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The Leica M EV1 is a rangefinderless M-system camera, replacing the optical viewfinder and rangefinder mechanism of the M11 with an electronic viewfinder. Is this a foolhardy endeavour or a stroke of genius? Find out if this is the best ever Leica M-series camera by reading our in-depth M EV1 review, complete with full-size sample photos.
The Leica Q3 43 is a compact camera like no other, with a 60 megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K video recording and a brand new 43mm f/2 fixed lens, all housed in a traditional, pared-back body. Find out more by reading our in-depth Leica Q3 43 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The D-Lux 8 is that rarest of things - a brand new premium compact camera - in a market dominated by mirrorless and smartphones. Read our in-depth Leica DLux 8 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos, to find out if it can successfully bridge the gap between those two extremes...
The Leica SL3 is a brand new digital camera with a 60 megapixel sensor, 8K/30p video recording and a hybrid AF system. Does this premium take on a 35mm full-frame interchangeable lens camera deliver premium results? Find out now by reading our in-depth Leica SL3 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The Leica Q3 is a compact camera like no other, with a 60 megapixel full-frame sensor, 8K/30p video recording, hybrid AF system and a 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens all housed in a traditional body. Is this the ultimate tool for street and landscape photography? Find out now by reading our in-depth Leica Q3 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The Leica M11 is a brand new digital rangefinder camera for 2022, offering a 60 megapixel full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, 64Gb built-in memory, longer battery life and USB-C charging. Oh, and did we mention that Leica have dropped the removable baseplate, a feature that has adorned M-series cameras for literally decades? Find out if this is the best ever fusion of old and new tech by reading our in-depth Leica M11 review, complete with full-size sample photos.
The new Leica M11 rangefinder camera has a unique triple resolution BSI CMOS sensor that can record 60, 36 or 18 megapixels images using the full sensor area.
Other key new features include an expanded ISO range, extended battery life, 64Gb internal storage, USB-C connectivity and a more streamlined and intuitive menu system.
The Leica M11 is available worldwide from 13th January 2022, priced at £7,500 including VAT in the UK and $8,995 in the US.
The new APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. is the most compact 35mm lens that Leica have ever made.
It is constructed of ten lens elements divided into five groups, boasts a closest focusing distance of just 30 centimetres, has a focus ring with a large throw of 300° and a circular 11-blade aperture.
This lens can be used on any current and future model of the M series, Leica SL2 and SL2-S.
It joins the APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH., which was released in 2012.
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. is available now priced at £6,700 in the UK and $8,195 in the US.
The Leica SL2-S is an impeccably built full-frame mirrorless camera, offering a 24.6 megapixel BSI sensor, DCI 4K/60p video recording, 25fps burst shooting, a class-leading EVF, IBIS worth 5.5 stops, ISO 100,000 and dual UHS-II SD memory card slots. Read our in-depth Leica SL2S review to find out what this £3,975 / $4,895 camera is capable of...
The Leica Q2 Monochrom is a 35mm full-frame compact camera with a 28mm fixed focal length lens that exclusively only shoots in black and white. With a price tag of £5000 / $6000, is this a niche product that no one will buy, or somebody's idea of a dream camera? Find out now by reading our in-depth Leica Q2 Monochrom review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The new Leica Q2 Monochrom is the only full-frame compact camera with a dedicated black and white sensor. It features a newly developed full-frame 47.3 megapixel monochrome sensor, 4K video mode, fast 28mm F1.7 Summilux prime lens, precise autofocus and 3.68mp OLED viewfinder technology.
Other key features include up to ISO 100,000, IP52 weather-sealing, 17cm close focusing mode for macro, a discrete matt-black design with no red-dot logo, and 13 stops of dynamic range (2 more than the standard Leica Q2).
The Leica Q2 Monochrom goes on sale from today priced at £4,995 body only.
Leica puts an ‘M’ in the month with the unveiling of its newest high-end 40 megapixel camera, the M10-R, available in black or silver.
The Leica D-Lux 7, Leica's most popular compact camera, is now available in black. The technical specifications of the Leica D-Lux 7 black are identical to the existing silver series model. It will be on sale from 4 June 2020 priced at £1,075.
Over 18 months since it was first announced at Photokina 2018, Leica have finally officially unveiled the new S3 medium format camera.
The Leica S3 is a 64 megapixel medium format camera offering a 71 percent increase in resolution, a dynamic range of 15 stops and a maximum ISO sensitivity setting of 50,000. For the first time, the Leica S3 supports 4K cinema resolution video recording with 48 kHz, 16-bit stereo sound.
The Leica S3 will be available online and in-store from 6th March 2020 for RRP £16,500 / $18,995.
Photography Blog attended the UK launch of the new Leica M10 Monochrom camera in central London - find out what we thought of Leica's latest black and white camera by reading our detailed first impressions...
Leica is taking digital black-and-white photography to the next level with the launch of the new Leica M10 Monochrom camera. The technical details and the handling of the Leica M10 Monochrom are identical to those of the Leica M10-P.
The Leica M10 Monochrom is available now priced at £7,250 / $8,295.
The Leica SL2 is a new mirrorless camera for professionals, offering a 47 megapixel full-frame sensor, 4K/60p video recording, 20fps burst shooting, a class-leading EVF, fast auto-focusing and a 3.2-inch touchscreen. Read our in-depth Leica SL2 review now to find out what this £5,300 / $5,995 camera is capable of...
With the newly announced Leica FOTOS 2.0 app, Leica owners can integrate their day-to-day photographic lives and journeys even more effectively into their mobile iOS or Android devices, allowing more flexibility and freedom in sharing their creative images.
The new version of the Leica FOTOS App is available in two varieties: Free and Pro. While the Free option is still offered at no charge for iPhone and Android smartphones, photographers wishing to do more with their mobile connected photography can subscribe to Leica FOTOS Pro.
Leica FOTOS (Version 2.0) is available beginning today from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Leica FOTOS 2.0 replaces all previously released, camera-specific Leica Apps.
The Leica CL ‘Edition Paul Smith’ is the second special edition camera created in collaboration with the acclaimed British designer, Paul Smith.
The classic Leica CL has been given a design makeover featuring a unique, colorful look with nods to Smith’s artistic references.
The technical specifications of the camera and lens are identical to those of the serial production models.
The Leica CL ‘Edition Paul Smith’ is strictly limited to 900 sets for the global market and is on sale from today for $3,995.
Photography Blog attended the UK launch of the new Leica SL2 mirrorless camera in central London, UK.
Find out what we thought of Leica's brand new full-frame sensor camera by reading our detailed first impressions...
The Leica SL2 is a brand new full-frame mirrorless camera for professional stills photographers and videographers.
It offers a 47 megapixel full-frame sensor, Maestro III processor, 20fps burst shooting, 4K/60p video recording, in-body image stabilisation, improved ergonomics, a more comfortable grip, simplified three-button control layout, Object Detection AF, electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 5.76 megapixels, 3.2-inch LCD screen with 2.1 megapixels, and a 187 megapixel multishot mode.
The Leica SL2 will be available from 21st November 2019 priced at £5,300 / $5,995 body only.
The Leica V-Lux 5 is a brand new super-zoom camera, featuring a large 1-inch image sensor with 20 megapixels, 4K/30p video recording and a 16x zoom lens with a 25-400mm focal range. Priced at £1050 / $1250, read our in-depth Leica V-Lux 5 review to find out if this is all the camera that you'll ever need...
The Leica Q2 is an exciting full-frame mirrorless compact camera with a 28mm fixed lens. The Q2 features a a new 47.3 megapixel sensor, 4K video mode recording at 30/24fps, high-resolution OLED viewfinder, dust and water resistance, and focusing speed of 0.15 seconds. Is this the ultimate compact camera? Find out now by reading our in-depth Leica Q2 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos...
The Leica V-Lux 5 is a new super-zoom camera with a 25-400mm lens, 20 megapixels and 4K/60p movies.
The Leica V-Lux 5 is available now priced at £1,050 / $1,250.
Leica Camera has just released a special edition Leica CL ‘100 jahre bauhaus’ camera kit in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus school of art and design in Germany. The set is comprised of a silver Leica CL camera with a matching silver Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens and a black leather carrying strap.
The Leica Q2 is a new full-frame compact camera with a fixed 28mm F1.7 lens.
We were shown a full production version of the Q2 by Leica ahead of yesterday's launch. We've shot sample JPEG and RAW images with the camera and got some hands-on time with the Leica Q2.
So read on for our first impressions of the new Leica Q2, which is being billed as the ultimate compact camera...
The Leica Q2 is a new 47 megapixel full-frame mirrorless compact camera with a 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens, 4K vieo recording, improved battery life, weatherproofing, 20fps burst shooting, Bluetooth connectivity and OLED viewfinder.
The Leica Q2 is on sale from today priced at £4250 / $4,995.
Leica has announced the new release of the Leica M10-P “ASC 100 Edition”, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Society of Cinematographers. Comprised of an all-black Leica M10-P camera and a gold anodized finish Leica Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. lens, the set offers two specially tailored Cine Look modes built into the camera’s software. The “ASC Cine Classic” mode simulates a classic, analog 35mm motion-picture film look, while the “ASC Contemporary” mode delivers the current digital style of contemporary movies.
The Leica M10-D is a simplified version of the M10 and M10-P digital rangefinder cameras, replacing the rear LCD screen with an exposure compensation dial. Why on earth would you consider buying a digital camera without an LCD screen?! Find out now by reading our in-depth Leica M10-D review...
The D-Lux 7 is Leica's take on one of our favourite ever compact cameras, the Panasonic LX100 II, sporting a large Micro Four Thirds sensor and a versatile 3x zoom lens. Read our in-depth Leica D-Lux 7 review with sample photos and videos to find out if we rate it just as highly as the Lumix equivalent...
Leica Camera have unveiled the Leica CL ‘Street Kit’ for photographers of all skill levels seeking a compact yet high-performance system camera and lens. The kit includes the small and versatile Leica CL system camera and a Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. lens, which together form a set ideal for photographers who covet intuitive handling, iconic industrial design and the storied Leica Look.
The lightweight kit is perfect for travel and daily excursions, and comes outfitted in classic anodized black finish with an ergonomically designed handgrip, premium black leather carrying strap and convenient second camera battery.
The Leica CL ‘Street Kit’ is available beginning today at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $4,195.
The new Leica D-Lux 7 premium compact camera features a higher-resolution four-thirds sensor, 24–75mm f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. zoom lens, a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging capability.
The Leica D-Lux 7 is available today from authorised Leica UK stores and dealers and online at www.leicastore-uk.co.uk – RRP £995.
In the US, the Leica D-Lux 7 is available now at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $1,195.
The Leica Q-P builds on the critically acclaimed technical features of the Leica Q, now dressed in a stealthy yet elegant black body with improved tactility.
With its matte black exterior, subtle design and superior imaging performance, the Leica Q-P goes beyond simple cosmetic changes to improve ergonomics and tactile feedback for the user. The front-facing Leica red dot logo is omitted in favor of the classic script engraving on the top plate, making the front of the camera a simple all-black facade.
The shutter release button and power switch/drive mode selector has been redesigned; now more akin to those found on the Leica M10 and CL, each setting clicks into place with confidence even when going solely by feel and touch. The Leica Q-P is the “do-it-all” camera, with its simple button arrangement, compact-size, versatile prime lens and high-quality image results.
The Leica Q-P will be on sale beginning today in the US at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $4,995.
The Leica Q-P is on sale from today in the UK for £4,100 including VAT. The camera comes complete with a carrying strap in the finest brown leather and an additional battery.
Leica has announced the launch of the Leica M10-D: the newest addition to the iconic Leica M-system range, which offers a unique combination of analogue and digital shooting. The Leica M10-D transports the analogue experience into the world of digital photography.
The Leica M10-D will be on sale from 24th October 2018 for RRP £6,500.00 / $7,995.00. The Leica FOTOS App will also be available as a free download from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store on the same date.
The Leica Q ‘Khaki’ is a new special edition camera with khaki-coloured leather trim and classic Leica script. The special edition of the Leica Q ‘Khaki’ is strictly limited to 495 pieces globally and is available from today priced at $4995.
Leica Camera have made five exciting announcements at Photokina 2018, including a groundbreaking, industry-setting L-mount, a new mobile application, Leica FOTOS, the Leica S3, firmware updates and a new color option for the Leica CL.
Fotodiox have annnounced the Canon EF to Fujifilm GFX Fusion Smart AF Adapter. The EF-GFX Fusion Smart AF Lens adapter will allow users to mount Canon EF lenses to Fujifilm GFX bodies (pictured) while retaining autofocus, in-camera aperture control, lens image stabilization and recording lens EXIF data to the camera.
Max Pinckers has been named as the winner of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2018 with his series ‘Red Ink’. The Newcomer Award 2018 goes to photographer Mary Gelman for her series titled ‘Svetlana’.
The six nominees for the World Press Photo of the Year have been revealed. The winner of the World Press Photo of the Year will be announced at the Awards Show in Amsterdam on 12 April.
Aperture Foundation, in collaboration with The Photographers’ Gallery and the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, have announced the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2017 exhibition, featuring works from the shortlisted artists: Sophie Calle, Awoiska van der Molen, duo Taiyo Onorato and Nico Krebs, and this year’s winner, Dana Lixenberg. The exhibition will be on view from 16 November 2017 - 11 January 2018 at the Aperture Gallery in New York City (547 W 27th St., Floor 4).
Leica honoured photographers Terje Abusdal and Sergey Melnitchenko with the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Award and Leica Oskar Barnack Award Newcomer, respectively. before an audience of approximately 300 guests in Berlin’s Saint Elisabeth church at an exclusive reception on September 13th. Blurring the lines between fact and fiction, Abusdal’s series Slash & Burn creates a mystical and expressive portrait of the Forest Finns, a Norwegian ethnic minority group that leads a life in close touch with nature. As the winner of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, Abusdal was presented with a cash prize of €25,000 (approximately $30,000) and Leica M-System (a camera and lens) valued at an additional €10,000. Meanwhile, Ukrainian photographer Sergey Melnitchenko was honored with the Newcomer Award for up-and-coming professional photographers aged 25 or younger for his portfolio entitled Behind the Scenes. The winning portfolio is a series of images captured behind the scenes in a Chinese nightclub that tells the stories of everyday life for dancers, with all the rough edges of show business including, bruised and battered legs, scratches and scars, feet raw from dancing, and laddered stockings in the light of make-up mirrors. For his award-winning portfolio, Melnitchenko was presented with a cash prize of €10,000 as well as a Leica rangefinder camera and lens.
On 30th June Hasselblad will be opening its first retail store in Stockholm, Sweden. Located at Fotografiska, a centre for contemporary photography, the Hasselblad store will be home to a full range of Hasselblad cameras, lenses and products, while encouraging visitors to explore the Hasselblad brand. The collaboration will enable Hasselblad and Fotografiska to provide access to a full range of Hasselblad cameras, while also sharing their joint knowledge on the art of photography. Per Broman, founder of Fotografiska, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with an iconic Swedish camera brand like Hasselblad on the opening of its first store. We share the same values and devotion for photography and together with Hasselblad’s renowned technical excellence and creative vision, we aim to welcome photography enthusiasts around the world. It is a perfect match for our 535 000 guests who visit us every year for inspiration via the very inclusive art form of photography.”
Leica have announced that the submission phase for entries for the ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Award’ photo competition (LOBA) has now closed. Approximately 2,700 photographers from a total of 104 different countries submitted entries to LOBA 2017. The majority of the entries received came from China, France, Brazil, Germany, Italy, South Korea and the USA. The international jury of experts will now judge the entries received and select the twelve finalists in the two categories of the competition, the ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Award’ and the ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award’. The winners of the 37th LOBA will receive their prizes at a gala event in Berlin in September. The work of all twelve finalists will then be displayed at a major exhibition in the ‘Neuen Schule für Fotografie’, Brunnenstrasse 188-190, 10119 Berlin.
Fotomuseum Winterthur will be showcasing a comprehensive retrospective view of the work of American photographer and filmmaker Danny Lyon from 20th May - 27th August. As a dedicated and sharp-eyed observer fascinated by outsiders and subcultures, Lyon has spent more than fifty years documenting sociopolitical issues, delving deep into the heart of the matter and always building a close rapport with the people in front of his camera. Determined to counter the one-sided preoccupations of the mainstream media by offering an alternative viewpoint, he has developed an increasingly subjective and participatory form of documentary photography in the tradition of Walker Evans and Robert Frank. In addition to his iconic images, this wide-ranging retrospective also includes, for the first time in Europe, some of his lesser-known films, collages and fascinating material from Lyon’s own archives. Fotomuseum Winterthur is located at Grüzenstrasse 44, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland.
Fotodiox Pro have announced the FACTOR series of high-output, bi-colour LED light panels. Designed for spot illumination, studio-style shoots and area lighting, the series contains nine models in various sizes and shapes that are built to use an assortment of creative, series-specific modifiers for shaping and directing the FACTOR lights’ soft beams. “At the core of the new FACTOR series is our Factorsoft technology,” says Bohus Blahut, marketing director for Fotodiox Pro. “Factorsoft refers to our unique use of LED chips, which are set deep in the body of each FACTOR light and produce a soft, beautiful beam with no hot spots and a single, clean shadow. We’ve also built the lights to have fully adjustable color temperature – anywhere from 5600 Daylight to 3200 Tungsten – without sacrificing their fantastic output.”
The Lomographic Society has announced the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Lens Magellan instant film camera. Now available to preorder, the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Lens Magellan Edition is the first Lomo'Instant camera with a multi-coated wide-angle glass lens. Capturing images on 62mm x 46mm instant film sheets, the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Lens Magellan Edition has a 38mm (21mm eq.) f/4.5 lens and a built-in flash with a guide number of 9. Like the other Lomo'Instant camera models, it offers unlimited multiple exposures, zone focusing a tripod mount and a 43mm filter thread. The camera is priced at £169, and comes with a Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Close-Up Lens Attachment, Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Splitzer, a set of coloured gel filters and an infrared remote control.
Fotodiox Pro has announced the PopSpot Focusable Fresnel LED light. Roughly the size of a soda can, the PopSpot allows photographers and videographers to focus its powerful beam for a high precision, strong contrast and dramatic shadows. “The problem with most Fresnel lights is they’re typically quite bulky, heavy and fragile, and they get screaming hot to the touch,” said Bohus Blahut, marketing director for Fotodiox Pro. “But our new PopSpot Focusable Fresnel does away with those pitfalls by combining power and control in a form factor about the size of a pop can. A simple twist focuses the PopSpot's output from a 55° to 25° beam angle, and removable barn doors offer further control of the shape and direction of the light. We’ve even included a slot for a slide-in tungsten filter.” The PopSpot Focusable Fresnel LED light is available now in three configurations: the PopSpot Focusable Fresnel, the PopSpot Focusable Fresnel + Battery Module, and the PopSpot Focusable Fresnel 3-Light Kit with Rolling Carrying Case.
Opening for entries on 1 March 2017, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award is one of the industry’s most prestigious photographic competitions. To participate, entrants must submit a self-contained series of between ten and twelve images, in which the photographer perceives and documents the interaction between people and their environment in a creative and ground-breaking style. Series of photographs captured in 2016 and 2017, or work from long-term projects including at least some photographs taken in this period, are eligible for submission. The winner in the main category will be honoured with a cash prize of 25,000 euros and Leica M-System equipment (a camera and lens) valued at an additional €10,000. The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive a cash prize of 10,000 euros and will also receive a Leica rangefinder camera and lens. In addition to the two main categories, a further ten submissions to the competition will each be honoured with prizes of €2,500. Photographers interested in taking part can submit their applications and photographic projects online, with a closing date of 10 April 2017.
Fotodiox Pro has announced two new addition to its award-winning line of FlapJack LED Edgelights: the Studio XL and the 1.5x1.5. The Studio XL is a 30” LED Edgelight - the largest, softest light Fotodiox has ever produced. It offers manual and DMX control over brightness level and colour temperature. Larger than a typical LED panel, the FlapJack 1.5x1.5 features manual and remote control over brightness and colour temperature, while the integrated barndoors allow you to shape and direct light for even more creative control. Click through / read on for the details.
Cosyspeed has launched an IndieGoGo campaign to help fund the commercialisation of its new Camslinger Outdoor Camera Bag. Designed for quick, one-handed access, the Camslinger Outdoor bag is worn around the hip or over the shoulder. The quick-access, comfortable way of wearing and the protection against rain and bumps makes the Camslinger Outdoor a great choice for activee photographers. The bag is made from water resistant, durable and robust Nylon 900D fabrics, and features a magnetic closure to provide quick but safe operation. The Camslinger Outdoor was developed in cooperation with climber and photographer Stephan Wiesner. During the crowd-funding campaign, the Camslinger Outdoor Blue S. Wiesner Edition will be available for $79.
The winning images in the 2016 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards have just been revealed. Joel Santos has become the first-ever Portuguese overall winner in the awards' 14-year history, beating photographers from 123 countries to take the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2016. His winning entry features a portfolio depicting traditional fishing in Ghana and – in another first for TPOTY – an aerial portfolio captured using a drone, giving a bird’s eye view of one of the hottest places in the world, Ethiopia's Danakil Depression. In addition to the significant international exposure that comes with winning TPOTY, Joel Santos receives £4,000, a selection of StaaG luxury leather travel goods and sterling silver accessories (worth over £1250), £500 to spend on the Páramo clothing of his choice, and a Plastic Sandwich personalized leather portfolio case. The Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2016 is 14-year old Darpan Basak from India, 18-year old Courtney Moore (USA) won Young TPOTY 15-18 and Ankit Kumar (India) won Young TPOTY 14 and Under. Basak receives £500, Photo Iconic photography tuition and a Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio case. Each Young TPOTY age group winner receives £250 plus Photo Iconic photography tuition.
Fotodiox Pro has announced the LED Studio-in-a-Box; a lightweight, fold-out kit for tabletop product photography. Available in four different sizes, the LED Studio-in-a-Box comes equipped with built-in LED lights and a removable diffusion panel. The kit includes four plastic, wrinkle-free “cyclorama” backgrounds in black, white, gray and blue, as well as a removable diffusion panel and an integrated ring of top-mounted LED lights. Pricing starts at $69.95.
Leica has announced that the twelve finalists in this year’s Leica Oskar Barnack Award have been selected. The chosen photographers include Juan Pablo Bellandi, Fulvio Bugani, Scarlett Coten, William Daniels, Vincent Delbrouck, Guillaume Herbaut, Stéphane Lavoué, Max Pinckers, Guilio Piscitelli, Clémentine Schneidermann, Sadegh Souri and Esther Teichmann. Leica will publicly present the work of all twelve finalists for the first time in a grand exhibition at the ‘Neuen Schule für Fotografie Berlin’, from 29 September to 23 October 2016.
Fotodiox have announced the LED100WB, a soft yet powerful LED light for photographers and filmmakers. Offering a compact form factor, the Fotodiox LED100WB draws a mere 100 watts while outputting the rough equivalent of a 400+ watt Tungsten light. A perfect tool for portraits, tabletop photography, video interviews, short films and even special effects like slow-motion and time-lapse capture, the LED100WB features a quick-release front mount compatible with Alien Bee accessories. Each LED100WB comes with a metal reflector, a diffuser and a portable folding softbox. The new Fotodiox product is available now as a single light ($299.95) or three-light kit ($999.95). The three-light kit additionally includes three light stands inside a custom-fit, luggage-style rolling case.
The British Journal of Photography has revealed the winners of BJP Breakthrough 2016, its annual search for the world's best student and graduate photographers. This year's Graduate Series award went to the Belfast School of Art graduate Jan McCullough for her series Home Instruction Manual, while the Graduate Single Image award went to the UK-based Polish photographer Piotr Karpinski for his image titled Woman in the Church No.1. Sicilian photographer Simone Sapienza won the Undergraduate Series award for his Vietnam-based project Charlie surfs on Lotus Flowers, while Irish photographer Daragh Soden won the Undergraduate Single Image award for an image from his series Young Dubliners. The winning work will be exhibited at BJP's dedicated space at Free Range, the UK's largest creative graduate showcase from Friday, 24th June - Monday, 4th July 2016.
Ahead of our full review, here are sample images taken with the new Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens mounted on an A7R II camera. Please note that the sample images were taken using a full production Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens, and are therefore representative of the final shipping product.
Fotodiox have announced that three new products will be launching from the show floor at the 2016 NAB Show in Las Vegas: the Flapjack LED Ring Light ($359.95), the FlapJack LED Wand ($349.95) and the CamDolly Cinema System ($3,995.00, pictured). Billed as the industry’s first truly portable and modular dolly system for professional-grade video and film equipment, the CamDolly Cinema System includes everything a filmmaker needs to build five different dolly modes, or "protocols" – each designed to create a specific type of shot.. A single person can move all of the system's components to a shooting location with ease, and assemble the CamDolly into one of its five protocols in under 15 minutes. The constant-source FlapJack LED Ring Light is compatible with 15mm and 19mm rail systems or any ¼-20 thread mount runs on industry standard Sony NP-F style batteries or AC power, and comes with a custom-fitted travel case. The FlapJack LED Wand comes with a pistol grip handle that allows the user to more easily position the light for various shots, or even perform artistic light painting for long-exposure shooting. Like the Ring Light, the Wand is fully adjustable between Daylight and Tungsten colour temperatures and comes with a custom-fitted travel case. All three products will be available from 16 April 2016.
Fotodiox has announced the Wonderpana FreeArc XL - a comprehensive filter system for the Canon 11-24mm lens. Its aircraft-grade aluminium alloy lens collar allows photographers to attach a custom series of 186mm filter options including neutral density filters and polarisers. Additionally, photographers can add the WonderPana WP80 Filter Brackets to the WonderPana FreeArc XL to mount one or two square graduated filters at the same time as a round filter. Measuring 200mm x 260mm, the WonderPana FreeArc XL's square filters are the largest commercially available in the industry today. The WonderPana FreeArc XL retails for $229.95.
Ahead of our full review, here are 58 JPEG and 58 RAW images taken with the new Sony A7S II compact system camera. The Sony A7S II is a 12.2-megapixel full-frame compact system camera with 4K video recording.
Fotodiox Pro has announced four new models in its expanding Sharkcage line of custom-fit, fully-configurable camera cages. Designed for the Panasonic GH4, the Samsung NX1, the Sony A7, A7R and A7S, and the Sony A7 II and A7R II compact system cameras; the new Sharkcages are crafted entirely from aluminium and are available in Samurai Silver and Pitch Black. “Similar to our Sharkcage model for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, these new models come equipped with tons of accessory mounts, an integrated cable pinch system and a complete rod mounting system - everything you need to transform your camera into a powerful, portable video production powerhouse,” said Bohus Blahut, product consultant and marketing director for Fotodiox. “What’s more, because our camera-specific designs mirror the silhouette of each camera, all of the flexibility of a much larger rig system fits into a more efficient and compact footprint.”The complete Sharkcage camera cage kits are available now for $329.95 each.
Fotodiox has added five new bi-colour models to its innovative FlapJack LED Edgelight series. “The world of imaging is in constant flux, and it’s our goal to continually improve our ideas,” said Bohuš Blahut, filmmaker and marketing director for Fotodiox. “We’re particularly proud of the design of the FlapJack LED Edgelights, and when our customers told us they wanted these in bi-colour, we listened." A perfect solution for filling in shadows, giving glamour portraits a beautiful glow or expertly lighting run-and-gun video shoots, the five newest models of bi-color FlapJack LED Edgelights have a fully adjustable color temperature between 3200K and 5500K. Each model of single-colour and bi-colour FlapJack LED Edgelight comes complete with a lithium-ion battery, battery charger, AC adapter, car adapter and mounting ballhead – all in a fitted case with a handle. Prices start at $179.95.
The Fujifilm XF 16mm f1.4 R WR is an ultra-fast wide-angle prime lens for Fujifilm X-series compact system cameras. Offering a focal range of 24mm in 35mm terms, is the weather-proof Fujifilm XF 16mm f1.4 R another great addition to the expanding XF lens range? Read our in-depth Fujifilm XF 16mm f1.4 R review to find out...
