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“We are the only website which allows you to upload any digital picture file, customize its size, and preview it in the mat(s) and frames of your choice. The digital picture goes, literally, from your hard-drive to your wall.” That is the bold claim of Digital Picture Printing Frames, an online print and framing service based in the USA. Digital Picture Printing Frames is a museum quality custom printing and framing company committed to using only the best-quality, longest-lasting materials available on the market today. The service that Digital Picture Printing Frames provides is aimed at photographers who are looking for a high quality way of displaying their work. As well as prints and framing, they also specialize in selling fine art prints. I have just moved into a new flat in Paris which needs brightening up with some of my photography, so I decided to place an order with Digital Picture Printing Frames. Did they live up to their promise of taking my photo from hard-drive to wall? Read this short review to find out.
“We are the only website which allows you to upload any digital picture file, customize its size, and preview it in the mat(s) and frames of your choice. The digital picture goes, literally, from your hard-drive to your wall.” That is the bold claim of Digital Picture Printing Frames, an…
CBS MarketWatch has taken a look at the current state of the inkjet cartridge market - a bit heavy on the financial-speak, but an interesting read nonetheless.
“Ink makers are losing sales to non-branded cartridge vendors. Generic ink already has grabbed 16 percent of the market and is expected to grow to 23 percent within four years, according to Jim Forrest, a senior analyst with digital imaging research firm Lyra Research.
“Vendors like H-P do need to protect their consumables,” said Riley McNulty, a senior research analyst at research firm IDC. “And if they can offer added value beyond what a reseller or a non-branded toner cartridge supplier can offer, then it’s only going to help strengthen them. A lot of people will gravitate toward a branded consumable.”
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
CBS MarketWatch has taken a look at the current state of the inkjet cartridge market - a bit heavy on the financial-speak, but an interesting read nonetheless. “Ink makers are losing sales to non-branded cartridge vendors. Generic ink already has grabbed 16 percent of the market and is expected to…
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“We were decidedly disappointed with this model, which surprised us as many have said that they rate this among the best. Compared to the test prints we produced with the HP 375, the prints came across dulled in colour. Epson suggests that its print quality will last for over 100 years and this while we aren?t about to hold off our review till the results come in giving it a good battering proved fruitless in our determination of scratching the print.”
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer. “We were decidedly disappointed with this model, which surprised us as many have said that they rate this among the best. Compared to the test prints we produced with the HP 375, the prints came across dulled in colour…
Pocket-Lint have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio X.
“Picture quality is pretty good in terms of metering, but the Auto Focus (AF) suffers if the subject lacks contrast; there?s a degree of barrel distortion at the lens?s wide-end too. Captured detail is compromised somewhat by the camera?s processing, even in the top, ?Best? setting, some detail is lost to JPEG artifacts.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Pentax Optio X Review
Pocket-Lint have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio X. “Picture quality is pretty good in terms of metering, but the Auto Focus (AF) suffers if the subject lacks contrast; there?s a degree of barrel distortion at the lens?s wide-end too. Captured detail is compromised somewhat by the…
The 50th Photo of the Week contest is now closed.
I have choosen what I think are the best photographs in my opinion. Now it’s your turn to vote for the overall winner of the contest. A Public Poll has been setup on the PhotographyBLOG Forums and you have 7 days during which you can vote for your favourite photo from the ones that I have chosen. Voting will end on Monday 22nd November. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.
Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 8th-14th November 2004 contest
The 50th Photo of the Week contest is now closed. I have choosen what I think are the best photographs in my opinion. Now it’s your turn to vote for the overall winner of the contest. A Public Poll has been setup on the PhotographyBLOG Forums and you have …
Samsung Camera Press Release 15/11/04
SAMSUNG ADDS 6-MEGA PIXEL V6 MODEL TO ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL V SERIES LINE OF DIGITAL CAMERAS
SECAUCUS, N.J., (November 15, 2004) - Samsung Camera today announced the launch of the Digimax V6 six mega pixel digital camera, the latest introduction to the highly successful Digimax V Series range of compact digital cameras. The V6 is one of three new models added to the Samsung Digimax range of digital still cameras for the 2004 holiday season. With world-renowned Schneider optics, 6 mega pixel clarity, support for nine different power sources and a street price of just $399.99, it is sure to be one of the most popular holiday gifts of 2004.
Samsung Camera Press Release 15/11/04 SAMSUNG ADDS 6-MEGA PIXEL V6 MODEL TO ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL V SERIES LINE OF DIGITAL CAMERAS SECAUCUS, N.J., (November 15, 2004) - Samsung Camera today announced the launch of the Digimax V6 six mega pixel digital camera, the latest introduction to the highly successful Digimax…
PCMagazine has posted a review of the photo-management application ACDSee 7.
“When you first launch the app, it gives you an Explorer-like view of your Microsoft Windows folder tree, and as you move from folder to folder, it seamlessly - and quickly - weeds out everything but your digital images, rendering thumbnails of each photo in the blink of an eye. You can instantly move all your photos into a single virtual folder, known as the Image Well, so you can browse your entire collection without having to move from folder to folder.”
