Well, sort of. There is no official press release yet - just one paragraph on the new-look Praktica website which gives rather limited information about what the German company are calling the “perfect on-the-spot report camera”. The Luxmedia 5003 will have 5 megapixels, a rubberized hand- grip, movie and microphone modes, 3x optical zoom and a 1.5” TFT display.

Website: Praktica - Luxmedia 5003

DP-Now have published a must-read article for anyone interested in the new Nikon cameras that were announced yesterday. Editor Ian Burley attended Nikon UK’s pre-Photokina press launch and shares his thoughts about Nikon’s new lineup with us:

“Although looking outwardly like the existing CoolPix 8700, which was itself an updated 8MP version of the 5MP CoolPix 5700, the new 8800 is practically a brand new design, with an all-new 10x (35-350mm equiv) f/2.8-5.2 zoom lens. Every one of its competitors offers a greater (28mm equivalent) coverage at the wide end of the zoom range, but none can match the 8800 at the telephoto end and the sheer 10x zoom range.”

Website: DP-Now - Nikon UK pre-Photokina press launch report

Histogram “Hell” is Digital Outback Photo ‘s plea to the photography industry to make histograms on digital cameras more useable, citing the Canon 1D Mark II as a prime example:

“For some years we preach and teach that you should watch your histogram with your digital camera. But unfortunately the camera vendors don’t make our life that easy. We consider the Canon 1D Mark II as a great camera but its histogram display is far from what we need.

If you want to learn critical control of highlights in you exposure then we recommend that you try to photograph a white Egret at a normal sunny day (we made these shots at Point Lobos). We call this situation “Exposure Hell” and our loved histograms are not that helpful”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Histogram “Hell”

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 17/09/04

Kodak Teams with IBM to Develop New Image Sensors for Consumer Digital Cameras and Camera Phones

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 16, 2004—Innovative Kodak Imaging Technology Integrated with IBM’s Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Process.

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) will collaborate on the development and manufacture of image sensors to power mass-market consumer products, such as digital still cameras and camera phones.

The multi-year agreement will leverage Kodak’s broad portfolio of image sensor technology and IBM’s leading-edge complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processing expertise to allow Kodak to commercialize a new family of CMOS image sensor (CIS) devices, another milestone in the company’s effort to accelerate the growth of its digital businesses. This powerful combination - merging the strengths of two of the world’s leading technology companies - will allow Kodak to supply image sensors that offer higher performance, improved image quality and more innovative features than current CIS devices. IBM will expand its value-added foundry offerings to include the design and high-volume production of image sensors for rapidly growing digital consumer imaging applications.

Lexar Media Press Release 16/09/04

Lexar Announces Professional Series Memory Cards With Encryption Technology to Provide a Highly Secure Digital Media Solution

FREMONT, Calif.—(Business Wire)—Sept. 16, 2004 Nikon Includes Security Feature in Nikon D2X Digital Camera

Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today revealed plans to incorporate encryption technology into its Professional CompactFlash(TM) and, in conjunction with technology-compatible digital cameras, will provide users with a secure digital media solution. Professional photographers and other security conscious users worldwide will have added confidence knowing that access to stored images and information is protected by a high-end encryption code technology.

Central to this unique security solution is an easy-to-use software tool for establishing security settings on the memory card and corresponding digital camera. Digital content stored on the memory card can only be accessed via the digital camera(s) with the corresponding encryption key or via a PC with a valid username and password. This unique security system utilizing the memory card and the camera offers a secure digital imaging solution.

“This is an excellent solution for keeping stored images and information secure,” said John Omvik, Director of Professional Product Marketing. “Professional photographers working with highly secure or classified content can confidently take pictures knowing that they are protected from unauthorized access. This is appealing to those in industries such as insurance, law enforcement, medicine, security and government, as well as many others who want their valuable and confidential data protected well beyond what is offered today.”

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA.

Olympus UK Press Release 16/09/04 15.00 CET

A 7.1 million pixel marvel, full of creative potential

The Olympus C-70 ZOOM

Compact and light, the Olympus C-70 ZOOM is a real performer. By combining 7.1 million pixel print quality images with a 5x optical zoom, the camera delivers stunning pictures - even from a distance.  With a 6x digital zoom too, the C-70 ZOOM can deliver an impressive 30x magnification.

The C-70 ZOOM is planned for release in October 2004, priced ?419.99 inc VAT.

