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The OM-3 is a new mirrorless camera that combines a gorgeous retro design with the best specs that OM System have to offer. We take an in-depth look at what this new Micro Four Thirds camera is all about in our OM System OM-3 review...
Sony have just launched their new flagship mirrorless camera, the A1 II, a 50 megapixel, 8K video, 30fps burst shooting model that's designed to be the ultimate all-rounder. Is it a worthy replacement for the original Alpha 1 and can it challenge the likes of the Nikon Z8 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II? Find out by reading our Sony A1 II review so far, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Nikon Z6 III is a new enthusiast full-frame hybrid mirrorless camera with a revolutionary partially stacked sensor and an amazing electronic viewfinder. Is this the best all-round prosumer mirrorless camera on the market? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z6 II review, complete with full size sample photos and videos...
As the spiritual successor to the popular D850 DSLR, the new Z8 full-frame mirrorless camera could turn out to be one of the most important products that Nikon have ever released. Read our in-depth Nikon Z8 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos, to find out more about this mirrorless marvel...
The Nikon Z9 is a professional level, full-frame mirrorless camera for photographers and videographers that features a 45 megapixel stacked BSI sensor, 8K/30p and 4K/120p video recording, 30fps burst shooting and a dual-grip design. Read our in-depth Nikon Z9 review complete with full-size sample photos and videos to find out just what this flagship camera is capable of...
The Olympus PEN camera series is back with the launch of the beautiful new E-P7, but is it a case of style over substance? Read our detailed Olympus PEN E-P7 review complete with full-sized sample photos and videos to find out!
The Nikon Z7 II full-frame mirrorless camera is the 2020 update of the original Z7 model, principally improving the autofocusing, buffer and video and adding a second memory card slot. Are these changes enough for it to compete with its main rivals like the Sony A7R IV and the Canon EOS R5? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z7 II review, complete with full size sample photos and videos...
The Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera is an evolutionary upgrade of the original Z6, principally improving the autofocusing, buffer and video and adding a second memory card slot. Is this enough to compete with its main rivals? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z6 II review, complete with full size sample photos and videos...
The Canon EOS 850D is that rare thing - a new DSLR camera in 2020. In a world where mirrorless cameras rule (well, almost), can the Canon 850D still cut it? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 850D review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
The Z5 is Nikon's brand new entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, sitting below the mid-range Z6 and flagship Z7 models in the three-camera lineup, and above the APS-C sensor Z50. Designed to compete with the likes of the Canon EOS R, Sony A7 III and Panasonic Lumix S1, does the Z5 have what it takes to stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z5 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
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 Nikon D6 is the 2020 update of Nikon's flagship DSLR camera for professional sports, press and nature photographers. Is this the best DSLR that Nikon have ever made? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon D6 review, complete with full-size sample photos and videos.
Epson have just introduced the the 13-inch SureColor P700 and 17-inch SureColor P900 desktop photo printers.
The new SureColor P700 and SureColor P900 are the smallest professional 13 and 17-inch printers in their class, replacing the award-winning SureColor P600 and SureColor P800.
They use a new 10-channel MicroPiezo AMCTM printhead to increase productivity, with dedicated channels for both Photo and Matte Black ink types, and featuring new UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink with Violet to deliver an extremely wide color gamut.
The SureColor P700 (£679 / $799) and SureColor P900 (£1,087 / $1,295) will be available through Epson Authorized Resellers starting in May.
The Nikon D780 is a brand new full-frame DSLR camera that offers a lot of the same features found in the Z6/7 mirrorless range. The D780 has a 24.5 megapixel FX sensor and EXPEED 6 processor, 4K video recording, ISO range of 50-204,800, 12fps burst shooting, in-camera USB charging, and dual SD card memory slots. Read our in-depth Nikon D780 review now...
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is a brand new super-zoom bridge camera with a whopping 83x zoom lens, which provides a focal range of 24-2000mm! The Nikon P950 also offers 16 megapixels, 4K video recording, Raw file support, an improved 2.4-million-dot electronic viewfinder, a 3-inch 921K-dot vari-angle LCD screen and 7fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P950 review now, complete with full-size sample images and videos.
Designed to showcase exactly what Canon's full-frame mirrorless camera system is capable of, the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM is an amazingly fast, incredibly expensive, no-holds-barred portrait prime lens. Read our in-depth Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM review to find out if this ultra-fast lens can really be worth £2799 / $2699...
The new Nikon D780 is a new kind of DSLR for creators that retains the rugged reliability of the highly-revered D750, while inheriting features from the Nikon Z series, making it powerful and versatile to capture anything from fast-action sports to beautiful night skies.
Packed with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 6 processor, advanced autofocus capabilities, extensive video features and in-camera creative options, the D780 allows enthusiasts to explore their creative potential through photos and videos.
The new Nikon D780 DSLR is priced at £2,199 / $2,299.95 and will be available in late January 2020.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a fast telephoto prime lens for full-frame Nikon mirrorless cameras. Priced at £799 / $799, read our Nikon Z 85mm review to find out if it's the ultimate 85mm lens for Nikon shooters, complete with full-size sample images.
The Canon EOS 90D is that increasingly rare thing, a new DSLR camera. Aimed at sport and wildlife photographers, the Canon 90D uses a new 32 megapixel APS-C sensor and the latest generation DIGIC 8 processor. Read our in-depth Canon EOS 90D review to find out if a DSLR camera can still cut it in the mirrorless world of 2019...
The stylish, compact and lightweight Fujifilm X-A7 is the latest mirrorless camera to join the X-Series family. Ideal for photographers on the go, vloggers and content creators, the Fuji XA7 weighs just 320g, boasts a powerful APS-C CMOS sensor, 4K video and a large articulating screen.
Priced at £699, the Fuji XA7 will be available from late October and comes with an XC 15-45mm lens.
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a brand new tough compact that can now shoot 4K video, the first time for a Fuji XP camera. Its tough credentials have also been improved, making it waterproof to 25m, shockproof to 1.8m, freezeproof to -10°C and dustproof, all at the same sub-£$200 price-point. Is this the best tough camera for your summer holidays? Find out now by reading our Fujifilm FinePix XP140 review...
The Olympus TG-6 is a new flagship tough compact camera for 2019. New features for this year's model include a higher-resolution rear LCD screen, a new underwater mode, more versatile macro options, and high-speed recording modes for video. Read our Olympus TG6 review to find out if this is the right tough camera for you and your family...
The EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM is a significantly upgraded version of Canon's popular 70-200mm F4 lens for full-frame and APS-C sensor DSLR cameras. Read our in-depth Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM review to find out just what the new Mark II version has to offer, complete with full-size sample images...
The EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM is a refreshed version of Canon's extremely popular 70-200mm F2.8 lens for DSLR cameras. Read our in-depth Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM lens review to find out just what this update has to offer and if it still out-performs its rivals, complete with full-size sample images...
The Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 is a new entry-level DSLR aimed at people buying their first interchangeable lens camera. It improves on the previous EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 model principally by implementing 4K video recording, a better live view mode, more sophisticated auto-focusing, and longer battery life. Is this the best interchangeable lens camera for beginners? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 250D review...
Samsung have just launched 4 new Galaxy 10 smartphones - the Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10 5G.
