As ever with new product releases, a number of websites have already been able to test out some of the Canon products and post previews or hands-on tests. Here in no particular order is a round-up of those websites:

Canon Powershot Pro 1

Website: Index Digicam - Canon Powershot Pro 1 Preview

Website: DPReview - Canon Powershot Pro 1 Preview

Website: Canon PowerShot Pro1 Sample Images

Canon PowerShot S1 IS

Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Preview

Website: Canon PowerShot S1 IS Sample Images

Canon Focuses on Imaging Innovation, Long-Term Leadership and a Future That Anticipates, Meets, and Exceeds Customers’ Needs

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2004—Canon U.S.A.: Canon Raises Analog and Digital Imaging Standards Spanning Professional Product Sophistication to Point-and-Shoot Simplicity, Image Capture to Output and Photos to Video

Canon expands its commanding presence in the imaging industry with the rollout of nearly two-dozen new consumer products at the 2004 Photo Marketing Association exhibit Feb. 12 - 15. Building on the company’s recently announced record results for 2003, Canon’s big picture for 2004 features a battery of new imaging products designed to fit pro photographers’ needs and consumers’ lifestyles.

“Canon is proudly in the position of imaging industry leadership thanks to the foresight, creativity and talents of our engineers and designers who consistently find new ways to improve technology for real world applications,” 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 - News). “It is our goal - our unwavering ethic - to provide our customers with products that raise their expectations of what is possible and then deliver on and even surpass those expectations.”

Canon USA Press Release 09/02/04

Canon Launches Industry-First 13 x 19 Inch Desktop Photo with ChromaPLUS Eight Color Ink System for Wider Color Gamut

The first in its class to offer eight individual ink tanks, the Canon i9900 desktop photo printer creates a 13 x 19-inch borderless photograph in under three minutes. The printer will be available in May for a suggested list price of $499.

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2004—Canon’s top-of-the-line i9900 desktop photo printer empowers consumers, photo enthusiasts and working photographers to make their own professional quality borderless photo prints. The 13 x 19-inch inkjet printer features new red and green ink cartridges for rich, accurate color rendition, industry leading 4800 x 2400 dpi(a) maximum color resolution, microscopic 2 picoliter ink droplets, as well as USB 2.0 Hi-speed(b) and Firewire(R) interfaces. The i9900 desktop photo printer will be available in May for a suggested list price $499.99(c).

The i9900 photo printer is the first in its class to offer eight individual ink tanks. Canon’s exclusive ChromaPLUS 8-color ink system adds individual red and green ink tanks to the cyan, magenta, yellow, black, photo cyan and photo magenta inks that are commonly found on six-color printers. The red ink tank allows for an approximately 60% increase in the orange/red gamut over six-color printing and provides for previously unobtainable orange hues and well as richer reds. The green ink adds about 30% increase in green gamut as compared to six-color printing and creates more accurate and deeper greens in grass and foliage. The resulting finished print more closely matches the color characteristics of positive photographic film.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today cements its leadership position in digital photography with the release of the 8.0 Megapixel PowerShot Pro1, the new flagship of the PowerShot range. Targeted at professional and highly advanced photographers, the camera is the first compact from Canon to be fitted with a Canon professional L-series lens; the f/2.4-3.5, 7.2-50.8mm (28-200mm 35mm film equivalent) USM lens. An abundance of features generally reserved for Canon’s high-end digital SLR cameras combine to deliver outstanding camera performance and exceptional image quality for enlargements up to A2 size.

Professional features include RAW file recording and a hybrid AF system, combining TTL and external metering focusing systems for fast and precise auto-focus. The PowerShot Pro1 can shoot at 2.5 frames per second, and has shutter speeds from 15 sec to 1/4000 sec. The photographer is handed full control over all focus points and exposure variables. Twelve shooting modes, including two custom modes, cover a broad range of shooting situations. The camera’s purpose built DIGIC processor delivers high speed, noise free and extremely accurate colour rendition and image processing. This is the first PowerShot to support both sRGB and Adobe RGB colour spaces. Advanced photographers will recognize the PowerShot Pro1 as a ?system camera?, with complete access to Canon?s Speedlite EX flash range, close-up lenses and an optical tele-converter lens.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the hybrid PowerShot S1 IS compact digital camera. A fully featured and well specified 3.2 Megapixel digital still camera with a 10x optical zoom, the PowerShot S1 IS is also a quality digital video camcorder, with capacity to shoot clear and natural video clips with 30 frames per second VGA resolution and high quality sound. An optical Image Stabilizer is featured, limiting blur in digital stills and keeping video footage steady. The 3.2 Megapixel sensor and Canon’s image processing algorithms allow enlargements without image degradation up to A4 in size.

