News
10 Trinity Square is just behind Tower Hill tube station, near Tower Bridge and, erm, the Tower of London :-) It took me over an hour to get there, due to the usual Tube delays, and when I arrived at about 10pm the public park in front of this building was locked up for the night. Luckily the railings were wide enough to shove my camera through, balanced precariously on a tilted tripod. I also had to tie the branches of a small tree to the railings to remove it from the frame. Unfortunately I forgot to untie it so I guess it will grow a little haphazardly in future…
10 Trinity Square is just behind Tower Hill tube station, near Tower Bridge and, erm, the Tower of London :-) It took me over an hour to get there, due to the usual Tube delays, and when I arrived at about 10pm the public park in front of this building…
A new NE Asia Online article claims that the video photography option of digital cameras will rival the quality found in dedicated digital video cameras by 2006. Cameras like the Fuji Finepix M603 have tried to combine the best of both worlds by offering still and moving digital photography in one package, but at present top-end models only offer 310,000 pixels per frame at 30 frames per second (fps). Apparently that is all set to change in the next few years:
“Manufacturers have been facing numerous problems in trying to achieve higher image quality and ease-of-use within these limits, and the results of their efforts will hit the streets in 2004. The new digital cameras released then are expected to rival video cameras in terms of image quality and recording time.
But digital camera manufacturers are not likely to stop there: a look at developments in constituent technology shows that the video photography functions are going to continue to evolve. One of the most likely developments is video photography with more than a million pixels per frame in recording. Technically, it is possible that digital cameras could be out by 2006 capable of taking still images with several million pixels/frame, and video at 1.3 million pixels per frame (super extended graphics array, or SXGA format). Above the million pixels/frame threshold, this type of video photography is called megapixel video.”
Website: NE Asia Online - Video from Digital Cameras to Reach 1.3M-Pixels/Frame
A new NE Asia Online article claims that the video photography option of digital cameras will rival the quality found in dedicated digital video cameras by 2006. Cameras like the Fuji Finepix M603 have tried to combine the best of both worlds by offering still and moving digital photography in…
Just in time for Christmas, Steves Digicams have posted their full review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.
“I have only one disappointment with the D2H I’ve been testing - Nikon wants it back. To say that I’ve been spoiled while using it is an understatement. I’ll repeat what I said earlier: The D2H was nearly transparent as I used it; it did not demand my attention or make me wait, and allowed me to concentrate my efforts on capturing images, not operating a camera. I will surely miss this camera when it’s gone, but I’ll have some fond memories.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon D2H Review
Just in time for Christmas, Steves Digicams have posted their full review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.“I have only one disappointment with the D2H I’ve been testing - Nikon wants it back. To say that I’ve been spoiled while using it is an understatement. I’ll repeat what I said…
DCResource is the latest website to post their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent to 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.
“The Coolpix 3700 is a very nice, compact point-and-shoot camera that addresses one of the two big issues that I’ve had with previous entry-level Nikon cameras: low light shooting. With the inclusion of an AF-assist lamp, the Coolpix can finally compete with cameras from Canon and Sony that have had this feature for years.”
DCResource is the latest website to post their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent…
CNET have reviewed Casio’s EXILIM EX-S3, a 3-megapixel digital camera that is less than 1/2 inch thick! If you’re looking for a camera that is the same size as a credit card, then look no further…
“For a 3.2-megapixel camera, this Casio returned mediocre results, but for a fixed-lens model of such a tiny size, it produced quite good images. If you want to post photos on the Web and make small snapshot prints, you’ll probably be satisfied.”
Website: CNET - Casio EXILIM EX-S3 Review
CNET have reviewed Casio’s EXILIM EX-S3, a 3-megapixel digital camera that is less than 1/2 inch thick! If you’re looking for a camera that is the same size as a credit card, then look no further… “For a 3.2-megapixel camera, this Casio returned mediocre results, but for a fixed-lens model…
CNET have just posted a review of the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX4530. This digicam retails for just £399 in the UK.
