News
Steves Digicams have published their first impressions of the Nikon D2H DSLR; the full review will be posted shortly.
“Just posted is our Nikon D2H SLR First Look. We’re really enjoying doing this review but it’s going to take a while to finish - in the meantime here’s a little teaser. This is a camera that will satisfy anyone’s “need for speed,” it’s so fast it’s unbelievable. It will spoil you forever though.”
Steves Digicams have published their first impressions of the Nikon D2H DSLR; the full review will be posted shortly.“Just posted is our Nikon D2H SLR First Look. We’re really enjoying doing this review but it’s going to take a while to finish - in the meantime here’s a little teaser…
Michael Reichmann, editor of Luminous Landscape, has published an open letter addressed to all DSLR manufacturers, calling for the addition of full-feature exposure histograms to all future DSLR models.
“In recent years I have been especially interested in digital SLRs, because these clearly represent the future of mainstream professional and advanced amateur photography.
Recently I have noticed a disturbing trend though ? as several companies bring their first DSLRs to market ? and it concerns histograms. Or, I should say, either the lack of or poor quality of histograms.”
Website: Luminous Landscape
Michael Reichmann, editor of Luminous Landscape, has published an open letter addressed to all DSLR manufacturers, calling for the addition of full-feature exposure histograms to all future DSLR models. “In recent years I have been especially interested in digital SLRs, because these clearly represent the future of mainstream professional and…
The Norwegian website Akamera.no have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4 retails for $399.99 and is available now.
The Norwegian website Akamera.no have reviewed the new Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4, which packs the first high-resolution 4-megapixel CCD of the EXILIM lineup into a stylish and thin card size body. The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4 retails for $399.99 and is available now. Website: Akamera.no - Casio EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z4 Review…
Several technology and photography websites, including Slashdot, Imaging Resource and BytePhoto, are reporting that Microsoft are going to enforce patents that it holds for the FAT file system. In effect this mean that Microsoft will charge a fee for use of a technology that was first developed way back in 1976.
The fee applies to any company that uses the FAT system, which includes manufacturers of solid state media cards and digital still and video cameras. Apparently the patents have been around for over 10 years, and only now when the use of the FAT system is widespread have Microsoft decided to enforce them and start charging a fee. There are two types of license, one for removable solid state media manufacturers (e.g. compact flash) and one for consumer electronics devices. Pricing for both licenses is US$0.25 per unit with a cap on total royalties of $250,000 per manufacturer. How generous of Microsoft to cap the total amount…
What does this mean for consumers? Well, the price of digital memory cards and cameras themselves may go up slightly. Alternatively, Imaging Resource editor Michael R. Tomkins suggests that “flash manufacturers could avoid paying the fees by simply offering their flash cards for sale unformatted - and we’d not be surprised to seem them do so, in a business where violent price wars have driven profits down to a bare minimum.” Hopefully most companies will choose to absorb this sudden new cost and not pass on any increase to the general public.
Website: BytePhoto - Microsoft Patent
Website: Slashdot - Microsoft to Charge for FAT File System
Website: Imaging Resource - Microsoft’s FAT fees add a little more to digicam costs
Several technology and photography websites, including Slashdot, Imaging Resource and BytePhoto, are reporting that Microsoft are going to enforce patents that it holds for the FAT file system. In effect this mean that Microsoft will charge a fee for use of a technology that was first developed way back in…
Photographer Thom Hogan has written one of the most interesting articles that I’ve read all year, and who knows, some of it may well turn out to be true. “What Will Happen in 2004?” is Thom’s personal predictions of what will happen in the photography world next year. Amongst other things, he predicts that there will be 9 new DSLRs released:
“The third new Nikon DSLR will shake up the industry. Last year I predicted the appearance of parts of the F6 (the autofocus system ended up in the D2h). Well, this year I’m going further, saying it will appear fully. Essentially, the F6 will be like a medium format camera in 35mm size. The main component will simply be a light-proof box with lens mount, shutter, and mirror mechanism. Perhaps that part will also have a power supply in it. But everything else (and perhaps the power supply) will be modular. You’ll have your choice of bolt-on film or digital backs and your choice of viewfinders. Backs and viewfinders can be interchanged mid-roll/mid-card. I’ll go further and point out that Nikon will use the Olympics in Greece to launch this hybrid.”
