One of the Lowest Priced 4 Megapixel Optical Zoom Digital Cameras on the Market
Featuring AVI Video at 30 Frames per Second for Mini-Movies

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—(CES BOOTH: SOUTH HALL 3-4, FLASH FORWARD# FF-1A)—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq: LENS - News), a leader in high-quality low-priced digital cameras, today announced at CES shipment of their new 4 Megapixel 3x optical zoom point & shoot digital camera, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z. With a suggested retail price of $199, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z delivers exceptional price/performance.

Targeted at cost-conscious consumers who want a high quality, high resolution digital camera at a low-cost, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z features a 4 Megapixel CCD sensor, advanced optics, a 3x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom (18x total zoom), exposure control and 30 frames per second AVI video.

First time digital photographers will find taking great shots simple with the built-in automatic features, while more advanced users will find that the user-friendly interface allows easy and intuitive access to more sophisticated photographic controls, such as exposure and white balance control.

Capturing AVI video at 30 frames per second, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z stands far above other digital cameras on the market that offer just 15-16 frames per second. At 30 frames per second, mini-movies will look more real and exciting. Video length is determined by the capacity of the SD card and can then be replayed on your TV for the whole family to see with the included video out cable.

To save consumers the expense of buying batteries, the Concord Eye-Q 4360z includes two rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, a four battery charger and a power meter which continuously displays battery-life on the 1.5” TFT LCD screen indicating when to change batteries.

SanDisk Corporation Press Release 08/01/04

SanDisk Leads In Capacity By Designing And Manufacturing Memory Card Format Pioneered By Sony and SanDisk

January 2004 (Newstream)—SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today introduced a 2 gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Memory Stick? PRO?, the highest capacity available in this card format. SanDisk also introduced the first Memory Stick PRO Duo cards that it has designed and manufactured. The new cards were introduced at a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #23062, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

Sony and SanDisk jointly pioneered Memory Stick PRO to meet the growing consumer need for high performance and high capacity flash cards for a wide variety of digital devices including digital cameras, camcorders and PDAs. These new cards are manufactured by and include advanced technology from SanDisk to assure optimal performance and large capacities at very competitive prices. SanDisk meets or exceeds all Memory Stick PRO specifications and performs extensive testing to guarantee compatibility.

“SanDisk has dramatically extended its commitment to the Memory Stick flash card format by upping our investment in design, manufacturing, technology and the channel to rapidly grow the market,” said Nelson Chan, senior vice president and general manager of SanDisk’s retail business unit. “The company has leveraged its expertise to deliver new Memory Stick PRO and PRO Duo cards at competitive prices in line with other industry-standard card formats such as the SD card. Through this renewed focus on the Memory Stick card format, we intend to deliver the best overall price/performance and value to our customers.”

SanDisk Corporation Press Release 08/01/04

Growing Need for Portable Storage to Transfer Digital Images, Music, Video and Data Fuels Demand for Larger Capacities; Two New Capacities Expand Cruzer Mini Line

January 2004 (Newstream)—SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced a 512 megabyte (MB) and 1-gigabyte (GB) version of the CruzerTM Mini, an embedded USB 2.0 hi-speed “key chain” flash drive. With the 1GB Cruzer Mini, consumers can transport up to 30 hours of digitally compressed music, more than 5 hours of MPEG-4 compressed video or more than 1000 high-resolution digital images.

The 512 and 1GB Cruzer Mini drives are part of SanDisk’s most popular family of USB drives including the new Cruzer Titanium, an incredibly rugged and stylish flash drive with a titanium-coated flash drive case, and the new Cruzer Micro, an extremely small form factor that is approximately half the size of Cruzer Mini and expandable with an available MP3 Companion accessory. SanDisk introduced its family of Cruzer flash drives in a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #23062, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

“USB flash drives are now a ‘must-have’ item as consumers use them to transport and easily access personal computer data files, image files or video and audio between home, office, school and other locations,” said Eric Bone, retail product marketing manager at SanDisk. “With up to 1GB of storage capacity, USB 2.0 accessibility and a sleek design, the Cruzer Mini is the ideal personal storage device for work, school and personal use.”