“If you need the maximum pixels at the minimum price and want your digital camera to do all the thinking for you, the pocketable Kodak EasyShare DX4530 deserves a close look. This 5-megapixel, 8.6-ounce snapshooter gives you solid picture quality; surprisingly capable macro features; and fully automatic operation, including one-click upload.”
Website: CNET - Kodak EasyShare DX4530 Review
CNET have just posted a review of the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX4530. This digicam retails for just £399 in the UK. “If you need the maximum pixels at the minimum price and want your digital camera to do all the thinking for you, the pocketable Kodak EasyShare DX4530 deserves…
CNET have reviewed the Minolta Dimage Xt, an ultra-compact, ultra-thin 3 mega-pixel digital camera that can easily be slipped into a shirt pocket, and the new Dimage Biz software that goes with it, which is aimed specifically at business users.
“The good: Extremely compact; chic styling; generally sprightly performance; bundled with useful business-oriented software.
The bad: Fairly frequent underexposures; skimpy viewfinder coverage; no manual white balance; software has a useless help system and clumsy e-mail implementation.”
Website: CNET - Minolta Xt Biz Review
CNET have reviewed the Minolta Dimage Xt, an ultra-compact, ultra-thin 3 mega-pixel digital camera that can easily be slipped into a shirt pocket, and the new Dimage Biz software that goes with it, which is aimed specifically at business users. “The good: Extremely compact; chic styling; generally sprightly performance; bundled…
Some interesting news today about Tamron, the independent lens manufacturer. Apparently they are set to add a fourth company to the three digital camera makers that they already supply (I’m not sure which companies they are…).
PMA Newsline International 22/12/03
Tamron Co. Ltd. is going to boost production of lenses for digicams and projectors, according to the JPEA’s Photo Electro News. The company will beef up digital camera lens output in 2004 by 25 percent over this year and, as for lenses for projectors, it will install new production lines at its domestic manufacturing unit. Tamron will expand production facility in its factory in Guangdong, South China, by investing some ?1.5 billion (US$13.88 million). The company currently supplies three digital camera makers with lens assemblies and will add another firm next year, the report said. In 2004, Tamron aims at taking a 25 percent share of the mechanism in the world digital camera market, projected to come to 42 to 45 million units, said Nihon Keizai Shimbun.
Some interesting news today about Tamron, the independent lens manufacturer. Apparently they are set to add a fourth company to the three digital camera makers that they already supply (I’m not sure which companies they are…). PMA Newsline International 22/12/03 Tamron Co. Ltd. is going to boost production of lenses…
Over the past couple of months PhotographyBLOG has been focusing more on equipment than on photos, and more specifically my photos. One of the site’s objectives stated on the About page is “to allow me to occasionally post my own photos and work-in-progress”. Taking advantage of the Christmas period, I intend to post one photo a day for the next week or so, and see if I can carry on into the New Year.
I’ve spent most of December literally in the dark, standing freezing in deserted parts of London, looking at brightly coloured public buildings. I blame Bob Geldof, the organiser of the inaugural Brightening Up London event, for dragging me outside when most people are inside watching Eastenders. Actually, I should thank Sir Bob for helping me to avoid that fate! Wellington Arch was the first building to be lit up, and last week the Heart FM radio station added their image to it. Click on the photo to see a bigger version.
Over the past couple of months PhotographyBLOG has been focusing more on equipment than on photos, and more specifically my photos. One of the site’s objectives stated on the About page is “to allow me to occasionally post my own photos and work-in-progress”. Taking advantage of the Christmas period, I…
The winner of the 7th PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is panchals with the entry “speeding squirrel”. 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 Photo of the Week contest is now closed for 2 weeks during the Christmas holidays, until 5th January 2004.