Galaxy S10 is designed for those who want a premium smartphone with powerful performance and sets the stage for the next generation of mobile experiences. For consumers looking for a supercharged device, Galaxy S10+ takes every spec – from display, to camera, to performance – to the next level. Galaxy S10e is built for those who want all the premium essentials in a compact package, on a flat screen. Finally, Galaxy S10 5G is created for those who want more of everything and are ready for the fastest available speeds and the most powerful features.
The Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10e will be available in stores and online beginning 8th March 2019. Pricing starts at £799 for Galaxy S10, £899 for Galaxy S10+ and £669 for Galaxy S10e.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is the world's lightest 500mm full-frame camera lens. Nearly 40% shorter and over 50% lighter than the Nikkor 500mm f/4, the new Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR uses Phase Fresnel optical technology to help drastically reduce its overall size and weight, resulting in a 500m lens that remarkably is similar in size to a standard 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. Read our in-depth Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR review complete with full-size sample images now...
The Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera is the sensible little brother of the flagship Z7 model, offering less megapixels, fewer AF points and faster continuous shooting at a much lower price point. Is this the best balanced mirrorless camera on the market? Find out now by reading our in-depth Nikon Z6 review, complete with full size JPEGs, Raw files and movies...
With a stunning collection of lifeworks spanning more than seventy years, including his world-famous photo of Nelson Mandela looking through the bars of his former prison cell, Jürgen Schadeberg is the latest photographer to receive the Leica Hall of Fame Award.
The Martin Parr Foundation are launching a membership scheme to support the Foundation whilst simultaneously increasing access to, and building a community around the Foundation’s work. Three tiers of membership are available with benefits ranging from invitations to private views, priority booking for events, an exclusive signed print, and a portrait session with Martin Parr.
The Nikon D3500 is the latest entry-level DSLR camera aimed at smart-phone upgraders and beginner photographers. Improvements to the D3500 include an incredible 1,550-shot battery life, a redesigned body and control layout, and a lower price. Read our in-depth Nikon D3500 review with sample JPEG and Raw images, videos and more...
The Z7 is Nikon's first foray into the brave new world of full-frame mirrorless cameras, and what an entry it is. Boasting 45.7 megapixels, 4K video recording, built-in image stabilsation, a 3.6-million dot EVF and a 2.1-million dot tilting screen, can the exciting new Nikon Z7 give market-leader Sony a run for its money? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon Z7 review, complete with full size JPEGs, Raw files and movies...
DJI has appointed French aerial photographer and film director Yann Arthus-Bertrand as a DJI Master. For the first time ever, the legendary artist decided to deploy DJI drone and cinematic camera technology while shooting the film “Woman.”
To mark the launch of the DJI Pro brand, DJI is launching the series “DJI Masters – The Power of Visual Storytelling,” featuring three of the world’s most accomplished imaging pioneers, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Claudio Miranda, and Rodney Charters.
The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a new super-zoom bridge camera with an astonishing 125x zoom lens, providing an effective focal range of 24-3000mm! The Nikon P1000 also has a back illuminated 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD screen, electronic viewfinder, 4K Ultra HD movie recording, and RAW file support. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P1000 review now...
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W scanner is the world's fastest personal photo scanner, scanning photos as fast as one photo per second at 300dpi at up to 36 photos per batch.
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W scanner is now available through select major retailer stores nationwide and online at www.epson.com, priced at $599.99.
The Nikon Coolpix P1000 superzoom bridge camera features an incredible 125X optical zoom lens offering a focal range of 24-3000mm. Nikon also announced the new ML-L7 Bluetooth connected remote as another optional accessory available for the P1000.
The Nikon P1000 will have a suggested retail price of $999.95 / £999 / €1499.00 and will be available in September 2018.
The brand new Canon EOS 4000D (also known as the Digital Rebel T100 in North America) is the cheapest ever Canon DSLR camera, clearly designed to tempt smartphone users into buying their first interchangeable lens camera. But does it cut too many corners in order to hit such an aggressive price-point? Find out by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 4000D review.
The Canon EOS 2000D / Digital Rebel T7 is a new entry-level DSLR aimed squarely at new users looking to dip their toe into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Does the EOS 2000D offer a step-up in quality from a compact camera or smartphone, and can it take on and beat its main rival, the Nikon D3400? Find out by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 2000D / Digital Rebel T7 review...
The Panasonic Lumix TZ200 is an extremely well-appointed premium compact camera, offering a mouth-watering array of photographer friendly features and a versatile 15x zoom lens, all wrapped up in a body that you can easily slip inside your pocket. Is this the best compact camera on the market? Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix TZ200 review, complete with full-size sample images and movies, to find out...
The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones feature Super Slow-mo video, best-in-class low light camera and AR Emojis. Samsung’s Dual Aperture (F1.5 / F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear. Super Slow-mo records dynamic, slow-motion video that captures 960 frames per second. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available starting in March 16, 2018 in select markets and will be offered in Midnight Black, Titanium Gray, Coral Blue and a new hue, Lilac Purple.
Peak Design have teamed up with Leica and released the "Peak Design for Leica Backpack Capsule". This consists of a Backpack, Cuff and Leash from Peak Design with signature red stitching and a ‘red dot’. With limited availability of only 100 units, the Peak Design for Leica Backpack Capsule can be pre-ordered now for $299.
Affinity Photo is billed as professional photo editing software, but can it really take on and beat the market leader, Adobe Lightroom? Find out by reading our in-depth Affinity Photo review...
The new Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Kilimanjaro special edition camera comes with a built-in 38mm glass lens, advanced automatic exposure mode, closest focusing distance of 0.3m, and two additional lens attachments.
The Lomo'Instant Automat Glass Kilimanjaro comes with two additional lens attachments, and is available now in the Lomography Online Shop and Gallery Stores worldwide for 189 EUR.
The Nikon D850 is a brand new 45.7 megapixel full-frame BSI sensor DSLR camera with no optical low pass filter. The D850 also offers 4K video recording, a 3.2-inch tilting LCD touchscreen, 153-point AF system, an optical viewfinder with 0.75x magnification, 7fps burst shooting and 1,840 shot battery life. Read our in-depth Nikon D850 review to find out if this is the best all-round DSLR camera on the market...
The Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70/TZ90 by Alexander S. White is a new title from White Knight Press. A follow-up to the author’s earlier guides, the Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70/TZ90 explains all operations, features, menus, and controls of the camera in clear language, providing guidance not only about how to accomplish various tasks with the camera, but when and why to use certain features. The book includes a full discussion of the video recording abilities of the ZS70 camera, which offers manual control of exposure and focus during movie recording, and provides ultra-high definition 4K recording of motion pictures. It also explains the camera’s features for extracting still images from 4K video and using the Post Focus and Focus Stacking features to produce sharply focused images after a shooting session. The book is available for $9.99 in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats. The paperback version is available for $24.95.
The FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards 2018 competition is now open for entries. Open to all professional photographers who are registered and resident in a European country, the FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards offer nine main categories including Commercial, Fashion, Illustration/DigitalArt, Landscape, Portrait, Reportage/Photojournalism, Sports, Wildlife and Wedding. A special section is also open for European young photographers, assistants and photographic students up to 30 years of age. The submission deadline is 7th January 2018.
The new EOS 6D Mark II is Canon's latest 35mm full-frame DSLR camera. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the EOS 5D Mark IV, the EOS 6D Mark II features 26.2 megapixels, latest DIGIC 7 processor, 45 point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. Read our expert Canon EOS 6D Mark II review now...
