Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Stunning new Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30 join IXUS family

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the super stylish brother-sister cameras - the Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30. A breakthrough in lens material science has paved the way for the smallest ever cameras from Canon to feature a 3x optical zoom. These are also the first in the IXUS range to incorporate Canon’s DIGIC II processor.

With beautifully rounded curves and polished, all-metal bodies, Canon takes the IXUS design philosophy to new levels. These petite and desirable digital accessories feature ‘over-size’ 2.0” LCD displays and blistering DIGIC II performance processing power for super responsive shooting, superb image quality and instant playback.  DIGIC II also means that the length of video footage these cameras can shoot is limited only by the capacity of the SD card .

“Icons of design are created where art and technological breakthroughs fuse,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The new UA lens material developed by Canon?s research scientists led the way for our designers to take Yasushi Shiotani?s original IXUS design to a new, higher plane. We are thrilled with the result.”

The Digital IXUS 40 will be available from October 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

The Digital IXUS 30 will be available from October 2004 for £249 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 359.99 RRP inc. VAT exclusively at Jessops

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Digital IXUS i5 - New jewel in Canon’s coolest range

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the exquisitely compact Digital IXUS i5 digital still camera - an undeniably chic new addition to the legendary IXUS collection. Available in four irresistible finishes - Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Bordeaux Red and Storm Grey - Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel camera is the ultimate digital accessory, designed to make taking great pictures simple. Half the size of many mobile phones, the silky look-and-feel all-metal body weighs just 100g.

With a 6.5x digital zoom to close in on the action, the Digital IXUS i5 can shoot 180 second video clips with full sound and playback.  A Print/Share button enables one-touch photo-printing to any PictBridge compatible photo printer, including Canon’s new SELPHY lab-quality personal photo printers.  The look and feel of the SELPHY range perfectly compliments the IXUS i5 and together they produce stunning prints. For beach fun, skiing, snorkelling and surfing, an optional 3m depth all-weather case is available.

The Digital IXUS i5 will be available from November 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S SOPHISTICATED, STYLISH AND SLENDER NEW POWERSHOT SD200 AND SD300 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS OFFER BIG SCREEN VIEWING IN POCKET-SIZED PACKAGES

Canon’s New Ultra Slim, Ultra Compact PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Image Excellence, Large LCD Screens and Small Size to Today’s Consumers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Sept. 21, 2004 - Canon makes shooting and viewing brilliant high-quality digital pictures simple with two fast, sleek and slender new digital cameras. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH and 4.0-megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras combine large 2.0-inch LCD screens, cutting edge technology with UA Lens and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC II image processing technology into ultra compact 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch packages.

“Since the introduction of the first Digital ELPH model in May of 2000, Canon has gained an outstanding reputation for small, stylish compact cameras with excellent image quality,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models embody the basic principles of the ELPH line - ultra compact, lightweight and highly elegant - while striving to produce the best image quality possible.”

Canon pioneered the stylish camera concept in 1996 with the first ELPH camera, an APS film model designed to take great pictures and fit stylishly into the consumer lifestyle. With each PowerShot Digital ELPH Canon introduces, the company continues to focus on style, fashion and the distinctive look and feel of the Digital ELPH line, a look that many competitors have subsequently tried to copy. Canon’s new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras honor the ELPH heritage of ultimate style while incorporating the latest imaging technologies, like the DIGIC II image processor.

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S FASHION FOCUSED POWERSHOT SD20 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS FEATURE IMAGING EXCELLENCE IN FOUR ELEGANT NEW COLORS

Form Meets Function With Canon’s New Five-Megapixel Beauties That Feature Fashionable Fall Colors in Garnet, Midnight Blue, Zen Gray and Silver

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2004 - Whether accentuating the hottest new attire during a memorable night on the town, or a fun day of shopping with friends, style enthusiasts are sure to zoom in on the most picturesque fashion accessory this fall ? Canon’s five-megapixel PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras. The new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras combine excellent image quality with sultry sizzle - all the while keeping their slim, (3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches) modelesque figure.

A Fashionista Must-Have
Designed for the fashion conscious trendsetter, the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH comes in four new, exclusive colors that are ready to snap up plenty of attention this season. No matter if it’s the glamorous look of Silver for a night of dancing, an elegant deep Midnight Blue during an evening under the stars, the rich, sophisticated tone of Garnet, or the tranquility of Zen Gray that will please anyone’s inner chi, there is a PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH camera to suit any occasion.

