Kodak Defines the Future of Digital Picture Sharing at 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show

World’s Picture Leader Unveils New Mobile Imaging Enhancements, Digital Cameras and Concepts for Anytime, Anywhere Picture Sharing

Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled its vision for how consumers will take and interact with digital pictures, a day in the not-so-distant future when integrated, omnipresent digital imaging systems give people the ability to capture and share their life through pictures whenever or wherever they wish.

The demonstration at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show represents another advancement of the company’s digitally oriented strategy, announced in September. The products and services on display reinforce Kodak’s leadership in the increasingly popular digital imaging market.

Building upon the company’s renowned photography heritage and digital imaging innovations, Kodak is making picture sharing an anytime, anywhere activity. Kodak’s combined products and services provide the world’s only complete connection between picture taking, storing, organizing, sharing and printing—so that people can easily do more with their photos. The roster of new products, services, and concepts showcased at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (LVCC South Halls 3&4/Booth 22600) includes mobile imaging enhancements, digital cameras, wireless kiosks, television-based Ofoto access via WINDOWS Media Center, and NUVUE organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays.

Through the Lens(tm), Inc. Press Release 08/01/03

Huge Demand Drives Launch of Affordable, Comprehensive Digital Image Management Software - Serious Photographers Impressed With the ImageStore(tm)

[PR Newswire] PR Newswire via NewsEdge Corporation : PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/—Through the Lens(tm), Inc. (TTLSoftware), maker of high-performance digital image management and studio workflow solutions, today introduced ImageStore(tm), a single resource for the tools needed to simplify importing, organizing and backing up of digital images. Within the first 36 hours of announcing limited availability to a list of digital photography leaders on December 10, over 250 copies of ImageStore were sold, indicating that photographers are looking for a robust set of features that are simply not found in existing point solutions.

“We believe the number of sales we have seen in just one day reflects a pent-up demand for software that offers photographers a simplified workflow for managing their digital images,” explained Brad Turner, Chief Executive Officer, TTLSoftware. “ImageStore was driven by input from photographers who are grappling with day-to-day issues of image management. We are excited to solve major issues by providing them with the ability to automate the backup of all images, sort and search for images by any key word or category and use the same software regardless of camera chosen. The best part is that ImageStore costs about the same as purchasing and developing three rolls of film,” continued Turner.

Pretec Electronics Corp. Press Release 08/01/04

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 8, 2004—Pretec Electronics Corp., the 2nd company in the world offering CompactFlash memory card (CF) card since 1995, is demonstrating the world’s highest capacity 1GB MultiMediaCard (MMC) with write speed about 300% faster than the leading brand in the market today, at CES Pretec Booth # 71016 here at Las Vegas Convention Center.

DV-4200, the world’s 1st 2 mega-pixel DSC and MPEG4 tapeless digital camcorder with 30fps TV quality (http://www.pretec.com/PR/PR%20DV4200%20final.pdf), released by Pretec last year at PMA, bundled with 64MB MMC/SD card, can record up to 20 minutes of VHS quality video in MPEG4 format; with Pretec 1GB MMC card, consumers can record more than 5 hours of MPEG4 video, sufficient for even pro-users. The rugged, small size, reliable, fast and high capacity Pretec 1GB MMC, combined with very low power consumption nature, makes it perfect to be used as the preferred storage device for the ever-increasing IA devices such as MP3 players, DSC, digital camcorders, mobile phones and other portable devices.

The open and membership-driven standard, no royalties, and easily available specification policy makes MMC one of the fastest growing small form factor memory card in the industry. Compatible with most Secure Digital (SD) slots used by mobile phones, digital cameras, and other portable digital devices, MMC is the most popular memory card in the world today. With version 4.0 coming soon from MMCA (http://www.mmca.org/), the new generation MMC 4.0 will have the capability to be up to 800% faster than the current version of MMC.

Pretec has been consistently demonstrated the highest capacity CF card in the world from 64MB (10/1998) to 6GB (3/2003), with higher capacity to be announced soon. Pretec 1GB MMC is sampling to customers now, and will be available to the retail channels by the end of Q1/2004. The new generation of Pretec MMC 4.0 card will have dual voltage feature (3V/1.8V) and the transfer speed is expected to be at least 200% faster than the highest speed of any SD card today; engineering samples are scheduled to be demonstrated by Q2/2004.

