Steves Digicams have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 camera, which offers a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor.

“The Panasonic Lumix FS20 is an incredibly easy to use and stylish 10-megapixel model. The wide 4x optical zoom and iA shooting mode, gives anyone the ability to take great pictures. The only drawback to this camera is the noise that seems to be present in the dark areas of all the photographs. With a MSRP of US$300, this is a nice camera with excellent features.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

Website: Read Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 Review

The Kodak C913 is a new entry-level, 9 megapixel compact digital camera. The C913’s 9.2 megapixel sensor creates prints up to 30 × 40 in. (76 × 102 cm) in size, whilst more megapixels means you can crop and still get a great picture. The C913 also features a 3x zoom lens (36-108 mm), 2.4 inch LCD screen, HD picture capture, Blur reduction mode and Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology. The Kodak EasyShare C913 will be available in September 2008 for $119.95.

Sigma have released a new firmware update, version 1.04, for the DP1 compact camera. The new Sigma DP1 firmware version offers the following improvements:

- A customizing function has been added to the Digital Zoom button.
- The ft (feet) indicator has been added to the scale bar in MF mode.

Website: Sigma DP1 Firmware Update 1.04

Olympus have released a new firmware update, version 1.1, for the SP-570 UZ camera, which features a 20x zoom equivalent to 26-520mm. Version 1.1 includes the following changes:

- Improves response while zooming.
- Corrects a part of Swedish languages.

Website: Olympus SP-570 UZ Firmware Update 1.1

Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF are three new sensor-cleaning products from Dust-Aid. Dust-Aid Platinum is a dry sensor cleaning solution that allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The Dust-Wand kit is a wet cleaning option with multiple wands, clips and Ultra Clean sensor cleaning liquid. Dust-Cloth MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes with micro fiber cloths.

Following a recent stock-image agreement between Getty and Flickr, PhotoShelter’s CEO Allen Murabayashi has cautioned photographers to carefully scrutinize the details of Getty’s contract terms. According to Murabayashi, photographers who sign-up to the deal will agree to exclusive sales rights and cede as much as 80% of every sale to Getty. “Over the past two years, Getty has approached us on multiple occasions with a similar partnership deal. We rejected Getty because we felt it was bad for photographers on many fronts and would not allow us to accomplish our mission of providing diversity to buyers and commercial independence to photographers, by sharing with them a greater percentage of every sale.” commented Murabayashi. The PhotoShelter Collection is a global stock photography marketplace where photographers from 130 different countries contribute over 4,000 new images daily for rights-managed and royalty-free licensing.

ACDSee are now offering 40% off the price of ACDSee 10 Photo Manager, the latest version of the popular photo organization and sharing software. This special time-limited offer lowers the price of ACDSee 10 to $29.99. The offer expires on August 26, 2008 and the product is available by download only.

Website: 40% Off ACDSee 10

Olympus Studio 2.2 is a new version of Olympus’ professional workflow software. Olympus Studio 2.2 includes the following improvements:

- Support for Portuguese (Brazilian).
- Improved the display speed in Preview Area in “RAW Development” and “Image Edit” windows.
- Added the functions to narrow down, sort, and delete files in Thumbnail Area of all windows.
- Added the function to clear Cache.

Website: Olympus Studio 2.2 (MAC)

Syntax-Brillian has announced its intention to sell Vivitar, its brand of digital still and video cameras. Vivitar was acquired by Syntax-Brillian at the end of 2006. Vivitar are currently best-known for their extensive range of “affordable” and full-featured entry-level digital cameras. Apparently, all parties interested in pursuing a transaction with Vivitar should contact [email protected] ...

The new Casio EX-Z150 is the world’s slimmest digital camera with a wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens. The 8 megapixel EXZ150 features a CCD-shift anti-shake function and a large 3.0 inch LCD screen. “This camera is the perfect accessory for the picture taking enthusiast as it is compact, attractive and comes equipped with face detection technology which is a popular feature,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division. “The EX-Z150 stays true to the user-friendly features that have become standard to the EXILIM Zoom series.” Available in September, the Casio EX-Z150 will be available in silver and black, as well as red, pink and green, for $199.99.

The Phase One P 65+ is the world’s first full-frame digital system based on the 645 film format. The sensor resolution is a massive 60.5 megapixels, with 8984 x 6732 active pixels achieving 180 MB, 8 bit RGB files! The the P 65+ digital back and the P 65+ camera system are based on Sensor+ CCD technology, co-developed with DALSA Semiconductor, which provides higher sensitivity and expanded dynamic range (12.5 f-stops). The P 65+ digital back starts at $39,900; the P 65+ camera system starts at $41,990. Camera shipments with P 65+ digital back are expected to begin in Q4 2008.