Foto Promos, a collective of photographic professionals offering time limited deals and photographic giveaways, has announced The Big Deal bundle for photographers. Brought to you by B&H Photo, SmugMug and Spider Camera Holster; The Big Deal bundle includes $4,000 worth of photography resources, available for $99 only, from 14-25 June 2015. “In all my years in the photography industry working for Vertus, Nik Software, Google, Macphun and now Think-Eleven and Foto Promos I have never been part of a bundle of this magnitude,” said Mornee Sherry, CEO of Think-Eleven and Foto Promos. “The Big Deal bundle includes the biggest names in photography and we’ve brought them all together.” The Big Deal contributors include Lindsay Adler, Jared Platt, Dave Cross, KelbyOne, Lee Varis, Gavin Gough, Tony Sweet, Rick Sammon, Phlearn, Photoshop Cafe, Mylio and many more. Click through / read on for the full list.
The CamDolly Cinema System is the industry’s first truly portable and modular dolly system for professional-grade video and film equipment. Currently seeking funds on Kickstarter, the CamDolly Cinema System is the product of a collaboration between filmmaker Mat Jaz, filmmaker Bohus Blahut of Clutch & Company and the design team at Fotodiox- The system includes everything a filmmaker needs to build five different dolly modes, or "protocols" – each designed to create a specific type of shot. The entire CamDolly Cinema System easily fits into a compact car and packs neatly into three luggage sized cases. A single person can move all of the system's components to a shooting location with ease, and assemble the CamDolly into one of its five protocols in under 15 minutes. If the Kickstarter campaign achieves its $100,000 goal, CamDolly production will begin immediately with the first shipment expected in mid-June.
Leica Fotopark, an online image hosting and sharing service offered by Leica Camera, has announced a spring themed photo challenge. Photographers are encouraged to upload their brightest, liveliest and most idyllic spring pictures to the Leica Fotopark website between 30 March and 12 April 2015 and tag them with #LeicaSpring. Once the submission period is closed, the images will be rated and three winning photos will be chosen and displayed in the Leica Store in Wetzlar. In addition, the overall winner will receive a 90x60cm print of his/her photo mounted on acrylic glass.
The shortlists for the Professional, Open and Youth competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards have been announced. Those in the awards’ 13 Professional categories will now compete for a $25,000 prize and the coveted L’Iris d’Or/ Photographer of the Year title. The recipient, along with the winners of the Professional categories, overall Youth and Student winners plus the Open Photographer of the Year, who receives a $5,000 prize, will all be announced at the Sony World Photography Awards Gala Ceremony on Thursday 23 April. The winning and shortlisted images will go on show at Somerset House, London from 24 April – 10 May and published in the 2015 edition of the Sony World Photography Awards book. Click through / scroll down for the shortlists.
Calumet Photographic has just launched its new Student Photographer of the Year Award for 2015 in partnership with a host of major photographic brands. Designed to recognise photographic talent of students and to provide them with a platform for their work to be recognised, the award is open and available to any student in the UK. Prospective entrants are invited to submit a single photo of their best work - or three if they are a part of the Calumet Student membership programme - and up to 20 words explaining their chosen image. A panel of four judges, including Calumet’s Managing Director, Jon Warner; Professional Photographer, Rory Lewis; Canon’s Product Intelligence Professional, David Parry; Professional Photographer, Tom Barnes, will view all entries and shortlist 10 runners-up and one overall winner who will win an array of prizes worth over £11,000. The deadline for entries is 13 March 2015 and the winners will be announced shortly after.
Fotodiox Pro have announced their newest concept in LED lighting: the FlapJack LED Edgelight series. Designed to be lightweight, portable and easy to set up, the FlapJacks produce soft, even light that is ideal for impromptu interviews, portraiture, food- and product photography. Rather than using forward-facing LEDs common in conventional panels, the FlapJacks’ LEDs are mounted around their outer edge, aimed inward at layers of diffusion material to produce bounced light. Their compact design makes it easy to mount them to light stands, tabletop tripods, light clamps or even a camera’s accessory shoe. For more information, visit the wbsite below.
Leica Fotopark is a new online platform for image archiving and high-quality prints. Smartphones with cameras, photo-apps and social networks have generated considerable interest in photography and the sharing of pictures. Leica Camera AG sees this as a positive development and now responds with a premium quality Web platform for all who wish to intensify their passion for photography. It offers photographers of all kinds, from beginners and ambitious amateurs to professionals, a multitude of intuitive functions, including the storage, processing, management and archiving of digital images and a premium print service for ordering photos and fine-art prints.
The UK branch of Buenos Aires based photography experience company Foto Ruta has announced that its Foto Ruta Clue – Shoot Shoreditch event will take place on Sunday 24th August, from 2 to 6pm. Described as "a creative and alternative way to see explore the city and learn about photography," Foto Ruta Clue -Shoot Shoreditch kicks off with a short creative photography workshop at The Forge, 154 – 158 Shoreditch High Street, London. Armed with a Foto Ruta map pack, a set of clues and your camera and/or smartphone you and your team will spend the afternoon uncovering and capturing on camera the visual delights of Shoreditch, one of London’s most colourful and creative neighbourhoods. Tickets are priced at £24. To book your place, visit the website below.
The 2014 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards are open for entry. There are three portfolio categories - Tribes, Spirit of Adventure and Earth, Air, Fire and Water –, a New Talent award and an HD video category. The overall winner of TPOTY – the Travel Photographer of the Year 2014 - will receive £2,500 and a Plastic Sandwich personalised leather print book or iPad case. In addition, they will receive a private showcase of their travel photography at next year’s Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition. Entry to the awards costs from £7.50, and entry to Young Travel Photographer of the Year is free.
Fotodiox Pro has announced the expansion of its GoTough line of GoPro camera accessories. New products include a range of neutral density filters, close-up lenses, step rings and a few totally unique offerings such as the GoTough WonderPana GO 3+, GoTough WonderPana GO Naked and GoTough Talon accessories as well as the GoTough DB Strut metal extension arm. The entire line will be on display during the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas at the Yuyao Fotodiox booth (#C7532).
Corel today released the latest version of its flagship graphics suite. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 features powerful fill capabilities, high DPI, multi-monitor and touchscreen compatibility, and more ways to share content. In addition, multi-core and native 64-bit support allows users to run multiple applications and process large files. New/enhanced features include workspace selection, built-in context exchange, fountain fills, pressure-sensitive liquid tools and camera effects in Photo-paint, and much more. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7 is now available for £399. The upgrade price is £179
Cosyspeed have launched a new range of camera bags designed specifically for CSCs. Developed in Germany, the Cosyspeed bags and cases encourage users to take their cameras with them wherever they may go. "The camera is worn on a belt around the hip, protected by a very slim storage compartment, really quick to grab and also comfortable to carry over a long period of time," the company says. "Small, light, fast – Camslinger bags really bring out the benefits of mirrorless cameras. The product line is completed with an accessory range of lens and smartphone bags as well as an innovative finger strap." Click through / scroll down for more information.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G is a new, affordable moderate wide-angle prime lens for Nikon full-frame DSLR cameras. Find out how the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G performs in our in-depth review, complete with full-size sample images.
The winners of this year's Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) prize have been revealed. The top prize – the Cutty Sark Award for the Travel Photographer of the Year 2013 – goes to British photographer Timothy Allen for his B&W images of the mud mosque replastering festival and Dogon life in Mali, and his studies of individuals in Wales and Bhutan. The Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2013 is 14 year old Jonathan Rystrøm from Denmark, while the 14 and Under Young TPOTY category was won by 10 year-old Patria Prasaysa from Indonesia.
FotoDC has announced an extensive line-up of events in collaboration with more than 50 partners participating in FotoWeekDC 2013. Taking place from Friday 1st November to Sunday 10th November, FotoWeekDC 2013 encompasses more than 100 exhibitions and other events. Click through / read on for the details.
Boinx Software is inviting all animation experts and hobbyists alike to beta test the brand new DSLR live view feature in iStopMotion for Mac. The beta version of iStopMotion supports live view with the Canon EOS 40D, 60D, 60Da, 450D, 550D and 700D. Boinx encourages all beta testers to use the built-in feedback assistant to report Canon DSLR models that do not work with the live-view function, as well as provide any additional feedback on areas for improvement. To become a beta tester, head to the website below.
Leica has launched a creative challenge for 120 participants in 4 cities. The Leica X Vario City Challenge is a coast to coast Leica Camera photo competition with a twist: Leica fans in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Miami can compete for the chance to win a Leica X Vario (pictured) among many other valuable prizes. Interested readers living in one of these cities are encouraged to sign up, select their favourite image, and submit it to #XVarioChallenge. Click through / read on for the details.
Anna Fox – Resort 1 is a new title from Schilt Publishing. or two years British photographer Anna Fox documented holiday culture at the iconic Butlin’s resort in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, West-Sussex. Butlin’s is a British institution and an established cultural phenomenon, with a very particular character, history and identity. Shot using large-format, Fox's deeply saturated colour photographs provide a fascinating update to a holiday icon most often associated with the golden era of British seaside culture, in contrast to the popular themed adult weekends now on offer and which will be the subject of Resort 2, the second book by Anna Fox planned to be published in 2014. The 104-page volume will be available for £45 | $60 | €50 from 31st October.
Fotodiox has released its next-generation LED light panels; the Fotodiox LED-312D, LED-312DS, and LED-1024AL. The three new LED panels feature all-metal barn doors to shape and control the light, while a locking system keeps the barn doors in place, no matter how the light is mounted. The lights feature a backlit LCD panel that displays the percentage of light intensity and remaining battery life. The numbers in the product names indicate the number of light emitting diodes the lights are equipped with - this means that the first two products have 312 LEDs each, whilst the LED-1024AL comes with over a thousand 5600K daylight LEDs in a compact (12” x 12”) form. All three of the new Fotodiox LED upgrades are available for immediate sale, and each light kit comes with a 24 month manufacturer warranty.
FotoDC has announced the 2013 FotoWeekEDU line-up, FotoWeekDC’s second year of educational programming at the Goethe Institut. From 2-7 November, FotoWeekEDU will present eight half-day workshops that will range in areas of focus, from industry knowledge and photojournalism to fine art and marketing, as well as various other topics relevant to photographers. Additionally, FotoWeekEDU will offer a full day of Portfolio Reviews on Sunday, 3 November from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click through / scroll down for the detailed programme.
Fotodiox has launched an extensive range of camera accessories specially designed for Sony RX1 cameras. The accessory line includes an all-metal one-piece camera grip; a lightweight, aluminum lens hood; and a sleek shutter release button for easier, steadier shots. The accessories are available for sale individually or combined in the Fotodiox Pro Camera Kit bundle. The kit costs a total of $109.95, and all Fotodiox products come with a 24 month manufacturer’s warranty.
Fotodiox has revealed the GoTough WonderPanaGo, a smaller version of its professional WonderPana filter system designed to fit the GoPro HERO3 camera. Composed of premium grade anodised aluminium and optical grade glass, Fotodiox’s WonderPanaGo includes a sturdy all-metal mount for the GoTough custom filter system. The filter mount attaches easily onto the original HERO3's waterproof case, keeping the camera safe from water and protecting it against the elements. The GoTough WonderPanaGo filter system and the accessories within the GoTough product line are available for order on GoToughGear.com, Fotodioxpro.com as well as Amazon.com. Prices range from $9.95 to $149.95.
Anna Fox – Resort 1 is a new title from Schilt Publishing. For two years British photographer Anna Fox documented holiday culture at the iconic Butlin’s resort in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, West-Sussex. Butlin’s is a British institution and an established cultural phenomenon, with a very particular character, history and identity. Shot using large-format, Fox's deeply saturated colour photographs provide a fascinating update to a holiday icon most often associated with the golden era of British seaside culture, in contrast to the popular themed adult weekends now on offer and which will be the subject of Resort 2, the second book by Anna Fox planned to be published in 2014. The 104-page volume is available for £45 | $60 | €50.
Fotodiox today revealed the WonderPana FreeArc for the Nikon 14-24mm lens. The WonderPana FreeArc for Nikon 14-24mm is a complete mounting system and collection of filters tailored to fit the AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm ultra-wide angle lens. Its all-metal core attaches directly onto a lens with a secure two-piece mount. With the core in place, photographers can mount any of Fotodiox’s new 145mm Slimline Filters. “Since we first introduced the original WonderPana model, photographers and cinematographers have requested the ability to rotate rectangular filters on wide-angle cameras. We are thrilled to be addressing such a popular market demand with the WonderPana FreeArc,” said Kelvin Luo, CEO of Fotodiox. “The FreeArc, combined with our assortment of high-quality filter systems, give photographers the tools they need to flawlessly capture incredible shots, ultimately advancing the industry.” The WonderPana FreeArc for Nikon 14-24mm can be ordered, starting today, for $274.95.
Hasselblad Bron has announced that New York City once again will be the host of Shoot NYC, a professional photography forum. Held at La Venue, 1011 608 West 28th Street, October 24th from 10:00am to 6:30pm, and October 25th from 10:00am to 8:00pm; Shoot NYC 2013 is an informative forum based on the premise of building a photographic community. "In addition to a wide range of free professional photography seminars, industry leaders Broncolor and Hasselblad will help you learn how to harness and integrate the market's most advanced photographic tools into your business, improving both your photography and your bottom line," the organisers say. "Top industry professionals will host workshops and hands-on seminars in an array of subjects, whether you're interested in fashion, portraiture, commercial, stock or repro." Click through / scroll down for a list of speakers.
Here are 68 sample photos, 30 RAW images and a Full HD 1080p movie taken with the new Olympus OM-D E-M1 compact system camera and the 12-40mm f/2.8 lens. These sample photos were taken today at an Olympus event in Ireland with a final production version of the OM-D E-M1 and one of the very first 12-40mm f/2.8 lenses. We also used the 45mm f/1.8 and 300mm lenses for a few of the images, but the majority were taken with the excellent 12-40mm lens. We've also included an ISO sequence from 100 to 25600 so that you can see exactly what the new 16 megapixel sensor is capable of.
Fotopro and Custom SLR have partnered to bring a new line of professional and travel ready tripods to the USA. Custom SLR will feature a full line of Fotopro tripods and monopod support systems including the C5i series and TT-1 travel tripod kits on CustomSLR.com. The C5i tripod series ($189.95) comes in a lightweight, 3.6lb. package with reversible legs for compact stowing. The kit is equipped with an Arca-Swiss 3D ball head with single-action locking and can be converted into a monopod. The TT-1 tripod kit ($199.95) comprises a lightweight X4i reversed-leg, five-section aluninium tripod, Arca-Swiss 3D ball head and a versatile travel sling bag for an SLR camera with lens and flash.
Issue 28 of Landscape Photography Magazine is now available to download. This edition includes a guide to photographing glaciers, a field test of the Nikon D800 and D800E digital SLR cameras, various articles on topics like counterpoint in composition, the meaning of letters and long-term planning, and much more. Some of these articles are free but do note that the full contents of the magazine are available to subscribers only.
Fotodiox has launched the LED100WA high-intensity LED lights, a constant light source modelled after a familiar strobe form. Available in 5600K (Daylight, pictured) or 3200K (Tungsten) colour temperatures, these new lights are equipped with a standard Bowens (S) bayonet mount allowing the use of standard strobe accessories like soft boxes, snoots, grids, and more. “While not a traditional strobe in definition, the LED100WA lights are styled after strobe lighting, giving photographers a familiar format for a constant light source with high light output,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “Photographers looking for powerful yet cost-effective lights have been turning toward efficient LED lighting. By offering more options in LED lights we aim to provide photographers with top-of-the-line technology that can meet their needs while also keeping down both equipment and energy costs.” The LED100WA lights are priced at $324.95 and are available now at the website below.
Rollei has launched a new monopod and a multi-functional tripod. The Rollei Fotopro DIGI MP1 monopod weighs just 220 grams and offers a maximum load capacity of 1.5kg. The height of the monopod is easy to adjust between 47cm and 139.5cm. Available in green, grey, blue, orange, red and black; the DIGI MP1 carries an RRP of €39.95. The Rollei Fotopro DIGI 9300 is a fully-fledged tripod weighing in at 1,290 grams, and has a working height adjustable between 48cm and 150cm. The tripod holds system cameras and camcorders up to a weight of 3 kg. The Rollei Fotopro DIGI 9300 tripod is available in grey, black, red, green, orange and blue at a price of €59.95.
The exhibition An American story, photographs by Gordon Parks is currently on display at the Forma gallery in Milan. Curated by Alessandra Mauro, the exhibition held at Forma is the largest European retrospective to be dedicated to Parks's work, to his profound poetry, to his classic, powerful and highly cinematographic photography. Open until 23rd June, the exhibition is on show at the Forma gallery, Piazza Tito Lucrezio Caro, Milan, Italy. Admission is €7.50.
The Red Bull Illume Image Quest, which is billed as the world’s greatest photography contest for action and adventure sports, is closing for entries on 30th April. Photographers can submit images to 10 categories: lifestyle, playground, energy, spirit, close up, wings, sequence, new creativity, experimental and illumination. The overall winner will receive the new Leica S camera, while category winners will each receive a Leica X2. Other prizes will include broncolor’s new Move, their portable flash, and the latest strap system from Sun-Sniper. Photographers can enter their images online at the website below.
The 2013 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards are now open for entries. The overall winner of TPOTY will receive the Cutty Sark Award; £5,000 plus a complete set of Cutty Sark’s award-winning range of blended whiskies - Cutty Sark Blend, Storm, Prohibition, 12 years old, 18 years old and the highly collectable Limited Edition Tam o’Shanter. In addition, they’ll receive a true one-off - a bespoke, personalised Cutty Sark surfboard. The Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2013 wins the new Fujifilm X20 plus £250 and a personalised Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book or iFolio. Entries close on October 1st, with full details at the website below.
Issue 26 of Landscape Photography Magazine is now available for purchase. This month’s edition includes advices on using circular polarisers, a guide to underwater landscapes, a review of the book Ireland’s Coast by David Hay, a test of the Canon EOS 6D camera, an article on whether pro gear is really worth the money it costs, and much more. and much more. Do note that the full contents of Landscape Photography Magazine are available to subscribers only.
Ahead of our full review, here are 50 sample JPEG photos and a 1080p HD movie taken with the new Fujifilm Finepix X20 compact camera. There's also a complete ISO sequence from 100 to 12,800 so that you can see exactly what the new 12 megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor is capable of.
The Red Bull Illume Image Quest, billed as the world’s greatest photography contest for action and adventure sports, is open for entries. Photographers can submit images to 10 categories: lifestyle, playground, energy, spirit, close up, wings, sequence, new creativity, experimental and illumination. Submissions are accepted through 30th April.
Fotodiox today introduced the RhinoCam, a camera/lens adapter system designed to put “the power of a full-size 645 medium format back into the hands of virtually any photographer.” Via an interchangeable lens mount, the RhinoCam couples either a Pentax 645, Mamiya 645, or Hasselblad V medium-format lens with a Sony NEX series camera. The lens remains firmly in place while the RhinoCam’s moving platform positions the NEX sensor for multiple precisely-positioned exposures. The built-in Composition Screen enables photographers to preview the composed shot. After the capture process, it takes seconds to merge the multiple exposures into one larger image using automated stitching functionality built into recent versions of Adobe Photoshop and other software offerings. RhinoCam also mounts directly onto a 4x5 board to open up additional possibilities with wider angle lenses, tilts, shifts, bellows systems and more. The RhinoCam precision system is priced at $499.95 (excluding camera and lens) and available for order today from the website below.
Boinx Software has launched version 3 of its You Gotta See This! photo collage app. This edition utilises new algorithms to improve image capturing, with updated parameters for all supported devices’ cameras. You Gotta See This! is now available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.
Fotodiox has released the Aputure V-Control for Canon DSLR cameras, a handheld USB host device offering comprehensive image and follow-focus control. “Perfect for dramatic rack focus shots, and for correcting focus when the camera is out of reach on a dolly or a crane, V-Control is the only device of its kind that enables photographers to easily switch between still and video modes, offering full hands-on remote control of the camera’s aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation,” the company claims. Currently supported camera models include the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 600D/T3i/Kiss X5, 550D/T2i/Kiss X4, 500D/T1i/Kiss X3 and the 1100D/T3/Kiss X50. The V-Controller is priced at $179.95 and is available for order now at fotodioxpro.com and other online retailers including Amazon.
With support from the European Commission, the Dutch FotoMuseum Provincie Antwerpen (FoMu) has embarked on a new photographic heritage project called Daguerreobase. The project’s goal is to collect copies and descriptions of over 25.000 historical daguerrotypes from all over Eurotype in a single database / knowledge bank. “European-style daguerreotypes are scarce and collections are scattered around in several European institutional and private collections,” the museum explained in a statement. “The renewed Daguerreobase aims not only to aggregate and to centralise the [available] information about these collections, it will also make this information open to researchers and professionals [as well as] the general public.” For more information, visit the website below.
The 2013 Fotoura International Street Photography Awards competition is now open for entries. Open to photographers all over the world, the awardsl include Open and Student categories and are centred around the theme, “Hometown.” Entrants may upload between 5 and 8 images to the competition’s website, and the deadline for entries is 12 February 2013. The entry fee is £30 (£15 for students), with all entrants receiving a £30 voucher to print their own Blurb book. The winners and a selection of the best entries to this competition will be shown in an exhibition in central London in Spring 2013. The first prize winner will receive £2000 cash, an exhibition of their work in London, a camera and £100 book publishing voucher. As always, we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is a new professional standard zoom lens. Boasting built-in image stabilisation, macro capabilities and fast and quite auto-focusing, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM is a lighter and more affordable alternative to the faster EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM. Read our in-depth Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM review complete with full-size sample images.
The Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a new moderate wide-angle prime lens. Boasting built-in image stabilisation and fast and quite auto-focusing, the plastic-bodied EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a more affordable alternative to Canon's professional wide-angle primes. Read our in-depth Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM review complete with full-size sample images.
Boinx Software has released iStopMotion for iPad 2.0, with new audio options that make use of the iPad’s capabilities. “In the 10 years since we launched iStopMotion for the Mac, we have crossed boundaries and pushed ourselves and the available technology to the limit,” said Oliver Breidenbach, CEO, Boinx Software. “The launch of iStopMotion for iPad 2.0 is the next step in our success story, adding the second most important moviemaking feature to the app - sound.” To celebrate the 10-year annniversary of the iStopMotion product family, for a limited time only, iStopMotion for iPad 2 is available from the iTunes App Store for $4.99 USD (regularly $9.99) or as a free upgrade for existing users. Its companion app, iStopMotion Remote Camera, is also available now from iTunes for free.
British photographer Craig Easton has been announced as the overall winner of the Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) 2012 competition. Craig beat entrants from over 90 countries to win the world’s leading travel photography competition with four evocative, moody images of the ‘dreich’ - an old Scottish word to describe wet, miserable, dank weather - and an elegant series of four striking silhouettes of people in Paris. The New Talent award went to Alessandra Meniconzi (Switzerland), while 15-year-old Samuel Fisch (USA) has been named Young Travel Photographer of the Year.
Fotodiox today launched its WonderBurst NEX Radio Flash Trigger and WonderBurst HSS8000 4-in-1 Radio Slave Trigger. The WonderBurst NEX ($39.95) enables Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras to remotely trigger any flash with a standard hot-shoe, giving shooters more options beyond the proprietary Sony hot-shoe. The WonderBurst NEX is capable of flash sync speeds up to 1/160 seconds and features 16 selectable channels. Along with the WonderBurst NEX, Fotodiox is also launching the WonderBurst HSS8000 4-in-1 Radio Slave Trigger ($69.95), a 1/8000 high-speed sync wireless remote flash trigger compatible with any camera flash or strobe. The transmitter plugs into the camera to learn the camera’s specific delay time, allowing it to get ahead of the second curtain sync, or the sync delay that most cameras have. The WonderBurst HSS8000 removes flash sync limitations and will also work as a camera remote for AF remote triggering, continuous shooting and bulb mode.
Leica and Rankin hosted a private viewing of images from the Leica ‘S Mag: The Rankin Issue’ at the Annroy Gallery in London, an exclusive invitation-only event which was attended by over 400 guests. Using only the Leica S-System camera (pictured), Rankin collaborated with nine individual hair stylists, to create a series of striking images and a collection of diverse fashion stories which are communicated across the latest 200-page edition of S Magazine. Rankin said: “I’d always thought it would be interesting to do a hair book – where you take hairdressers and you give them the opportunity to do anything they want.” He added: “It was a chance to collaborate with the people I really admire, but also people I knew had hidden talents that maybe hadn’t come out yet.”
The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is a fast telephoto zoom lens for Nikon, Sony and Canon full-frame DSLR shooters. Offering built-in image stabilisation, the compact Tamron 70-200mm lens has a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the range. Read our Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD review to find out if it's the best fast telephoto zoom for full frame users.
Issue 22 of Landscape Photography Magazine is now available to download. This edition includes a guide to light painting, a review of the book “The Landscape Photography Workshop” by David Hay, a test of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, and much more. Do note that the full contents of Landscape Photography Magazine are available to subscribers only.
Masterclass: Professional Studio Photography by Dennis Savini is a new title from Rocky Nook. Covering an array of photographic subjects, including still life, industry, technology, food, jewelry, portrait photography, the book provides a comprehensive workshop on studio photography for professionals and aspiring professionals, and reveals the tips, tricks, and secrets the author has discovered throughout his career. The 240-page hardback is available for $59.95.
Fotodiox has launched an iPad version of its CamHoodie lens hood adapter, which is claimed to “greatly reduce"s the lens flare or “purple haze” effect.The CamHoodie lens hood is made of a high-grade rubber-like material that is highly durable and works to reduce lens flare on photos by blocking stray light rays from entering the lens elements from the edges of the frame. The rubber piece cocoons the lens and helps reduce reflections inside the lens from bright lights. The CamHoodie for iPad mini is now available for pre-order through the Fotodiox website for $29.95.
We’ve teamed up with Photospecialist to give away a Domke F2 bag and a Davis & Sanford Magnum XG tripod to one lucky winner, worth £209!
The lucky winner is Peter Boyle. Congratulations!
Foto Konijnenberg has been a major player in the Dutch and Belgian photo markets with retail shops in both countries since 1974. In 1999 they were the first retail store with a webshop and very soon their customers appreciated that the knowledge and service that was offered in the stores could also be found on the website. In the UK, Germany and France they are now trading as “PHOTOSPECIALIST”. In the near future Photospecialist will open online and physical shops in more countries in Europe – the logistics, sales and marketing will remain centralised in The Netherlands. In The Netherlands and Belgium the name Foto Konijnenberg will be maintained for the time being. Photospecialist will stay focused on both professional photographers and hobbyists, emphasising the high quality products from many of their partner brands, great customer service and providing a rapid courier service. One of the many unique selling points of Photospecialist is that they offer a Two Year Guarantee on all products sold – with the option of a low-cost two year extension (The 2+2 Year Guarantee Plan).
Jim Domke invented the F2 bag when he was working as a photojournalist on the Philadelphia Enquirer. He had the first one custom made for his own use in 1976, and the F2 is still one of the most popular Domke Bags today. Designed so that the photographer could get at equipment instantly, without having to take the bag from their shoulder, it includes an adjustable non-slip Gripper™ Strap with durable cotton webbing, removable bottom stiffener, removable hand carrying strap, YKK zippers, and steel snap hooks.
Davis & Sanford’s Magnum XG Tripod offers solid support for your DSLR, compact camera, camcorder, or scope - it can be operated from 20.32 cm to 182 cm off the ground. The 3-section aluminium legs and 2-section centre post provide rapid and secure adjustment, and the rubber feet add stability. The Magnum XG can support up to 6.8 kg, and weighs just 3.03 kg. A bottom centre post hook allows you to hang equipment or other weight for increased stability, and a tripod bag is included.
Ahead of our full review, here are 47 JPEG photos and a 1080p movie taken with the new Fujifilm X-E1 compact system camera. We're currently testing the X-E1 with the new 18-55mm zoom lens. We've also shot the entire ISO range from 100 to 25600 to show what the X-E1's innovative sensor is capable of.
Issue 21 of Landscape Photography Magazine is now available to download.This edition includes a guide to focus stacking, written by Michael Breitung, a review of four ebooks by David Hay, an interview with William Neill, the portfolios of Austin Thomas, Richard Hurst and Tom Shapira, and much more. Do note that the full contents of Landscape Photography Magazine are available to subscribers only.
SF Digital has released version 4 of its Foto SF software. This update has a host of new features, improved and faster navigation, new modules including “Quotes,” and eye-catching graphical reports. Pricing starts at $95 (£58 approx) for an upgrade and $145 (£90 approx) for Foto SF Lite.
