News

Friday, November 12, 2004

Ricoh Caplio GXRicoh EPMMC UK Press Release 12/11/04

Ricoh EPMMC UK is proud to announce the appointment of Sangers Group Ltd. to distribute Ricoh’s award-winning range of digital cameras and media products. The Personal MultiMedia Centre of Ricoh Europe B.V. is based in the UK and Germany and is one of the leading suppliers of DVD+RW/+R, drives, DVD media and digital cameras in the Pan-European market.

Simon Blackburn, Managing Director of the Sangers Group remarked: “The Sangers Group has a long history of dealing with leading manufacturers of premium brands across a number of markets. Ricoh has a very strong pedigree in 35mm camera production and - more recently - in the digital camera market place. We, therefore, feel that now is the right time to go into partnership with Ricoh, and are looking forward to working with them in the coming months.”

Ricoh EPMMC UK Press Release 12/11/04 Ricoh EPMMC UK is proud to announce the appointment of Sangers Group Ltd. to distribute Ricoh’s award-winning range of digital cameras and media products. The Personal MultiMedia Centre of Ricoh Europe B.V. is based in the UK and Germany and is one of the…

The Digital Journalist has just published a great report on the Photokina photography show that was held last month in Cologne, Germany.

“In the first four months of this year manufacturers have brought 210 new digital camera models onto the market, according to Photokina sources. By year’s end, 600 more digicam novelties are expected by marketing experts.

Market projections at Photokina indicate that the digital photo boom will peak in 2008 and that only thereafter may the markets be saturated.”

Website: The Digital Journalist - Photokina: Photography’s Carnival, Part 1

The Digital Journalist has just published a great report on the Photokina photography show that was held last month in Cologne, Germany. “In the first four months of this year manufacturers have brought 210 new digital camera models onto the market, according to Photokina sources. By year’s end, 600 more…

Canon CanoScan 9950FPhoto-i have abandoned their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner.

“It is with great regret that I have pulled the plug on this scanner review. Although I appreciate the help that Canon has given me regarding earlier problems, after three units and problems are still present, I feel that I can’t carry on with the review.

This scanner has teething problems which should have been sorted before the scanner hit the shelves. Canon must address the problem with some urgency.”

Website: Photo-i

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon CanoScan 9950F

Photo-i have abandoned their interactive, diary-like review of the new high-end Canon CanoScan 9950F flatbed scanner. “It is with great regret that I have pulled the plug on this scanner review. Although I appreciate the help that Canon has given me regarding earlier problems, after three units and problems are…

ExpoDisc Warm Balance Color FilterExpoDisc Press Release 11/10/04

Red Raven Marketing To Handle Distribution

Uxbridge, Ontario, Nov.10, 2004 - ExpoDisc Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow photographers to fine-tune color balance at capture, today announced that the ExpoDisc product line will now be available at retail outlets throughout Canada. Distribution will be handled by Ontario-based Red Raven Marketing.

ExpoDisc, headquarted in Morgan Hill, CA, develops diffusion filters that provide fast, accurate color at capture. The initial products that will be sold in Canada include the white balance and digital warm balance filters. The filters are designed for professional photographers, videographers, and serious amateurs.

With ExpoDisc filters, photographers no longer have to shoot through extra glass, carry inconsistent and cumbersome cards, or spend hours on the computer in post-production color correction.

ExpoDisc Press Release 11/10/04 Red Raven Marketing To Handle Distribution Uxbridge, Ontario, Nov.10, 2004 - ExpoDisc Inc., the pioneer in diffusion filters that allow photographers to fine-tune color balance at capture, today announced that the ExpoDisc product line will now be available at retail outlets throughout Canada. Distribution will be…

Canon PowerShot G6DCViews have today reviewed the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6.

“With Canon being one of the leading names in today’s industry, it should come as no surprise that the images delivered by the new Canon G6 are truly superb. Once again Canon have succeeded in making a good camera even better. Images taken with the by now familiar f2.0-3.0, 7.2 - 28.8mm (35-140mm eq.) Canon zoom lens are bright, sharp and properly exposed with nicely saturated colours without being over the top. Pictures taken with flash indoors show an even illumination of the subject, and if you feel the light is still too harsh you can power the flash down for a slight fill-in effect. The camera delivers very smooth images with very little noise at ISO 50 or 100 and even at ISO 400 noise is not really an issue, as images remain perfectly useable.”

