Professional photographer Clint Thayer has just reviewed the Nikkor 12-24mm f4 AF-S DX, which promises to give Nikon DSLR owners a wide-angle lens for the first time in a long time, albeit at a cost of $1,000 or so.

“Most digital SLR photographers are not accustomed to shooting with a true wide angle lens. For most of us, we have come to call wide angle about 25-35mm or so at the bottom end of our zooms. There has been a fairly large market for second party ultra-wide zooms, but many folks have been waiting for Nikon to come along with something very special. And they have.”

Website: Stereografx - Nikkor 12-24mm f4 AF-S DX Lens Review

Website: Stereografx

Digital Outback Photo have tested the popular Canon EF 28-135mm IS lens in conjunction with the popular Canon EOS 300D digital SLR camera, comparing this combination with the much, much more expensive Canon EOS 1Ds and Canon 70-200mm IS L lens.

“To find the right partner lens for the 300D is not trivial. Many think that the 28-135 IS lens is the right compromise for the best travel lens:

price
size
weight
reasonable optical quality
IS (image stabilization)
 
The following pictures should illustrate the situation…”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - 300D with Canon EF 28-135mm IS

CNET have published a number of digital camera reviews recently, which I didn’t notice because they keep changing the URL for their main page :-( Anyway, here are the links:

- Olympus Camedia C-740 Ultra Zoom
- Olympus Camedia C-750 Ultra Zoom
- Ricoh Caplio RR30
- Fujifilm FinePix F700

Website: CNET - Digital Cameras

Meanwhile Imaging Resource have added the second part of their “Oly E-1 in action at the US Grand Prix” article, with another 20 sample images for you to look at. The third and final part should be following “soon”...

“We’ve finally managed to finish the second part of the article now though, and present another 20 photos taken at the F1 race in Indianapolis with an Olympus E-1 digital SLR. If you’ve not read the first part of the report, we’d suggest clicking here for some background and the first batch of photos before you continue any further.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Oly E-1 in action at the US Grand Prix

DPReview have added a new section to their Olympus E-1 preview, courtesy of Les Freed, the photographer who used the E-1 at the USA Formula One Grand Prix in Indianapolis last week. Called “A Day (or three) at the Races”, this is a professional photographer’s personal observations of the E-1:

“Although I had previously used an E1 for a week, the F1 race was the first extended, all-day shoot I’ve done with the camera. Unlike the paid pros working the race, my career wasn’t on the line. But I was there to put the E-1 to the test, so I treated the race weekend as I would any other assignment - which meant that I had to get some decent pictures.

I can’t think of a more demanding event to test a camera. During the three day event, our cameras were subjected to rain, dozens of lens changes, the occasional hard knock, and very heavy use. The weather ranged from clear and sunny to heavy rain - sometimes within minutes of each other. An Olympus technical representative was present to help with questions and offer suggestions, but we were otherwise free to shoot at our leisure. “

Website: DPReview - Olympus E-1 Update

The German website Photoworld.de has reviewed the Fuji FinePix S5000, which uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera.

Website: Photoworld.de - Fuji FinePix S5000 Review

The German website digitalkamera.de have spotted another new development from Panasonic, shown at the Japanese entertainment electronics fair CEATEC. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 seems to be a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 28-90mm Leica lens that has a constant aperture of f/2.0. It looks like being a very classy camera to me. The Lumix DMC-LC1 has not been officially announced yet and probably won’t be released until next year.

Website: CEATEC

Website: digitalkamera.de

UPDATE 05/10/03
This camera and a few more details about it is now appearing on some of the other photography websites:

Website: letsgodigital.org

Website: Photoxels

In addition to the DMC-FZ10 Lumix, Panasonic also announced two other new digital cameras yesterday. Here’s the official press release from Panasonic for all 3 cameras:

Panasonic Press Release 02/10/03

Tokyo, Japan - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE and PCX: MC) best known for its Panasonic-brand products, announced today it will launch three new models of digital still cameras. A high-end single-lens reflex camera DMC-FZ10 featuring a 12x super optical zoom and a four-megapixel CCD will be introduced in the Japanese market this month. A compact, easy-to-use and stylish DMC-FX5, with a 3x optical zoom and a four-megapixel CCD, and DMC-FX1, with a 3x optical zoom and three-megapixel CCD, will be introduced in November with no suggested retail prices. These three models incorporate Panasonic’s MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer (MEGA O.I.S.). The company plans to ship the equivalent models to overseas markets.