Canon’s new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras exude style. These new models replace last year’s superbly successful PowerShot SD10 Digital ELPH cameras, which debuted as the fall season’s sizzling new fashion accessory when mega-hot fashion designer and star costumer Patricia Field paired the SD10 Digital ELPH cameras with her latest line and her models wore the cameras down her 2003 “House of Field” Fashion Week catwalk.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 21/09/04

Fujifilm’s FinePix F455 Zoom: sharp looks and even sharper pictures

Release Date: 21 September 2004

New five megapixel addition to Fujifilm’s ultra-smart ‘F’ range of digital cameras

Fujifilm today announced the FinePix F455 Zoom, a sleek new model that increases Fujifilm’s already powerful presence in ultra-compact digital cameras. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a powerful sensor delivering five megapixel resolution and a 3.4x times optical zoom lens, balancing strength and style in a diminutive package exactly the same size as a standard deck of cards.

The FinePix F455 Zoom also boasts a high resolution, two-inch LCD screen, making it ideal for checking the five megapixel detail of your best shots.

Capable of low sensitivity settings of ISO 80, the FinePix F455 Zoom allows users to capture images of exceptional clarity, even in bright conditions. The five megapixel sensor also means that images can be enlarged without loss of quality or detail.

Furthermore, Fujifilm has developed a new battery system with reduced energy consumption, giving the FinePix F455 Zoom greater staying power. And with its xD-Picture Card memory (currently available in capacities up to 512MB), the FinePix F455 Zoom can store and download multiple images quickly and easily. This versatile camera also comes with a USB PictureCradle, useful for recharging batteries and parking your camera when not in use. PictBridge compatibility means that images can also be printed directly without the need for a PC or a Mac.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 21/09/04

London, UK, September 21, 2004 ? Fuji Photo Film (U.K.) Ltd. is launching the PhotoDisc CD-R ? a high quality recordable optical disc that uses the latest digital technology developed by Fujifilm to provide the optimum conditions for protecting and storing everyday digital photos.

Loss of a memory card or unexpected PC system errors are the risks which overshadow any digital photo collection, and although high street digital photo printing services are becoming more and more popular, increasingly people are neglecting to have their digital pictures developed into prints. The Fujifilm PhotoDisc CD-R provides a secure alternative; 10 times more stable than standard CD-Rs and specially designed for long-term photo archiving, the PhotoDisc CD-R provides optimum image quality for digitally recorded photographs and a lifetime guarantee to that effect. 

Identifiable by its distinctive packaging in the classic Fujifilm green, the PhotoDisc CD-R complements the existing range of digital cameras by offering the reliability and technological excellence you would expect.

To ensure that the PhotoDisc CD-R lasts a lifetime, Fujifilm has developed a black substrate which protects the recording layer from the harmful effects of ultra-violet and solar radiation ? the most common causes of image deterioration. Roger Moore, Strategic Business Manager, at Fuji Photo Film explains: ?Accelerated ageing tests using a Xenon Arc Lamp show that the reflection of the new PhotoDisc CD-R is dramatically more stable than others on the market, which is crucial for the storage of material as irreplaceable as digital photographs.?

With a storage capacity of 700MB, a transfer speed of up to 52x and an attractive retail price, the PhotoDisc CD-Rs are an inexpensive and straightforward way to ensure that your customers? precious images and the memories that go with them are protected.

Casio UK Press Release 21/09/04

CASIO UK is latest company to join the Photo Imaging Council

21st September 2004 CASIO Electronics Co. Ltd (UK) today announced its admission to the Photo Imaging Council. The membership is recognition of CASIO’s credibility as a fully-fledged member of the UK photographic community and as a manufacturer of market leading, innovative photographic products.

CASIO joins companies such as Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Nikon, Pentax and Sony as a member.

Phil Williams, head of UK digital imaging, commented: 2Casio is delighted to have become a member of the Photo Imaging Council. Our membership will allow us to play a part in the development of the photographic industry at what is such an exciting time for photography in the UK.”

As a member of the Photo Imaging Council, CASIO will be ever more aware of the constantly changing business opportunities for photography in the UK. Therefore, the programme of support and information offered by PIC will be invaluable.

Williams continued: “Casio will participate in a range of Photo Imaging Council activities and services to develop and promote the interest of the general public in all aspects of photography and imaging. Our membership will benefit our trade customers and also the end-users of our digital imaging products.”

The Hungarian website Index Digicam has just reviewed the Apacer Disc Steno CP-200 portable storage device, which can transfer image files or other data from flash memory cards to CD-R or CD-R/W discs without a computer.

Website: Index Digicam - Apacer Disc Steno CP-200 Review

The Danish website Akamera.dk have reviewed the Olympus Mju 410 Digital camera. The Mju 410 is encased in a full metal body with a silver finish, offers 4 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. The Mju 410 is the first Mju Digital model to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor which sharpens image clarity, contrast and colour for life-like results. Available now for £299.99 (inc VAT).