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D is an ultra-wide-angle lens for 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras that promises close to zero distortion. Can it deliver on that bold promise? Read our expert Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D review to find out...
The new EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 is Canon's smallest and lightest DSLR camera. Aimed mainly at beginners, the EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 is also an attractive proposition for experienced photographers looking for a more compact body. Find out if it can satisfy both by reading our Canon EOS 200D / Rebel SL2 review...
The Nikon D7500 is a new prosumer DSLR camera, succeeding the D7200 model from 2013. Coming across like a mini D500, the weather-proof D7500 features a 20.9 megapixel DX image sensor, 51-point autofocusing system, wi-fi, bluetooth and NFC connectivity, 8fps burst shooting, a tilting touch-sensitive screen and 4K video recording. Read our Nikon D7500 review to find out if it's the right camera for you...
OmegaBrandess has announced the upcoming launch of a new remote shutter release cable for the GigaPan Epic Pro and GigaPan Epic Pro V (pictured) that will be compatible with newer generation Sony cameras using the Multi-Terminal connection. The 510-3501revA Cable will be available for $45, starting July 2017.
The new Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i DSLR camera is positioned between the cheaper EOS 1300D and more expensive EOS 77D, attempting to offer most of the same features as the 77D in a more beginner-friendly design. Find out if it succeeds by reading our expert Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i review...
The new Canon EOS 77D DSLR slots in between the cheaper EOS 800D and more expensive EOS 80D, attempting to blend together the best of both cameras. Find out if it succeeds by reading our expert Canon EOS 77D digital SLR review...
The Canon EOS M6 is a new compact system camera that offers 24.2 megapixels, 9fps continuous shooting, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, full HD 60p high-definition video with 5-axis in-body electronic image stabilisation, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the EOS M6 include a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, ISO range of 100-25600, and wi-fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. Read our in-depth Canon EOS M6 review now...
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.
The Irix 15mm f/2.4 is a super-wide-angle prime lens for Nikon, Pentax and Canon full-frame DSLR camera, offering a 115-degree angle of view. Designed in Switzerland and manufactured in Korea, is this manual focus lens from a brand new manufacturer worth a look? Read our expert Irix 15mm f/2.4 review to find out...
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.
The World Photography Organisation and Zeiss today announced the winner of the 2017 Zeiss Photography Award “Seeing Beyond”. Now in its second year, the theme of ZEISS Photography Award was ‘Meaningful Places’ which challenged professional photographers to look past the ordinary and everyday and submit a body of work that captured extraordinary aspects of the world we live in. The overall winner is Belgian photographer Kevin Faingnaert, recognised for “Føroyar”, a stunning photography series about life on remote and sparsely populated villages on the Faroe Islands. Faingnaert receives €12,000 worth of Zeiss lenses and €3,000 in travel expenses to complete a photography project.
At The Photography Show (18th-21st March 2017, Stand E81, NEC, Birmingham) Epson will be demonstrating a variety of its latest 17-64" Expression Premium and SureColor SC-P professional photo printers and the new SureColor P5000 17", 10-colour inkjet printer (pictured). In addition, visitors will see the 64" SC-P20000, the 10-colour 24" SC-P7000, and A3+ SC-P400, SC-P600, SC-P800 models. The 10-colour SC-P7000 with Light Black UltraChrome HDX ink configuration makes it ideally suited to high-end photographs who require the ultimate in print quality for both colour and monochrome reproduction. The A3+ SC-P400 pro-photo printer combines a lightweight and compact design with many features for creating professional-quality prints on a range of media. This printer uses a 7-colour UltraChrome HiGloss 2 ink-set with gloss optimiser to produce photos with vibrant colours and a uniform smooth gloss finish. Alternatively, the A3+ SC-P600 and A2+ SC-P800 feature a 9-colour UltraChrome HD and Vivid Magenta ink to reproduce a very wide colour gamut and deep, rich blacks and ultra-smooth tonal gradations. Visitors can also browse Epson’s range of photo and fine art roll and cut-sheet media and speak to Epson’s imaging experts throughout the show.
The winners of the 60th World Press Photo Contest have just been announced. This year, the competition drew entries from around the world: 5,034 photographers from 125 countries submitted 80,408 images. The jury gave prizes in eight categories to 45 photographers from 25 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, New Zealand, Turkey, UK, and USA. The overall winner is Burhan Özbilici, a staff photographer for The Associated Press. Özbilici’s picture – which also won first prize in the Spot News Stories category – shows how Mevlüt Mert Altıntaş, a 22-year-old off-duty police officer, assassinated the Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov at an art exhibition in Ankara, Turkey, on 19 December 2016. “It was a very very difficult decision, but in the end we felt that the picture of the Year was an explosive image that really spoke to the hatred of our times,” says Mary F. Calvert, a member of the jury. “Every time it came on the screen you almost had to move back because it’s such an explosive image and we really felt that it epitomizes the definition of what the World Press Photo of the Year is and means.” You can view the World Press Photo of the Year, as well as the category winners and runners-up, at the website below.
The World Photography Organisation today announced British documentary photographer Martin Parr as the recipient of its Outstanding Contribution to Photography title. Born in 1952 in Epsom, Surrey, Martin Parr was inspired to take up photography as a teenager by his grandfather. Black-and-white photography characterised his early work, and his move to the strong use of colour photography in the 1980’s, for which he has become synonymous, was prompted by photographers such as Stephan Shore, William Eggleston, Peter Fraser and Joel Meyerowitz. The photographer will collect his title at the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards ceremony held in London on Thursday, 20th April. To coincide with the awards, a specially curated exhibition of rarely seen black-and-white images from Martin Parr’s early career will be presented at Somerset House, London alongside some of his most talked about work, books and films. As part of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, Parr’s work will be on show for a limited run from April 21 - May 7, 2017.
MMD, a brand license partner for Philips Monitors, announced the BDM4037UW, a 40-inch Philips Brilliance 4K Ultra HD LCD monitor. This screen is the largest 4K curved computer monitor currently on the market and features a 10-bit panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and 178°/178° viewing angles. Connectivity options include a DisplayPort, four USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI connectors and a VGA port. The new Philips BDM4037UW display, with an RRP of £589, is available now.
The SureColor P5000 is a new professional 17-inch, 10-colour inkjet printer for photographers. Leveraging the advanced Epson PrecisionCore TFP printhead and UltraChome HDX ink set, the SureColor P5000 delivers outstanding output with an increased colour gamut gamut, higher-density blacks and twice the print permanence than the previous generation. The printer can support two different ink configurations. The SureColor P5000 Standard and Designer editions leverage Light Light Black ink for twice the overall print permanence, smooth and neutral tonal transitions and support of the Epson Advanced Black and White print mode. The Commercial Edition includes Violet ink, in place of Light Light Black, for an expanded colour gamut. The printer is available for $1.995 (both editions).