Ahead of our full review, here are 49 sample JPEG photos and a 1080p movie taken with a full production version of the new Fujifilm XF1 compact camera. The Fujifilm XF1 is a premium 12-megapixel compact with a large 2/3-type sensor, a 4x, 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 lens and an innovative way of turning it on and off (via a twist of the lens ring).
The FinePix F800EXR is the latest travel-zoom camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 20x lens with a versatile focal range of 25-500mm. The 16 megapixel F800 EXR also features wireless image transfer, GPS support, full 1080p movies, a high-contrast 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F800 EXR review to find out if it's the ultimate travel camera...
This year, Alvaro Deprit has been named as the winner of the BJP’s annual International Photography Award. Alvaro beat off competition from 168 other entries to win the series category, submitting a story called Suspension which looks at unaccompanied minors who have fled war, poverty and political uncertainty for new lives in Italy. Judges Harry Hardie, founder and director of Here; Jess Crombie, head of film and photography at Save the Children; and Karen McQuaid, curator at The Photographers’ Gallery, were impressed with the strength of the story Deprit had depicted, and the sensitivity he brought to it and his young subjects.
Fotodiox today announced the immediate availability of its WonderPana 145 and WonderPana 66 Filter Systems. Claimed to be ideal for panorama, nature, architectural, fashion and event photographers as well as analogue and digital filmmakers, Fotodiox’s WonderPana lens hood systems are designed for Super Wide Angle (SWA) and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lenses. “By introducing the WonderPana Systems, we are offering photographers and cinematographers the ability to capture images with the right lighting balance and skip the HDR software post production process,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “With the new Wonder line, we are bringing more innovative, quality products to the market and giving photographers the tools they need to capture amazing shots.” The WonderPana Systems are available for order now on the Fotodiox website. The WonderPana 66 System starts at $350 and the WonderPana 145 System starts at $200.
The Board of Trustees of the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund announced that Brooklyn, New York photographer Peter van Agtmael is the recipient of the prestigious 2012 W. Eugene Smith Grant for Humanistic Photography for Disco Night September 11, an American view of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The project earned Mr. van Agtmael a $30,000 grant to continue focussing on these wars, subjects that otherwise would be difficult to finance.
SF Photo School has announced a brand new webinar series, entitled ‘Masters of Wedding’. “Ray Lowe, Kevin Wilson & Martin Grahame-Dunn share their unique styles, experience & some of their best work, tips & techniques to take your wedding photography to the next level,” says SF Photo School’s Uzair Kharawala. “This is a 6 hour webinar series which will cover topics such as how to pose couples, use of ‘directional light’, composing your images, off-camera flash, use of reflectors, engagement photography, destination weddings, how to create your ‘signature’ black & white images, marketing your business, how to organise wedding photography, how to price your services, post processing workflow and much much more…” For more information and to book your place, visit the website below.
Fotoman Professional Cameras have re-announced the Fotoman 624 Panoramic Camera featuring a Schneider 90 mm / 5.6 XL Super Angulon lens. The camera produces a large 5.6 cm x 22.4 cm image allowing for 3 shots on a 120 roll. For focusing, users can choose between the Fotoman Helical Focusing Mount and an optional ground glass focusing screen. Weighing in at 1.86kg, the Fotoman 624 Panoramic Camera comes with a 120° viewfinder. The price has not been revealed.
Ilford has announced a major new creative photography project with the Chrome-Camera, a room-sized camera based at the Ilford site in Marly, Switzerland. The finished camera will measure 6m in length, 2.5m in height and 2.5m in width and features a lens specially sourced by German photographer Heino Heimann from Italy. The Chrome-Camera will be used to create prints using direct exposure on Ilfochrome (formerly known as Cibachrome) media, which produces images using a dye destruction positive-to-positive process. “My two great passions in photography are to use my art to push boundaries and to educate the younger generations,” Heimann says. “Therefore the Chrome-Camera project is a fantastic opportunity for me.”
The new Mac version of iStopMotion allows users to create high-definition stop-motion and time lapse videos using their iPhone as a camera via the free iStopMotion Remote Camera iOS app. Fully optimised for the MacBook Pro’s new Retina display. iStopMotion 3 also has enhanced app security by being sandboxed and signed with DeveloperID. It is localised in English, German, French, Japanese and Russian. Offering all this plus every feature from the previous iStopMotion 2 Pro (formerly priced at $499.99), iStopMotion 3 is available through the Mac App Store in the Video category for $49.99.
RCP-Technik GmbH has unveiled two tripods made of carbon fibre and magnesium; the Rollei Fotopro X-5M and the Rollei Fotopro X-6M. With a height of 1.48 metres when extended and a folded size of just 42.5 centimetres, the X-5M carbon-fibre tripod (€599.95) weighs just a little over 1.3 kilograms, including a ball-head, yet it boasts a maximum load capacity of 15kg. The tripod shoulder is made of magnesium, which saves a great deal of weight while giving the tripod increased stability, the company says. The X-6M model (€699.95) with a height of 1.74 metres when extended, is no more than 56 centimetres long when folded, and with a weight of 1.5 kilograms it is the bigger brother of the X-5M. It has a load-bearing capacity of up to 25kg including the head. Both tripods will be available from early November 2012.
Fotodiox has launched its new PRO line of ten neutral density filters and the WonderPana 145 and WonderPana 66 Filter Systems. Claimed to be ideal for panorama, nature, architectural, fashion and event photographers as well as analogue and digital filmmakers, Fotodiox’s WonderPana lens hood systems are designed for Super Wide Angle (SWA) and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lenses. “By introducing the WonderPana Systems, we are offering photographers and cinematographers the ability to capture images with the right lighting balance and skip the HDR software post production process,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “With the new Wonder line, we are bringing more innovative, quality products to the market and giving photographers the tools they need to capture amazing shots.” Click through / read on for a list of compatible lenses.
CEWE Photobook has launched its “Europe is Beautiful 2012” photo competition. Billed as the largest photo competition in Europe, the contest has four categories including ‘people’, ‘sports’, ‘city and nature’ and ‘culture and nature.’ You can submit up to 5 of your pictures in any of the four categories for a chance to win one of “many spectacular prizes.” The competiton is now live at the website below. The submission period lasts until the end of of they year. As always we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work.
Pöstyén//Pieš?any-based 84.5mm is a start-up specialising in the development and manufacture of hand-made professional photographic and cinematographic filters. “Our filters are made of special organic glass, which is characterized by excellent optical and mechanical features,” the company says. “The brand name represents the standard 84.5mm width of our best selling filters, which are of course fully compatible with commercially available conventional [square-type] photographic filter holders.” The line-up includes graduated colour and neutral density filters, with a range of stripe filters in the making. The filters are available priced from €19.90-€24.90 plus shipping through the website below.
FotoDC has launched its 5th annual International Awards Competition. This year, the competition is offering two new categories: FotoBooks and Modern Vintage. A distinguished panel of industry experts will hand select winners in 13 categories, with prizes for the top 3 winners in each category and $26,000 in cash awards. Do note that entry fees apply. Photographers from the Washington, DC region and all around the world have an early bird submission by August 6, 2012 at 11:59PM PST, with a final deadline of September 23, 2012 at 11:59PM PST. As always we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work. For more information, visit the website below.
The Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM is a new wide-angle prime lens. Boasting built-in image stabilisation and fast and quite auto-focusing, the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM is a more affordable but still very capable alternative to Canon's professional wide-angle primes. Read our in-depth Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM review complete with full-size sample images.
The Children’s Eyes On Earth International Youth Photography Contest, Festival and Exhibition 2012 aims to raise awareness of environmental issues through the eyes of young people and their photographs. Anyone aged 17 or under may enter the contest and all entrants must submit at least one image illustrating the theme “I Love Nature” and one image illustrating the theme “I Fear Pollution”. Entries will be assessed by an international judging panel, with a special “Your Choice” prize being awarded by public vote. The deadline for entries is 5 September 2012. As always, we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work. For more information, visit the website below.
Tabletop Photography by Cyrill Harnischmacher is a new title from Rocky Nook. In this book, the author guides readers through a variety of exposure and lighting techniques, and covers how to achieve excellent results using small flash units. Topics covered include lighting setups, reflectors, diffusers and other accessories, softboxes and umbrellas, strobe flashes, multi flash exposures, product and food photography, and more. The 144-page volume can be pre-ordered now for $24.95, with an electronic version available for $11.95.
The Rollei Fotopro EP2 is a small tripod for camera phones without a tripod socket. Weighing in at a mere 80g, the Rollei Fotopro EP2 has a maximum load capacity of 700g and comes with a rotating head as well as a special cell phone holder which ensures that any mobile phone model can be used with the tripod. Available from July 2012 at a recommended retail price of €19.99, the Rollei Fotopro EP2 is offered in red, titanium and blue colours.
Rollei has unveiled a 2-in-1 tripod / bag combination called the Rollei Fotopro TT-1. Comprising a compact X4i travel tripod and a waterproof, padded B1 bag, the Rollei Fotopro TT-1 kit is available for €199.95. Weighing in at 1kg including a ball head, the X4i aluminium tripod has a maximum load capacity of 5kg and a total height of 1.44m, folding down to 32mm for storage. The B1 bag, which can accommodate both the tripod itself and a small dSLR camera with two lenses and other accessories, has a scratch- and dustproof inner lining, and can be carried on your back as a rucksack or to one side as a holster.
The FinePix F770EXR is the latest travel-zoom camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 20x lens with a versatile focal range of 25-500mm. The 16 megapixel F770 EXR features a fast auto-focus system, full 1080p movies, enhanced GPS, high-contrast 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR review to find out if this is the ultimate travel camera...
Ahead of our full review, here are 43 sample JPEG photos and a 1080p movie taken with a full production version of the new Nikon Coolpix S9300 travel-zoom compact camera. The Nikon S9300 is a 16 megapixel compact camera with an 18x optical zoom lens, full 1080p HD movie recording, and built-in GPS.
In June 2012, Aperture will release a newly expanded and updated reissue of Lynne Cohen’s first monograph, Occupied Territory. “In the nearly twenty years of work contained in the book, Cohen turns her view camera toward classrooms, science laboratories, testing facilities, waiting rooms, and other interior spaces where function triumphs over aesthetics,” the publisher says. “In cool, functional offices, futuristic reception areas, lifeless party rooms, escapist motel rooms, and haunting killing chambers, Cohen surveys a society of surface, contradiction, and social engineering.” The 144-page hardback includes 102 duotone images and sells for $60/£40.
Epson has announced that its Ultimicron electronic viewfinder (EVF) technology comes equipped as standard in the Olympus OM-D Micro Four Thirds camera. “Based on a single Epson HTPS TFT colour LCD panel, Ultimicron achieves superb full colour images with supreme levels of detail and sharpness,” Epson said in a statement. “Using a colour filter, Ultimicron also helps photographers shoot fast moving images without the colour breakup experienced using other formats.” The Epson Ultimicron EVF used in the Olympus OM-D features a 0.47” panel with a resolution of 1.44 million dots. This panel was first announced back in October 2009.
Special thanks to Arturo Fukuda of FotoActualidad for drawing our attention to this piece of news.
The 2012 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards are now open for entries. “Open to amateur and professional photographers from all countries and of all ages, Travel Photographer of the Year is one of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions, with photographers from nearly 90 countries taking part last year alone,” the organisers say. This year’s overall winner – the Travel Photographer of the Year 2012 - will be the first-ever recipient of the Cutty Sark Award, presented by Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky. This very special prize consists of two elements: firstly, the winner will receive £5,000 - £2,500 as cash, plus an expenses-paid international photography commission to shoot images for Cutty Sark with a further £2,500 commission fee. Category winners will also receive exciting and valuable prizes including a Fujifilm X-Pro1 kit with three lenses, as well as jorneys to Kenya and the Greek Islands.
Ahead of our full review, here are 60 JPEG and 30 RAW photos taken with the new Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera. We're currently testing the X-Pro1 with all three new lenses - the 17mm, 35mm and 60mm - and we've also shot an ISO range from 100 to 25600 to show what the XPro1's innovative sensor is capable of.
Ahead of our full review, here are 76 sample JPEG photos taken with the new Olympus TG-820 compact camera. The Olympus TG-820 is an all-action compact camera with a 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 5x, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens.
PaintShop Pro X4 is the latest edition of Corel's affordable photo-editing suite. With over 75 new and enhanced features designed explicitly to meet the needs of today’s photographers, is X4 the best version of PaintShop Pro yet? Matt Grayson finds out in our Corel PaintShop Pro X4 review.
“Continental Drift” is an exhibition of new work - a video and a set of enlarged video stills - by Colin Snapp. Filmed entirely through the windows of tour buses, trains, taxis and rental cars in Morocco, the video “acts to highlight moments of collision between the observer and his cultural restrictions,” the organisers say. Derived from the video footage of Continental Drift, the stills, titled Latitudes, are described as “a visitor’s impressions of the landscape he himself inevitably imprints”. “Continental Drift” will be on display at The Journal Gallery (168 North 1st Street Brooklyn NY 11211) from 6 March until 29 April.
The winners of the international Travel Photographer of the Year 2011 competition have been announced. The overall winner is Louis Montrose of the USA - an Elizabethan scholar and former professor at the University of California -, who has received the award for his two striking, and very different, portfolios; one documenting life in a painted village in Burkina Faso and the other depicting the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico. Mr Montrose will be given a unique personal showcase within the exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in the summer of 2012. In addition he’ll receive a £1,000 cash bursary, plus Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium 5.5 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 software, a Plastic Sandwich personalised leather iPad portfolio case, complete with iPad2, and a Lexar Professional 600x 32GB CompactFlash memory card + Lexar Professional Dual-Slot USB 3.0 card Reader.
The FinePix F600EXR is the latest travel-zoom camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 15x lens with a versatile focal range of 24-360mm. The 16 megapixel F600 EXR features a quick auto-focus system, full 1080p movies, built-in GPS, 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR review to find out if this is the ultimate compact camera...
SF Photo School has launched a new webinar series entitled “Portraits for Profits”. Presented by Uzair Kharawala, this series covers topics including how to set up a business, what camera & lens to start with, how to use off-camera flash, edit and post-process your photos, how to set your prices, what promotions and products to offer, how to implement offline and online marketing strategies, how to use websites, blogs, social media and more. Each webinar is scheduled for 1 hour, and the series runs from 11 January 2012 to 1 February 2012. The cost of the series is £125 + VAT and comes with bonuses worth £180. To reserve your place, visit the website below.
Sony Japan has officially announced the discontinuance of the Sony A900 full frame digital SLR camera. The 24-megapixel Sony A900, which we praised for its high resolution, excellent viewfinder, robust build and intuitive controls, has been in production for three years, and is still available new on Amazon for $2,699.
Source Sony Japan via Foto Actualidad
The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the W.M. Hunt Collection is a new exhibition at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. More than 500 photographs by the masters of the medium will be on view Oct. 1, 2011 through Feb. 19, 2012. W.M. Hunt is a renowned curator and dealer who has been collecting photographs for 40 years.
The Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR is a new travel-zoom camera with a 15x lens offering a versatile focal range of 24-360mm. The 16 megapixel F500EXR also features a quick auto-focus system, full 1080p movies, 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F500EXR review to find out if you should take it on your travels.
In collaboration with National Geographic Traveler, Fotopedia has launched Above France, a new iPad/iPhone app that will help you discover beautiful places in France from a bird’s-eye view. Billed as “a love letter written with a camera and a helicopter”, the Above France app showcases “the most spectacular abbeys, beaches, bridges, castles, cliffs, fortifications, geometric landscapes, harbors, islands, lakes, lighthouses, mountains, rivers, quaint villages, waterfalls, windmills” etc., many of which are found in remote and hard-to-access locations. In celebration of France’s Bastille Day, today and tomorrow you can get the app - which normally sells for $2.99 on iTunes - for $0.99.
Timed to coincide with the exhibition, Eyewitness: Hungarian Photography in the 20th Century, Metro has announced the opening of submissions for the Eyewitness abstract, fashion, portrait and street photography competition. Each category is based upon an individual photographer from the Royal Academy’s exhibition: Brassaï for his classic portraits, Capa for street photography, Moholy-Nagy for abstract photography, and Pécsi and Munkácsi for fashion photography. The competition will be judged by leading figures in the fields of photography and journalism: Colin Ford CBE – Curator of Eyewitness exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, Jon Levy – Editor of Foto8, Steve Macleod – Creative Director of Metro Imaging and Laurence Earle - Executive Editor of the Independent on Sunday. The closing date for entries is 26th August. The overall and category winners will be announced 9th September.
The Suffering of Light is the title of an upcoming exhibition of key photographic works from the career of American photographer Alex Webb. Presented by the Magnum Print Room, the exhibition opens on 17 June, runs until 29 July 2011 and showcases twelve of Webb’s best known images. The Magnum Print Room is located at Magnum Studios, 63 Gee St, London, EC1V 3RS. Additionally a 204-page book entitled, The Suffering of Light: 30 Years of Photographs by Alex Webb is available from Thames & Hudson for £45.
The Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR is the latest travel-zoom camera, sporting a 15x lens with a versatile focal range of 24-360mm. The 16 megapixel F550EXR features a lightning quick auto-focus system, full 1080p movies, built-in GPS, and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR review to find out if this is the ultimate compact camera...
The Art of Wedding Photography is a new webinar series organised by Calumet and SF Photo School. Presented by Uzair Kharawala, these webinars start on 9 May 2011 and each one is 60 minutes long. A wide variety of subjects will be covered including converting leads into bookings, marketing, promotions, managing your business, off-camera flash, how not to forget key shots, workflow tips & techniques for editing and post-processing, setting your website / blog the right way for higher indexing in search results, and more. Do note that these webinars are not free. There is a special price of £30+VAT for all six webinars, which is valid until 9 May 2011. After this date, the normal price will be £55+VAT. For more information visit the website below.
Eka Technologies have announced the FotoSpot and FotoMapr geo-tagging peripherals for Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Ricoh and other digital cameras. FotoSpot ($249-$329) provides consumers with an easy-to-use, inexpensive way to add the photo location and shot direction to images created with virtually any digital camera. Photos geotagged with FotoSpot can then be uploaded to a computer via USB and used with any of today’s popular PC, Mac and Internet photo mapping software. The professional FotoMapr is a cost-effective way (starting at $269) for advanced photographers to geotag - and even annotate - images for use in their mapping platforms. Both FotoSpot and FotoMapr are available in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and hard-wired versions. For stockist information, visit the website below.
According to Sony’s Japanese website, the Sony SLT-A33 digital camera has been discontinued. Given that the A33 was announced in August 2010, it’s had a rather short lifespan of only seven months. The eagle-eyed Arturo Fukuda of FotoActualidad, who spotted the notice, speculates that a replacement might be imminent.
Source: Sony Japan via FotoActualidad
Special thanks to Mr Arturo Fukuda for calling our attention to this piece of news.
FotoDC has partnered with the US National Cherry Blossom Festival to produce the National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest. The submission deadline has been set for 9th April 9. The contest, is accepting entries in three categories: Landscape, People, and Festivities, taken during this year’s festival (26th March – 10th April), or taken within the previous two years. For each category, first place winners will receive a $500 cash prize, second place winners will receive a weekend stay at the Renaissance Washington, DC Dupont Circle Hotel, and third place winners will receive a Nikon Coolpix S3000 camera.
Website: National Cherry Blossom Photo Competition
Boinx Software has updated its You Gotta See This! app to Version 2.0. Designed originally for iPhone 4 technology, You Gotta See This! gives users the ability to choose between the two built-in cameras, hit record, point, and capture their surroundings in an arbitrary, 3D fashion for eye-catching results. Version 2.0 adds support for the iPad 2, plus a brand new transparent theme for the easy integration of images into creative workflows, Flickr and Facebook sharing, and high-resolution/full size preview viewing.
Sony Japan have listed the NEX-3 compact system cameras as discontinued. The eagle-eyed website Foto Actualidad have spotted the update on the Japanese NEX-3 product page. The NEX-3 was launched in May 2010. In related news, Bloomberg are reporting that Sony are planning the “introduction of new models” as they seek 15% market share for cameras with interchangeable lenses, an aggressive increase of 5%.
The shortlist for the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards Student Focus contest has been announced. Open to universities worldwide that hold a photography programme, Student Focus has attracted entries from over 200 institutions in 2011. Ten burgeoning photographers from each of the shortlisted institutions have now been chosen to take part in the final competition. They include Linda Varoma, Juliette Martin, Louis Boulet, Nicol Vizioli, Nady Gorodetskaya, Rory Gardiner, Jonno Rattman, Frank Marshall, Tushikur Rahman and Juan Troncoso (whose picture you can see above). The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 27 April 2011.
FORMAT 2011, the UK’s leading international festival of contemporary photography and related media, has announced its full programme for its 5th edition. Taking place at various venues in and around Derby, from 4th March until 3rd April, FORMAT 2011 is curated around the resurgence of street photography. The Festival is organised in two strands, FOCUS and EXPOSURE. FOCUS will show curated exhibitions and new commissions by leading international artists, whereas EXPOSURE will feature work by some 50 of the most exciting new photographers from around the world. You can read the programme announcement in its entirety below.
The official programme of the fifth Format international photography festival has been announced. Taking place at various venues in and around Derby, 4th March – 3rd April 2011, Format Festival will show curated exhibitions and new commissions by leading international artists within the practice of street photography. Outside in Derby Marketplace, Magnum Photos and Format will present “Take to the Streets” – a major outdoor survey show of 140 large-scale street photos by seven leading Magnum photographers working around the world. The premier exhibition strand also includes Mob Format - an international mass submission online project in association with Flickr. Submissions will be shown on the BBC Big Screen in Derby Market Place, and on mobile screens around Derby, while a Hype-style gallery in a central pop-up location will print and display the best submissions daily in a constantly-evolving exhibition. The full programme brochure will be available to download from the official Format Festival website from mid-February 2011.
The Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD is a well-equipped super-zoom camera that won't break the bank. Retailing for less than £200 / $250, the S2800HD offers an 18x zoom lens, 14 megapixels, 720p movies and a 3 inch screen. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD review to find out if too many corners have been cut...
Boinx Software has announced You Gotta See This! 1.2, the company’s popular panography photo app for the iPhone. Designed originally for iPhone 4 technology, You Gotta See This! gives users the ability to choose between the two built-in cameras, hit record, point, and capture their surroundings in an arbitrary, 3D fashion for eye-catching results. Version 1.2 features increased speed and enhanced rendering capabilities. Rendering can now be cancelled mid-process and you can return to camera mode to capture a better shot. You Gotta See This! is available now at a promotional sale price of $0.99.
FORMAT 2011, the UK’s leading international festival of contemporary photography and related media, has announced its programme for its 5th edition. Taking place at various venues in and around Derby, from 4th March until 3rd April, FORMAT 2011 is curated around the resurgence of street photography. The Festival is organised in two strands, FOCUS and EXPOSURE. FOCUS will show curated exhibitions and new commissions by leading international artists, whereas EXPOSURE will feature work by some 50 of the most exciting new photographers from around the world.
FotoWeek DC has announced a mobile phone photography competition called “Picture the Potomac”. The contest, which runs from now until midnight 12th November, aims to highlight awareness of Washington’s ever-changing waterway and to challenge the creativity of both professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Images must be captured on a mobile phone camera and submitted to the contest registration site at the cost of $3.99 per upload. The grand prize will consist of $500 in cash, plus a FolioLink Pro Account, and a professional portfolio website valued at $1500.
Boinx Software has announced PhotoBox for iPad, an applicationthat analyses the technical quality of photos imported from a camera to iPad via the iPad Camera Connection Kit. The app provides photographers with an on-the-spot analysis of images in terms of exposure, focus, color, and overall look and composition. PhotoBox is available now as a free download at the website below.
The Digital Photography Workflow Handbook is a new book by Uwe Steinmüller and Jürgen Gulbins. Having a good digital workflow is key to avoiding disappointment caused by weak images and poorly managed image collections. The Digital Photography Workflow Handbook is an all-inclusive resource that will teach readers how to master the craft of photographic post-processing. Providing a step-by-step guide through the photographic workflow, the 552-page book is available for $49.95.
The Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR is the latest travel-zoom camera, sporting a 15x lens with a versatile focal range of 24-360mm. Taking on the likes of the Panasonic TZ10 and Samsung WB650, the new 12 megapixel F300EXR features a hybrid auto-focus system that switches between traditional contrast AF and a quicker phase detection AF system, as used in DSLR cameras. But can it keep up with its main rivals too? Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR review to find out...
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) has honoured the Panasonic DMC-G2, DMC-FX66 (pictured), and DMC-TZ10 with a DIWA Gold Award. The G2 won in the Advanced Digital System Camera category, the second finished first among Digital Amateur Mini Cameras, whilst the third was found to be the best among Digital Advanced Megazoom Cameras. Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs comments: ”Not long ago, Panasonic were an outsider to the established camera industry. In many respects, they are now leading the way. All the three awarded cameras have vital common factors, such as innovative thinking, supreme engineering and craftsmanship, and user-friendly design. Most importantly, however, is that all cameras deliver the highest image quality of their class.”
Published by Rocky Nook and distributed by O’Reilly, The Wild Side of Photography by Cyrill Harnischmacher is a book geared toward the adventurous photographer. From this book, you will learn build a shift/tilt lens for your DSLR from an old junkyard 120 film camera, try the camera toss, shoot images from a kite, use a peephole door viewer as a fisheye lens, or build your own pinhole camera. Each project is presented with easy to understand instructional text, background information about the author and the project, and beautiful colour images to illustrate what can be accomplished and how you can do it too. The 176-page book is available for $29.95.
The f/508 Photography Place, located in Brasília, Brazil’s capital, will host the first f/508 Week of Photography – I Love Film event. From 19 to 29 August, f/508’s head office will become a place of sharing and learning, were workshops, lectures, exhibitions and projections will take place, among other activities. Three exhibitions will open the f/508 Week of Photography (Semana f/508 de Fotografia): “Pinhole photography”, “Historical Photographic Processes” and “Aesthetics of Chance”. Participants will be encouraged to practice historical analogue processes such as daguerreotype, cianotype, vandyke, albumen prints, saltprints and pinhole photography. For more information, visit the website below.
Website: f/508 Photography Place
Corel has released a free Service Pack for CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5. Service Pack 1 (SP1) includes new functionality to Corel CONNECT that enables users to instantly browse millions of free and for purchase stock images on leading online photo sites including Fotolia and iStockphoto from within the CorelDRAW creative environment. The update also extends file import support for the latest Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Illustrator CS5 formats as well as raw support for new Canon, Casio, Pentax, Fuji and Sony models. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 Service Pack 1 is available as a free download from Corel’s website.
AKVIS has released ArtWork4.0, which transforms photos into paintings using various techniques. Version 4.0 introduces the linocut style, meaning photos can now be converted to an image in the style of a linocut print. A linocut is made by carving a raised pattern into a piece of linoleum, which is then used with ink to print that pattern onto paper. Linocuts are known for their characteristic expressiveness, strong contrast between black and white, and rich, exuberant strokes. According to AKVIS, it is an ideal effect to use with photos of architecture or nature scenes. In addition to the new linocut style, the program offers three more painting techniques including comics, oil painting and pen&ink. AKVIS ArtWork Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for $72. Registered users can upgrade to version 4.0 free of charge.
Website: AKVIS
Hundreds of members of the public are invited to participate in two revolutionary photographic commissions to create public art installations using Olympic finish line technology in London and Birmingham. In association with Rhubarb-Rhubarb, image maker Ádám Magyar will create two large-scale outdoor installations, working with Newham Council and Birmingham Cultural Partnership. A minimum of 300 local people will be needed to create each image. The camera used to create the installations records a scene one pixel at a time to capture movement. Using the same technologies as those used on the Olympic Finish Line, UK-based Hungarian photographer Ádám Magyar has built his own software to transpose the thousands of slices per second, captured by the camera, “to create stunning images which embrace time and space in a most intriguing way”. The Newham Walk for the Camera will be staged on Saturday 17 July at the Mayor’s Newham Show in East Ham, while the Birmingham Walk for the Camera will take place as part of the city’s participation in the London 2012 Open Weekend. To register, visit the website below.