Website: Akamera.dk - Olympus Mju 410 Digital Review

Website: Read my review of the Olympus Mju 410 Digital

Award Winning How2Share Technologies Launches New Global Imaging Website with Free eCard Photo Card Service

PiXPO picture sharing software enables instant photo sharing, chatting and free web-hosting of shared images

Victoria, British Columbia - September 20, 2004 How2Share Technologies Inc. announced today the launch of a new website to power the PiXPO global picture sharing network, www.PiXPO.com.  The new site features the free PiXPOstcard service, to enable visitors to send customized photo eCards for free, as well as the ability to upload images directly to the PiXPO Global Picture Sharing network.  As a result, www.PiXPO.com now integrates the benefits of all three standard photo sharing methods (photo hosting websites, picture sharing software and e-mail) into one easy-to-use solution.

The new PiXPO website integrates picture sharing functionality, offers free membership to one of the leading digital picture sharing software programs on the market, and provides visitors with simple tutorials on how to share pictures instantly with friends, family or colleagues.  The PiXPO Network and image sharing software combines photo album management, secure photo sharing, and instant messaging to enable fast photo sharing without delays.  With PiXPO, users can send web-hosted invites by e-mail to their friends, family, colleagues and special groups, inviting them to view their sample albums online, or to chat and share their entire photo collections instantly over the PiXPO private network. 

Epson USA Press Release 16/09/04

EPSON ONCE AGAIN EARNS TITLE OF OFFICIAL PHOTO PRINTER OF MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 Features Ultrachrome Ink Technology to Help Contestants Remember Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience With Brilliant Prints That Will Last for Generations

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - September 16, 2004 - Contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2005 this week will be able to share and preserve their memories of this pinnacle of achievement with photographs that will last for generations. For the fifth year in a row, pageant officials have selected an archival printer from Epson America Inc. as the competition’s official photo printer.

From rehearsals to the final competition itself, long-time Miss America photographer Bruce Boyajian is photographing contestants’ activities and then printing the images using the award-winning EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 to be sure the prints last. He chose the archival printer because it delivers an unmatched combination of stunning image quality and longevity on a variety of media types with light, water and smudge-resistant EPSON Ultrachrome ink technology.
“
Photography gives us the chance to relive our memories, and the best way to do that is to show the ultimate product, which is the print,” said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, specialty photo printers, Epson. “Epson’s advances in print permanence have been designed to keep important memories, like this milestone in these women?s personal and professional achievement, lasting a lifetime.  For a tradition like the Miss America Competition, we know that the prints can?t just look good today but also must look good for generations to come.”

Breeze Systems Press Release 20/09/04

BreezeBrowser v2.10 adds raw conversion for Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 for US $49.95

20 September 2004: Breeze Systems today announced BreezeBrowser v2.10, latest release of its raw conversion, browsing and web page generation software. This release allows Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 owners to use BreezeBrowser for raw conversion.
The ability to view, rename and copy Raw+JPEG images is also extended to Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EOS 20D, Nikon D70 and Nikon D2H users in this release.

BreezeBrowser v2.10 supports high quality conversion of raw files from the following Canon EOS cameras: 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1D, 10D, 300D/Digital Rebel, D60 and D30 and the following Canon Powershot cameras: G5, G3, G2, G1, Pro1, Pro90IS, S60, S50, S45, S40 and S30.

BreezeBrowser is Windows based software developed and sold by Breeze Systems Ltd. Other products include Downloader Pro, DSLR Remote Pro and PSRemote. Breeze Systems’ customers include Getty Images, Reuters and many world class photographers. BreezeBrowser is available from www.breezesys.com for US $49.94 or US $64.90 bundled with Downloader Pro v1.4. The price includes one year’s free upgrades from the date of purchase.

Breeze Systems Limited is based in Hampshire, UK and has been providing innovative IT solutions since 1994. Many thousands of customers worldwide rely on BreezeBrowser.

http://www.breezesys.com/BreezeBrowser/index.htm

Casio UK Press Release 20/09/04

17th September 2004 - 23rd March 2005, National Portrait Gallery

Exhibition of 21 of Britain’s most influential designers, photographed by Steve Speller.

CASIO today announced its support of A Blueprint For Life, a portrait exhibition of 21 of Britain’s most influential designers, photographed by Steve Speller.

CASIO chose to sponsor the exhibition, which is a collaboration between Blueprint magazine and the National Portrait Gallery, because the exhibition’s theme perfectly reflects CASIO’s commitment to innovation and its history as leaders in innovation and cutting edge design.

A Blueprint For Life, displays the photographs of the designers but also looks at the roles and significance of these designers as individuals. The decision on which designers were included was purely based on products and buildings that have changed the way people look at design, going against the current trend for celebrity design. Some of the people photographed are well known but others are not.