SanDisk Corporation Press Release 08/01/04

Cruzer Micro Adds To SanDisk’s Reputation As The Company With The Most Innovative Line Of USB Storage Drives In The Industry

January 2004 (Newstream)—SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced Cruzer? Micro, one of the world’s smallest USB 2.0 hi-speed flash memory storage drives, and the Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion which provides MP3 player functionality when connected with the Cruzer Micro USB flash drive. Cruzer Micro and other new additions to the Cruzer USB storage drive product family were introduced at a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #23062, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

The Cruzer Micro is very small, with a size roughly equivalent to half a stick of chewing gum. Another great feature of the Cruzer Micro is that it can be upgraded to become an MP3 player simply by sliding it into the Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion. With the Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Micro MP3 Companion, users can carry their important files and favorite songs on their keychain and simply attach the MP3 Companion when they want to enjoy music. The two items will be sold separately.

Eric Bone, SanDisk Cruzer retail product line marketing manager, said, “A small-size USB flash drive is a big priority for many of our customers. And you don’t have to sacrifice storage capacity with this tiny drive because we are initially selling three different capacities - 128, 256 or 512 megabytes (MB). With its stylish design and miniaturization the first word that comes to mind for most consumers is “cool”. Besides storing your music, Cruzer Micro also can be used to transport data files, images or video between home, office, school and other locations.”

Bone added, “It is quite exciting for the USB flash drive market to have a stand alone device such as the Cruzer Micro that can be expanded with the addition of the MP3 player. We think that this combination will give consumers an excellent value.”

SanDisk Corporation Press Release 08/01/04

Cruzer Titanium Has Style, Extraordinary Mechanical Strength And Great Speed
January 2004 (Newstream)—SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced CruzerTM Titanium, a sleek, stylish and mechanically virtually indestructible*, portable USB flash storage drive that can withstand harsh working environments and operating conditions and physically protect the valuable data of business and power users. Cruzer Titanium, a USB 2.0 hi-speed flash drive, is one of the fastest USB type 2.0 flash drives on the market with a write speed rating of 13 megabytes (MB) per second and a read speed of 15MB per second. Cruzer Titanium, along with an expanded portfolio of new Cruzer USB storage drives, was launched at a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Booth #23062, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

The new flash drive’s titanium-coated metal casing is hardened to provide extra protection against the inevitable rough handling encountered in a typical workday. Cruzer Titanium will start shipping to stores this month and has a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 512MB version. Higher capacities are planned for future introduction.

Eric Bone, SanDisk Cruzer retail product line marketing manager, said, “Cruzer Titanium is the flagship product in our USB drive line and, we believe it is the premier USB flash drive on the market today. This is easily the most durable and rugged USB flash storage device on the market with construction similar to that found in aircraft and medical instruments. Many other USB flash drives are made out of plastic, and consumers have found that some of these drives can break rather easily.”

Bone also noted “the increased speed of Cruzer Titanium ties in perfectly with the need expressed by many consumers for more storage capacity in USB type 2.0 drives. Many USB drive owners, especially business people, carry numerous, large files on the devices and they need a high-speed drive to quickly and efficiently move their data. You get this high performance when you have a Cruzer Titanium and a PC or Mac that has hi-speed USB 2.0 connectivity.”

Picture Services Network Press Release 07/01/04

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—The Picture Services Network (PSN), a subsidiary of the leading global association for the imaging industry, I3A, has launched a service to enable digital photograpy users to quickly and easily locate and connect to digital imaging service providers nearby or wherever it’s most convenient - with any camera, through any Web browser, to any photofinisher participating in PSN.

PSN is the heart of the CPXe specification suite developed by I3A’s Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe) initiative, which delivered Version 1.0 in February 2003 and has just begun working on Version 2.0. Based on a Web Services framework, the CPXe specification comprises open standards for the exchange of digital images and photo services orders via the Internet.

By incorporating CPXe, photographic device and software vendors give their customers easy connection to a range of digital photography services. PSN’s private UDDI-based Directory Service allows any CPXe-compliant application to present consumers with a list of participating service providers. PSN thus enables digital camera users worldwide to quickly and easily locate digital imaging service providers near them, or wherever it may be convenient for them to purchase available services, such as near a friend’s or relatives’ home.

