News
Leica Press Release 01/10/03
The LEICA CM is a high-quality analog compact camera. The letter “M” in the name of the new LEICA CM is eminently justified: Its outstanding performance is unusual for a compact camera and makes it as unique in its class as the Leica M cameras are in the category of rangefinder photography. The LEICA CM has a solid titanium body and is fabricated with precision craftsmanship in Germany. A Leica lens with a speed of f/2.4 masters virtually every application and it achieves impressive pictorial results with the finest nuances. Whether it is used in the fully automatic mode or with manual settings ? with its extensive, easy-to-operate settings, this compact camera offers the best conditions for individual picture composition. With its brilliant viewfinder, the subject coverage can be evaluated confidently, even under poor light conditions. A detailed LED display in the viewfinder helps in controlling the photographic parameters.
Further information on the LEICA CM is available:
Website: LEICA CM
Website: LEICA CM Technical Specifications
Website: LEICA CM Product Brochure (PDF)
Leica Press Release 01/10/03 The LEICA CM is a high-quality analog compact camera. The letter “M” in the name of the new LEICA CM is eminently justified: Its outstanding performance is unusual for a compact camera and makes it as unique in its class as the Leica M cameras are…
I’ve now received the official PhotoPC P-1000 Photo Viewer press release from Epson, which Photo-i first revealed last week.
Espson Press Release 01/10/03
EPSON’s(r) new digital photo album signals a new era of digital photo sharing
With a high definition display, 10GB hard disk and support for photo printing and CD writing, the new PhotoPC P-1000 Photo Viewer from EPSON delivers a flexible way of viewing digital photos and images.
Launch Date 1st November 2003 - The PhotoPC P-1000 from EPSON is the company’s first entry into the mobile imaging market. Aimed at digital photo enthusiasts and professional photographers, the PhotoPC P-1000 utilises EPSON’s latest LCD and display technologies to deliver a new method of viewing high definition photos and images on the move.
The PhotoPC P-1000 has a 3.8” LTPS LCD screen capable of displaying 260,000 colours for viewing high definition images and photos in crisp vibrant colour. With a screen resolution of 640 x 480 the PhotoPC P-1000 is ideal for digital photographers needing to view high-resolution images direct from their camera. In addition, the PhotoPC P-1000 has a Video-out connection and supports NTSC and PAL format for viewing output on a television or a projector.
To offer users maximum flexibility the PhotoPC P-1000 has a 10GB hard disk capable of storing over 7500 high-resolution photos. The device also has an integrated CF/Micro Drive card slot and supports Memory Stick, Smart Media, MMC and SD memory cards via an optional adapter, for viewing or transferring images direct from a digital camera. The PhotoPC P-1000 supports the Jpeg file format, a standard amongst digital camera users.
The PhotoPC P-1000 comes with an EPSON Graphical User Interface enabling users to manage their images in digital photo albums and run slideshows with transition effects. Users can also change the way they view files and control the behaviour of the PhotoPC P-1000 through the intuitive GUI.
I’ve now received the official PhotoPC P-1000 Photo Viewer press release from Epson, which Photo-i first revealed last week. Espson Press Release 01/10/03 EPSON’s(r) new digital photo album signals a new era of digital photo sharing With a high definition display, 10GB hard disk and support for photo printing and…
The Digital Journalist website has presented a selection of images from the “100 Photographs That Changed the World” book, which were voted for by readers of LIFE and The Digital Journalist earlier this year.
“A collection of pictures that ?changed the world? is a thing worth contemplating, if only to arrive at some resolution about the influential nature of photography and whether it is limited, vast or in between. We do not claim that LIFE?s 100 are the 100 or the top 100, but that they, and the other related landmark images presented here, argue on behalf of the power of pictures.”
Website: The Digital Journalist: 100 Photographs That Changed the World
Website: LIFE
The Digital Journalist website has presented a selection of images from the “100 Photographs That Changed the World” book, which were voted for by readers of LIFE and The Digital Journalist earlier this year. “A collection of pictures that ?changed the world? is a thing worth contemplating, if only to…
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. As I’m a Canon 10D owner, the “Hands On with the Canon 10D” article was the most interesting read this month. Here’s an excerpt from that article:
“Let me begin by saying that I am a devoted Canon EOS user. And quickly add that this does not make my review of the 10D biased. In fact, it makes me more critical, since I never accept any new product as “the answer” to my photo-imaging prayers on the manufacturer’s say-so alone. I demand performance, and if the camera can’t deliver, then I don’t want it anywhere near me.