Roger Ayers, Head of Strategic Planning, CASIO said: “A Blueprint for Life is a celebration of the quality of designers Britain has produced. CASIO has always been at the forefront of innovation and has created designs that have become iconic. Being associated with an exhibition like this demonstrates CASIO?s commitment to the very best in design.”

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release 20/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. DEMONSTRATES REVOLUTIONARY WI-FI TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS

Fast Wi-Fi Photo Transmission at 1/10th of a second for a 4 Megapixel Image

Hollywood, FL September 20, 2004—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably priced digital cameras, announced today that it will demonstrate its clever new wireless image transfer technology for digital cameras called WIT (Wireless Image Transfer) at Photokina next week in Cologne, Germany. 

Concord will showcase the new WIT technology through a standalone prototype, a pocket-sized 2” x 2” WIT-enabled Wi-Fi device which plugs into a camera’s USB port allowing photos to be transmitted wirelessly over the Internet from Concord digital cameras, as well as other cameras utilizing mass storage technology.  WIT technology transmits using the 802.11b standard for compatibility with all Wi-Fi hot spots and base stations, as well as using the 802.11g standard to take advantage of the latest and fastest Wi-Fi transmission technology.  It is about 1500 times faster than traditional GSM (GPRS) networks today, and will be 20 times faster than mobile 3G networks.  WIT enables users to transmit a high quality 4 Megapixel image at 1/10th of a second, and video clips at up to 54MB per second.  WIT transmits images by e-mail or FTP with the help of a WI-FI access point or Hotspot. 

“As Wi-Fi explodes globally, we believe this type of wireless imaging technology has great potential for standalone camera accessories, as well as, being integrated into digital cameras,” said Jeff Mandell, VP Worldwide Marketing. 

Kingston Technology Press Release 20/09/04

CompactFlash Product Line Expands to Provide Faster, Higher Capacity Media Storage for Advanced Amateur and Professional Photographers.

Fountain Valley, CA—(September 20, 2004), Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s leading independent memory manufacturer, today announced the immediate availability of 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards featuring the latest in high-density Flash components to optimize performance and storage capabilities.

As technological advancements produce more sophisticated digital devices, demand for higher-performing CompactFlash is continuing to grow. “Expanding our Elite Pro line to include the 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards is essential to support imaging professionals with the best digital storage for their high-end cameras and devices,” said Mike Kuppinger, digital media product manager, Kingston.

The new 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards provide a low-price-per-megabyte solution of reliable, high-speed media. With ultra-fast transfer rates, users will enjoy more efficient workflow than ever before. The 2-GB cards work in virtually any digital device. The new 2-GB CF cards work in just about any digital device but advancements in technology may prevent some cameras, MP3 players, PDAs or other digital devices from fully utilizing the 4-GB CF cards.

The 42nd 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 27th September. 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

The 43rd Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography contest with no set theme and you can enter as many photos as you like.

Click here to read the Photo of the Week Rules.

The voting for the 41st Photo of the Week contest has now finished.

The winner is “Leaving Home” by Andy Kim.

Congratulations to the winner!

You can view all of the entries that were submitted in this gallery.

Brought you to by husband and wife team Heather Powazek Champ and Derek Powazek, JPG Magazine looks like a promising excursion into the world of print. The theme for the 1st issue is ORIGIN, the submission due date is 4 October 2004, and the publish date is November 2004.

“JPG Magazine is for people who love imagemaking without attitude. It’s about the kind of photography you get when you love the moment more than the camera. It’s for photographers who, like us, have found themselves online, sharing their work, and would like to see that work in print.

JPG Magazine will be published 6 times a year, every other month. Issues will be published as full color, perfect bound books, as high quality as possible.”

Website: JPG Magazine

DIWA Press Release 20/09/04

Olympus siblings, Camedia C-8080 WZ and C-5060 WZ, win DIWA Gold and Silver awards as proof of excellence

20. September, 2004: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces two awards to Olympus for their remarkable wide zoom digital compact cameras, Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom and C-5060 Wide Zoom.

Both cameras passed the rigorous DIWA test procedure with excellent results. The 8 Megapixel Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom scored well above the limit for a DIWA Gold Award, thanks to its fast 5x zoom lens with 28-140 mm. (35 mm film equivalent) zoom range, outstanding overall image quality, flexible handling and good value for money. Similar qualities were noted for the 5 Megapixel Camedia C-5060 Wide Zoom and its 27-110 mm. (35 mm film equivalent) 4x wide zoom lens. The average score from a number of DIWA testing experts rated this fine Olympus camera as a worthy winner of a DIWA Silver Award.

Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager, says: “Our testing methodology filters out the poor, the good and the excellent digital cameras in a cruel way. Only the best survive, and Olympus cameras are among the few that frequently pass our tests with dignity. Perfect harmony between construction, features, performance and price for its targeted audience may very well be the secret behind Olympus’ success, in particular for these two awarded models”.