About Pretec
Pretec(TM) Electronics Corp. (http://www.pretec.com) offers a complete spectrum of small form factor memory cards and card readers such as ATA/CF card, IDE & Mini-IDE Flash Drive (MIDE(TM)), SmartMedia(TM), MultiMedia Card(TM), and SD Card for the digital imaging, mobile computing, and Military/Industrial Control markets; and is the creator of Innovative CompactI/O(TM) cards for PocketPC(TM), digital cameras and many IA devices. Pretec has consistently demonstrated the highest capacity CF cards in the world; such as 80MB, 128MB, 160MB, 320MB, 640MB, 1.5GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 6GB CF card at various locations around the world for the past five years.

*Note: MIDE(TM), CompactI/O(TM), CompactModem(TM), and CompactLAN(TM) are trademarks of Pretec Electronics Corp. PocketPC(TM) is trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks mentioned herein are recognized as the property of their respective holders.

Toshiba Press Release 08/01/04

IRVINE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—Company Develops Industry’s First 0.85-Inch HDD to Power Mobile Phones and Portable Consumer Electronics

Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), the industry pioneer in small form factor storage, today announced the development of a 0.85-inch hard disk drive (HDD), the first drive to deliver multi-gigabyte storage in a sub-one-inch form factor. Expected to be available in 2GB and 4GB capacities, Toshiba will start sampling the new drive in summer 2004, with mass production to begin in late 2004.

“Hard disk drive technology has migrated from the computer to digital music players to mobile phones and other portable gadgets that require meaningful storage capacities in a pocket-size form factor,” said Amy Dalphy, manager, HDD business unit, Toshiba SDD. “Toshiba continues to lead and enable the market by expanding storage possibilities with gigabytes of capacity packed into a tiny hard disk drive that fits on your fingertip.”

Measuring only a quarter of the size of Toshiba’s 1.8-inch drive, the 0.85-inch HDD is expected to boost the functionality of a new generation of products, including mobile phones, digital audio players, PDAs, digital still cameras, camcorders and external storage devices. Toshiba initially plans to introduce capacities of 2GB and 4GB, and anticipates achievement of even higher densities in the 0.85-inch form factor.

GS Magicstor Inc. Press Release 07/01/04

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 7, 2004—GS Magicstor Inc. today introduced its new series of 1” Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) with storage capacities up to 4.8GB, the largest capacity available in the 1” form factor. This exciting new product launch affirms GS Magicstor’s leading position as a global pioneer in 1” HDD technology.

“By using the same, current technologies available for the high-volume hard drive production, the Magicstor 1” HDD is able to meet today’s increasing demands for high-capacity handheld electronic devices such as the Digital Cameras, PDAs, laptops, MP3 players, handheld digital video players, and other portable consumer electronics,” said David Wu, CEO of GS Magicstor Inc.

Available in capacities from 2.2GB to 4.8GB, Magicstor’s 1” HDDs feature multi industry-standard interfaces, such as CFII, USB and IDE/ATA, providing both general users and OEM/ODM manufacturers with dynamic new application opportunities.

“The Magicstor 1” family has successfully created cost-effective storage solutions for products with revolutionary features and functions, we are very excited about the new opportunities for low cost USB portable storage products,” added David Wu.

Building the success of its flagship 1” HDD at 2004 International CES, Magicstor is announcing the developing of a 0.8” HDD for the cell phone and audio/visual products industry. Smaller than the 1” HDD currently produced by GS Magicstor and by Hitachi Global Storage Technology, and less than half the size of the 1.8” hard drive, Magicstor’s 0.8” HDD is set to revolutionize new consumer electronic products.

GS Magicstor Inc. is the premier member of China’s official Industrial Development Project in Guiyang, Guizhou, which is emerging as the world’s leading areas of multi-national research and production of next-generation HDD technology. GS Magicstor is producing 1 inch hard drives for both the China internal market and the world market of Digital Consumer Electronic products.