Geared to quality
The compact C-70 ZOOM has much to tempt the enthusiastic hobby photographer.  The combination of 7.1 million pixels with a bright 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-190mm on a 35mm camera, f2.8-4.8) delivers stunning performance.  The camera?s high resolution ensures great image clarity even when using the 6x digital zoom. The TruePic TURBO image processor further enhances picture quality - boosting contrast and colours for even more lifelike results. Moreover, it significantly increases processing speed.

Enabling creative expression
The C-70 ZOOM offers photographers immense creative freedom. For example, manual control of the aperture and shutter speed allows users to personalise their pictures. Many other settings, such as white balance and auto-bracketing are also adjustable, while a host of precision metering systems guarantee amazing results with the minimum of fuss.

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Olympus D-535 Zoom in the USA.

Olympus UK Press Release 16/09/04 15.00 CET

Easy handling, great portability and fantastic results

The unbeatable Olympus C-370 ZOOM

Anyone can get great results with the Olympus C-370 ZOOM. Compact and lightweight, this camera is simple and fun to use.  It is based on a ‘one button, one function’ design principle, which makes navigating menus and features easy. However, this camera should not be underestimated. With 3.2 million pixels and a 3x optical zoom lens, delivering crisp photos is a snap, whilst the Super Macro mode allows dramatic close-up shots of extremely small subjects.

The Olympus C-370 ZOOM will be available from October 2004, priced
?119.99 inc VAT.  It comes with the new Olympus Master 1.0 software and incorporates a range of features including:

- Easy to use, ‘one button, one function’ operation
- 3.2 million pixels
- 3x optical zoom
- 1.5 inch LCD
- Endless recording with movie function (limited only by the size of the available memory)
- PictBridge compatibility

DxO Labs Press Release 15/09/04

DxO Labs Introduces DxO Raw Engine and DxO Optics Pro 2.0 for Optimal Automatic Image Quality

Award winning software solution for serious and demanding photographers gains ability to convert and enhance RAW files - company announces free upgrade

Paris (France), September 15th, 2004 - DxO Labs, a software company focused on research in image processing to enhance image quality, today announces version 2.0 of its flagship product DxO Optics Pro. Simultaneously DxO Labs is announcing DxO Raw Engine, a new module for DxO Optics Pro which allows RAW files to benefit directly from the image enhancement capabilities of DxO Optics Pro.

Digital Outback Photo have published a brief preview of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.

“Even if Camera Raw (ACR-E) for Elements 3 does not support the full functionality found in PS CS Camera Raw 2.x (read our review and/or get one of our e-books) it features all(!) the key tools from ACR. To be honest we hardly use in PS CS any of the features not available in ACR-E.

ACR-E even allows you to open the converted file in 16-bit mode!”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 Preview

“The image quality is stunning as is the case with all Canon cameras. The Canon DIGIC image processor has never disappointed me with final visual results; the colours are great and don’t present any noticeable distortions. Where this camera falls behind in my view is clarity and detail which makes perfect sense; it is a 3.2 megapixel camera and thus can only capture that much detail, the reduced amount of detail this camera captures results in less defined images that are low in clarity. When compared to the PowerShot Pro1, which has an 8 megapixel CCD, this camera is a mere toy. But for those who are beginners and need a good camera to learn with this is an ideal choice that won’t empty your wallet.”

Website: ByteSector - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Review

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the F6, the latest of the legendary F series cameras. The F6 is the sixth in the F series lineup, inaugurated with the Nikon F in 1959. The series evolved gradually, with the original Nikon F being supervened by the F2 (1971), F3 (1980), F4 (1988) and the critically acclaimed F5 in 1996. Each of these cameras inherits select elements from its predecessors, including the legendary Nikon F mount, while offering the latest innovations to meet the increasingly diversified needs of professional photographers. A great number of Nikon F series cameras and Nikkor lenses are being put to the test day after day in various locations around the world - years, even decades, after their initial launch. The new Nikon F6 promises to uphold Nikon?s tradition of innovation and enduring value.

The F6 includes the latest Nikon advances, such as the 11-area AF system for exceptionally high-speed autofocus operation with outstanding accuracy, and the Creative Lighting System for incomparable flash photography. And Nikon?s proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering system has been refined for improved accuracy in scene reading.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, a new high speed super-telephoto professional lens for Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras. The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED offers Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, focus preset functions, Meniscus front element and is the first Nikkor lens to feature Nikon’s Nano-Crystal anti-reflective coating, delivering the very best professional quality to sports and action photography.

