Pretec Press Release 12/02/04

World’s Highest Speed CF Card Pretec 80X Cheetah CompactFlash

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 Pretec Electronics Corp., the 2nd company in the world offering CompactFlash memory card (CF) card since 1995, is demonstrating the world’s highest speed CF card at Pretec booth #H71 of PMA show here at Las Vegas Convention Center.

With write speed more than double the leading brand’s high speed CF card in the market today, users of Pretec CF cards can enjoy the exciting multimedia experience in applications such as high resolution digital cameras, where faster write speed means lower set-up time between pictures. Tested with WA(1) enabled Kodak Professional DCS Pro 14n (under current firmware), the industry’s highest resolution (14 mega-pixels) digital SLR camera, which displays the write speed of the CF card, Pretec Cheetah CF card scores at 4.9MB/s; while SanDisk Ultra II/Extreme (write speed 9MB/s) is displayed at 2.9MB/s and Lexar Media WA enabled 40X (write speed 6MB/s) is at 4.2MB/s.

Micro Solutions Press Release 12/02/04

Micro Solutions showcases RoadStor portable media player at Photo Marketing Association show

Diverse product allows viewing and sharing of digital photos, audio and video, with or without a computer

LAS VEGAS - Feb. 12, 2004 - Micro Solutions, Inc. is showcasing its new RoadStor portable media player at Booth No. 181 at the Photo Marketing Association show. This diverse product is compact yet powerful enough for viewing, copying, toting and sharing digital photos, audio and video almost anywhere, with or without a computer. It combines a digital photo viewer, CD burner, DVD player and MP3 player all in one package, making it the first device available that will let users burn CDs directly from storage cards.

With its own snap-on rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that delivers two hours of continuous play time, and at about the size of a VHS tape, RoadStor travels easily. Simple to operate, it connects directly to a TV and works as a stand-alone device or as a PC or Mac accessory.

“RoadStor is the perfect digital camera accessory,” said Pat Barron, vice president of sales at Micro Solutions. “It alleviates the problem of running out of room on a digital camera’s memory card by letting users burn digital photo CDs right from the storage cards. And it does this without a computer. With RoadStor, users don’t need to delete any digital photos, buy additional, costly memory cards, or lug a laptop with them to occasionally transfer the card’s contents onto it to make room for more pictures. It’s also great for sharing photos from lifetime events, such as weddings and graduations, as well as vacation pictures among family and friends.”

POLAROID UNVEILS ALL-NEW INSTANT CAMERA LINE DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S CONSUMER AND BUSINESS IMAGING PROFESSIONAL

- New Polaroid Cameras Adopt New Technology for Even Better In-the-Moment Image Capture -

LAS VEGAS and WALTHAM, Mass., - February 12, 2004 - Polaroid Corporation will debut its fresh and innovative line of new instant cameras at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) International Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. From classic to advanced, the new Polaroid camera line continues the company’s technology heritage of delivering images in the moment by offering a wide range of stylish and compact cameras. The all-new line features four Polaroid One600 instant cameras, including the One600 Classic, One600 Ultra, One600 Pro and One600 JobPro, along with the fashionable and compact re-designed iZone 200 instant camera for teens and the Image1200 for high-end users.

“Given the popularity of the Polaroid One introduced a year ago, we wanted to build on that success and expand the instant camera line. The new expanded line of cameras brings fresh innovations for more customers to experience or re-experience the value of instant photography,” stated Jeff Hopper, vice president and chief marketing officer, Polaroid Corporation. “Nothing captures the moment `now’ like a Polaroid picture. And, with our new camera offerings, consumers and business users alike can capture high quality, vivid images instantly for work or for play.”

Polaroid Press Release 12/02/04

POLAROID SHOWCASES NEW PROFESSIONAL MEDIUM FORMAT INSTANT FILM LINE

- Polaroid Type 80 Series Presents Five New Film Emulsions Offering Less Wasted Space,
Lower Cost And Superior Esthetics -

LAS VEGAS and WALTHAM, Mass., - February 12, 2004 - Polaroid Corporation this week will showcase its technologically advanced Polaroid Type 80 series of professional medium format films at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) International Annual Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Featuring both black and white and color pack films, the new Type 80 line offers professional photographers a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to other proofing film formats. Additionally, Polaroid has teamed up with NPC Photo Division to develop a new camera back that accepts the Type 80 line, which also will be displayed at the show.