Website: Walking As One
The 2010 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards are now open for entries. To be more precise, print entries are now being accepted for the 2010 awards, and online image submissions can be made from July 1. TPOTY 2010 features three portfolio categories for amateur and professional photographers aged 19 and over. The category titles are Encounters, Amazing Places and World in Motion. In addition to portfolio winners, awards will be given for the best individual images in each of these categories. The overall winner of TPOTY 2010 will be the entrant who is judged to have submitted the strongest two portfolios. Also, there are two single image categories - One Shot (theme: Adventures), which is for experienced amateurs and professional photographers, and First Shot (theme: Festival of Colour), which is aimed at adult beginners. The New Talent award (theme: Sell It!) is for aspiring professional photographers, and the Young Travel Photographer of the Year is divided into two age groups for the first time - 14 and under and 15-18. Each portfolio category costs £15 per entry, One Shot and First Shot cost £10 to enter, and New Talent £20. Young TPOTY is free to enter. Entries close on October 9th 2010 and the results will be announced in December.
The new Fujifilm FinePix S1600 super-zoom is the cheaper relative of the S2500HD, with the only difference being the lack of an HDMI port and a shorter 15x lens. Competitively priced at less than £150 / $200, the 12 megapixel S1800 offers a versatile 15x lens, 3 inch LCD screen, full manual control and HD movie recording. Read the World's first online Fujifilm FinePix S1600 review now.
AKVIS has released ArtWork 3.5, a piece of software that transforms photos into paintings using various techniques. This latest version introduces the ability to save guiding lines to a file , making it easier to continue editing a photo later. When guiding lines are loaded, their size is adjusted automatically to the image. AKVIS ArtWork is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plug-in to a photo editor. In version 3.5 the plugin version of AKVIS ArtWork is now 64 bit compatible. AKVIS ArtWork Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for $72 USD. Registered users can upgrade to version 3.5 for free.
Website: AKVIS ArtWork
The new Fujifilm FinePix S1800 super-zoom is the cheaper relative of the S2500HD, with the only difference being the lack of an HDMI port. Competitively priced at less than £175 / $200, the 12 megapixel S1800 offers a very versatile 18x lens, 3 inch LCD screen, full manual control and HD movie recording. Read the World's first online Fujifilm FinePix S1800 review now.
While Fujifilm's new HS10 camera with its 30x lens has been grabbing the recent super-zoom headlines, the less flashy but much cheaper S2500HD model certainly shouldn't be overlooked. Competitively priced at less than £200 / $225, the 12 megapixel S2500HD offers a still-versatile 18x lens, 3 inch LCD screen, full manual control and, as the name suggests, 720p HD movie recording. Read the World's first online Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD review now.
Hosted by The Photographers’ Gallery in London, The Family and the Land: Sally Mann is the American photographer Sally Mann’s first solo exhibition in the UK. The ‘family’ element of the title will comprise Mann’s early series Immediate Family and the newer series Faces, both of which depict her children at various ages. The two series Motherland: Virginia and Deep South represent the landscape, portraying images made across the south of the United States. The exhibition opens on 18th June and runs until 19th September 2010. The Photographers’ Gallery is located at 16 – 18 Ramillies Street, W1, London. Admission is free.
Mastering HD Video with Your DSLR is a new book from Rocky Nook. The book teaches readers about capturing and editing video footage, and about the effects that weren’t possible with standard digital video equipment. Topics covered include mastering video concepts, specific video features of DSLRs, and equipment needed to shoot video; as well as the restrictions, problems, and pitfalls of shooting video with a DSLR. The authors use an easy-to-follow approach of introducing concepts, thoroughly explaining the process of shooting video, and finally, presenting step-by-step projects that take the reader from capture to editing. The 240-page book is available from ‘Reilly, priced at $34.95.
Photoscala reports that you can still order classic Rolleiflex TLRs and Rollei 35 cameras, as well as the modern Rolleiflex Hy6, from a company called DHW Fototechnik, based in Braunschweig. The German site says that the company now employs 30 former workers of Franke & Heidecke, and plans to raise the number of employees to 50 by year’s end. According to the General Manager of DHW Fototechnik, the future is all about limited editions and made-to-order cameras. The Rollei 35, for example will be manufactured in batches of 1-5, and sold for 4000-4,500 euros each. Rolleiflex TLRs will be produced in three versions, differentiated by the lens used - with a choice of the Super-Angulon 50mm f4, the Planar 80mm f2.8 and the Tele-Xenar 135mm f4 on offer - priced from €3,500 to €6,000. As DHW Fototechnik has access to Franke & Heidecke’s stock of already manufactured Rolleiflex Hy6 cameras, these can also be ordered, and will be delivered with all early production bugs fixed. DHW even has a new lens in its assortment, named the Tele-Apogon 150mm f4 AFD. You can also order the Rolleivision 66 dual P medium-format slide projector, if that’s what you are after.
Website: Photoscala
The German subsidiary of Sigma has unveiled the prices of the Sigma DP2s large-sensor compact and the Sigma SD15 digital SLR camera. The cameras, which share the same almost-APS-sized Foveon sensor, were on display at PMA in Anaheim but at that time, the prices were not revealed. According to the official German website of the company, the Sigma DP2 carries an RRP of €799, while the Sigma SD15 is expected to retail for €899.
Source: Sigma-Foto via 1001 Noisy Cameras
CameraBits, makers of Photo Mechanic software, have announced its exclusive sponsorship of the WPOW: Women Photojournalists of Washington travelling photography exhibit, LAUNCH. The exhibit will soon travel to a variety of photojournalism schools across the U.S.A. Over the course of the next six months, LAUNCH will travel to universities specialising in photojournalism, such as Boston University, Temple University and Western Kentucky University, where the participants’ works will be detailed and displayed. As the exclusive sponsor of LAUNCH, Camera Bits has donated funds to the WPOW organisation, as well as several copies of Photo Mechanic. “It is a real pleasure for us to be able to support an exhibit like LAUNCH,” said Dennis Walker. “It’s very important to use the talents of successful female photojournalists and photographers to inspire others, and we’re proud to have been able to contribute to that cause.”
Kaiser Fototechnik has just introduced the Vivicap, a small accessory that helps make custom white balance quick and easy. The Vivicap white balance filters concentrate and filter incident light resulting in a neutral grey area with uniform light distribution facing the lens. This effect is achieved by a special surface structure with microprisms. The basic operation is quite easy: mount the Vivicap in front of the lens, direct it at the light source, take a custom white balance reading and store the value. Then remove the Vivicap and shoot using the stored value as a reference. The Vivicap, which can also serve as a lens cap, has two handle bars that make it easy to attach it even when a lens hood is mounted. Available in seven sizes ranging from 52mm to 77mm, the Vivicap is priced at €24.90 to €29.90.
Website: Kaiser Fototechnik
The 2009 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards have, for the first time, been won by a Bangladeshi photographer. G.M.B. Akash’s vibrant yet poignant images of rail travel in his home country and his portfolio depicting the ship-breaking industry in Pakistan all showed how imagery can tell a story, and won unanimous praise from the judges. As well as being awarded the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2009, Akash wins Adobe CS4 Web Premium software, an Apple MacBook Pro 13” with Aperture 2 software, a Mountain Paradise trip to the Tatra Mountains, an ILFORD Lightjet 40” x 30” silver gelatin print of one of his images, a 16GB Lexar CompactFlash & Lexar Professional card reader, a Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book and a Wacom Intuos4 S pen tablet. The winning images from TPOTY 2009 can be viewed online in the Winners’ Gallery at www.tpoty.com and will be published in the new Travel Photographer of the Year book Journey Three. Click through / read on for a complete list of category winners.
Anna Fox, Zoe Leonard, Sophie Ristelhueber and Donovan Wylie have been nominated for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2010, and their work will be on display in The Photographers’ Gallery, London, from February. The exhibition opens on 12 February 2010 and runs until 18 April. The winner of the £30,000 annual award wil be announced on 17 March. The Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2010 rewards a living photographer of any nationality, who has made the most significant contribution, in exhibition or publication format, to the medium of photography in Europe between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 camera has won a DIWA Gold Award. Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, concludes: “Our test results show that Panasonic has equipped the Venus Engine processor in the GF1 with exceptionally clever algorithms, delivering outstanding performance in virtually all respects. Combined with the qualities of the high speed and compact size G Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 lens, the Panasonic DMC-GF1 masters most shooting conditions with excellence”. DIWA Awards are based on test results carried out in the DIWA Labs, and evaluations on more than 200 different criteria carried out by DIWA members.
FOTOBOX Plus is a USB device that enables the creation of rich multimedia slideshows from photos and videos. FOTOBOX Plus contains an integrated memory card reader and embedded PC software with Flash memory, and automatically runs without any installation. In Easy mode, users can just import their photos, select their favorite theme template and view their final creation, while Advanced mode is designed for those that want more control over their slideshows. Priced at $79.99, FOTOBOX Plus can now be purchased on Honest Technology’s Web site, and at leading retailers including Amazon.com, Buy.com, Micro Center, OfficeMax and others.
Athentech today announced that Apple has approved v1.2 of its Perfectly Clear image correction application for its iPhone / iPod Touch devices. Perfectly Clear iPhone v1.2 allows users to capture and correct images taken with their Apple devices and now save out their corrected images at full resolution (1600x1200 for 3G and 1536x2048 for 3GS) – unless the photos were imported by iTunes, which resizes them. Perfectly Clear assures that the millions of photos being taken by iPhone and iPod users can be optimised for exposure, colour accuracy, sharpness and depth all with a single touch, the company said. This upgrade is available free of charge from the Apple iTunes App Store to anybody who bought an earlier version of the application. For new purchasers, the price is $2.99.
Tessera has announced its FotoNation Face Recognition technology, which performs automatic identification of specific human faces in camera equipped mobile devices. This new embedded imaging solution will enable manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively integrate face recognition capabilities directly into devices such as cell phones, the company says. The FotoNation FaceRecognition technology is available for a number of platforms and requires only moderate computational and memory resources. The performance is claimed to be robust in the presence of various factors that make face recognition difficult such as changes in lighting conditions, facial expression and viewing angle/distance. The FotoNation FaceRecognition solution is available now for licensing from Tessera.
The Nikon D5000 digital SLR camera has won a DIWA Gold Award. The Nikon D5000 managed to convince the DIWA jury simply by its superior image quality, innovative functionality and user-friendliness. DIWA Awards are based on test results carried out in the DIWA Labs, and evaluations on more than 200 different criteria carried out by DIWA members.
AKVIS Software has released AKVIS ArtWork 3.0, a program that lets you apply different painting techniques to digital pictures. Version 3.0 offers a new painting style – Pen & Ink, as well as the possibility of converting photos into Oil Paintings and Comics.The program combines advanced painting techniques with a touch of an artistic approach to ordinary digital snapshots, making your digital pictures look as if they were real oil paintings. The program lays brush strokes naturally using the original photo as a reference, allowing creative persons to touch-up the painting by selectively changing the direction of the strokes. Available in Mac and PC versions as a stand-alone or a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, AKVIS ArtWork Home License sells for $72 USD, downloadable from http://akvis.com.
FotoMuse for iPhone is an application that promises to transform snapshots into “artistic renderings” in just a few simple steps. The FotoMuse app enables users to import any photo from their iPhone album and “transform it into a work of art” in under 20 seconds. “People can crop, resize, and mix images with artifacts from old photos, vintage-edged film, and other media,” said Kris Gebhardt, developer. “After adding contrast, selecting a border, and choosing a layer, it’s easy to save the image – without actually changing the original photo.”
Website: Kris Gebhardt
The digital spirit level from Kaiser Fototechnik is now available in an audio-visual version. In addition to five coloured LEDs indicating the level of the camera, there are different beep sounds that can be connected to the LED signalling system thus providing an audio-visual control of the Kaiser Action Level. There are now three display modes to choose from: visual-only with five coloured LED lights in a traffic light style arrangement, or with beep sounds either indicating exact level or minor and greater deviations from exact level using different tone pitches. Sensitivity and brightness can be adjusted as well as calibration of the zero level point in case that viewfinder level and mounting level of the spirit level are nonparallel. The Action Level “Sound” fits onto any standard hot shoe and can be used with most of today’s SLRs (except Sony/Minolta).The unit is powered by two CR 1220 batteries and is supplied with four spare batteries. It weighs only 5 grams.
‘99 Ways To Make Money From Your Photos’ is a new book released by Photopreneur. Packed with insider tips, practical strategies, and case studies, “99 Ways To Make Money From Your Photos” shares 99 creative ways to make images that generate cash. Each chapter reveals what to shoot, how to break in, and where to go to generate sales. Readers will learn how to sell stock, approach galleries, host their own exhibitions, earn money with Flickr, shoot for social networking sites, create and market photo products, form joint ventures, upsell their event photography etc. The 340-page softcover book has a list price of $34.95 and is available on Amazon and by visiting the Photopreneur website.
Website: Photopreneur
The Fujifilm FinePix S1500 is an affordable, beginner-friendly super-zoom camera, sporting a 12x zoom lens, 10 megapixel sensor and 2.7 inch LCD screen. Attractively priced at £219 / $249.95, the bridge-style Fujifilm S1500 also offers a full range of creative shooting modes for the advanced amateur, as well as Automatic Scene Recognition mode for beginners. Gavin Stoker discovers if the new DSLR-like Fujifilm FinePix S1500 is a genuine bargain...
Pentax have ruled out a move to higher megapixel sensors, and revealed their plans for full frame, medium format and EVF cameras. Talking about sensor resolution in APS-C DSLRs, Gabriele Remmers, Marketing Communication Manager of the Division of Imaging Systems of Pentax Europe says the “sensible limit [...] has been reached”, and also talks about Pentax’s full frame and medium format plans as well as whether Pentax sees a potential in interchangeable-lens EVF cameras. In an interview published in the April 2009 print issue of Germany’s fotoMAGAZIN, she argues that it is becoming more important to improve on other aspects of image quality, such as lowering noise without sacrificing fine detail and texture. This echoes the words of Olympus’ Akira Watanabe, who has recently claimed Olympus would stop increasing the pixel count of their DSLRs and concentrate on reining in noise and expanding dynamic range instead. Talking openly about challenges and priorities, Ms. Remmers also answers questions regarding Pentax’s full frame and medium format plans and reveals what the company thinks about interchangeable-lens system cameras sporting electronic viewfinders.
FotoInsight Designer 4.5 is a new photo book application that integrates with Flickr, Facebook, Picasa and geotagging site “locr”. Users can complement their photo albums with additional pictures from photo sharing sites, straight from within the FotoInsight Designer software. This latest release also features new photo book formats and new features like fading frames and festive templates. Compatible with Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS 10.5 Leopard and above, version 4.5 of the FotoInsight Designer software is now available to download.
DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) has honoured the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 with a prestigious Gold Award. Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, commented: “Our unbiased, computer generated lab measurements reveal that the G1 delivers premium overall image quality, and the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. Standard zoom lens outperforms any of its rivals. The G1 may look simple, but it acts and performs on par with most comparable D-SLR’s.”
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 compact camera has received a DIWA Gold award. According to Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, “The LX3 is by far the most powerful compact camera available, even when compared to much larger cameras. Despite its record-breaking 24mm wide angle zoom and f/2.0-2.8 lens speed, lens performance is outstanding.” The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.
Canon’s EOS 40D and 450D DSLR cameras have both won the coveted DIWA Gold award. “In many parts of the world, the Canon EOS 40D and EOS 450D are top sellers in their respective categories, and our unbiased DIWA Labs tests and DIWA expert opinions tell us why. Reputed Canon quality and excellent value for money are the key reasons behind the Canon EOS success story” commented Kai Thon, Test Manager of DIWA Labs.
The Fujifilm S100fs super-zoom compact camera has won DIWA Gold. “Choosing the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS with the powerful high-performance 14.3x Fujinon zoom lens covers virtually any photographic task; all in one lens. Although the camera’s image quality may not quite match a comparable D-SLR in all respects, many versatile features and a comfortable D-SLR-like design make the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS into a very sensible and budget friendly alternative.” concluded Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs.
FotoNation FaceEnhance automatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other skin imperfections from human faces in an image. Designed to be licensed to camera and picture frame manufacturers, Face Enhance can be applied automatically upon image capture, or applied manually in the display setting when viewing an image. “The FotoNation FaceEnhance solution is the latest addition to our portfolio of image enhancement technologies that are transforming the next generation of camera-enabled devices,” said Michael Bereziuk, executive vice president, Imaging & Optics, Tessera.
DIWA has today announced two prestigious DIWA Gold Awards for the Nikon D300 and D60 DSLR cameras. Test Manager of DIWA Labs, Kai Thon, commented: “For many years, Nikon have been an industry leader in technological developments, but in recent months they have displayed elevations larger than ever, most of them included in models like the D60 and the D300. Computer-based analytic test results from our sophisticated DIWA Labs and expert reviews from DIWA member websites unanimously conclude that both models are highly competitive in either market segment”. The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.
AKVIS Sketch 8 converts photos to realistic pencil and watercolor drawings. Version 8 offers includes a Quick Preview window that saves you time when fine-tuning the settings, and adds Exif and IPTC data support. AKVIS Sketch 8 is available as a stand-alone application, as well as a plugin to a photo editor. AKVIS Sketch 8 Home License costs $72 USD / 55 Euros.
Abbyy FotoReader turns photographed text into a computer file to store or edit on the PC. FotoReader converts the image of the text in the photo into Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF and other file formats. “ABBYY FotoReader takes the evolution of the camera and the photo one step further. Cameras and photos become devices for capturing not just images but also important texts and documents, and in doing so, become a productivity tool.” explained Jupp Stoepetie, CEO of ABBYY Europe. Abbyy FotoReader is available now for £39.99.
Digital Infrared Photography is a new book shows you how to record the invisible part of the light spectrum. This compact guide to infrared photography shows the beauty of infrared imagery while it teaches how to shoot these images with your digital camera. Digital Infrared Photography provides the basic theoretical background, information on cameras, filters and equipment, and lots of guidance on how to do infrared photography from image capture to post-processing. Digital Infrared Photography costs $24.95.
Leica owners can now submit their best photos to the London Fotografie International (LFI) gallery. Images taken with a LEICA M8, C-Lux, or D-Lux camera can be submitted, and the best submissions will be chosen by a jury and exhibited on the website. Photographers of entries that are of particular interest to the jury will be contacted personally by Leica to discuss photographic opportunities in the future. To submit entries or to view images online, visit http://www.lfi-online.de
The Pentax Optio M60 is a new 10 megapixel compact camera with a 5x zoom lens. The Pentax M60 has a metal body, 36-180mm lens, Advanced Auto Picture mode, High-speed Face Recognition and 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Designed to be easy to operate, the new Mode palette provides quick access to 24 shooting and 15 playback modes. Available in 3 colours, silver, pink and blue, price and availability of the Pentax Optio M60 are still to be confirmed.
The Pentax Optio E60 is a new entry-level, 10 megapixel digital camera. The E60 offers a 3x, 32-96mm zoom lens, Auto Picture, Face Recognition, High Sensitivity Digital Shake Reduction modes, and an Image Recovery function to retrieve accidentally-erased images. The Pentax E60 will be available in black in October for under US $140.00.
The Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2008 has been won by Slovak photographer Lucia Nimcova for her photo project “Unofficial“. Taking her home town as an example, Nimcova documented how time seems to have stood still since the fall of the Communist regime. The central theme of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, which has been held every year since 1979 in memory of the inventor of the Leica, Oskar Barnack (1879 – 1936), is the relationship between man and his environment. The closing date for entries to the 2009 contest is January 31st, 2009.
Jan Kostal of the Czech Republic is the grand prize winner of the Canon Fan Foto online competition. His image “Muddy Playground, Bangladesh” was chosen by a panel of experts from Canon and Getty Images. Jan Kostal was one of 11 finalists selected by the expert panel, all of whom received a VIP trip to a UEFA EURO 2008 game and a Canon EOS 450D digital SLR camera.
You can now print images taken using your digital camera in a traditional way in your darkroom using a new service from UK mail-order photographic specialist Firstcall. They use a PCR8 CCG Film Recorder to write JPEG or TIFF files to 35mm film using a precision (3 pass) laser, which then creates negatives equal to the original resolution of the film. Send a CD to Firstcall containing up to 36 images, and an unprocessed black and white Ilford film is returned for developing and printing. The compete service, including postage, costs £15 and the CD with “burnt” film is returned by next day post.
DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) has given a DIWA Innovation Award to the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 camera. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed shooting of 60 frames per second for 6 megapixel still images. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager, says: “Casio initiated the digital amateur photo age about a decade ago with its legendary QV-10. Since then, digital cameras have gradually become faster, even amateur models are nowadays capable of shooting several frames per second. With the EX-F1, Casio more than tenfold the top speed of the currently fastest competitor. That’s truly innovative!”
FotoAlbum 6 adds GeoTagging, support for XMP metadata and an integrated SQLite database. “We think that FotoAlbum 6 is the perfect tool for users wanting to organize their growing photo and video library,” said Jeff Kelling, FotoTime co founder and Chief Technology Officer. “As hard drive sizes continue to grow, and cameras commonly exceed 10 megapixels, we see FotoAlbum’s move to an integrated relational database not only important for performance, but also key to assuring that user’s data is stored safely, and can easily be used by other applications.” FotoAlbum 6 is available now. FotoTime offers $19.95 upgrade pricing for customers upgrading from FotoAlbum Pro 5, and $39.95 for new customers.
The Olympus E-3 DSLR camera has won a coveted DIWA Gold Award. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager commented: “The long overdue E-3 was well worth the wait. Olympus enthusiasts can finally make use of their highly admired Zuiko Digital lenses on a top specified body with professional capabilities. The E-3 and its compact E-System handles and performs like a pro, making it an exciting alternative for photographers who wish to travel light.” The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.
Tessera Technologies, a provider of miniaturization technologies for the electronics industry, is paying $29 million to purchase FotoNation, a provider of embedded imaging solutions for digital still cameras. Tessera will pay $29 million in net cash with up to $10 million of additional consideration, contingent upon certain milestones over one year. The transaction is expected to close in February 2008. “There is significant, untapped potential for sophisticated imaging solutions in the growing camera phone market, and Tessera’s close ties to this market will enable us to accelerate the commercialization of FotoNation’s rich portfolio of technology and products,” said Eran Steinberg, chief executive officer, FotoNation. FotoNation’s technology is embedded in more than two out of three digital still cameras sold today.
ChromaFix from FotoNation is a new one-step chromatic aberration correction technology. Aimed at camera manufacturers rather than consumers, ChromaFix brings advanced image processing technology normally found in much higher-priced cameras to low-cost low-power devices. “We see tremendous potential in using digital technologies to correct optical aberrations that are currently present in consumer-level digital capture devices. FotoNation’s ChromaFix technology has been designed to leverage our expertise in bringing advanced image processing to low-power consumer devices,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation.
FaceTime from FotoNation is a new technology that makes it easier to take a self-portrait when using digital camera or camera phones. FotoNation FaceTime is a new type of shutter trigger technology that is invoked when the photographer’s face is detected in a scene. The camera waits to fire the shutter until it recognizes face of the photographer. “Sooner or later, every photographer wants to be part of a photo they are composing; and until now, it has always been a cumbersome effort. We believe that FaceTime is the first new technology that brings a pragmatic solution to self-portraits,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation, Inc.
FotoNation’s new SmileCheck technology detects smiles in portrait photos taken by digital cameras and camera phones. An extension of Fotonation’s FaceTracker product line, the camera’s shutter is not engaged until smiles are detected on all faces within the frame. With two out of every three digital cameras sold today containing FotoNation’s embedded Technology, expect to see SmileCheck appearing in a lot of 2008 cameras.
The Hoodman flip-up hood for the Canon EOS 40D DSLR (code: H-40D) is on its way to the UK. The suggested retail price is the same as all other ‘Hoodman’ flip-ups, £27.99 including VAT. Also, a book called called ‘Digital Photography Made Easy - from Camera to Computer’ (pictured) is available soon for £16.95, published by Hove Foto Books. Both products can be ordered online from NewPro - http://www.newprouk.co.uk/ .
London-based photographer Cat Vinton has become the first female overall winner of the international Travel Photographer of the Year competition. Cat’s beautiful panoramic images of the snowy Norwegian landscape and evocative shots of a Nomadic family won her the opportunity to photograph the Dalai Lama in India. Amateur and professional photographers from 51 countries competed for the £50,000+ prize package. The winning images can be seen at www.tpoty.com, and will be on display at the Exposure Gallery in London.
DIWA today proudly announces the establishment of DIWA Labs, one of the most sophisticated camera testing facilities in the world. This is a fully equipped testing studio with controlled lighting, advanced test targets, experienced testers and the world’s most sophisticated software for unbiased analysis of image quality, DxO Analyzer v. 3.1. The software provides roughly 1 million measurements for each camera, carefully coordinated and summarised by complex mathematical calculations to deliver useful and comparable data of about 20 image quality issues. The lab serves the international DIWA Awards organisation and its extensive lab results are now available on a new website. As a long-standing member of DIWA, PhotographyBLOG will be taking full advantage of what DIWA Labs has to offer.
The Complete Nikon Rangefinder System is a new book from renowned Nikon expert Robert Rotoloni. Completely rewritten, this new edition will have 1350 black and white illustrations plus 24 pages of full colour by master photographer Tony Hurst. Author Robert Rotoloni commented “It is the author’s hope that the vast amount of information and knowledge of this landmark camera series learned over the previous decades has been faithfully preserved between the covers of my new book for all Nikon collectors, present and future”. The Complete Nikon Rangefinder System costs £55.00 and will be available on 10th December 2007.
Managing Your Photographic Workflow with Photoshop Lightroom is a new book which guides the user through Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.2. With easy to follow, step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations, the authors demonstrate how to use Lightroom to build an efficient photographic workflow. Managing Your Photographic Workflow with Photoshop Lightroom costs $29.95 USD / £18.50 GBP.
Have you bought a digital camera because it offers face detection, but been disappointed by the slow performance? FotoNation have the answer with the catchily-named FastTrack IPC, hardware acceleration technology that improves Face-Tracking quality and performance by up to 400%. It won’t make any difference to your current camera, but will probably appear in future models, as FotoNation’s system is used by a significant number of manufacturers. “With FastTrack IPC, we are providing better image quality and a prolonged battery life, which are always important in the design of handheld electronic products, such as cameras and camera phones,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation Inc.
The Pentax V10 is a new compact digital camera with an 8 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 3 inch LCD monitor. The V10 has an an ultra-slim, high quality aluminum alloy body of just ¾ of an inch (19mm) thick. Auto Picture mode lets the Pentax V10 automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Normal modes The Pentax V10 will ship in November for $249.95.
The Pentax A40 is a new compact digital camera offering 12 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD monitor and 3x optical zoom lens. The Pentax A40 features three types of Shake Reduction including mechanical, digital and movie. The A40 also offers new Face Recognition technology including a Natural Skin Tone mode and a Half-length Portrait mode, which automatically takes a head and shoulder photograph of subjects. The Pentax A40 will ship in October 2007 for US $299.95.
FotoNation’s Red-Eye and FaceTracker imaging technologies are built-in to more than one out of every two digital cameras. 21 out of 48 new compact digital camera models introduced in the first half of 2007 used the FaceTracker face detection system, which can track up to 10 human faces in an image. FotoNation Red-Eye instantly finds and corrects red-eye artifacts in digital images with no software required. FotoNation holds more than 180 pending and granted patents worldwide related to embedded imaging technology.
The Nikon P5100 is the new flagship camera in the COOLPIX range, offering 12.1 megapixels, 3.5x zoom (35-123mm) and the EXPEED digital image processor. Successor to the P5000 model, the Nikon P5100 has a distortion control that corrects for barrel distortion in images shot, and even displays the corrected image on the LCD in real time. The Nikon P5100 will cost £299.99/ €450 and be available in September.
The Nikon P50 is an 8.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3.6x, 28-102mm lens and 2.4 inch LCD monitor. Electronic Vibration Reduction image stabilisation and ISO 2000 mode help to combat camera shake, and the Nikon P50 features the new EXPEED digital image processing engine. The new Nikon P50 camera will be available in October for £199.99/ €300.
The Nikon S700 is a 12.1 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens and a metal body. There’s also a 2.7 inch LCD monitor, image sensor shift Vibration Reduction and ISO 3200 capability, plus the S700 features the EXPEED digital image processing engine. The Nikon S700 will be available in black and silver in October for £279.99.