“This camera represents a significant development for Canon,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe at the camera’s launch. “It has digital still capacity to rival many single purpose digital cameras, and digital video quality that will delight many camcorder users. Canon’s strengths across different fields have driven a convergence of technologies to deliver an exciting new product concept”.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Canon releases new range, celebrates 30 IXUS models

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of three new Digital IXUS cameras. This takes to a total of 30 the number of IXUS models released since 1996.

The range release includes a new flagship of the Digital IXUS fleet, the 5.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 500. The 4.0 Megapixel Digital IXUS 430 replaces the previous top of the line Digital IXUS 400, while the 3.2 Megapixel Digital IXUS IIs takes over from the popular Digital IXUS II.

Launched to popular and critical acclaim in May 1996, the original stainless steel IXUS APS camera triggered an avalanche success. Canon has stuck with IXUS ever since, never straying from the IXUS philosophy of simplicity and beauty that feels great in the hands. Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS marked the beginning of a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact segment.

“This new range celebrates eight stylish IXUS years,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Unmistakably IXUS, these new cameras bring together uncompromising build quality and an abundance of relevant technologies in a triumph of miniaturisation and design”.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases its new entry-level digital camera, the 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot A310. With a new Print/Share button and extended print functionality, the camera replaces the PowerShot A300. Although targeted at consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera, many features found in Canon’s high-end cameras have been included to ensure image quality and flexibility is maintained. These include Canon’s highly responsive and award winning dedicated DIGIC processor for superb colour rendering and high image quality, a 5.1x digital zoom, movie clips and 5-point AiAF auto-focus with 5cm macro close-up.

Canon UK Press Release 09/02/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 9 February, 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the release of its new range-opening zoom lens digital camera, the 3.2 Megapixel PowerShot A75. The camera has a number of new features including a ‘Special Scene Mode’ to deliver optimal results in tricky lighting conditions and a Print/Share button to simplify direct printing and uploading to Windows PCs.

The winner of the 12th PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is panchals with the entry “Richard Alston Dance: Duet”. There are no prizes as such for this contest, but the winning photo is displayed on the PhotographyBLOG homepage for a week, and the winner can display the Photo of the Week logo on their website if they wish.

The 13th Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography challenge where you decide who the winner is by voting for your favourite photos. It’s an open contest with no set theme and you can enter as many photos as you like.

The New York Times have reported that none other than Polaroid are set to introduce a compact digital camera called the x530 which is based around a Foveon sensor at PMA 2004. It will have 4.5 million effective pixel sensors and cost $399.

Website: DPReview - Polaroid x530 uses Foveon chip

Website: New York Times

Website: Foveon X3 5M CMOS Direct Image Sensor

The US website DCResource has posted the full specifications of the still unconfirmed Canon PowerShot Pro1, and also a new model in the shape of the PowerShot S1 IS. The Pro1 will apparently cost $999, whilst the S1 has a price tage of $499.

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Specifications

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot S1 IS Specifications

The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. Highlights this month include a review of the Canon EOS 300D:

“The other misconception is that the Digital Rebel is just an EOS 10D in a plastic body. That’s like saying a Subaru WRX STi is the same as an Imprezza; hell, they look similar don’t they? Yes, the DR has a plastic body, but that’s as much of the statement is true. Let’s look at the similarities: they have the same imaging chip and similar electronics, so the image quality should be as good as the 10D and when using both cameras back to back, I haven’t noticed any difference in image quality.”

and an article called David vs. Goliath which compares consumer lenses with pro lenses:

“These are both quality lenses but they are aimed at two very different types of shooters. The trick is to figure our which type you are and buy the right lens.

The amateur who buys the 80-200mm will soon tire of hauling around its bulk and the lens will start spending more time in the drawer than on the camera. Likewise the pro who buys the 70-300mm will be frustrated by its autofocus speed and will likely damage the lens at some point through hard use. “

Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #33

Triscape Inc. Press Release 09/02/04

New FxFoto Version 1.2 Expands Digital Photo Organization, Enhancement and Web Publishing

Windham, NH (February, 2004) - Triscape Inc. announces the release of FxFoto 1.2, offering significant enhancements of its easy-to-use yet feature-rich photo package. Major new features include intuitive timeline navigation, a host of new photo enhancement and creativity tools, and improved tools for publishing slide shows on web sites using the FxFoto Viewer Plug-In. The FxFoto Standard Edition is still free and the Deluxe Edition is $29.99, with upgrades free of charge.

FxFoto’s unique user interface has been highly acclaimed by users as easy to learn and use. FxFoto automatically scans for photos upon installation and organizes thumbnails by date and folder in the navigation pane. The new Timeline Bar indicates visually the location of all folders by date, and one mouse click instantly moves the user to the folder thumbnails. Unique to FxFoto, all photo navigation, timeline representation, enhancement, slide creation, and creativity features are quickly accessible from a single application window, avoiding the complexity of products using complicated and sometimes confusing windows for separate tasks.