“The new Polaroid Type 80 films are a better match for the medium-format size of conventional films,” stated Stuart Strong, senior marketing manager, professional photography, Polaroid Corporation. “We are confident that commercial, social and portrait photographers will come to rely on the accuracy, consistency and quality of these new films, whether they are being used for proofing, fine art or final art.”

Nikon Press Release 12/02/04

NIKON ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL CAMERAS THAT REMOVE RED-EYE AUTOMATICALLY, RIGHT IN THE CAMERA

‘The Power Is In Your Pocket’ With the New Nikon Coolpix 5200 and Coolpix 4200

MELVILLE, NY, February 12, 2004 - 2 cameras. 5.1 and 4.0-megapixels. Nikon In- Camera Red-Eye Fix, an industry exclusive. Nikon’s pro-quality grade ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass. PictBridge-enabled, for direct printing to compatible printers. An all-metal body weighing in at just 5.5 ounces. Now that we have your attention, Nikon continues its sweep in 2004 as it announces two sexy new consumer digital cameras - the Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200. No matter what your lifestyle, a Nikon Coolpix digital camera provides a way to capture it.

The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 pack power, flexibility and portability into one beautiful and easy-to-use design. These latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (www.nikoncoolpix.com) line of consumer products offer ultra-fast operation and a brand new digital “bag of tricks,” sporting new and enhanced features like fixing red-eye right in the camera, enjoying built-in memory to store extra photos and having the full range of Nikon’s Scene Modes at your fingertips, to help every shooter take masterful shots on the go or on the job.

“The Nikon Coolpix 5200 and 4200 come at a great time when consumers are beginning to look for more power packed into a smaller package,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 5200 is the perfect travel companion, powerful enough to take on vacation yet small enough to pocket. The Coolpix 4200 provides enough versatility to stowaway in a briefcase or shoulder the burden for small business applications. Any way you use them, these newest additions to the Coolpix line are well-suited to go anywhere and easily take great pictures.”

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PACKS PERFORMANCE AND SIMPLICITY INTO NEW RANGEFINDER-STYLE CYBER-SHOT W1 CAMERA

Camera’s Large 2.5-Inch LCD Screen Makes Sharing Images Just as Fun as Capturing Them

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Once you play with Sony’s new five-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W1 camera, you will realize the adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies to digital cameras.

Available in May for about $400, its small size (a little larger than a deck of cards) belies the performance within, which is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sony’s new Real Imaging Processor circuit. Designed specifically for the special tasks of digital cameras, the new processor aids in fast camera response times and extended battery life with up to 340 shots between power charges.

Either as a step-up model for those who have tried digital photography or those who are looking to cross-over from film cameras, the Cyber-shot W1 camera allows users to explore the possibilities of photography digitally.

“As digital music improved music, the new Cyber-shot W1 is an example of Sony’s way of improving photography digitally,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY PROMOTES ‘WORRY-FREE’ PHOTOGRAPHY WITH NEW CYBER-SHOT CAMERA LINE-UP

Benefits of Real Imaging Processor Find Their Way to Entire Line-up

LAS VEGAS (PMA 2004, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Amid the flurry of high-tech/high-end digital cameras introduced at the annual digital imaging trade show, Sony demonstrates its keen sense of consumer needs with the introduction of its new Cyber-shot compact P- and basic P-series cameras, designed for taking great pictures simply.

So that the cameras’ settings can be quickly determined behind-the-scenes, Sony incorporated its new Real Imaging Processor circuit on the new Cyber-shot DSC-P100, -P93, -P73 and -P41 cameras. Measured in fast start-up and shot-to-shot times rather than megahertz, key benefits of the processor translate into making the Cyber-shot cameras always ready to great pictures. All cameras will be available this May.

“Throughout the coming years, we’ll see a greater number of people trying out a digital camera for the first time, and we’re making sure that Cyber-shot cameras improve upon their film camera experience,” said Greg Young, Sony Electronics’ director of digital camera marketing.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY ACCELERATES STANDARD MEMORY STICK MEDIA WITH FASTER SPEED AND NEW COLOR

USB Reader/Writer with Triple Memory-Card Slots Adds Versatility

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Sony Electronics is equipping Memory Stick media users for the digital future by adding the ability to read data at high speeds and copyright protection as standard features on all Memory Stick media available at retailers nationwide.

