News
I’ve now finished adding products to 5 of the 6 categories in the PhotographyBLOG User Reviews section. The latest category to be completed is Scanners (both flatbed and film). There are currently 391 products available in the Digital Compact Cameras, Digital SLR Cameras, 35mm Film SLR Cameras, Printers and Scanners categories, so please stop by and write a short (or long!) review. If your particular product isn’t listed, please let me know and I’ll add it asap.
I’ve now finished adding products to 5 of the 6 categories in the PhotographyBLOG User Reviews section. The latest category to be completed is Scanners (both flatbed and film). There are currently 391 products available in the Digital Compact Cameras, Digital SLR Cameras, 35mm Film SLR Cameras, Printers and Scanners…
After 3 weeks and over 1000 votes, Adobe Photoshop was by far the most photo editing software in the PhotographyBLOG Poll with 498 votes. Adobe continued its domination of this market as Photoshop Elements came second with 175 votes. Jasc Paint Shop Pro just pipped GIMP to third place, 103 votes to 97.
The new PhotographyBLOG Poll asks the question: “Is the Canon EOS 300D the most important product of 2003?”. Do you think it’s a winner or a loser? Have you already bought one, or will you continue to use film? Is a more compact digicam a better idea in your view?
After 3 weeks and over 1000 votes, Adobe Photoshop was by far the most photo editing software in the PhotographyBLOG Poll with 498 votes. Adobe continued its domination of this market as Photoshop Elements came second with 175 votes. Jasc Paint Shop Pro just pipped GIMP to third place, 10…
Photoxels have reviewed the Canon i860 printer, which allows you to create prints up to 8.5x11 inches in size.
“I find that printing my own pictures beats just giving them to the lab for printing. I get to select the ones I really want to print, mostly 4x6 in. prints for my family album or to give to family and friends, and larger 8.5x11 in. prints suitable for framing. And the Canon i860 Desktop Photo Printer makes it a snap.”
Website: Photoxels - Canon i860 Printer
Photoxels have reviewed the Canon i860 printer, which allows you to create prints up to 8.5x11 inches in size. “I find that printing my own pictures beats just giving them to the lab for printing. I get to select the ones I really want to print, mostly 4x6 in. prints…
Norman Koren has written a very useful article which explains how to extract the greatest tonal quality and dynamic range from your digital photos, which in turn will help you to make better prints.
“Prints made from images captured on digital cameras can have extraordinary tonal quality, comparable to the finest full-toned traditional prints. But to reach their full potential they must be processed properly, which involves changing default camera settings and moving away from standard file formats. This page covers the key steps for achieving ultimate tonal quality, which include,
- Storing images in RAW format—the image sensor’s native format,
- Converting and editing images using file formats with a bit depth of 16 (48-bit color or 16-bit B&W), and
- Using curves to adjust tones.”
Website: Norman Koren - Tonal quality and dynamic range in digital cameras
Norman Koren has written a very useful article which explains how to extract the greatest tonal quality and dynamic range from your digital photos, which in turn will help you to make better prints. “Prints made from images captured on digital cameras can have extraordinary tonal quality, comparable to the…
The Norwegian website DigIT has exclusive news that Kyocera are releasing a version of its Finecam SL300R digital camera (pictured) under the Contax brand name. The Contax SL300R T* looks identical to the Finecam SL300R but will apparently have a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* lens. The new Contax is due out in Japan in December.
Website: DigIT - Contax SL300R T*
The Norwegian website DigIT has exclusive news that Kyocera are releasing a version of its Finecam SL300R digital camera (pictured) under the Contax brand name. The Contax SL300R T* looks identical to the Finecam SL300R but will apparently have a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* lens. The new Contax is due…
Tom’s Hardware has also published a round-up of three of the newest A4 inkjet printers on the market. The article compares the Canon i860, Epson C84 and HP Photosmart 7760.
“After spending years turning out the same products, the three major players in the inkjet market have now decided to go their separate ways. The new Canon printer has a raft of extra modules making it a bit like a tank, the HP has an LCD screen and integrated photo retouching, and the Epson has gone for cost-effectiveness with new ink and a model at half the price of the others. So which of them is right?”