In a nutshell, I am loath to return this camera at the end of the loan period. In fact, the 10D makes it difficult to work with any consumer or prosumer digicam. I have to remind myself that working with those other cameras requires me to lower my expectations, at which point I can move forward. But we’re here to talk about the 10D, not those other cameras.”
“Photos That Lie” is a very interesting article that encourages you to open your eyes and look around your local neighbourhood. You might be surprised to find that you suddenly see a lot of photographs in scenes that you usually walk or drive past.
Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #30
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. As I’m a Canon 10D owner, the “Hands On with the Canon 10D” article was the most interesting read this month. Here’s an excerpt from that article: “Let me begin by saying that I…
Photoxels have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix 3100, a 3-megapixel digital camera that Nikon first announced back in February at PMA 2003.
“The Nikon Coolpix 3100 is an attractive, compact, lightweight and affordable digital camera perfect for taking superb macro close-up pictures. It is strictly a point-and-shoot camera for those who want the camera to take care of exposure for them. It’s strong points are good handling, excellent macros, and quality 3MP images you’ve come to expect from Nikon.”
Photoxels have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix 3100, a 3-megapixel digital camera that Nikon first announced back in February at PMA 2003. “The Nikon Coolpix 3100 is an attractive, compact, lightweight and affordable digital camera perfect for taking superb macro close-up pictures. It is strictly a point-and-shoot camera for those who…
ePhotoZine have added 6 new articles to their Techniques section for the month of October. “Storing your digital images” should be read by every new digital photographer, as it gives a useful overview of an often confusing topic. “Creative silhouettes” shows you how to control your camera’s exposure so that the main subject is recorded as an effective, moody silhouette.
Website: ePhotoZine - October Techniques
ePhotoZine have added 6 new articles to their Techniques section for the month of October. “Storing your digital images” should be read by every new digital photographer, as it gives a useful overview of an often confusing topic. “Creative silhouettes” shows you how to control your camera’s exposure so that…
DP-Now editor Ian Burley is currently in Dubrovnik, Croatia to take a look at the latest digital cameras from Fuji. He’s started a thread on the DP-Now forums inviting you to ask questions about the S7000 camera; Ian will then do his best to answer them :-)
As a reminder, the S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. The electronic viewfinder has been upgraded from 103,000 pixels to a much-higher resolution 235,000 pixels and now uses the xD-Picture Card format instead of SmartMedia that the S602 Zoom used. The Fuji FinePix S7000 will cost $799.99 and be available in October.
Website: DP-Now - Fuji FinePix S7000 Hands-On
DP-Now editor Ian Burley is currently in Dubrovnik, Croatia to take a look at the latest digital cameras from Fuji. He’s started a thread on the DP-Now forums inviting you to ask questions about the S7000 camera; Ian will then do his best to answer them :-) As a reminder…
digitalkamera.de have posted a new article looking at the Olympus E-1 and the concept of the Four Thirds system. It’s a useful refresher if you haven’t already read this somewhere before (and you probably have…).
digitalkamera.de have posted a new article looking at the Olympus E-1 and the concept of the Four Thirds system. It’s a useful refresher if you haven’t already read this somewhere before (and you probably have…). Website: digitalkamera.de - Olympus E-1 Article
The flood of articles looking at the new features in Photoshop CS continues with a PDF article from Martin Evening called “What’s new in Photoshop CS”. You should fight off the Photoshop fatigue and read this because it’s actually Chapter 1 of Evening’s upcoming book, “Photoshop for Photographers”.
Website: Imaging Revue - Photoshop CS Article
The flood of articles looking at the new features in Photoshop CS continues with a PDF article from Martin Evening called “What’s new in Photoshop CS”. You should fight off the Photoshop fatigue and read this because it’s actually Chapter 1 of Evening’s upcoming book, “Photoshop for Photographers”. Website: Imaging…
ACD Systems Press Release 30/09/03
ACD Systems Releases Latest Version of its Flagship Digital Imaging Software - ACDSee 6.0?
