Microtek Press Release 04/10/04

Microtek ScanMaker i900 Wins Hot1 Award from Professional Photographer Magazine

NEW YORK - (Business Wire) - Oct. 4, 2004 Microtek(R) today announced the ScanMaker(R) i900 among the select group of 2004 Hot1 Award winners from Professional Photographer Magazine. This is the second consecutive year that Microtek has garnered the award, with the ArtixScan 120tf multiformat film scanner achieving this honor in 2003.

The ScanMaker i900 is a 3200-dpi, Dual Media flatbed scanner offering a host of exclusive technologies, including Microtek’s PictuRescue(TM) system with DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology and ColoRescue(TM). DIGITAL ICE Photo Print Technology reconstructs surface-damaged photos by eliminating rips and scratches, while the ColoRescue automatic color recovery system renews faded colors in both prints and film to their original vibrant tones. With PictuRescue, what normally takes hours of painstaking work now takes only minutes.

Tamron Co., Ltd. Press Release 01/10/04

TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE DISCONTINUATION OF BRONICA SLR CAMERAS

SALES DECLINE IN THE DIGITAL AGE FUELS THE DISCONTINUATION OF BRONICA MEDIUM FORMAT SLR PRODUCTS

Commack, New York, October 1, 2004 - Mr. Morio Ono, president of Tamron Co., Ltd., Ohmiya, Japan and Mr. Takashi Inoue, president of Tamron USA, Inc. announced the worldwide discontinuation of Bronica SLR cameras and accessories as of October 31, 2004. The Bronica RF645 Medium Format Rangefinder will continue to be distributed globally and Tamron USA, Inc. will offer the current rebates on that product line through 6/30/05.

“Since the advent of digital photography, medium format sales have declined at a rapid pace. Imports today are just a fraction of what they were even two years ago,” stated Inoue. “For Bronica, that slip has been faster since our core customer base, portrait and wedding photographers, has adapted well to digital SLR equipment.”

“These photographers are now providing customers with a quality and cost-efficient product that has virtually eliminated their need for the higher quality results that medium format film or digital backs can provide,” added Stacie Errera, Chief Marketing Officer. “While some customers are faithful to the format, the current sales volume and devastating purchasing forecasts cannot sustain the production of Bronica SLR products.”

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October 4, 2004 - The Plugin Site (www.thepluginsite.com) is proud to announce the PhotoWiz Contest 2004, which is running from October 1 to December 31, 2004. This contest is dedicated to all creatively minded photographers. It offers them the possibility to present the best samples of their work to the public and win a lot of exciting prizes. Everyone is invited to submit his or her photos to this contest.

Time Schedule
The PhotoWiz Contest is conducted in three steps. Every month there will be a new topic for which people can post their photos. In October 2004 participants are allowed to send in their “Best Photo”, in November 2004 we will be looking for the “Best Photo Composition” and in December 2004 the “Best Photo Correction” will be reward. At the end of each month a jury will select the best contributions.

The Prizes
A total of 66 prizes worth more than $6400 are offered to the winners. The 16 best images of each of the three contest topics will receive a prize. Additionally the 16 best participants across all contest topics will get an extra prize. The three best participants will even get a PhotoWiz Gold, Silver and Bronze certificate. Additionally the two images that receive the least points from the jury will get a consolation prize.

Kodak Press Release

September 2004 - Kodak Express outlets across the UK are offering their customers the chance to win a state-of-the-art KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 Digital Camera and Printer Dock and to support UNICEF into the bargain.

Kodak has supported UNICEF for the past 4 years as parts of its worldwide Corporate Contributions programme, raising over $850,000 to-date. This year, through the One Million Smiles campaign, the company is aiming to reach over the $1 Million mark. To support the fund-raising effort, all people have to do is complete the entry form available in-store at Kodak Express outlets and post it to the prize draw address. No purchase is necessary and Kodak will donate $1 to UNICEF for every entry form received. Closing date for entries is 25th October 2004.

GretagMacbeth Press Release 05/10/04

GretagMacbeth’s new Eye-One Display 2 defines new landmarks in automation and performance for display color management.

