Vincent Oliver over at Photo-i has now completed his interactive review of the new Canon PIXMA iP8500 printer.

“When I first saw the ip8500 in July my immediate reaction was wow! This was going to be the printer that set the standard for the next generation of inkjet printers. The sample prints we were shown were a mixture of red motorbike shots and red autumn leaves. The prints jumped off the page, I had never seen such deep reds from any inkjet printer before. Little did I know at the time that this over saturated red would also cause problems. Putting aside the colour issue, the actual print quality is nothing short of outstanding. Micro detail is well rendered, in fact better than my eyes can actually see. The banding that was once a problem with so many inkjet printers can now be safely forgotten about.”

Website: Photo-i - Canon PIXMA iP8500 Review

Michael Reichmann has published a great article about developing your own personal photographic vision and ultimately “learning to see”.

“Possibly the biggest curse of the digital photography revolution is that it has excessively focused photographer’s attention on technology, rather than vision. We now have tools that allow us to take very sharp pictures indeed, but a sharp photograph of a fuzzy concept is of little interest or value to anyone.

Why then do the majority of photographers, magazines and enthusiast web sites concentrate almost exclusively on gear, secondarily on technique, and hardly at all on how to see? The answer is simple - it’s easier.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Learning to See

DCResource has justreviewed the new 3 megapixel, 12x optical zoom Panasonic DMC-FZ3 digital camera.

“While not as nice as its big brother (the DMC-FZ20), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 is a very good choice for an ultra zoom camera. The two biggest features are its lens and optical image stabilization system. The 12X optical zoom lens has a maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the zoom range, unheard of in the digital camera world (aside from other Panasonic models, that is). The lens isn’t quite as nice as the one on the FZ15 and FZ20, though, as it exhibited vignetting in several of my photos. The FZ3’s image stabilizer helps reduce the effects of camera shake which can blur your pictures both indoors and outdoors while taking advantage of that powerful zoom.”

Website: DCResource - Panasonic DMC-FZ3 Review

Bob Atkins has followed up his translation of an interview with one of the Canon directors, Mr. Iwashita, with a look at some of the other Canon interviews that have been published on the web recently.

“What I get out of all this is the impression that the technology is still evolving and technology is still the limiting factor in camera development, even at the high end where cost isn’t so much of a factor. My guess is that maybe in a few years it will be at a point where Canon can offer a single high speed, full frame camera. which is as fast as the 1D, but with 1Ds (or better) quality.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Canon’s Digital Plans Part 2

CNET urce have just reviewed the Pentax OptioMX digital camera, which features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability.

“It may not be the Holy Grail, but so far no one has figured out how to successfully squeeze high-quality photo- and video-recording into a single compact device. The Pentax Optio MX mostly succeeds because it doesn’t try to be supersmall, and its specs aren’t overly ambitious. In this case, you really do get what you pay for: a 3.2-megapixel digital camera, a VGA-resolution 30fps MPEG-4 camcorder, a 10X optical zoom, a swiveling 1.8-inch LCD monitor, and a selection of shooting modes that function much as you would expect with a full-size digital camera or camcorder.”

Website: CNET - Pentax OptioMX Review

Minox Press Release

A Digital Milestone - The MINOX Classic Camera Leica M3 now with 4.0 Megapixels!

The digital classic camera Leica M3 from the optical and miniaturization specialists MINOX of Germany, has now become a classic of a very special kind on the digital camera scene where it continues to excite many end users, dealers and press alike. “Finding a niche in the constantly growing and increasingly competitive digital camera market” was, according to MINOX General Manager, Thorsten Kortemeier, the “major goal” set by this traditionally minded company based in Wetzlar. This has been effectively accomplished by MINOX with their digital replica of the Leica classic camera in its ultra miniature format, which now boasts the attractive feature of 4.0 megapixels, providing the user with sharper recorded images and with even more detailed rendition. Naturally, the latest model from MINOX maintains the highly respected and traditional company values of features and fine mechanical precision built into the most compact design.

Although unusual, the MINOX Digital Classic Camera Leica M3 is both easy to use and ideal for those getting started in the field of digital photography and want classic convention rather than high-tec.

Minox Press Release

Stainless Steel Style Digital Compact Camera: The new MINOX DD200 with 4.0 million pixels!

With the MINOX DD200 the optical specialist from Wetzlar, Germany present a new look digital camera. The ultra-slim DD200 with its modern stainless steel look is a perfect addition to the existing range of modern MINOX products: 4 million pixels and a 4x digital zoom are just two key features of this particular camera.

In spite of its extremely compact size of just 94 mm x 56 mm x 26 mm, the new MINOX DD200 sports a 1.5” TFT colour monitor which enables immediate image assessment both during and after the shot. The fast picture sequence permits spontaneous candid photography whenever you want it. The built-in flash switches on automatically when needed and ensures extra illumination even under critical light conditions.

