Ricoh claims that the 3.24-megapixel Caplio G4 has a shutter response time of just 0.14 seconds, exceeding the speed of a conventional 35mm camera and making it the world’s fastest in its class in terms of shutter response time. In addition, the Caplio G4 has a very fast start-up time of 1.9 seconds, which allows you to capture the desired shot with a minimum of delay. Does the sheer speed of the Ricoh Caplio G4 make it stand out from the crowd? Read on to find out.

Website: Ricoh Caplio G4 Review

I looked up from writing the Ricoh G4 review, prompted by lightning and thunder, and saw this outside. Snow in North London - whatever next?!

(the wonky colour balance is a combination of taking the shots in JPEG mode instead of RAW, leaving Photoshop to its own devices via Auto-Levels, and me being too lazy to fix it…).

HP Press Release 28/01/04

YOU Can Win 15 Minutes of Fame in Digital Photography Contest Sponsored by HP and Project Greenlight

People encouraged to share their stories through digital photos via launch of worldwide contest

London, Jan. 28 2004 - HP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina and Project Greenlight executive producers Ben Affleck and Chris Moore have announced a worldwide digital photography contest titled “YOU Take Five!” at the recent Sundance Film Festival.

The contest gives people from around the world the chance to become an on-set photographer for Miramax’s third Project Greenlight independent film (which might also see them on television in the accompanying series set to air on Bravo) as well as earn a walk-on role in the movie and have their photo essay, or “YOUstory,” featured in an HP (NYSE:HPQ) advertisement.

“Our partnership with Project Greenlight brings together the best of technology and entertainment to inspire and empower a new generation of film-makers and photographers,” said Fiorina. “Technology today is helping to democratise creativity. Through the “YOU Take Five!” contest we hope to uncover many new and exciting artists.”

The contest, sponsored by HP and in partnership with Project Greenlight, supports HP?s advertising campaign, “YOU +hp,” which was launched in late 2003 and is designed to inspire individuals to see the photo in everything. The campaign showcases HP’s complete digital photography line-up ? from cameras and printers to PCs, ink and paper.

Details and a product shot of the successor to the Canon EOS 1D digital SLR were leaked by Canon France early this morning. The snappily-named Canon EOS 1D MK2 will have a number of improvements over the older model, including:

- 8-megapixel CMOS sensor
- 1.3x crop factor (same as the 1D)
- 8.5 frames per second shooting rate
- Buffer can hold up to 40 full-size JPEGs or 20 RAW files
- ISO 50-3200
- New E-TTL flash system
- New Digic processing system
- 1/250 sec flash sync
- Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th second
- RGB Histogram
- Firewire support
- Accepts Compact Flash type II and SD cards

Two new lenses were also accidentally announced at the same time.

Canon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera that delivers Nikon’s patented digital and photographic performance, high resolution, sharp detail and accurate, vivid colour combined with a new level of advanced functions and automated operation: the Nikon D70.

Continuing the heritage of hallmark Nikon digital performance established with the launch of the D1 and successful introduction of the Nikon DX Format in1999, the D70 stands ready to expand the digital SLR camera market.  Designed for a broad range of customers, from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 allows photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera system, or to begin building a system that will bring ongoing enjoyment in the future.

The D70 employs the popular Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design. This maintains seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses while allowing photographers to take full advantage of high quality DX Nikkor lenses, designed exclusively for Nikon’s D-series digital SLR cameras and optimised to achieve outstanding centre-to-edge-to-corner image quality. Developed concurrently as a perfect match for daily use with the D70 and compatible with all Nikon D-Series SLR models, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED combines top performance and outstanding value.

The D70 is ready to use the instant it is turned on. The 5-area autofocus system is fast and precise, and includes an AF-assist illuminator to help maximize performance even in dark shooting conditions. It can shoot a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk SDCHF256MB CompactFlash(tm) card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth.

Controls are located for easy access and smooth operation. Menus are presented clearly and in plain language on the large LCD monitor. All the camera’s systems have been optimised to deliver quick response. And, innovative new shooting options have been added to simplify the photographic process, whether controlled manually or via advanced automatic operation. Nikon’s seven new automated Digital Vari-Program selections accessed from the new Mode dial offer a combination of personal control and powerful automatic operation that helps achieve great results under even the most complex shooting conditions. 

Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. ensure full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. for great fill flash effects. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically across the same range of settings to maximize available light.

A new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor featuring wider dynamic range and a higher signal to noise ratio produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details suited for making large prints, or for cropping for creative detail.