Tom’s Hardware has also published a round-up of three of the newest A4 inkjet printers on the market. The article compares the Canon i860, Epson C84 and HP Photosmart 7760. “After spending years turning out the same products, the three major players in the inkjet market have now decided to…
Tom’s Hardware reviewed the Canon EOS 300D yesterday. As ever the cheapest digital SLR in the world receives a more than enthusiastic response.
“You read it here first: Canon has broken the $1000 price point barrier for SLR digital cameras. With Canon’s launch of the Canon EOS 300D, that magic price point of $1000 represents half of the cost of a top-of-the-range traditional camera. The competition, both SLR and compact cameras, will surely not be happy about this, but it represents a slam-dunk win for the user.”
Tom’s Hardware reviewed the Canon EOS 300D yesterday. As ever the cheapest digital SLR in the world receives a more than enthusiastic response. “You read it here first: Canon has broken the $1000 price point barrier for SLR digital cameras. With Canon’s launch of the Canon EOS 300D, that magic…
Index Digicam have just reviewed the 2 megapixel Samsung Digimax 240. The Digimax 240 is for those snappers who like substance and style and are comfortable with digital photography. A high quality SHD range will ensure clarity of shot while 2.0 mega pixels allow the smallest details to shine through and - for those who insist their own presence should be strong within shots - a 10 second self timer allows all faces in the frame.
Index Digicam have just reviewed the 2 megapixel Samsung Digimax 240. The Digimax 240 is for those snappers who like substance and style and are comfortable with digital photography. A high quality SHD range will ensure clarity of shot while 2.0 mega pixels allow the smallest details to shine through…
A gentle reminder for you all that the first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition is due to finish in just 5 days time, at the end of 30th November :-)
This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit a single photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets November’s theme, which is “Autumn Colour”.
Please make sure that you read the Monthly Competition Rules before submitting your entry. The competition is worldwide and open to everyone.
A gentle reminder for you all that the first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition is due to finish in just 5 days time, at the end of 30th November :-) This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be…
FujiFilm Press Release 26/11/03
Fujifilm’s FinePix F610: The only way is upright
Release Date: 26 November 2003
World’s first compact digital camera to boast 6 million effective pixels
Fujifilm today launches the FinePix F610, the first compact digital camera to offer 6 million effective pixels.
Not satisfied with this outstanding resolution, Fujifilm has added its 4th Generation Super CCD HR sensor to the F610, allowing it to achieve a recorded output of 12 million pixels ? meaning users can enlarge to unprecedented print sizes without loss of quality.
Successor to the popular FinePix F601, the F610 adopts the same upright format and builds on its performance and handling to create a formidable camera for photography enthusiasts. Feature-laden, yet easy to use, the FinePix F610 encourages experimentation whilst also offering automatic modes for the less confident user.
The FinePix F610 is technically versatile and offers significant creative control over all elements of the picture-taking process. In addition to full manual, aperture and shutter priority modes, it also offers four special scene modes ? Portrait, Sports, Landscape and Night Scene ? to help select the most appropriate settings in difficult shooting conditions. In terms of design, the innovative Fujifilm upright format has a clear photographic advantage: the camera is less prone to shake when held one-handed.
Availability
The FinePix F610 will be available in the UK from leading photographic retailers in the first quarter of 2004.
FujiFilm Press Release 26/11/03 Fujifilm’s FinePix F610: The only way is upright Release Date: 26 November 2003 World’s first compact digital camera to boast 6 million effective pixels Fujifilm today launches the FinePix F610, the first compact digital camera to offer 6 million effective pixels. Not satisfied with this outstanding…
Imaging Resource are reporting that Leica are set to announce a digital version of the classic M6 film camera. Apparently the new Leica Digilux 2 will have a 5 megapixel sensor and a Leica DC Vario-Summicron 28-90mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens. The lens will have manual operating rings for the zoom, focus and the aperture. The Digilux 2 will support both JPG and RAW formats and will have a massive 2.5” LCD screen on the back with with 211,000 pixels. It will also have an electronic view finder (EVF) with 235,000 pixels. The website DSpot has exclusive pictures of the new camera. The Digilux 2 is already listed at a German retailer for 1,800 Euros.
