Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart 375 compact photo printer.

“If all you need to print is 4x6” photos and you want to be able to do that at home or in the field - without a computer - and/or without an AC power cord - then this may just be your next printer. The HP 375 can handle every current digicam flash memory format via its four built in card slots. Out of the box this printer can directly read and print from CompactFlash (Type I or II, Microdrive), SmartMedia, Secure Digital / MMC, Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo (with adapter) or xD-Picture Cards.”

Website: Steves Digicams - HP Photosmart 375 Compact Photo Printer Review

In his latest eassay Michael Reichmann explains what he thinks separates a snapshot from a fine-art photograph.

“Every photographer is a snapshooter at heart. I don’t know of a fine art photographer, regardless of their pretentious, who didn’t also take snapshots. Especially pictures of members of their family, and in particular children and babies. It simply goes with the territory of being a photographer and of having taking photographs as a way of life. It’s how we see the world and how we share it with others.

Most of the time these family photos and snapshots end up in an album, and occasionally, if they’re really good, as a framed print. But once in a very rare while an image can rise above its origins and become a fine art print. This essay is a detailed look at the esthetic as well as the technical decisions that went into the making of Baby and Watering Can, seen above.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - From Snapshot to Fine Art

Apacer Press Release 23/09/04

Apacer introduces Share Steno CD211 - the world’s first stand-alone 2-way portable USB storage device with USB2.0 OTG and LCD panel

(Taipei) The world’s first two-way portable USB storage device equipped with USB2.0 on-the-go interface, and LCD panel will be available from your local Apacer dealer this September. The Share Steno CD211 is specially designed for travelers, professional photographers, users of USB storage devices, and users who need an external hard drive.

“Users don’t want to worry about the capacity of their digital camera’s memory card when on a trip, especially if they don’t want to carry a laptop computer all the time,” says Lawrence Lo, vice president of Apacer, “the Share Steno CD211 is a stand-alone, two-way portable USB storage device that uses a standard 2.5” hard disk, and allows users to connect directly to a digital camera, MP3 player, flash drive, card reader or other USB devices, and quickly and easily save their pictures, music, or other files.”

According to Lawrence Lo, vice president at Apacer, the Share Steno CD211 allows users to copy data from and to various USB storage devices without connecting to a PC. For example, from the memory card on a digital camera to the Share Steno CD211, or users can transfer music files from the Share Steno CD211 to an MP3 player, as if it was an MP3 library with super capacity!

DCResource have just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 digital camera, which features fastest-in-class startup, 8x optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design.

“For those seeking a real bargain in the ultra zoom category, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 is it. You’ll have to give up a few things compared to the competition, but overall it’s a great camera for the money. You won’t find too many cameras with a street price well below $300 that have this many features.”

Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z10 Review

Jenoptik Press Release 23/09/4

Freedom without compromise.

JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH is setting standards in portable digital medium format photography with its new Eyelike eMotion22.

The Eyelike eMotion22 from JENOPTIK is the high quality digital back for untethered and tethered operation.

Fast, high resolution, lightweight and elegant are the key words describing the new Eyelike eMotion22. JENOPTIK presents its latest digital camera back for medium-format and high-end view camera. Fully designed for untethered use, it sets new standards. Low power consumption, a lightweight, yet stable design together with a completely revised housing and board design guarantee images of outstanding quality. They also allow photographers to fully concentrate on their work when taking pictures.

Consequently Mobile
The Eyelike eMotion22 has been specifically designed for portable use.
It features a built-in 2.2 inch display, a lithium-ion battery which is rated for up to 2.5 operating hours, and an internal memory with a maximum storage capacity of 140 images.

The camera back is immediately ready for use without requiring any additional memory cards. For extended memory space, the Eyelike eMotion22 provides an option to save data on type I
and II Compact Flash cards. Storage capacity can thus be increased up to 520 images, without having to rely on a heavy, mechanically susceptible harddrive. The display and all other components have been selected with special focus on low power consumption for superior battery lifetime performance. A secondary benefit of this design package is that camera heating effects are reduced to a minimum level, which allows for noise-free images of highest quality.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/09/04

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the digital SLR that’s tuned for image quality

Release Date: 23 September 2004

Any photographer who has thought hard about their choice of film, and whose work is geared towards ultimate image quality, will understand the appeal of the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro.