With Silent Wave Motor Autofocus Performance, Internal Focusing, Nikon ED Glass for extra-low dispersion, and G design for use with Nikon SLR models that feature Command Dial and Sub-Command Dial control, the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED proves extremely popular among professional photographers.

The lens features optimum performance among Nikon’s selection of compatible SLR models, including the newest selection of 35mm SLR models and the new Nikon F6 and all of Nikon?s D-Series Digital SLR cameras - D1, D1H, D1X, D2H, D100 and D70 as well as the newly announced D2X.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the TC-E3PF, an advanced new 3x telephoto converter born of unique Nikon technology for use with the new 8-megapixel Coolpix 8400. Smaller and lighter, the TC-E3PF illustrates how Nikon is taking existing lenses and redesigning them for “go anywhere” convenience.

In conventional telephoto converters, a lens with a pronounced convex shape is used to refract the light received through the first element to a greater degree. This results in the desired reproduction ratio, however chromatic aberration can occur. In the event that a convex ED lens is used, such chromatic aberration is corrected; however the refractive limitations of such a lens make it difficult to reduce overall dimensions.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon are pleased to announce the D2X, a new professional digital SLR camera which delivers 12.4 effective megapixels for both high-precision and high-speed performance.

Since the launch of the D1 series in 1999, all Nikon digital SLR cameras from consumer-class to professional models, have utilized Nikon DX-format image sensors of the same size. Following in the footsteps of the D2H, the D2X provides the same performance and design innovations combined with a Nikon DX-format image sensor that delivers a higher pixel-count. Improved image quality is achieved by incorporating a new CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor with an effective pixel-count of 12.4 megapixels.

Added to this, shooting speed in continuous shooting mode has been increased by using a 4-channel output method with the improvement of the speed of transferring image data from the image sensor to a memory card. This improvement allows the D2X to capture 12.4 megapixel JPEG images or RAW image at a rate of 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode. Continuous shooting at a rate of up to 8 frames per second is possible by using a High Speed Cropped function that crops the center of an image at 6.8 megapixel resolution.

In addition to the new dual-area image sensor, all image-processing functions have been either newly developed or refined. Tone characteristics have been improved with both analog and digital processing for optimum colour distribution. Moreover, the enhanced accuracy of digital processing in the ASIC provides smoother shading in gradual colour changes, important for subjects such as a blue sky with very subtle tone changes within the blue range.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to introduce the Coolpix 8800. The 8-megapixel Coolpix 8800 carries a high-powered 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a Vibration Reduction (VR) System - a first for the Coolpix range.

The Coolpix 8800 is designed for serious photographers who aspire to take the highest quality images. With its 10x zoom, it also targets those who require higher zoom power and those who benefit from its fully loaded yet completely portable design. The extremely versatile Coolpix 8800 meets their requirements, as well as demands from those who want state of the art image quality and even greater ease of use. And for those who want to expand their options, the Coolpix 8800 offers a range of lens converters,speedlights and other accessories.

The Coolpix 8800 carries 8.0 effective megapixels for ultra high-definition photography. Your image clarity is ensured because of the professional quality, 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. With its 35-350mm focal range (35mm equivalent), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce amazingly sharp and clear images.

The lens of the Coolpix 8800 incorporates the Vibration Reduction System - a first for the Coolpix range. VR automatically detects and compensates for the small camera movements that cause image blur. This offers the user the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower without the risk of camera vibrations blurring your image. Along with Normal Mode, which enables remarkably clear handheld shots, Active Mode helps to ensure a smoother view in shaky conditions, such as shooting from a moving vehicle. Thanks to VR, users can achieve sharp and clear images when shooting in low light or when taking handheld telephoto and macro shots. It even works with the accessory telephoto converter lens at 600mm (35mm equivalent).

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

New 8.0 million pixel Coolpix 8400 with exceptional wide-angle 24-85mm zoom

Nikon are pleased to announce the introduction of the Coolpix 8400, a high-quality compact digital camera combining 8.0 effective megapixel performance, versatile 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom capability, fast AF and a host of other features.