For example, a digital camera user in rural Vermont, where a winter storm has closed the roads, could take pictures of Baby’s first birthday party, then use PSN to locate a suitable CPXe-compliant photofinishing service in Los Angeles. The retailer will receive her images and order information, then create a keepsake for the Baby’s grandparents, or simply a set of prints made in one hour, for pick up near their home in Century City.

Veo Press Release 08/01/04

SAN JOSE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 8, 2004—Veo, a leading provider of digital imaging products, today introduced a 1.3 megapixel camera designed to utilize Secure Digital IO(TM)(SDIO) card slots on select Tungsten(TM) handheld devices from palmOne, Inc. The Photo Traveler 130S(TM) is equipped with a true 1.3 megapixel sensor and standardized JPEG encoding, which allows users to easily transfer photos between devices or print 3"x5” photos directly from their handheld.

“With the release of our Photo Traveler 130S for Pocket PC, we were inundated with supporters who wanted the same great technology for the Palm OS platform,” said Tim Martin, Veo vice president. “We listened to our customers and today’s announcement answers all of those requests.”

The Photo Traveler 130S, priced at $99.99, will be available at major retailers in early February. The camera features an adjustable lens providing users with the flexibility of focusing on close or far away objects with crisp definition. Like the previous Compact Flash version of the Photo Traveler, the 130S can easily capture video clips, but takes the feature a step further by adding advanced audio/ video synchronization into the ASIC. The new 130S lens design now moves in a vertical orientation and features a “+10 design” to add additional degrees of freedom to the 180 degree swivel lens, making it more natural for users during self portrait and downward shots.

Actiontec Introduces the First Wireless Digital Media Player With Eight-In-One Reader for Portable Memory Cards

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 8, 2004—Brings Digital Music, Movie & Photos from PCs and Memory Cards to TVs and Stereos Without Wires  

Actiontec Electronics today announced the Actiontec Wireless Digital Media Player with Built-in Card Reader, the first product in its class that enables consumers to play digital images and music on their TVs and stereos from any of the eight major portable memory card formats used in digital cameras, digital camcorders and MP3 players. The VCR-sized appliance also wirelessly links computers to home entertainment centers for big-screen and big-speaker enjoyment of PC-based content ranging from downloaded music and movies to Internet radio.

With the player’s built-in card reader, users can insert any CompactFlash Type I or Type II, IBM Microdrive, MS Pro, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, MultiMedia or Secure Digital card into the machine, and the contents will play on the designated TV or stereo. As a result, digital home movies, digital camera photos and other images stored on the cards can be shared with friends and family from the comfort of the couch without first downloading them to a PC, and portable music files can be heard on the biggest sound system in the house.

In addition, digital music files housed on a PC can be played on the family stereo in their full audio glory without transferring them to CD, and Internet radio can be piped through the home stereo system instead of trapped in minuscule computer speakers. Users can also watch digital video from a family vacation or a child’s birthday party on the TV screen without converting it to videotape, view downloaded Internet movies without sitting in front of their PCs, and surf the Web using the television as their monitor.

Western Digital Corp. Press Release 08/01/04

Western Digital’s Media Center combines external hard drive with media readers

Western Digital Corp., Lake Forrest, Calif., USA, introduced its Media Center storage peripheral, combining a 250 GB WD Caviar SE hard drive, an 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub and the company’s Dual-option Backup feature in one external storage device. Western Digital says its Media Center is the only storage peripheral that provides consumers with all-in-one functionality and an easier way to download and store files from a variety of digital accessories.

Western Digital’s Dual-option Backup system gives consumers the option to back up data either automatically or on-demand. Using an easy set-up wizard, users can schedule a recurring backup; a button glows blue to confirm that files will be backed up automatically. The Media Center and new external drives with Dual-option Backup are also capable of backing up data from multiple sources for consumers who have a number of drives and/or PCs and notebooks.

Combining external storage with a built-in card reader for space-saving convenience and easier downloading at the touch of a button, the Media Center is compatible with 8 major media card formats, including CompactFlash Type I and II, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMedia Card and SD Card.

  Western Digital’s Media Center and new USB/FireWire external hard drives with Dual-option Backup are expected to be available this month through Western Digital’s retailers, distributors and the company’s online store. Suggested retail price for Western Digital’s Media Center 250 GB is US$399; suggested retail price for external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup 250 GB is US$349.