“Digital still camera market is one of the fastest growing categories in Japan”, said Shunzo Ushimaru, Director of Corporate Marketing Division for Panasonic Brand in Japan. “We estimate that total number of digital still camera shipment in Japan will be 8.1 million units, 15% growth from 2002, in the fiscal year 2003 ending March 2004. The rapid growth of digital still camera market is realized by the significant improvement of its picture quality which gets closer to that of film cameras. Panasonic also helps expanding the market with networking applications with a wide range of digital audio-video products such as TVs, DVD recorders and printers through SD Memory cards.”

LUMIX is a line of digital still cameras that integrate the world-renowned optical technology of Leica Camera AG of Germany with Panasonic’s advanced digital video technology. The three new models feature the enhanced performance newly developed Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. which suppresses jitter that is more conspicuous when shooting in telephoto position and shooting night scenery with slow shutter speed without using tripod. The DMC-FX5 and DMC-FX1 are the world’s first 3x optical zoom compact digital cameras that are equipped with O.I.S.

These models also incorporate VENUS Engine, the digital signal processor developed by Panasonic which enhances the image quality, boosts the processing speed and shortens the interval time between shots down to less than one second. It also enables consecutive shooting to capture up to seven full-size images for DMC-FZ10 and DMC-FX5, eight full-size images for DMC-FX1 at the speed of four frames per second.

About Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand name, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the Company recorded consolidated sales of US$61.68 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Matsushita’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, New York, Pacific, Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf stock exchanges. For more information, visit the Matsushita website at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html

Vincent Oliver, editor of Photo-i.co.uk, has published an interesting look at the role of digital cameras in stock photography, using two of his own images as examples.

“A successful stock image should be able to convey many messages, a good art director will be looking for images that create a mood or visually deliver a story line. Our image could be used for a number of conceptual ideas, ideas that may not always be obvious at the time of shooting - so take lots of pictures. For this picture I used a 2.1 mega pixel Canon S10 digital camera.”

Website: Photo-i - Taking Stock

Digital Outback Photo have added another new section to their Canon EOS 300D Experience Report. This time they look at selecting lenses to use with the 300D and some of the things that you should consider.

“What about fixed primes?
 
Fixed primes always get you the best quality for your money. But of course they are not as flexible as zooms. Also the old saying that you should move your body and not the range on your zoom is not always valid as there are situations where you have few choices to move your vantage point. Last not least switching lenses can introduce more dust to your sensor.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Selecting Lenses with the Digital Rebel

I realise that it’s not actually Sunday yet, but Luminous Landscape have published Mike Johnston’s weekly column a couple of days earlier than usual due to travel committments. This week Mike is fielding a few questions from the general public.

“Legend has it that Cartier-Bresson shot two rolls of film every day before breakfast. Bill Jay tells a story of the great Czech photographer Josef Koudelka visiting him at his cabin out West. Bill was amazed to see Koudelka wandering around one morning taking pictures of woodpiles and trees. Questioning Koudelka about it, Bill said he thought this was about as far from Koudelka’s usual subject matter as it was possible to get. Koudelka answered that he had to practice to stay in shape, or words to that effect.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer: Got a Question?

Fred Miranda has tody announced a new plugin which aims to reduce noise in digital photographs. The ISOx Pro PC and Mac Plugins are the result of many months of development. This professional tool offers an easy and efficient solution to quickly and affordably reduce noise from all digital camera files or scanned film. It uses noise reduction technology specifically designed to accommodate RAW or JPEG straight from the camera. With this new essential digital darkroom Photoshop plugin, photographers can count on precise results through powerful and flexible options.

