a load of features into a relatively compact 12.3 ounces. The 10x optical zoom lens, flash accessory connector, and 32MB of internal memory launch this camera into the ranks with higher end models. These features, paired with 5 megapixels, make the EasyShare DX7590 a good buy at $499.95. This camera would be great for an entry-level or intermediate user.”
DigitalCameraInfo have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera. “The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 packs a load of features into a relatively compact 12.3 ounces. The 10x optical zoom lens, flash accessory connector, and 32MB of internal memory launch this camera into the…
Several PhotographyBLOG readers have let me know about a 1 Gigapixel picture created by Dutch research and technology laboratory TNO, which is made up of 600 component images. The giant-sized image is available on their website, where you can zoom in to see how much detail the image contains.
“The largest digital panoramic photo in the world has been created by researchers in the Netherlands. The finished image is 2.5 billion pixels in size - making it about 500 times the resolution of images produced by good consumer digital cameras.”
Website: BBC - How to make a gigapixel picture
Website: Gigapxl Project
Several PhotographyBLOG readers have let me know about a 1 Gigapixel picture created by Dutch research and technology laboratory TNO, which is made up of 600 component images. The giant-sized image is available on their website, where you can zoom in to see how much detail the image contains. “The…
Kodak has caught up with Sony in the USA digital camera market, according to an IDC report. selling only 10,000 less units than Sony’s 1 million during the third quarter of the current financial year. Canon was third with 800,000 sales.
“The investments that Kodak has made in digital imaging are really starting to pay off,” Chute said. “They’re not just the low-cost guys now; they’re starting to get higher marks for product quality. And Kodak is much more aggressive in pursuing a proliferation strategy with partners like Dell.”
Website: CNET News - Kodak catches up with Sony in camera sales
Kodak has caught up with Sony in the USA digital camera market, according to an IDC report. selling only 10,000 less units than Sony’s 1 million during the third quarter of the current financial year. Canon was third with 800,000 sales. “The investments that Kodak has made in digital imaging…
CNET have published a review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica.
“We suspect that Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20—clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)—will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados. The new model offers a stunning, optically-stabilized 12X Leica zoom lens that reaches out to 432mm (35mm equivalent), 5-megapixel resolution, and some worthwhile performance improvements. If you love supertelephoto photography, this Panasonic looks like the camera to beat.”
Website: CNET - Panasonic DMC-FZ20 Review
CNET have published a review of the new Panasonic DMC-FZ20 digital camera, which has a 12x optical zoom lens from Leica. “We suspect that Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-FZ20—clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)—will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados…
CNET have published their review of the Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom digital camera.
“We got the same good image quality with this camera as with the C-770 Ultra Zoom: consistent exposures; rich, detailed shadows; and highlights that didn’t wash out easily. This camera, however, offered just 320x240-pixel, 15fps movies with adequate sound. If you’re looking for 640x480, 30fps clips, spend the extra $100 and get the C-770.”
CNET have published their review of the Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom digital camera. “We got the same good image quality with this camera as with the C-770 Ultra Zoom: consistent exposures; rich, detailed shadows; and highlights that didn’t wash out easily. This camera, however, offered just 320x240-pixel, 15fps movies with…
DP-Now editor Ian Burley has let me know about a rather unique event, the Olympus-sponsored Fashion Acts charity auction, which is selling photos taken by celebrities on Ebay next week.
“The annual Fashion Acts fund raiser to support AIDS/HIV charities kicked off this year with the auction, last night, of 42 framed photos snapped by a selection of celebs from Carole Vorderman to David Bailey. A further 42 photos will be auctioned publicly on eBay, starting from next Tuesday, 23rd November. If you want to own a unique photo taken by someone famous, this is your chance!”
Website: DPNow - Unique photos by celebrities auctioned for charity
DP-Now editor Ian Burley has let me know about a rather unique event, the Olympus-sponsored Fashion Acts charity auction, which is selling photos taken by celebrities on Ebay next week. “The annual Fashion Acts fund raiser to support AIDS/HIV charities kicked off this year with the auction, last night, of…
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ANW/Crestwood and Innova Art Ltd. Press Release
ANW/Crestwood and Innova Art Ltd. Announce the Introduction of Innova Digital Papers in US Market
ANW/Crestwood, Inc., Lincoln Park, NJ, and Innova Art, Ltd. announce the introduction of the Innova brand digital art papers in the U.S.A.