The Nikon S510 is the world’s smallest digital camera with optical vibration reduction. Featuring Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept, the S510 has a 3x zoom lens (35-105mm), light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 and a stainless steel body. The Nikon S510 is priced at £199.99/ €300, available in September.
The Nikon S51C and Nikon S51 both feature a distinctive wave-surface design and 8.1 megapixel sensors. Both cameras have a 3x zoom lens (38-114mm) with optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction). The Nikon S51C additionally offers built-in Wi-Fi support. The Nikon S51C and Nikon S51 will cost £229.99 and £199.99 respectively and be available in September.
The new Nikon L14 camera offers 7.1 megapixels and a 3x zoom lens (38-114mm). As with all of the new COOLPIX models, the L14 features Nikon’s innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept. It can also take 1,000 shots with the supplied Energizer lithium battery, the world’s longest battery life for a 3x zoom camera. The Nikon L14 will be available in October for £129.99/ €160.
The Nikon L15 camera features an optical lens shift VR image stabilisation system. The 8 megapixel Nikon L15 has a 3x zoom lens (35-105mm) and a 2.8 inch LCD screen. The Nikon L15 will be available in Silver, Black and Pink in September, price to be announced.
e-Fotografija have just reviewed the Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 Four Thirds lens, which is equivalent to 180-50mm in 35mm terms.
“The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250 mm/2.8 performed well even at maximum apertures. All it needs is a good camera, and it’ll be one of the best lenses. This is even more true due to the sheer size and weight of classic 35 mm format lenses. The only thing that’s wrong about it is the price. It’s very much in line with its performance, but it’s still enormous. Because of its optical quality and usefulness, it’s going to be the subject of much admiration and desire.”
Website: e-Fotografija - Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 Lens Review
Epson has been awarded two EISA accolades for its professional digital imaging products. The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 was chosen as the best European Photo Printer, 2007-2008. The Epson P-5000 won the best European Image Tank, 2007-2008.
Brazilian photographer Julio Bittencourt is the winner of the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2007. Bittencourt submitted a series of portraits of inhabitants of a house occupied by homeless people in downtown São Paulo. Honourable mentions went to Spaniard José Cendon and Norwegian Margaret M. de Lange. Held since 1979 in memory of the inventor of the first 35mm camera, Oskar Barnack, the competition focuses on the relationship between man and his environment.
The Pentax M40 and Pentax E40 are two new lightweight, affordable compact digital cameras. The 8 megapixel M40 offers a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, metal body, Face Recognition and digital Shake Reduction. The cheaper E40 also features Face Recognition technology and Digital Shake Reduction functions, and runs on AA batteries. Priced at US $199.95, the Pentax M40 will ship in August 2007. The Pentax E40 will ship in September 2007 for US $149.95.
DIWA has unveiled the winners of the annual DIWA Platinum Awards for 2006. The Nikon D200 won “Best Digital System Camera”, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 “Best Advanced Digital Camera” and Fujifilm FinePix F30 “Best Digital Amateur Camera”. DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product.
Low Budget Shooting is an indispensable guide to useful and most importantly inexpensive photographic tools. Author Cyrill Harnischmacher covers lighting, studio and essentials that aim to make your life easier. Low Budget Shooting is 72 pages long and costs $19.95 US.
DIWA member e-Fotografija have reviewed the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR camera.
“Any way you look at it, the Canon EOS 1D MkIII is a photojournalist’s dream camera. Loads of features, intuitive settings, antidust system, liveview, and excellent image quality at high sensitivity are what make it so amazing. And it is this last thing that makes the Mk III so special.”
Closeup Shooting: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop, and Macro Photography is a new book from Rocky Nook that explains all aspects of closeup shooting. German photographer Cyrill Harnischmacher covers equipment, lighting and technique. Closeup Shooting costs $24.95, £17.50, 22 €.
Entries are now open for the 2007 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) competition, with over £50,000 worth of prizes on offer. TPOTY 2007 will be judged by a panel comprising expert photographers, image buyers, magazine editors and imaging experts. Entries for the competition are now open and close on September 19th.
The AKVIS Enhancer plug-in has been updated to version 6.0 and is now compatible with Photoshop CS3 on Intel Mac platform. AKVIS Enhancer 6 improves detail in underexposed, overexposed, and mid tone areas of a photo. The upgrade for registered userrs is free.
Strata has announced three new 3D plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. “Our applications have already been described as ‘the 3D cousin to Photoshop’ by industry publications. Now our products are more like immediate family.” stated Ken Bringhurst, president of Strata. For more information about Strata’s new 3D[in] plug-ins and the rest of Strata’s products, visit http://www.strata.com/cs3d
DIWA, a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Nikon D40 digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera for its high overall performance at a very competitive price. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager says: “The DSLR camera market is booming and new models are introduced at rapid pace. DIWA members are pleased to confirm that the Nikon D40 is far more than just another DSLR. Built on Nikon’s long experience and indisputable reputation for quality, filled with the most important goodies from more advanced Nikon models, with priority on performance rather than marketing tricks and gimmicks, the D40 is currently as close to the perfect DSLR you can get for a reasonable sum of money”.
A panel of digital imaging editors have selected the winners of the prestigious DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards. DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards recognize products or services utilizing new technologies and /or applications that make the product either distinct or the first of its kind. The winners include the HP Designjet Z Photo Printer Series, Lensbaby 3G, Olympus SP-550 UZ and Think Tank Photo rotation360 backpack.
FotoTime introduces version 5.5 of its FotoAlbum Pro software, featuring support for the new Vista operating system and RAW file formats from all leading camera manufacturers. FotoAlbum 5.5 is available now as a free upgrade for current customers and at $29.95 for new customers.
Camera phones become more like traditional still cameras every day, as FotoNation introduces the world’s first red-eye technology for cameras phones. This new technology will feature on the will be available on the Nokia N73, N80 and N93 series of camera phones. “FotoNation’s Red Eye detection and reduction technology has become the defacto standard for embedded implementations of red-eye correction in today’s digital cameras,” said Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation. “We have optimized the implementation of our red-eye technology over many different DSC platforms. Our most recent port to mobile camera platforms is the logical next step.”
PMA 2007: The Pentax A30 is a 10 megapixel compact digital camera with a 1/1.8 inch CCD, anti-shake technology, 3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD monitor. There’s also Face Recognition AF & AE for photographing people, Intelligent zoom function and 640x480, 30fps DivX movies. The Pentax A30 will be on sale from March for £199.99.
PMA 2007: The Pentax W30 is the latest addition to Pentax’s range of waterproof digital cameras. Offering 7.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and two new Shake Reduction modes, the Pentax W30 is waterproof to depths of three metres. Other standout features include a 2.5 inch LCD monitor, 1cm macro mode, and dust and sand-proofness. The Pentax W30 will be on sale from March for £189.99.
PMA 2007: FotoNation MTP-IP for mobile phones allows users to transfer large photos, movies, and audio files from mobile phones at speeds of up to 10 times faster than Bluetooth. A 3 megapixel cameraphone photo can be transferred to another mobile phone, a computer using Windows Vista, or other device at speeds of 0.3 seconds or less. FotoNation will be demonstrating the MTP-IP for mobile phones technology at PMA using Nokia N80 and N93 phones.
PMA 2007: Athentech Perfectly Clear Pro is a new 16-bit image correction software package specifically aimed at professional photographers. The pro photographer version of Perfectly Clear is based on the same algorithms previously available only under license to digital imaging manufacturers and software firms. Support for more than 80 raw file formats, a unique “soft” portrait setting, a vivid color setting and powerful noise reduction controls are included. Athentech have spent the last year working closely with some of the leading pro photographers in North America.
PMA 2007: It seems the build-up to the PMA show has started early this year, as the new Pentax T30 and Pentax M30 compact digital cameras are announced today. The Pentax T30 features 7.1 megapixels, a 3 inch touch-screen LCD display, Face Recognition Auto Focus and Auto Exposure, plus a high ISO Digital Shake Reduction mode. Available in March, the Pentax T30 will cost US $349.95. The Pentax M30 also offers 7.1 megapixels, Digital Shake Reduction and Face Recognition AF and AE in an ultra-slim body. Available in March, the Pentax M30 will cost US $199.95.
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the Pentax K10D, which offers 10.2 megapixels, shake-reduction, dust removal system, 22-bit colour, three new shooting modes, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 11 point auto-focusing.
“For me personally, the K10D is, technically speaking, a notch above other hobbyist cameras. Its direct competition, the Nikon D80 and the Canon EOS 30D, and to some extent the Sony Alpha, all have their unique advantages. However, if you’re currently buying a camera and you’re not interested in entry level cameras (Canon 400D, Olympus E-400, Nikon D40, Pentax K100D), then the Pentax K10D should be on your shortlist. Weather sealing, good ergonomics, direct access to all main functions via buttons, image stabilisation in the body, (limited) sensor cleaning and almost infinite customisation options are an immense advantage over its competition.”
Website: e-fotografija - Pentax K10D Review
Focus on Imaging 2007, Europe’s biggest annual imaging event, takes place as usual at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. It opens on Sunday, February 25th and runs until Wednesday, February 28th. Nikon will have an exciting new stand, which will enable more hands on contact with the products and allow visitors to get advice from the team of Nikon experts. A number of Nikon’s products which will be getting their exhibition debut at the show. PhotographyBLOG will be there to bring you all the latest news.
DIWA Press Release
Last summer, Sony launched their first digital SLR camera; the 10.2 Megapixel DSLR-A100. Numerous DIWA web sites have tested and evaluated the camera’s improved Super SteadyShot CCD shift image stabiliser, automatic sensor dust removal, D-Range Optimizer, Zone Matching metering and many other fine features. The Alpha 100 also delivers high image quality, a user-friendly design, and excellent value for money.
Amsterdam, January 9th, 2007 : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Sony Alpha 100 for high overall performance at a most competitive price.
Blue Pixel Press Release
Blue Pixel’s Pro Digital Workflow Seminars are the Perfect Complement to Digital SLR Holiday Gifts - Professional Photographers and High-Level Amateurs Will Learn to Maximize Digital Workflow with the Fewest Steps
Annapolis, MD – January 2, 2007 – Excited to use your new digital SLR camera, but confused about where to start? Learn how to get the most out of your digital workflow as talented teacher and professional photographer Kevin Ames kicks off the 2007 leg of Blue Pixel’s popular Pro Digital Workflow seminar series in Chicago on January 7. With just five cities left on this nation-wide tour, Ames continues to teach professional and advanced amateur photographers how to get the most out of their digital photography workflow using the fewest steps for the least amount of work.
This week’s Gary’s Parries “Top Ten 2006” categories are:
1. BIGGEST GEEK: How To Include Yourself In Your Own Photos
2. BIGGEST TURN-ON: Fashion Model Seeks Fun-Loving Digital With Long Zoom
3. MOST PARRIES: Image Sensor Sizes ‘Explained’
4. BEST HOAX:
a. (Hook) Bridge Camera Records Digital Images To Film
b. (Line) New CCD Achieves ISO 6.4 Million !!!
c. (Sinker) April Fools
5. MOST EGG ON FACE: That’s No Problem, That’s A Nikon D50 Feature
6 CUTEST PHOTO:
a. (Original) Red-Eye Guaranteed, Or Your Money Back
b. (Follow-Up) No Red-Eye, I Want My Money Back
7. BIGGEST HYSTERIA: Artistic Photos Gone Wild
8. BEST NON-CAMERA: Telecaster Or Stratocaster
9. BEST CATCH:
a. (Winner) My First Ever Mistake
b. (Runner-Up) Animal Cruelty
10. BEST COMPLIMENT: I’ve Just Seen A Face
11. MOST TECHNICAL:
a. (Winner) The Sharper Image
b. (Runner-Up) CIS Versus CCD
DIWA Press Release
The first DIWA Gold Award to Ricoh for their GR Digital camera
A decade ago, Ricoh launched their classic GR1 camera for 35 mm film, a durable and robust camera that offered a professional performance and a high-quality 28 mm lens. The Ricoh GR Digital is a modern, digital version of the GR1 with many high-tech modifications, yet based on the same unique philosophy. This puts the GR Digital in a class of its own, a perfect photographic companion for the photographic connoisseur.
Amsterdam, December 20, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the remarkable Ricoh GR Digital semi-pro compact camera.
FotoInsight Press Release
Free software from FotoInsight helps to create coffee table style photo books with fully editable covers. Without any prior experience, beginners can present and preserve their own digital photographs in individual, carefully crafted, glossy photo books. The personal, coffee table style photo book is rapidly developing into a very popular photo print product and is about to overtake the traditional 6”x4” print as the most common photographic printed output in British households. Rarely has the development of a consumer product progressed as quickly. FotoInsight of Cambridge, UK launched photo books from an online facility with limited editing features one year ago. Today the company FotoInsight is introducing a revolution in Photo Book creation software – a time saving fade-proof record of precious memories for print. It allows novice and inexperienced users to layout their digital images in full colour double page spread, move, crop and edit pictures to any size and add text freely within the photo book, on the cover and on the book spine.
DIWA Press Release
Canon cameras come in all shapes, sizes and price levels, from easy-to-use amateur models to professional D-SLRs. Three of the most popular models have recently passed the merciless DIWA testing procedure with excellent results. The semi-professional EOS 30D, the high-zoom PowerShot S3 IS and the stylish and compact Digital IXUS 800 IS all ranked high in their respective classes, and proved well within the demands of a DIWA Gold Award.
Amsterdam, December 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing DIWA Gold Awards to three high quality Canon models; the EOS 30D, the PowerShot S3 IS and the Digital IXUS 800 IS. The Canon EOS 30D is based on the DIWA Gold winning predecessor, the EOS 20D. At first glance, their appearance may seem identical, apart from the larger 2.5-inch LCD screen. Inside the ergonomic and solid body, however, a number of advanced improvements have been made, such as the implementation of Canon’s revolutionary “Picture Styles” image processing parameters. Spot metering and other useful features are also among the improvements.
DIWA Press Release
Photography is all about light and the Fujifilm FinePix F30 masters any lighting conditions with brilliance. Its low-noise images at high ISO speeds, incredible flash range and fast, precise auto focus even in dim light distinguish the F30 from the crowd. The ultra-compact and robust metal body in a versatile and user friendly design, high performance lens and powerful rechargeable battery make the F30 a worthy winner of a DIWA Gold Award.
Amsterdam, 24 November 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the palm-sized 6.3 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital camera. The FinePix F30 outperforms any competitor in low light situations thanks to its amazing 1/1.7” Fujifilm Super CCD HR VI image sensor with 6.3 Megapixel resolution. Its light sensitivity up to an incredible ISO 3200 is not just a marketing term, but a truly useful feature, delivering low image noise comparable to ISO 400-800 in most other compact cameras. This expands the camera’s shooting capability both with and without flash; therefore the F30 is equipped with an option to shoot two images almost simultaneously, one with and one without flash. Furthermore, Fujifilm have developed a highly responsive auto focus function and a powerful AF lamp to permit accurate and fast photography also in low light situations.
DIWA Press Release
At a time when the sales of digital single-lens reflex cameras are booming, it is a relief to see that the “megazoom” class too undergoes continuous development. Panasonic is a leading brand in this field and their LUMIX DMC-FZ7 is a perfect example that with a fast 12x zoom lens, virtually any photographic challenge can be overcome without the need for interchangeable lenses. Moreover, the camera is a far cheaper option than any D-SLR package.
Amsterdam, 17 November 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 digital “megazoom” camera. There are many reasons why a “megazoom” camera is a better choice than a D-SLR. One of the key reasons is in fact the LUMIX FZ7. There isn’t a reflex camera that comes with a 12x zoom lens as standard, and certainly not with f/2.8-3.3 brightness, nor with world-renowned LEICA quality, built-in optical image stabilizer (MEGA O.I.S) or 5 cm close-ups at wide angle and 1 m at telephoto. To get all these obvious advantages in a D-SLR camera, the lens price alone would be astronomical. A large 2.5-inch LCD screen with live view is also rare in a D-SLR, making it a handy alternative to the electronic viewfinder. The LCD screen even features a high-angle viewing option.
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the new 10 megapixel Nikon D80 DSLR camera.
“With the D80, Nikon is ahead of the pack again. But that’s just what they do. Compared to Canon, in the amateur and semi-pro class, Nikon always had cameras that were a bit more advanced than the competition. They were, of course, also more expensive. For this reason, the Nikon D80 shouldn’t be compared to the EOS 400D / Rebel XTi or the Alpha 100 and other entry-level cameras. The first clue is the larger body of the D80, offering a far better grip. This is of course true for the photographer who values grip above size. In addition to that, the Nikon D80 has a load of useful features in the menus. For this reason, I recommend the Nikon D80 to all photographers who want something more, not just a mass market entry level camera.”
Website: e-fotografija - Nikon D80 Review
Website: Read our Nikon D80 Review
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. Concert Audio For Digital Camera Videos
2. SDHC Write Speed For Digital Camera Videos
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, inventor, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected] , and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
FotoNation Press Release
FotoNation Implements PTP-IP Protocol on Trimble Devices to Wirelessly Transfer Photos from Digital Cameras
Burlingame, CA, Nov. 6, 2006—FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), a world-leading imaging and connectivity solutions company for the digital photography industry, announced today that it has been selected by Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) to provide wireless PTP-IP technology for Trimble’s Mapping & Geographic Information System (GIS) handheld product line. Trimble’s new TrimPix technology enabled by FotoNation, links high resolution digital photographs to GIS features using Wi-Fi capable Nikon cameras. The technology is being showcased at the Trimble Dimensions Users Conference in Las Vegas and the European Conference for ESRI Users in Athens, Greece.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. I’ve Just Seen A Face
2. Can’t See The Forest For The (Whitewashed) Trees
3. Perfect Pocket/Portrait/Wedding Camera
4. Get Well Nick In Japan
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, inventor, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected] , and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
FotoNation Press Release
Advanced Software Identifies and Locks onto Faces for Automatic Cropping, Focus & Exposure
October 24, 2006, Monterey, CA,— FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), a world-leading imaging and connectivity solutions company for the digital photography industry, announced today at the 6Sight Mobile Imaging Summit, FotoNation “Face Tracker™,” the world’s first face detection and tracking technology for camera phones. FotoNation Face Tracker represents a major breakthrough in advanced digital image capture technology. It detects the presence and position of a subject’s face at up to 30 frames per second during image capture enabling the optimal setting of exposure, focus and color balance.
DIWA member website e-fotografija have a very interesting review with Charles- André Wamberque, Assistant Manager of Nikon Europe’s Product Planning and R&D Department. Well worth a read!
“Pentax is nice but it’s not really a big threat. It’s not like the war between Canon and Nikon which has been going on forever. Our market share has improved in Europe and the US.
We’re battling the megapixel wars now. Last year Canon was introducing 8mp cameras while we were still at 6mp. This year we’re balanced at 10mp. It may sound stupid but consumers are still asking for more megapixels. But the body will always be very important and our D80 is very good. We’re getting many orders for it already. “
Website: e-fotografija - Nikon interview
FotoNation Press Release
September 22, 2006, Galway, Ireland – FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), a world-leading imaging and connectivity solutions company for the digital photography industry, announced today that its patented in-camera red-eye detection and correction technology has surpassed an installed base of over 50 million digital cameras. FotoNation red-eye reduction technology is shipping in digital cameras from the industry’s leading brands, including Kodak, Nikon, Pentax, Sanyo and Samsung among others. “164 million digital cameras with 4 megapixels or more have shipped since 2004,” said Ron Glaz, Program Director for IDC’s Digital Capture Devices and Photofinishing Research. Based on this finding, the FotoNation red-eye reduction technology is commanding over 30% of this market segment.
FotoNation Press Release
September 21, 2006, Galway, Ireland—FotoNation® (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading embedded imaging and connectivity companies, announced today that it will demonstrate its new patented FotoNation Dust Removal Technology at Photokina 2006, held in Cologne, Germany from September 26 - October 1st, 2006. The FotoNation Dust Removal Technology completely and automatically removes dust from digital images. FotoNation has been awarded a U.S. patent for this technology and has 10 additional patents pending in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. FotoNation eliminates dust from images using in-camera software which distinguishes between dust and real detail in the photo. The software dynamically builds a map of every dust-spec and then tracks changes and movement of the dust particles to distinguish dust from the details of the photograph. The technology has been designed to scale across multiple platforms is optimized to run as embedded software in digital cameras and mobile phone cameras as part of image acquisition.
Athentech Technologies Press Release
CALGARY, Alberta, Canada – Athentech® Technologies Inc. (“Athentech”) announced today it has chosen photokina to introduce home, studio and lab versions of its award-winning, patented Perfectly Clear® image correction technology, currently licensed to photo kiosk makers, imaging software developers and other photo, signal processing and digital imaging enterprises around the world. The company also announced that Athentech President Brad Malcolm will be a featured speaker at the “Imaging With Mobile Devices” seminars set for Thursday, 28 September, at the Offenbachsal, Congress Center East, adjacent to photokina. Malcolm will discuss “Advances in Digital Image Correction” during the morning seminar on “Picture-Taking with Mobile Imaging Devices.”
FotoNation Press Release
FotoNation Face Tracker Identifies and Locks on Faces for Optimal Focus & Exposure in New PENTAX Optio S7 & Optio A20 Digital Cameras
September 5, 2006, Galway, Ireland— FotoNation, (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading award-winning imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today that its innovative “Face Tracker”™ technology is now available in PENTAX Corporation’s latest addition to its Optio line, the 7 megapixels Optio S7 & the 10 megapixels Optio A20 digital camera. FotoNation Face Tracker, available as the “Face Recognition AF & AE” function on the PENTAX Optio S7 & Optio A20, automatically detects the position of a subject’s face and adjusts focus and exposure accordingly.
DIWA member e-fotografija have just reviewed the new 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D DSLR camera.
“It is because of this that I can make a rather bold claim so early in the review: The Pentax K100D is very suitable to all users of Pentax 35 mm and medium format cameras. It is also suitable for all those who are only entering the DSLR world and want to get an inexpensive camera that is chock-full of features for the advanced user. And finally, I personally consider Pentax DSLRs to offer some of the best, if not the best handling and usability.”
Website: e-fotografija - Pentax K100D Review
The new Nikon Coolpix S7c offers 7 megapixels, a 35-105mm lens and electronic Vibration Reduction. The Nikon S7c will be available for £299.99, release date September 2006.
Nikon UK Press Release
Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Coolpix S7c, a slim elegant compact digital camera that boasts vibration reduction and sophisticated in-camera improvement technology. The 7.1 megapixels and 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) zoom-Nikkor ED lens offers photographers the flexibility to shoot a range of images from wide-open landscapes to clear portraits boasting true-to-life colour. The Nikon S7c has a large, bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor and 170-degree viewing angle allows smoother composition and high-quality playback anywhere, at any time. Built-in electronic Vibration Reduction (e-VR) and other Vibration Reduction capabilities compensate for camera shake and unsteady subjects to ensure sharp, clear results. Anti-shake mode automatically activates e-VR and BSS, a feature that selects the sharpest image from up to ten sequential shots, while also setting the optimal ISO for steady results. High-Sensitivity mode maximizes the Nikon S7c’s exceptionally high light sensitivity by choosing the optimal setting, up to ISO 1600, for shooting fast-moving subjects or low light conditions.
The new Nikon Coolpix S10 has 6 megapixels, Vibration Reduction and a 10x, 38-380mm swivel lens. The Nikon S10 will cost £299.99 and be available in September 2006.
Nikon UK Press Release
The new Nikon Coolpix S10 packs powerful imaging performance, 10x zoom capability and a stylish swivel design into compact dimensions, making it easy to take great shots from more imaginative angles. With a distinctive wave-surface design and a high-quality finish, the Nikon S10 is as attractive as the images it achieves. Even more impressively, the Nikon S10 features 6.0-effective megapixel image resolution as well as a built-in 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens – making it easy to compose everything from close portraits to wide-open scenery with fine detail and vivid colour. And because the distinctive camera body incorporates a swivel design for the lens, users can set their creativity free, holding the Nikon Coolpix S10 overhead to capture action over the crowd or composing from down low to get a different perspective, while the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD with a 170-degree viewing angle lets users frame the shot with accuracy.
The Nikon Coolpix S9 is announced, offering 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 3x zoom lens. The Nikon S9 will cost £199.99, available in August 2006.
Nikon UK Press Release
The Nikon Coolpix S9 is a high-quality compact digital camera that packs 6.1 megapixels and a range of easy-to-use functions into a slim and sophisticated wave-surface body. The camera features a 1/2.5-inch CCD that offers enhanced precision and 6.1-effective megapixel image resolution, to help capture true-to-life colour and sharp detail. It also features a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a 38-114mm range (35mm equivalent) which gives users broad compositional freedom to shoot anything from expansive scenery to tight portraits. In addition, the lens of the COOLPIX S9 features an ingenious “right-angled” design, which allows it to operate throughout its entire focal range without ever protruding. The camera has a generous 153,600-dot, 2.5-inch LCD to allow simple composition and high-quality playback anywhere.
The new Nikon Coolpix L5 offers a 5x zoom lens, 7 megapixels and 2.5 inch LCD screen. Available September 2006, the Nikon L5 is a Dixons exclusive in the UK.
Nikon UK Press Release
The new Nikon Coolpix L5 compact digital camera combines a number of high quality features with simple operation to deliver outstanding performance and unrivalled results. Such features include the powerful 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens which offers a focal length of 38-190mm (35mm equivalent) to give compositional freedom to the user. Intimate personal portraits can be captured by zooming in and expansive outdoor scenes are shot by zooming out. The same advanced lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism that was originally developed for Nikon’s renowned SLR systems has also been integrated into the new model, effectively complimenting the 5x zooming. The CCD provides enhanced precision with minimized dimensions, greatly adding to the camera’s compact portability. Boasting a generous 7.2 effective megapixels, the new model matches the refined image clarity that is expected of the COOLPIX family. Images can be viewed instantly and clearly on the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD that features backlight to help compose superb images and allows the user to play back at their convenience.
The new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix L6 is announced today. Available in September 2006, the Nikon L6 is a Jessops exclusive.
Nikon UK Press Release
The Nikon Coolpix L6 digital compact camera is one of the latest additions to the range offering powerful imaging performance, easy operation and outstanding battery life. Housed in a slim, lightweight body, the Nikon L6 boasts 6.0 effective megapixels. The Nikon L6 also offers an optical 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range of 38-116mm (35mm equivalent), allowing users the flexibility to shoot a range of images from portraits to expansive landscapes with true-to-life colour and fine detail. The Nikon Coolpix L6 delivers the world’s longest battery life* – allowing the user to take up to 1,000 shots when using the supplied Energizer™ lithium AA-size batteries. The extended battery life is extremely convenient and is ideal when traveling or photographing important events where you can’t afford to run out of power.
Pentax UK Press Release
August 22 2006, London; PENTAX is pleased to announce the new Optio A20, a compact digital camera featuring 10 effective megapixels and the latest optics and shake reduction technology to produce class leading images in even the most challenging of photographic environments. The Optio A20 is the latest model in the premium Optio A series range. Housed in a tough, lightweight aluminium casing the Optio A20 offers 10 effective megapixels, and has a range of features, including three types of anti-shake function. The Pentax developed SR (Shake Reduction) technology reduces camera shake by using gyroscopic sensors to oscillate the CCD as the camera moves, ensuring crisp images even when the camera is moving. To further improve image quality Blur Reduction optimises the settings for crisp images in any conditions and the Auto Tracking AF function, ensures the subject of the image remains in focus even if it is moving, allowing for perfect action shots.
The waterproof Pentax Optio W20 will ship in September 2006 in the US for under $300, and in the UK for £229.99
Pentax USA Press Release
GOLDEN, CO. (August 7, 2006) PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new PENTAX Optio W20, a compact digital camera featuring excellent waterproof performance with a slim, flat body design. The Pentax W20 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio W series of cameras that are capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. The waterproof design of the Pentax W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of up to five feet. In addition, the Pentax W20 features a new Blur Reduction High ISO mode that selects ISO up to 1600, and an upgrade to 7.0 effective megapixels to offer improved image quality in a fun, easy-to-handle package.