New York Times Press Release 08/10/04

The New York Times Photo Archives Launches Web Site for One of World’s Largest and Most Comprehensive Photo Collections; WWW.NYTIMES.COM/PHOTOARCHIVES Available to Design Community and Corporations

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE) - Oct. 8, 2004 - The New York Times Photo Archives announced today the launch of a Web site, www.nytimes.com/photoarchives, created in response to the growing demand from corporations and the design community for The Times’s historic photographs.

“We are excited to bring this historic photographic collection to the design industry,” said Jim Mones, director, The New York Times Photo Archives. “In addition to opening our photo archives, we are presenting versatile design applications that give designers, architects and art consultants a world of new possibilities. Our easy-to-use site offers an unprecedented opportunity to integrate significant moments in history with their designs.”

The PhotographyBLOG Newsletter Giveaway is back!

Subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter now to have a chance of winning either a £100 Bags of Love Voucher, a copy of the book “Digital Photography Expert Techniques” or Ulead DVD PictureShow Digital Camera Suite!

On Sunday 10th October 2004 at 12 midday BST (British Summer Time), 7 names will be randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers.

One person will win a £100 Bags of Love Voucher.
Kindly donated by bagsoflove.co.uk.
http://www.bagsoflove.co.uk

Three people will each win a copy of Digital Photography Expert Techniques by Ken Milburn.
Kindly donated by O’Reilly.
http://www.oreilly.com/

Three people will each win a copy of Ulead DVD PictureShow Digital Camera Suite.
Kindly donated by Ulead Systems.
http://www.ulead.co.uk

It’s as simple as that.

To have any chance of winning, you must subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter. If you are already a subscriber, you do not have to do anything to enter this competition. Your name will automatically be entered in the prize draw. If you are not currently a subscriber, then what are you waiting for?!! Enter your email address to subscribe now.

Belkin Press Release 08/10/04

Belkin Wireless Pre-N Networking Products Hit Store Shelves; First Wi-Fi Certified Wireless Pre-N Products Available in Retail Stores
 
COMPTON, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 8, 2004—Belkin Wireless Pre-N Networking products will be available in major retail outlets starting October 24, 2004. Belkin’s Pre-N line consists of a Wireless Router (F5D8230-4) and Wireless Notebook Network Card (F5D8010) and guarantee 800% wider coverage and 600% faster speeds than all other wireless products on the market today. The products are certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance for their interoperability with existing Wi-Fi technologies including 802.11b and 802.11g.

Powered by Airgo Network’s True MIMO(TM) technology, Belkin’s Pre-N products improve wireless reliability and performance, and enable users to work with high-bandwidth applications, such as audio and video streaming.

Leica Press Release 08/10/04

Ralf Coenen (43), hitherto member of the Board of Management responsible for Engineering, Cooperations and Asian Sales, will become the new Chairman of the Leica Camera AG, Solms, as from January 1, 2005. This decision of the Company’s Supervisory Board, made in its meeting on Thursday, follows the proposal brought forward by Hanns-Peter Cohn (56). After six years on duty as Chairman of the Board of Management, Cohn will leave the Company at his own request to return to Vitra AG, Basle. At this manufacturer of high quality office and home furniture, he has already been active from 1984 until 1998 as one of three managing directors, with marketing and sales as his main field. As from January 1, 2005, Cohn will take on the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Swiss company.

Dieter Uckele (55) will stay on Leica Camera AG’s Board of Management, which in the future will consist of two members.

This changeover has been prepared from a long-term perspective in cooperation with the supervising bodies of Leica Camera AG. For a transitional period, Dieter Uckele had been appointed third member of the Board of Management as from April 1, 2003. Simultaneously Ralf Coenen, whose previous responsibilities as a Board member had been Engineering and Logistics, had extended his field of activities, taking on responsibility for Sales in the important Asian market, and had thus prepared himself for his new tasks as Chairman of the Board of Management.

The 35th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Milos Bercik.

“All images are taken in Slovak Republik. All images are taken with SLR camera Olympus IS-31. My name is Milos Bercik. I take pictures since year 2002. I like to capture nature - creeks, fields, sunrise, sunset, lakes, flowers. I like to take castles too.”

Website: http:// www.photographyview.com

Website: Portfolios: Milos Bercik

The Concord Eye-Q 5062AF is a stylish and compact 5 megapixel digital camera with a 1.8” TFT Color LCD display that offers a variety of exposure and focusing modes, all for around a mere $200. How have Concord Camera achieved this aggressive price-point? Well, one obvious cost-saving is the zoom lens - there isn’t one, just a fixed lens that is equivalent to 48mm on a 35mm camera. So if you want a camera with a zoom lens, stop reading now. Otherwise, on paper at least, the Concord Eye-Q 5062AF seems to offer most if not all of the features that other digicams in this class offer, with the bonus of a 5 megapixel sensor. So are there are any other major drawbacks in addition to that fixed lens? Read my review to find out.

Website: Concord Eye-Q 5062AF Review

PCMagazine have posted their review of the new HP Deskjet 6540 color inkjet printer.

