Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc. Press Release 07/07/04

FUJIFILM’S NEW STUDIOMASTER PRO 3.0 BOOSTS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS’ PRODUCTIVITY BY INCREASING WORKFLOW EFFICIENCIES

Enhanced image preview, editing and ordering features enable photographers to generate additional revenue opportunities while cutting costs and saving time

VALHALLA, NY, July 7, 2004 - As professional photographers manage millions of pictures this busy summer season, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc., announces a new version of its Studiomaster PRO image presentation, editing and ordering software designed to increase workflow efficiencies for photographers and labs. With over 70 years of imaging know-how and close ties to the professional market, Fujifilm understands photographers’ needs to save time and money, while maintaining creative control - and Studiomaster PRO 3.0 does just that.

With Studiomaster PRO 3.0, wedding and portrait photographers can more easily preview and edit images, quickly create and present professional albums to clients and efficiently send print orders to their lab. Based on feedback from previous versions, Fujifilm enhanced many features and added new functionality to Studiomaster PRO so photographers can spend more time behind the lens, instead of in front of the computer.

Epson USA Press Release 06/07/04

NEW EPSON STYLUS? C66 AND C86 INK JET PRINTERS OFFER VIVID,
LONG-LASTING OUTPUT WITH FAST PRINT SPEEDS

Epson?s Latest All-Purpose Printers Include New Photo Kit to Provide Easy and Convenient Photo Printing From Start to Finish

LONG BEACH, Calif., July 6, 2004 ? Epson America Inc. is adding two new all-purpose printers to its award-winning product line that deliver fast print speeds and incredible print quality at affordable prices.  Replacing the award-winning EPSON Stylus C64 and C84, the EPSON Stylus C66 and C86 produce text, documents and beautiful frame-ready borderless photographs, and are available for estimated street prices of $69 and $99, respectively.

Both printers feature Epson?s exclusive and award-winning DURABrite inks, delivering fade-resistant, water-resistant and smudge-resistant results to preserve cherished photos and important documents.  The EPSON Stylus C66 and C86 offer up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi with variable sized droplets to ensure incredible quality and detail, as well as a convenient and cost-effective individual ink cartridge system with true black printing on glossy media for more realistic and sharper images.

creativepro.com have taken a peek inside a digital camera, explaining what goes on and what effect the sensor has on image quality.

“Good film photographers often have a very thorough understanding of the nature and properties of particular film chemistries—often going so far as to make their own paper and emulsions. Though digital photographers can’t sit around forging their own image sensors, they can still benefit from understanding some of the rudiments of the image sensor technology found in most digital cameras.

Many imaging problems can be avoided by understanding their cause, and often times imaging troubles are caused by fundamental issues within your camera. In this installment of “Framed and Exposed,” we’re going to take a high-level look at what happens inside your digital camera.”

Website: creativepro.com - Framed and Exposed: Making Sense of Camera Sensors

What is perhaps more interesting than the 4 new Konica Minolta cameras announced today is the rapid product cycle that seems to have been established, by both Konica Minolta and other manufacturers. 1 year ago the DiMAGE Z1 was released, 6 months later saw the launch of the DiMAGE Z2, and now, another 6 months down the line, the DiMAGE Z3 has been announced. Plus the X50 and G530 are both updates of models that were announced within the last year (X20, announced July 17th 2003, and the G500, announced August 7th 2003).

I’m interested to know if you think this is a good thing, giving you more choice as a consumer and ultimately driving down the cost of the older models, or whether you hate the fact that your new camera will be out-of-date in less than 6 months time…

The official press releases haven’t been, well, officially released yet, but the web pages are live for 4 new digital cameras from Konica Minolta. Now, I hate to say that I told you so, but the Z3 that PhotographyBLOG exclusively revealed last week is amongst the new announcements. In no particular order, they are:

DiMAGE Z3
- 12x Optical Zoom
- Anti-Shake Mechanism
- 4 megapixels

DiMAGE Z10
- 8x Optical Zoom
- 3.2 megapixels

DiMAGE G530 (pictured)
- 3x Optical Zoom
- 5 megapixels

DiMAGE X50
- 2.8x Optical Zoom
- 5 megapixels
- Slim Design

The Konica Minolta website has fancy-pants Flash-based presentations for its entire camera lineup:

Website: Konica Minolta

and also a Specifications page for each camera:

Website: DiMAGE Z3

Website: DiMAGE Z10

Website: DiMAGE G530

Website: DiMAGE X50

Also, the Japanese website PCHome already has a preview of the new models:

DiMAGE Z3
DiMAGE Z10
DiMAGE G530
DiMAGE X50

Editor’s Note: The press releases have now been issued by Konica Minolta USA, starting with the Z3…