FotoNation Press Release
Panel Features Digital Imaging Experts Eran Steinberg, Elmo Sapwater, & John Henshall
August 1, 2006, Cologne, Germany – The Panel, “A Call to Simplify Image Capture/Print Workflow” will be presented at this year’s Photokina in Cologne, Germany, as part of the “Imaging with Mobile Devices” full day seminar. The panel features three digital imaging experts: Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation; Elmo Sapwater, Columnist and Moderator; and John Henshall, Columnist, Columnist www.ChipShopOnline.com and “The Photographer” magazine (UK), who will discuss ways to effectively simplify and standardize mobile devices for ease of use in imaging. The trio will debate intelligent workflow solutions that will remove obstacles, making image printing as easy as making a phone call.
Pentax will ship the new Optio S7 digital camera in September 2006 on a limited basis for under $300.00 US.
Pentax USA Press Release
GOLDEN, CO. (July 24, 2006)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio S7 compact digital camera. The Optio S7 is the latest model in the PENTAX Optio S series, which is known for slim, stylish, full-featured digital camera bodies. In addition to an upgrade to 7.0 effective megapixels, this model features an easy-to-use Blur Reduction High ISO mode to help reduce the effects of camera shake and subject blurring for sharper images even in dim lighting conditions such as night scenes and indoor sporting events. In this mode, the camera adjusts shutter speeds automatically to an ISO as high as 1600 to match the brightness of the subject. The higher sensitivities permit faster shutter speeds. Also featured in this newest Optio digital is Face Recognition AF & AE, a function that simplifies portrait-taking by automatically detecting the position of the subject’s face and adjusting the focus and exposure based on the detected position.
World-Renowned Photographer Kevin Ames Set to Teach Nationwide Pro Digital Workflow Seminar Series Presented by Blue Pixel - Attendees Will Benefit Greatly from Hearing Valuable Secrets of Professional Digital Imaging Workflow First-Hand
Annapolis, MD – June 27, 2006 – Still trying to strike the balance of efficient digital photography workflow and ending up with high-quality results? Learn how as Blue Pixel presents the Pro Digital Workflow Tour with Kevin Ames. Beginning Sunday, September 17 in Washington, D.C., talented digital photographer and author Kevin Ames will teach professional and advanced amateur photographers how to get the most out of their digital photography using the fewest steps for the least amount of work, by improving their digital workflow.
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.
DIWA Press Release
Last year, the 4 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 received a DIWA Gold Award for excellent test results. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A620, passes the merciless DIWA test procedure with an impressive scoreboard. With its comfortable and user-friendly design, high image quality, flexible lens construction, and budget-friendly price, the A620 has all it takes to deserve a DIWA Gold medal.
Amsterdam, 26. May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon PowerShot A620 digital compact amateur camera.
Fototiller is a new blog covering all things photographic, with a particular focus on the intersection of photography and design and independent photo trends. The site features photo products and accessories (frames, albums, camera equipment, etc.), photo inspired design and DIY photo projects and photo crafts. Well worth bookmarking.
Website: Fototiller
FotoNation Press Release
May 19, 2006, Galway, Ireland – FotoNation, Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading award-winning imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today that it has been awarded a patent for Red-Eye detection and correction. Issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. patent #7,042,505 for “Red-Eye Filter Method and Apparatus” claims priority as of October 1997. The patent describes the process of red-eye detection and red-eye removal for any digital filmless apparatus and illustrates FotoNation’s offering of red-eye correction technology for devices, such as digital cameras, imaging-equipped cell phones as well as digital printers. The patent is the latest addition to FotoNation’s extensive list of granted and patent-pending applications in the U.S. as well as in Europe and Japan.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 is the world’s first digital camera with an image sensor in the new, popular 16:9 wide-screen format. The camera also offers many exciting features, such as 8.4 MP image resolution and a 4x Leica 28mm wide angle zoom lens with optical stabiliser. Its robust metal body underlines the camera’s overall qualities, while a large 2.5” LCD screen and user-friendly design make it suitable for most photo enthusiasts.
Amsterdam, 19th May, 2006 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 digital compact camera. The LX1 proves that Panasonic has serious ambitions with its LUMIX digital camera range. The public has embraced their compact models for various reasons, but the most obvious benefit is Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S optical stabiliser. In the LX1, this valuable feature is combined with a 4x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit wide angle zoom lens from the world-renowned lens manufacturer Leica, featuring focal lengths equivalent to 28 – 112 mm f/2.8-4.9. The lens is tailor-made for the camera’s unique 8.4 Megapixel image sensor in the popular 16:9 wide-screen TV format, which also provides the world’s first 848x480 16:9 Wide VGA format movie recording at 30 fps.
DIWA Press Release
The DSC-R1 is a digital camera unlike any other, by design and in terms of performance. Thanks to its unique combination of a powerful 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens and a large SLR-type 10.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, the R1 delivers outstanding image quality. Furthermore, numerous user-friendly features and fully automatic and manual controls make the R1 a perfect choice for any quality-minded photo enthusiast.
Amsterdam, 17th May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, based on excellent scores from numerous product tests made by DIWA camera experts.
DIWA Press Release
High expectations met the Nikon D200 when it was introduced a few months ago. Would it live up to them? The answer is an overwhelming “yes”. The D200 outperforms most of its rivals, even those at a much higher price. The Nikon D200 is not only an extraordinary camera on paper. It also performs like a pro. Even our demanding DIWA test procedure was an easy match for the Nikon D200 - a worthy winner of a DIWA Gold Award.
Amsterdam, 12. May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Nikon D200. The international group of DIWA experts found it to be one of the finest cameras ever made.
ACD Systems Press Release
ACD Systems Updates ACDSee 8 and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager - Company renews commitment to customers with added RAW support and feature improvements
VICTORIA, British Columbia – April. 27, 2006 – ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), today announced updates to its two flagship products, ACDSee 8 Photo Manager and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager. The enhancements are designed to improve speed, performance and productivity, and include advanced support for RAW formats that meet and exceed industry demands. “In our continued commitment to our customers, these updates allow them to take full advantage of the powerful capabilities that the RAW format offers,” said James Latham, vice president of marketing for ACD Systems. “Professional photographers depend on the latest RAW format support and feature improvements, while photo enthusiasts are just beginning to discover this format. These releases underscore our commitment to delivering the very best in product integrity and flexibility, and providing feature improvements that make the user experience and workflow both smoother and more enjoyable.”
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the 7.5 megapixel, live preview Olympus E-330 DSLR camera.
Website: FotoAparat - Olympus E-330 Review
Fotolog Press Release
“Fotolog.book: A Global Snapshot for a Digital Age” Introduces Readers To The Fascinating and Addictive World of Photo Blogging - www.fotolog.com/fotologbook
New York, NY – (April 12, 2006) – Capturing the rise of photo blogging from underground hobby to runaway pop culture phenomenon, Fotolog (www.fotolog.com), the world’s largest photo blogging community, will be the centerpiece of a fascinating new book hitting bookshelves later this month. The largest collection, in a book, of photographs originally published on the web, Fotolog.book: A Global Snapshot of Digital Age (Thames & Hudson, April 24, 2006, $34.95, 344 pages) reveals how the combination of digital cameras and the web have made it possible for millions of people to document their daily lives, communicate and interact through the power of photographs.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare P880 digital camera, which is an 8 megapixel model with wide-angle 24–140 mm zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
PMA 2006: FotoNation Press Release
FotoNation, Slyde, and Wisair Demonstrate Embedded Wireless USB Camera at PMA
ORLANDO, FL – February 27, 2006 – FotoNation Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today that it has won the DIMA Innovative Digital Product Award for their Ultra-Wideband (UWB) In-Camera Module. The UWB module, the first wireless USB solution embedded into a camera, was co-developed by FotoNation, Wisair, a leading provider of UWB and Certified Wireless USB (WUSB) chipset solutions, and Slyde Technologies, a wireless conversion solution provider for the digital photography and video markets. FotoNation will be demonstrating the product for the first time at the PMA Conference in Orlando, FL. Through this innovative technology, digital stills and video images can be wirelessly transferred between cameras and PCs.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. In-Camera Noise Ninja?
2. Adjusting Your Digicam To Be As Sharp And Clear As Film
3. Time-Lapse Photography With Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1
4. Image Sensor Sizes Explained
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. And, in the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imaginations run wild. Email all of your nagging questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
The best question of the week will receive a small prize from the PhotographyBLOG goody bag, so send your questions now. If you do not see your previously submitted question in this week’s column, it may have been submitted too late for consideration, in which case it will be held over for next week. If your question is selected for publication, the complete text of your email will be included in the column, but may be edited for grammar, consistency, or other reasons. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically type it into the text of your email. All judging is done on an impartial basis without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, professional status, physical disability, mental handicap, or model of camera owned (these latter two go hand-in-hand). The decision of the judges is final.
PMA 2006: The Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6 are announced. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch and 3 inch LCDs respectively. Coolpix S5 available end of February for £299.99 / €369. Coolpix S6 available mid March for £349.99 / €459.
Nikon Press Release
Two exciting digital compacts packing new photo-sharing entertainment into attractive wave-surface designs.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6. Two exciting new cameras built for the sharing of digital photographic enjoyment, the Nikon S5 and Nikon S6 combine high-quality imaging performance with impressive wave-surface design, enable images to be improved in-camera, feature outstandingly large LCDs and introduce the powerful Pictmotion function that allows users to create entertaining in-camera shows. With the COOLPIX S5 and S6, image quality is also pleasingly high. Both cameras offer a 1/2.5-inch CCD and 6.0 effective megapixel resolution to produce images that stay sharp even when significantly enlarged. The Nikon Coolpix S5 and Nikon Coolpix S6 also each feature a superior quality 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a range of 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) that gives the photographer the freedom to zoom out for beautiful landscapes, zoom in for tightly composed portraits, and enjoy macro photography from as close as 4cm.
PMA 2006: The Nikon Coolpix P3 and Nikon Coolpix P4 are announced. 8.1 megapixels, 3.5x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD. Coolpix P3 available end of February for £349.99 / €459. Coolpix P4 available mid March for £329.99 / €399.
Nikon Press Release
Higher performance, further functionality and extended photo enjoyment in attractive body.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX P3 and COOLPIX P4. Two compact digital cameras combining an exceptional 8.1 megapixels of resolution with an array of advanced features, the COOLPIX P3 and P4 take picture-taking enjoyment a step ahead. The COOLPIX P3 and P4 feature a 1/1.8-inch CCD. And because they offer 8.1 effective megapixels of image resolution, both cameras deliver outstanding imaging power that’s not only enough to show beautiful skin texture and capture the myriad colors of the human eye, but also enough to ensure shots stay breathtakingly clear even when significantly enlarged. They also each incorporate a 36-126mm (35mm equivalent) Zoom-Nikkor lens that offers ample freedom to zoom in for close compositions, zoom right out to capture breathtaking scenery and even enjoy macro shooting from as close as 4cm.
PMA 2006: The Nikon Coolpix L2, Nikon Coolpix L3 and Nikon Coolpix L4 are announced. 6, 5.1 and 4 megapixels respectively, 3x optical zoom lens, 2 inch LCD. Coolpix L2 available end of February for £199.99 / €245. Coolpix L3 available end of February for £169.99 / €212. Coolpix L4 available mid March for £129.99 / €159.
Nikon UK Press Release
Three compact digital cameras offering exceptional design and high-quality finish, with the easy operability to let anyone take a better class of picture
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX L2, COOLPIX L3 and COOLPIX L4. These three entry-level digital compact cameras combine high-quality components like a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens and a bright 2.0-inch LCD with in-camera image-improvement features, in lightweight and compact, yet elegantly finished bodies. All three cameras boast powerful 38-116mm (114mm for the COOLPIX L4) Zoom-Nikkor lenses (35mm equivalent), providing the liberty to zoom in for tight personal portraits, or zoom out to take in expansive outdoor scenes. The CCD delivers higher performance within tighter dimensions, greatly adding to the cameras’ compact portability while offering generous effective megapixel values of 6.0 for the COOLPIX L2, 5.1 for the COOLPIX L3, and 4.0 for the COOLPIX L4, ensuring the refined image clarity that you’ve come to expect from other members of the COOLPIX family. All three also feature a bright, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD that’s now even easier to operate with new icons and function selection, and easier on the eyes thanks to a new color scheme.
FotoNation Press Release
FotoNation at PMA Feb. 26-March 1, Orlando - Technology Suite X9
FotoNation is the company that develops hot-new products for digital cameras such as in-camera WiFi as implemented by the leading camera companies and in-camera red-eye currently available in products by Kodak, Nikon, Pentax, Sanyo and more. FotoNation will show at PMA 2006 products related to Wireless Camera Connectivity and Embedded Imaging technology.
PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio W10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5 inch LCD, waterproof body.
Pentax Press Release
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio W10. Furnished with superior waterproofing and dustproofing, the Optio W10 is a 6.0 effective megapixels compact digital camera that packs a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and a 3X optical zoom lens into a slim, newly designed body. The Optio W10 was developed based on the PENTAX Optio WP series, which realizes the waterproof functionality for underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. While continuing the development concepts of sportiness, elegance, and leisure and the waterproof and dustproof performance for reliable use outdoors or during water sports, the Optio W10 offers improved LCD monitoring and movie recording. This model has been made more convenient and user-friendly with the addition of the new Face Recognition AF/AE function, which detects people’s faces in the picture frame and adjusts the focus and exposure accordingly.
PMA 2006: The Pentax Optio T10 is announced today. 6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom lens, large 3 inch touch-screen LCD, thin 19.5mm body.
Pentax Press Release
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the new PENTAX Optio T10 compact digital camera. The Optio T10 is distinguished by an extra-large 3.0-inch,high-definition LCD monitor for easy viewing and a touch-display control system that allows you to program the camera by simply touching icons on the panel as well as customize images directly on the panel. Along with the powerful raw performance of the camera’s picture quality and its 3X-optical zoom lens coupled with a slim body profile and a simple, intuitive interface, PENTAX has engineered a camera that puts the fun back into not only “taking” and “viewing” but also “creating” images with its playful touch-display control.
The 12 member websites of the DIWA Awards organisation have re-evaluated all DIWA Gold Award winners from 2005 and selected the best of the best. Nikon D50 was considered to be ”Best Digital System Camera”, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ30 as the ”Best Advanced Digital Camera”, and Fujifilm FinePix F10 won the title of ”Best Digital Amateur Camera” in 2005.
Amsterdam, 13. February, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing the winners of the annual DIWA Platinum Award for 2005. DIWA members from Europe and America continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results.
Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”.
Fotolog Press Release
Founded in 2002 as way for a small group of friends to share photos, Fotolog now has more than 2 million members in 200 countries. To meet the increased demand, Fotolog implemented a major hardware upgrade and code overhaul over the past few months that has greatly enhanced the Fotolog experience. If you haven’t visited Fotolog in a while, the first thing you’ll notice is speed – the site is now averaging less than 2.5 seconds for page delivery and 230,000 photo uploads daily (vs. 180,000 in November).
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have the first online review of the 7.5 megapixel, live preview Olympus E-330 DSLR camera.
Website: Fotopolis - Olympus E-330 Review
DIWA Press Release
DIWA Gold Award to Samsung Pro815 megazoom camera
With the digital age, Samsung has become one of the major camera manufacturers in record time. The Digimax camera range has gained popularity all over the world thanks to a remarkable value for money ratio. With the new flagship, the Pro815, Samsung also displays a capacity of high-class camera manufacturing, assisted by their renowned lens manufacturing partner, Schneider-Kreuznach of Germany.
Amsterdam, 6. February, 2006 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the 8 Megapixel Samsung Pro815 digital megazoom camera.
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Nikon D200 Review
FotoNation Press Release
Saves Time, Money & Development Headaches by Ensuring Problem-Free Communication Between Digital Cameras and Other Devices - FotoNation is the Developer of PTP Standard and Led the CIPA Standardization of PTP-IP
Burlingame, California – January 23, 2006—FotoNation Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading imaging and connectivity solutions companies for the digital photography industry, announced today the availability of the new PTP-IP Analyzer.
PTP-IP Analyzer is a software suite that tests and analyses firmware in digital imaging devices to the most rigorous and exhaustive extremes, ensuring that the embedded firmware is totally ready for market and operates in complete conformity to CIPA PTP-IP, the communications protocol connecting digital cameras to other devices, such as TVs, PCs, mobile phones, printers, in-store kiosks and other cameras. The verification is carried out automatically, flagging any deviations from the standard, with a minimum amount of development time and cost.
Pentax UK Press Release
PENTAX EVOLVES THE OPTIO ‘S’ FAMILY WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE OPTIO A10 - Taking the Optio ‘S’ style and creating an all-new flagship standard
Building on the success of established Optio ‘S’ family, Pentax continues to set the standard amongst compact digital cameras with the launch of the Optio A10. Featuring a proprietary Shake Reduction system, the Optio A10 also boasts 8.0 effective megapixels and a 1.8-inch CCD to create the sharpest images yet.
Style-conscious novices and photographic enthusiasts alike will benefit from the superior features that the Optio A10 offers. Despite a tiny size of 88.5 x 54.5 x 23mm (w x h x d), the Optio A10 offers an unrivalled user experience that will produce exceptional picture quality, regardless of the photographer’s level of ability or the environmental conditions.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350 and SP-310 digital cameras, which both offer a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.
Website: FotoAparat - Olympus SP-350 Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.
DIWA Press Release
Photoxels.com, a major digital imaging website based in Canada, becomes the 12th member of the DIWA Awards organization. Their success is the result of drastically simplifying the mysteries about photography and digital imaging, making it readily available to anybody. Still, the information provided is truthful and the product reviews are objective and trustworthy, a must to be accepted as a DIWA Awards member.
Amsterdam, 6. December, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organization of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today has the pleasure of welcoming the high quality Canadian digital imaging website, Photoxels.com, as the second DIWA member on the American continent.
FotoNation Press Release
FOTONATION IS FINALIST FOR EUROPEAN IST GRAND PRIZE AWARD - CHOSEN FOR RED-EYE TECHNOLOGY
Galway, Ireland, November 29, 2005—FotoNation® Ireland Ltd., a subsidiary of FotoNation Inc. (www.fotonation.com), one of the world’s leading imaging and connectivity solutions, announced today that it has been selected as finalist for the prestigious 2006 European IST (Information Society Technology) Grand Prize for its innovative Red-Eye Technology.
Drawn from a pool of 213 nominees from 29 countries, FotoNation is one of only twenty finalists for the IST award. Now in its eleventh year, the European IST Prize (www.ist-prize.org ) is awarded for groundbreaking products that represent the best of European innovation in IT technology. The award provides public recognition and is a highly visible display of entrepreneurial teams that excel in generating unique ideas and R&D and converting them into marketable products. The high standard of applicants and the competitive selection procedure makes this prize the most distinguished for new technology products.
FotoInsight Press Release
FotoInsight.co.uk Launches New Photobook in the UK
The innovative photo book featuring 26 glossy satin finish pages takes up to 312 pictures and can be ordered online without any special software
In time for the holiday gift shopping season, FotoInsight of Cambridge launches an innovative 26 page photo book displaying up to 312 images through its online photo processing service. Presenting someone with a personalised, hardbound photo book, complete with the details of an adventure illustrated with own photographs is arguably the greatest gift idea this year. The new photo book can be ordered from FotoInsight.com online without need for any special digital photo album software. The lay-out tool allows for text and various picture formats and sizes. The photobook is the latest addition to Europe’s most innovative range of photo gifts at http://www.fotoinsight.co.uk/.
DIWA Press Release
Fujifilm has established a successful tradition in developing digital cameras with long zoom lenses. The FinePix S9500 is their current flagship, featuring a 9 Mp high sensitivity Super CCD HR image sensor and a 10.7x wide-to-tele zoom lens. A wide range of options makes the FinePix S9500 equally suitable for the experienced photographer and the novice, solving virtually any photographic task.
Amsterdam, 21. November, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the 9 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix S9500 digital megazoom camera.
Image quality is fundamentally depending on two vital elements in a digital camera, the image sensor and the lens. In both respects, Fujifilm is in full control. Their successful development of the unique Super CCD image sensors is a key factor in the S9500, with remarkable 9 Mp resolution and wide sensitivity range, between ISO 80 and ISO 1600. Also the lens exhibits unique features with 10.7x zoom range from 28 mm wide angle to 300 mm supertele, high f/2.8-f/4.9 lens speed and 1 cm supermacro. This magnum lens is still surprisingly compact, beautifully integrated into the S9500 SLR-like camera body.
DIWA Press Release
With the LUMIX DMC-FZ30, Panasonic has developed a highly competitive alternative to digital system cameras. Not only does it match most D-SLRs with its 8 Megapixel image resolution, it also offers virtually the same automatic and manual controls in a compact and user-friendly body. Topping any D-SLR package, the FZ30 also features a fast 12x LEICA zoom with optical stabiliser, delivering outstanding image quality.
Amsterdam, 14. November 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ30 megazoom camera.
With its LUMIX range, Panasonic has matured into a highly respectable digital camera manufacturer in record time; an astonishing achievement proven by the DMC-FZ30. Supported by team-mate LEICA, the world-renowned lens manufacturer, the DMC-FZ30 offers a fast, high performance 12x DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens, equivalent to 35-420 mm f/2.8-3.7 and 5 cm macro capability. With the aid of two high quality lens converters, the focal lengths may be extended to 24.5 mm wide angle and 714 mm telephoto. To suppress image blur at hand-held telephoto shooting, the lens features an efficient image stabiliser.
FotoInsight Press Release
(PRWEB) November 14, 2005—In time for the holiday gift shopping season, FotoInsight of Cambridge launches an innovative 26 page photo book displaying up to 312 images through its online photo processing service. Presenting someone with a personalised, hardbound photo book, complete with the details of an adventure illustrated with own photographs is arguably the greatest gift idea this year. The new photo book can be ordered from FotoInsight.com online without need for any special digital photo album software. The lay-out tool allows for text and various picture formats and sizes. The Photobook is the latest addition to Europe’s most innovative range of photo gifts at http://www.fotoinsight.com/.
ArkiPix I/S Press Release
ArkiPix I/S is now offering an update of their image archive management software ArkiPix in version 2.3
With this new and highly improved ArkiPix 2.3 for PC - photographers, companies and digital photography enthusiasts will find a wide range of functions for archiving, importing and searching for photos.
The new ArkiPix 2.3 includes a new slideshow option and now allmost all RAW formats are supported.
The Web and download page function has been updated with new features and has been optimized for better workflow
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
ACD Systems Press Release
ACD Systems International Inc.: ACDSee Pro Photo Manager Streamlines Professional Photography Workflow
VICTORIA, British Columbia—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 17, 2005—New software that helps professional photographers confidently manage their photos to be unveiled at Booth #801 during PhotoPlus Expo
ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX:ASA), today announced ACDSee(TM) Pro Photo Manager, the advanced version of its award-winning ACDSee photo management software. Developed specifically for the professional photographer, ACDSee Pro will be showcased from October 20-22 at PhotoPlus Expo in New York. ACDSee Pro delivers advanced functionality designed to streamline the workflow of professional photographers, while incorporating the viewing speed and organizing capabilities synonymous with ACDSee products.
ACDSee Pro is a single platform where professional photographers can view, process, edit, organize, catalog, publish and archive their growing digital photo collections. Key features include advanced workflow functionality, support for DNG (Digital Negative Specification) and the latest RAW formats, RAW processing capability, batch IPTC editing, powerful color management functionality and professional publishing options.
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a joint review of the Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom and the Panasonic DMC-FZ30 ultra-zoom digital cameras.
Website: e-fotografija - Fujifilm FinePix S9500 Zoom / Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review
Website: Read my Fujifilm Finepix S9500 Zoom Review
Foto Imagen Digital have a great interview with Toshiyuki Terada, Olympus Product Manager, about the new Olympus E-500 digital SLR camera.
“In our tests we have found that the focus accuracy and reliability in Olympus reflex is very good, better than some of the competition, but the Olympus auto focus are still slow…
This is true. Olympus has not a long run in auto focus making, as other brands have. We know that we must work fast and hard in this respect. We are proud of our auto focus accuracy, and probably it is better than other brands ones, because accuracy mainly remains in the work and integration of the system: lens, mount, sensors… And we have created an all-new integrated system. Other brands don’t. But focus speed remains mainly in the firmware, in the algorithms, and we are improving this. I ask my designers for more speed too! But, always keeping accuracy. We try to improve the speed while keeping the accuracy.”
Website: Foto Imagen Digital - Interview With Toshiyuki Terada
I3A Press Release
ISO 15740 Enables Seamless Image Transfer Between Devices
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., September 26, 2005 — The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, today announced that the widely supported Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) for Digital Still Photography Devices, originally developed by I3A’s IT10 Standards Committee, has been published as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 15740. I3A serves as secretariat for ISO TC (technical committee) 42, which develops and approves international photography standards, with a focus on advanced digital imaging. I3A also serves as administrator of the USA Technical Advisory Group for the ISO/TC42 committee.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published the first web review of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera, an upgrade of the EOS-1D Mark II, principally offering a larger frame burst on both JPEG and RAW mode and increasing the size of the LCD monitor to 2.5 inches.
DIWA Press Release
DIWA experts honour Nikon D50 with a Gold Medal for high performance and excellent value for money
Nikon D50 has become one of the leading models in the rapid growing D-SLR market by offering a vast selection of features and excellent performance at a very modest price. The D50 is unmistakably built on the established and reputed Nikon design, but it is smaller and lighter, yet compatible with the same range of high quality lenses that first and foremost is responsible for Nikon’s success among professional photographers.
Amsterdam, 23. September, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announce a DIWA Gold Award to the budget-friendly Nikon D50 digital system camera.
Nikon is a major contributor to the enormous increase in popularity and sales presently boosting the D-SLR camera market. Most popular of all their models, is the D50, thanks to its perfect balance between performance and price. Virtually all vital features found in the more expensive models, are also installed into the Nikon D50, making it capable of shooting the same high quality images with 6.1 Megapixel resolution. DIWA experts found the D50 to be pleasantly robust built, and delivering professional quality images, despite its amateur status.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have recently reviewed the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta Dynax 5D Review
DIWA Press Release
Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom wins DIWA Gold Award for budget friendly perfection
The Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom inherits extraordinary qualities from its siblings and predecessors, in many respects providing the ultimate digital camera. Highlighted by a 4x wide angle zoom lens, 7.1 megapixel resolution, ergonomic design and creative options, DIWA’s experts praise the C-7070 Wide Zoom for overall excellence at a most affordable price.
Amsterdam, 2. September, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a Gold award to Olympus for their sophisticated wide zoom digital compact camera, the Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom.
Following the success of its Camedia siblings, the C-5060 Wide Zoom and the C-8080 Wide Zoom, both awarded DIWA medals, it came as no surprise that also the C-7070 Wide Zoom obtained excellent results from the rigorous DIWA test procedure. Its fabulous 4x wide angle zoom lens, with focal lengths equivalent to 27-110 mm and its high quality 7.1 megapixel image sensor proved to be a perfect match for quality conscious photographers.
DIWA Press Release
Pentax *istDS has a lot to offer any Pentax enthusiast considering to go digital. The compact body with distinct Pentax design and ergonomics should make the conversion smooth and straightforward. 6.1 Megapixel resolution, 11 superimposed focusing points in a bright pentaprism viewfinder, 16-segment metering, ISO speeds up to 3200, 2” LCD screen and USB 2.0 High-Speed interface are features that outperform many of its rivals.
Amsterdam, 2. September, 2005: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces that Pentax has received their first DIWA Award for a D-SLR camera. Their *istDS model is honoured with a Silver medal for outstanding test results.
Pentax has a long and glorious history from camera manufacturing, at times the most successful of any SLR manufacturer. Thanks to this legacy, the *istDS has a very compact body with excellent handling comfort, an excellent SLR pentaprism viewfinder, outstanding metering and exposure performance, as well as a wide range of high quality Pentax lenses. The *istDS passed the rigorous DIWA testing procedure with excellent results, also many of its digital qualities were highly praised by the DIWA reviewing experts.
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have an exclusive review of the new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, a 10.3 megapixel compact camera with an APS-C sized sensor that allows for a “live” preview.
Just Show Me How Press Release
September 7th, 2005—Last season’s sold out Just Show Me How Pro tour is back, with new tips, new techniques, and new ideas for your digital photography workflow. World-renowned photographer, author, and teacher, Kevin Ames, will educate and entertain you as he shares the secrets of professional workflow. Kevin is the newest associate of Blue Pixel Digital Experts, leading photographers and consultants committed to teaching digital photography from an unbiased, real world perspective. The tour begins on October 2nd in Miami, and travels to eight U.S. cities through the beginning of December.
