Now I really have seen everything! Kyocera are trying to cash in on the iPod craze by launching 5 new variations of their 4 megapixel Finecam SL400R digital camera, which match the 5 different iPod Mini pastel colours. The “new” digicams will only be available in Apple’s Ginza store and Apple’s online shop, costing ?44,000 ($401, £218). Are they the epitome of cool? Or a desparate attempt to shift a 6-month old digital camera? Only you can decide…

Website: The Register - Kyocera offers iPod Mini-matching digicams

Website: Original Kyocera Finecam SL400R Announcement

Kodak this week announced bigger than expected job losses as a direct response to a more rapid decline in sales of its film products. Initial predictions were for a 7 to 9 % drop worldwide in the company’s film sales. There will actually be a 10 percent to 12 % drop this year, causing Kodak to cut 3,500 to 4,000 jobs, rather than the 2,500 to 3,500 jobs that it predicted back in January. It’s not all bad news for Kodak, however, as its profits actually rose to $154 million in the second quarter of this financial year, up from $112 million a year ago. Purchases of Kodak digital cameras, self-service printing machines and accessories doubled, with PictureMaker kiosks proving especially popular (found via DPReview).

Website: Democrat and Chronicle - Digital fires up Kodak’s profit

Sony have become the founding sponsor of the Scottish National Photography Centre, which is set to open in Edinburgh on Calton Hill, the site originally earmarked for the Scottish parliament. I’ve not heard anything about this project before, but that may be because the planning is in its very early stages.

Michael Shea, the SNPC chairman and former press secretary to the Queen, said: “Sony UK’s support is a significant vote of confidence for the visual arts in Scotland. There is a gratifying surge of interest in photography in the UK, with exhibitions delivering tremendous audience figures. With new centres for photography opening throughout Europe, Scotland’s distinct photographic legacy deserves a focal point to celebrate and advance this most democratic of all contemporary art forms.”

The SNPC will include exhibition space, a gallery, educational forum and conservation centre.

Website: Scotsman.com - £1m focus for photography centre

The new website NEAsia have reported that Matsushita, which markets Panasonic products, is set to boost its digital camera production capacity by 75% a month to 350,000 units in August. No surprise really after yesterday’s lauch of 5 new Panasonic digital cameras. Interestingly is aiming to sell 8 million units in 2006, 8x more than the number that they achieved in 2003. Quite an agressive plan considering the competition!

Website: NeAsia - Matsushita to Lift Digital Camera Output Capacity by 75%

You all seem to be saying that camera phones are not the way forward in the latest PhotographyBLOG Poll, but a recent report from the LG Economic Research Institute suggests that 40% of digital cameras will actually be camera phones by 2008. The same report also says that 5 megapixel camera phones will be released in South Korea in 2004. Yes, this year.

Website: Reiter’s Camera Phone Report - Camera phones to take 40 percent of digital camera market by 2008

The Danish website Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 have today reviewed the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera.

Website: Akamera.dk - Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 Review

Sony Press Release 19/07/04

NEW SONY MEMORY STICK MEDIA PRICING

SAN DIEGO, July 19, 2004 - Sony Electronics is making it easier and less expensive to capture and store high-quality digital video and high-resolution digital images by lowering the suggested retail price of Memory Stick PRO and Memory Stick PRO Duo flash media.

Beginning today the 512MB full-size Memory Stick PRO media will be priced around $180. The 256MB Memory Stick PRO card will be available for about $90. Memory Stick PRO media provides high-capacity storage for a variety of digital files. Sony has also reduced the price of its 512MB Memory Stick PRO Duo media to about $250 and the 256MB Memory Stick PRO Duo media has been reduced to about $95.

At one-third the volume and half the weight of a standard-size Memory Stick card, the tiny media is used in small digital devices, including cellular phones, wearable portable audio players and pocket-sized digital cameras. The Memory Stick PRO Duo media features all the same benefits of standard-size Memory Stick PRO cards offers.