The D70’s advanced System LSI processor is programmed for next generation performance to produce the finest in vivid colours and clarity, while maximizing the speed of file compression, memory buffer handling, simultaneous recording of JPEG and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, and near-instant LCD image display.

Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Colour Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel sensor assures accurate auto TTL white balance. Six different manual white balance modes, preset white balance, and white balance bracketing are also available for full creative control. Exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation combine with auto exposure bracketing to further aid in achieving the perfect shot.

The rechargeable high-energy EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery that earned high acclaim in the D100 delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 images(1) on a single charge.  The D70 also comes with a battery holder, which lets you use disposable batteries as well, should the need or desire arise.

Diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB interface for easy connectivity or direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer, and a bevy of other features packed into the lightest and most compact Nikon digital SLR camera to date make the D70 the best performing camera in its class.

The estimated retail price of the D70 body is ?799.99
The estimated RRP for the D70 Kit is ?999.99
The camera will be available from April / March

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras.

With a practical wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of 18mm to 70mm, it offers the analogue 135 format equivalent to 27-105mm for general photography with Nikon D series digital SLRs.  It also enables anyone to start shooting digital SLR photography, irrespective of the current camera system they might own.

This is the first lens of its class to be offered in DX format, enabling a wide focal length range ratio. It effectively upgrades two existing AF Nikkors - it is smaller, lighter and more versatile than the existing AF 28-105 while offering a greater zoom range than the similarly sized AF 18-35.

The DX 18-70mm incorporates three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and colour fringing, and aspherical elements to spread the light intensity evenly across the image circle with minimal distortion. The new lens continues the trend of G-type lens without aperture ring to offer precise 1/3 step aperture control via the camera body.

The AF-S DX 18-70mm lens incorporates Nikon’s exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast and quiet auto focus performance, whilst internal focus technology maintains lens size and balance.       

The lens is available either in kit form with the D70, or separately, for users of all Nikon D series cameras that share the DX Format sensor standard. 

The estimated RRP for the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is ?299.99

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon COOLPIX 8700—A new flagship for the Nikon COOLPIX series with 8.0 effective megapixels and an 8x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 8700 Digital Camera.

With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the lineup?s newest flagship model. It delivers unmatched image quality—a hallmark of all Nikon products—and offers an advanced ergonomic design which greatly enhances operational ease and comfort.

The camera primarily targets users who already explore advanced forms of photographic expression, but are unsatisfied with current compact digital cameras. The COOLPIX 8700 meets their demands, especially those that require state-of-the-art image quality, higher zoom power and even greater portability and ease of use. Anyone in search of an extremely versatile, high-quality digital still camera will find the COOLPIX 8700 loaded with possibilities.

The COOLPIX 8700 carries an astonishing 8.0 effective megapixels for ultrahigh-definition photography. The clarity of your images is ensured by the professional-quality 8x Zoom-Nikkor lens. With its 8.9 - 71.2mm focal range (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] camera format), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and give you clear and crisp image reproduction. In addition, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the new high-definition CCD image sensor make the most the incredible optical performance. The result is remarkably clear, natural images with unparalleled detail and contrast. The basic performance of the COOLPIX 8700 has also improved. This includes faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light.

The camera incorporates four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8700 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX features 12 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera is able to automatically adjust the focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.

The COOLPIX 8700 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These are often crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. To help ensure that you don?t miss those unexpected or fleeting moments, the COOLPIX 8700 also has a 5 shot buffer mode. Versatility is further enhanced by handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio and the Time-lapse movie mode, which is ideal for observational recording.

The newest member of the COOLPIX family comes equipped with a large, Vari-angle LCD monitor for increased visibility—even during bright daylight. Moreover, the improved high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and a clearer images. And the compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting.

New Framing guides on the LCD monitor offer an optional means of achieving ideal composition, and the new real-time histogram display lets you select the best exposure value while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 also offers RAW data image mode.

The COOLPIX 8700 comes loaded with all the essential accessories: a battery and charger, an A/V cable, a USB cable and the comprehensive Nikon View software package. The camera is also compatible with a host of optional accessories, including wideangle, telephoto and fisheye converters. It can also be fitted with a Lens Hood that uses lens filters. In addition, the COOLPIX 8700?s accessory shoe accommodates a number of Nikon?s external Speedlights.

This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8700 a truly special achievement in digital photography.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the Coolwalker MSV-01; a 30GB portable image storage device for the organisation of digital images.

