News
Plustek Inc Press Release 21/09/04
Plustek Launches Pro Film Scanner; Professional resolution and fast scans—the OpticFilm 7200 is Plustek’s powerful pro film scanner for slides and negatives
LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 21, 2004—Plustek Inc (www.plustek.com), a leading manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional scanners, today launched the OpticFilm 7200 professional-grade film scanner, offering the market’s highest film-scan resolution (7200 x 7200 dpi) in a consumer device. Until now, due to the high cost, film scanners with professional resolution were nearly exclusively purchased by service companies, high-profile photographers, and ambitious amateurs/prosumers. This era has passed with the introduction of the OpticFilm 7200, the first consumer-priced high-resolution 35mm film and negative scanner. User-friendly and affordable, the OpticFilm 7200 is ideal for organizations or individuals who wish to scan their work and share it on the Web with fellow photographers or anyone wanting to digitize and archive their slides and negatives onto CD - to create their own photo albums or digital slide shows. Users can easily preserve their work and valuable memories onto compact disc for easy access and retouching in the future. Launched earlier in the year in Germany, the OpticFilm is already the winner of the coveted “foto MAGAZIN GUT award” and the “PC Direkt Budget Kauftipp! award.” Priced at $199, the OpticFilm 7200 will begin shipping in the U.S. in September.
Plustek Inc Press Release 21/09/04 Plustek Launches Pro Film Scanner; Professional resolution and fast scans—the OpticFilm 7200 is Plustek’s powerful pro film scanner for slides and negatives LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 21, 2004—Plustek Inc (www.plustek.com), a leading manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional scanners, today launched the OpticFilm 7200 professional-grade film…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed the ImpressCam Elite DSC 11 digicam, a 4 megapixel model that I admit to not having heard of before.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed the ImpressCam Elite DSC 11 digicam, a 4 megapixel model that I admit to not having heard of before. Website: Index Digicam - ImpressCam Elite DSC 11 Review
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare DX7440, a 4-megapixel digital camera with a 4x (33 - 132 mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. The camera is available now for a suggested retail price of US$349.
“Low image noise at low ISOs. Also low at higher ISO settings, but a heavy price is paid in terms of image detail. Image noise is present in the DX7440’s images but quite low at the 80 and 100 ISO equivalent settings. As the ISO increases, the noise levels remain fairly low, but that’s because the camera makes a heavy tradeoff with subtle subject detail to suppress the noise in the final images. The net effect isn’t too bad at ISO 200, but the ISO 400 shot looks almost like a watercolor painting in places. - Don’t shoot with the DX7440 at ISO settings over 200 if you care about subtle detail in your photos.”
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare DX7440, a 4-megapixel digital camera with a 4x (33 - 132 mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. The camera is available now for a suggested retail price of US$349. “Low image noise at low ISOs. Also low at higher ISO settings, but a heavy…
Thom Hogan has also taken a look at another DX lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G.
“Autofocus is very fast and hunt-free. The f/2.8 aperture helps make low-light focus even better. (This, by the way, is one of two areas in which the decision between the 17-55mm and the 18-70mm DX lens should be made. While the latter is a decent performer and holds its own against the more expensive lens being reviewed here in most respects, you will notice autofocus speed differences as you get into dimmer and dimmer light.”
Website: Thom Hogan - AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G Lens Review
Thom Hogan has also taken a look at another DX lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G. “Autofocus is very fast and hunt-free. The f/2.8 aperture helps make low-light focus even better. (This, by the way, is one of two areas in which the decision between the 17-55mm and the…
Thom Hogan has just reviewed the Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, which is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens currently ships with the Nikon D70 in kit form.
“Sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with f/8 being the point of maximum sharpness on my sample pretty much across the entire focal length range. Even at f/3.5 (or 4.5 at the tele end) in the corners this lens remains an very good performer—much better than you’d expect for the price. I’d be more comfortable about using this lens wide open if it weren’t for the vignetting, but if you’re a Capture user and shoot NEF, you can safely ignore that comment, as Capture’s Vignette control handles this lens perfectly.”
Website: Thom Hogan - Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens Review
Thom Hogan has just reviewed the Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, which is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens currently ships with the Nikon D70 in kit form. “Sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with f/8 being the…
The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer.
The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Epson R300 photo printer, which offers convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. Website: Akam.no - Epson Stylus…
Weighing in at a whopping 7-11Mbs, Canon have released 4 sample images for their new 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. One for broadband users only I think! Canon have even indulged us by including a night photograph amongst the samples, taken with a 15 sec shutter speed.