The winners of the 3rd International Landscape Photographer of the Year (ILPOTY) competition have been announced. From 2394 entries, the winner of the third International Landscape Photographer of the Year (based on a folio submission of at least 4 images) is Alex Noriega from the USA, while the winner of the third International Landscape Photograph of the Year (awarded for a single image) is a picture by Hougaard Malan, from South Africa (reprinted above), who also won the Waterfall Award. Runners-up include Kath Salier, Peter Poppe, Simone Cmoon and Eberhard Ehmke. The Black & White Award went to Guy Havell, the Dominant Sky category was won by Leonardo Papèra, the South America Award was given to Kalan Robb, while the Squarial (square aerial) Award was won by Ignacio Palacios.
The Nikon D5600 is a new 24 megapixel mid-range DSLR camera with Snapbridge connectivity. The compact D5600 also offers timelapse movies, a touchscreen interface, 1080/60/50p video recording, ISO range of 100-25,600, 5fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects, 3.2 inch tilting LCD screen, and a 39-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5600 review now...
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 camera features the World’s First 4K 60p/50p and 4K 30p 4:2:2 10- bit video recording function. The Panasonic GH5 is the latest flagship model of LUMIX G CSC cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. The new camera delivers a high-end, hybrid performance to photo enthusiasts and professional videographers looking to capture moments in 4K 60p / 50p video and 6K PHOTO.
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 will be available from March 2017 and will RRP at;
£1699 Body only
£1899 Body & 12-60mm Lens (M Kit)
£2199 Body & Leica 12-60mm Lens (L Kit)
Adobe Camera Raw 9.8 is now available through the update mechanism in Photoshop CC and the Creative Cloud application. This update adds support for the Canon EOS M5, Fujifilm XA3, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Hasselblad X1D, Leica TL, Nikon D5600, Olympus EM1 Mark II (preliminary), Olympus PEN EPL8, Panasonic LUMIX DMCFZ2500 (DMCFZ2000 and DMCFZH1), Pentax K70 (pictured), Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Sony Alpha a6500 (ILCE 6500), Sony Alpha a99 II (ILCA99M2) and Sony DSCRX100 Mark V cameras, and dozens of new camera-lens profiles. Creative Cloud users can select Help>Updates to use the update mechanism in the Creative Cloud app.
Canon UK have partnered with the Red Cross for the third year to run the British Red Cross Humanitarian Awards photography competition. The awards ceremony, held at the Palace of Westminster on 15th November, included an exhibition of shortlisted photographs on the theme ‘Making a difference matters’. The competition, open to anyone under the age of 26, invited young people to capture moments showing community or charitable work. Caitlyn Gallagher, 17, from Elgin in Scotland won the 17 and under category with her photo taken on her last day of volunteering at a school in Nepal (above). Azraa Muthy, 24 from Epsom in Surrey won the 17-25 category with a photo showing a Syrian refugee girl in Lebanon. Muthy was struck by the contrast between her own childhood photos, and the expressions and experiences of the children who had fled the conflict and face an uncertain future. The judges commented: “The child’s eyes drew us to this image. They really stand out against the surroundings. It’s an image you keep looking at and noticing new things like the mountains in the background. The composition is perfect.” The two winners each received a Canon EOS 700D plus a lens, to help them to continue to develop their passion for photography.
The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is an ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Sigma 18-200mm offers an effective focal range of 28-300mm and a minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches. Read our Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
The long-awaited Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR has now arrived, improving on its predecessor, the incredibly popular 5D Mark III, in almost every way. Does the new 5D Mark IV offer enough to justify the £3629 / $3499 asking price? Read our Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review to find out...
The Nikon D3400 is a brand new entry-level DSLR camera. Key improvements to this latest model include extended battery life, SnapBridge support, a new kit lens and a lower price. Read our detailed Nikon D3400 review, complete with sample JPEG and raw images, test shots, videos and more...
The Epson FastFoto FF-640 is the World’s fastest photo scanner to scan, restore, rrganize, and share printed photos. An innovative alternative to flatbed scanners and costly third-party scan services, FastFoto can scan photos as fast as one photo per second and easily restores faded photos to their original color to share with family and friends via the cloud and on social media. The Epson FastFoto FF-640 (MSRP $649.99) is now available.
Calumet have announced their second Student Photographer of the Year competition to celebrate World Photo Day, which takes place on 19th August. All UK students are invited to submit a single photo of their best work along with up to 20 words explaining their chosen image. People who join Calumet’s Student Membership can submit an additional two images to the competition, with the scheme costing £25 and members receive free gifts worth over £150. Images need to be no larger than 2MB. The overall winner will be presented with their award at Calumet’s ‘Encounter More Open Days’ taking place in October and November across the company’s eight stores. The closing day for entries is 14 October 2016.
Canon’s team of over 70technicians and support staff will be in Brazil for nearly a month to support professional photographers and broadcasters covering the Summer Olympics. “Canon is proud to offer professional photographers and broadcasters high quality image-making solutions that are thoughtfully designed and versatile so that they can capture sharp, clear, detailed images and video,” said Elizabeth Pratt, director, Professional Client Development and Support, Canon U.S.A. “Knowing that iconic images will be captured, seen and shared by people around the world really drives Canon to provide professionals with not only high quality equipment but the customer support they need to help ensure they never miss a beat if anything happens to their equipment.”
Epson have announced it is shipping the new family of SureColor P-Series printers – the 44-inch SureColor P10000 and 64-inch SureColor P20000. Successors to the renowned Epson Stylus Pro 11880, the new SureColor P-Series printers leverage an enhanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head, newly developed media feeding system, and reformulated Epson UltraChrom PRO nine-colour pigment inks. The Epson SC-P10000 and SC-P20000 are currently available for $6,995 and $11,995 respectively. For the North American market, a 320GB Internal Print Server is included ($399.95), and an optional Auto Take-up Reel ($1,999.95) is available to enable roll-to-roll production.
Photography Blog attended yesterday's global launch of the Hasselblad X1D at the Gothenburg Museum of Art. As one of the first people outside of Hasselblad to actually get their hands on the X1D, here are my initial thoughts...
The new Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera refines the innovative Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system of its predecessor whilst upgrading the processor, sensor, auto-focusing and metering systems. Read our in-depth Canon EOS 80D review to find out if it can still compete in 2016...
The Nikon D500 is the long-awaited successor to the popular D300 APS-C DSLR camera, which was launched way back in 2007. Can the D500 breathe new life into the flagship DX format for professionals? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon D500 review...
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a new A2 / 17-inch, 12-ink printer aimed primarily at photographers. Boasting the distinctive red line that's found on Canon's L-range of professional camera lenses, does the Canon PRO-1000 deliver similar quality? Find out now by reading our in-depth Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 review...
The EOS 1300D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T6 in North America) is Canon's new DSLR camera for beginners. The Canon 1300D / Rebel T6 offers built-in wi-fi connectivity, an 18 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 1080p movies, 63-zone metering, and a 9-point auto-focus system. Read the World's first Canon EOS 1300D / Rebel T6 review now...
The Nikon D5 is a brand new flagship DSLR camera for professionals. Aimed at sports, press and nature photographers, the 20 megapixel D5 builds on the success of the previous D4s camera with a wealth of improvements, including a new 20.8 megapixel sensor, 4K video recording, touch-screen control, and an expanded ISO range. Can the Nikon D5 justify its £5,199.99 / $6,499.95 price-tag? Find out by reading our in-depth Nikon D5 review...
The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a relatively lightweight and compact telephoto prime lens for sports and wildlife photographers. Read our in-depth Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM review complete with full-size sample images...