Pentax have released a firmware update for the *ist D digital SLR camera. These are the changes:

- You can use the HyM (hyper manual) function when your lens aperture ring is set to a position other than the “A” position.
- You can use EV compensation in the M (manual) mode.
- If you are using the auto bracketing mode and the camera automatically powers down after a period of inactivity, the auto bracketing mode will not be cancelled.
Note that turning off your camera normally will cancel the auto bracketing mode. This enhancement only applies when the *istD engages its auto-power-off function.
- The file format and file system of the *istD are compatible with the EXIF 2.21 and the DCF 2.0 standards.
When you set [Color Space] in the *istD custom function menu to [Adobe RGB], your TIFF and JPEG image file names will change from “IMGPxxxx” to “_IGPxxxx” where “xxxx” is a 4 digit numeral.

Website: Pentax USA

Picasa, Inc. Press Release 08/01/04

Digital Photos Can Now Be Displayed on the Living Room Television, Offering a Comfortable Way to View Slideshows that Friends and Family will Enjoy

Las Vegas, NV (Consumer Electronics Show) ?- January 8,  2004- Picasa, Inc.(tm),  the leading developer of software which enables photographers to effortlessly organize, manage and share digital photos, announced today it has added new functionality to its service to allow compatibility with the TiVo Series2TM DVR and TiVo’s Home Media OptionTM. Now enjoying your Picasa digital photo collection on the family room television is easy .

Digital pictures can be transformed into a home entertainment venue for Picasa users who also subscribe to the TiVo Home Media Option. Once a member downloads the TiVo Desktop software application at www.tivo.com,  select your favorite photos in Picasa and click the ‘Export to TiVo Series2 DVR’  button to enjoy high resolution digital details on your big-screen TV. 

“Picasa is committed to delivering its customers a variety of platforms that allow them to share and show their favorite photographs,” said Lars Perkins, CEO of Picasa. “The simplicity and control that are the hallmarks of TiVo now extend to the home network, making it fun and easy to enjoy digital photos stored on Picasa on the television in the family room rather than crowding around a PC monitor.”

In an effort to stem the flow of Consumer Electronics Show news, here are 3 photos taken at the end of 2003 in my girlfriend’s parent’s backgarden. Proof that you don’t need to venture far to find something to photograph, especially when you’re armed with a macro lens.

View more Winter photos

Konica Minolta Press Release 08/01/04

New Dynax 60: The SLR choice for families and enthusiasts alike

Langenhagen, January 8th, 2004

Konica Minolta helps users discover the joy and fun of SLR photography with the new Dynax 60, a camera that offers the sharpest, clearest, and best images in the world of visual arts. Nothing beats an SLR camera for families who want to have fun while learning about photography. And in terms of price, functionality, quality, and reliability, nothing can touch the new Dynax 60 from Konica Minolta.

Both novices and enthusiasts will appreciate features like Wide Center-Cross 9-Point AF Sensor for increased focusing confidence, Multi-dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Direct Manual Focus for fine-tuning focusing, and a continuous advance speed of 3 frames per second(1). All features are accessible to beginners as well as photography veterans, so everyone can shoot like a pro.

The Dynax 60 from Konica Minolta lets users experience what taking pictures is all about in a camera that brings back the thrill of SLR photography.

The new Dynax 60 builds on the sound foundations of successful previous series, complementing proven ease-of-use and superior functionality with a wealth of additional features to satisfy even the most demanding users.

It also boasts beauty and functionality. The metallic casing is a reflection of SLR reliability and robustness. The critical control areas of the camera, such as the mode / function dials and front grip, are coated in rubber and finished to minute detail, so you can move and take pictures quickly with complete confidence of control.

In the end, though, the Dynax 60 is all about joy-the joy of owning and using a high-spec SLR camera that offers easy-to-use fun and memories for the family and a whole new level of advanced functionality for enthusiasts.

Konica Minolta Press Release 08/01/04

New Dynax 40 perfect results every time

Langenhagen, January 8th, 2004

Konica Minolta has accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done-combined the high image quality of SLR photography with unbeatable cost performance. Introducing the Minolta Dynax 40.