There was some confusion yesterday about the Panasonic digital camera launch, as it turns out that they are releasing different models in different regions of the world. Well, I was confused anyway :-)

So just to clarify things, here are the models that Panasonic are releasing in the USA:

- DMC-FZ3 - 3-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $399.95
- DMC-FZ15 - 4-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $499.95 (this is the USA-only model)
- DMC-FZ20 - 5-Megapixel - Late summer 2004 - $599.95
- DMC-FX7 - 5-Megapixel - August - $499.95
- DMC-LC80 - 5-Megapixel - August - $349.95

and here are the models that are being released in Europe:

- DMC-FZ3 - 3-Megapixel
- DMC-FZ20 - 5-Megapixel
- DMC-FX7 - 5-Megapixel
- DMC-FX2 - 4-Megapixel (this is the Europe-only model)
- DMC-LC80 - 5-Megapixel

And finally, here’s the press release for the camera that I missed out yesterday, the DMC-FX2.

Panasonic Press Release 21/07/04

Super Slim Compact Digital Camera DMC-FX7/FX2

Incorporate Advanced MEGA O.I.S. with Large LCD Monitor

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX models 5.0-megapixel DMC-FX7 and 4.0-megapixel DMC-FX2, incorporating 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 105mm on a 35mm film camera) and MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). The DMC-FX5/FX1, the world’s first compact camera with MEGA O.I.S., have been developed thoroughly into the DMC-FX7/FX2. DMC-FX7 has achieved the conspicuous downsizing by approx. 33% ( 94.1 x 50.0 x 24.2 mm ) compared to FX5/FX1, while adopting the 2.5” large LCD monitor. DMC-FX2 is the same in size with 2.0? LCD monitor. Both models have enhanced their excellence not only with the compactness and total number of pixels, but also with a long list of technical improvements as in the image processing LSI and in the accuracy of O.I.S.

On the day when Sony announces a 7 megapixel digital camera, I find this product much more innovative and strangely more refreshing. Yes, it’s the World’s first bottle cap tripod, originating from none other than Japan. A veritable bargain at $9.99, but unfortunately it’s already completely sold out :-)  (found via Still Journal)

Website: Yahoo Shopping - Bottle Cap Tripod

Somewhat inevitably, now that the commercial version has sold out, somoen has posted instructions for making your own :-)

Website: Homemade Bottle Cap Tripod

Sony Press Release 20/07/04

SONY’S NEW CYBER-SHOT DSC-P150: WORLD’S SMALLEST 7.2 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA

SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2004 - Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-P150 is the world’s first compact point-and-shoot digital camera in the marketplace loaded with 7.2 megapixels, putting breathtaking, near-professional-quality photos in your shirt pocket or handbag. It will be available in September for less than $500.

The P150 camera yields an image size of 3072 x 2304 - making it the first pocketable camera capable of capturing enough pixels to make 300-dpi 8” x 10” enlargements.

The P150 has also been empowered with Sony’s own recently introduced Real Imaging Processor? circuitry that ensures fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, and puts extra speed and performance behind automatic features such as auto focus and auto exposure. That means you’ll never miss that one-in-a-million shot because the camera is always ready to take great pictures.

“Not only does the Cyber-shot P150 camera offer tremendous value, it takes incredibly vivid and lifelike digital photos, capturing color and detail previously unavailable in such a compact camera,” said Greg Young, general manager for Sony Electronics Digital Still Camera marketing.

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

THREE NEW 12X ZOOM MODELS WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER LEAD OFF PANASONIC’S LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA LINE

First Company to Utilize Leica Lenses in Digital Still Cameras Is Also First To Combine 12x Zoom with an Optical Image Stabilizer

Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic introduces the first digital cameras to combine 12x optical zoom with an optical image stabilizer.  Integrating unrivalled optical and digital technologies with ergonomic design, Panasonic’s three new 12x zoom Lumix models achieve a level of performance never before seen in digital cameras.  New models DMC-FZ3 (3-Megapixel), DMC-FZ15 (4-Megapixel) and DMC-FZ20 (5-Megapixel) feature a versatile, high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with powerful 12x zoom (equivalent to a 35 ? 420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm film camera) and F2.8 brightness throughout the entire zoom range.  With their extraordinary telephoto features and precision image stabilizers, these cameras are engineered to capture every detail of distant or quick-moving subjects with superb brightness and clarity.

Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer automatically detects and optically compensates for hand movement by shifting internal lens elements, enabling the user to capture crisp, clear, distortion-free ultra-telephoto or macro shots of distant or moving subjects, even in low lighting conditions.