The Nikon Coolwalker is a stylish and powerful storage device that offers an invaluable solution to the organisation of thousands of large resolution image files of all formats produced by today’s high-resolution digital cameras.

Featuring a large 2.5 inch TFT monitor and easy to use Menu the Coolwalker guides you through the process of efficient image management on the move, with practical PC-less options to share and print work later.

Compatible with all major image file formats (JPEG, TIFF) as well as NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) Raw files produced by Nikon Digital SLRs and certain Coolpix digital cameras and a variety of popular storage media formats. 

Transfer and organise your digital images
The Coolwalker has 30GB of storage capacity, translating to over 10.000 2MB* image files. *E.g. a typical 6Mp camera JPEG Fine. Images are transferred quickly via the Compact FlashTM 1 / II media slot to free up your camera media card to continue shooting in the field.  Optional adaptors are available for SD, MMC, SM and MS media formats as well. Images are automatically stored by date and folder creation is simple through the plain language Menu interface displayed on the large TFT monitor.

Browse and Save
The large 2.5 inch TFT monitor makes instant browsing of thumbnails in the field easy and conserves camera battery power for shooting pictures, rather than playing them back. Full image playback functions are offered such as Rotate, Zoom, Histogram and EXIF shooting data displayed.  The large screen and Nikon’s ergonomic four-way Multi selector style pad makes delete, move, copy, rename operations easy, supported by a straightforward 5 language Menu: En, De, Fr, Es, Jp.

Share images
Once your output is organised into an extensive mobile photo album, images are easy to share with family, friends or colleagues without the need of a PC. Just connect the Nikon Coolwalker to a TV or projector (PAL/NTSC), using the included remote control and present your slide show playback. 

Print direct (PictBridgeTM compatible)
It also enables a PC-less solution for printing your images. Just plug the Coolwalker in to any PictBridge(tm) compatible printer for PC-free printing.

Long Life Battery
The Coolwalker can operate for up to two hours, due to the powerful rechargeable Lithium Polymer Nikon EN-EL6 battery and charger/AC adaptor (included). 

Freedom to move around
The Nikon Coolwalker is a complete solution for anyone who enjoys digital photography but risks getting lost in the organisation and archiving of their work. Internal shock absorbers protect the hard disk in the field and in the office, providing a safe secure location for your precious digital image archive.

Hans Gaarlandt, Marketing Executive Prosumer Film and Digital products says: “Extensive research tells us that customers are rapidly embracing the benefits of digital photography, but losing their way when it comes to organising them for sharing later. Everyone wants to be taking pictures instead of filing and captioning them! But the most pleasure from your digital photography comes in sharing them quickly and easily, instead of browsing around folders on your PC screen.

The Nikon Coolwalker combines two major benefits for the digital camera user: it frees up your expensive CF card capacity, say, on holiday or a business trip, without the need for a PC.  Once you return home, you can view your digital photo album with family, friends or colleagues using the simplest viewing medium of them all, television”.

Estimated recommended retail price ?399.99

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon are pleased to announce the new SB-600 speedlight - the latest member of the Creative Lighting System.

The perfect i-TTL flash partner for the new Nikon D70 digital SLR, the SB-600 offers increased opportunities for creative flash photography when using zoom lenses, off camera or in wireless multiple flash arrangements.

Featuring a powerful GN of 30 (35mm at ISO 100), full directional bounce flexibility and an easy to use LCD display, the SB-600 offers an effective solution for anyone who is seeking a lightweight, compact but powerful lighting solution for their digital photography.

I-TTL
The SB-600, similar to the SB-800, features Nikon’s new i-TTL Balanced Fill Flash technology, compatible with both the new Nikon D70 and the professional Nikon D2H. I-TTL uses two powerful monitor pre-flashes to enable accurate flash exposures, especially in bright lighting conditions.  For the first time, the Nikon D70’s 1005-pixel Matrix Metering sensor is used instead of a separate 5-segment Balanced Fill flash sensor found in previous Nikon SLR cameras.

Multiple Wireless Flash
Groups of SB-600 can also be included in the Nikon Creative Lighting System of completely automatic I-TTL Multiple wireless flash arrangements for a quick and easy studio lighting on the move. When set up as a Remote flash, groups are wirelessly controlled by using the exclusive new ‘Commander’ function of the Nikon D70. This function offers wireless control in either TTL, AA or Manual modes, set via the camera menu. The D70 pop up flash uses Nikon’s Advanced Data Communication method of coded pulses of flash output to transmit a variety of flash mode instructions to Remote flash. After exposure the SB-600’s beep confirms firing. 

