News

Monday, September 8, 2003

The most interesting news today is courtesy of Vincent Oliver, the editor of the website Photo-i.co.uk. Vincent has exclusively revealed that Canon are introducing 3 new photo printers, which are all updated versions of existing printers, and he has also started an interactive review of one of the new models.

Here is a brief summary of what the new models offer; Photo-i has the full press release from Canon.

The Bubble Jet i865 replaces the i850. It has an additional black ink for higher contrast and top quality borderless photo printing, and also supports the PictBridge standard. Printing directly onto compatible CD-R/DVDs is now possible with the inclusion of a detachable CD-R printing unit. With print speeds of 23ppm mono and 16ppm colour, Canon claims the i865 is the fastest ink jet printer on the market.

The Bubble Jet i965 replaces the i950. Canon are claiming that it is the fastest and highest resolution photo printer; a a 2400dpi full A4 photo is printed in approximately 60 seconds. Like the i865, the i965 is PictBridge compatible and also prints directly onto compatible CD-R/DVDs.

The Bubble Jet i905D replaces the S830D. There is a new built-in colour LCD screen and card slots for CompactFlash?, Microdrive, Sony Memory Stick, smartMedia, Secure Digital, Multimedia card, Memory Stick DUO, miniSd Card and xD-Picture card, which allows convenient photo printing without a PC. Like the i865 and i965, the i905D is PictBridge compatible and also prints directly onto compatible CD-R/DVDs.

All 3 printers feature a new covered paper tray that has been added to the auto sheet feed to hold and protect 4? x 6? photo paper, allowing users to switch printing modes without swapping paper.

Website: Photo-i

The most interesting news today is courtesy of Vincent Oliver, the editor of the website Photo-i.co.uk. Vincent has exclusively revealed that Canon are introducing 3 new photo printers, which are all updated versions of existing printers, and he has also started an interactive review of one of the new models…

Canon Powershot A70Photoxels have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A70, which has recently been superceded by the A80. Nevertheless, Photoxels still thinks that it is worth considering:

“The Canon PowerShot A70 is an attractive, compact and affordable digital camera perfect for an aspiring photographer. It has the image quality Canon is famous for, its 3.2 megapixels resolution allows 8x10 in. prints, and, more importantly, it provides the features and exposure flexibility that allow a beginner amateur photographer to experiment, learn and grow in digital photography.”

Website: Photoxels - Canon Powershot A70 Review

Photoxels have reviewed the Canon PowerShot A70, which has recently been superceded by the A80. Nevertheless, Photoxels still thinks that it is worth considering: “The Canon PowerShot A70 is an attractive, compact and affordable digital camera perfect for an aspiring photographer. It has the image quality Canon is famous for…

“After Life: Streatham Cemetery” is a year in the life of a London cemetery, as seen through the eyes of photographer Jonathan Clark. The website is split up into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, with Winter being the most prolific and interesting season in my opinion. All of the photographs were taken between dusk and dawn over a 2-year period. It’s a well-executed photography project, although I’m not sure about the animation of flowers and leaves in some of the photographs.

Website: After Life: Streatham Cemetery

“After Life: Streatham Cemetery” is a year in the life of a London cemetery, as seen through the eyes of photographer Jonathan Clark. The website is split up into Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, with Winter being the most prolific and interesting season in my opinion. All of the photographs…

Leica Press Release 04/09/2003

Trial offer: two free issues of Leica Fotografie International (LFI)

LFI is the must-read magazine for all Leica enthusiasts, appearing eight times a year. Our current issue includes:
PORTFOLIOS: OSCAR BARNACK AWARD 2003. Leica presents the much sought after award for the 24th time. LFI introduces winner, Andrea Hoyer, and reproduces works from the jury?s shortlist.
HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON. LFI honours this unique artist with a retrospective of his work.
TECHNOLOGY: LEICA M7 TITANIUM. A Leica fan had an idea: to have an M7 built out of pure titanium. The result is worth checking out.
LEICA KNOWLEDGE. New 100 ISO slide films put to the test: comparing Ektachrome 100 G and Fujichrome Astia 100F.
NICO BEYER, FILM-PHOTOGRAPHER. The internationally renowned commercials director has an unusual way of perfecting his ads: he uses an R9.
Also read about news from the world of photography, current exhibitions and interesting books.

Order now for a free trial of the next two LFI issues!

Send us an email to [email protected] and don?t forget to provide us with your complete name and postal address.