New features deliver innovative selective browsing and image rating technologies that streamline workflow
VICTORIA, British Columbia ? September 30, 2003 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSE:ASA), the digital imaging company and makers of ACDSee? and Canvas?, today released ACDSee 6.0, the newest version of its flagship digital imaging software program for consumer and corporate markets. ACDSee is known for its speed, ease-of-use and powerful image management capabilities including features for viewing, organizing, searching, printing and sharing digital image collections of any size. New features in ACDSee 6.0 include the ability to rate images, burn photos to CD/DVDs and quickly view and locate photos from different folders and categories with the Easy Select and Selective Browsing features.
ACDSee 6.0 solves the problem facing the escalating digital imaging market by offering an easy solution for managing large volumes of images. The new Easy Select feature allows users to select multiple folders and categories to get a combined view of all images that are contained in them. The robust Selective Browsing feature, unique to ACDSee 6.0, takes the frustration and time out of looking for images by combing the search results from different folders and categories simultaneously and then displaying all the images in one window.
After easily finding their images, users can place their selection in an Image Basket where they are temporarily ready for editing, creating an HTML album ready to share on the web or email to friends and family. ACDSee 6.0 also boasts a new Image Rating system, in which photos can be assigned a numerical rating. Image Rating assists users in sorting and searching their images and helps them to distinguish the quality of their photos.
ACD Systems Press Release 30/09/03 ACD Systems Releases Latest Version of its Flagship Digital Imaging Software - ACDSee 6.0? New features deliver innovative selective browsing and image rating technologies that streamline workflow VICTORIA, British Columbia ? September 30, 2003 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSE:ASA), the digital imaging company and…
ePhotoZine are the third website today to post a review of Photoshop CS.
“Photo filters is a feature that many photographers have been crying out for. Automated colour correction filters. Applying a filter adds a preset such as an 81 warm up or 80 blue while you can select any colour you like using the colour picker. The strength of the filter can be reduced using the opacity slider and faded using Edit>fade option.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Photoshop CS Review
ePhotoZine are the third website today to post a review of Photoshop CS. “Photo filters is a feature that many photographers have been crying out for. Automated colour correction filters. Applying a filter adds a preset such as an 81 warm up or 80 blue while you can select any…
Olympus Press Release 30/09/03
Less waiting, more picture-taking
The Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 WIDE ZOOM
Olympus announces the high-end C-5060 WIDE ZOOM compact digital camera. The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom - the widest currently available - and is packed with a full compliment of features and manually-adjustable photographic functions. The 5 megapixel C-5060 WZ is one of the fastest digital cameras on the market today, with a start-up time of just 3 seconds and a release time lag (including Auto Focus time) of 0.4 seconds. Available from November 2003, RRP ?599.99. For stockist information call freephone 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk.
The C-5060 WZ boasts a bright f2.8-4.8, 4x optical zoom [3.5x digital zoom] lens. At 27mm [35mm equivalent] the wide-angle of the zoom range extends to 110mm; this increases to a super wide 19mm with the new wide-angle converter. At the other of end of the scale, the C-5060 WZ?s macro mode records the tiniest of detail close-up. Furthermore, the dual Auto Focus system will ensure that a subject is perfectly focussed in order to achieve precise, bright, colourful results.
To avoid the problem of corner shading (a loss of picture quality at the edge of the frame), often seen when using a wide-angle lens with a digital camera, the C-5060 WZ boasts first-class optical elements, arranged to permit the ?telecentric? transmission of light. This ensures that light hits the camera?s sensor at a right angle.
Not only does the C-5060 WZ take just a fraction of a second from pressing the release to taking the picture, it also boasts a shooting speed of three HQ frames per second in speed sequence mode. Users can also experiment with the six different scene programmes such as landscape and sports, as well as a movie recording function
The camera’s four different exposure modes (programme, shutter priority, aperture priority and fully manual) are not only easy to use but give you room for professional creativity. Additionally, the new high power Lithium Ion battery supplied with the C-5060 WZ will allow up to 600 shots; an optional power grip over 1000 shots.
However you are positioned to take a shot, you can see your subject clearly thanks to the C-5060 WZ’s multi-angle high-resolution LCD monitor. This is fixed to a flexible hinge which can be tilted up and swivelled round by 270?. The C-5060 WZ looks great too with a full magnesium body and sleek black finish perfectly reflecting the model’s pro capabilities.