Representing the company’s pursuit of film photography standards for the digital world, the FinePix S3 Pro introduces Fujifilm’s unique Super CCD SR II - dual pixel technology that is technically inspired by the structure of silver halide crystals in colour negative film.

The new sensor produces 12.34 million effective pixels in 6.17 locations, combining 6.17 million high-sensitivity S-pixels and the same number of low-sensitivity R-pixels. Thanks to a newly developed image processor, the FinePix S3 Pro achieves exceptional image quality with a fourfold increase in dynamic range over non-SR Super CCD sensors, rich colour reproduction, high signal to noise ratio (lower noise at higher sensitivities) and tonality that was previously impossible to generate with digital cameras.

The FinePix S3 Pro’s designers have been able to make full use of Fujifilm’s extensive colour film expertise. For instance, rather than force photographers to shoot in RAW mode and spend time on an extensive workflow process, Fujifilm has introduced Film Simulation Modes, dynamic range presets and colour space selection.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A Press Release 22/09/04

Proprietary Technology Gives Fujifilm’s New Inkjet Photo Paper an Advantage over Competitive Products; New Photo Paper Broadens Fujifilm’s Printing Options

VALHALLA, N.Y. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sept. 22, 2004—Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., one of the world’s pioneering companies in the field of digital imaging products and services, has expanded its line of inkjet photo paper. By applying its 70-year history of imaging know-how and manufacturing excellence to its inkjet product line, Fujifilm is poised to expand its presence in this growing segment, valued at over $450 million and projected to grow to nearly half a billion dollars in 2005.**

With the addition of Gallery Select and Family photo paper along side the acclaimed Premium Plus product, Fujifilm now has a broad home printing solution that works with all inkjet printers, delivering smooth, glossy prints with crisp detail, contrast and definition. Gallery Select provides long-lasting, professional quality photos ideal for special occasions and framing. The high quality, Premium Plus photo paper makes brilliant prints for photo albums. And the affordable, instantly dry Family photo paper is ideal for home, office and school projects.

Both Gallery Select and Premium Plus feature the company’s proprietary Super Performance Technology, which is derived from Fujifilm’s renowned film coating production process, and provides a technological advantage over competitive products. This patented difference means that Fujifilm’s photo paper has more coating layers than all competitors’ and delivers better color control and accuracy, resulting in crisper detail, whiter whites and deeper, more brilliant colors. In addition, this technology provides greater longevity, especially in the highest quality photo paper, Gallery Select.

Microsoft Press Release 22/09/04

Microsoft Announces Canon’s Support of Media Transfer Protocol in Digital Still Cameras

Improved Image Acquisition and Camera Control Capabilities Enable New Possibilities for Digital Imaging Industry

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Microsoft Corp. today announced that its new Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) will be supported by Canon Inc., a leader in the field of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon, one of the market leaders in adopting and promoting Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), now plans to incorporate support for MTP into its future digital camera product offerings. This announcement coincides with next week’s 2004 Photokina trade show and signifies a premier industry relationship for Microsoft, introducing one of the most advanced technologies yet for image acquisition to a Windows(R)-based PC.

Based on the popular PTP, MTP enables the transfer of media such as images to and from a broad range of devices, while delivering enhanced device management and significant performance improvements for today’s new classes of portable media devices. MTP over IP (MTP/IP) extends the applicability of this exciting technology to networked and wireless devices. Canon’s adoption of MTP/IP for its future wireless digital cameras will significantly improve the image acquisition experience for both consumers and professionals, enabling ubiquitous, high-performance connectivity. Among its benefits, MTP/IP provides vastly improved support for transferring large quantities of data from a device, while also enabling faster thumbnail viewing for photographers with large storage media in their devices. MTP/IP also eliminates much of the complexity inherent in wireless connectivity for professional photographers and will enable new scenarios for all enthusiasts.