The winner of the 7th PhotographyBLOG Photo of the Week contest is panchals with the entry “speeding squirrel”. 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…
Photoxels have reviewed the latest 4x6inch dye diffusion printer from Canon, the CP-200 model.
“The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 (and its cousin CP-300 which comes with a rechargeable battery for ultimate carry anywhere convenience) is fun and easy to use. It is compact, sleek and look modern in design. Take it with you anywhere you can plug in the power cord and, together with a PictBridge-compatible digital camera, you’ll have the modern equivalent of the instant camera.”
Photoxels have reviewed the latest 4x6inch dye diffusion printer from Canon, the CP-200 model. “The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 (and its cousin CP-300 which comes with a rechargeable battery for ultimate carry anywhere convenience) is fun and easy to use. It is compact, sleek and look modern in design…
This morning Photoxels have published their review of the tiny Canon PowerShot SD10 (also known as the Digital IXUS i in some countries). The SD10 has a street price of $349 in the USA and ?299 in the UK.
“Compared to a credit card, the PowerShot SD10 is just as wide (90.3 mm / 3.56 in.) but not quite as high (47.0 mm / 1.85 in.). It is 18.5 mm / 0.73 in. thin, and qualifies as being JeansPocket? Certified. There is no viewfinder and the 1.5 in. LCD is quite good at 78,000 pixels resolution. Surprisingly, you can even display a histogram when reviewing captured images. Battery life is excellent.”
This morning Photoxels have published their review of the tiny Canon PowerShot SD10 (also known as the Digital IXUS i in some countries). The SD10 has a street price of $349 in the USA and ?299 in the UK. “Compared to a credit card, the PowerShot SD10 is just as…
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston tells us all to ignore the pixel count and noise levels and concentrate on the image:
“Agreement seems universal that the D2H is a masterpiece of ergonomics, proportion, and responsiveness. Where the cavils creep in is in the discussions of image quality. Too much noise at high ISOs? Too few pixels? Fret, fret.
I wonder sometimes if people can’t see the forest for the trees ? or the pictures for the pixels, in this case.”
Website: Sunday Morning Photographer: Can’t See The Pictures for the Pixels
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston tells us all to ignore the pixel count and noise levels and concentrate on the image: “Agreement seems universal that the D2H is a masterpiece of ergonomics, proportion, and responsiveness. Where the cavils creep in is in the discussions of image…
A-Digital-Eye have posted some full-sized comparitive images taken with the Canon EOS 300D and Sony DSC-F828 digital cameras. The battle between these two cameras will be an interesting one; SLR vs Compact, 6 megapixels vs 8 megapixels, interchangeable lenses vs fixed lens. These images may help you to decide between the two.
A-Digital-Eye have posted some full-sized comparitive images taken with the Canon EOS 300D and Sony DSC-F828 digital cameras. The battle between these two cameras will be an interesting one; SLR vs Compact, 6 megapixels vs 8 megapixels, interchangeable lenses vs fixed lens. These images may help you to decide between…
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted a review of Nikon’s uniquely designed 3 megapixel digital compact camera, the Nikon SQ.
Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon SQ Review
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted a review of Nikon’s uniquely designed 3 megapixel digital compact camera, the Nikon SQ. Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon SQ Review
PMA Newsline International Release 19/12/03
SD Memory Card sales surpass CompactFlash Card sales in October
The SD Memory Card has passed the CompactFlash Card, to take the top position in market share among memory cards, according to the most recent sales data available from The NPD Group. The SD Memory Card captured the number one position with 30 percent of the U.S. flash memory market in October against 28.8 percent for the CompactFlash Card. In third place was Memory Stick, with a 22 percent market share. Panasonic is a co-developer of SD Memory cards along with Toshiba and SanDisk.