The C-5060 WZ is also compatible with a range of CAMEDIA system accessories such as a hot shoe, external flash systems, a power grip, filters plus a tele and wide angle lens converter. A variety of newly-developed accessories are also available including a direct filter mount and bayonet conversion lens system.
Olympus Press Release 30/09/03 Less waiting, more picture-taking The Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 WIDE ZOOM Olympus announces the high-end C-5060 WIDE ZOOM compact digital camera. The C-5060 WZ offers a 27mm-110mm equivalent wide angle zoom - the widest currently available - and is packed with a full compliment of features and…
Steve’s Digicams has 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.
“The Canon i900D is a very versatile printer allowing you to make photo-quality borderless prints with or without the need of a computer.
The i900D’s print quality is equal that of Canon’s i960 but it isn’t as fast because its print head only has 1,536 nozzles versus 3,072 nozzles on the i960. If speed is your thing and you don’t need the standalone features of the i900D then go with the i960 instead.”
Steve’s Digicams has 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…
Luminous Landscape owner Michael Reichmann has just published his review of the Canon EOS 300D digital SLR. Find out how the EOS 300D fared in the hands of an experienced professional landscape and wildlife photographer.
“Rather than provide a bells and whistles review, which sites like DPReview do with mind-numbing detail, it’s my intention here to see how well the Rebel accomplishes its goals, both from the consumer’s as well as Canon’s perspectives. Of course I will be comparing the Rebel to Canon’s 10D, which from an image quality perspective is almost identical, yet which costs nearly twice as much.”
Luminous Landscape owner Michael Reichmann has just published his review of the Canon EOS 300D digital SLR. Find out how the EOS 300D fared in the hands of an experienced professional landscape and wildlife photographer. “Rather than provide a bells and whistles review, which sites like DPReview do with mind-numbing…
On Sunday DPReview posted a new gallery of sample images from the Olympus E-1, taken at the USA Formula One Grand Prix in Indianapolis. Now Imaging Resource have joined in by posting their own gallery of photos taken at the same event with the same camera.
“All of the following photos were taken with the E-1 camera body and either the 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or the 300mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Telephoto Lens last Friday. We also had access to the 50mm f2.0 Zuiko Digital Macro Lens and 1.4x Zuiko Digital TeleConverter Lens, and will be sharing photos taken using these items shortly.
We captured around 2000 images with the camera throughout the course of the weekend. Tomorrow, we will bring you a selection of the images taken during Saturday, and shortly thereafter we’ll have the photos from Sunday - the day of the race itself.”
On Sunday DPReview posted a new gallery of sample images from the Olympus E-1, taken at the USA Formula One Grand Prix in Indianapolis. Now Imaging Resource have joined in by posting their own gallery of photos taken at the same event with the same camera. “All of the following…
DPReview are the second website to post a review of Photoshop CS. Site contributor and author of the “123 of digital imaging Interactive e-book”, Vincent Bockaert has used his extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and his involvement in the Adobe Photoshop CS Beta test team to produce this article which covers the major points of Photoshop CS from a digital photographer’s perspective.
“With the introduction of Photoshop CS, Adobe has taken a great step in the digital photography direction. Just like the Healing Brush Tool introduced with Photoshop 7 made retouching an order of magnitude easier and better, Adobe has done the equivalent to digital photography with Photoshop CS for prosumers and professionals alike.”
Website: DPReview - Photoshop CS Review
DPReview are the second website to post a review of Photoshop CS. Site contributor and author of the “123 of digital imaging Interactive e-book”, Vincent Bockaert has used his extensive knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and his involvement in the Adobe Photoshop CS Beta test team to produce this article which…
Several websites have published articles looking at the new Photoshop CS from a photographer’s point of view. First up is Digital Outback Photo, who have published a very nice round-up of the features that you will be most interested in.
“PS8 inherited the Photomerge tool from PS Elements 2.0 but allows (of course) the use of 16 bit images. We only looked into early versions and cannot tell about the stitching quality.
But probably the most powerful feature of Photomerge is the following:
Photomerge can leave the stitched images in layers so that you can do final tweaking yourself.”