“Where the 6540 truly distinguishes itself is in the level of quality you get at this speed. Text is just short of very good, with all but two of the fonts we test easily readable at 6 points, and several readable at 4 points. Graphics quality is very good, with some minor banding and minor dithering in the form of mild graininess. Photos are just short of excellent, with colors that are a touch too saturated in some output.”

Website: PCMagazine - HP Deskjet 6540 Review

Epson UK Press Release 08/10/04

Epson delivers a stylish 5 mega pixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch Photo Fine viewer

The Epson L-500V is a compact 5 mega pixel digital camera combined with a 2.5 inch Photo Fine viewer.  It is the world’s highest definition consumer display on the market with 256 pixels per inch (ppi) and enables accurate viewing and sharing of photos directly from the camera screen. 

October 2004 - The Epson L-500V, compact digital camera, will instantly capture 5 megapixel resolution photos with 3 times optical zoom.  It features a 2.5 inch Epson Photo Fine viewer with a resolution of 256 ppi.  You can share your images more easily, browse and select photos from thumnails and comfortably view your photos, not just preview them as with smaller digital camera screens.

Also included are outdoor and movie modes. The outdoor mode alternates between high brightness and high contrast so you can take high-quality photos in adverse light conditions. The movie mode offers VGA resolution at 30 frames per second ensuring producing a smooth picture. 

Epson UK Press Release 08/10/04

The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music.  The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality.

October 2004 - The Epson P-2000 Photo Viewer is the latest digital imaging accessory that enables you to save your photos from your digital camera memory card and view them on the 3.8 inch Photo Fine display.  The bright vivid displays found in Epson Photo Fine products make them suitable for use under most lighting conditions.  Whether you are indoors or outdoors, you?ll be able to enjoy viewing your photos from the Epson P-2000.

The key features of the Epson P-2000 include a 3.8 inch VGA (640x480) high definition Photo Fine display that offers a resolution of 212 pixels per inch (ppi).  You can store and view your photo albums, create slide shows and connect to your photo printer, computer or TV.  The Epson P-2000 is approximately twice as fast as its predecessor when viewing photos and has a battery life of up to three hours.

In addition to the quality photo viewing capabilities, the Epson P-2000 provides support for digital camera and camcorder movies and music files.  You can add music files to your slide shows for a fun and lively presentation of your images.  Also included is a 40 GB hard disk drive, so it can double up as a portable storage unit for any PC or Mac files.

Michael Reichmann over at Luminous Landscape has provided some more detailed information about the new A3 printer that Epson has just released in Japan, the PX-G5000, which will probably be released worldwide as the successor to the Stylus Photo 2100/2200.

“So, the impression I get is that this is the printer for those who want to optimize
their color prints and work faster. For black and white work, you might want to hang on
to the 4000 until we see the actual results from the new printer.  I can see people in
Canada having both printers in the house for specific jobs, but in Japan where space is a
scarcity this is going to be a tough decision to make.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Epson PX-G5000 Printer Details

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.

“I liked the size and feature set of the P150’s lower-res sibling, the P100, but really didn’t like the amount of subject detail it traded away to keep its noise levels down. Generally, image noise becomes more of an issue as imaging chips cram more pixels into the same area, so imagine my surprise when I found that the DSC-P150 traded away almost no subject detail, yet ended up with noise levels almost as low as those of the P100. Other image characteristics were also excellent, with great color, great shooting speed, and a lens that’s sharp from corner to corner.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Sony DSC-P150 Review

ePhotoZine have reported today that the UK’s biggest photography retailer, Jessops, have decided to join the London Stock Exchange “by way of a global offer of ordinary shares in the Company to institutional investors”.

Derek Hine, Chief Executive of Jessops, commented:

“This is a very exciting time for Jessops and for everyone involved in the company. Flotation will help increase our profile and will provide us with the opportunity to access additional sources of capital, to build on the success we have achieved to date and to capitalise on the digital revolution. We believe flotation will be of benefit to customers, staff and shareholders alike.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Jessops announces their intention to float

Peter iNova and DigitalSecrets.net have released a new eBook for the popular Nikon D70 DSLR.

“The D70 eBook is for sale. 460+ pages. Astounding secrets you will find nowhere else. 1100+ images, many interactive and animated. All viewable up to 400% scale on your computer screen. This is likely the greatest accessory you could buy for your D70. Available now. Click the eBook on the right for more info. Click the one on the left for the secure order page.

You also receive 466 original iNovaFX Photoshop Actions, 142 of them are exclusive to the D70, designed for its images, its lenses and its unique needs, including the Hyper wide-angle 10.5mm fisheye flattening action seen in the story below.

Plus Photoshop and RAW instruction from Uwe Steinmueller—King of RAW image info and techniques.

InfoBites? Tons. The D70 Camera System Operations Chapter alone has well over 400.”

Website: DigitalSecrets.net - Nikon D70 eBook