Photographer Thom Hogan has written one of the most interesting articles that I’ve read all year, and who knows, some of it may well turn out to be true. “What Will Happen in 2004?” is Thom’s personal predictions of what will happen in the photography world next year. Amongst other…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare DX6340 3.1 megapixel digital camera, which has an RRP of $329.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the Kodak EasyShare DX6340 3.1 megapixel digital camera, which has an RRP of $329. Website: Index Digicam - Kodak EasyShare DX6340 Review
The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal have published Part 1 of their review of the recently announced Sigma SD10 digital SLR, together with the Sigma 18-50mm and Sigma 55-200mm lens.
Website: e-FotoPortal - Sigma SD10 Review Part 1
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal have published Part 1 of their review of the recently announced Sigma SD10 digital SLR, together with the Sigma 18-50mm and Sigma 55-200mm lens. Website: e-FotoPortal - Sigma SD10 Review Part 1 Website: Slovenian Translator
Sekonic have announced a new top of the range lightmeter, the L-558 DUALMASTER, which retails for $769 in the USA and, according to DP-Now, ?399.99 in the UK.
Sekonic Press Release 04/12/03
New Sekonic L-558 DUALMASTER: Here?s why it may well be the best Light-measuring tool ever made.
Elmsford, NY: For starters, the remarkable new Sekonic L-558 DUALMASTER is the world?s most
sensitive multi-function meter, reading flash down to an astounding f/2 (at ISO 100), twice as low as any other multi-function meter in production. And with the optional PocketWizard* module inside, it becomes nothing less than a Master Control Center. You can use it to fire individual cameras and flash units remotely, without wires, using a 16/24 bit, security-encoded digital signal. And that?s just the beginning.
Here are some more cogent reasons why this is arguably the best meter Sekonic ? or anyone else ? has ever put on the market in this price class.
- The L-558 includes Sekonic?s unique built-in retractable Lumisphere. Simply turn the selector knob to extend it for 3D incident readings, or retract it for a narrow incident metering angle that?s ideal for brightness evaluations, lighting ratio setups or precise readings of flat subjects.
- The L-558 is also a true 1-degree spotmeter, with a parallax-free viewfinder and in-finder, illuminated digital display showing apertures in tenths, shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec, and exposure compensation values.
- The L-558 features an extra large, cool-green-illuminated full-information LCD panel that displays the complete range of readouts and modes as well as battery condition. It can memorize and recall up to nine readings in any mode, average them, and display them individually on an analog scale.
- The L-558 includes a flash/ambient analyzing mode that simultaneously reads both flash and ambient light automatically, and can display combined flash-ambient readings, percentage of flash in the total exposure, and simultaneous display of flash, ambient, and combined readings on an analog scale.
It also reads in shutter-priority, aperture-priority or EV modes, and makes cumulative flash readings in cord or cordless mode.
- The L-558 includes a broad range of custom settings so pros and enthusiasts can tailor it to their individual working methods. And its body and controls are so well sealed that it?s rated splashproof to JIS water-resistance standard ? so serious photographers can take control with confidence in any weather.
- The L-558 is competitively priced. It gives pros and serious enthusiasts exactly what they need ? nothing more and nothing less ? and represents a remarkable value. Suggested list price: $769.
*PocketWizard module: $25 at time of purchase only (a $99 value).
Sekonic have announced a new top of the range lightmeter, the L-558 DUALMASTER, which retails for $769 in the USA and, according to DP-Now, ?399.99 in the UK. Sekonic Press Release 04/12/03 New Sekonic L-558 DUALMASTER: Here?s why it may well be the best Light-measuring tool ever made. Elmsford, NY…
DCResource has posted a review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera, an updated version of the popular Olympus CAMEDIA C-5050 model, with a wider-angle lens that is equivalent to a 27-110mm lens on a 35mm camera.
“The C-5060 Wide Zoom is one of the best Olympus cameras in recent memory, and it should be high on your shopping list if a full-featured 5 Megapixel camera is what you’re after. My main complaints about the camera are the above average noise levels at default settings (turning down the sharpness helps) and its intimidating user interface (buttons and menus). Everything else is good.”
DCResource has posted a review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera, an updated version of the popular Olympus CAMEDIA C-5050 model, with a wider-angle lens that is equivalent to a 27-110mm lens on a 35mm camera. “The C-5060 Wide Zoom is one of the best Olympus cameras in…
CNET have reviewed one of Nikon’s top-of-the-range prosumer digital cameras, the 5 megapixel CoolPix 5400.