Updated Memory Stick media will start shipping this spring in 32MB, 64MB, 128MB and 256MB (total 128MBx2) capacities. A striking cobalt-blue color will distinguish the new line from its purple predecessor.

When used with compatible (4-pin parallel), high-speed Memory Stick media-enabled hardware, users can enjoy read speeds that are up to four times faster than current standard Memory Stick media. The new media will allow users to speed up viewing their digital images on a compatible camera and streaming video storage. Sony expects device compatibility to remain constant or even increase, given that the media will be interoperable with both serial and parallel interfaces.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

SONY BRINGS LAB-QUALITY PHOTO PRINTING INTO THE LIVING ROOM

New At-Home Photo Printer Offers PictBridge Technology for Printer Compatibility and Multiple Flash Memory Card Slots

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth # M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - With digital camera sales in the U.S. now outpacing traditional camera sales, Sony Electronics is set to answer the question, “How do I share all these pictures?” with an easy-to-use, PC-free home photo printer.

The company’s new DPP-EX50 PictureStation printer is a dedicated, at-home photo printer that, like Sony’s other printers, uses dye-sublimation technology, to create durable, lab-quality prints. The model also incorporates both Memory Stick PRO and CompactFlash media slots, as well as two USB ports - one in the front for connection to a digital camera or camcorder and one in the back for connection to a PC.

Sony Press Release 11/02/04

NEW SONY PHOTO VAULT MINI CD-R STATION ENABLES PORTABLE DIRECT-FROM-CAMERA CD BURNING

Features Standard USB Interface for Direct Image Downloads, Allows Viewing of Digital Images on TV

LAS VEGAS (PMA, Booth #M30), Feb. 11, 2004 - Offering a portable, PC-free solution for burning photos directly from digital still cameras to mini CD-R, Sony introduces Photo Vault Mini CD-R Station.

Weighing only 8 ounces, Photo Vault Mini CD-R Station adds convenience and flexibility to digital photography storage. Users can burn images directly from their camera to 8 cm mini CD-R using the Photo Vault device’s standard USB interface. Photo Vault also features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television’s standard AV input.

“Photo Vault is the perfect travel companion for anyone who owns a digital camera,” said Michael Lucas, director of marketing for consumer and convergent media products in Sony Electronics’ Media and Applications Solutions Division. “It eliminates the worries of exceeding the capacity on a camera’s memory card, or of needing a computer to store and view your digital pictures. Additionally, the mini CD-R format can instantly preserve the images for archiving, sharing or future printing.”

Pentax USA Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX USA ANNOUNCES NEW STATUS AS “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (February 11, 2004)...PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced a new tagline and the launch of an innovative marketing strategy for the legendary camera manufacturer’s extensive line of digital cameras. 

PENTAX tagged the line, “THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET” to illuminate Optio digital cameras’ significance in the Internet Age.

“For more than half a century, PENTAX has delivered better and easier ways to capture and share images. By being THE OFFICIAL DIGITAL CAMERA OF THE INTERNET, Pentax underscores the recognition that digital photography in the Internet age has forever changed this process,” said Jim Kast, vice president of marketing, PENTAX USA. 

Pentax Press Release 12/02/04

PENTAX Unveils First Optio Digital Still/Movie Camera With $400 Price Tag and Adds a Second Lens for Digital SLR

GOLDEN, Colo.—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. has announced the introduction of the first PENTAX Optio(R) digital still/movie camera - the OptioMX.
The innovative, palm-sized OptioMX features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability. With advanced design and the compact signature dimensions of the Optio line of digital cameras, the OptioMX features an ergonomic grip handle and an articulating LCD monitor that swivels horizontally and vertically to frame subjects exactly as you prefer.