Website: DSpot - Leica Digilux 2
Website: Imaging Resource - Leica Digilux 2
Imaging Resource are reporting that Leica are set to announce a digital version of the classic M6 film camera. Apparently the new Leica Digilux 2 will have a 5 megapixel sensor and a Leica DC Vario-Summicron 28-90mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens. The lens will have manual operating rings for the…
DPReview have reported that Nikon have issued a warning about imitation batteries, some of which are not equipped with a safety feature that is required for rechargeable batteries. The counterfeit products could damage your camera or cause personal injury. There are some very handy pictures in DPReview’s report which clearly show the differences between the counterfeit and genuine batteries.
Website: DPReview - Nikon Imitation Batteries
DPReview have reported that Nikon have issued a warning about imitation batteries, some of which are not equipped with a safety feature that is required for rechargeable batteries. The counterfeit products could damage your camera or cause personal injury. There are some very handy pictures in DPReview’s report which clearly…
digitalkamera.de have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, a digital camera which features a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length). The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99.
digitalkamera.de have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, a digital camera which features a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length). The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99. Website: digitalkamera.de - Kodak EasyShare DX6490 Review
CNET have just posted their review of the Minolta DiMAGE A1.
“Following in the footsteps of Minolta’s Dimage 7 cameras, the A1 combines a 7X zoom lens and a 5-megapixel resolution with a mind-numbingly comprehensive feature set. New tricks include an unusual image-stabilization system, extensive autofocus improvements, and a tilting LCD. The A1’s image quality, while not outstanding, is also reasonably good. If this thing won’t do the job, you probably need a digital SLR.”
Website: CNET - Minolta DiMAGE A1 Review
CNET have just posted their review of the Minolta DiMAGE A1. “Following in the footsteps of Minolta’s Dimage 7 cameras, the A1 combines a 7X zoom lens and a 5-megapixel resolution with a mind-numbingly comprehensive feature set. New tricks include an unusual image-stabilization system, extensive autofocus improvements, and a tilting…
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the Konica KD-510Z, a new 5-megapixel digital camera.
Website: Akamera.dk - Konica KD-510Z Review
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the Konica KD-510Z, a new 5-megapixel digital camera. Website: Akamera.dk - Konica KD-510Z Review
Archos, Inc., a global provider of innovative handheld entertainment and storage solutions, introduced today the AVCam 300, the world’s first camera and camcorder attachment for a portable audio and video player. The AVCam brings together for the first time a 3.3-megapixel camera, MPEG-4 camcorder and player, MP3 recorder and player and massive hard disk. The AV300 series and AVCam are available today at Website: archos.com.
The world’s first combined 3.3 Megapixel camera, MPEG4 camcorder, MP3 recorder and USB 2.0 hard disk is here. All integrated seamlessly with the VIDEO AV320 or 340 from ARCHOS.
The compact AVCam 300 is full of innovations that have been designed especially for use with the VIDEO AV300 series. A simple press-fit attaches the AVCam 300 onto your VIDEO AV320 or 340 allowing you to enjoy it’s many fantastic features:
- Unique combination of MPEG4 camcorder and digital still camera: within seconds you can switch the functionality of the AVCam 300 from camcorder to still camera.
- 3.3 Megapixel (effective) CCD, matched optical system and advanced imaging technology for high resolution crystal clear pictures and video.
- 10x digital and 3x optical zoom Ricoh lens
- Massive storage: 40,000 3.3-Megapixel photos*
- Camcorder to record up to 80 hours of MPEG4 video, QVGA (320x240) 20 f/s NTSC, 25 f/s PAL, with MP3 stereo sound.
- Stereo audio recording and real-time encoding directly into MP3.
- View your videos and photos instantly on the large 3,8” built-in color LCD or on larger screen size by connecting your VIDEO AV300 series to any TV or monitor.
- Several program modes for automatic control of exposure, white balance and color saturation
- Ultra-fast USB 2.0 transfer of videos and photos to and from your computer. The VIDEO AV300 series contains a hard disk, that will be mounted as an additional hard disk when connected to a computer. This allows easy file management.