Zoom and Output control steps
The SB-600 has a focal length zoom range from 24,28,35,50,75,80mm and 14mm with the fold down diffuser that covers the most popular lens focal lengths. Manual output control ranges from Full Power to 1/2; 1/4; 1/8; 1/16; 1/32 and 1/64 with 1/3 EV steps. 

The SB-600 also features wide AF area illumination for the latest 11-Area Multi-CAM2000 AF system, Modeling flash triggered from camera, Auto FP High Speed Sync, FV Lock and Flash Colour Communication. 

The SB-600 is a fully powerful and featured Speedlight that offers excellent handling balance when used with compact digital SLR’s such as the Nikon D70 and Nikon D100, especially when using short telephoto lenses.  The SB-600 also comes complete with AS-19 Speedlight stand, and soft case SS-600. Available from May.  Estimated RRP is ?229.99.

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon has announced the new software application entitled “Picture Project”, which is based on information gathered during a worldwide study into customer expectations and requirements.

Everything in ten minutes
Picture Project has been designed so that users will feel totally at ease with the software in under ten minutes. It addresses the core need to organise, edit and use the many images that digital camera owners create, presenting them in a series of easy to access Collections that free the user from the need to understand a computer hard disk.

Picture Project includes a number of useful functions to enhance digital images that rely on the proprietary image-processing knowledge of Nikon specialists, presented in easy-to-understand tools such as “colour boost” and “auto enhance”.

Future Expandability
Picture Project can be enhanced by the purchase of third-party plug-in software, which add darkroom and optical filter effects as well as image enhancements that are only possible by digital manipulation.

The first filters to be available have been created by Nik Multimedia and follow on from their acclaimed set of digital filters for Adobe Photoshop. Nikon UK already offers a limited set of Nik Multimedia filters as a free-of-charge bonus to customers who register their products for the Fotoshare service.

Portfolio
With the announcement of Picture Project, Nikon has signalled an intention to expand its’ software portfolio, delivering a compelling mix of value-enhancing complimentary software with every Nikon digital product supported by a catalogue of higher-function products.

Olympus UK Press Release 28/01/04

To accompany the launch of the new C-5060 WZ digital camera, Olympus has announced a range of new accessories especially designed for the camera.  The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom, the widest currently available on the market today.  It is also one of the fastest digital cameras with a start-up time of just 3 seconds and a release time lag of 0.4 seconds.
     
For those sweeping landscape shots, the C-5060 WZ wide-angle conversion lens reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.7x (taking the zoom range to 19mm) without requiring the aperture to be changed. Furthermore a tele converter lens increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7x (taking the zoom range to 187mm) and a macro conversion lens enables you to get up close and capture finer details.

These C-5060 WZ conversion lenses are the first to feature a bayonet mount and can be quickly attached to the camera via a new CLA-7 conversion lens adapter.  Olympus also offers three different filters that may be screwed to the front of the C-5060 WZ?s lens. A UV filter and polarising filter both optimise the creative possibilities of the camera, and a protective filter prevents the camera?s lens from being smudged or scratched.

The C-5060 WZ is compatible with a power battery holder [B-HLD20] and rechargeable batteries [PS-BLM1] which provide considerably more power, permitting longer shooting sessions. The power battery holder features an additional shutter release button plus zoom lever with lock function to allow comfortable vertical-portrait framing. The rechargeable PS-BLM1 batteries deliver an impressive performance of 1500 mAh and take just 120 minutes to recharge.

DCViews have published their review of one of the more popular consumer digicams, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A80, which sells for around $399.

“We have found this Canon A80 to be a very versatile camera. This was largely due to the wide range of manual exposure modes, which made it possible to use our creativity to the full. It offers excellent image quality at an affordable price. The swivelling LCD monitor is a nice enhancement, which makes it ideal for capturing candid shots, while the two custom exposure modes allow you to save your favourite settings to be available at the turn of a button without the need to consult the camera menu.”

Website: DCViews - Canon Powershot A80 Review

The Turkish website DigiNorm have posted their review of the 8-megapixel Sony Cybershot DSC-F828 digital compact camera.

Website: DigiNorm - Sony DSC-F828 Review

Imaging Resource have taken a break from reviewing digital cameras by taking a look at the Zenon MagneFlash 57Plus flash unit. This is a specialized flash that “is ideal for illuminating objects photographed at close range, especially highly reflective objects.”