Blackmagic Design has announced that te Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K and the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera have commenced shipping and that the specifications of the two cameras have been changed. Due to problems with the cameras' global shutters, the company has decided to ship both of the cameras without the global shutter feature. The URSA Mini 4.6K is the high-dynamic-range model for high-end digital film work, featuring a DR of 15 stops and is now available for $4,995 for the EF-mount version and $5,495 for the PL edition. The Micro Cinema Camera has a built-in expansion port that provides access to many of the camera’s unique functions via radio model aircraft remote controls and other common remote control solutions.
Plustek will showcase their next-generation 35mm slide, negative and photo scanners at The Photography Show held at the NEC in Birmingham between 19-22 March 2016. Two brand new models are on display: the Plustek ePhoto Z300 – a consumer focused dedicated photo scanner – and the recently announced Optic Film 135, a motor-driven 35mm film scanner (pictured). Offering a maximum input resolution of 3,600ppi, the Plustek OpticFilm 135 comes with Plustek’s new QuickScan Plus utility which allows users to apply a variety of automatic image enhancement tools as well as preset filters and effects. Users can also upload images directly to Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and Picasa. With a special, separately sold film holder, the scanner is also capable of digitising panoramic images – up to 120mm across - shot on 35mm film. In the UK, the Plustek OpticFilm 135 is priced at £245 + VAT.
Issue 50 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light Online Magazine is now available. In this month's Behind the Lens article and accompanying video blog, David Noton continues his travelogue about his recent trip to Western Australia. Meanwhile, in the Low Down, the next instalment of David’s mini series on new inspirations considers the opportunities to be found in shooting textures, a subject he now feels may have far more potential than he had previously thought. For this month’s edition of The Pipe Line, Ben Piper embarks upon a weekend of shooting the diverse architecture of Berlin. Do note that the full contents of Chasing the Light Online Magazine is available to full f11 subscribers only. However non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.
Zoner Photo Studio 18 is an all-in-one photo editor, covering everything from downloading onto your computer to editing and sharing, all in one place. Can it compete with the likes of Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop Elements? Read our Zoner Photo Studio 18 review to find out.
Sony today introduced their newest action camera, the HDR-AS50. The new model has an 11.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a Zeiss Tessar lens, and features advanced SteadyShot image stabilisation which is especially effective against the kind of low-amplitude vibration that can occur when used with radio-controlled helicopters or drones. The new camera has implemented some changes based on customer feedback from athletes and other previous users and now comes with several new and improved user features. Adjustable and enhanced beep sounds as well as three tally lights on the top, front and back have been added to allow greater notice of camera conditions even when wearing a helmet and when mounted on handlebars or monopods. Divers and swimmers can now benefit from a supplied underwater housing, which allows footage to be captured down to 60m under water. Sony’s own in-built movie creator, Highlight Movie Maker now incorporates face detection and automatically assembles a highlight package which can be viewed and shared immediately. Sony’s new HDR-AS50 Action Cam will be available in February 2016.
The Epson SureColor SC-P400 is a brand new A3+ / 13-inch high-gloss photo printer. The 7-colour Epson SureColor SC-P400 printer uses Epson's latest UltraChrome HiGloss 2 pigment inks and features Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet connectivity. Read our expert review of the Epson SureColor SC-P400 now...
Eyefi has acquired OKDOTHIS, the mobile app that pioneered idea-sharing for photographers with its unique way of inspiring photographers to stretch their creativity. The app is designed to get photography out of the rut of taking the same picture over and over again by providing a “DO” - a specific idea of what subjects to shoot and what mood, topic, theme or attribute to highlight. OKDOTHIS encourages photographers to ‘stretch’ beyond their standard shooting styles. Photographers can simply browse, select a DO, and use their phone to take and post the photo on the spot. With the Eyefi Cloud integrated with the OKDOTHIS mobile app, photographers can now use photos from their digital camera (with a Mobi WiFi SD card) or their WiFi camera to submit a photo for one of the challenges. The terms of the Eyefi-OKDOTHIS transaction were not disclosed.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a versatile telephoto zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Offering a bigger zoom ratio and much cheaper price than comparable lenses from Nikon and Canon, is this third-party lens worth considering? Read our Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary review to find out...
Replichrome III: Archive is a new film emulation plugin for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw. Replichrome III: Archive is a collection of 22 rare films sourced from across the world, with the ability to tweak the key characteristics of each one. Read our Replichrome III: Archive review now...
This October, Triggertrap are calling on photographers from around the world to create time-lapse movies featuring the cities they love. The clips will then be combined to create a powerful crowdsourced time-lapse film. From famous monuments to bustling crowds to office blocks, Triggertrap wants photographers to capture the local views that matter to them, and paint an honest picture of the photographer’s environment. The events will take place in London, Cape Town, New York City, San Francisco, and Milan, kicking off with this year’s LapseLondon event on 11 October 2015. The events will all be free to attend. The finished timelapse films and documentary of the events will be available online in November via Triggertrap’s Vimeo page and website.
Epson have unveiled their wireless PictureMate PM-400 Personal Photo Lab delivering borderless 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" photos that are smudge, scratch, water, and fade resistant, and last up to 200 years. Featuring a 2.7-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use button formatting for intuitive set up and navigation – all without a PC – the "personal photo lab" offers a range of photo editing and custom printing options including Auto Photo Correction, removing red eye, printing classic borders or borderless, as well as the ability to print in black-and-white, color or sepia. The PictureMate PM-400 is now available for $249.99.
Epson today announced the 24-inch SureColor P6000 and P7000, plus the 44-inch SureColor P8000 and P9000 printers. The SC-P7000 and SC-P9000 are available in a Commercial Edition featuring an all-new Violet ink for expanded color gamut delivering output matching 99-percent of the PANTONE FORMULA GUIDE Solid Coated. In addition, the printers are configurable with an optional Epson SpectroProofer UVS in-line spectrophotometer designed to provide automated colour management and verification-related tasks for a range of proofing applications. The SC-P6000/P8000 leverage the eight-colour UltraChrome HD ink and the SC-P7000/P9000 use the 10-colour UltraChrome HDX ink. Both professional ink sets deliver improved black density: the new Black ink is 1.5 times denser than previous ink formulation, providing significant improvements to overall contract ratio and optical clarity, the company says. The Epson SureColor P-Series will be available in October 2015.
The Canon EOS 760D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T6s in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 24 megapixels, top panel LCD and rear panel control wheel, a 19-point autofocus system, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC pairing and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 760D / T6s include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's latest Digic 6 processor. Is the Canon EOS 760D / T6i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Digital Splash - a photography show hosted by Wilkinson Cameras – opens its doors at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston once again on Sunday, 11th October. The event itself is free to attend and there’s even plenty of free parking – doors open at 10am. Attendees will be able to listen to several presentations delivered by acclaimed photographers Jonathan Chritchley, Damien Lovegrove, Kerry Hendry, Adam Duckworth and Paul Rogers. Paul’s masterclass will include practical lighting demonstrations, highlighting his unique approach to this genre. This is a hands on workshop with the chance to shoot your own images – so guests are encouraged to bring along their cameras. Tickets for the seminars are £6, and £20 for the live phootshoots with Paul Rogers.