Joseph Unsworth, analyst - Semiconductor Memories for Gartner Inc., noted: “The recent success of the SD Card in the retail channel is in line with my expectations of the SD Card becoming the leading flash card format. The SD Card is well-positioned in terms of performance, cost, and industry support across many applications and that is why I expect the SD card to have the largest share of revenue of all of the flash card formats in 2004.”
A total of 1,524 products worldwide, carrying 134 of the world’s foremost brand names, currently use the SD Memory Card. The format is further supported by the more than 650 members of the SD Card Association, a consortium working to set industry standards and promote the acceptance of SD Memory Cards in a wide variety of applications.
PMA Newsline International Release 19/12/03 SD Memory Card sales surpass CompactFlash Card sales in October The SD Memory Card has passed the CompactFlash Card, to take the top position in market share among memory cards, according to the most recent sales data available from The NPD Group. The SD Memory…
Fuji Japan have announced further details and pricing for its 20.8 megapixel SuperCCD based digital camera back, which was first announced in February 2003. The new back, which fits the Fujifilm GX680 camera, will cost 2,380,000 Yen (roughly ?12,506 GBP). It will be available in Japan from the end of January 2004. According to Imaging Resource, Fuji USA currently have no plans to release the product.
Website: Imaging Resource
Website: DPReview
Fuji Japan have announced further details and pricing for its 20.8 megapixel SuperCCD based digital camera back, which was first announced in February 2003. The new back, which fits the Fujifilm GX680 camera, will cost 2,380,000 Yen (roughly ?12,506 GBP). It will be available in Japan from the end of…
Toshiba are set to launch the smallest ever hard-drive at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 0.85 inch is about the same size as an American quarter and is destined to find its way into MP3 players, set-top boxes, mobile phones and other electronic goods. Its capacity is expected to be between 2GB and 3GB. According to the website NE Asia Online, “at present, it has no plan to use it as an exchange medium such as a CompactFlash card”, so this may well be one for the future as far as digital cameras are concerned.
Website: CNET News
Website: NE Asia Online
Toshiba are set to launch the smallest ever hard-drive at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The 0.85 inch is about the same size as an American quarter and is destined to find its way into MP3 players, set-top boxes, mobile phones and other electronic goods. Its capacity…
CNET have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Kyocera Finecam SL300R. Kyocera claims that this is the world’s thinnest 3x optical zoom digital camera, which virtually eliminates lag time and is capable of unlimited continuous shooting at an unprecedented 3.5 frames per second. Find out if Steve agrees…
“This svelte snapshot camera’s high-speed capture ability sets a new performance standard, making it an excellent pick for the casual sports and action photographer.”
Website: CNET - Kyocera Finecam SL300R Review
CNET have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Kyocera Finecam SL300R. Kyocera claims that this is the world’s thinnest 3x optical zoom digital camera, which virtually eliminates lag time and is capable of unlimited continuous shooting at an unprecedented 3.5 frames per second. Find out if Steve agrees… “This svelte snapshot camera’s…
CNET have reviewed the Toshiba PDR-M700, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera with a massive 10x Canon lens (37-370mm equivalent focal length range) and 2.5 inch LCD display.
“Handsomely designed in miniature SLR fashion, the Toshiba PDR-M700 means business. It boasts many desirable features for both advanced amateur shooters and multimedia types. Paramount among the attractions offered by Toshiba’s latest M-series cameras—of which the 700 is the higher-res, 3-megapixel version—are the 10X Canon zoom lens and supersize 2.5-inch LCD. The camera is competitively priced among the megazoom crop, and its gargantuan display makes it stand out from the crowd. But the M700’s so-so image quality dampens our enthusiasm.”
Website: CNET - Toshiba PDR-M700 Review
CNET have reviewed the Toshiba PDR-M700, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera with a massive 10x Canon lens (37-370mm equivalent focal length range) and 2.5 inch LCD display. “Handsomely designed in miniature SLR fashion, the Toshiba PDR-M700 means business. It boasts many desirable features for both advanced amateur shooters and multimedia…