With over 100 years experience in the fine art paper field, ANW was one of the earliest paper companies to supply digital fine art printmakers. ?ANW is very excited about our relationship with Innova and we are looking forward to introducing a paper of this caliber to the US market,?stated Mark Caliguire, President. An importer and converter of paper products from around the world, ANW addresses a wide range of digital and traditional art applications in addition to a vast array of stationery, hobby and craft products.
Innova Art Ltd. is a producer of digital papers for fine art and photography. Based in Epping, England, with an office in New Jersey, Innova manufactures a range of papers in both smooth and textured surfaces in 100% cotton and alpha cellulose base fiber.
<ANW/Crestwood and Innova Art Ltd. Press Release ANW/Crestwood and Innova Art Ltd. Announce the Introduction of Innova Digital Papers in US Market ANW/Crestwood, Inc., Lincoln Park, NJ, and Innova Art, Ltd. announce the introduction of the Innova brand digital art papers in the U.S.A. With over 100 years experience in…
Oregon Scientific Press Release 15/11/04
Oregon Scientific Makes Its Directorial Debut with the DV100 MPEG-4 Digital Video Camera
Taking centre stage on the red carpet is the Oregon Scientific DV100. Delivering an Oscar-winning performance, this stunning digital video camera features high quality MPEG-4 digital video recording, 4.0 mega pixels digital camera, 16Mb internal memory, 6 x digital zoom for photo capture and 8 x zoom photo playback. The sleek and compact silver unit houses a 1.8-inch rotating colour photo preview LCD screen, ensuring that Steven Spielberg wannabes don?t miss a moment of potential cinematic history! Given its superb 30 frames per second movie frame rate, the DV100 retails at just £199.99! Available at Argos and other leading retailers.
Oregon Scientific Press Release 15/11/04 Oregon Scientific Makes Its Directorial Debut with the DV100 MPEG-4 Digital Video Camera Taking centre stage on the red carpet is the Oregon Scientific DV100. Delivering an Oscar-winning performance, this stunning digital video camera features high quality MPEG-4 digital video recording, 4.0 mega pixels digital…
The German website Photoworld.de have posted their review of the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6.
The German website Photoworld.de have posted their review of the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6. Website: Photoworld.de - Canon PowerShot G6 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot G6
Reuters has an interesting report on falling profits in the digital camera industry, particularly at the entry-level end of the market, as prices are slashed to remain competitive. Bad news for the manufacturers, good news for us consumers.
“Even makers with hit products have fallen on hard times. Nikon Corp. is making money on a new digital SLR launched in March, but still expects profits in its camera division to fall as prices of compact models slide.
“We expect prices to keep falling. But we are shifting our product line-up towards the high end,” said Nikon Chief Financial Officer Kenji Enya.
The problem with that strategy is that every digital camera company is doing the same thing: avoid the low-end of the market where price competition has made margins razor-thin.”
Website: Reuters - Profits fading in digital camera industry
Reuters has an interesting report on falling profits in the digital camera industry, particularly at the entry-level end of the market, as prices are slashed to remain competitive. Bad news for the manufacturers, good news for us consumers. “Even makers with hit products have fallen on hard times. Nikon Corp…
CNET have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.
“Canon has produced a worthy successor to the EOS 10D with this model, endowing it with class-leading 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality across a broad range of ISO settings, and fast performance. With a sturdy, well-designed body and an intuitive control layout, the EOS 20D is a pleasure to shoot with.”
Website: CNET - Canon EOS 20D Review
CNET have published their review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “Canon has produced a worthy successor to the EOS 10D with this model, endowing it with class-leading 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality across a broad range of ISO settings, and fast performance. With a sturdy, well-designed body…
Epson Japan Press Release 19/11/04
Epson Sets New Record with World’s Largest Digital Imaging Photo and Graphics Contest
- TOKYO, Japan, November 19, 2004 - Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) today announced the final selection of winners in the 2004 Color Imaging Contest, an Epson-sponsored event for digitally output photographs and graphic works. Held since 1994, the contest is a way for Epson to help promote new forms of expression via digital printing and help create a rich, fun digital culture. Last fiscal year there were a total of 45,668 entries, making it the largest* worldwide contest restricted to digitally printed photos and graphics.
Epson Japan Press Release 19/11/04 Epson Sets New Record with World’s Largest Digital Imaging Photo and Graphics Contest - TOKYO, Japan, November 19, 2004 - Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) today announced the final selection of winners in the 2004 Color Imaging Contest, an Epson-sponsored event for digitally output photographs and…