Epson USA Press Release 06/01/04

( BW)(CA-EPSON) EPSON’s Perfection 4870 PHOTO/PRO Scanners Offer Affordable Film Scanning at 4800 X 9600 DPI

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 6, 2004—Breakthrough Scanner Models Feature the Power and Quality of a Dedicated Film Scanner with the Flexibility of a Flatbed Scanner

The EPSON Perfection 4870 PHOTO/4870 PRO scanners are making their debut as the first scanners to offer features comparable to high-end dedicated film scanners, at an affordable price. This breakthrough product offers brand new features for the Epson Perfection line, including DIGITAL ICE(TM) technology from Kodak/ASF for advanced image restoration, Epson’s exclusive Easy Photo Fix technology for color restoration and dust removal, and a built-in 6” x 9” transparency unit (TPU) for larger volume slide and negative scanning. The collective feature package of the Perfection 4870 scanner will save photographers time, money and space while delivering outstanding performance.

Replacing the EPSON Perfection 3200 PHOTO/3200 PRO, the Perfection 4870 scanner delivers a maximum hardware resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi and includes 48-bit color and 3.8 Dmax for true-to-life color accuracy and the ability to capture minute image detail. In addition, the Perfection 4870 utilizes Epson’s unique ColorTrue(R) II Imaging System, providing customers with a technology that integrates superior hardware, optics and image processing to achieve accurate color reproduction and reduced noise.

“The EPSON Perfection 4870 provides customers with the highest quality scanner on the market at this price point, hands down,” said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, image capture products, Epson. “With exceptional scan resolution and speed, packaged with valuable image restoration tools and a larger TPU, customers can now enjoy photographic image quality and high performance that was previously only offered in high-end dedicated film scanners.”

Kodak Press Release 07/01/04

ROCHESTER, NY (January 7, 2004) ? Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the new Digital ROC Professional Plug-In, which corrects, restores and balances the color of digital images from sources including digital cameras, flatbed/film scanners, Picture CDs, and the Internet.

The Digital ROC Professional Plug-In joins the suite of image correction and enhancement plug-ins to provide easy and effective methods for automatically improving digital images in ADOBE PHOTOSHOP Software and compatible image editing applications. Other members of the suite include the Digital SHO Plug-In for revealing hidden details in shadows or dark image areas, and the recently announced Digital SHO Professional Plug-In which adds more control and functionality for the Professional user. Additional Plug-Ins include, the Digital GEM Plug-In for noise and grain reduction, and the original Digital ROC Plug-In for color correction and restoration. These award-winning software products were developed by Kodak’s Austin Development Center, formerly Applied Science Fiction, which has been a leader in automatic image correction and photo restoration applications since the mid 1990s with its revolutionary Digital ICE Technology for film scanners which automatically removes surface defects like dust and scratches from scanned film.

After 4 weeks and over 600 votes, Yes, definitely was the resounding answer to the question “Is the Canon EOS 300D the most important product of 2003?” with 344 votes. 104 of you think that the jury is still out, while 168 people disagreed.

The new PhotographyBLOG Poll asks the question: “So what did you get for Christmas?”. Did you get a digital or film camera? A printer or a scanner? Some software, or just a satsuma and a few nuts?!

The new year has only just begun and already I have a long list of products to review, including:

Hardware
- Epson Stylus Photo 2100 printer
- Ricoh G4 digital camera

Software
- Digital Photography Captured Vol.1
- S-Spline Pro

Books
- Taking Pictures for Profit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Work by Lee Frost
- Photos That Sell: The Art of Successful Freelance Photography by Lee Frost
- Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook: 2004

Expect to see these reviews appearing throughout January…

Photo.net have published their review of the A4 HP Photosmart 7960 printer. Can this new printer compete with the likes of the Canon i950 and the Epson Stylus Photo 950? Read Photo.net’s review to find out.

“There’s little doubt that the HP 7960 is an excellent printer for both B&W and color work. Of course it’s the B&W feature that sets it apart from all other printers in its price range. While you can get special monochrome ink sets for some other printers (e.g. the Epson 1160), it’s a significant amount of work to set up the system, it’s not cheap and it means you have to dedicate a printer to B&W. With the HP 7960 you can print either in B&W or color at any time, you need no special drivers or profiles, and the price is not significantly higher than that of similar printers from other manufacturers.”