Website: Fred Miranda

Ulead Press Release 02/10/03

Ulead Celebrates 15 Years of Image Editing Expertise with Special Edition of PhotoImpact

PhotoImpact XL Image Editing Software offers New Learning Materials, Digital Photography Filters, Effects and Photo Correction Tools

Torrance, CA - October 2, 2003 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of video editing, image editing and Web graphics software, announces Ulead? PhotoImpact? XL, an enhanced version of PhotoImpact, Ulead?s flagship image editing software for the PC. Over the years PhotoImpact has garnered notable reviews and awards in a variety of publications including BusinessWeek, CNET, Entrepreneur and PCPhoto. With PhotoImpact XL, Ulead celebrates a 15-year history developing innovative image editing software, which includes being the first software company to deliver true-color image editing on the Windows platform. PhotoImpact XL offers extensive learning materials, striking new filters and effects, and useful basic and high-end photo correction tools. While PhotoImpact XL offers new enhancements for digital photography, the software maintains its extensive and potent feature-set for graphic design and Web page creation. The software is a complete image editing solution for digital photographers, graphic designers, and Web creators at home, school and the workplace.

PhotoImpact XL offers new learning materials including an in-depth 45-minute, 13-chapter video tutorial and seven hands-on project lessons. The software includes ExpressFix? a step-by-step intelligent photo correction feature that suggests how to fix common photo problems including unbalanced exposure, improper color balance, and out-of-focus photos. Users can add artistic flare to photos with a variety of new digital photography effects including Sunlight, Diffraction (rainbow), and Multi-vision filters as well as a unique effect for creating realistic moons. PhotoImpact XL includes advanced photography engines such as the High Dynamic Range tool that extends the tonal range of a photo to make it closer to that perceived by the human eye.

“As one of the original founders of Ulead Systems, it’s exciting for me to reflect on the past 15 years of our success in developing innovative image editing software,? says Lewis Liaw, president of Ulead Systems, North America. ?When we started Ulead our underlying vision was to provide consumers with feature-rich, technologically-advanced image editing software that was affordable and easy-to-use. I?m pleased to see that still, after all these years, we can stay true to this vision with PhotoImpact XL.”

The German photography retailer AC-Foto is currently listing a new wide-angle zoom lens from Sigma which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example.

Here’s a translation of the AC-Foto webpage courtesy of Google:

Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph NOVELTY!!!!! (at the end of of Octobers available)

The first zoom with a diagonal picture angle of 122? with a focal length of 12mm! For similar and digital SLR of systems suitably!

- variable picture angle from 122? to 84.1?
- equipment with 4 SLD glass elements and 3 aspheric lens elements for the achievement of the high optical achievement
- interior focusing for the retention of the overall length during focusing
- HSM technology (SIGMA, Nikon and Canon connection) with all time manual focus option.
- minimum adjusting distance only 28cm with all focal lengths
- member of the ex DG series, the line particularly for the digital SLR cameras

With the employment at similar SLR cameras offers the sayful picture angles of 122? unbelievable wide-angle photographs. At digital SLR cameras can be spoken despite their extension factor finally seriously of a wide angle. The objective is suitable in both systems outstanding for interior and landscape photographs. The color defects frequently arising with superwide angle objectives are corrected by the four SLD of glass elements (particularly low color scatter) effectively. For the removal of the remaining aberrations and the distortion two bright-pressed glass lenses are responsible as well as a hybrid lens. By the employment of ultramodern production technologies technical designers apart from the outstanding imaging capacity also extremely compact dimensions could carry out the SIGMA; the objective length amounts to whole 100mm with a maximum diameter of 87mm. The interior focusing provides for the constant overall length during focusing and prevents a rotating of the frontlinse. Thus the employment of the special, tulpenfoermigen back light screen is possible, which, firmly inserted, holds scattered light effectively. The models, which are equipped with the HSM technology connection-dependently, offer at any time the possibility of intervening manually in the focusing. The minimum distance amounts to with all focal lengths only 28cm, measured starting from the film level.