Photokina 2004, Koln, Germany; September 28, 2004 - For professional photographers and creative professionals, GretagMacbeth, worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions, once again raises the bar and offers a newtrue one-button solution for calibrating and profiling all types of computer monitors - Eye-One Display 2 - introduced here today on Stand A034 in Hall 14.1.

With the current transition from analog to digital photography, the monitor now becomes the “slide” or “original”, making consistent, predictable color a “must have” requirement.  Eye-One Display 2 combines ease-of-use with exceptional performance to achieve the best quality profiles required for today’s digital workflow.

Eye-One Display 2 is the first and only truly automated color management solution: for all monitors supporting the DDC/CI standards, there is no longer a need for manual adjustment of brightness, contrast and monitor white point.  This process is now automatic and, unlike some competitive monitor calibrators, does not require an extra cable - providing a true “one button push” high quality monitor profiling solution.

The German website Photoworld.de have just reviewed the new 5 megapixel FujiFilm FinePix E510 Zoom.

Website: Photoworld.de - FujiFilm FinePix E510 Zoom Review

DCResource have posted their review of the Kyocera Finecam M410R, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a high-powered 10x optical zoom and high-speed lens.

“The Kyocera Finecam M410R is an ultra zoom camera whose biggest claim to fame is its stunning continuous shooting performance, and it lives up to the hype. If the image quality was better then I’d be more enthusiastic about this camera, but unfortunately it was not. Photos were fuzzy and soft and colors were dull in many of my real world test photos. In addition, there was mild vignetting in nearly every picture I took. In addition, there was no noise reduction for long exposures, and redeye was above average. One thing that wasn’t a problem was purple fringing.”

Website: DCResource - Kyocera Finecam M410R Review

ImageRecall Press Release 28/09/04

ImageRecall Announces ImageRecall 3.0 Now Supports More Memory Cards And Image Formats Than Any Other Digital Photo Recovery Software Including Raw Image Formats

Release Date: 28/09/2004

The software gives users a backup plan to address the lack of safeguards in the storage and download process of digital cameras including new features to help keep photos safe after recovery.

Photokina -Cologne, Germany-September 28, 2004-Today’s digital cameras make it very convenient for users to take pictures without worrying about the cost of wasting film. However, most of these cameras make it just as easy to accidentally lose those pictures. There is no way to undo ?delete all? on most cameras. Downloading images to a PC is fraught with danger, as well. To help camera users combat these risks, ImageRecall announces ImageRecall 3.0 (IR3) can now recover all image types including all RAW formats. With its new file correction systems, ImageRecall also has the ability to recover and rebuild photographs when corruption occurs. IR3 supports all memory cards and is able to mount recoveries from cards that even Windows is unable to access.

The Norwegian website Akam.no have posted their review of the recently announced Canon PIXMA iP4000 inkjet printer.

Website: Akam.no Reviews Canon PIXMA iP4000 Review

The Norwegian website Akam.no have posted a review of the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3.

Website: Akam.no - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3

Concord Camera Press Release 27/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. ANNOUNCES THE POLAROID 345AF FILM CAMERA WITH MORE FEATURES FOR THE MONEY

Priced at only $17.99, the compact & stylish Polaroid 345AF includes many features normally found in more expensive cameras providing consumers an affordable solution to achieve great pictures

Cologne, Germany, September 27, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”)  (Nasdaq:LENS), a leading provider of popular image capture solutions, today announced at Photokina the Polaroid 345AF, a new auto focus, fully-automatic, 35mm camera.  The Polaroid 345AF is compact, fitting easily into a pocket, purse or tote bag, providing “on?the-go” convenience while delivering sharp worry-free pictures.

The Polaroid 345AF’s auto focus feature and 3 element lens together are an optimal combination allowing even a novice to simply achieve great pictures.  The ideal camera for kids and vacation use, the Polaroid 345AF features a motorized film advance and rewind, making picture taking easy.  With its auto flash setting users never have to worry about forgetting to turn on the flash, ensuring that pictures will always turn out bright and vibrant.  The Polaroid 345AF also has an easy to use flash on and flash off setting, making it more flexible to adapt to changes in lighting conditions. 

The Polaroid 345AF also is equipped with an efficient auto power off feature to help conserve battery life, and a red eye reduction feature to achieve great red eye free pictures.