Fairly self-explanatory - 2 product shots of the rumoured 8-megapixel Canon Powershot Pro 1…

The following specification is also completely unconfirmed:

- 28-200mm optical zoom (35mm equivalent)
- 8.3 megapixel, 2/3 inch sensor
- 8.0 effective megapixels
- Aperture range: f2.4 - f3.5
- Shutter speed range: 15 seconds - 1/4000 second
- DiGiC Processor
- Macro 10 - 50cm
- Super Macro 3-30cm
- UD lens with 14 element lens (with Flourite) and aspherical elements

Steves Digicams has just reviewed the 3-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital camera.

“The 3x Nikkor zoom lens is sharp and has excellent macro coverage down to about 1.6 inches. The lens exhibits moderate barrel distortion at full wideangle but is relatively free of pincushioning at full telephoto. The zoom and focus mechanisms move smoothly and quietly through their range. Its 38-115mm (35mm-equivalent) optical zoom range is typical for a camera in this class, offering a sufficient field of view for pleasing panorama’s, and enough telephoto magnification to bring your subject closer.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 3200 Review

Luminous Landscape has today reviewed DSLR Remote Pro from Breeze Systems, a software program which allows you to connect a Canon DSLR to your PC and directly operate your camera’s controls and take photographs from your PC.

“As I was testing DSLR Remote Pro and putting it through its paces I found that the hours were slipping by. But, I couldn’t stop. I would take a frame and seconds later there it was on my screen to be studied in detail. Not a tiny viewfinder image. Not a coarse and unrepresentative rear LCD display, but a large 21” highly detailed image. I played with exposure changes, colour balance and more. I looked to see how blown highlights were handled by the camera with minute exposure setting changes. Then it hit me. What a great learning tool this is.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - DSLR Remote Pro Review

The winners of the January 2004 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for January was “Reflections” - you can view all of the 69 entries in this gallery.

The panel of judges thought long and hard before deciding on the three winners:

1st Place
“Transporter Bridge Middlesbrough” by Colin Hugill
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“Great tromp l’euil reflection on the car roof”

“Perfectly framed, a strong reflection and great light help to make this a winner.”

Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space, kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com

2nd Place
“Post Storm Prague by digi-nation
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“This photograph captured my attention right away with the image of the reflection in the puddle. The strong contrast of the white clouds against the black of the buildings draws my eyes right to the center, and the vertical lamp post(reflection and real) draws my attention to the entire composition. An interesting idea.”

“One of the few black and white entries, of a scene that many photographers would have walked right past.”

Prize: 1 copy of Digital Photography Captured Volume 1, kindly donated by KnowledgeTrek.
http://www.knowledgetrek.com

3rd Place
“Reflecting on Life” by svermeulen
View this entry

Judges Comments:
“Cute, poignant, and offers many possible captions.”

“A very different take on the theme which makes it stand out from the crowd.”

Prize: 1 copy of Picasa, kindly donated by Picasa Inc.
http://www.picasa.net

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who took part!

As ever the rumour mill is working at full speed just ahead of PMA 2004, with Canon the latest manufacturer to be in the spotlight, and the DPReview forums to be source of the rumours. Apparently 3 new models in the form of the Canon Powershot Pro1, S1 and S3 have been spotted in the German photography magazine “ColorFoto”, with the Pro 1 being an 8-megapixel model. Follow the links below for all of the discussion.

Website: DPReview - Two New Canons

Website: DPReview - PowerShot Pro1 Specs

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Olympus P-440 Digital Photo Printer, an A4 dye-sublimation printer that was first announced back in August 2003.

“The bottom line The P-440 is an excellent printer for those needing to print 8 x 10” size prints with the same archival properties as conventionally processed film prints. At a cost of around $500, the P-440 is currently in a class of it own, the nearest competitor is the Kodak 8500 at ~ $300-400 more. The P-440 performs flawlessly and produces professional quality prints when connected to a PC or operating in standalone mode. The prints come out dry to the touch and are coated to resist UV fading, fingerprints, moisture and scratching. This is a very economical alternative for the small studio professional user or the enthusiast that isn’t satisfied with inkjet prints.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus P-440 Digital Photo Printer Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed Soundpix, a software program that allows you to record, embed and play audio in any JPEG file.

“SoundPix (http://www.soundpix.com) has developed an audio-imaging solution that ranges from integrated audio-image capture to desktop audio editing to serving audio over local and wide area networks.

In short, SoundPix technology embeds audio in the Exif header of JPEG image files. Its OEM developer’s kit can do it at image capture in the camera or phone. Its SoundPix Plus application can do it on your computer. And SoundPix Web can share it over your home network or over the Web.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Soundpix Review