This one-day seminar will take professional photographers through what to do with all of those digital files after the photo has been captured. Kevin covers the ins and outs of downloading from memory cards, adding metadata, backing up, image optimization, controlling color, delivering files, and creating bulletproof archives of digital negatives. Attendees will learn how to achieve better results faster through automation, without sacrificing the integrity of their images or the quality of their files. As a highly respected photographer, Photoshop author and instructor, Kevin will also share techniques that are essential to any photographer’s creative workflow.
Nikon Press Release
Built-in Wireless LAN Support Nikon brings the advantages of built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) support to compact digital cameras for the first time.
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce an exciting new technology that realizes new picture-taking potential. Providing versatility beyond any previous compact camera, the new COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 can boast all the advantages of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g).
The Pentax OptioS6 digitial camera is announced. The Pentax S6 has a 6 megpaixel sensor and 3x optical lens, housed in a slim 19mm body. Available from September 2005, the Pentax Optio S6 will retail for less than £300.
Pentax Press Release
An Iconic Design Boasting the Smallest and Lightest Dimension in its Class - Introducing the Optio S6
Incorporating a newly developed 3x optical zoom lens, the Pentax OptioS6 features 6.0 megapixels, a large 2.5 inch LCD and the most stylish body of any digital camera
Pentax proudly presents its newest model in the classic Optio range, the OptioS6. In adopting an entirely new approach to lens design, the OptioS6 boasts a 3x optical zoom, housed in a body with a depth of just 19mm. Yet despite being so exceptionally slim, the OptioS6 delivers the shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels. Targeted at photographers of all levels, the OptioS6 offers users all the benefits of cutting edge digital technology and world leading optics, all encased in a body that exudes style and engineering excellence.
The Pentax OptioWPi digital camera is announced. The Pentax WPi is an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera. A larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor are amongst the changes. Price and availability of the Pentax OptioWPi to be announced.
Pentax Press Release
A compact digital camera with waterproof performance, 6.0 effective megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and a large LCD monitor - all in a slim, flat, easy-to-carry body.
Following the success of the OptioWP launched in February 2005, Pentax is continuing the concept of combining ‘sportiness, elegance and leisure’ with the OptioWPi. Offering the same waterproof performance, the OptioWPi also boasts a sophisticated design, making it suitable for use on virtually any occasion.
Only 22mm thick, the OptioWPi offers a large 2.0 inch LCD monitor and 6.0 effective megapixels. Despite this, the body of the OptioWPi is the robust enough for most shooting environments, including watersports, skiing and other outdoor pursuits.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-LX1, an 8.4 megapixel digital camera with a 4x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-112mm, optical image stabilizer and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.
Website: FotoAparat - Panasonic DMC-LX1 Review
Website: Read my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 Review
The Italian website Fotocamere Digitali have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
”“Professional resolution”, very good image quality; noise only starts at 800 ISO. Fast and precise autofocus. Up to 600 shots on a battery charge. Perfect? No, I would have seen better menues and viewfinder in such a good camera. Handling could be a problem if you have big hands. The best digital reflex on the market for that money.”
Website: Fotocamere Digitali - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a comparative review of the Fujifilm FinePix Z1 Zoom, Nikon Coolpix S1 and Sony Cybershot T5 compact digital cameras.
Website: e-fotografija - Fujifilm Z1, Nikon S1, Sony T5 Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have published the very first online review of the eagerly-anticipated Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.
Website: FotoAparat - Panasonic DMC-FZ30 Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have reviewed the Canon PowerShot S2 IS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 12x optical zoom equivalent to 36–432mm on a 35mm camera.
Website: FotoAparat - Canon PowerShot S2 IS Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have taken a look at the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS755 digital camera.
Website: FotoAparat - Kodak EasyShare LS755 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.
Website: Fotopolis - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review
Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published the very first online review of the new entry-level Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR which features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body.
Website: e-fotografija - Pentax *ist DL Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a comparative review of three ultra-zoom digicams, the Canon PowerShot S2 IS (pictured), Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 and the Panasonic DMC-FZ5.
Website: e-fotografija - Canon S2 IS – Panasonic FZ5 – Sony H1
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon PowerShot S2 IS
DIWA Press Release
Fujifilm FinePix F10 gets DIWA Gold Award for outstanding performance
With the FinePix F10, Fujifilm has elevated mini-compact digicams to a new level. With the low-noise, high sensitivity Super CCD HR, the camera is exceptionally versatile for any subject and lighting condition, adding boost to flash photography. Also, the F10 is extraordinary fast and features one of the best auto focus systems available.
Amsterdam, 29. July, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the palm-sized 6.3 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F10 digital camera.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review
The Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Sony DSC-H1 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have also published a preview of the new entry-level Konica Minolta Dynax 5D digital SLR camera that was announced yesterday.
DIWA Press Release
Numerous members of the DIWA organisation having tested individual, off-the-shelf samples of the Casio EXILIM Pro EX-P505, praise the camera for its clever approach to satisfy the constantly more demanding consumer. 5x optical zoom, 5 Megapixel resolution, High Quality movie with stereo sound and loads of useful features are fitted into a remarkably compact and user-friendly body.
Amsterdam, 17. June, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Silver Award to the Casio EXILIM EX-P505 digital compact camera.
DIWA Press Release
Fujifilm constantly pursues perfection in their image sensor development, presently peaked by the Super CCD II SR. The professional FinePix S3 Pro benefits from Fujifilm’s latest sensor technologies, a fine display of their achievements in simulating the advantages of film, yet maintaining the digital versatility.
Amsterdam, 15. June, 2005 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organization of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the professional FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have published the first online review of the new Sony DSC-H1 digital camera. The DSC-H1 has a 12x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-432 millimeters), 5 megapixel CCD and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
Fotopolis - Sony DSC-H1 Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published the first online review of the Olympus FE-5500 digital camera, which has 5 megapixels, 3x zoom lens equivalent to 35-105mm, 2-inch LCD screen and a slim body (called the D-630 in the USA).
Website: e-fotografija - Olympus FE-5500 Review
Nikon Coolpix S2 is announced today. The Nikon Coolpix S2 is an updated version of the S1 digital camera (which is only just starting to appear in stores). The main changes to the 5 megapixel Nikon S2 are the addition of a weather-proof body and a sliding lens mechanism. The Coolpix S2 is also slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessor. Release date for the Nikon COolpix S2 is 10th June 2005 and price £299.99 / €448.00 / $429.
Nikon UK Press Release
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S2 which boasts stylish, slim dimensions (it’s just 22mm deep), a bright 2.5 -inch LCD screen and a range of innovative, highly intelligent Nikon functions.
Great images, whatever the weather
The aluminum exterior of the COOLPIX S2 is both stylish and practical, it provides a splash-proof* water resistance facility for outdoor use which ensures great photographs, even in the rain. Thanks to the 5.1 megapixels and a versatile 35-105mm 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED† lens (35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX S2 guarantees sharp, clear results and faithful colour.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have published their review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700, a 4 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom lens.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Kodak EasyShare Z700 Review
DIWA member e-fotografija have published their review of the new 8 megapixel Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT DSLR.
“The EOS 350D is a camera that is a pleasure to use for hobby photographers. Unfortunately there is still no DSLR camera under 500EUR, I expect that to happen by the end of this year, so there’s no cheap alternative to upgrade to a higher class. Here’s something to remember. If you are an advanced photographer and shoot a lot of photos, the EOS 350D can only be a camera to step into the digital world or a back-up camera. Don’t think that the EOS 350D, despite many improvements over the EOS 300D, is in the same range as is the EOS 20D. The EOS 350D is much clumsier. Focusing, metering and speed of workflow are much better on the EOS 20D. It is just the same as is with film cameras.”
Website: e-fotografija - Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT
DIWA Press Release
Canon’s latest digital SLR camera, the budget friendly EOS 350D, has passed numerous DIWA tests with remarkable scoring results. Its low price, combined with outstanding image quality, high speed processing and fast response, qualified for a Gold Award from DIWA’s comprehensive and mercyless testing procedure.
Amsterdam, 6. May, 2005 - DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon EOS 350D digital SLR.
EOS 350D is an entry-level D-SLR camera, but performs in many ways better than many of its more expensive rivals. The specifications are outstanding for its class, piloted by its 8.2 Megapixel low-noise CMOS image sensor and the super-powerful on-board DIGIC II image processor. This enables instant startup and super-fast response, as well as high speed continuous shooting, image processing and storing. Even at highest resolution, the EOS 350D can shoot a minimum of 14 frames bursts at 3 frames per second.
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have just published their review of the Canon Digital IXUS 700 digital camera (also known as the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital ELPH).
Website: Fotopolis - Canon Digital IXUS 700 Review
PhotographyBLOG has teamed up with FotoTech to offer you a great deal on the new Pacific Digital PV1 digital photo frame.
Launched in January 2005, Pacific Digital’s latest digital photo frame, the PV1, is a Digital Photo Album, MP3 music player and Video Player. The PV1 sports a high resolution, bright 5.6” TFT screen that displays digital photos and video clips in vivid colour. Slideshows of your favourite photos can be played directly from a memory card. The number of photos that can be displayed is limited only by the capacity of the memory card being used.
As a special deal to PhotographyBlog Readers, FotoTech are offering the Pacific Digital PV1 Digital Media Player at the unbeatable price of just £189.99 with Free Shipping – that’s a saving of £55 off the MRSP!!. To take advantage of this offer, simply ring FotoTech on 0845 226 2077 and quote “PhotographyBlog”.
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review
Nikon Coolpix S1 is announced today by Nikon Japan. The Nikon Coolpix S1 is a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. The Nikon S1 is a completely new design for Nikon digital cameras - the Coolpix S1 is a small and slim camera, with the S in the product name standing for “style”. The Nikon Coolpix S1 also has a 2.5 inch LCD screen and can take up to 200 shots with an EN-EL8 rechargeable battery. The Nikon Coolpix S1 is scheduled for release in April 2005 and will retail at £279.99 / €418.00. The Ebony Black version is a Dixons Group exclusive in the UK.
Nikon Japan Press Release
Surprisingly slim, exceptionally stylish — the COOLPIX S1 blends high reliability with high-quality shooting for users of all levels
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S1, the first in a new series of COOLPIX cameras that blend portability with “Style” — which is precisely what the “S” in “S1” stands for. Not only is the COOLPIX S1 highly attractive with a sleek aluminum exterior available in Pure Silver, Ivory White and Ebony Black* — it also retains its super slim and small dimensions (89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm) at all times due to its “right-angle” optics system that allows the zoom lens to function throughout its entire range without protruding from the camera body. This optical system also features an ED lens to ensure sharp, natural results and the COOLPIX S1 additionally features a selection of innovative features, delivering smooth operation and high-quality results.
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have posted their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Kodak EASYSHARE DX7590 digital camera.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Review
DIWA Press Release
Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:
Canon EOS 20D : DIWA Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Digital System Camera”
DIWA Press Release
Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:
Olympus CAMEDIA C-8080: DIWA Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Advanced Digital Camera”
DIWA Press Release
Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - The eleven member websites within DIWA Awards continuously test and review digital imaging products for their readers. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Then, each review is carefully monitored and compared by DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results. Top ranked products will receive DIWA Awards in the value of gold, silver or bronze, based on summarized average scores. At the end of each year, one of the gold winners from each of the three digital camera categories is selected by the members as the best of the best, honoured by a ”DIWA Platinum Award”. For 2004, the DIWA group of experts has decided the following digital camera to be worthy winner of this Platinum DIWA award:
HP Photosmart R707 : Platinum Award 2004 for ”Best Digital Amateur Camera”
Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, Nikon COOLPIX 8800 and Canon Digital IXUS 40 are the latest DIWA Gold Award winners.
DIWA Press Releases
DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D
Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. The gold medal represents the highest level of performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.
With the Dynax 7D, Konica Minolta makes their debut into the fast growing market of digital system cameras. Founded on a long history as high quality camera and optical manufacturers, the high performance Konica Minolta Dynax 7D comes as no surprise.
It continues the legacy of the highly successful and reputed analogue Dynax SLR cameras, with distinct design resemblance to make the conversion from film to digital as smooth as possible for any experienced Dynax enthusiast. Supporting the full range of existing AF lenses, the Dynax 7D also eases the financial aspect.
Olympus E-300, Olympus µ-mini [mju:] DIGITAL and the Nikon COOLPIX 8400 are the latest DIWA Silver Award winners.
DIWA Press Releases
Olympus E-300 achieves DIWA Silver Award
Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Silver Award to Olympus E-300 D-SLR. The camera, a high resolution entry-level priced E-System D-SLR, received very high scores for its system features and overall handling from a number of reviews made by DIWA members throughout the world, rating the Olympus E-300 to win a DIWA Silver Award.
The Olympus E-300 is the second D-SLR camera based on the FourThirds Standard and delivers a high resolution of 8 Megapixels. Like its professional brother, the Olympus E-1, the E-300 incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that prevents dust and other foreign particles to ruin the captured image. This is just one of many features distinguishing the E-300 from its rivals, another being its unique appearance in an ultra-compact body. The silver medal represents recognition of high overall performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.
Slovenian website Slo-Foto.net have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i. With 5.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens, the Optio S5i features a stylish design in an ultra-compact, lightweight digital camera.
Website: Slo-Foto.net - Pentax Optio S5i Review
SmartDisk Press Release
FORT MYERS, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 17, 2005—SmartDisk Corporation, a leading provider of portable, network and multimedia storage products and technologies, today introduced FotoChute(TM), a USB On-The-Go photo storage device.
“Pocket-sized FotoChute offers a fast, convenient and easy way to directly transfer digital photos from your camera,” states Charles Klinker, Vice President of Marketing for SmartDisk. “Simply plug FotoChute into the USB port of your camera and, with one touch, copy and safely store your photos.” FotoChute holds over 20,000 photos (at 800KB file size) on the internal 20GB hard drive and can be connected directly to a PC to offload images to share with family and friends.
Nikon Coolpix 7900 and Nikon Coolpix 5900 are announced ahead of the PMA Show 2005. With 7.1 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively, both the 7900 and 5900 feature a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. The Coolpix 7900 and Coolpix 5900 offer continuous shooting at approx. 1.7 and 2fps and a new Face-priority AF function which automatically senses the presence of a human face and sets focus accordingly.
Nikon Press Release
Two highly sophisticated, high-quality compact digital cameras with a wealth of easy-to-use features and the ability to achieve exceptional results.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900. Two superior quality compact digital cameras with the power to take highly impressive images, they also feature appealing exterior designs and boast a range of convenient functions and features that are highly advanced, yet easy to use.
COOLPIX 7900 For easier composition and anytime viewing, the COOLPIX 7900 and COOLPIX 5900 feature a large 2.0-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor. Bright and clear, this makes it easy to view images at any time. It also makes it much easier to navigate the new Graphic User Interface (GUI), which has been specially designed to allow the user to select functions on the main menu by either name or icon. There’s also a Help button too, which can be pressed to display an explanation of each function on the main menu and the cameras can be configured to display the menu in a choice of 11 languages.
Nikon Coolpix 7600 is announced today. The Coolpix 7600 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera, with a 3x optical lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. The Nikon Coolpix 7600 features new technologies like D-Lighting, which keeps bright areas bright, whilst lightening the darker areas, and Face-priority AF, which senses if a face is present in the frame and sets focus accordingly. The Coolpix 7600 features Nikon’s new Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) function and there is also a new Help button which provides an explanation for functions on the 7600 main menu.
Nikon Press Release
A 7.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens and functions that correct images in-camera!
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 7600. An easy-to-operate digital compact that combines 7.1 effective megapixel clarity with functions that improve images in-camera, the COOLPIX 7600 enables users to feel more confident about taking pictures.
7.1 effective megapixel performance gives the user a head start in producing pleasing results, delivering a resolution significantly higher than most other entry-level digital cameras. Furthermore, the 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format enables Macro shooting as close as 4cm (1.6 inches), while its ED glass element leads to superior sharpness and optimal color correction.
Nikon Coolpix 5600 and Nikon Coolpix 4600 are announced today ahead of the PMA Show 2005. The Coolpix 5600 and Coolpix 4600 have 5.1 and 4.0 megapixels respectively, 1.8-inch LCD monitor and a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 34-102mm. The 5600 and 4600 feature new technoloiges like the D-Lighting function which ensures balanced exposure throughout the frame and Blur Warning, which alerts the user when a shot is compromised by camera shake.
Nikon Press Release
Two easy-to-use compact digital cameras that make shooting more fun and convenient, and even let the user improve recorded shots in-camera!
TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 5600 and COOLPIX 4600 — two fun new digital compact cameras that offer impressive image quality and even allow shots to be improved automatically in-camera. The COOLPIX 5600/4600 are also surprisingly simple to use, making them ideal not only for beginners of all ages, but also for those who’ve never been interested in digital photography before.
I3A Press Release
I3A is Putting Magic into PMA 2005 on Feb. 21: Free Technical Forum, “Making Images Mobile;”
I3A Spotlight Reception and Annual Leadership Award
White Plains, N.Y., Feb. 1, 2005 — The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, will add magic to the mix for attendees at the upcoming PMA 2005 conference, to be held February 20-23 in Orlando, Fla.
On Monday, Feb. 21, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, I3A will hold a Technical Forum entitled “Making Images Mobile,” sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Konica Minolta and Fuji Photo Film., which will focus on the standard for sharing and transmitting images, PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), which was developed by an I3A Image Technology group. PTP is the foundation for the popular PictBridge specification, and work is underway to expand PTP to include transport over IP, Bluetooth and Infra Red.
The DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published their review of the FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom digital camera (also known as the S5100 in the USA), which has a 10x optical zoom and 4 megapixel resolution and is the successor to the popular FinePix S5000 Zoom.
Website: e-fotografija - FujiFilm FinePix S5500 Zoom Review
ArkiPix I/S Press Release 22/12/04
ArkiPix I/S is now offering an English version of their image archive management software ArkiPix in version 2.1
With this new and highly improved ArkiPix 2.1 for PC, photographers, companies and digital photography enthusiasts will find a wide range of functions for archiving, importing and searching for photos.
ArkiPix 2.1 turns the job of archiving into a positive experience with fast results. New users become familiar with the program quickly because ArkiPix in daily use requires only a few clicks of the mouse. The many essential and unique features of ArkiPix make it a strong competitor for established and more costly image archiving programs.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a review in English of the Konica Minolta 7D DSLR.
So far I can only tell good things about the AS system, at least until it is more thoroughly tested and more user’s opinions are created. It really is quite amazing. Konica Minolta has once again proved with this AS system that they are ambitious and can be counted on. This is one of the most obvious features that will bring new customers, especially those Minolta users who have been waiting for so long. A wider choice of cameras is good for everybody. And just a reminder for newcomers to the DSLR world: you are buying a system, not only a body as in a compact class digicams.
Fotodiip have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S5i.
“In my humble opinion advantage of 5 MP-s over 4 is not sufficient enough to tolerate slow write times. I don’t need 4 frames per second shooting speeds but I do want decent frame to frame speed. When I have to lower resolution and/or quality setting then is there really a point in putting more into the camera in the first place? Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree and I should get a different camera because it’s not possible to get this size/speed combination at this point of time at all…”
Website: Fotodiip - Pentax Optio S5i Review
Polish website FotoPolis have reviewed the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50, a new compact and stylish 5.0 megapixel camera which features a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, enhanced speed and other design improvements.
The German book “Die digitale Dunkelkammer” (‘The Digital Darkroom’) has won the “Deutsche Fotobuchpreis 2004” awarded by the “Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”. It was picked among 200 entries by a jury of photographers, booksellers and book designers in the category “textbook/manual”.
The book teaches about the processing of digital images once they leave the camera. It targets pro photographers, ambitious amateur photographers, pre-press professionals, and students of design.
DIWA Press Release 12/11/04
Amsterdam, 12. November 2004 - DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing that a DIWA Gold Award is granted to the Canon EOS 20D digital SLR for its outstanding image quality and excellent performance.
The semi-professional EOS 20D provides the end-user with first class professional quality images from an 8.2 Megapixel low-noise CMOS image sensor. The built-in DIGIC II architecture delivers 5fps continuous shooting with a maximum burst of 23 frame JPEG images, bringing the camera on a par with comparable analogue SLRs. Furthermore, the EOS 20D is honoured for its lifelike colour rendition, instant start-up, rapid image display and simultaneous storing of JPEG and RAW files. All-in-all, the EOS 20D proves to be an excellent choice for the semi-professional photographer.
![Olympus mini [mju:] DIGITAL](http://www.photographyblog.com/images/products/diwa_olympus_mini_digital.jpg)
DIWA Press Release 12/11/04
Amsterdam, 12. November 2004 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) today announced their first Design Award to the unique Olympus mini DIGITAL construction.
The Olympus mini DIGITAL is a radical diversion from traditional camera designs, replacing conservative symmetrical camera shapes with an indefinable oval profile. Unlike many other design products, the Olympus mini DIGITAL is not an over-priced collector?s item for the few, but a useful imaging tool for any design conscious lifestyle enthusiast.
Despite its exciting, soap-like form, the camera complies with all conventional rules of ergonomics, making it just as user-friendly as any ordinary digital camera. It even features a large dial for easy setting of primary camera functions, as well as a bright and user friendly 1.8? LCD-screen. Being part of the [mju:] camera range, the mini DIGITAL also features a weather resistant construction.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted their review of the 4 megapixel HP Photosmart R507 digital camera.
Rollei Logistics, Inc. Press Release 26/10/04
Just 3-Inches High, the New Rolleiflex MiniDigi Has the Look and Feel of the Original Twin Reflex Camera
CONCORD, CA (OCT. 26, 2004) - Two lenses, one above the other. The hand crank lever. The shutter release. The hooded viewfinder. The exposure meter. The coal-black casing. And the RolleiFlex logo.
They?re all part of a new Rollei camera that will hit the US market in November. What?s different from the original, a classic that has attracted the world?s top photographers from its introduction in 1929 to this day, is that it?s much smaller and digital.
Much as auto manufacturers who have applied modern technologies to classic designs, such as the Jaguar ?S?series, the new RolleiFlex MiniDigi has the look and feel of the original, but easily fits in the palm of your hand or pocket. Most importantly, it?s a camera with features that are not only nostalgic, but also unique in the digital world.
Leica Press Release 08/10/04
Ralf Coenen (43), hitherto member of the Board of Management responsible for Engineering, Cooperations and Asian Sales, will become the new Chairman of the Leica Camera AG, Solms, as from January 1, 2005. This decision of the Company’s Supervisory Board, made in its meeting on Thursday, follows the proposal brought forward by Hanns-Peter Cohn (56). After six years on duty as Chairman of the Board of Management, Cohn will leave the Company at his own request to return to Vitra AG, Basle. At this manufacturer of high quality office and home furniture, he has already been active from 1984 until 1998 as one of three managing directors, with marketing and sales as his main field. As from January 1, 2005, Cohn will take on the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Swiss company.
Dieter Uckele (55) will stay on Leica Camera AG’s Board of Management, which in the future will consist of two members.
This changeover has been prepared from a long-term perspective in cooperation with the supervising bodies of Leica Camera AG. For a transitional period, Dieter Uckele had been appointed third member of the Board of Management as from April 1, 2003. Simultaneously Ralf Coenen, whose previous responsibilities as a Board member had been Engineering and Logistics, had extended his field of activities, taking on responsibility for Sales in the important Asian market, and had thus prepared himself for his new tasks as Chairman of the Board of Management.
ACD Systems Press Release 04/10/04
ACD Systems Announces Fastest Version of Flagship Photo Management Software with the Launch of ACDSee 7
VICTORIA, British Columbia - October 4, 2004 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), makers of ACDSee photo management software and Canvas technical illustration software, announced today the release of ACDSee 7, the newest version of its flagship photo management software for photography enthusiasts, professionals and corporate users. Renowned for its speed, ACDSee is used the world over as the leading choice for image viewing and management. New features in ACDSee 7 include a Device Synchronization function, a Context Sensitive Toolbar, advanced search capabilities, RAW format support, MPV and HighMAT support and an Image Comparison tool. ACDSee 7 is available as a standalone product or as part of the ACDSee 7 PowerPack suite.
ACDSee 7 allows users to control their camera’s memory card storage space with a device synchronization function that quickly and efficiently automates the downloading process of images and media. Through an easy-to-use wizard, users can select which folders their images should automatically be saved to, as well as determine the amount of space that should always be available on a specific memory card.
Sandisk Press Release 29/09/04
SANDISK LEAPFROGS COMPETITION - QUADRUPLES TOP CAPACITY OF ITS HIGH-SPEED ULTRA II FLASH MEMORY CARDS
New Cards Include World’s First 8-Gigabyte (GB) Type I High Speed CompactFlash Card
COLOGNE, GERMANY, Sep. 29, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) announced today that is has quadrupled the capacity of its high-speed SanDisk Ultra II line of flash memory cards that includes the development of a new 8GB CompactFlash Type I card. The top end SanDisk Ultra II Memory Stick PRO and SD cards now boast 4GB and 2GB of capacity respectively. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1.2, aisle A, Booth 059.
Each SanDisk Ultra II card features a minimum write speed of 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) and a minimum read speed of 10MB/sec.* (Results based on testing with the popular HDBENCH benchmark software; actual results in digital cameras will vary by camera model.) The Ultra II cards are primarily targeted at serious photographers with 4-megapixel or higher resolution digital cameras that require fast, high capacity digital film cards to quickly shoot many high resolution images.
FotoWare Press Release 22/09/04
FotoWare Launch FotoStation Classic, professional media database for Mac OS X.
At Photokina in Cologne, FotoWare a.s celebrate their 10th anniversary by releasing FotoStation Classic, the completely new media database for Mac OS X. FotoStation Classic is the standard edition in the FotoStation product family, and offers a wealth of solutions for problems created by the ever-increasing flow of digital images. Version 5.1 Classic for the Mac OS X operating system provides many new features and a unique flexibility which enables the adaptation of the software to the needs of a single user as well as in a corporate environment.
“It was our goal to make FotoStation even more adaptable to the individual needs of a photographer, an editor, or any user who on a daily basis is working with digital images”, commented Norman Milne, Managing Director Fotoware UK.
“The considerable volume of pictures which are taken today by digital cameras can cause great organisational problems for smaller companies. We have done everything to help the users overcome these problems with a minimum of effort”, Milne continues.
IN THE IMAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Jose Snijders (LetsGoDigital), Mark Goldstein (PhotographyBLOG), Dennis Hissink LetsGoDigital), Mark Peters (LetsGoDigital), Kai Thon (DigIT)
DIWA Press Release 17/09/04
Pan-European PhotographyBLOG joins DIWA Awards, The Digital Imaging Websites Association
DIWA Awards is a fast-growing association of expert websites specialised in digital imaging technologies and product reviews. Today, the group is proud to announce its 12th member website: www.photographyblog.com, a pan-European site, presently located in London and Paris.
PhotographyBLOG was started in January 2003 by UK photographer Mark Goldstein and has quickly grown to become one of the premier sources of photography news on the Internet. The main purpose of PhotographyBLOG is to report all the photography news, as it happens. Reviews are also a fundamental part of the site, with detailed reports on digital and film cameras, printers, software and other photography products. PhotographyBLOG has a very popular photo Gallery, Forum, User Reviews database and Portfolios section, as well as running regular photo competitions and prize giveaways. From being a small personal weblog about photography, PhotographyBLOG is now a vibrant community with a large amount of subscribers.
Mark says: “The speed of the Internet never stops to amaze me. Only 18 months after its modest beginning, I’m proud to learn that my site is invited to join the prestigious DIWA organisation. My introduction to the unique DIWA testing procedure confirms its reputation of being the most comprehensive and rigorous of its kind”.
Although PhotographyBLOG originated as a news website, it is now increasingly focusing on product reviews and tests. Joining an international organisation like DIWA is indeed an inspiration for Mark and his team, as they now establish themselves in Paris.
Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04
Nikon is pleased to introduce the Coolpix 8800. The 8-megapixel Coolpix 8800 carries a high-powered 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a Vibration Reduction (VR) System - a first for the Coolpix range.