The Polaroid 345AF 35mm auto focus camera is expected to be available in the first quarter of calendar year 2005 at a suggested retail price of $17.99.  For more information see the Concord Camera Corp. web site: www.concord-camera.com.

Concord Camera Press Release 27/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. UNVEILS POLAROID SPLASH II 2-IN-1 LAND & UNDERWATER 35MM CAMERA

Snaps Photos at 65 Feet Underwater for Scuba & Snorkeling Photography
Ultimate Vacation Camera for Land & Sea Adventure

Hollywood, Florida, September 27, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”)  (Nasdaq:LENS) today announced the Polaroid Splash II new fully-automatic, waterproof 35mm camera.  Based on the popular Polaroid Splash, the Polaroid Splash II is the ultimate camera for active lifestyles—perfect for sports, scuba, and beach vacations. 

The Polaroid Splash II features a removable waterproof housing for underwater photography up to a depth of 65 feet (20 meters).  The housing can easily be removed for land-use as a normal 35mm compact camera and includes a large external viewfinder so that pictures can be easily framed even while wearing bulky equipment, such as a snorkeling mask or other gear.  A fully automatic camera, the Polaroid Splash II features auto flash, auto film load, auto advance and rewind to make picture-taking a snap.  The camera also includes an auto power off feature to help conserve battery life, as well as a 27mm, 2 element high-quality optical lens and auto flash for optimal picture quality and lighting for easy underwater photography ? all delivered at an affordable suggested retail price of $24.99.

A stylish and rugged camera, the Polaroid Splash II features a metallic silver body encased in a clear waterproof housing accented with a blue grip for a sporty look.  The Polaroid Splash II waterproof 35mm camera is expected to be available the first quarter of 2005.  It comes complete with the camera, waterproof housing, sports strap, and pouch for a suggested retail price of $24.99.  For more information, see the Concord Camera Corp. web site: www.concord-camera.com.

BenQ Press Release 27/09/04

BenQ Unveils Two Ultra-Slim Digital Cameras Equipped with Large-Sized LCD Screens

TAIPEI, TAIWAN, September 27, 2004 - BenQ today unveiled the ultra-slim and sleek 4 mega pixel CCD resolution DC E43 and 5 mega pixel CCD resolution DC E53 digital cameras, equipped with 3x optical zoom.  Measuring 24 mm in thickness, the new compact DC E53 and E43 digital cameras are BenQ’s first camera series equipped with 2+ inch LCD screens.

“Sporting a slim 24 mm casing and elegant design, the BenQ E43 and E53 will offer end-users a highly portable and stylish camera for enjoyment anywhere,” said William Wang, Vice-President and General Manager of the Imaging Network Business Group. “Also with the inclusion of spacious large-sized LCD screens, the BenQ E43 and E53 will further enhance the experience of taking and sharing pictures.”

The International QuickTime VR Association (IQTVRA) and International Association of Panorama Photographers (IAPP)

will unveil an exhibit of 41 panorama’s from around the world during Photokina, the world’s largest photography expo in Cologne, Germany. The exhibit will be in Hall 14.1, booth F55, and can be viewed Tuesday, 28 September through Sunday, 3 October during expo hours.

Members will be on hand to demonstrate panoramic tips and techniques, as well as show real-world applications with this very hot technology. A workshop on Saturday, 2 October, will feature several new products demonstrated and present Hans Nyberg of panoramas.dk, discussing how his web site began and has developed into today and in the future.

VRMag, the premier panoramic e-zine has launched a site that will feature daily news and Photokina information targeting the VR community: http://vrm.vrway.com/projects/photokina_koeln_2004/default.htm

The 43rd 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 4th October. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.

Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 13th-19th September 2004 contest

Apologies for the delay in setting this up - it’s been quite a busy week!

It looks as though Epson are finally about to replace their venerable A3 printer, the Stylus Photo 2100/2200. The Japanese website I Love Epson has details about a new A3 model called the PX-G5000. Michael Reichmann over at Luminous Landscape comments “The PX-G5000 is an 8 ink, 5760X1440 A3-sized printer, with 1.5 picoliter dots. The inks apparently have a wider colour gamut and better compatibility with glossy papers.”