Weighing in at a whopping 7-11Mbs, Canon have released 4 sample images for their new 16 megapixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. One for broadband users only I think! Canon have even indulged us by including a night photograph amongst the samples, taken with a 15 sec shutter speed…
PhotographyBLOG has joined forces with the No.1 European online photo processing service myPixmania to offer you a great range of affordable online printing and storage services. Prices start from just 8p per print and you automatically get 10 free prints when you register for a free account. myPIXmania uses Fuji Professional Paper which is widely recognized in the specialized press as being the standard for digital paper, and your photos will be processed within 24 hours. You also recieve a free photo album with unlimited space.
PhotographyBLOG has joined forces with the No.1 European online photo processing service myPixmania to offer you a great range of affordable online printing and storage services. Prices start from just 8p per print and you automatically get 10 free prints when you register for a free account. myPIXmania uses Fuji…
GretagMacbeth Press Release 20/09/04
The new ProfileMaker 5 from GretagMacbeth
GretagMacbeth will show new ProfileMaker 5 professional color management solutions for the photographic digital workflow
New vertically focused ProfileMaker 5 packages provide price/performance advantages for color management workflows in prepress-publishing, multicolor packaging-textile printing and studio photography
Regensdorf, Switzerland, September 20th, 2004 - GretagMacbeth, the worldwide technological leader in color measurement and management solutions will show at Photokina ProfileMaker 5 solutions to the photographic industry. In hall 14.1, booth A034 GretagMacbeth will show the latest generation of its comprehensive, high-end color management solutions for professionals in color critical environments. The new ProfileMaker 5 solutions has been introduced to the European market for the first time at Drupa.
ProfileMaker 5 software is now packaged in three, vertically focused solutions - PM5 Publish Pro, PM5 Packaging Pro and PM5 Photostudio Pro - that provide optimal price/performance levels for professionals in prepress-publishing, multicolor packaging-textile printing and studio photography environments. Each solution is designed to provide only the functionality required for each specific workflow, thereby maintaining ease of use. Individual functional modules and additional tools are also available giving users the flexibility to expand their packages as their needs grow.
GretagMacbeth Press Release 20/09/04 The new ProfileMaker 5 from GretagMacbeth GretagMacbeth will show new ProfileMaker 5 professional color management solutions for the photographic digital workflow New vertically focused ProfileMaker 5 packages provide price/performance advantages for color management workflows in prepress-publishing, multicolor packaging-textile printing and studio photography Regensdorf, Switzerland, September 20th…
Princess Cruises Press Release 20/09/04
Princess Cruises has today announced that it will extend the deadline for their Escapes Photography Awards due to the volume of interest being shown by professional and amateur photographers.
The deadline has been extended to 1 October.
Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing, Princess Cruises says, “We’ve had thousands of high quality entries already but given the stature of the awards we want to make sure as many people as possible are given time to enter.”
With a prize of ?10,000 for the winning professional entry and luxury Princess cruises for the winning amateur entries, interest in the competition has gone from strength to strength, leaving the illustrious judging panel with some very hard decisions.
Princess Cruises Press Release 20/09/04 Princess Cruises has today announced that it will extend the deadline for their Escapes Photography Awards due to the volume of interest being shown by professional and amateur photographers. The deadline has been extended to 1 October. Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing…
2 official images taken with the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR have just been posted on konicaminolta.com. Both are available to view at 100% magnification, so you can judge for yourself what the quality is like.
Thanks to Zoltan Arva-Toth for letting me know :-)
2 official images taken with the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR have just been posted on konicaminolta.com. Both are available to view at 100% magnification, so you can judge for yourself what the quality is like. Thanks to Zoltan Arva-Toth for letting me know :-) Website: Konica Minolta Dynax…
I’m still using 512Mb compact flash cards and a 20Gb portable storage device , but that hasn’t stopped Samsung from developing an 8GB NAND-type flash memory chip that “will allow designs of up to 16 gigabytes (GB) of storage on a single memory card. That 16GB of memory translates into storage of up to 16 hours of DVD quality video or 4,000 (five minutes per song) MP3 audio files.” God knows how much that will cost!
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: ZDNet UK - Samsung clears the way for 16GB flash disks
I’m still using 512Mb compact flash cards and a 20Gb portable storage device , but that hasn’t stopped Samsung from developing an 8GB NAND-type flash memory chip that “will allow designs of up to 16 gigabytes (GB) of storage on a single memory card. That 16GB of memory translates into…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Aspheric lens gives new flagship CanoScan 9950F the edge
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to its CanoScan scanner range: the 4800 x 9600 dpi 48 bit colour depth CanoScan 9950F. The world’s first flat-bed scanner to offer 30-frame capacity for 35mm filmstrip, the 9950F also incorporates an aspheric element lens - Canon’s own ‘Super-Toric’ lens - for unsurpassed levels of clarity, contrast and image quality.