ColorVision/Pantone Inc. Press Release 22/09/04

Datacolor and Pantone Debut COLORVISION Spyder2; New Color-Management Technology Provides Unparalleled Accuracy and Ease-of-Use

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. & CARLSTADT, N.J. - (Business Wire) - Sept. 22, 2004 ColorVision, the digital imaging unit of Datacolor, and Pantone Inc., the global authority on color, will unveil COLORVISION(R) Spyder2(TM), the next generation of affordable color-management technology, at the Photokina International Trade Show in Cologne, Germany, on Sept. 28, 2004, and at GRAPH EXPO in Chicago on Oct. 10, 2004.

The Spyder2(TM) colorimeter, the latest addition to the PANTONE COLORVISION product line, delivers a new level of on-screen color accuracy. The sleek, redesigned, dual-phase hardware features precise calibration and highly accurate ICC profiles for CRT, LCD and laptop displays. The new software and graphical user-interface provide ease-of-use previously unavailable in professional-level monitor calibration products.

Based on the research and development work of ColorVision’s physicists, the Spyder2 state-of-the-art optical science and new light detectors deliver a five-fold increase in sensitivity. Additionally, the new filter pack system and patent-protected light baffle further increase the accuracy of on-screen color measurement. Improvements to the calibration software utilize sophisticated gray-balance and tonal-response algorithms to produce superior color images, including exceptionally smooth gradient steps, life-like flesh tones and neutral grays.

Shortcut Press Release 22/09/04

As of September 28th the start of a fruitful cooperation between Shortcut and Canon Germany is a fact. As a science company Shortcut develops and publishes high-grade graphic software technology. The multiple award winning Shortcut PhotoZoom with its S-Spline technology will be bundled with Canon’s large format printers.

Canon has recently update there line of Large Format, and very determined to become one of the leading players.

Canon will bundle Shortcut’s PhotoZoom Pro with every large format printer W2200 and W6200 sold. PhotoZoom is a revolutionary, patented and awarded technology (including CeBIT award) that offers the best tools available for the enlargement of digital images.

The Norwegian website Akam.no is one of the first to review the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 20D DSLR. If anyone can supply me with a translation, that would be great!

Website: Akam.no - Canon EOS 20D Review

DIWA Press Release 22/09/04 3.00pm CET

DIWA Gold and Silver awards to Sony for their excellent Cyber-shot DSC-F828 and DSC-V1

22. September 2004: The DIWA organisation of collaborating worldwide websites (Digital Imaging Websites Association) today announced that Sony Inc. has been awarded Gold and Silver medals for two of their excellent digital cameras. The DIWA test experts honoured the Cyber-shot DSC-F828 with gold, accompanied by the Cyber-shot DSC-V1, which qualified for a silver medal. The awards are the results of comprehensive, independent reviews of different samples, made by a number of DIWA camera testing experts from Europe and USA.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 proved its excellence by scoring extremely well on DIWA?s unique evaluation scoreboard. Its first class 8x zoom lens from legendary Carl Zeiss and the top ranked 8 megapixel Super HAD CCD image sensor provided outstanding image quality. Besides, the unconventional camera design is met with enthusiasm both among amateurs and professionals.

Also the handy Cyber-shot DSC-V1 digital compact camera was very well accepted by the DIWA testing team. Not only did the robust body impress them, but also image quality surpassed their expectations for a compact camera with a 4x zoom lens. The well reputed Carl Zeiss lens brand, 34-136 mm zoom range and high speed f/2.8-4.0 attribuites, proved them wrong.

DIWA Press Release 22/09/04 3.00pm CET

Konica Minolta wins their first DIWA Gold Award for the versatile, high-performance DiMAGE A2

22. September, 2004: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 megazoom digital camera for its outstanding performance and innovative technologies.

The DiMAGE A2 is packed with useful features for making photography comfortable and successful, even under demanding shooting conditions. From the long list of such functions and features, it is enough to mention the camera’s excellent wide-angle to telephoto 28-200 mm. (35 mm film equivalent) zoom lens and the ingenious Anti-Shake CCD image stabilizer. However, features alone do not qualify for any DIWA Award. Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 users may also expect outstanding image quality and a multitude of creative options, all packed in a compact and robust camera body. Its attractive design and ergonomic layout further enhance the public appeal and adds value to its reasonable price tag.