For more information check our http://www.lfi-online.com

Leica Press Release 04/09/2003 Trial offer: two free issues of Leica Fotografie International (LFI) LFI is the must-read magazine for all Leica enthusiasts, appearing eight times a year. Our current issue includes: PORTFOLIOS: OSCAR BARNACK AWARD 2003. Leica presents the much sought after award for the 24th time. LFI introduces…

The people who brought you the 28 Things photography project back in July have launched a new project idea. Connect 8 asks you to choose 1 idea/theme for your starting photograph, then from your chosen starting idea/theme, take 8 connecting photographs. There are 30 different themes to choose from, along with the rules, some tips and an example project.

Website: Connect 8

The people who brought you the 28 Things photography project back in July have launched a new project idea. Connect 8 asks you to choose 1 idea/theme for your starting photograph, then from your chosen starting idea/theme, take 8 connecting photographs. There are 30 different themes to choose from, along…

Sunday, September 7, 2003

Canon USA has posted details of an updated version of the popular i950 photo printer. The i960 is virtually identical to its predecessor, but now supports the PictBridge standard and is curiously listed, at $199, as $50 cheaper than the i950. Otherwise it looks to be an identical, although somewhat heavier, printer. There is no official word yet about the i960 from Canon, although the Canon USA website does say that it will ship in October.

Website: Canon USA - Printers

Canon USA has posted details of an updated version of the popular i950 photo printer. The i960 is virtually identical to its predecessor, but now supports the PictBridge standard and is curiously listed, at $199, as $50 cheaper than the i950. Otherwise it looks to be an identical, although somewhat…

Here are 6 more Notting Hill Children photographs to help brighten up your Sunday morning. Although one or two of the children didn’t seem to be entering fully into the spirit of the event…


Notting Hill Carnival Children #7
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #8
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #9
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #7
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #8
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #9
 
   
Notting Hill Carnival Children #10
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #11
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #12
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #10
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #11
 
Notting Hill Carnival Children #12
 

Here are 6 more Notting Hill Children photographs to help brighten up your Sunday morning. Although one or two of the children didn’t seem to be entering fully into the spirit of the event… Notting Hill Carnival Children #7 Notting Hill Carnival Children #8 Notting Hill Carnival Children #9 Notting…

Saturday, September 6, 2003

The UK digital photography website, DP-Now.com, have announced a new photography competition in conjunction with Olympus UK. There is ?8,000 worth of prizes up for grabs; 12 monthly prizes of ?500 to spend on Olympus products, and a ?2,000 holiday for two in Greece for the overall winner. The competition is based loosely on the theme of each of the twelve Olympian gods, in turn, one for each month. Check out the DP-Now website below for the full details.

Website: DP-Now Competition

The UK digital photography website, DP-Now.com, have announced a new photography competition in conjunction with Olympus UK. There is ?8,000 worth of prizes up for grabs; 12 monthly prizes of ?500 to spend on Olympus products, and a ?2,000 holiday for two in Greece for the overall winner. The competition…

Friday, September 5, 2003

Canon EOS 300DIt seems as though the major digital camera review websites have collaborated to review or preview the Canon EOS 300D on the very same day! So without any further ado, here are those all important links - grab a cup of coffee and find a spare 1/2 hour to discover if the 300D is the breakthrough camera that Canon claims it is.

Website: DCResource - Canon EOS 300D Preview

Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 300D Review

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon EOS 300D Review

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon EOS 300D First Look

It seems as though the major digital camera review websites have collaborated to review or preview the Canon EOS 300D on the very same day! So without any further ado, here are those all important links - grab a cup of coffee and find a spare 1/2 hour to discover…

Bob Atkins over at Photo.net has published a very informative article which I’m sure will prove to be a valuable resource for all new digital photographers. And some of the information will help clear up a few misconceptions that more experienced photographers may have :-)

” In this basic guide to digital camera technology we hope to try to give digital beginners at least some basis to use in deciding which digital camera is appropriate for them. When shopping for a digital camera it’s at least good to know what the basic terms like white balance, pixel, ppi and dpi mean and how they affect image and print quality. It’s also important to know the difference between things like optical zoom and digital zoom as well as the advantages and disadvantages between storage formats such as Compact Flash (CF), Microdrives, Sony Memory Stick, Secure Digital (SD), Multimedia and camera interface technologies such as USB 1.1, USB 2.0 and Firewire IEEE 1394.”

Website: Photo.net - “Digital Cameras - A beginner’s guide”

Bob Atkins over at Photo.net has published a very informative article which I’m sure will prove to be a valuable resource for all new digital photographers. And some of the information will help clear up a few misconceptions that more experienced photographers may have :-) ” In this basic guide…

As well as the hundred’s of children in the Notting Hill Carnival last Sunday afternoon, there were also as many responsible adults present to look after them. Naturally the adults took the opportunity to dress up and join in the fun :-)



Most of my images from the Carnival were taken with the long-end of my 70-200mm zoom lens, hoping to capture that split-second moment when everything falls into place. I find that this kind of photography is very hit and miss, with more failures than sucesses, and with a lot more “just OK” images than both failures and successes put together. You know, images that are exposed and sharp, maybe even well-composed, but they don’t really have any effect on you.