“Photographers, especially those who shoot sports, wildlife or live performances, know that it’s difficult to get sharp images if they are using a long lens on a handheld camera. The zoom accentuates every little movement of the hand,” commented Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic.  “We?ve incorporated the technology we developed for our camcorders to create Panasonic?s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer, a true optical image stabilizer that uses the full capacity of the camera?s CCD to compensate for hand jitter.” 

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW LUMIX 5 MEGAPIXEL, ULTRA COMPACT CAMERA WITH OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZER

Secaucus, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Panasonic’s new model DMC-FX7 5-megapixel Lumix digital camera packs a wealth of advanced technology and easy-to-use features in a sleek, compact package.  It’s the first compact digital camera to feature both an Optical Image Stabilizer, and 2.5” LCD.  Incorporating a high-performance Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens,  the DMC-FX7 combines the ease and convenience of digital utility with the expressiveness of film photography.

Scheduled to begin shipping to retailers in August, the DMC-FX7 will be available in black or silver.  The unit will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.95.

“Everything about the DMC-FX7 is designed to allow anyone to get high-quality results, whether composing a scene or catching the action on the fly,” said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic?s Optical Group.  “Consumers who use a camera this small and lightweight are particularly troubled by image quality problems due to inevitable hand movement.  With the DMC-FX7, Panasonic has corrected this problem by including an optical image stabilizer.  It intuitively compensates for any hand movement, so that every shot is beautifully crisp and clear.”

Panasonic USA Press Release 21/07/04

PANASONICS NEW 5-MEGAPIXEL POINT-AND-SHOOT LUMIX CAMERA COMBINES SOPHISTICATED FEATURES WITH SIMPLE OPERATION

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 21, 2004) - Joining Panasonic’s celebrated Lumix camera line is the new DMC-LC80.  Compact and lightweight, this 5-megapixel model packs some of today’s most advanced digital camera technology into a fun, easy-to-use camera that anyone can enjoy.

“Sophisticated features coupled with simple operation make this camera perfect for first-time digital camera users as well as experienced photographers,” said Monica Helmer, Marketing Manager for Panasonic?s Optical Group.

The DMC-LC80 Lumix camera will be available beginning this August and will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $349.95.

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel professional DSLR from Canon, the EOS 1D Mark II.

Website: Index Digicam - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Review

Photobird.com Press Release 21/07/04

Beautiful photos by vacationers, mothers, hobbyists, photographers, updated every hour

San Francisco, CA - July 21, 2004 - Photobird.com, the easy way to share your photos around the world, today announced the immediate availability of the Photobird Photo of the Hour.  The Photobird Photo of the Hour is the perfect opportunity for vacationers, mothers, hobbyists, photographers, and everyone with a digital camera to share their best photos.  The Photobird Photo of the Hour is shown on the Photobird.com home page giving everyone who visits Photobird.com the ability to see some of the absolute best digital photos.  A free trial to Photobird.com and more information about the Photobird Photo of the Hour announced today are available at www.photobird.com

“So many beautiful photos are taken by digital camera users that we wanted to provide an easy way for customers to show off their best photos to everyone around the world, not just friends and family.  To achieve that goal, the Photobird Photo of the Hour is very clearly
shown on the Photobird.com home page for everyone to see,” said Ed Krimen, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Photobird.com.  “Some websites pick a different photo every week or every day.  We show a different photo every hour because there are so many amazing photos to share.  Best of all, submitting photos for Photo of the Hour is done by simply clicking a checkbox.”

How2Share Technologies Inc. Press Release 20/07/04

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

New version offers instant photo sharing with no uploading, no resizing and no waiting

Victoria, British Columbia - July 20, 2004 How2Share Technologies Inc. announced today the release of the PiXPO 1.5.  PiXPO combines photo album management, secure photo sharing, and instant messaging to enable fast photo sharing without delays.  With PiXPO 1.5 users can now send web hosted invites by e-mail to their to their friends, family and business contacts inviting them to view their sample albums online, or to chat and share their entire photo collections instantly over PiXPO’s private network.

Unlike other photo sharing methods, PiXPO enables people to share photos instantly without selecting, resizing, or uploading images.  With PiXPO users can browse, preview and download pictures directly from another PiXPO users’ computer, thus making the sharing of pictures, photos and graphic files easier, faster and more secure.  Built on How2Share?s hybrid technology PiXPO 1.5 combines the best features of Web and peer-to-peer software sharing models to make it even easier for both the picture publisher and the viewer to instantly share and chat about their digital photos.