Canon?s new range-leader features FARE Level 3 - the ultimate infra-red film correction and enhancement system for precise, automatic dust and scratch removal, colour resaturation, plus grain and backlight correction. QARE Level 3 offers a similar correction and auto-retouching functionality for photo prints. A fast scan engine, moving backlight FAU, extremely efficient light capture system and USB 2.0 Hi?Speed / IEEE1394 FireWire connection combine to deliver super-quick 3.6 second previews and exceptionally fast scan times. The slim contours, aluminium hairline finish and robust build of the 9950F are consistent with its position at the top of the CanoScan range.
“New sensor, lamp and lens technologies introduced with the release of the 9950F are indicative of Canon?s commitment to producing superior solutions through Research & Development in scanning technology,” said Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland, Malcolm Hills. “With its capacity to scan a full roll of 35mm film in one operation, Canon expects this scanner to be the new first choice for serious professionals.”
The Canoscan 9950F will be available from November 2004 for £339 RRP inc.VAT / EUROS 489 RRP inc. VAT
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Aspheric lens gives new flagship CanoScan 9950F the edge Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the new flagship to its CanoScan scanner range: the 4800 x 9600 dpi 48 bit colour depth CanoScan 9950F. The world’s first…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon’s new CanoScan 8400F: fast track to exceptional professional film scans
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan 8400F - a premium film and document scanner. Featuring a 3200 x 6400 dpi CCD sensor, a 12-frame FAU (Film Adaptor Unit) and advanced FARE Level 3 technology, the 8400F delivers exceptionally detailed and accurate professional film scans.
Replacing the CanoScan 8000F, the 8400F is designed for maximum productivity with its new super fast scan engine. The moving light source within the FAU and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection add to the scanner’s blistering speeds. A fast warm up time enables scanning within 20 seconds of powering up, while previews can be viewed in just 2.1 seconds.
The CanoScan 8400F will be available from November 2004 for £179 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 259 RRP inc. VAT
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Canon’s new CanoScan 8400F: fast track to exceptional professional film scans Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan 8400F - a premium film and document scanner. Featuring a 3200 x 6400 dpi CCD sensor, a 12-frame…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon’s new CanoScan 4200F makes 3200 x 6400 dpi scanning affordable
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the low cost, high performance 3200 x 6400 dpi CanoScan 4200F. With a price tag similar to that of many entry level scanners, the 4200F features 48 bit colour depth, class-leading 2.6 second preview time, a film guide built into the FAU (film adapter unit) for quick and easy transparency scanning and a rapid warm up time of approximately 15 seconds.
A super fast scan engine and USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface combine to deliver 2.6 second preview times, 12 second scan times (A4, full colour at 400 dpi) and fast transfer of large hi-resolution images to the PC. The 4200F also features QARE Level 2 automatic retouching function for restoring old or damaged photographs.
A sleek design, smooth curves and granite-like finish match the scanner?s commanding performance and challenge the appearance of much higher priced models.
“The 4200F represents high-end scanner performance at an entry level price,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With such exceptional price and performance, Canon expects this ground-breaking product to redefine the first-time scanner buyer market.”
The CanoScan 4200F will be available from November 2004 for £99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 143 RRP inc. VAT
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Canon’s new CanoScan 4200F makes 3200 x 6400 dpi scanning affordable Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the low cost, high performance 3200 x 6400 dpi CanoScan 4200F. With a price tag similar to that of many…
Canon UK Press release 21/09/04
Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II - Canon’s new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographer’s options
Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. The camera is expected to appeal to professional studio and commercial photographers.
Featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm 16.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II produces images with outstanding colour rendition and dynamic range. It has sufficient resolution to produce files which convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24 bit colour depth, now considered standard acceptable size by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.
Replacing the award winning 11.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds, the camera is powered by Canon’s second generation DIGIC II image processor and is capable of firing at 4 fps for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG, or 11 frames in RAW. An optional wireless adaptor (WFT-E1 - also released today) delivers high speed IEEE802.11b/g wireless LAN and 100 Megabit per second wired LAN support.
Besides the inherent advantages of digital, such as immediate turn-around and elimination of film costs, it is the flexibility of the EOS 35mm SLR format which Canon expects to appeal to many studio photographers. For the first time, medium format image quality combines with access to the world?s most extensive range of professional lenses, spanning from 14mm to 1200mm.