Saying that, here are 6 photos that I do quite like, especially the first one, Notting Hill Carnival #3.


Notting Hill Carnival #3
 
Notting Hill Carnival #4
 
Notting Hill Carnival #5
 
Notting Hill Carnival #3
 
Notting Hill Carnival #4
 
Notting Hill Carnival #5
 
   
Notting Hill Carnival #6
 
Notting Hill Carnival #7
 
Notting Hill Carnival #8
 
Notting Hill Carnival #6
 
Notting Hill Carnival #7
 
Notting Hill Carnival #8
 

As well as the hundred’s of children in the Notting Hill Carnival last Sunday afternoon, there were also as many responsible adults present to look after them. Naturally the adults took the opportunity to dress up and join in the fun :-) Most of my images from the Carnival were…

Just to let you all know that I’m away all of this weekend - a Wedding on Friday, Engagement Party on Saturday, then a Curry Festival (!) on Sunday. So I won’t be repsonding to email and site updates will be at best sporadic.

Just to let you all know that I’m away all of this weekend - a Wedding on Friday, Engagement Party on Saturday, then a Curry Festival (!) on Sunday. So I won’t be repsonding to email and site updates will be at best sporadic.

Thursday, September 4, 2003

Pentax Optio555Finally, Pentax have announced the Optio555, an updated version of the popular 550 model.

Pentax Press Release 03/09/03
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 3, 2003—PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. proudly presents the Optio555 5.0 megapixel digital camera.

A successor to the popular Optio550, which recently received an Editor’s Choice award from PC Magazine, the Optio555 offers exceptionally compact and light-weight design that is ideal for use anywhere.

PENTAX maximized the responsiveness of the Optio555 including reduced lag time so the camera is instantly ready when the power is turned on. In addition, a single touch of the playback button brings up recorded images and just a touch of the shutter button is all that is required to return to shooting. With enhanced operation capability and maximized responsiveness, the Optio555 allows satisfying shots to be taken with extreme ease. Add a powerful 5X optical zoom (4X digital zoom for a combined 20X total zoom), and the superb clarity of 5.0 effective megapixels, the Optio555 offers extreme versatility with superb detail and accuracy.

Finally, Pentax have announced the Optio555, an updated version of the popular 550 model. Pentax Press Release 03/09/03 ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 3, 2003—PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. proudly presents the Optio555 5.0 megapixel digital camera. A successor to the popular Optio550, which recently received an Editor’s Choice award from PC Magazine, the…

Pentax Optio S4The second new announcement from Pentax is the diminuitive Pentax Optio S4.

Pentax Press Release 03/09/03
ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (September 3, 2003)?The innovative manufacturer that introduced a popular digital camera tucked inside a breath mint tin, has introduced a second generation.  PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced the launch of the Optio S4.  Sporting the tiny dimensions and light weight of its predecessor, the Optio S4 boasts a hefty 4.23 effective megapixels, a 3X zoom lens, and a variety of features including a large, easy-to-use manual control playback button.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. will preview the tiny but powerful digital camera at the Digital Focus media event on Monday, September 15 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City during the PC EXPO trade show.

How does PENTAX continue to load so much into such a small space? The Optio S4 features an innovative Sliding Lens system that allows the camera?s powerful 3X zoom lens to move up and away so the retracted lens is completely flush with the camera body.  This novel system protects the lens and helps reduce the size. 

The second new announcement from Pentax is the diminuitive Pentax Optio S4. Pentax Press Release 03/09/03 ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (September 3, 2003)?The innovative manufacturer that introduced a popular digital camera tucked inside a breath mint tin, has introduced a second generation. PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. announced the launch of the Optio S4…

Pentax Optio 33WRPentax have now officially announced the 3 new digital cameras that I first reported yesterday :-)

First up is the water-resistant Pentax Optio 33WR.

Pentax Press Release 03/09/03
ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (September 3, 2003)?Just add water.  That?s the best way to enjoy the latest digital camera from PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. 

The Optio 33WR is a robust and durable 3.2 megapixel, 2.8X zoom lens digital camera. With a JIS Class 7 water resistance rating, the Optio 33WR remains watertight even when the camera is rinsed, splashed or submersed in water.*  The Optio 33WR is the perfect companion for outdoor photography in rain, snow or a day at the beach. 
*The Optio 33WR should not be operated underwater.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. will preview the digital camera submersed in a fish bowl at the Digital Focus media event on Monday, September 15 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City during the PC EXPO trade show.