Canon UK Press Release 20/07/04

Canon announces special edition Digital IXUS i with Furla designer camera case

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce two special editions of its Digital IXUS i. In a special promotion celebrating the fashionable nature and chic design of Canon’s digital cameras, the limited edition packages include a Digital IXUS i with an exclusively designed Furla camera case, available from Harrods and Photo Optix.

The ultimate accessory
Italian fashion house, Furla, is famous worldwide for its luxury leather goods and the Furla brand is synonymous with quality and elegance. Furla has designed the sophisticated black leather camera case especially for the Digital IXUS i. The stylish, high quality case will protect the camera, while also complementing its design.

Canon’s Digital IXUS cameras are already recognized as design icons of the early 21st century ? especially the small, sleek Digital IXUS i, which is available in four fashion colours:  Platinum Silver, Piano Black, Classic Bronze and Pearl White.

The Digital IXUS i with Furla case package is available in the following combinations:
? Platinum Silver Digital IXUS i with Furla case - £279 RRP inc VAT.
? Piano Black Digital IXUS i with Furla case - £279 RRP inc VAT.
(Digital IXUS i camera only - £249 RRP inc VAT)

SanDisk Press Release 20/07/04

SanDisk Extreme Flash Memory Cards Taken to ‘Extremes’ in Expeditions to the Sahara Desert and North Pole

SUNNYVALE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 20, 2004—Rugged Cards Capture Dramatic Images in Oppressive Heat and Sub-Zero Cold  

From the searing heat of the Sahara Desert to the piercing cold of the North Pole, two recent American expeditions have demonstrated that SanDisk’s Extreme(TM) line of digital photographic flash memory cards can withstand brutal temperatures to safeguard precious images, even when humans are pushed to the limits of physical endurance.

Designed for harsh weather and rapid-fire shooting, SanDisk Extreme cards, with their rugged construction and fast write and read speeds, have become the flash memory cards of choice for many outdoor photographers and adventurers. They have been tested to operate in climates that range from a low of -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Centigrade) to a high of +185 degrees Fahrenheit (+85 degrees Centigrade). But in the past two months, they have been subjected to some truly “extreme” environments.

Every year in London, various buildings open their doors to the public, so that we, the great unwashed, can have a good nose around places like the Lloyds Building in the heart of the financial district. Most of the photos that you see of this famous landmark are night shots of the illuminated exterior, so these interior shots are perhaps a little more unusual. Although the throngs of photographers that were also there probably took identical shots to me! As an interesting aside, it seems that digital photography doesn’t always have a quick turnaround, as these photos were taken last year. Or maybe it’s me that doesn’t have a quick turnaround…

You can click on each image to view a larger / better quality version over on my personal website, markgoldstein.co.uk

Editorial Comment: I don’t usually comment too much on official press releases, but this one from BenQ made me chuckle. Their new E40 digital camera is aimed at “fun, fearless females”, surely something of a niche market - I’m not sure if you’re entitled to buy the camera if you don’t fall into that category. A little more seriously (but not much), BenQ have allegedly made their new digicam more female-friendly by adding the ability to “scrawl on photos” (their words, not mine), add built-in photo frames to your images, and ermmm, that’s it, apart from the stylish red case. Now far be it for me to give BenQ advice on marketing, but surely what a female digital photographer wants is exactly the same as any photographer, regardless of their sex - a 20 megapixel compact digital with image quality that matches DSLRs? :-)

BenQ Press Release 19/07/04

Sweet ‘n Stylish - BenQ’s E40 Digital Camera with a female touch

Europe, 19th of July, 2004 - BenQ announces the release of the BenQ DC E40 digital camera. Targeted at females, the E40 features an intuitive touch screen with photo framing and “scrawling” options and equipped with a 4 mega-pixel high sensitivity image sensor.

The E40 features BenQ’s first and innovative touch screen design that allows photo personalization. Offering users more than just photo playback, the E40’s touch screen allows users to choose from various built-in photo frames (also available to download at BenQ.com, E40 specifications link). Furthermore, you can also make creative “scrawling” directly on photos.