The OWC Neptune is a new budget range of external FireWire hard drive solutions with a high speed of 7200RPM and capacities up to 1TB. “Brought to the market as a top-notch product at an unbeatable value, OWC Neptune storage solutions are the absolute best bet for any Mac or PC user looking for high performance on a budget without sacrificing quality when additional external storage is needed,” said Larry O’Connor, President and CEO, OWC. Compact at 1.5-inches x 9-inches x 5.5-inches, the OWC Neptune drives are portable, weigh only 2.7 pounds, and boast an extremely shock resistant design for maximum data safety. The OWC Neptune external hard drive solution is available immediately, priced from $84.99 - $229.99.

The new Sinar arTec camera system is specifically designed for digital architectural photography. Developed in close cooperation with the architectural photographer Rainer Viertlböck, digital camera backs from Sinar and Leaf with Sinar Hy6/Leaf AFi interface can be attached to the Sinar arTec camera. The new Sinar arTec camera system will make its first public appearance at Photokina 2008 in Cologne, Germany, and will be available in fall 2008.

Sinar has revamped the eMotion75 digital back, giving it a bigger and better display as well as improved high ISO capabilities. A newly designed circuit board has been implemented which improves image quality considerably. High ISO images are now clearer than ever. The upgraded eMotion75’s are also fitted with a new 2.5’’ TFT display that boasts a resolution of 163 dots per inch. Contact your local Sinar dealer for information on how to upgrade your Sinarback eMotion75. The new Hy6 Revolving Adaptor makes it possible to shoot in landscape or portrait format without changing the camera’s position or orientation.

Meet some of the UK’s finest outdoor photographers, including Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish and David Ward, at Light & Land’s 5th Discovery Day. This event also previews the extensive range of photographic tours which Light & Land has planned for 2009 and beyond. Guests will also have the opportunity to gain constructive critique on their own work. The Light & Land Discovery Day is to be held on 7th September, at Wokefield Park Executive Centre near Reading, priced at £90.

The winners of Mencap’s sixth annual Snap! photography awards have been announced at Proud Gallery in London. The Snap! competition showcases the talents of people with a learning disability through photographs. Alex Proud, founder of Proud Galleries, commented: “The quality and depth of work is stunning and trying to pick the winners was near impossible. In my whole life of working in photography, I don’t think any set of photos has ever made me laugh, cry, gasp or admire quite so much.”

Nikon is sponsoring Wild Wonders of Europe, a European photographic initiative to highlight the continent’s natural heritage. Wild Wonders of Europe involves more than 50 of Europe’s top photographers on some 100 assignments in over 40 countries. “Nikon has been committed to nature photographers for many years now, and many of them trust our equipment in their challenging working conditions. The work they deliver is the best evidence for the great performance of our latest generation of cameras and lenses.” commented Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications and Marketing Services at Nikon Europe.

The Kodak Theatre HD Player displays pictures, video, podcasts, music and web-based content on a HDTV. You can edit and upload images and videos to popular online content sharing sites on their HDTV from the comfort of your living room. “With the KODAK Theatre HD Player, consumers will relive the most cherished moments of their lives on their HDTV – the largest and highest quality display device in their home. Consumers will have the ability to do more than ever with their pictures, music and videos with easier and more interactive access to their personal content, as well as content from family and friends around the globe.” commented Matthew Yarrow from Kodak. Pricing and availability for the Kodak Theatre HD Player are to be confirmed. The device will roll out in stages, with a market trial commencing in September 2008.

The Kodak Zi6 is a new, pocketable 720p HD video camera. 720p high-definition video can be captured at 60 fps in the 16:9 aspect ratio, and can be quickly uploaded to YouTube using the built-in USB and software. The Kodak Zi6 is designed to operate at the touch of a button - there is no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. “Today’s connected consumers increasingly turn to video to express themselves and connect with others. The KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera satisfies their thirst for an HD video camera that is simple to use and can go anywhere life takes them,” said Matthew Yarrow of Kodak. The price and availability of the Kodak Zi6 are to be confirmed.

The Kodak W1020 / W820 wireless photo frames offer a 10-inch and 8-inch, high-resolution widescreen display. Kodak has collaborated with photo-sharing sites, Kodak Gallery and Flickr, to enable additional photo-sharing options. The Quick Touch Border allows for simple operation with a touch or slide of your finger, leaving the screen fingerprint and smudge-free. With 512MB of internal memory, the W1020 / W820 frames can store up to 4000 pictures, with tow additional memory card slots also available. Price and availability of the Kodak W1020 / W820 Wireless Digital Frames are to be confirmed.