Website: PCMagazine - ACDSee 7 Review
PCMagazine has posted a review of the photo-management application ACDSee 7. “When you first launch the app, it gives you an Explorer-like view of your Microsoft Windows folder tree, and as you move from folder to folder, it seamlessly - and quickly - weeds out everything but your digital images…
There’s still another 6 weeks to go until the end of 2004, but that hasn’t stopped Popular Photography from looking ahead to 2005 and the new cameras that will be introduced, including the the 7 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 (pictured).
“Sony’s ultrathin Cyber-shot T1 and 8MP F828, with its electronic viewfinder (EVF), had people talking this year, but the electronics giant is about to let loose a couple of 7.2MP cameras just in time for the holidays. The more serious of the two is the DSC-V3 ($700 expected street), a follow-up to the DSC-V1. Into a 4.7x2.2x2.7-inch body, it packs a 2.5-inch LCD, Carl Zeiss 4X optical zoom lens, and both Memory Stick and CompactFlash card slots. It also boasts Sony’s Hologram AF illuminator, 49-point metering, NightShot infrared, and a hot-shoe.”
Website: Popular Photography - The Gear Ahead
There’s still another 6 weeks to go until the end of 2004, but that hasn’t stopped Popular Photography from looking ahead to 2005 and the new cameras that will be introduced, including the the 7 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-V3 (pictured). “Sony’s ultrathin Cyber-shot T1 and 8MP F828, with its electronic…
Luminous Landscape has published a review of the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR which was announced last month.
“In the end, the 1Ds Mark II stands alone, (for the moment at least), as the camera with the combination of highest image quality and fastest handling available. There are faster cameras and there are higher resolution digital solutions (various 22 Megapixel backs, and soon the Mamiya ZD 22 MP camera). But for the money, the size, the versatility, and the performance, the Canon 1Ds Mark II is currently king of the hill.”
Luminous Landscape has published a review of the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR which was announced last month. “In the end, the 1Ds Mark II stands alone, (for the moment at least), as the camera with the combination of highest image quality and fastest handling available. There are…
Kodak Press Release
New KODAK Online Store Makes Holiday Shopping Easy as a Snap and Quick as a Flash
The KODAK Online Store is officially open providing consumers with an invaluable resource this holiday shopping season at www.kodak.com/go/shop.
The new online store will provide consumers with three options to locate and buy their desired Kodak digital photography products or accessories: “Buy Kodak Direct”, “Shop Online Retailers”, or “Find a Store” nearest them. The site will be updated daily helping consumers find in-stock Kodak products at participating retailers.
Kodak Press Release New KODAK Online Store Makes Holiday Shopping Easy as a Snap and Quick as a Flash The KODAK Online Store is officially open providing consumers with an invaluable resource this holiday shopping season at www.kodak.com/go/shop. The new online store will provide consumers with three options to locate…
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S3100 digital compact camera.
“The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras turned out to be exceptional values for the money, and the updated FinePix S3100 offers the same great value with the addtion of a 4.0-megapixel CCD. The S3100’s higher resolution is a welcome improvement, providing great image quality for a budget-priced digicam, and its 6x optical zoom is excellent for distant subjects.”
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S3100 digital compact camera. “The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras turned out to be exceptional values for the money, and the updated FinePix S3100 offers the same great value with the addtion of a 4.0-megapixel CCD. The…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published the first review that I have seen of the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S3500 Zoom.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published the first review that I have seen of the 4 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix S3500 Zoom. Website: Index Digicam - FujiFilm FinePix S3500 Review Check the Latest Prices for the FujiFilm FinePix S3500 Zoom
Northlight Images have just reviewed the recently-announced Spyder2 Pro monitor calibration device.
“A solid, easy to use bit of kit. Just when advances in monitor technology were beginning to show up some of the deficiencies in my old Spyder, along comes one that is both easier to use and more accurate. The grey scale improvements are particularly welcome, given the amount of black and white photography I do.
As ever, I’d advise you to do some research of your own before making buying decisions, but I’m more than happy with the results I get with the new Spyder. It never was difficult to use, but the attention paid to interface design in the new software is welcome.”
Northlight Images have just reviewed the recently-announced Spyder2 Pro monitor calibration device. “A solid, easy to use bit of kit. Just when advances in monitor technology were beginning to show up some of the deficiencies in my old Spyder, along comes one that is both easier to use and more…
DPReview yesterday published their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.
“If you are on a tight budget and/or are a beginner, Photoshop Elements 3 will go a long way and is an excellent starting point on the Adobe Photoshop learning curve. It gives you the benefit that most of what you learn in Elements 3 can be used again in Photoshop CS, should you decide to upgrade in the future because most of the commands and shortcuts are the same.”
DPReview yesterday published their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0. “If you are on a tight budget and/or are a beginner, Photoshop Elements 3 will go a long way and is an excellent starting point on the Adobe Photoshop learning curve. It gives you the benefit that most of what…
Northlight Images have just reviewed DxO Raw Engine, a new module for DxO Optics Pro which allows RAW files to benefit directly from the image enhancement capabilities of DxO Optics Pro.