OptioMX marks the legendary manufacturer’s first step into the production of full-capacity digital video and PENTAX has priced the camera under $400. For optimal results in panoramic settings, a wide conversion lens will be available as an accessory to the OptioMX, and the digital video camera will ship to dealers in June 2004

A second PENTAX digital product under development - a wide-angle interchangeable lens for the *ist D digital SLR - also has been announced. The smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED (IF) is extremely compact, measuring 2.7 inches long and 3.3 inches in diameter. Featuring the reliable PENTAX KAF lens mount and high-performance 12-element, 11-group optics, it offers a focal length of 14mm (equivalent to 21.5mm in the 35mm format), and a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 inches. An innovative Quick-Shift Focus system enables the lens user to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. The PENTAX-DA 14mm also offers a 77mm-size filter thread for quick, effortless mounting and removal of a filter.

These latest PENTAX digital developments will be showcased under glass at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association’s (PMA) Show in Booth C140 from February 12-15 in Las Vegas.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, Pentax technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With corporate headquarters located in GOLDEN, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX CORPORATION.

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Dynax 60 in the UK and Europe

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW MAXXUM 70 35MM SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERA

Fully featured compact SLR features high-performance autofocusing, state-of-the-art exposure metering, and a wide range of exposure control modes at an affordable price

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces today a new stylish, fully featured and very affordable 35mm Single-Lens Reflex camera - the Maxxum 70. Featuring a Wide Center-Cross 9-Point autofocusing (AF) Sensor for increased focusing confidence, Multi-dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) for fine-tuning focusing, and a continuous advance speed of 3 frames per second*1, this camera is perfect for both novices and enthusiasts alike.

“The new easy-to-use Konica Minolta Maxxum 70 brings back the thrill of SLR photography,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “The Maxxum 70 is the perfect SLR camera for photographers who want to have fun while learning about photography. And in terms of price, functionality, quality, and reliability, the Maxxum 70 is in a class by itself.”

Editor’s Note: This camera is known as the Dynax 40 in the UK and Europe

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW MAXXUM 50 35MM SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERA

Fully automatic operation provides the point-and-shoot simplicity that the beginning photographer depends on

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) - Konica Minolta introduces today an affordable new entry level 35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera - the Maxxum 50. Featuring a Wide 3-Point autofocusing (AF) System for increased focusing confidence, Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Full-Auto Program for no-fuss shooting, and Subject Program Selection for the best photos in any situation or lighting, this film camera is ideal for photographer of all skill levels.

“Konica Minolta’s easy-to-use new Maxxum 50 provides outstanding image quality with the added versatility of our line of high quality interchangeable lenses,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “With the introduction of this new camera Konica Minolta has accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done?combined the high image quality of SLR photography at a very affordable price.”

Konica Minolta USA Press Release 12/02/04

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES NEW CONSUMER FILM SCANNER

Affordable new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner allows first time users and advanced users alike to produce high-quality scans from 35mm and Advanced Photo System film

Las Vegas, NV (February 12, 2004) ? Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the new easy-to-use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV film scanner, a successor to the popular DiMAGE Scan Dual III. The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV incorporates a number of features found only on high-end scanners, allowing it to faithfully and accurately reproduce film images into digital files quickly and easily. In addition, it uses a new high performance 3-line color 3200 dpi CCD sensor and an advanced optical system specifically designed by Konica Minolta for film scanning. This enables this affordable 35mm and Advanced Photo System* film scanner to deliver high image quality.

“The economical new DiMAGE Scan Dual IV delivers high quality images sure to satisfy any photo enthusiast’s imaging needs,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “The easy to use DiMAGE Scan Dual IV produces digital image files that equal or surpass more expensive film scanners and offers quality not available in flatbed scanners.”

Epson Press Release 11/02/04

NEW EPSON STYLUS? PHOTO RX600 SCAN-PRINT-COPY DEVICE CREATES PHOTO CENTER FOR BOTH TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL IMAGES IN ANY HOME

EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 Not Only Scans, Prints and Copies Photos, but also Previews and Restores Old Slides, Transparencies and Traditional Photos into Brilliant Reprints

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Feb. 11, 2004 - Epson is launching its most advanced scan-print-copy device to date with the new EPSON Stylus Photo RX600.  This photographic all-in-one is designed to not only view, scan, copy and print photographs without a computer, but also restore old slides, negatives and traditional printed photographs.  The end results are true photographic quality prints using Epson?s superior six-color photo inks at resolutions as high as 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.