TECHNICAL DATA
Focal length: 12-24mm
Smallest screen: F22
Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
Focusing system: Interior focusing
Picture angle: 122? -84.1?
Number of blendenlamellen: 6 pieces
Minimum distance: 28cm
Largest scale: 1:7,1
Filter: Filter drawer for gel filters
Back light screen: firmly inserted, tulpenfoermige screen
Dimensions: Diameter 87mm x length 100mm
Ports (AF): Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Minolta (D), Pentax
Weight: 615gr

Order now! Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph NOVELTY!!!!! (at the end of of Octobers available) at the price of

EUR 949,00
?665 STR

For CANON Minolta Nikon Pentax Sigma

Website: AC-Foto

Panasonic Press Release 02/10/03

Elevating the performance of digital still cameras to a new standard of excellence,
Panasonic’s new Lumix digital camera is industry’s first 4-megapixel consumer camera offering 12x zoom.

SECAUCUS, NJ (October 2, 2003) Panasonic, creator of the celebrated Lumix? line of digital cameras, introduces the industry’s first 4-megapixel consumer digital camera with 12x optical zoom. Featuring F2.8 brightness throughout the entire zoom range, the camera’s powerful 12x zoom is equivalent to a 35 - 420mm zoom lens on a conventional 35mm film camera. Its precision Leica lens, extraordinary telephoto features and no-lag processing speed enable this camera to capture every detail of distant or quick-moving subjects with superb brightness and clarity.

The new, high-performance DMC-FZ10 Lumix camera is targeted for retail introduction in November, and will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $599.00.

The camera features a 1/2.5” CCD and F2.8 large-aperture Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 13 elements in 8 groups and three aspherical lenses. Legendary for rendering images with superb color reproduction and expressive depth, the Leica lens opens the door to exciting new creative possibilities, for both the first-time digital camera user and the experienced photographer. Especially important for a high zoom camera, Panasonic’s advanced MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) enhances the camera’s telephoto zoom capabilities, helping to deliver sharp, vivid images even when taking handheld telephoto shots or shooting in low light. This feature uses motion sensors, which detects even slight hand movement and integrally links the lens control to the motion of the camera to reduce jitter. Unlike digital image stabilization systems, this optical system provides precise compensation with no degradation in image quality.

The DMC-FZ10’s new histogram feature functions like a digital light meter, providing a graphic representation of the luminance level of the pixels composing an image. By using the histogram, users can exercise more precise exposure control for quality photos. The histogram can be displayed on the unit’s large, 2-inch LCD screen while an image is being recorded and also after a shot has been taken.

Incredibly responsive, the DMC-FZ10 captures consecutive shots nearly as quickly as a motor-driven film camera. As soon as the camera’s CCD captures the image signal, Panasonic’s multi-tasking Venus Engine LSI simultaneously displays images on the LCD while writing data to the memory card, significantly reducing lag time between shots. To capture sudden events as they unfold, Panasonic’s exclusive MEGA BURST? recording feature enables consecutive rapid-fire shooting, capturing 4 frames per second with undiminished quality from frame to frame.

The camera can also record motion images (320 x 240 pixel JPEG) in 30 or 10-frames-per-second QuickTime?, complete with audio. The DMC-FZ10 features manual focus, aperture, shutter and exposure functions to help enhance the picture taking experience. Other features include centering guidelines; self timer; program AE; continuous AF function, Spot AF Switching and AF Lock; digital automatic pop-up flash and multiple flash modes; multiple image display; a special panning mode for capturing fast action with clear detail; built-in USB1 port and more.

The camera comes with a lens hood to help diminish flare and ghosting when photographing extremely bright scenes. Other accessories included are: rechargeable battery pack and charger; 16MB SD Memory Card; AC cable; DC cable; A/V cable; USB connection cable; lens cap; carrying strap and software on CD-Rom.