“The 5-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400 delivers numerous key improvements on the Coolpix 5000, including a 4X zoom lens, enhanced image quality, and revamped controls. Nikon also added 15 scene modes, making this model more accessible to casual snapshooters. But make no mistake: with its wealth of features and manual settings, the 5400 should appeal primarily to photo enthusiasts. We only wish that the camera offered longer battery life and RAW-file support.”
Website: CNET - Nikon Coolpix 5400 Review
CNET have reviewed one of Nikon’s top-of-the-range prosumer digital cameras, the 5 megapixel CoolPix 5400. “The 5-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400 delivers numerous key improvements on the Coolpix 5000, including a 4X zoom lens, enhanced image quality, and revamped controls. Nikon also added 15 scene modes, making this model more accessible…
The Plugin Site Press Release 04/12/03
December 4, 2003 - The Plugin Site (www.ThePluginSite.com) is pleased to announce Version 1.0 of PhotoFreebies, the third product in its popular PhotoWiz product series. PhotoFreebies is a collection of 10 Photoshop-compatible plugins for performing useful photo manipulations and effects. They can be used with dozens of different image editing applications e.g. Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Photo-Paint, PhotoImpact and many others.
Background
To celebrate the success of our PhotoWiz product series we decided to release the free PhotoFreebies. Our intention was to create small and easy-to-use utilities for image manipulation. The PhotoFreebies produce general effects that are needed from time to time and are only inconveniently reproducible in common graphics tools. Additionally you can also find some features of our other PhotoWiz products in a more simplified form in the PhotoFreebies collection. The PhotoFreebies collection will be expanded with even more attractive plugins in future.
Features
The PhotoFreebies collections contains sepia effects, saturation gradients, b/w conversion, color space transformations and many more. All plugins can be used on 8bit and 16bit RGB images, except the Histo Fix plugin which only works on 8bit images. The Remove Transparency plugin on the other hand works in almost all image modes that are provided by Photoshop. Some of the plugins have a dialog with a zoomable preview and adjustable controls whereas others are applied instantly without displaying a dialog.
Plugin Descriptions
The Sepia plugin from PhotoFreebies lets you apply five sepia effects with the help of a combo box, a color slider and a Contrast Fix check box. The Desaturation Gradient plugin gradually desaturates the image in four possible directions. Luma Negative turns the image into a negative without changing the colors whereas the B/W plugin converts the image into a grayscale version, that comes closer to the original than currently provided methods. Histo Fix fixes the chopped histogram of a repeatedly filtered image by interpolating lost image information. It offers an option to regain 1/2 bit, 1 bit or 2 bit of information. The Remove Transparency plugin makes a transparent layer fully opaque again. Last, but not least there are also four plugins that transform RGB values into HSL or YCC values and back again without leaving RGB mode. That allows you to manipulate the images in color spaces that aren’t provided by most image applications.
Availability & System Requirements
PhotoFreebies is currently only available for Windows. A Macintosh version is planned. PhotoFreebies is freeware and can be downloaded from
http://thepluginsite.com/products/photowiz/. The two other PhotoWiz products called ColorWasher and FocalBlade are commercial.
Company Info
The Plugin Site is located in Nuremberg, Germany, and develops graphics, video and web software. We also created the Plugin Galaxy, Plugin Commander, HyperTyle, Edge & Frame Galaxy, HTML Shrinker, Harry’s Filters and Photo Galaxy products. We co-produced Alpha Magic with Hollywood FX and Pinnacle and also co-develop the FilterMeister plugin development environment with AFH Systems.
The Plugin Site Press Release 04/12/03 December 4, 2003 - The Plugin Site (www.ThePluginSite.com) is pleased to announce Version 1.0 of PhotoFreebies, the third product in its popular PhotoWiz product series. PhotoFreebies is a collection of 10 Photoshop-compatible plugins for performing useful photo manipulations and effects. They can be used…
About.com have just reviewed Adobe Photoshop CS, proclaiming it to be “the industry standard for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital imaging”.
“As the industry-standard, Photoshop skills are a necessity if you want to be employable in the graphic design field. Priced in the hundreds and with a learning curve to match, it’s not for everyone, but the investment can pay off in increased productivity and the ultimate in flexibility. There are improvements in this version for everyone, but photographers will benefit the most from this upgrade.”