“The Stylus Photo RX600 is without a doubt the ultimate do-it-all solution for either traditional or digital photography,” said Steve Semos, product manager, Epson.  “This product offers outstanding versatility for virtually any photographic project, not to mention everyday printing and copying.  Furthermore, it incorporates several of Epson’s most advanced photographic technologies such as Easy Photo Fix color restoration software, memory card slots, and a 2.5-inch high-quality color LCD viewer, all for a very attractive price of $349.”

Alera Technologies Press Release 11/02/04

The New DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station copies directly from your Memory Card to DVD or CD without a computer

Las Vegas, NV February 11, 2004 - Alera Technologies, developer and manufacturer of Advanced DVD and CD Duplicating and Publishing Solutions introduced today at PMA 2004 the DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station, the world’s first Memory card to DVD/CD copier, and the first in a family of Desktop Digital Imaging solutions from Alera Technologies. Both the resolution of digital cameras and the capacity of digital photo memory cards are increasing at an astonishing rate making this development particularly important. Now professional photographers, photo enthusiasts, and commercial photo labs, all can have the ability to safely store up to 4.7GB of valuable digital photos on one convenient removable disc. Photos stored on optical storage media are recognized as being more secure and far less subject to damage than those stored on a hard disk drive.

“With the resolution of digital cameras rapidly increasing, the size of even a single digital photo file can be huge. And with recent developments pushing the capacities of photo memory cards to 4GB and beyond, professional and Prosumer photographers have been demanding a way to quickly and safely store growing volumes of valuable digital photographs. It is important to be able to free up precious memory card space for more pictures and the DVD/CD Digital Photo Copy Station is the first product available to copy to DVD, successfully and safely backing up even the largest memory cards,” stated Perry Solomon, President and CEO.

dotPhoto Press Release 11/02/04

dotPhoto Lets Pro & Amateur Photographers Sell Photos Online with No Start-up Costs

Las Vegas, NV - February 12, 2004 - dotPhoto, Inc. (www.dotphoto.com), a leading photo-sharing and digital photography web site, announced today at Photo Marketing Association (PMA), a simple solution for pro and amateur photographers to sell photos online. With no start-up costs, dotPhoto makes it easy for digital photographers to enter the world of e-commerce and sell digital photos, prints, and gifts to clients they could not have reached before. Through dotPhoto’s advanced e-storage and e-commerce solutions, portfolios of thousands of never-before-seen talented photographers are now accessible to online customers all over the world.

Photographers simply open a free account, upload their photos and set the custom sales price of their digital photos for a wide variety of downloads, print sizes and photo gift items. dotPhoto pays the photographer the difference between the custom price and dotPhoto’s standard price in a monthly check (less a small handling fee). All photos are completely secure, password-protected and encrypted.

Epson America Inc. Press Release 11/02/04

The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 Printer Offers Direct CD/DVD Printing for Only $99; New High Quality Six-Color Photo Printer is Rich with Features and Low in Price

LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 Epson America Inc.‘s latest printer, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200, is ideal for digital imaging enthusiasts who want to print frame-ready photos and personalize home music and movie collections at an affordable price. With an estimated street price of $99, six individual ink cartridges, ultra-fast print speeds, and direct CD/DVD printing, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200 is the perfect solution for versatile, high-quality home printing.

“The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 offers the ideal combination of quality, performance, versatility, and value for home-users, photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike,” said Lowell Wolf, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “This powerful family-friendly printer brings quality and convenience home—at a truly exceptional value.”

SmartDisk Corporation Press Release 11/02/04

Fort Myers, Fla., February 11, 2004 - SmartDisk Corporation announced today that its FlashTrax portable, palm-sized digital multimedia device has been selected by PHOTO Electronic Imaging (PEI) Magazine as a recipient of its 2003 Cool2 Award for “Best Storage and Display”. The award honors products that reflect exceptional quality, innovation, design, value for price and performance. During 2003, FlashTrax was also awarded the Photomarketing Association?s DIMA Award and the Professional Photographer?s Association HOT1 Award. FlashTrax is being showcased in Booth A180, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center at the PMA International Convention and Trade Show, February 12-15.

“We’re honored that PEI magazine has recognized FlashTrax for the Cool2 Award. This award is especially gratifying as it represents satisfaction by the many professional photographers using FlashTrax,” noted Charles Klinker, Vice President, Marketing for SmartDisk.