Under its new EcoTank brand, Epson have launched five all-in-one printers featuring large ink reservoirs that come loaded and ready for up to two years of prints without replacing the ink. The WorkForce Pro WF-R4640 EcoTank All-in-One ($1,199), the WorkForce ET-4500 EcoTank All-in-One ($429) and the WorkForce ET-4550 EcoTank All-in-One ($499) are targeted at small and medium enterprises, whereas the Expression ET-2550 EcoTank All-in-One ($399) and the Expression ET-2500 EcoTank All-in-One ($379) are aimed at home users. The ET-2550 (pictured) features a 1.44” colour LCD screen, PC-free photo printing with a built-in memory card slot and Wi-Fi Direct technology.
We've just received a final production version of the brand new Panasonic Lumix GX8 compact system camera, the first ever Micro Four Thirds model to use a 20 megapixel sensor, along with the 12-35mm f/2.8 lens. Before we bring you our full review, here is a gallery of sample JPEG and Raw images, including the extended ISO range from 100-25,600 so that you can see what the Panasonic Lumix GX8's new sensor is capable of.
The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* is a premium short-telephoto prime lens for Canon and Nikon 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras. The manual-focus Otus 85mm offers a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, 9 aperture blades, and superlative build quality. Read our Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* review now...
The Canon EOS 750D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T6i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 24 megapixels, 19-point autofocus system, Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC pairing and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 750D / T6i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's latest Digic 6 processor. Is the Canon EOS 750D / T6i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
The Sony Xperia Z3+ is a new Android phone with a 20.7-megapixel main camera and 25mm (eq.) f/2 lens. The camera module incorporates a 1/2.3-type sensor and offers 4K video capture, HDR exposure blending, as well as sensitivity settings up to ISO12,800. The 5-megapixel secondary camera also features a 25mm equivalent lens for group selfies. The waterproof and dust-tight (IP65/68) Sony Xperia Z3+ has a 5.2” Full HD smart adaptive display and runs on a 2930mAh battery. The phone will launch globally from June 2015.
The Nikon 1 J5 is the latest mid-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The Nikon J5 offers 20 megapixels, 20fps burst shooting with continuous autofocusing, 4K and Full HD 60p video capture, a tilting LCD touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J5 review now...
The Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is a new ultra-wide-angle lens for full-frame DSLR owners. Can it compete with similar lenses from Canon and Nikon? Read our in-depth Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD review to find out...
American photographer John Moore has been named as the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards’ L’Iris d’Or / Professional Photographer of the Year. The winning work “Ebola Crisis Overwhelms Liberian Capital” is a hard-hitting series of images that cut to the heart of this human tragedy. Talking at the awards Moore said: “I collect this award tonight in recognition of all the photographers working in difficult and dangerous places right now, and tomorrow. I am very grateful to the Liberians who allowed me to photograph them on their most difficult days. I will always be grateful.” The photographer was presented his award along with a $25,000 and the latest Sony digital imaging equipment at a gala ceremony held in London.
The Blackmagic URSA Mini is the World's lightest handheld Super 35 digital film camera with a 4K or 4.6K sensor. Key features include up to 15 stops of dynamic range, switchable global or rolling shutter, a large 5" fold-out monitor and dual raw and Apple ProRes recorders. The Blackmagic URSA Mini is available in 4 models, customers can choose either EF or PL lens mounts and 4K or 4.6K image sensors. Prices for the Blackmagic URSA Mini start at $2,995 for the 4K EF model.
Blackmagic Design has announced a new high-performance 4.6K sensor for its URSA high-end digital video cameras. The new Super 35 image sensor features high resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second and 15 stops of dynamic range for images that rival those shot on many traditional motion picture film stocks. That means customers can now use URSA to get the most epic cinematic shots with more detail in the shadows and highlights than ever before. Videos are recorded as 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG raw files to preserve the maximum amount of image data and quality. The Blackmagic URSA 4.6K will be available in limited volumes from June, and increasing to full supply in July and August.
The D7200 is a new prosumer DSLR camera from Nikon, succeeding the D7100 model from 2013. The weather-proof D7200 features a 24 megapixel DX image sensor, Multi-CAM 3500-II 51-point autofocusing system, wi-fi and NFC connectivity, 6fps burst shooting and a high-resolution 3.2 inch LCD screen. Read our detailed Nikon D7200 review to find out if it's the right DSLR camera for you...
The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM is a new professional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. Boasting an incredibly wide focal lenght of 11mm, the new Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM really does offer a unique view of the world. Read our in-depth Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM review, complete with full-size sample images.
Photographer’s Guide to the Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) by Alexander White is a new title from White Knight Press. Providing a complete guide to the use of this advanced compact camera, the 242-page book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to capture excellent images and video sequences with the D-Lux. Containing more than 350 colour photographs showing the camera’s controls, display screens, and menus; the book includes examples of photographs taken using the creative settings of the camera, including the Photo Style settings; the Filter button picture effects, and the movie recording mode. The book is available now for $9.99 in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats.
The International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) has named Heidi Levine as the winner of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. The foundation created the award to honour the courage and dedication of AP photographer Anja Niedringhaus, who was killed while reporting in Afghanistan in 2014. “The images captured by the award nominees represent a collective vantage point on some of this decade’s most dangerous conflicts,” IWMF Executive Director Elisa Lees Muñoz said. “Their work helps us better understand the world and inspires us to take action.” Levine is an American photojournalist who has made a career of working in conflict and post-conflict areas. She has covered the critical moments in the Middle East including the revolutions in Egypt, Libya and Syria, the plight of Iraqi refugees living in Jordan, Syria, and Sweden, and spent one month embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. The award will be presented to Levine at a ceremony in Berlin on 25th June.
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin will enjoy a sentimental reunion with a Hasselblad 500EL ‘moon camera’ next week on live UK television. Aldrin will be part of the BBC 2 Stargazing Live show with Brian Cox and Dara O Briain – and he will use the specially adapted 500EL Data Camera, complete with a 39 Mpix CCD digital back, to take pictures on location at Jodrell Bank and in the studio. The programme will also mention the $30 million Google Lunar X competition in which private teams must land a robot on the moon and send back HDTV ‘mooncasts’ – by the end of next year. The show will air on BBC 2 on Wednesday, 18th March.
The Photographers' Gallery has announced an upcoming exhibition by award-winning Hungarian photographer Tamás Dezső. This will be the first UK exhibition of Dezső's work following his much lauded presentation at Unseen, Amsterdam in 2014. Born in Budapest in 1978, he began his career as a photojournalist for various magazines and daily newspapers before deciding to focus on his own work examining Central and Eastern Europe at a time of major political transition. Starting in 2009 with Here, Anywhere in his native Hungary, Dezső turned his attention in 2011 to neighbouring Rumania where totalitarianism and forced industrialisation under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu took a more aggressive form. Avoiding a direct documentary approach, Dezső imbues his images with a heavy sense of atmosphere, making use of muted palettes and winter scenery to convey an unsettling stillness. Dilapidated factories symbolise the psychological and physical condition of former workers now yearning for the stability of previous times. Traditional costumes, particularly as seen in his photographs of Rumania, allude to the failure of successive governments in spreading new economic and social policies while also acting as sentimental reminders of a world quickly disappearing. The exhibition features thirteen works in total: three pieces from Here, Anywhere and ten from Notes for an Epilogue. Prices for the prints range from £1200 to £6500 + VAT with prints produced in varying dimensions.