“The EOS-1Ds Mark II is a tremendous achievement, it represents the pinnacle of Canon?s digital camera technology,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With its resolution, image quality, immediacy of wireless and the power and flexibility of SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II offers the first real digital alternative to medium format, which has so far been the choice for mainstream commercial studio and location work.”
The EOS-1Ds MKII will be available from November 2004 for £5999.99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 8699.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press release 21/09/04 Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II - Canon’s new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographer’s options Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon extends applications of photo printers with new photo media
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has launched a number of new media products to expand their photo media range. This media extends the creative and practical applications of its latest photo printers. The new media includes:
- Double-sided photo paper Photo Paper Plus Double Sided PP-101D available in A4 and 13 x 18 cm (5” x 7”) sizes
- Two kits containing everything needed for creating a personalised digital photo album (Photo Album Kit PAK-101 ? available in A4 and 5x7 sizes)
- Credit card size glossy media (Glossy Photo Paper GP-401)
- Photo stickers (Photo Stickers PS-101)
Canon recently launched a range of futuristically designed ‘plug and print’ personal photo printers with its new PIXMA sub-brand, and today launched a range of compact photo printers with its new SELPHY sub-brand. With digital camera growth at an all time high, and the recent explosion in camera phone usage, home photo printing in Europe is also set to enjoy strong growth. Canon expects demand for different types of photo media to show a corresponding increase.
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Canon extends applications of photo printers with new photo media Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, has launched a number of new media products to expand their photo media range. This media extends the creative and practical applications of its latest photo printers. The…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of My Canon: an online customer relationship management (eCRM) portal at http://my.canon-europe.com. My Canon consolidates a range of existing and new online services, including the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and Your Print.
Launched in 2003, Canon’s online CANON iMAGE GATEWAY offers owners of selected Canon digital imaging products the facility to upload images and video clips to create and share their own personal online photo galleries. The launch of the My Canon portal adds new options such as an online digital imaging desktop and an information centre, where users can obtain latest Canon product information, plus tips and tools designed to help realise their visual expression.
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of My Canon: an online customer relationship management (eCRM) portal at http://my.canon-europe.com. My Canon consolidates a range of existing and new online services, including the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and Your Print. Launched…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
10 millionth Digital IXUS
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the global production of its 10 millionth Digital IXUS camera - otherwise known as IXY (Japan) and ELPH (America). The 10 millionth camera is expected to sell during October 2004.
Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS camera sold over 800,000 units world-wide and began a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact camera market. The camera had a 2.1 Megapixel resolution and weighed 190g. By comparison, the latest Digital IXUS i5 has 5.0 Megapixels and weighs just 100g .
“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The continuing success of the Digital IXUS brand confirms the importance of meeting the demands of the quality-conscious customer who has an appreciation for aesthetic and an uncompromising approach to technology, style and design.”
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 10 millionth Digital IXUS Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the global production of its 10 millionth Digital IXUS camera - otherwise known as IXY (Japan) and ELPH (America). The 10 millionth camera is expected to sell during October 2004. Released in…
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon launches new range of compact photo printers - SELPHY
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of compact photo printers. These new printers, called SELPHY, are designed to meet the increasing demand from people who want to enjoy high quality photos from their digital images quickly and easily. Enabling creation of lab quality prints, wherever and whenever necessary with no need for a PC. SELPHY is the epitome of Do-It-YourSELF PHotographY it makes printing photos from digital images as liberating, enjoyable, instant and simple as taking them. There are three new SELPHY printers in the range, each providing direct printing from any PictBridge compatible digital camera, digital video camera or Digital SLR. The SELPHY range comprises:
- SELPHY CP500 - compact, ultra high-speed (63 second borderless postcard photo prints ) superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation direct printer
- SELPHY CP400 - Super compact, fast (81 second borderless postcard photo prints?), superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation entry level direct printer
- SELPHY DS700 - Superb quality, 2 picolitre, 4800 x 1200 dpi ink jet printer that prints images quickly from all popular digital camera memory cards (85 second borderless postcard photo prints). A direct connection to the TV together with an easy to use remote control allows convenient image preview, selection and printing. Also capable of printing from IrDA compatible camera-phones
The SELPHY CP400 will be available from October for £119.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 172.99 RRP inc. VAT
The SELPHY CP500 will be available from October for £149.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 219.99 RRP inc. VAT
The SELPHY DS700 will be available from November for £199.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 289.99 RRP inc. VAT
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04 Canon launches new range of compact photo printers - SELPHY Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of compact photo printers. These new printers, called SELPHY, are designed to meet the increasing demand from people…