Archos, Inc., a global provider of innovative handheld entertainment and storage solutions, introduced today the AVCam 300, the world’s first camera and camcorder attachment for a portable audio and video player. The AVCam brings together for the first time a 3.3-megapixel camera, MPEG-4 camcorder and player, MP3 recorder and player…
Once again Steves Digicams are first off the blocks with a review of a new digital camera. This time they’ve reviewed the Fuji FinePix S3000 digital camera, which features 3.24 effective million pixels, 6X Fujinon optical zoom and digital movie recording. The S300 uses xD-Picture Card (16MB to 512MB) storage and its lens focal length is equivalent to 38-228mm on a 35mm camera. The list price for the S300 is $399.95.
“While most digicams in its price range offer a 3X optical zoom, the S3000 gets you twice as close to your subject with its Fujinon 6X optical zoom lens. This not only offers you more versatility in composing your shots, but it also adds significantly to the “fun” factor of owning a digicam. The lens produces sharp images throughout its 38-228mm (in 35mm equivalence) zoom range, but with noticeable pincushioning at full telephoto and barrel distortion at full wide-angle.”
Once again Steves Digicams are first off the blocks with a review of a new digital camera. This time they’ve reviewed the Fuji FinePix S3000 digital camera, which features 3.24 effective million pixels, 6X Fujinon optical zoom and digital movie recording. The S300 uses xD-Picture Card (16MB to 512MB) storage…
Perhaps of more interest to the average photographer than Luminous Landscape’s review of the Leaf Valeo 22 is the Digital Cameras Gift Guide 2003 from Photoxels, which recommends a digital camera for several different categories.
“This Holidays Season, give the gift that will always be welcomed and treasured all year round. Our editors have compiled their favorite digital cameras in four categories—Point-and-Shoot, Beginner, Serious, and Advanced—to bring you our Photoxels Editor’s Choice Digital Cameras Gift Guide 2003.”
Perhaps of more interest to the average photographer than Luminous Landscape’s review of the Leaf Valeo 22 is the Digital Cameras Gift Guide 2003 from Photoxels, which recommends a digital camera for several different categories. “This Holidays Season, give the gift that will always be welcomed and treasured all year…
Luminous Landscape has published its review of the Leaf Valeo 22, a 22 megapixel back for medium format cameras such as the Contax 645 and Mamiya 645 AFD. At $29,000 it may just be out of reach for the average photographer :-)
“In early November I was visited by Ilan Carmi, Leaf’s Product Marketing Manager. He had with him a Valeo 22 back designed for the Contax 645, and we spent one morning filming an interview with Ilan for the Issue #9 (Dec. ‘03) issue of The Video Journal. In this discussion we examined the Valeo 22 back and discussed its features and capabilities. We also had a broad-ranging discussion about the digital back and camera industry in general, and the future of large-sized imaging chips.”
Luminous Landscape has published its review of the Leaf Valeo 22, a 22 megapixel back for medium format cameras such as the Contax 645 and Mamiya 645 AFD. At $29,000 it may just be out of reach for the average photographer :-) “In early November I was visited by Ilan…
RE:CREATION, the UK?s biggest creativity awards programme has finally finished its UK tour and is now welcoming applications for its awards programme.
RE:CREATION?s 6 award categories are: Photography, Music, Fashion Design, Illustration/Design, Creative Writing and Film. Applications are welcome from anyone in the UK aged 26 or under and must be received by 12.1.04. Entries will be judged by a celebrated panel of experts including Rankin, Mary Anne Hobs, David Bailey and Julie Verhoeven. Category prizes have been specifically designed to give an enormous boost to each winner, giving them an amazing platform from which to launch their career!
*** Run by Topshop and Dazed & Confused, re:creation have been holding special seminars and parties throughout the UK. They have provided a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming film makers, musicians, photographers, journalists and other aspiring ?creatives? to get insider tips from top professionals.***
Entry forms can be found online attopshop.co.uk / confused.co.uk & @ all Topshop, Borders & Fopp Stores?
RE:CREATION, the UK?s biggest creativity awards programme has finally finished its UK tour and is now welcoming applications for its awards programme. RE:CREATION?s 6 award categories are: Photography, Music, Fashion Design, Illustration/Design, Creative Writing and Film. Applications are welcome from anyone in the UK aged 26 or under and must…