Ideal for those family pictures when everything has to be perfect and crystal-clear, the Dynax 40 is an easy-to-use SLR camera with unbeatable cost performance. The natural successor to the best-selling previous models, the Dynax 40 continues Minolta’s tradition of high-image-quality SLR photography.

After admiring the striking design, users of all levels with appreciate features like Wide 3-Point 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.

The International CES show in Las Vegas, USA, has started now and already there have been a number of new photography-related products announced, including:

Digital Cameras
- Kodak Easyshare LS743 and LS753
- Casio QV-R51
- Olympus C-760 Ultra Zoom
- Nikon Coolpix 3200 and 2200
- Panasonic Lumix Lineup

Film Scanner
- Konica Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV

Multifunction Printer
- Canon MultiPASS MP390

No doubt there will be many more announcements before the end of the show, so make sure that you visit PhotographyBLOG to keep up with all the news.

Kodak Press Release 08/01/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 Digital Cameras Combine Sophisticated Style and Innovation to Expand Picture Sharing

Models Offer Stunning Image Quality with New Favorites Feature for Instant Sharing

LAS VEGAS, January 8 ? Eastman Kodak Company today announced two stylish additions to its EASYSHARE digital photography system, the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 zoom digital cameras. Both combine compact design, enhanced sharing features, superb image quality and ease of use to help people capture and enjoy those moments that make life enjoyable, whether at a birthday party or the ballet.

The cameras - whose sleek aluminum bodies are the size of a small mobile phone ? integrate Kodak’s new ‘camera favorites’ feature. With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, people can put pictures into the cameras’ digital photo album for later viewing or printing. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the cameras’ large, 1.8-inch high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screens. The Share button also allows individuals to immediately select photos for printing and even e-mailing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored in the cameras’ memory.

Both the KODAK EASYSHARE LS743 and LS753 cameras feature a new, professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 2.8X compact optical zoom lens and the new KODAK Color Science image processing chip for phenomenal image quality with rich color, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure. The LS743 camera boasts 4 megapixel (MP) resolution and 16 megabytes (MB) of internal memory, allowing for rich detail as well as the ability to enlarge photos up to 20 x 30 inches. The LS753 camera goes one step further with 5 MP resolution and 32 MB of internal memory.

Casio Press Release 08/01/04

January 8th 2004 ? CASIO Electronics Co. Ltd, today announced the latest addition to its popular QV compact digital camera series, the new 5.0 megapixel QV-R51. Following the success of the QV-R3, the QV- R4 and most recently the R40, the new QV-R51 (as with all CASIO digital cameras) has been designed to be fast, stylish, compact and exceptionally easy to use.

CASIO continues to innovate in digital technology and has packed even more functionality than its previous compact digital cameras. Whilst retaining CASIO?s industry leading start-up time of just 1 second and an enviable 0.01 second shutter release lag time, the QV-R51 also features a large 2.0? LCD screen which enables easy viewing and editing of images.

The new QV-R51 features CASIO?s revolutionary Stack MCM*1 which radically improves the camera?s functionality and more importantly its battery life. The new Stack MCM technology reduces battery power consumption by up to 40%, thereby allowing the user to shoot as many as 900 photos (2 ? hours) on a single charge*2.

Other features include a 3x optical zoom, magnesium alloy body and CASIO?s easy to use BESTSHOT mode. With 21 pre-defined built in settings, users can take beautiful, clear shots in any lighting condition. Image quality is further enhanced by the camera?s unique noise reduction process, which helps users take even better images using the BESTSHOT modes. The QV-R51 also comes with a new seven point multi auto focus system ? increased from the five auto focus points in previous models ? for even easier, more accurate focusing.

In addition to the features that consumers have come to expect from CASIO digital cameras, the new QV-R51 also includes features such as ?Direct-On?, that lets you start the camera up in either record or play mode instantly. With all these features built into such a small camera, the new QV-R51 is likely to be one of 2004?s must have consumer gadgets. The new CASIO QV-R51 will be available in the UK from March 2004.