With a 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range the Coolpix 8400 offers exceptional wide-angle zoom capability and macro shooting from as close as 3cm (1.2 inches). Packing an impressive 8.0 megapixels, the Coolpix 8400 has the ability to produce images with amazingly high resolution. Furthermore, printing can be carried out without the need for a PC as the camera offers the direct print convenience of PictBridge. The Coolpix 8400 is also a ?system? camera, offering a variety of optional lens converters and other accessories.

Fast autofocus makes it easy to capture unexpected moments and the lightweight, high-strength magnesium body enables simple handling in all situations. The addition of a 134,000-dot Vari-Angle TFT LCD monitor makes it easy to compose shots from above the head, from the waist or other imaginative angles. The Coolpix 8400 is both simple to hold and visually attractive due to its Nikon D-SLR-consistent design created by industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon, a world leader in film and digital cameras, today announced the introduction of the Coolpix 4800 - a high quality compact digital camera combining 4.0 effective megapixel performance, a versatile 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens and a range of functions that make operation exceptionally easy.

One of the most distinctive features of the Coolpix 4800 is its powerful 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. Offering a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-300mm lens in 35mm photography and fast 1.3-second operation across its entire range, it enables all kinds of compositions ranging from wide-angle scenes to close telephoto shots. Within its compact body dimensions, it incorporates one lens with two aspherical surfaces in addition to its two ED glass lens elements, and it also has a macro function which offers shooting from as close as 1cm (0.4 inches).

Despite its wide-ranging capabilities, the Coolpix 4800 is easy to operate. Its lightweight body is more compact than any other digital camera in its class, and it has a well designed grip that makes it easy to hold while shooting. Furthermore, all the mode dials and controls are located on the back of the camera body to enable more intuitive control and each button has one function to eliminate confusion. A high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) adds compositional accuracy with a 97% field of view during shooting, and the Coolpix 4800 also features a large 1.8-inch LCD monitor too, which is ideal for both the shooting and viewing of images.

DP-Now has published prices for the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, lenses and software which was announced earlier today, as well as their first impressions of the camera. The body-only Dynax 7D has a guide price of £1,149.99.

“Is a six megapixel entry into the market enough at this stage? And is a body-only price tag of ?1149 the right price? We haven’t been informed, so far, of any kit deals so it looks like the 7D plus the new 17-35mm f/2.8-4 (25.5-52.5mm equiv.) adds up to ?1569.98. Of course a lot of Konica Minolta’s target customers will already have a gadget-bag stuffed with Minolta-fit lenses.”

Website: DP-Now - Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

dpnow.com Press Release 15/09/04

Digital Photography Now (dpnow), the UK-based digital photography Web site magazine, has revealed a brand new look and feel today. “We have achieved our aims of improving site navigation and making better use of our visitors’ high resolution monitor displays as well as providing a fresh and professional new look to the site,” explains Ian Burley, dpnow’s editor who founded the site over three years ago.

Today’s news coincides with the one thousandth article published since dpnow moved to new publishing technology in February last year.

“But this is just the start. Over the next few months a number of substantial under-the-skin enhancements can now be made to the content management system that underpins dpnow,” says Burley, adding: “and this will enable us to improve the content to our visitors and opportunities and service quality to our commercial partners.” Since the site was launched in August 2001, this is the third major revamp of the site’s technology and the first major visual redesign.

SanDisk Press Release 15/09/04

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 15, 2004—
New Price Points for Shoot & Store Line Aimed at Accelerating the Adoption of “Consumable” Usage Model for Flash Cards as Permanent “Digital Negatives” 

Delivering on its previously announced strategy to grow the consumable market for flash memory cards, SanDisk(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) has introduced new, lower prices for its Shoot & Store(TM) line of flash storage cards that are sold in supermarkets, drug stores and other mass-merchant outlets.

Effective August 30 in the U.S. market, the 50-photo* (32-megabyte) card, priced previously at $14.99, now has a suggested retail price of $9.99. The price of a 100-photo* (64MB) Shoot & Store card has been reduced from $24.99 to $14.99. These price changes are being applied throughout the Shoot & Store product lineup, which consists of CompactFlash(R), SD(TM), Memory Stick PRO(TM) and, in the next 30 days, xD-Picture Card(TM) (in 32MB capacity).

Shoot & Store, introduced in February, is aimed at consumers who want the convenience of leaving their flash cards with professional photo finishers or who don’t want to download images to a computer or a disk. In the U.S. alone, this line of affordable cards is currently sold in more than 10,000 stores.