About.com have just reviewed Adobe Photoshop CS, proclaiming it to be “the industry standard for professional photo editing, graphic design, and digital imaging”. “As the industry-standard, Photoshop skills are a necessity if you want to be employable in the graphic design field. Priced in the hundreds and with a learning…
Photo.net have just reviewed the Canon Bubble Jet i900D printer (known as the i905D outside the USA). The 4800 x 1200 dpi Bubble Jet i900D is a six-colour photo printer with card slots for the most popular brands of memory cards. It’s also compliant with the new industry standard PictBridge protocol, allowing it to print directly from any PictBridge compatible digital camera without the need for a PC.
“Well. it’s pretty much all good. The printer produces excellent color prints on super glossy, glossy and matte paper. Getting absolutely neutral B&W prints is a bit more difficult, but that’s true for any multicolor ink printer. With a little work or toning I was also very happy with monochrome prints. Printer setup and operation is simple and fairly straightforward. Software installation under Windows XP was easy and hassle free. The ability to change individual ink cartridges, and to actually be able to see the ink level so you know when to change them, is certainly a big plus. The ability to print directly (without a computer) from memory cards or from compatible digital cameras is also something many consumers may find useful.”
Photo.net have just reviewed the Canon Bubble Jet i900D printer (known as the i905D outside the USA). The 4800 x 1200 dpi Bubble Jet i900D is a six-colour photo printer with card slots for the most popular brands of memory cards. It’s also compliant with the new industry standard PictBridge…
Steves Digicams 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…
“Evaluating the Kyocera Finecam SL300R is like judging a figure skating competition; both technical merit and style must be equally considered. The unique design, light weight, and small size of the all metal body allow it to be worn as a wardrobe accessory, turning heads as well as photographing them.”
Steves Digicams 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… “Evaluating the Kyocera…
Luminous Landscape editor and professional photographer Michael Reichmann has recommended a few of his favourite photography books from the last year, just in time for your Christmas lists…
“With the holidays almost upon us this is a good time to survey some of the photography books that are worth giving, or getting, this holiday season. Each of the books listed below has made its way onto my bookshelf during the past six months, and each comes with my strong recommendation. These aren’t so much reviews as they are simply advisories of what’s out there, and what’s worthy of your attention.”
Website: Michael Reichmann’s Books of 2003
Luminous Landscape editor and professional photographer Michael Reichmann has recommended a few of his favourite photography books from the last year, just in time for your Christmas lists… “With the holidays almost upon us this is a good time to survey some of the photography books that are worth giving…
CNET have completed their review of the Pentax Optio 555, a 5 megapixel updated version of the popular 550 model.
“Faster zooming and PictBridge compatibility are among the minor improvements that make the Optio 555 a bit better than its predecessor, the Optio 550. The 555 also shed a few ounces, so it’s attractive to amateur photographers who want features such as TIFF-file output, a 5X zoom lens, and manual controls in a relatively compact package. The Optio design doesn’t wow us now as it did when the 550 initially shipped, and much of the camera’s feature set has become more commonplace, but the 555 remains a solid 5-megapixel amateur model.”
Website: CNET - Pentax Optio 555 Review
CNET have completed their review of the Pentax Optio 555, a 5 megapixel updated version of the popular 550 model. “Faster zooming and PictBridge compatibility are among the minor improvements that make the Optio 555 a bit better than its predecessor, the Optio 550. The 555 also shed a few…
The Danish website Akamera.dk have just posted a review of the Olympus Camedia C-350 digital camera. The CAMEDIA C-350ZOOM puts 3.2 megapixel resolution, precision automatic shooting and a 3x optical zoom lens at your fingertips. With a stylish and compact design and a range of practical functions such as scene programs, it appeals to users looking for more than just a point-and-shoot digital camera. The large 1.8 inch LCD monitor permits comfortable viewing and framing. Images are stored on the ultra-compact removable xD-Picture Card.