DIWA’s test manager, Kai Thon, says: “The recent digital SLR price drop attracts many advanced amateur photographers. Yet, many of them, even professionals, enjoy the comfort of the all-in-one package provided by the DiMAGE A2. The fast, high quality 7x zoom lens alone gives the DiMAGE A2 more value for money than can be expected from any D-SLR camera. Then, add to this the benefit of a highly effective Anti-Shake technology. Still, its most important feature is the DIWA proof of professional performance”.

DP-Now editor Ian Burley has published his initial thoughts on the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR which was announced yesterday.

“Evolution, rather than revolution seems to be the theme of the 1D/II’s development. There are now half as many pixels again to play with as before and the full frame 24x36mm sensor appears to be a direct descendant of the previous 11.1MP CMOS unit developed by Canon in-house.

Apart from the introduction of 802.11b and g (up to 54Mbits/sec) wireless connectivity via an optional adapter, the main emphasis in Canon’s notes on the new 1D/II is the inclusion of Digital Photo Professional v.1.5 image processing software for faster RAW file image processing workflow.”

Website: DP-Now - Initial thoughts on Canon’s new flagship 1D Mark II

DP-Now have just reviewed the book “Secrets of the Digital Darkroom” from Ilex Press, which is aimed at advanced beginner and intermediate photographers looking to increase their skill set for manipulating images using a computer.

“There are plenty of the usual hints and tips concerning digital regulars like perspective correction, sharpening, colour adjustments, image extraction, panoramas, etc. But it was refreshing to see some techniques that readers migrating from a conventional darkroom will immediately relate to, including dodging and burning, lith and line images, toning, kallitypes and cyanotypes, reticulation, etc. When was the last time you thought about gum dichromates, for example?”

Website: DP-Now - Secrets of the Digital Darkroom Review

There have been 10 digital camera announcements today from 4 different manufacturers. Now Acer is set to join the fray by releasing 3 new models in December in the £250-300 range. According to the website Pocket-Lint, “On the cards are a 5 megapixel 3x optical zoom credit card sized model, a 6 megapixel 3x optical in black and another 5 megapixel 3x optical zoom model in silver.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Acer to join digital camera market

FotoWare Press Release 22/09/04

FotoWare Launch FotoStation Classic, professional media database for Mac OS X.

At Photokina in Cologne, FotoWare a.s celebrate their 10th anniversary by releasing FotoStation Classic, the completely new media database for Mac OS X.  FotoStation Classic is the standard edition in the FotoStation product family, and offers a wealth of solutions for problems created by the ever-increasing flow of digital images.  Version 5.1 Classic for the Mac OS X operating system provides many new features and a unique flexibility which enables the adaptation of the software to the needs of a single user as well as in a corporate environment.

“It was our goal to make FotoStation even more adaptable to the individual needs of a photographer, an editor, or any user who on a daily basis is working with digital images”, commented Norman Milne, Managing Director Fotoware UK.

“The considerable volume of pictures which are taken today by digital cameras can cause great organisational problems for smaller companies.  We have done everything to help the users overcome these problems with a minimum of effort”, Milne continues.

LetsGoDigital have exclusive news of 6 new digital cameras from Samsung, headed by the 7 megapixel Digimax V70 (pictured). No sign of any official press releases yet, so more details when I get them. In the meantime here’s a brief round-up of the new models:

Samsung Digimax V70
“With a 7 Megapixel high definition CCD, the Digimax V70 gives photographers the ability to print up to A1 size of poster with great detail. Coupled with the on camera trimming function this means you can get the shot you want without using a PC. The Digimax V70 has 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 38mm -114mm in 35mm format) and a further 5x digital zoom to give 15x total zoom.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1793.html