MMD, the brand license partner for Philips Monitors, today added a new AH-IPS LED monitor to its line-up of Philips UltraWide displays. The 34" Philips BDM3470UP monitor offers a resolution of 3440x1440, an ultra-wide aspect ratio of 21:9, SmartUniformity, HDMI and MHL support as well as USB3, DisplayPort, DVI and VGA connectivity. The new Philips 34-inch BDM3470UP display is available now for a price of £749.
The Epson Perfection V19 is a compact flatebed photo and document scanner offers an affordable scanning solution with 4800dpi x 4800dpi resolution. The device's LED technology allows for fast scanning with no warm-up time, and the scanner’s built-in kickstand enables vertical placement for convenient upright scanning and storage. For added flexibility, the scanner features a removable lid to accommodate scanning for bulky photo albums and Epson Easy Photo Fix technology to restore colour to faded photos and remove dust.The Epson Perfection V19 ($69.99) is now available online at the website below.
UK landscape photographer Greg Whitton has emerged as the winner of the Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2014 contest. The news was announced at the Outdoor Photographer of the Year awards ceremony on Sunday 15th February at the Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show, London Excel. Greg’s photograph was taken during a six-day wild camping trip in Iceland with four other photographers. He says: ‘I took this picture on the last night of the trip. We hadn’t had a moment of really good light during the whole six days. When we reached the top of this particular peak there was thick cloud blocking the sun. My camera battery was running out and I didn’t have any spare in my pack, so I started to make the descent back to basecamp. After making my way about 50 metres down the mountain the clouds started to part slightly. The light only lasted a few minutes. I’ve got other photographs when the light became really epic, but for me this image, where the light is building, is more successful.’
The Nikon D5500 is a new 24 megapixel mid-range DSLR camera with a touchscreen interface. The smaller, lighter D5500 also offers 1080/60/50p video recording, ISO range of 100-25,600, 5fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects, 3.2 inch tilting LCD screen, and a 39-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5500 review now...
The Nikon Coolpix AW130 is a 16-megapixel waterproof (100ft / 30 m), shockproof (7ft / 2.1 m) and freezeproof (14F / -10C) camera with built-in NFC and Wi-Fi support. Boasting a 3-inch, 921k-dot OLED display, the Nikon AW130 also offers an integrated GPS module and a Nikkor branded 24-120mm (eq.) f/2.8-4.9 lens. The camera can even be remote-controlled over Wi-Fi, using a smartphone or tablet computer. The Coolpix AW130 will become available next month in Yellow, Blue and Black for a suggested retail price of $349.95.
The Nikon Coolpix S33 is a waterproof (33ft / 10m), shockproof (5ft / 1.5m) and freezeproof (14F / -10C) camera with a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. Other highlights include a 3x optical zoom lens, a dedicated movie record button and 1080p video recording. In addition, the Nikon S33 offers creative fun for the whole family, with 16 creative styles and effects options. The Coolpix S33 will be available in March 2015 in white and blue for a SRP of $149.95.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a new 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera that boasts the World’s most powerful 5-axis image stabilisation system to date. The improved IS promises blur-free photographs at shutter speeds up to 5 full stops slower than usual, and works with movies as well as stills. New OM-D Movie Mode offers multiple video frame rates and Full HD video at bit rates of up to 77 Mbps, and focusing during video capture is child's play via the 3-inch touch-sensitive, vari-angle LCD screen. A special advantage of Olympus’ ultra-precise 5-axis stabilisation system is the potential to capture extremely high-resolution still images that exceed the normal capacity of its sensor. By moving the imager between each shot and merging eight single exposures into one, the E-M5 Mark II delivers a 40-Megapixel photo whose resolution rivals that of the highest-resolution full-frame dSLRs. Other interesting new features include on-demand in-camera keystone compensation that allows for correcting converging verticals in Live View without the need for a shift lens or post-processing; and slightly redesigned controls that make it easier to operate the camera at high speed. Built-in WiFi means you can remote control the camwea from a smartphone, then share and geotag the images on social media using Olympus OI.Share. The latest addition to Olympus’ OM-D line-up goes on sale in late February 2015 and costs £899.99/$1,099.99 for the body only. UK and Ireland customers who order the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II before March 1st can benefit from a five-and-half year warranty worth £100 plus a messenger bag worth £130.
Now open for entries, the Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year competition is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography. Free to enter, the competition provides an opportunity for amateur and professional photographers of all ages to share images of environmental and social issues with international audiences, and to enhance our understanding of the causes, consequences and solutions to climate change and social inequality. The main prize is the prestigious Atkins CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year title, along with a cash prize of £5000. The deadline for entries is 7 April 2015 and photographers may submit up to 10 works.
Alex White has just published his latest camera guide book, the Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix LX100. The 248-page book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to capture excellent images and video sequences with the LX100. The book explains the camera’s controls for autofocus, manual focus, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, white balance, and ISO, as well as many other settings. In three appendices, the book provides information about accessories for the LX100, including cases, external flash units, and other items, and includes a list of web sites and other resources for further information. The Photographer’s Guide to the Panasonic Lumix LX100 is on sale for $9.99 in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats at the website below; with the paperback version being available for $29.95 through Amazon.
The Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a brand new standard zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Retailing for around £450/$600, is the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 worth upgrading to from a kit lens, and is it a worthy alternative to the venerable 24-105mm f/4 L version? Read our Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM review to find out...
The category winners in the latest Outdoor Photographer of the Year (OPOTY) have just been announced. Shaun Walby, from Leeds, scooped the prize in the At the Water’s Edge category with his exquisite capture of a misty morning on the river Wharfe (above). Greg Whitton from Solihull won the Light on the Land prize with his evocative photograph of a fleeting moment of stunning light illuminating Icelandic peaks. Craig Parry from Byron Bay in Australia picked up top prize in the Under Exposed category, for underwater images, with his wonderful half-submerged shot of a humpback whale swishing its giant fin through the blue waters of the South Pacific off the coast of Tonga. Stefan Gerrits from the Netherlands, triumphed in the Wildlife Insight category, Johannes Klapwijk won the Small World prize, while Sandi Bertoncelj captured the essence of what it feels like to be on a high mountain in adverse weather with his gritty black & white image of two ski tourers climbing a Slovenian peak, winning the Live the Adventure category. Ten-year-old Josiah Launstein, from Alberta, Canada, was crowned Young Outdoor Photographer of the Year for his image of bighorn sheep going head to head in battle.
Issue 36 of David Noton’s Chasing the Light Online Magazine is now available. In this month's Behind the Lens feature and Video Blog, David relates his adventures in the little known yet beautiful region of eastern France known as the Jura. In Stepping Back, he presents the first of our South American inspired articles in this edition, reminiscing on his productive shoot in the Atacama Desert in 2003. For The Low Down, David continues his new mini series on exposure, this time covering exposure modes – and he also presents his two usual Video Tutorials. In Hoddinott’s Hangout, Ross Hoddinott explores his long-terms relationship with the beautiful wilderness of Dartmoor National Park, providing readers with his top location and technique tips for capturing the moor’s majesty in winter. In The Storyteller, Chris Weston reviews the suitability of the Fuji X-T1 mirrorless camera for his style of wildlife photography. Do note that the full contents of the magazine is available to full f11 subscribers only. Non-members can purchase individual issues of the magazine at a price of £4.20.