Website: Photo.net - HP Photosmart 7960 Review

ePhotoZine have added 4 new articles to their Techniques section for the month of January. “Using a Neutral Density filter” explains the benefits of having this much under-used filter in your camera bag, “How to photograph fireworks” is fairly self-explanatory and “Use your computer to create a silhouette” shows how to use the Threshold control in Photoshop to take out all the colour from an image. The fourth technique, “Setting up a darkroom”, is perhaps one that will be read by less people…

Website: ePhotoZine - January Techniques

Several digital photography websites are covering the Consumer Electronics Show 2004, live from the show floor. A-Digital-Eye, LetsGoDigital and Imaging Resource all have representatives at the show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be posting news as it happens. Apparently Panasonic are set to announce some new digital cameras today…

Website: A-Digital-Eye

Website: LetsGoDigital

Website: Imaging Resource

Epson Press Release 06/01/04

Epson Unveils Industry’s First Widescreen HDTV LCD Projection Televisions with Integrated Digital Photo Center

[Business Wire] Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 6, 2004—Livingstation(tm) Converges Epson’s Renowned LCD Technology with Advanced Digital Photo Capabilities for Unique Home Entertainment Experience

Epson America Inc. expands its presence in the home entertainment market with its introduction of two Epson Livingstation HDTV LCD projection televisions—the EPSON Livingstation LS47P1 and EPSON Livingstation LS57P1. Home entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of superior image quality and true digital output with its 720p resolution, thanks to Epson’s patented LCD technology. Additionally, with Epson’s proprietary Photo On Demand(tm) capability, users can now view, print and store their digital photos from an easy-to-use universal remote control.

Epson is a recognized industry leader in LCD technology and the Livingstation capitalizes on this expertise and delivers a dramatic and vivid cinematic experience to the consumer in two screen sizes, 47 and 57 inches. With three LCD panels, 1280 x 720 native resolution and a 16:9 native aspect ratio, the Livingstation’s wide screen produces unparalleled image quality. Additionally, the Livingstation has one of the thinnest profiles of any rear projection television currently available, measuring only 14.9 inches deep for the 47-inch model and 16.3 inches deep for the 57-inch model.

Shipping in March 2004, the estimated retail prices for the 47- and 57-inch models are $3,499 and $3,999, respectively.

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release 06/01/04

Concord Camera Corp. Introduces Low Priced Power Zoom Film Camera; Concord Camera’s Polaroid PZ1710 Offers 35-57mm Zoom Range for $19.99

[Business Wire] Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : HOLLYWOOD, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 5, 2004—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in high-quality low-priced digital, 35mm, and single-use cameras, announced today the Polaroid PZ1710 35mm zoom camera. This new power zoom camera combines a stylish silver metallic design, one-touch wide-angle & telephoto 35-57mm zoom, auto and fill-in flash, motorized film load/advance/rewind and red-eye reduction - at an affordable suggested retail price of only $19.99.

The Polaroid PZ1710’s 35-57mm zoom provides consumers with the flexibility to capture special moments whenever and wherever they occur. Easy-to-reach buttons for wide-angle and telephoto make quick zoom selections possible when photos need to be framed quickly. The multiple flash modes for auto and fill-in flash enable the user to take pictures in any lighting condition with excellent photo results. The auto-flash works in low light conditions allowing for worry-free picture taking. With fill-in flash, photos come out perfectly lit, even if the subject is backlit with bright sunshine or if there are strong shadows obscuring details on the main subject.

Available immediately at $19.99 SRP, the Polaroid PZ1710 may be purchased at Wal-Mart and other retail locations. See www.concord-camera.com for more information.

Olympus Press Release 06/01/04

Olympus opens up the creative potential of the Olympus E-System further with the introduction of a professional macro flash system. The system includes a ring flash unit, twin flash unit, adapter rings and flash controller. Capturing the fine detail of a subject for macro work where precise, shadow-free lighting is required, these flash accessories are ideal for commercial and still life photography. Designed specifically for the Olympus E-System, the professional digital SLR system based on the TIPA Award winning FourThirds Standard, this macro flash system will be available from February 2004*.