“For image quality I’m well impressed with the software - it has more than lived up to what I expected after looking at the JPEG version. I’m not so happy about its speed on my Mac or ease of integration into a busy commercial workflow. This is a tool I’ll use for my best work, where a few extra minutes in creating the file is nothing to the hours I can spend working on some images. Well worth a look.”
Northlight Images have just reviewed DxO Raw Engine, a new module for DxO Optics Pro which allows RAW files to benefit directly from the image enhancement capabilities of DxO Optics Pro. “For image quality I’m well impressed with the software - it has more than lived up to what I…
Casio Japan have announced new coloured versions of their EXILIM Card EX-S100 and EXILIM EX-Z55 digital cameras. The white version of the EX-S100 looks nice (pictured top), but I’m not so sure about the brown version (!) of the EX-Z55 (pictured bottom), which is also available in a more attractive blue…
Website: Casio Japan
Casio Japan have announced new coloured versions of their EXILIM Card EX-S100 and EXILIM EX-Z55 digital cameras. The white version of the EX-S100 looks nice (pictured top), but I’m not so sure about the brown version (!) of the EX-Z55 (pictured bottom), which is also available in a more attractive…
Norcent Technology Press Release
Norcent Packs Pixels and Features into Slim, Lightweight Digital Camera for the Holidays
Ultra-Slim 4.2 mega pixel DC-420 fits anywhere, goes everywhere
San Dimas, CA - November, 2004 - Norcent Technology, a leading supplier of consumer electronics products, has introduced the Norcent DC-420 digital camera just in time for the holidays. The DC-420 is the first pocket-size digital still camera to include all the advanced features of full-size models.
At just over an inch thick and weighing only 4.4 oz, this ultra-slim, lightweight camera is small enough to fit in your pocket yet offers a long list of advanced features. The exceptionally large, scratch-resistant 2-inch color LCD display provides enhanced image viewing, and 3.0x optical zoom and 3.6x digital zoom helps zero in on subject matter and crop the image size without sacrificing quality.
Norcent Technology Press Release Norcent Packs Pixels and Features into Slim, Lightweight Digital Camera for the Holidays Ultra-Slim 4.2 mega pixel DC-420 fits anywhere, goes everywhere San Dimas, CA - November, 2004 - Norcent Technology, a leading supplier of consumer electronics products, has introduced the Norcent DC-420 digital camera just…
InfoTrends are reporting that sales of inkjet printers in the USA are rising, with 80 million units installed in 2003 and 116 million prints made. This has had a knock-on effect on speciality papers:
“A growth in the number of prints is expected to occur in every key specialty media product category except for coated papers due to the improved quality and lower price of uncoated papers. Photo papers are experiencing the highest growth rates due to low-priced digital cameras, easy electronic transmission of images, and the introduction of printers priced below $50. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures expects the sales of all photo papers to experience a CAGR of 16% between 2002 and 2007.”
Website: InfoTrends - Inkjet Popularity is Fueling Specialty Media Growth
InfoTrends are reporting that sales of inkjet printers in the USA are rising, with 80 million units installed in 2003 and 116 million prints made. This has had a knock-on effect on speciality papers: “A growth in the number of prints is expected to occur in every key specialty media…
The Washington Post have published a brief comparative review of three popular photo editing software packages, including Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 (pictured).
“Don’t let the name of Adobe’s Elements fool you—this suite is far friendlier to beginners than the professional Photoshop package after which it’s named. Its Editor program can repair many photo problems using nothing more than automated functions and simple slider controls. A Smart Fix one-click repair does a superb job of adjusting the lighting, color balance and sharpness in most photos.”
Website: Washington Post - Among 3 Digital Photo Fixes, Adobe’s Is No. 1
The Washington Post have published a brief comparative review of three popular photo editing software packages, including Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 (pictured). “Don’t let the name of Adobe’s Elements fool you—this suite is far friendlier to beginners than the professional Photoshop package after which it’s named. Its Editor program can…
DigiCamReview.co.uk have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA).
“When outside image quality is good - the images have accurate and pleasing colour, and good detail although images could do with a slight sharpen, unfortunately there is no option to increase sharpness in camera. Images have low noise. There is some purple fringing, but it doesn’t appear to be a major problem. Image compression doesn’t seem to cause jpeg artifacts, and there is a good range of image sizes and compression options. The macro mode is very good. The flash didn’t cause problems when the subject was close. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be very good. The movie mode is good although VGA would be nice. When inside, the camera does an EXCELLENT job of focusing, even when used in low-light, and the small flash is surprisingly powerful.”
DigiCamReview.co.uk have just posted their review of the diminutive and stylish 4 megapixel Olympus Mju Mini digicam (called the Stylus Verve in the USA). “When outside image quality is good - the images have accurate and pleasing colour, and good detail although images could do with a slight sharpen, unfortunately…