Pentax have now officially announced the 3 new digital cameras that I first reported yesterday :-) First up is the water-resistant Pentax Optio 33WR. Pentax Press Release 03/09/03 ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (September 3, 2003)?Just add water. That?s the best way to enjoy the latest digital camera from PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. The…

Kodak EasyShare DX6490Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, another digital camera featuring a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length), which has a f/2.8 - f/3.7 maximum aperture. The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99.

“Kodak has filled-out the high-end of its EasyShare consumer digicam lineup with the very versatile 4-megapixel DX6490. Beginners will be able to use it as a point-n-shoot in automatic mode, photographers with intermediate skills will like its handy scene modes, and experts will appreciate the ability to exercise their creativity by using the manual and priority control over both aperture and shutter speed. This is truly a camera that everyone in your family can enjoy using.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Kodak EasyShare DX6490 Review

Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the 4 megapixel EasyShare DX6490 digital camera, another digital camera featuring a 10x optical zoom lens (38-380mm focal length), which has a f/2.8 - f/3.7 maximum aperture. The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a suggested retail price of ?399.99. “Kodak has filled-out the high-end of its EasyShare…

FinePix S5000Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the new FinePix S5000 from Fuji, which has a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera. The S5000 is styled after and handles like a SLR camera and offers a full range of exposure control including Automatic, Program AE, Shutter speed and Aperture priority, Manual and pre-programmed scene modes.  The Fuji FinePix S5000 costs $499.95 and will be available in stores this month.

“We were mostly pleased with our outdoor test shots. Images were sharp, well-exposed and richly saturated. Fuji uses more JPEG compression than other similar resolution cameras, the file sizes for most of our samples were under a megabyte. Most cameras give you a choice of both the image size and quality, the S5000 offers only a resolution setting, I prefer being in control of both of these parameters.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Fuji FinePix S5000 Review

Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the new FinePix S5000 from Fuji, which has a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera. The S5000 is styled after and handles like a SLR camera and offers a full range of exposure control including Automatic, Program…

Following Digital Outback Photo’s review of Photokit Sharpener, another new sharpening software program, Luminous Landscape have now also reviewed it. Michael Reichmann, Luminous Landscape’s Editor, recently declared that FocalBlade was the best sharening tool since slided bread. Find out if Photokit Sharpener can challenge for the title…

“I have a problem. Just 1 week prior to beginning this review (August, 2003) I published a review of a terrific new sharpening program called FocalBlade. I called it “...the most powerful and flexible tool yet produced for image sharpening”. Well, that was then and this is now.

Now we have PhotoKit Sharpener. (I know that someone will say, “Ya, Reichmann always calls the latest product “the best ever”.) I can only say that I receive some 10-15 new imaging related programs and plug-ins for review each month, and I usually end up reviewing just 1 or 2 that make the grade. The rest either don’t meet my needs ? and so I work on the assumption that they won’t meet yours either, or that there are better solutions to be found elsewhere. The ones that I do review are generally the best of breed (or the very worst). Which brings us to PhotoKit Sharpener.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Photokit Sharpener Review

Following Digital Outback Photo’s review of Photokit Sharpener, another new sharpening software program, Luminous Landscape have now also reviewed it. Michael Reichmann, Luminous Landscape’s Editor, recently declared that FocalBlade was the best sharening tool since slided bread. Find out if Photokit Sharpener can challenge for the title… “I have a…

Lexmark PrintTrio Photo P3150Lexmark have announced the PrintTrio Photo P3150, a $99 all-in-one device featuring a photo printer with built-in camera card slots and a 48-bit scanner. The printer offers 4800 x 1200 dpi on photo paper and prints 4” x 6” photo images in normal mode in about 60 seconds. The P3150 supports CompactFlash I & II, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia (MMC), and Microdrive memory cards.

Website: Lexmark PrintTrio Photo P3150

Lexmark have announced the PrintTrio Photo P3150, a $99 all-in-one device featuring a photo printer with built-in camera card slots and a 48-bit scanner. The printer offers 4800 x 1200 dpi on photo paper and prints 4” x 6” photo images in normal mode in about 60 seconds. The P315…

Wednesday, September 3, 2003

Minolta DiMAGE A1The Polish photography website Fotopolis has published 11 sample images taken with the DiMAGE A1 digital camera. You can click on the thumbnails to view the full-sized versions of the Extra Fine JPEG images, which were taken at ISO settings ranging from 100 to 800.

Website: Fotopolis - Minolta DiMAGE A1 Samples

The Polish photography website Fotopolis has published 11 sample images taken with the DiMAGE A1 digital camera. You can click on the thumbnails to view the full-sized versions of the Extra Fine JPEG images, which were taken at ISO settings ranging from 100 to 800. Website: Fotopolis - Minolta DiMAGE A1 Samples