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04

Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE Z3 High-Performance 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera
New digital camera with built-in 12x optical “Mega Zoom” lens is the first Z-series camera to feature Konica Minolta?s CCD-Shift Anti-Shake System

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z3. With Konica Minolta?s unique CCD-shift Anti-Shake System accompanying the camera?s built-in 12x optical zoom lens, the stylish DiMAGE Z3 provides photographers of all levels with very steady and sharp hand-held telephoto shots. Its speed also enables photographers to get those action shots right away with Rapid Autofocus (AF) ? the fastest auto focus in its class*1. The camera?s AF also has a Predictive Focus Control for unmatched high-speed focusing that brings out the very best in the DiMAGE Z3’s superior ability to capture fast moving subjects.

“Photographers will never miss a shot with the new DiMAGE Z3,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “With combined functions such as the Anti-Shake System, Rapid Autofocus capabilities, and 12x optical zoom lens, this digital camera provides advanced amateur as well as serious photographers with the versatility and reliability they need to get the shot right the first time.”

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04

Konica Minolta Introduces the 3.2 Megapixel DiMAGE Z10 Digital Camera
Affordable new camera features fastest-in-class startup, 8x Optical “Mega-Zoom,” fast and reliable autofocusing, and energy efficient design

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces an affordable new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z10. Featuring a fastest-in-class*1 startup time of 0.5 seconds, built-in 8x optical zoom lens, fast and reliable autofocusing with Predictive Focus Control, and an energy efficient design*2 that gives photographers up to 500 frames with the included AA alkaline batteries, the new DiMAGE Z10 is a convenient, fun and easy to use digital camera.

“The affordable new DiMAGE Z10 has been designed to bring high-quality digital photography into the daily lives of novice and advanced amateur photographers,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “Photographers carrying the DiMAGE Z10 with them will have a reliable digital camera to capture those everyday photographic moments exactly as they see them occur.”

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04

Konica Minolta Introduces the DiMAGE X50 Digital Camera
New compact and stylish 5.0 megapixel camera features a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, enhanced speed and other design improvements

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces the new DiMAGE X50 5-megapixel digital camera that takes the DiMAGE X series’ concept of “thin, fast and stylish” and adds increased speed.  Compact and lightweight enough to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone, the DiMAGE X50 adds the fastest-in-class* startup time, 2.8x non-protruding optical zoom, 5-megapixel CCD, and large 2-inch LCD, to a high quality digital camera in a sleek, compact package.

“The idea behind the design of the new DiMAGE X50 digital camera is to make it fast, easy and fun for anyone to take beautiful, high-quality pictures anywhere, anytime,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta?s Camera Division. “The camera’s 5 megapixel resolution ensures that even amateur photographers can share their casual snapshots as great enlargements.”

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 07/07/04

(Already announced by Konica Minolta Europe In June 2004)

Konica Minolta Introduces Stylish New 3.2-megapixel X-Series Digital Camera
Compact, easy-to-use and affordable new DiMAGE X31 features super-fast start-up speed and a 12x zoom range

Mahwah, NJ (July 7, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces a new member to the X-series of DiMAGE digital cameras - the new DiMAGE X31. This 3.2 megapixel digital camera combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design, and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model. 

The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X31 is a user-friendly, compact digital camera equipped with Konica Minolta?s proprietary non-protruding 3x optical zoom that keeps the camera thin, even when the zoom is activated. This new digital camera features 3.2-megapixel high picture quality and is one of the slimmest and lightest cameras in its class. In addition, the camera features a versatile 4x digital zoom in combination with the 3x optical zoom to take pictures at up to 12x total zoom,  as well as the ability to take photos as close as 3.9 inches to the subject without having to switch to a separate macro mode.

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published a joint review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4200 compact digital cameras.

Website: Index Digicam - Nikon Coolpix 5200/4200 Review

Imaging Resource have published their review of the 4-megapixel Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom digital camera.

“Very good color: Good skin tones, good handling of incandescent lighting too. Overall, the C-770 produced accurate, pleasing color, under a wide variety of shooting conditions. Hue was accurate in most instances, saturation appropriate (although strong reds and blues tended to oversaturate slightly), and skin tones looked very natural. As is the case with most cameras I test, the C-770’s auto white balance system had a hard time with the household incandescent lighting that’s so common in the US, but its Incandescent and Manual white balance options did very well indeed. All in all, a very nice performance.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus C-770 Ultra Zoom Review

DCResource have published their review of the new 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5200 compact digital camera.

