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

“The Exilim series already comprises a number of stylish and extremely compact cameras and it will come as no surprise that the Casio Z50 is no exception in this respect. With a weight of 121g (4.2 oz) it is light and small enough to carry around in your trouser pocket all day without people making funny remarks like “Is that an Exilim Zoom Z50 in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?” The all-metal, magnesium-alloy body has a stylish brushed finish that gives the camera a real quality feel. All controls give the impression that they are built to last and are comfortable to use. “

Website: DCViews - Casio EXILIM Card EX-Z50

ACD Systems Press Release 04/10/04

ACD Systems Announces Fastest Version of Flagship Photo Management Software with the Launch of ACDSee 7

VICTORIA, British Columbia - October 4, 2004 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), makers of ACDSee photo management software and Canvas technical illustration software, announced today the release of ACDSee 7, the newest version of its flagship photo management software for photography enthusiasts, professionals and corporate users.  Renowned for its speed, ACDSee is used the world over as the leading choice for image viewing and management. New features in ACDSee 7 include a Device Synchronization function, a Context Sensitive Toolbar, advanced search capabilities, RAW format support, MPV and HighMAT support and an Image Comparison tool. ACDSee 7 is available as a standalone product or as part of the ACDSee 7 PowerPack suite.

ACDSee 7 allows users to control their camera’s memory card storage space with a device synchronization function that quickly and efficiently automates the downloading process of images and media.  Through an easy-to-use wizard, users can select which folders their images should automatically be saved to, as well as determine the amount of space that should always be available on a specific memory card.

Plug-in to ACDSee?s Powerful New Performance Tools - ACDSee photoPro and ACDSee Share

VICTORIA, British Columbia - October 4, 2004 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), makers of ACDSee photo management software and Canvas technical illustration software, today announced the release of ACDSee photoPro, which adds support for color management and RAW formats, and ACDSee Share, for peer-to-peer photo sharing. Based on the core ACDSee photo management technology, both products work as plug-ins that enhance ACDSee?s functionality.

ACDSee photoPro includes 16-bit per channel color support for preserving RAW images at their highest resolution. Users can safely maintain the color integrity of RAW images when converting them into TIFFs or JPEG 2000 formats for use in ACDSee or other image editing software programs. ACDSee photoPro also offers ICM 2.0 color management support that allows users to accurately select monitor and printer color profiles.

ACDSee Share enables users to turn their personal computers into web servers and publish their photos, music and videos in web pages without relying on third party service providers. ACDSee Share?s browser display can be customized with personal banners or corporate logos.
The program also allows users to control who has access to images and the length of time that images are displayed.

ByteSector have published their review of the HP Photosmart 945 digital camera, which features a 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is available now and has an estimated U.S. retail price of $549.

“Wow! Picture results are fantastic, colour results are not as rich as Canon’s but HP has still done a great job at delivering bright and well contrasted images. The downside is that to get the best results out of this camera you have to use HP’s digital flash feature and this results in noisier images. Don’t get me wrong, the feature is fantastic, it brings out the brighter areas in a dark image such as overcasts and shadows, but the result is an overly noisy picture (in low light shots), for outdoor shots its perfect. Next to the colours, the images are incredibly sharp and detailed (when using Digital Flash); they are well defined.”

Website: ByteSector - HP Photosmart 945 Review

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