Shortcut Press Release 26/10/04

Shortcut gathers all its strength into one new product
PhotoMagic, the complete photo software suite

Arnhem, October 26, 2004 - Shortcut launches PhotoMagic, the complete photo software suite. All of Shortcuts software products, including their award-winning and patented technologies, are now bundled into one product. Design, paint, repair, enlarge, and print photos very easily. PhotoMagic is available from 14 November. 

PhotoMagic is specially designed to enhance photos, taken with a digital camera or mobile phone - with built-in camera -. It offers creative, artistic and repair filters as well as enlargements without quality loss and one-click printing.

PCMagazine have published their review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.

“Elements 3 boasts both a redesigned interface and easier access to powerful tools. New image-editing tools include Photoshop’s amazing Healing Brush, which lets you easily remove blemishes and imperfections from photos. There’s also an easier-than-ever tool for removing red-eye, and built-in support for the Camera Raw format. Meanwhile, a new Quick Fix mode offers an even simpler interface to Elements - it’s a perfect choice for image-editing newbies.”

Website: PCMagazine - Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 Review

PCMagazine have just reviewed the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31, a stylish new 3.2-megapixel compact digicam that is easy-to-use and affordable.

“Our test shots were decent but not impressive. Daylight photos tended to be a bit dark and a little soft around the edges, with some graininess in the shadows. The images did show good whites and highlights and well-reproduced colors (if a little warm). Our flash shots, though well illuminated, were slightly red and suffered from noise and fuzziness. Close-up shots, as near as 4 inches from the subject, were particularly good.”

Website: PCMagazine - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31

Sinar Press Release

Sinar expands the Sinar m modular digital camera system

The Universal Sinar m Camera Becomes Mobile

For more than 50 years, the name Sinar has been standing for professional cameras, especially those for studio applications. Sinar has remained faithful to this tradition with the introduction of the hand-held professional 6 x 4.5 cm Sinar m camera. The latter can be used as
an ultra-fast, computer-controlled shutter with Sinaron digital lenses on the handy Sinar p3 view camera.

Sinar Press Release

Sinar f3 - the Universal View Camera for Shooting on Location

The compact lightweight Sinar f3 offers mobile photographers practically unconstrained technical imaging possibilities, even on the road.

With the unique Sinar focusing technique, even complex subjects like architectural, industrial or macro photographs can be made with very conveniently and precisely, thus dramatically reducing subsequent image manipulation on the computer. The built-in scales permit accurate determination of depth of field, tilt- and swing angles. That systematically leads to perfect focusing without the camera distracting from the creative task. The Sinar f3 fits seamlessly into the highly versatile modular Sinar camera system. That makes it possible to tailor the Sinar f3 to even the most unusual tasks without any limitations.

Novoflex Press Release

Tilt- / Shift-bellows BALPRO T/S

Up to now, only users of a few camera systems have been able to enjoy the benefits of tilt and shift lenses. Now the accessory specialist Novoflex is bringing out the BALPRO T/S tilt/shift bellows. This opens up completely new prospects for ambitious architecture and nature photographers.

The new bellows rounds out Novoflex’s comprehensive offering of high-end bellows. Following on the Novoflex BALPRO 1 universal bellows, the BALPRO T/S now provides a perfect tilt/shift bellows system for cameras up to a 6 x 7 cm format. The tilt and shift functions are just what professional architecture and nature photographers have been waiting for.

The combination options are practically inexhaustible: virtually all 35 mm and medium-format lenses as well as special lenses can be used with nearly all 35 mm and many medium format cameras up to 6 x 7 cm. Canon EOS systems even support full transfer of all data between camera and original lens via a special accessory.

Novoflex Press Release

Would you like to double the data volume of your digital photos? No problem if you have PROSHIFT+, another bright idea from the accessory specialist Novoflex.

PROSHIFT+ doubles the data volume on all digital SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses. With the Canon EOS 20 D, for instance, you get up to 20 megapixels; with the CANON EOS D60 or 10 D models, 16 megapixels…and equivalent gains with other similarly adaptable cameras.

Fitted to a Novoflex bellows, the Novoflex PROSHIFT+ is used to take 2 or 3 individual shots using parallel shift and multiple exposures. These partial images are then merged automatically to a complete image using an appropriate program (Canon Photo Stitch, Photoshop CS Photomerge, etc.). Photomerge has an advantage here because it supports fine corrections of the individual images at separate levels.

The image or file size, and thus the print quality is increased 2x to 2.4x, depending on the sensor size. This also applies to future cameras with 8, 10 and 12 megapixels!

Steves Digicams have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i.

“Ergonomics were average. It seems Pentax has not heard our cries about the Power button on past “S” series models. With the camera being so small, I found myself turning it Off when trying to snap a picture. This was very aggravating. Another issue was the left and right “Custom Function” buttons. Though they can be very useful, there needs to be an off setting when you are not planing on using them. I found myself accidently changing exposure compensation countless times.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax Optio S5i Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Pentax Optio S5i

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new slimline 5 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 digital camera.

“The “little brother” to the Exilim EX-Z55, the EX- Z50 shares all of the features found on it sibling, like a 5-megapixel imager and high-quality Pentax smc 3x optical zoom lens, but has a smaller 2.0-inch color LCD. With its SnapShot mode and 23 pre-programmed “Best Shot” scenes modes, this credit card-sized point-n-shoot can be used by any member of the family. And for those who like a little more control, you can manually change settings for white balance, ISO, flash intensity, etc.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50 Review

The Spanish website quesabesde.com have published their review of the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera.