Website: DCViews - Canon PowerShot G6 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot G6

DCViews have today reviewed the new 7 megapixel Canon PowerShot G6. “With Canon being one of the leading names in today’s industry, it should come as no surprise that the images delivered by the new Canon G6 are truly superb. Once again Canon have succeeded in making a good camera…

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Soyo Cigar Pro 2 HD20SOYO Press Release 11/11/04

SOYO Announces Rugged USB 2.0, 1.8-inch Mobile Hard Drive That Stores 20 Gigabytes

ONTARIO, CA - SOYO, Inc. (OTCBB: SOYO) has announced the Cigar HD20—a mobile USB 2.0 interface 1.8” hard drive with 20GBs of storage capacity.

The Cigar Pro 2 HD20 features a USB 2.0 interface (downward compatible to USB 1.0) to efficiently transfer your data at up to 480 MBPS. The SOYO Cigar HD20 is powered by the USB port and does not require a battery or power adapter.

The rugged magnesium alloy casing protects your data physically with G-shock absorbing capability. The SOYO Cigar HD20 is bundled with specialized software that can compress and decompress data, which enables the HD20 to store up to 40GB of data into the 20GB capacity drive.

SOYO Press Release 11/11/04 SOYO Announces Rugged USB 2.0, 1.8-inch Mobile Hard Drive That Stores 20 Gigabytes ONTARIO, CA - SOYO, Inc. (OTCBB: SOYO) has announced the Cigar HD20—a mobile USB 2.0 interface 1.8” hard drive with 20GBs of storage capacity. The Cigar Pro 2 HD20 features a USB 2.…

Basking in the Autumn SunshineOn a grey, damp squib of a Parisian day, here’s a more sunny shot taken at the Louvre a couple of weeks ago. I’m not quite sure who are the statues and who are the people…

Click on the image to view a larger version in a new window.

On a grey, damp squib of a Parisian day, here’s a more sunny shot taken at the Louvre a couple of weeks ago. I’m not quite sure who are the statues and who are the people… Click on the image to view a larger version in a new window…

Apple iPod PhotoPCMagazine have just reviewed the new Apple iPod Photo.

“Odd, minor limitations keep the iPod Photo from being a killer implementation. You can’t zoom in or pan around your images, and you can’t rotate photos; all adjustments have to be made before you download the images. If you want to store full-resolution pictures that can be transferred to another computer or printed, you have to select that option in iTunes. If you forget, you’ll wind up with low-res images on the unit’s hard drive that lack full-resolution counterparts.”

Website: PCMagazine - Apple iPod Photo Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Apple iPod Photo

PCMagazine have just reviewed the new Apple iPod Photo. “Odd, minor limitations keep the iPod Photo from being a killer implementation. You can’t zoom in or pan around your images, and you can’t rotate photos; all adjustments have to be made before you download the images. If you want to…

WD Passport Portable USB Hard DrivesWD Press Release 09/11/04

WD SIMPLIFIES DATA STORAGE FOR TRAVELERS WITH SMALL, RUGGED USB DRIVES

WD Passport Portable USB Hard Drives Provide 80 GB of Pocket-sized, Plug-n-play Storage

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Nov. 9, 2004 - Simplifying transport of large quantities of digital content and information, Western Digital Corp. (NYSE: WDC) today unveiled its new WD Passport Portable USB Hard Drives. With no need for a separate power supply (for most systems), WD Passport Portable Drives, available in capacities of 40 or 80 GB, are easy to use anywhere - simply plug and go.

WD Passport Portable Drives are outfitted with high-performance, low-power consuming, cool and quiet-running WD Scorpio 2.5 inch EIDE hard drives, a rugged, protective case and Data Lifeguard protection to provide maximum safeguard from data loss.

WD Press Release 09/11/04 WD SIMPLIFIES DATA STORAGE FOR TRAVELERS WITH SMALL, RUGGED USB DRIVES WD Passport Portable USB Hard Drives Provide 80 GB of Pocket-sized, Plug-n-play Storage LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Nov. 9, 2004 - Simplifying transport of large quantities of digital content and information, Western Digital Corp. (NYSE…

Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPHSteves Digicams have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 30).