*1 Stack MCM (Multi-Chip Module): A technology that enables the mounting of high density chips on top of each other
*2 With the LCD switched off

Experience more action with the world’s smallest 10x zoom camera*

If you are looking for a 10x zoom, why not come to the founder of the ultra zoom range? Thanks to its longstanding experience, you may rely on Olympus for a lens that offers superior performance. The very bright (f2.8 - 3.7), high quality optical system comprises eleven elements arranged in seven groups and includes two aspherical lenses plus an ED element. These are normally only found in pro-level SLR cameras and significantly help reduce chromatic aberration. And this model is not only perfect for distant objects, but also lets you shoot from just 3cm away to create fascinating macro photos. With 3.2 million pixels, great quality prints are assured - even in sizes up to A4.

The camera’s optimised electronic viewfinder allows - unlike many optical viewfinders - precise framing of the shot and the resolution of 240,000 pixels means you enjoy a clear picture. Furthermore, so you don’t have to take your eye from the subject when shooting, all activated settings are displayed in the electronic viewfinder.

This model is versatile enough to match any user’s comfort level. In auto mode, it offers point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For those times when creative expression is desired, the aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual settings allow greater control.

But it is more than just a still image digital camera. The movie mode enables you to capture video with sound. For instance, you can record the winning goal being scored, accompanied by the jubilation of the crowd. The USB 2.0 AutoConnect interface ensures file transfer to the computer is now even quicker.

For newcomers as well as ambitious amateurs alike, the Olympus CAMEDIA C-760 Ultra Zoom gives the power of 10x zoom to even those with smaller budgets. The camera, which weighs just 280 grams, has the smallest and lightest 10x Ultra Zoom body ever*, so that you can take it virtually anywhere. Offering excellent image quality and a broad range of advanced features, it combines versatility and ease of use in one sleek package.

Main features
- 3.2 million pixels
- 10x optical zoom f2.8/3.7 (equiv. 42 - 420mm on 35mm camera) 
- Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Full Manual modes
- 4 scene programs (portrait, sports, night scene, landscape) 
- Super macro mode: shooting from as close as 3cm
- Movie recording function with sound
- 240,000 pixel electronic viewfinder
- USB 2.0
- PictBridge compatible

* as of December 2003

Nikon Press Release 07/01/04

Nikon(R) Announces Next Evolution of its Incredibly Successful Compact Digital Cameras With New Coolpix(R) 2200 and Coolpix 3200

Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Coolpix 3200 Place the Power Of Great Pictures In the Eager Hands Of Beginning Digital Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/—Gaining simplicity doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality.  Nikon Inc., the world leader in photography, and its new Nikon Coolpix 2200 and Nikon Coolpix 3200 compact digital cameras prove that ‘you can have it all’ in an affordable digital camera.  The latest additions to the award-winning Nikon Coolpix (http://www.nikoncoolpix.com) consumer line of products are both portable and capable, sharing a slim, new Coolpix body design, ultra-fast operation and a host of new and enhanced features to help digital snap-shooters get the best possible pictures out of their camera.
These exciting new Coolpix cameras build upon Nikon’s existing Scene Modes and Scene Assist features to deliver faster, better results without the hassle of haggling through menus and modes.

“The Coolpix 2200 and 3200 will resonate especially well for those looking for a small camera at a great price that’s really easy to use,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products for Nikon Inc. “Nikon’s heritage is in understanding picture quality, and these two new cameras make it easier than ever to take great quality images, anytime, anywhere.”

Panasonic Press Release 07/01/04

PANASONIC DEBUTS NEXT GENERATION LUMIX DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (January 7, 2004) ? Panasonic, the first consumer electronics company to feature world-renowned Leica DC lenses in its digital still cameras and camcorders, today announced its new Lumix digital camera line for 2004.

Representing the perfect balance of art and science, Lumix cameras seamlessly integrate superlative Leica optics with Panasonic?s unsurpassed digital electronics technology, allowing users to experience a new level of artistic expression while exploring a host of creative applications made possible by digital technology.

?The Lumix line has taken digital cameras to a new level of performance,? said Andrew Nelkin, Vice President of Panasonic?s Optical Group. ?Thanks to high-performance Leica DC lenses, and Panasonic?s unique image processing system, the Lumix cameras capture nuances unlike any other digital camera, and are capable of taking consecutive shots nearly as quickly as a motor-driven film camera.?