Website: Panasonic Japan

Website: Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix Appearance

Website: Panasonic DMC-FZ10 Lumix Sample Images

Steve’s Digicams have posted their review of the 3 megapixel DiMAGE E323 compact digital camera. Equipped with a 3X optical zoom, the DiMAGE E323 has a focal range of 5.6mm to 16.8mm, which is equivalent to a 36 - 108mm zoom on a 35mm camera. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 - 4.9 allows the camera to be used in less than ideal lighting conditions without the need of the flash. For those occasions requiring larger prints, the camera automatically resizes the captured data to create a 6-megapixel image. This allows the production of A3-size 150dpi prints or A4-size 300dpi prints.

“At a street price of under $300, the Minolta DiMAGE E323 offers levels of performance, features and quality that will please the intermediate photographer, yet remains easy enough for the novice to use. If you’re looking for an under-$300 3-megapixel 3X zoom digicam with movie mode that can capture family, travel and sports images, and produce pleasing prints 8x10-inches and larger, you should include the Minolta’s DiMAGE E323 on your short list.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Minolta DiMAGE E323 Review

Imaging Resource have just reviewed the Fuji FinePix S5000, which uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera.

“Fuji’s FinePix S5000 offers a 10x optical zoom lens, great color, exceptional battery life, and an interesting continuous-shooting mode that’s a great feature for sports and other action photography. A solid entry, but facing stiff competition in an increasingly crowded field. (Long-zoom digicams.) Definitely worth a look though…”

Website: Imaging Resource - Fuji FinePix S5000 Review

DCResource have completed their review of the Canon EOS 300D, adding test photos and a conclusion to their earlier first look at the camera. Like everyone else, they only have positive things to say about the 300D:

“Based on the pages of text above, you probably don’t need to hear my conclusion. But I’ll repeat it anyway: the Canon Digital Rebel is a breakthrough product, bringing the digital SLR to the masses. I must confess that my level interest in the Minolta A1 and Sony DSC-F828 dropped immediately after the announcement of the Rebel. Many will ask, “why spend $1199 on a fixed lens camera when I get get a D-SLR and choose from scores of lenses and accessories for $899?” That will be a tough decision for many people over the holiday shopping season!”

Website: DCResource - Canon EOS 300D Review

Canon yesterday released a new firmware update (Ver. 2.0.0.0) for the following digital cameras:

- PowerShot S400 DIGITAL ELPH
- DIGITAL IXUS 400
- PowerShot G5
- PowerShot S50
- PowerShot A70
- PowerShot A60
- PowerShot A300

The firmware update will make your camera PictBridge compliant if it is not already compliant. PictBridge is a new industry standard for direct printing that allows you to print images without using a computer by directly connecting digital cameras and digital camcorders to a printer, regardless of the devices’ brand and model.

Website: Canon Firmware Updates

SanDisk Press Release 01/10/03

Small Form Factor Offers Reliable High-performance Flash Storage For Demanding Industrial Applications, Portable Devices

SUNNYVALE, CA, Oct. 1, 2003 ? SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced a new line of Industrial Grade SD cards designed specifically for demanding applications where extreme durability, enhanced data integrity and exceptionally fast data read and write functionality are required.

SanDisk Industrial Grade SD card users have the ability to update information at industry leading write speeds of up to 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.), and access to data at read speeds up to 10MB/sec.* SanDisk anticipates broad applications for the Industrial Grade SD card within manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, communications, networking, automotive and aviation market segments. Industrial Grade SD cards are suited to serve the storage needs of today?s industrial handheld device user who relies on consistent and reliable access to data from any location.

SanDisk is the only company that offers a complete line of Industrial Grade flash memory cards with industry leading performance, extreme endurance and enhanced reliability. All Industrial Grade cards must pass a stringent qualification and on going ?Industrial Test Process? including statistically-based quality control that measures all points of manufacture including memory, controller and final card test. Every SanDisk Industrial Grade memory card is guaranteed to exceed rigorous industrial application requirements.