“The “little brother” to this year’s (2004) SD300, the SD200 Digital ELPH includes all of the features found on its 4-megapixel sibling, but with less resolution at 3.2-megapixels. This stylish and durable point-n-shoot can be used any member of the family with its Program AE (Auto) mode or one of the six creative scene modes. For those who like more control its features a Manual mode, however it does not allow for choosing the aperture or shutter speed values.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH Review

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 30). “The “little brother” to this year’s (2004) SD300, the SD200 Digital ELPH includes all of the features found on its 4-megapixel sibling, but with less resolution at 3.2-megapixels. This stylish and…

Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPHSteves Digicams have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 40).

“The next generation of ultra-compact Digital Elph from Canon, the 4-megapixel SD300 incorporates many of the features found on previous cameras, but adds some new creative scene modes, a larger and more resolute color LCD and increased shooting performance. This durable point-n-shoot can be used by any member of the family with its automatic Program AE mode or one of the six creative scene modes. For those who like more control it also features a Manual mode, however it does not allow for choosing the aperture or shutter speed values.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 40). “The next generation of ultra-compact Digital Elph from Canon, the 4-megapixel SD300 incorporates many of the features found on previous cameras, but adds some new creative scene modes, a larger and…

HP Photosmart R507The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted their review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart R507 digital camera.

Website: e-fotografija - HP Photosmart R507 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart R507

The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted their review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart R507 digital camera. Website: e-fotografija - HP Photosmart R507 Review Check the Latest Prices for the HP Photosmart R507

Nikon Coolpix 4800DPReview have just posted their review of the 4 megapixel, 8.3 optical zoom Nikon Coolpix 4800.

“Viewed in isolation the Coolpix 4800 would be a very impressive camera indeed (and as you can see from the samples gallery on the next page it’s capable of great results). There’s little to really complain about here - especially given the sub-$400 price point, and it is capable of excellent results in the right conditions. But the 4800 doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and - even with its extra megapixel - it simply doesn’t feel as accomplished as the Canon PowerShot S1 IS or the Panasonic FZ3, both of which feature significantly more control and the invaluable addition of image stabilisation systems.”

Website: DPReview - Nikon Coolpix 4800 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 4800

DPReview have just posted their review of the 4 megapixel, 8.3 optical zoom Nikon Coolpix 4800. “Viewed in isolation the Coolpix 4800 would be a very impressive camera indeed (and as you can see from the samples gallery on the next page it’s capable of great results). There’s little to…

Archos Gmini400 Digital Audio PlayerSangers Group Press Release 10/11/04

Gmini400 Provides the Ultimate Portable Entertainment Experience with Music, Video, Photo and Gaming Capabilities

A revolutionary new hard-drive-based digital audio player, the Gmini400 features the industry’s first 2.2-inch colour LCD screen and advanced features such as video playback, photo viewing, and gaming for the ultimate portable entertainment experience.

The Ultimate in Portable Entertainment
The new Gmini400 allows consumers to enjoy:
Pocket Music ? record, listen to and archive entire music collections (MP3, WMA, and WAV files) ? up to 300 hours*. Make a playlist directly on the device and organise music without the need for a computer.

Sangers Group Press Release 10/11/04 Gmini400 Provides the Ultimate Portable Entertainment Experience with Music, Video, Photo and Gaming Capabilities A revolutionary new hard-drive-based digital audio player, the Gmini400 features the industry’s first 2.2-inch colour LCD screen and advanced features such as video playback, photo viewing, and gaming for the ultimate…

Nikon Coolpix 8400The German website Digitalkamera.de have published the Internet’s first review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400.

Website: Digitalkamera.de - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

The German website Digitalkamera.de have published the Internet’s first review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8400. Website: Digitalkamera.de - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0About Graphics Software have published their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.

“Regular readers of this site probably know that I’m a big fan of Adobe Photoshop Album for photo organizing. Now all the features of Album are included in Photoshop Elements for Windows, making it a perfect all-in-one solution for the majority of digital photographers. The Photo Browser is essentially Album, fully integrated, and with several enhancements. Now users can stack similar photos under a single thumbnail to save space in the photo browser. Similarly, Elements tracks variations of the same edited photo, and saves them all together in a “version set.” The Photo Browser also lets you easily review and compare photos.”