The Danish website Akamera.dk have just posted a review of the Olympus Camedia C-350 digital camera. The CAMEDIA C-350ZOOM puts 3.2 megapixel resolution, precision automatic shooting and a 3x optical zoom lens at your fingertips. With a stylish and compact design and a range of practical functions such as scene…
David Griffin has compared no less than 9 different UK-based digital print services and a Canon i850 printer to find out which one offers the best quality and value for money. David’s review is very comprehensive and well worth reading if you’re looking for the holy grail of an affordable and good quality print service. For a second opinion, you can always read my own review of Online Print Services :-)
Website: David Griffin - Digital Print Review
David Griffin has compared no less than 9 different UK-based digital print services and a Canon i850 printer to find out which one offers the best quality and value for money. David’s review is very comprehensive and well worth reading if you’re looking for the holy grail of an affordable…
Funtigo Press Release 03/12/03
Photo Site Funtigo Continues to Innovate by Adding Holiday and Other Clipart
New generation photo site provides complete Web pages, not just photos
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, December 4, 2003 - Funtigo LLC announced today that its photo sharing website, www.funtigo.com, has added 362 high-quality pieces of clipart from collections of Ultimate Symbol and WebstarWest. An additional collection of 250 GIF animations is soon to follow, according to the company.
Although clipart is typically not associated with photo sites, it fits squarely with Funtigo’s philosophy of photo sharing, according to Jim Conning, Funtigo’s founder.
“With the proliferation of digital cameras, people treat photos as one - but not the only - element that helps them preserve and share their memories. Our customers often create complete Web pages around their photos, including text, custom backgrounds, text balloons, and clipart. All these things combined help them preserve their memories and express themselves.”
158 of the new clipart pieces have holiday themes, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year’s. The clipart displays as ultra-crisp and resolution-independent Flash 6 files. In browsers that don’t support Flash 6 the clipart is automatically displayed as PNG files, according to Funtigo.
As is the case with other Web page elements, such as text and photos, Funtigo users can click and drag the clipart in their Web browser and place it exactly where they want it. For instance, they can place a mistletoe piece of clipart next to or superimposed onto a Christmas party photo. They can also click and drag to interactively resize the clipart.
Funtigo is a subscription-based photo site, offered as a free 60 try-out service and priced as low as $1.49 per month.
Founded in 2002, Funtigo LLC is a privately held company, based in San Francisco, California.
A special press whitepaper with 13 interviews of photosharing digital camera users can be downloaded at http://www.funtigo.com/press/testimonials.pdf. Email [email protected] to arrange interviews with any of these users.
Funtigo Press Release 03/12/03 Photo Site Funtigo Continues to Innovate by Adding Holiday and Other Clipart New generation photo site provides complete Web pages, not just photos SAN FRANCISCO, CA, December 4, 2003 - Funtigo LLC announced today that its photo sharing website, www.funtigo.com, has added 362 high-quality pieces of…
Olympus Press Release 04/12/03
RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003
28 Talented Youngsters Shortlisted!
Twenty-eight budding young photographers from all over the UK have been shortlisted for a prize in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003, sponsored by Olympus Cameras and Truprint.
From household pets, creepy crawlies and farm animals, to hippos and swooping seagulls ? the variety of pictures entered this year has never been more diverse. For the first time the awards ceremony will be held at the prestigious Spencer Gallery at the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday, 11th December, where all 34 stunning photographs will be unveiled and the names of the winners announced.
This year 8,000 entries were received, making the competition the most hotly contested yet. The judging was extremely difficult as the quality and standard of photos entered was particularly high in both age groups.
Entries were divided into two different age groups - under 12s and 12 to 18s. The overall winner will receive an Olympus Mju 300 digital camera and a ?250 cash prize from Truprint. Winners from each age group will be given an Olympus Mju V compact camera and ?100 from Truprint. In addition, eight runners-up will each get an Olympus Mju III 100 compact camera and ?50 from Truprint. The winning photos will then be displayed at Tootsies, Old Brompton Road, London until the end of January 2004.
Television presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham is a long-serving supporter of the awards and joined the judging panel again this year: ?It remains a peculiarity of this competition that the final set of photos are always very strong and make a powerful exhibition. I think this is because the competition gives the kids a lot of scope. The subject can be any animal and they respond very well to this with a wide range of farm animals, wild animals and pets.?
Olympus Press Release 04/12/03 RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003 28 Talented Youngsters Shortlisted! Twenty-eight budding young photographers from all over the UK have been shortlisted for a prize in the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2003, sponsored by Olympus Cameras and Truprint. From household pets, creepy crawlies and farm animals, to…