A selection of macro flash units and accessories are available:

- Ring Flash Unit FS-RF11 - RRP ?181.00 [ex VAT]
- Ring Flash Set FS-SRF11 - RRP ?392.00 [ex VAT]
- Twin Flash Unit TF-22 - RRP ?301.00 [ex VAT]
- Twin Flash Set STF-22 - RRP ?512.00 [ex VAT]
- Flash Adapter Ring FS-FR1 - RRP ?72.00 [ex VAT]
- Macro Flash Controller FS-FC1 RRP ?241.00 [ex VAT]

Rob Galbraith has published a comprehensive article that compares the PC and Mac platforms in terms of processing speed. Which is faster for RAW file processing, image editing and photo cataloging? Find out in Rob’s test…

“We set out to see whether, as 2004 gets underway, the computing landscape has changed for pro digital photographers, at least in the area of processing performance. To that end, we gathered four of the fastest Mac and PC desktop computers available, loaded them up with pro digital photography software and got to work. The results of our efforts are on the pages ahead.”

Website: Rob Galbraith - PC vs Mac

Practical Photography Press Release

The single most important way to improve your photography is…?

“Photography is the greatest passion of all and we all strive to take pictures that we can be proud of. As the New Year starts, it is the perfect time to take stock and assess your approach to photography.”
Andrew James, Editor, Practical Photography magazine

The Practical Photography editorial team have combined both their knowledge and experience and then added to it the skills of professional photographers, contributors to the magazine and the magazine reader?s up and down the country. This has helped forge the ulitmate guide to improving your photos - 101 steps to really improving your photography.

There are over 30 pages of advice, inspiration and techniques ranging from the obvious to the obscure, including:

- Take control of your camera ? Don?t let your camera make the decisions for you
- Add atmosphere and drama ? use natures elements to inject life and impact
- Master the art of composition ? understand the elements of a great photo
- Critique your photography ? honesty is the best policy!
- Enter competitions and win ? introduce a new edge to your photography
- Tell a story in pictures ? they say a picture paints a thousands words?
- Explore your subject fully ? open your eyes and discover!
- Take advice from the professionals ? our pro?s expell their wisdom

But do you think you know what the single most important thing you can do to ensure better photographs? Even after you have mastered compisition and gained the photographers ?eye? what tip sits at No1? Well buy the latest issue of Practical Photography, read & absorb all 31 pages of sound advice, expert tuition & 100 tips and then turn the page to find out! 

The January issue of Practical Photography is on sale from the 2nd January and is available at all good newsagents.

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published a comprehensive review of the 4 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE G400 digital camera, which is actually exactly the same model as the Konica KD-420Z.

Website: e-Fotografija - Minolta DiMAGE G400 Review

DCViews have published their review of the HP Photosmart 945 digital camera, which features a 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is available now and has an estimated U.S. retail price of $549.

“Looking at the pictures taken with the Photosmart 945 you will notice that the Fujinon f2.8 - 3.1, 7.6-61mm zoom lens (37 - 300mm equivalent) shows little distortion and chromatic aberration even at full wide angle or tele settings. The impressive zoom range allows for quite extreme close ups which all show nice saturated colours and good dynamic range. Exposures are accurate and the images are sharp although contrast is a bit strong sometimes. This can be altered in the capture menu and adapted to your own personal preferences though. One phenomenon that had me fooled sometimes was that images appeared to be too dark when viewed on the LCD, however once they were transferred to the computer they appeared to be perfectly all right.”

Website: DCViews - HP Photosmart 945 Review

CNET have reviewed the Panasonic SV AS10, which measures just 51.5 by 103.7 by 13.5 (mm, approx. excluding protrusions), with the slimmest part of the camera being a mere 9.9 mm. The SV AS10 uses state-of-the-art technology and the SD memory card which is no bigger than a postage stamp to achieve its tiny dimensions.

“Panasonic’s SV-AS10 combines a 2-megapixel digital camera, a video recorder, a digital voice recorder, and an audio player in one wafer-thin package. But despite this ambitious roster of features and the AS10’s elegant design, we can recommend this overpriced ($300 list) device for only casual use.”

Website: CNET - Panasonic SV AS10 Review