The Coolpix 8800 is designed for serious photographers who aspire to take the highest quality images. With its 10x zoom, it also targets those who require higher zoom power and those who benefit from its fully loaded yet completely portable design. The extremely versatile Coolpix 8800 meets their requirements, as well as demands from those who want state of the art image quality and even greater ease of use. And for those who want to expand their options, the Coolpix 8800 offers a range of lens converters,speedlights and other accessories.
The Coolpix 8800 carries 8.0 effective megapixels for ultra high-definition photography. Your image clarity is ensured because of the professional quality, 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. With its 35-350mm focal range (35mm equivalent), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce amazingly sharp and clear images.
The lens of the Coolpix 8800 incorporates the Vibration Reduction System - a first for the Coolpix range. VR automatically detects and compensates for the small camera movements that cause image blur. This offers the user the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower without the risk of camera vibrations blurring your image. Along with Normal Mode, which enables remarkably clear handheld shots, Active Mode helps to ensure a smoother view in shaky conditions, such as shooting from a moving vehicle. Thanks to VR, users can achieve sharp and clear images when shooting in low light or when taking handheld telephoto and macro shots. It even works with the accessory telephoto converter lens at 600mm (35mm equivalent).
Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04
New 8.0 million pixel Coolpix 8400 with exceptional wide-angle 24-85mm zoom
Nikon are pleased to announce the introduction of the Coolpix 8400, a high-quality compact digital camera combining 8.0 effective megapixel performance, versatile 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom capability, fast AF and a host of other features.
With a 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range the Coolpix 8400 offers exceptional wide-angle zoom capability and macro shooting from as close as 3cm (1.2 inches). Packing an impressive 8.0 megapixels, the Coolpix 8400 has the ability to produce images with amazingly high resolution. Furthermore, printing can be carried out without the need for a PC as the camera offers the direct print convenience of PictBridge. The Coolpix 8400 is also a ?system? camera, offering a variety of optional lens converters and other accessories.
Fast autofocus makes it easy to capture unexpected moments and the lightweight, high-strength magnesium body enables simple handling in all situations. The addition of a 134,000-dot Vari-Angle TFT LCD monitor makes it easy to compose shots from above the head, from the waist or other imaginative angles. The Coolpix 8400 is both simple to hold and visually attractive due to its Nikon D-SLR-consistent design created by industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Nikon Press Release 13/09/04
New Protocol “PTP/IP” for Image Data Transfer from a Digital Camera via wireless LAN—Nikon’s joint development with FotoNation, to be supported by Microsoft Corporation
Tokyo - Nikon Corporation (COO: Teruo Shimamura) is pleased to announce the implementation of PTP/IP (Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol) - developed by FotoNation Inc. - as a new computer interface for more convenient image data transfer from digital cameras. Based on the current ubiquitous PTP technology (ISO 15740), which up until now has been limited to the USB transmission, it enables communication between a digital camera and a PC via wireless LAN.
By implementing PTP/IP in coming products, Nikon is pioneering the way in wireless digital camera connectivity. Nikon is collaborating with FotoNation and Microsoft Corporation on commercialization and enhancement of this technology, whose further refinements for professional use will be released soon. The technology will be also applied to products for general consumers in the near future.
The 32nd PhotographyBLOG Portfolio has been submitted by Scott Kho.
“I’m Scott Kho, an 18-yr old college student currently completing my degree in Communications. I started to take an interest in photography at an early age. However, I only began to take photography seriously a few months ago.
I have a penchant for vibrant colors and for photographs that sort of jump at its viewers. I like photography because it enables me to express myself creatively.
These are photographs I took while completing a college project—writing articles about locations, peoples, events. In order to get the feel of the assigned location, I took photographs of people doing their everyday tasks—accomplishing their daily routines. The photographs were taken using a Sony digital camera.”
Website: http://scottkho.fotopic.net
Website: Portfolios: Scott Kho
The Polish website Fotopolis have just reviewed the Sony DSC-W12, which is exactly the same camera as the DSC-W1, but it has a Special Edition black body, black leather case and is supplied with 4 x NiMH batteries.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the Sony DSC-P120, a Special Edition black body version of the DSC-P100 digital camera, with a black leather case and 2 InfoLITHIUM batteries supplied. Available now in the UK for £379.00.
Website: e-fotografija - Sony DSC-P120 Review
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a review of the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm lens (equivalent to 100-400mm on a 35mm camera). There is a varied selection of sample photos that really show what this E-System lens is capable of in conjunction with the Olympus E-1 DSLR.
Website: e-fotografija - Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm Lens Review
Now that the new Canon DSLR, compact digicams, flash, lenses, film SLR and film compact (phew!) have been officially announced, the usual flood of previews, reviews and first looks has started. You may wonder exactly how someone can review a camera that was only announced late last night - well, in the case of DCResource, they have known all about Canon’s announcements for the last few months.
So here, in alphabetical order, is a list of the websites and their articles about the new kit:
DCResource
Canon EOS 20D - Preview
Canon EOS 20D - Sample Images
Canon Powershot G6 - Review
Digit.no
Canon EOS 20D - Preview and Sample Images
DPReview
Canon EOS 20D - Preview and Sample Images
Canon Powershot G6 - Preview
e-Fotografija
Canon EOS 20D - Beta Test
Canon Powershot A95 - Review
Canon Powershot A400 - Review
Imaging Resource
Canon EOS 20D - First Look
Canon EOS 20D - Sample Images
Index Digicam
Canon EOS 20D - Preview
Canon Powershot G6 - Preview
Canon Powershot S70 - Preview
Canon Powershot A95 - Preview and Image Samples
Canon Powershot A400 - Preview and Image Samples
Luminous Landscape
Canon EOS 20D - Review Part 1
Canon EOS 20D - Review Part 2 (including sample images)
Photo.net
Canon EOS 20D - Preview
Rob Galbraith
Canon EOS 20D - Review
Steves Digicams
Canon EOS 20D - First Look
Canon Powershot G6 - First Look
Canon Powershot A95 - Review
Canon Powershot A85 - Review
Canon Powershot A400 - Review
Torontopics
Canon Powershot G6 - Links
If you spot anything else of interest around the web, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have tested the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera in conjunction with the 0.7x wide-angle convertor, at a Formula One race of all places!
Website: e-FotoGrafija - Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom and Wide-Angle Convertor Review
Fotoware Press Release 04/07/04
Take Full Control Of Your Digital Assets With FotoStation Pro.
Fotoware is Europe’s leading supplier of digital asset management software. Anyone working professionally with images and other digital media will agree that a powerful archive and retrieval system is essential.
FotoStation Pro has been designed for people who work professionally with digital assets. It puts you in command whether you work alone or in a large organization and whether you have just started building your archive or need a fast, powerful solution to organize your existing one. FotoStation Pro offers powerful group collaboration tools and adapts perfectly to even the most complex workflow requirements.
The Polish website FotoPolis have posted their review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1, a rangefinder-like digital camera which is exactly the same as the more expensive Leica Digilux 2 in terms of camera design.
e-FotoGrafija have reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera.
”...the capabilities of this camera are great if we look even outside the photographic world. Lots of pixels (five million) enables us printing on larger formats and crops. 8x digital zoom make it possible to really reach far subjects. Internal memory of 32MB is a great solution for a small back up. The lens is ok and comparable with it’s competitors. It is true that it does not offer true wide angle and that maximum aperture at tele end is only f4.8. But this camera still is very user-friendly and easy to deal with.”
DIWA Press Release 11/06/04
FotoAparat, the leading digital imaging website for Czech and Slovak languages, becomes the 11th member of the DIWA organisation.
DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), the fast-growing association of expert Web-based publications specialising in digital imaging product reviews, has signed up its eleventh member publication: www.fotoaparat.cz, the top digital photography editorial site for Czech and Slovak languages.
Fotoaparat means “camera” in Czech and Slovak. The site was founded in 1999 by Andrej and Helena Macenauer and is now the leading website of its kind in the region. The mission of FotoAparat is to share their photographic expertise with the readers, helping them to develop and improve their photographic talents. FotoAparat provides all the information photographers need: detailed tests and reviews of cameras, printers, scanners and software, an interactive database of photographic products, as well as over 350 unique articles about photography, techniques and equipment. Users learn from each other to improve their photographic skills in the impressive interactive gallery.
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have reviewed the Canon Powershot S1 IS digital camera, which offers 10x image stablised zoom, 3 megapixels and high-quality 640 x 480 video at 30 frames/second with sound.
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have reviewed Canon’s new EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM telephoto zoom lens, which measures less than 10cm long and includes Canon’s Image Stabilisation technology to reduce camera shake.
SanDisk Corporation Press Release 24/05/04
SanDisk Introduces World’s First 6-in-1 PC Card Adapter; Easy Solution to Transfer Images, Music and Data from Flash Memory
NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 24, 2004—SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today introduced the world’s first 6-in-1 PC Card Adapter, giving notebook computer users the largest number of card formats for moving files to and from flash memory devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and mobile phones. The announcement was made at the Digital Experience media conference in New York.
The new adapter offers easy, plug-and-play compatibility with no software needed, and works with six different memory card formats: SD, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD-Picture Card, and SmartMedia. To read a card, users simply insert it into the adapter, and then slide the adapter into any computer with a PC Card slot. In this mode, the adapter works like a removable hard drive.
The Czech website FotoAparat.cz have recently reviewed Noise Ninja from PictureCode Software. This software package claims to effectively remove noise from digital camera and scanned images.
Website: FotoAparat.cz - Noise Ninja Review
Website: Noise Ninja
FotoTime Press Release
FOTOTIME ANNOUNCES FOTOALBUM PRO 4.1 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY SHARING AND MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
FotoAlbum Pro 4.1 new features including archiving, importing and exporting, Video FotoShows and EXIF updating
FotoTime, an online photo service specializing in sharing and organizing digital images, today announced the availability of FotoAlbum Pro 4.1. FotoAlbum Pro meets the needs of both casual users and photography enthusiasts alike by offering all the tools needed to organize and share digital pictures. FotoAlbum Pro 4.1 has many new features including archiving, importing and exporting, Video FotoShows, and EXIF updating. FotoAlbum Pro 4.1 is available at www.fototime.com.
“We have added many new and exciting features to FotoAlbum Pro,” said FotoTime Vice President of Marketing and Technology, Jeff Kelling. “A major need for our users is to ensure that their digital pictures are secure. That is why we added archiving to FotoAlbum Pro. FotoAlbum easily archives pictures to a CD/DVD along with album information, captions, keywords and other data.”
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have reviewed the ultra-thin 3 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Xg, another digital camera that was first announced at PMA 2004 in February.
DIWA Press Release 16/04/04
DIWA WELCOMES GERMANY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL DIGITAL CAMERA REVIEW SITE AS ITS 10TH MEMBER
Friday, 16th April 2004: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), the fast-growing association of expert Web-based publications specialising in digital imaging product reviews, has signed up its tenth member publication: digitalkamera.de, the top German language digital photography editorial site.
Digitalkamera.de, based in the historic port city of L?beck in northern Germany, joins DIWA members covering most of Europe as well as the USA. In addition to highly detailed digital camera tests, digitalkamera.de offers its impressive 1.25 million visitors per month a comprehensive camera reference database, news, advice, articles on software and also book recommendations.
The Slovenian website e-FotoGrafija have posted a review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera, an updated version of the popular Olympus CAMEDIA C-5050 model, with a wider-angle lens that is equivalent to a 27-110mm lens on a 35mm camera.
The Czech website FotoAparat.cz have recently reviewed the 6 megapixel Canon EOS 300D digital SLR camera.
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published their review today of the new 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8700 digital camera.
SanDisk Corporation Press Release 18/03/04
Baltic, Balkan Countries Are Moving to Digital Cameras and Multimedia Cell Phones
HANNOVER, GERMANY, March 18, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced that it has started selling flash memory cards and related products in eight Baltic and Balkan nations. These countries represent nearly 35 million people and range from highly-developed to newly-emerging digital electronics markets. The announcement was made at CeBIT 2004 trade show where SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 1, Stand 3D 2 and Stand 2A14.
SanDisk products are now available, or will be in early Q-2, in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which border the Baltic Sea, and in the Balkan Peninsula countries of Bulgaria, Slovenia and the joint republic of Serbia/Montenegro. Throughout the region there is growing demand for digital cameras and an expected demand for the new generation of multi-functional cellular phones that will have slots for removable flash memory cards, according to SanDisk?s new distributors.
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija has just reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Pentax Optio 30, which is a simple digital camera aimed at photography beginners.
The Polish website Fotopolis have posted a review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 Wide Zoom camera, an updated version of the popular Olympus CAMEDIA C-5050 model, with a wider-angle lens that is equivalent to a 27-110mm lens on a 35mm camera.
In an attenpt to catch up with all of the latest reviews that have been posted on various websites during the last week, here in no particular order is a handy list…
Steves Digicams
Olympus D-565 Zoom
Gateway DC-T50
Popular Photography Magazine
Nikon D2H
HP Photosmart 7960 Printer
Photoxels
Kodak Easyshare DX6490
Photoworld.de (German)
Canon PowerShot A80
Photographic Magazine
Minolta DiMAGE A1
Pentax *ist D
Index Digicam (Hungarian)
Panasonic SV-AS10
Nikon Coolpix 3700
ePhotoZine
Apacer Disc Steno CP-200
e-Fotografija (Slovenian)
Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom
Canon PowerShot s1
Fujifilm S7000
DPReview
Canon EOS 300D
Digital Photography Now
Olympus Camedia C-8080 Wide Zoom
Digital Outback Photo
Nikon Coolpix 8700
Digital Camera Resource
Canon PowerShot S410 / S500 Digital ELPH
Pentax Press Release 02/02/04
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: LATEST PENTAX DIGITAL CAMERA JUST THE FIT FOR NEWCOMERS
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004)...Feeling a little daunted by digital? Help is on the way inside the new PENTAX Optio30 digital camera. This latest PENTAX camera is designed for newcomers with little or no digital photography experience making it a perfect answer for a growing demand for quality, easy-to-use digital.
In addition to 3.2 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom, and the signature, compact dimensions of the PENTAX digital brand, the Optio30 sports a simple, but revolutionary, menu prompt that provides helpful, tutorial messages about frequently used digital camera functions. With a simple touch, this feature will guide new, and old, hands through the camera?s array of digital features. Expertise is the last thing you need to go digital with PENTAX—just turn on the Optio30 and shoot!
The PENTAX Optio30 makes digital easy and fun! Equipped with PictBridge, a new direct-print standard released by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the Optio30 connects directly to your printer so you may print images without a personal computer! You also may record a favorite shot on the start-up screen and select customized wallpaper choices for the menu screen on the ample 1.6 inch LCD monitor. In addition to a variety of conventional picture modes (Landscape, Nightscene, Nightscene Portrait, Portrait, Surf and Snow, Flower), the innovative Optio30 virtual mode dial features new lifestyle-oriented modes including Pet, Party, and Food.
Pentax Press Release 02/02/04
PENTAX PACKS BIG MONITOR ON A LITTLE DIGITAL: NEW OPTIO S4i CAMERA BOASTS FIRST PENTAX CRADLE CHARGE
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004) PENTAX USA packs a hefty 1.8 inch LCD monitor for larger viewing and focusing on the tiny, new Optio S4i digital camera. With 4.0 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, this latest Optio digital camera also features the first PENTAX digital cradle-style lithium ion recharge base unit. The rechargeable unit design makes it so easy to recharge the Optio S4i. Simply set the camera in the recharge base until it ready to use again.
Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off lens, the Optio S4i is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. With the optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S4i, everywhere may well include the exciting world of underwater digital photography! For optimal results, the Optio S4i now features both Marine Picture and Marine Movie modes to capture drama of blue underwater hues.
Pentax Press Release 02/02/04
NEW PENTAX OPTIO S40 CAMERA PAVES THE WAY FOR DIGITAL NEWCOMERS
GOLDEN, Colorado (February 2, 2004) Will 2004 be the year you go digital? The new PENTAX Optio S40 is a 4 megapixel, 3X zoom digital camera that is loaded with the features to help you on your way! Sporting a sleek aluminum design and the signature, compact dimensions of the PENTAX Optio digital brand, the Optio S40 features an exciting, new “help” function. Offering simple-to-understand explanations in a regular or enlarged font for easier viewing, the “help” function guides new, and old hands, through the camera?s array of digital features with a simple touch.
The PENTAX Optio S40 makes digital easy and fun! The buttons and controls of the Optio S40 are placed in easy reach for ready-to-shoot positioning. The shutter release button and all the manual buttons are enlarged for easy manipulation. Featuring the legendary smc PENTAX lens and the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to retract fully when the camera is off lens, the Optio S40 is sleek and compact enough to carry everywhere. Plus, with the optional, acrylic waterproof housing that is newly-designed for the Optio S40, everywhere may include the exciting world of underwater digital photography!
As usual with the release of a major new camera, several websites have already got their sticky little fingers on pre-production units and have provided First Look reports for you. Even more impressively, the Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published a number of sample images from the new EOS 1D MKII. And the camera was only announced this morning!
So without further ado, here are some handy links for you to follow…
UPDATE 11:43 - Canon have asked e-Fotografija/DP-Now to remove the sample images… :-)
Website: Canon Japan - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Product Page
Website: e-Fotografija - Canon EOS 1D Mark II First Impressions (in English)
Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview
Website: Dphoto.us - Stephen Eastwood’s Hands On Impressions
Website: Rob Galbraith - Canon EOS 1D Mark II Preview Report
Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04
Nikon has announced the new software application entitled “Picture Project”, which is based on information gathered during a worldwide study into customer expectations and requirements.
Everything in ten minutes
Picture Project has been designed so that users will feel totally at ease with the software in under ten minutes. It addresses the core need to organise, edit and use the many images that digital camera owners create, presenting them in a series of easy to access Collections that free the user from the need to understand a computer hard disk.
Picture Project includes a number of useful functions to enhance digital images that rely on the proprietary image-processing knowledge of Nikon specialists, presented in easy-to-understand tools such as “colour boost” and “auto enhance”.
Future Expandability
Picture Project can be enhanced by the purchase of third-party plug-in software, which add darkroom and optical filter effects as well as image enhancements that are only possible by digital manipulation.
The first filters to be available have been created by Nik Multimedia and follow on from their acclaimed set of digital filters for Adobe Photoshop. Nikon UK already offers a limited set of Nik Multimedia filters as a free-of-charge bonus to customers who register their products for the Fotoshare service.
Portfolio
With the announcement of Picture Project, Nikon has signalled an intention to expand its’ software portfolio, delivering a compelling mix of value-enhancing complimentary software with every Nikon digital product supported by a catalogue of higher-function products.
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Sony DSC-V1 compact digital camera, which features 5 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, flexible exposure control and an infrared laser hologram.
Website: e-Fotografija - Sony DSC V1 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have reviewed the Fuji FinePix F700. Fuji claims the the F700 sensor improves image quality by widening the dynamic range, rather than just increasing the number of pixels. This should mean more detail in the shadow and highlight areas of an image than Fuji cameras have previously captured.
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have published a comprehensive review of the 4 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE G400 digital camera, which is actually exactly the same model as the Konica KD-420Z.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija has published a very interesting article looking at the optional wide-angle lens adapter and battery grip accessories for the recently announced Olympus Camedia C-5060 Wide Zoom. With the adapter fitted, the C-5060 has a an angle of view equivalent to 18.9mm on a 35mm camera. e-fotografija have several pictures of the camera with the accessories fitted and lots of photos taken with the wide-angle lens adapter.
Website: e-fotografija - Olympus Camedia C-5060 Wide Zoom
Website: Slovenian Translator
FotoInside Press Release 18/12/03
CAMBRIDGE, England, December 18 /PRNewswire/—- FotoInside is celebrating Milestone with special offers
The market for real photo paper prints from individual digital image files uploaded over the internet is exploding. FotoInside Limited of Cambridge (www.fotoinside.co.uk) is preparing to celebrate with its providing photo lab current year’s 50 millionth photo print from files uploaded online and delivered within Europe. FotoInside expects this milestone to be taken in December. The European market for sublimation print from digital image files has grown by 353.2% in 2003.
FotoInside’s online photo processing serves a growing number of digital camera users, because desktop printing is expensive, frustrating, time consuming, disappointing and never quite as rewarding as the sound of professionally processed prints being posted through your letterbox.
Processing digital photos from the comfort of your home with guaranteed lasting colours starts from 10p ordering 25 prints or more visiting www.fotoinside.co.uk.
To celebrate the 50m online photo prints FotoInside has secured a special offer for ashampoo’s brand new Photo Illuminator v2. When registering for the http://www.fotoinside.co.uk/illuminator/ (January 2003) promotion readers get a voucher for 5 free prints (reduced postage at GBP0.95) and a GBP20 discount on “Illuminator”. Offer lasts until the end of March.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted yet more sample images from a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. There are 25 new shots for you to look at, although this time they have been resized for the web and aren’t available as full-sized originals.
Website: e-fotografija - More Sony DSC-F828 ISO Samples
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a number of images taken with a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera, showing the different ISO ratings that the camera offers (64, 100, 200, 400 and 800). Essential viewing if you’re even vaguely interested in this camera.
Website: e-fotografija - Sony DSC-F828 ISO Samples
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija seem to have got hold of a Sony DSC F-828. I’m not sure if this is a pre-production or full-production model, but they have published some sample shots and pictures of the camera itself.
Website: e-fotografija - Sony DSC F-828 Images
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a review of the Panasonic DMC-F1 compact digital camera, which has a 3x Optical Zoom, 3 megapixel CCD, 4 frames per second burst shooting, Quick Time motion image recording and a 1.5 inch, 114,000 pixel LCD Monitor.
Website: e-fotografija - Panasonic DMC-F1 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The New FotoStation Pro for Microsoft Windows started shipping November 20th.
Read about all the new features, such as the new fully integrated Color Management, the workflow-oriented interface and the configurable ?Actions?.
“Take full control of your digital assets”
- The most powerful, yet easy to use DAM workstation available
- Fully integrated Color Management
- Intuitive, workflow-oriented interface
- Configurable ?Actions? for automation of time-consuming operations
- Advanced printer output with configurable templates
- Compatible with all major publishing software (QuarkXPress?, Adobe PageMaker?, Adobe InDesign?, Microsoft? Office)
FotoStation Pro has been designed for people who work professionally with digital assets. It puts you in command whether you work alone or in a large organization, and whether you have just started building an archive or need a fast, powerful solution to organize you existing one. FotoStation Pro offers powerful workgroup collaboration tools and adapts perfectly to even the most complex workflow requirements.
The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal have posted a review of the Nikon D100, which may be getting on a little now in digital camera terms but is still Nikon’s entry-level DSLR (for the time being anyway).
Website: e-FotoPortal - Nikon D100 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the 3.2 megapixel Minolta DiMAGE Z1. This digicam has a 10x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 38-380mm 35mm camera zoom, which in combination with the digital zoom offers a 40X zoom range.
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have published an article about the new Olympus E-1 DSLR. They seem to have tested the E-1 to the full, judging by all of the photographs of the camera sprayed with water! There are also some sample images taken with the FL-50 flash unit to look at.
Website: e-fotografija - Olympus E-1 Article
DIWA Press Release 08/11/03
IDENTIFYING DIGITAL IMAGING PRODUCT EXCELLENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Introducing: the Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a new and independent international organisation comprised of experienced, professional, online publications.
Identifying and rewarding product excellence
DIWA’s purpose is to identify excellence in digital imaging products, including cameras, photo printers, scanners, accessories and software. DIWA awards marks of excellence for selected products that have shown their superiority through rigorous, standardised, testing procedures. These awards are designed to give consumers complete confidence in making the best digital imaging choices for their needs.
Fundamental differences
Two fundamental differences mark DIWA from other awards organisations. Firstly, DIWA doesn’t restrict itself to a single annual meeting to choose award winners. Un-restrained by the traditional print medium, DIWA is a dynamic association that can keep up with the brisk pace of industry developments and issue timely awards throughout year. Secondly, DIWA awards are decided through a detailed and standardised testing process undertaken by each member website.
Once a year exclusive annual awards will also be made, celebrating the very best of the products to have won awards earlier in the preceding twelve months.
Rigorous standardised testing
Only products repeatedly tested by different DIWA members are eligible for awards. Multiple testing by different testers addresses issues of sample variability and isolated testing errors. DIWA awards are set to be the most trusted and authoritative independent awards in the industry, valued by manufacturers and consumers alike.
Members
DIWA commences with member sites in Norway (www.digit.no), Poland (www.fotopolis.pl), Spain (www.nuevafotografia.com), The Netherlands (www.letsgodigital.org), The United Kingdom (www.dp-now.com and www.photo-i.co.uk), and Turkey (www.diginorm.com). In its first year, DIWA aims to encompass all the main countries of Europe and also welcome members from other parts of the world.
The first official DIWA award will be revealed in the next few weeks, coinciding with the formal launch of the DIWA website. The DIWA home page is at http://www.diwa-awards.com
If you would like to contact us, please email [email protected]
The Slovenian website e-Fotografija has posted the first ever review of the Olympus CAMEDIA C-5060 camera. As usual there are a lot of sample images and product shots, so even if you’re not fluent in Slovenian, the page is still worth a visit.
Website: e-Fotografija - Olympus C-5060 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have reviewed the HP Photosmart 945 digital camera, which features a 5.3-megapixel total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x optical zoom). The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera is available now and has an estimated U.S. retail price of $549.
Website: e-fotografija - HP 945 Review
The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal have published the third part of their review of the Canon EOS 300D. e-FotoPortal is currently putting the 300D through its paces in a number of testing environments; this time they have tested the camera in a sudio environment.
The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal have published the second part of their extensive review of the Canon EOS 300D. e-FotoPortal is currently putting the 300D through its paces in a number of testing environments; this time they have tested the camera indoors in a nightclub!
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
“Pentax Press Release 25/09/03”
GOLDEN, Colorado (September 25, 2003)?PENTAX digital technology brings new meaning to the term ?all around? in the new Optio33LF digital camera. With an innovative LCD monitor that swivels 180 degrees horizontally and up to 270 degrees vertically, the Optio33LF features 3.2 effective megapixels and a 3X zoom lens. This latest PENTAX digital camera gives you the freedom to frame subjects exactly as you prefer, especially from high and low angles. In addition to the versatile monitor, the Optio33LF features an optical viewfinder.
The Optio33LF hosts a full range of features found on PENTAX digital cameras including a movie mode that records video, a variety of picture and shooting modes, 12 MB of internal memory, built-in auto flash, and a world time function that displays time in 62 cities worldwide.
Included with the Optio33LF is an ACDSee? software package that is designed exclusively for PENTAX digital cameras. Valued at $150, the package includes ACDSee? 5.0, FotoSlate?, FotoCanvas? and Photostitcher. ACDSee? digital camera software makes it easy to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos.
The Optio33LF completes the newest line-up of PENTAX digital for the 2003 holiday buying season, which includes three more innovative digital cameras and the first PENTAX digital SLR. Complete information on all the cameras is available at www.pentaxdigital.com.
e-fotografija have also reviewed the Kodak EasyShare CX6200, which is a 2 megapixel digital camera that costs around ?100 in the UK.
The people running the Slovenian digital photography website e-Fotografija must spend most of their waking hours testing cameras, as yesterday they published their review of the Fuji FinePix S5000. The S5000 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. Again e-Fotografija have posted quite a few sample images with 100% crops so that you can see the detail that the camera is recording.
Website: e-Fotografija - Fuji FinePix S5000
The Slovenian digital photography website e-Fotografija seems to have test samples of all the new digital cameras at the moment! They have just published a First Look at the Minolta DiMAGE A1, including some sample images using the new anti-shake function. Minolta claims that this new system “allows the camera to be handheld with exposures approximately eight times longer than usual. When using the camera at the telephoto setting, approximately 90% of the images recorded will be sharp with a shutter speed of 1/25s.”. e-Fotografija’s test images certainly seem to backup this claim.
Website: e-Fotografija - Minolta DiMAGE A1 Anti-Shake System
The Slovenian digital photography website e-Fotografija have recently reviewed the Canon EOS 300D, Pentax *ist D and the Olympus E-1 DSLRs. They are also testing those cameras with various lenses, which will be published in a few days time. Unfortunately everything is in Slovenian (naturally); they are currently looking for a slovenian-english translator to publish the site in English. Fortunately, there are a lot of sample images to look at from all 3 cameras.
Website: e-Fotografija
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.