Samsung Digimax U-CA 505
“Sleek, compact and ultra thin (97 x 52 x 25 mm), the Digimax U-CA 501/505 packs impressive features, including 5 Megapixels, into a stylish body that’s small enough to take anywhere. The Digimax U-CA 501/505 has a 2.0-inch TFT LCD, which is a pleasure to use outdoors, bright enough to use even in direct sunlight for both composing and reviewing your shots.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1792.html

Samsung Digimax U-CA 501
“Sleek, compact and ultra thin (97 x 52 x 25 mm), the Digimax U-CA 501/505 packs impressive features, including 5 Megapixels, into a stylish body that’s small enough to take anywhere. The Digimax U-CA 501/505 has a 2.0-inch TFT LCD, which is a pleasure to use outdoors, bright enough to use even in direct sunlight for both composing and reviewing your shots.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1792.html

Samsung Digimax A6
“The Samsung Digimax A6 and A5 digital cameras come equipped with a wide range of the most technologically advanced and cutting-edge features available on the market at an affordable price. The Digimax A6 has a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and the Digimax A5 has a 5 Megapixel CCD sensor.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1791.html

Samsung Digimax A5
“The Samsung Digimax A6 and A5 digital cameras come equipped with a wide range of the most technologically advanced and cutting-edge features available on the market at an affordable price. The Digimax A6 has a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and the Digimax A5 has a 5 Megapixel CCD sensor.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1791.html

Samsung Digimax A400
“A 4 Megapixel auto focus camera with 2.8x optical and 4x digital zoom, the Samsung Digimax A400 captures crisp images. The Digimax has a 2.0-inch colour TFT LCD that enables users to quickly and easily review and preview. The superb 5cm macro mode allows users to capture clear images of subject matter as close as 5cm from the camera’s lens.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1790.html

Website: LetsGoDigital - Photokina Coverage

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 21/09/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE LS755 Digital Camera Combines Sleek Design with High-End Features

TOKYO, September 21 - Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the EASYSHARE LS755 zoom digital camera, a sleek, Japanese-designed model created for the person with impeccable style and taste. It pairs high tech features and outstanding image quality.

The camera will be available in Japan beginning in Q4.

“We developed the LS755 camera to meet the discerning eye of Japanese consumers, who relentlessly seek the best combination of form and function,” said Yusuke Kojima, general manager of worldwide digital camera and system development, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company.

The size of a deck of playing cards, the EASYSHARE LS755 camera’s aluminum body houses exclusive, high-powered components and technologies to deliver and share stunning pictures.

A professional-grade SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X (36 - 108 mm equivalent) zoom lens and 5.0 megapixel CCD sensor work in conjunction to maximize picture quality. With each press of the shutter button, the camera rapidly analyzes lighting conditions and color balance to deliver sharp, color-accurate, properly exposed pictures. To help keep the camera body very thin while still using a barrel lens for optimal picture quality, Kodak developed an innovative, first-of-its-kind solution - the lens retracts behind the shutter when the camera is turned off.

Panasonic Press Release 21/09/04

- The cameras have 3.2 megapixel photo, MPEG4 video and music capabilities all in one ultra compact device -

Osaka, Japan - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand products, today introduced two new D-snap SD video cameras. The models SV-AS30 and SV-AS3 can snap still and moving images, play back video and music files, record voice notes and share contents with a wide variety of SD-enabled products, including digital TVs, DVD recorders and printers. The SV-AS30 will be available to the public on October 30 and the SV-AS3 on November 27.

The two models function as effective 3.2 megapixel CCD digital cameras, MPEG4 video recorders, AAC/WMA/MP3 music players and voice recorders recording up to 66 hours on a 1 GB SD Memory Card. The SV-AS30, super-thin model, incorporates all these features in a compact 53.2 ? 103.2 ? 9.9 mm (14.0 mm at the lens) casing, the slimmest in the world. The stylish and ultra-portable units can conveniently drop into a pocket or lady’s purse.

Equipped with an SD Memory Card slot, they can network with PCs and other SD-compatible products. As a digital still camera, they produce 16:9 images in the HDTV mode. Images can be reproduced on Panasonic’s VIERA large-screen high-definition TVs. By directly connecting to a PictBridge*1 compatible printer, the new D-snap models can print images without using a PC.