“While not the best camera in its class, the Coolpix 5200 is a good point-and-shoot camera for those who need a lot of resolution. Its biggest weaknesses are the soft and somewhat noisy images as well as the lack of manual controls (then again, my favorite cameras, the Canon S500 and Sony W1 don’t really have them either). The image softness is really only an issue for large prints or on-screen viewing, though.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon Coolpix 5200 Review

Technology website has published a very technical comparative review of five 8-megapixel digital cameras, including the Canon PowerShot Pro1 (pictured) (found via Digicamera.net):

“An 8Mp matrix in the zoom-lens class is a yet another step forward in digital camera evolution. Before, digital cameras with built-in lenses had lower resolution than reflex ones. Now, one will have to think twice whether to choose 6 Mp with interchangeable lens or 8 Mp with non-interchangeable zooming. It will cost you quite a sum to buy reflex lenses with such range of variable focal length (28-200 or even 35-280 mm), which are, on top of that, made for 8 Mp.”

Website: Digit Life - Five 8-megapixel digital cameras

The Norwegian website Akamera.no has reviewed the Bubble Jet i560 A4 inkjet printer, which uses single ink technology to provide individually replaceable ink tanks for all colours. The Bubble Jet i560 is the first Bubble Jet printer released by Canon to support the new PictBridge standard for connecting digital cameras and digital camcorders direct to printers via a USB cable. The i560 delivers print speeds of 22ppm mono and 15ppm colour and is capable of producing 19 million droplets of ink per second at true 4800 dpi resolution.

The Bubble Jet i560 is available now for around ?149 inc VAT.

Website: Akamera.no - Canon Bubble Jet i560 Review

FujiFilm Press Release 06/07/04

Acclaimed professional photographer Charles Green has chosen to share his wisdom with the release of his second book, ‘Create the Image’.

After the launch of his first book, ‘Shooting For Gold’ in 1987, which quickly became known as ‘the photographer’s bible’, Charles decided that the photography business had moved on and in order to succeed in such a fast paced environment, he needed to adapt.

Now, aiming to inspire personal and creative success, Charles has motivated people all over the world to become better photographers with his new book which incorporates all the advances that digital photography has to offer.

The 17th PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Rafael Torcida.

“This is an exhibition about a common theme: Life in modern cities. It’s called Polis. Since last year I’ve been traveling some places in Europe just for business. My small coolpix camera has always been with me and I thought of taking some shots about these cities. The idea was to shot places and situations not usually taken by touristic shots. If you isolate the typical monuments and places of each city then it could happen that we all live in the same city. And how are our cities?. Of course this is a very personal point of view, but I find them grey, stressing, unhuman, sad,... This is what I tried to capture with these shots. All of them where taken with a Sony DSC-P8 and a Nikon Coolpix 3500. Except “Stress Day” which was taken with a Minolta Dynax 800si.”

Website: http://www.terra.es/personal8/918793105/index.htm

Website: Portfolios: Rafael Torcida

The Olympus Camedia C-360Zoom (also known as the Olympus Camedia D-575 Zoom) is a stylish budget-priced 3.2 megapixel digital camera that aims to be extremely easy-to-use for first-time buyers. Stand-out features include 5 scene modes so that you can easily capture images in a wide variety of locations and conditions and the Super Macro mode, which lets you shoot from just 7cms away from your subject. The Olympus Camedia C-360Zoom currently costs just ?139.99, so have Olympus cut any corners to get the camera down to this price-point? Find out by reading the rest of my review.

Website: Olympus Camedia C-360Zoom Review

HardwareZone have published a comprehensive 18-page review of the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound.

“As always, we enjoyed the use of the vari-angled LCD monitor which meant that we could take photos at almost any dynamic angle we wanted. However, we would have preferred if Canon made the size of the 1.5-inch LCD monitor a tad bigger. The camera gave us a slightly above average battery life performance. With only a set of four AA-sized alkaline batteries provided in the package, buyers of this camera will have to set aside another sum of money to purchase a set of rechargeable batteries with a charger on the side.”

Website: HardwareZone - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Review

The Spanish website quesabesde.com have just reviewed the new 3.2 megapixel Canon PowerShot A75.

Website: quesabesde.com - Canon PowerShot A75 Review

Digital Outback Photo and Glenn E. Mitchell II have teamed up to write an excellent article about how to get the best out of your overcast shots.

“When faced with a dull, muddy picture, you might be tempted to reach for the Brightness and Contrast control. Most pros advise against its use altogether. I tend to agree. The only time I can recall using them is the simple adjustments for this tutorial. They are not part of my digital workflow. The Levels and Curves tools give you more flexibility. Not only can you adjust brightness and contrast, you can also adjust the overall tonal range, middle tones, color balance, and even adjust the highlights separately from the shadows.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Developing Photos That “Pop”