Website: quesabesde.com - Ricoh Caplio GX Review

Website: Read my Review of the Ricoh Caplio GX

Sandisk Press Release 25/10/04

SANDISK INTRODUCES MOBILEMATE READERS TARGETED AT NEW MOBILE FEATURE PHONES WITH MEMORY CARD SLOTS

New Readers Rank Among The World’s Smallest Multi-Card Readers

San Francisco, CA, October 25, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced two Hi-Speed USB 2.0, multi-card MobileMate card readers targeted at the rapidly expanding market for new mobile feature phones with memory card slots. The sleek, stylish, silver-metallic readers were introduced at the CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2004 trade show at Moscone Center where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 924.

The readers, among the smallest multi-card readers in the world, are about the length and width of a stick of gum and slip easily into any pocket. The MobileMate SD+ 5-in-1 reader supports SD, MiniSD, MultiMediaCard, RS-MMC and TransFlash while the 4-in-1 MobileMate MS+ reader has one slot for Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo. The flash memory cards can be plugged directly into the readers. No card adapters are required.

Sandisk Press Release 25/10/04

Consumers Seek More Memory for Handsets That Offer MP3 Music Storage, Video and GPS Navigation Systems

San Francisco, CA, October 25, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced the highest capacity yet for its small TransFlash memory module, a 256 megabyte (MB) unit that will help meet the demands of new feature phones for greater storage of digital music, video, digital photos and GPS navigation software. The announcement was made at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2004 at Moscone Center, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 924.

Unveiled by SanDisk in February, the TransFlash module is about one-fourth the size of a standard SD? card but can be inserted into an adapter and used in SD-enabled devices. It is the world?s smallest removable flash memory module, measuring 15 x 11 x 1 millimeters or roughly the size of a fingernail. SanDisk expects to supply worldwide OEM and retail customers with the 256MB model starting in December, with pricing and exact availability varying according to geographic region.

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their review of the new 7 megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-V3.

Website: Index Digicam - Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3

Ink Saver Press Release 20/10/04

LONDON ?October 20th 2004 - The universal adoption of digital technology has led to a higher usage of ink. Ink Saver has already become an invaluable software application at a time when the increasing price of ink is becoming a more expensive cost in the home, school and office. With InkSaver savings of up to 75% can be made on the amount of ink used.

InkSaver works with all inkjet printer brands to reduce the amount of ink the printers consume, saving up to four times the amount of ink that an inkjet would normally use. Once installed InkSaver sits between the printer driver and the application software and uses advanced algorithms to intelligently reduce the ink needed to print documents and images. This activity goes on “in the background” and at such a rate that the user doesn’t see any decrease in print speed.

Casion Press Release 25/10/04

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Casio’s Newest Digital Cameras Consolidated In One New Easy-To-Navigate Website

DOVER, NJ, October 25, 2004 - CASIO, Inc. is making it easier than ever for digital camera buffs and potential buyers to find out everything they need to know with the launch of the new http://exilim.casio.com website.  The website is specially dedicated to provide consumers with invaluable information about Casio> ‘> s newest EXILIM line of digital cameras, from its Pro to its Zoom and Card lines, including the EXILIM EX-P600, EX-Z30, EX-Z40, EX-Z50, EX-Z55 and EX-S100. 

The exilim.casio.com easily guides you to quickly find information such as dealer location, special promotions, awards, and product reviews.  You can even learn about the history of Casio’s digital cameras on this informative site.  What’s more, if you cannot decide which camera is best for you, the website conveniently gives you the ability to do some comparison-shopping.  Using the Casio Advantage feature, you can learn all about the numerous camera features, compare key features and advantages and then decide which camera best suits your needs. 

Kingston Technology Press Release 25/10/04

25 October 2004 - Kingston Technology, the world’s leading independent memory manufacturer, has announced the launch of its new Digital Memory Website, www.kingstonflashmemory.com. The site is the first of its kind to feature a built in memory configurator, allowing users to instantly find out the type and speed of memory their digital product requires and enabling them to make an informed and quick decision when purchasing.

The site has been specifically designed to provide customers with straightforward access to the latest information regarding Kingston Technology’s full range of digital memory products. Linking directly to Kingston Technology’s ‘where to buy’ section and also to the company’s product e-tailers, the website has been designed so that customers are able to order online. The site also features a ‘find your nearest stockist’ section, making it even easier for customers to source the exact Kingston Technology digital product they require.

Bytesector have published a review of the new HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner, a stylish device with a unique photo door to hold photos in place and make scanning simple.

“Scanning negatives is very simple as it basically involves just inserting your negatives into a special holder on the lid of the scanner and then hitting the scan negatives button. Again, the scanner is very particular about any type of damage to the negatives. Even the smallest of scratches will be picked up and become a part of the digital image. This isn?t the scanner?s fault, if anything, it proves the scanner is doing a good job, but it is something you need to be aware of. The scanning of negatives can be completed very quickly, and the Scanjet 4070 does a very good job in that short amount of time.”

Bytesector - HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart Review

The Spansih website DeCamaras have published a review of the 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR.

Website: DeCamaras - Canon EOS 20D Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 20D

DpNow have just reviewed the Vosonic IC Drive VP3610, a 9 in 1 Portable Storage Device with either 20GB or 40GB capacity.

“An internal lithium ion rechargeable battery can power the IC Drive for just under an hour, which is rather tight if you expect to need to copy two 1GB CF cards, taking about 50 minutes in total, without recharging. If using the MP3 player function in conjunction with a memory card, the battery life extends to about two hours. “

Website: DPNow - Vosonic IC Drive VP3610 Review

The 47th 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 1st November. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.

Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 18th-24th October 2004 contest