Several websites have published articles looking at the new Photoshop CS from a photographer’s point of view. First up is Digital Outback Photo, who have published a very nice round-up of the features that you will be most interested in. “PS8 inherited the Photomerge tool from PS Elements 2.0 but…
DCResource 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.
“Where the DX6490 really stands out is in terms of ease-of-use. The Kodak EasyShare system lets you easily share pictures, whether via e-mail or prints. The one-of-a-kind album feature is intriguing as well. The software that runs on your Mac and PC is very nice—the whole thing is tied together nicely. Throw in the printer dock for another $200 and you’ve got a complete system for sharing and printing your photos. Nobody, with perhaps the exception of HP, comes close to Kodak in this area.”
DCResource 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. “Where the DX6490 really stands out is in terms of ease-of-use. The Kodak EasyShare system lets…
Olympus Press Release 30/09/03
Olympus celebrates Ferrari F1 sponsorship with limited edition Mju 400.
- The first digital camera in the world to be officially authorised by Ferrari SpA
- Sleek, stylish, all-weather metal body with official Ferrari team colours and logo
Just in time for Christmas, Olympus launches the first, and only, digital camera in the world currently branded by Ferrari SpA. The ?Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL 2003? is a limited-edition camera, developed to celebrate the Olympus sponsorship of the Ferrari Scuderia Formula One Racing Team. The camera will be available in the UK by mid-November 2003.
Olympus became an official sponsor of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F1 racing team at the start of the 2003 Formula One racing season.
The Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL 2003 is based on the all-weather Mju 400 digital camera. Its distinctive design reflects the style and quality that are hallmarks of Ferrari craftsmanship. The body of the camera is finished in distinctive Ferrari Red, and the lens barrier is adorned with the world famous “Cavallino Rampante - Prancing Horse” logo, featured on Ferrari road cars and F1 racing cars.
When the camera is switched on, the built-in colour LCD monitor displays the Ferrari name and logo, as well as an image of a Ferrari F1 racing car. As a limited-edition model with a production run of only 10,000 units worldwide, each camera is stamped with a unique production number.
The Ferrari Red finish was subjected to approximately five times as many checks as usual to ensure colour accuracy, and the external aluminium parts were hand-polished and given a special coating to ensure a level of lustre and durability which are extremely difficult to achieve through ordinary mass-production methods.
A limited-edition camera designed to appeal to both motor sport fans and the style conscious photographer, the Ferrari DIGITAL MODEL 2003 comes complete with a red-toned suede-textured camera case and custom-designed camera strap, both of which are emblazoned with the Ferrari logo. A Certificate of Authenticity bearing the serial number is also included, along with a greeting card featuring autographed photos of the Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.
Olympus Press Release 30/09/03 Olympus celebrates Ferrari F1 sponsorship with limited edition Mju 400. - The first digital camera in the world to be officially authorised by Ferrari SpA - Sleek, stylish, all-weather metal body with official Ferrari team colours and logo Just in time for Christmas, Olympus launches the…
Canon have just announced the new imagePROGRAF W8200, a large-format printer solution designed for graphic imaging professionals. With a price tag of $7995, most photographers are obviously not going to consider this when they are shopping for a home printer :-)
What is interesting about this announcement, however, is that the imagePROGRAF W8200 uses Canon’s first complete six-color (C/M/Y/K, Bk, PC/PM) pigment ink set. “Engineered for superior quality and with a color reproduction equivalent to that of dye ink, Canon has formulated a pigment ink solution of ultra fine particles that boasts both light fastness and high ozone resistance - elements vital to the digital imaging, fine art and proofing markets. The question is, will this new pigment ink make its way down the Canon printer line-up to the consumer models? And how soon will that happen?!
Here’s another quote from the press-release to whet your appetite:
“Canon’s pigment ink has a super-fine pigment diameter of approximately 0.1 micron, and generates ultra-sharp images at 600x1200 dpi in Standard Mode and up to 1200x1200 dpi*. Suited for Fine Art and indoor signage, lighter density Photo Cyan and Photo Magenta inks are coated with an extra high polymer compound to protect the colors from fading with exposure to light, ensuring the sharpness and subtlety of prints for years to come.”
Canon have just announced the new imagePROGRAF W8200, a large-format printer solution designed for graphic imaging professionals. With a price tag of $7995, most photographers are obviously not going to consider this when they are shopping for a home printer :-) What is interesting about this announcement, however, is that…