Website: About Graphics Software - Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for Adobe Photoshop Elements 3

About Graphics Software have published their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0. “Regular readers of this site probably know that I’m a big fan of Adobe Photoshop Album for photo organizing. Now all the features of Album are included in Photoshop Elements for Windows, making it a perfect all-in-one solution…

PFS Image DarkroomProFotoSoftware Press Release 11/10/04

ProFotoSoftware have today released version 1 of PFS Image Darkroom for Windows, a program for converting Canon RAW images from EOS Digital SLRs into 16 bit and 8 bit TIF files as well as 8 bit JPEG files.

PFS Image Darkroom improves digital photographer’s workflow by removing the frustrating delays associated with Raw image processing. The software remains fully operational during Raw processing, enabling users to prepare the next image or set of images for processing instead of pausing whilst the processing is performed.

ProFotoSoftware Press Release 11/10/04 ProFotoSoftware have today released version 1 of PFS Image Darkroom for Windows, a program for converting Canon RAW images from EOS Digital SLRs into 16 bit and 8 bit TIF files as well as 8 bit JPEG files. PFS Image Darkroom improves digital photographer’s workflow by…

Olympus have announced that they are planning to produce more digital cameras themselves, rather than outsource to other companies like Sanyo, in a bid to turn aorund a recent decline in profits (found via DigiCamReview.co.uk).

“Japanese precision equipment maker Olympus Corp said on Tuesday it will boost in-house production of digital cameras to 50 percent in one or two years to help nurse its loss-making camera division back to health.

Olympus currently outsources 60 per cent of its digital camera production to other firms including Sanyo Electric Co, giving it less flexibility to adapt to market changes than rivals such as Canon Inc, which produces all its cameras in-house.”

Website: Hindustan Times - Olympus to hike in-house digital camera output

Olympus have announced that they are planning to produce more digital cameras themselves, rather than outsource to other companies like Sanyo, in a bid to turn aorund a recent decline in profits (found via DigiCamReview.co.uk). “Japanese precision equipment maker Olympus Corp said on Tuesday it will boost in-house production of…

Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50Casio Europe Press Release 10/11/04

Proven technology, new look: The new Special Edition EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50 “Blue Ice” 
 
Norderstedt, November 2004 - Let the winter fun begin! Whether you’re snowboarding in the mountains or enjoying an evening in a mountain hut: the new Special Edition EXILIM EX-Z50 “Blue Ice” in winter-blue captures the mood perfectly. The high resolution with 5.0 megapixels and 3x optical zoom take care of this. The “cool blue one” conjures up sharp photos in a jiffy.

Casio Europe Press Release 10/11/04 Proven technology, new look: The new Special Edition EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50 “Blue Ice” Norderstedt, November 2004 - Let the winter fun begin! Whether you’re snowboarding in the mountains or enjoying an evening in a mountain hut: the new Special Edition EXILIM EX-Z50 “Blue Ice” in…

Casio EXILIM Underwater Casing EWC-55Casio Europe Press Release 10/11/04

Simply dive in and take photos: The new EXILIM underwater casing EWC-55 makes it possible

Norderstedt, November 2004 - With the EWC-55, CASIO is bringing an underwater casing on the market especially for the digital camera EXILIM Zoom EX-Z55. One more reason to escape the snow and soft hail of the German winter: spontaneous holidaymakers are packing their cases and flying in the direction of the South Seas, where they take part in diving expeditions with the new underwater casing EWC-55 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z55. The new duo turns the fascinating beauty of the world under water into a marvellous experience: corals and colourful fish are photographed and can be viewed particularly well on the extra-large 2.5 inch TFT colour display. The casing, which measures 128.0 ? 86.0 ? 70.5 mm, is ready for use up to 40 metres under water. The transparent eye-catcher with its orange-coloured accents only weighs around 270 g and also protects the EXILIM EX-Z55 above sea-level against dust, spray-water and dirt. The digital camera plus casing are a dream-team for impressive photos that will remind you for a long time in cold Germany of the spontaneous short trip to the sunny South. The EWC-55 is available from November 2004 in well-sorted specialist shops. The casing comes with a flash diffuser, a strap, silicon paste as well as an anti-mist kit.

Casio Europe Press Release 10/11/04 Simply dive in and take photos: The new EXILIM underwater casing EWC-55 makes it possible Norderstedt, November 2004 - With the EWC-55, CASIO is bringing an underwater casing on the market especially for the digital camera EXILIM Zoom EX-Z55. One more reason to escape the…