“The Zenon MagneFlash line is nearly, nearly, nearly the simple solution we’ve wanted. Our only reservation, really, is that it isn’t designed to light up a room of family and friends at a party. But it’s wonderful for macro shots and portraits and it plays very, very well with all sorts of digicams. So let’s take a look.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Zenon MagneFlash 57Plus Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the new iLife ‘04 software for the Apple Mac. Is is worth upgrading, and is it actually all that easy to do so? Find out in this review…

“Well, an upgrade is an upgrade. Our little trials and tribulations express our disappointment in how this one flies, certainly, but we’d rather be using the new versions than the old versions, just as a matter of policy (since it lets us install the inevitable updates).

We’d just rather be using them for free in the case of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and iTunes. We can live without GarageBand, which is certainly worth $49. But it’s a different kind of iLife (or it would have been called iCaramba).”

Website: Imaging Resource - Apple iLife ‘04 Review

Breeze Systems Press Release 27/01/04

27th January, 2004: Breeze Systems today announced another innovative product for users of Canon?s Digital SLR cameras (EOS-1DS, EOS-1D, 10D, Digital REBEL,  300D). Professionals can now use Breeze Systems highly regarded software to control the EOS-1DS and EOS-1D as well as Canon?s midrange DSLR cameras.

Use DSLR Remote Pro to
- See large high quality previews of shots on your PC within seconds
- Gain unrivalled control of settings for Canon cameras during tethered operation
- Enable tethered operation of the camera from a distance
- Store images directly onto the hard disk of a PC ready for onward transmission (e.g. by FTP to a picture desk)
- Automate addition of IPTC data to images as they are downloaded
- Enable customers to view pictures while you continue shooting
- Preview images in black and white or color

Use the large preview image to display
- Flashing highlights to indicate over-exposed areas
- Grid overlay to assist accurate alignment
- Black and white
- Focus point overlay

DSLR Remote Pro has been developed by Chris Breeze, who has established a worldwide reputation for digital camera software (including BreezeBrowser, Downloader Pro,10DRemote, PSRemote, D30Remote) over several years. DSLR Remote Pro is available from Breeze Systems website at an introductory price of US$129.

DSLR Remote Pro runs on Windows and is available on a 15 day free trial from Breeze Systems website - http://www.breezesys.com

After 2 weeks and 2 days, my PC is finally up and running again, just in time for PMA in February :-) It turned out to be a faulty motherboard - buying a replacement on eBay for £18 and swapping it for the old one has fixed the problem (which you may recall was a complete system shutdown, 10-30 seconds after booting-up). During that 2 week period I’ve managed to answer emails and keep the site updated, but I haven’t been able to do any reviews etc. So expect to see some new stuff in early February. 2 weeks without a PC was not a great experience and something that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy…not that I have any enemies, at least to the best of my knowledge, but you get the idea :-)

Hardware Zone have published a detailed review of the 4 megapixel Pentax Optio S4 digital camera, an ultracompact model which is small enough to fit inside an empty Altoids tin.

“For some time now, we have been witnessing the decrease in size of ultra-compact cameras within the digital realm. With the arrival of the Pentax Optio S, and now the Pentax Optio S4, the meaning of the word ?ultra-compact? has been totally redefined. The whole camera is so puny, it manages to fit neatly inside an empty Altoids tin can (similar in size to a Strepsils tin can), making for an inexpensive hard camera case if you fancy that idea. Though small on size, it is certainly not meager in features as you will find out in this review.”

Website: Hardware Zone - Pentax Optio S4 Review

In his latest article Michael Reichmann reminds us all to immerse ourselves in the moment and take a proactive approach to photography, backed up by some great images taken with the Sony DSC-F828 digicam.

“As I photographed I noticed another photographer working the scene. Like me he walked around the pier area taking his photographs. Once the sun had risen and it was time to head back to the hotel for coffee our paths crossed and we chatted for a few minutes. I’d noticed that he’d not been shooting very much, and so I asked him how he’d made out. “Not great,” he said. “I only took a few shots because not much was happening.”

During the 60 minutes that I’d been out shooting I had taken 130 frames.”

Website: Luminous Landscape: Telling The Story

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Fuji FinePix A210 Zoom digital camera. The A210 has 3.2 million megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. It retails for $279.99.

“Fuji FinePix digicams have always been associated with good image quality and color, with solid performance even at the lower-end of the line. With a 3.2-megapixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens, the A210 offers the same great point-and-shoot convenience as the earlier A200 model, but with greater flexibility. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level model, offering good resolution and an optical zoom lens at an exceptional price.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fujifilm FinePix A210 Review