Thanks to Hans Van Rafelghem for sending me the link.

Website: I Love Epson - PX-G5000 Printer

Sandisk Press Release 29/09/04

SANDISK INTRODUCES EXTREME III, WORLD’S FASTEST, HIGHEST PERFORMING FLASH MEMORY CARD

Extreme III Product Line Based On SanDisk’s New ESP Technology, A Major Technological Breakthrough

COLOGNE, GERMANY, SEPT. 29, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced the world’s fastest flash memory cards - the SanDisk Extreme III line of CompactFlash , SD and Memory Stick PRO digital film cards. The CompactFlash and SD cards have minimum write and read speeds of 20 megabytes per second (MB/sec.).* Memory Stick PRO has minimum write and read speeds of 18 MB/sec.* The SanDisk Extreme III cards, which range in capacity between one and four gigabytes (GB), have essentially double the performance speeds of SanDisk?s predecessor Extreme product line which currently has the fastest working cards in many of today?s leading digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras.**

The SanDisk Extreme III product line was introduced at a SanDisk press conference at the Photokina imaging show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1.2, Aisle A, Booth 059.

Sandisk Press Release 29/09/04

SANDISK LEAPFROGS COMPETITION - QUADRUPLES TOP CAPACITY OF ITS HIGH-SPEED ULTRA II FLASH MEMORY CARDS

New Cards Include World’s First 8-Gigabyte (GB) Type I High Speed CompactFlash Card

COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sep. 29, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) announced today that is has quadrupled the capacity of its high-speed SanDisk Ultra II line of flash memory cards that includes the development of a new 8GB CompactFlash Type I card. The top end SanDisk Ultra II Memory Stick PRO and SD cards now boast 4GB and 2GB of capacity respectively. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1.2, aisle A, Booth 059.

Each SanDisk Ultra II card features a minimum write speed of 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) and a minimum read speed of 10MB/sec.* (Results based on testing with the popular HDBENCH benchmark software; actual results in digital cameras will vary by camera model.) The Ultra II cards are primarily targeted at serious photographers with 4-megapixel or higher resolution digital cameras that require fast, high capacity digital film cards to quickly shoot many high resolution images.

Sandisk Press Release 29/09/04

Low-Cost “Consumable” Cards Will Be Distributed Where Film and Processing Are Offered

COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sept. 29, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced that it is introducing its Shoot & Store line of budget-priced flash memory cards in Europe through a variety of stores that offer film and processing services. The announcement was made during a press conference at Photokina 2004, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Hall 1.2, Aisle A, Booth 059 of the Cologne Exhibition Center.

The cards, which are rewritable and function just like standard cards, are offered in capacities of 32 megabytes (MB), which holds up to 50 photos, and 64MB, which holds up to 100 photos, when used at a resolution setting of 1 megapixel*. Shoot & Store is aimed at consumers who want the convenience of leaving their flash cards with professional photo finishers—as they were accustomed to doing with traditional analog film—or who don’t have time or inclination to download their images to a computer or burn them to a disk. The line is sold in four formats: CompactFlash, SD, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card.

Sandisk Press Release 29/09/04

SanDisk introduces three new memory card readers - transfer photos, video, music and data quickly and easily

Multi-Card Readers Support Wide Range of Card Formats; Feature Transfer Button To Automatically Move Photos To Your Computer

COLOGNE, GERMANY , Sep. 29, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced three high-speed card readers, the SanDisk ImageMate 12-in-1, ImageMate 5-in-1 and ImageMate CompactFlash (CF) readers. Ideal for owners of digital cameras and other consumer electronics devices, each new reader includes a one-step transfer button and software for the PC to simplify the most common tasks that people want to do with their photos - transfer them to the hard drive, rename files and email them. The ImageMate readers are designed to quickly transfer pictures, digital video, music or any type of data to a computer via a high-speed USB 2.0 port.

For easier image organizing, sharing and viewing, each reader is bundled with Adobe ? Photoshop ? Album 2.0 Starter Edition software. SanDisk announced the new line of ImageMate card readers at Photokina where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1.2, aisle A, Booth #059.