The Sony FDR-X1000VR is a wearable action camera that can record 4K footage at 30/25/24fps, Full HD at 120/100fps and 720p HD video at up to 240fps. In an Action Cam first, the FDR-X1000VR can capture high-bitrate recordings at up to 100 megabits per second,provided you have a microSDXC UHS-I Class 3 memory card inserted.. Newly-enhanced advanced SteadyShot ensures footage is clear and stable –– great for aerial shots with Action Cam rigged on a drone. The high-quality stereo microphone now features new Wind Noise Reduction. With the free Action Cam Movie Creator application, you can overlay GPS data to see your exact route and use the Video Merge function to simply bring together the best of your videos. You can also add favourite music to the edited video. Built-in Wi-Fi connects the camera with the new RM-LVR2 Live-View Remote. This waterproof wrist-mount accessory lets you check shooting angles, start/stop recording, review recorded footage and delete any scenes you don’t want. The new Action Cam FDR-X1000VR from Sony will be available from April, priced at £359.
The Lytro Illum is a new light field camera aimed at professional photographers. Boldly billed as "a new medium capable of capturing visual experiences in their purest form", is it worth adding the Lytro Illum to your kitbag? Read our Lytro Illum review to find out...
MMD has added a new 40" UHD monitor to its line-up of Philips 4K Ultra HD displays. Offering four times the pixel count of Full HD, the massive Philips BDM4065UC display provides plenty of room to spread out on, so users can navigate multiple applications and windows simultaneously. The display features true 8-bit colour per channel and a refresh rate of 60 Hertz, while the VA panel technology ensures exceptional contrast. Moreover, the ultra-narrow bezel design makes it possible to place two 40-inch displays side by side without the distraction of physical bezels. The DisplayPort 1.2 digital PC-to-Display link supports data transfer speeds of up to 10.8 Gbps, for faster imaging and zero-latency refresh rates. Also upping the connectivity choices are MHL support for enjoying mobile content on the big screen (while charging the mobile device at the same time), superfast USB 3.0, and HDMI 1.4. The new Philips 40-inch BDM4065UC display is now available at a suggested retail price of £549.
The Sony Alpha 7 II (ILCE-7M2) is the world's first 35mm full-frame compact system camera with 5-axis image stabilisation. Moreover, Sony claims that this sensor-shift IS system can work in synergy with the company's optically stabilised OSS lenses for an even stronger effect. Other major improvements over the original Sony A7 include a new front dial, a bigger right-hand grip, a repositioned shutter release and a reinforced lens mount. In addition, the Sony A7 II boasts faster auto focus and better subject tracking capabilities, and benefits from XAVC S and S-Log2 support. The sensor's core specifications (35.8x23.9mm, 24.3 [effective] megapixels, ISO100-25,600) are the same as those of the previous model.The Sony Alpha A7 II will go on sale on 5th December, priced at 190,000 yen (£1025) in Japan. European availability is slated for January 2015.
Source: Sony Japan
The Epson Expression Photo XP-55 is a new photo printer which uses the manufacturer's six-colour Claria Photo HD inkset. The addition of Wi-Fi and mobile printing with Epson Connect make sharing your creations quick and easy. The XP-55 is also Wireless PictBridge-ready, so you can print straight from compatible cameras. You also benefit from dual paper trays - one for A4 and one for photo paper, and a speciality media feed for thicker card - and CD/DVD printing capability. The recommended retail price is £139.99.
Epson today announced the Epson SureColor P600 13-inch photo printer. Designed for creative professionals, fine artists and advanced amateur and pro photographers, the SureColor P600 combines an advanced MicroPiezo AMC printhead with next-generation Epson UltraChrome HD pigment inks driven by enhanced AccuPhoto HD imaging technology to produce exhibition-quality black-and-white prints with "never before seen" pigment black density and "stunningly vivid" colour prints. The Epson SureColor P600 also offers new ease-of use features and capabilities, such as a 3.5-inch tilting colour LCD and a variety of connectivity options including USB, Wireless n, Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet. Currently on display at PhotoPlus Expo, the new printer will be available for purchase in Q1 2015 through authorised resellers for $799.
Now in its 6th year, Digital Splash - which is hosted by Wilkinson Cameras – will see a selection of the UK’s best photographers descend on Preston. Lancashire, for a celebration of all things photography related. Headlining the show this year is world famous landscape and travel photographer, Colin Prior, alongside Andrea Denniss, Damian McGillicuddy, Matt Hart and Catherine Connor. Brand new for this year is the F-Stop Stage – which will host a range of free talks on subjects including the use of flash and studio lighting, colour management systems and the use of filters – (hosted by Lee Filters). This year, Digital Splash will take place on Sunday 9th November (10am to 5pm) at the University of Central Lancashire. The event is free to attend and tickets for the seminars are just £6 – available to purchase online at the website below.
The Canon Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 is a new broadcast lens offering a focal range of 50-1000mm and a built-in 1.5x extender. With the world’s longest focal length (75-1500mm with its built-in 1.5x extender) and highest (20x) magnification among Super 35mm zoom lenses, the Cine-Servo zoom lens offers cinematographers new possibilities for shooting scenes in HD, 2K and 4K on single-sensor cameras. The lens features a completely removable, updated servo drive unit that enables its use in broadcast-style shooting environments where typical cine lenses are usually impractical. The design has been developed to ensure high levels of ruggedness and reliability, combining the finest quality optics with a weatherproof and shockproof construction that makes it suitable for use in the most hostile conditions when on location. Facilitating cinema-style use, lens-barrel markings are clearly engraved in both feet and meters on both sides of the barrel, and focus indicators on the front side of the lens are marked on an inclined surface to make them easy to see from the back of the camera. Compatible with a wide range of cameras, the Canon Cine-Servo 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 also supports communication between lens and camera and will be available in both EF-mount and PL-mount variants. The lens is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2015 for a suggested list price of $78,000.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a new ultra-wide zoom lens for EOS cameras with APS-C sensors. Attractively priced at £299 / $299, is it too cheap for its own good, or is it a logical addition to your camera kit? We've tested the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM on the EOS 1200D to find out...
The Nikon D750 is a brand new full-frame DSLR camera aiming to occupy the middle ground between the D610 and D810 models. The D750 features a 24.3 megapixel FX sensor, 1080p/60fps HD video, ISO range of 50-51200, 51-point AF system, 3.2-inch tilting LCD screen, and built-in wi-fi. Read our in-depth Nikon D750 review now...
Replichrome II: Slide is a new slide film emulation plugin for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw. Replichrome II: Slide promises to give you the most faithful emulations available for Agfa, Fujifilm and Kodak slide films - read our Replichrome II: Slide review to find out if that's true...
Epson has announced that 13 of its latest mobile printers have gained Mopria-certified status. By becoming certified, Epson’s printers will work with the Mopria Print Service and the built-in Printing Framework in Android v4.4 or later. From today, Mopria-certified mobile devices will be able to automatically detect the following Epson Mopria-certified printers through their Wi-Fi connection, Expression Home XP-322, Expression Home XP-422, Expression Home XP-425, Expression Premium XP-520, Expression Premium XP-620, Expression Premium XP-625, Expression Premium XP-720, Expression Premium XP-820, Expression Photo XP-760, Expression Photo XP-860 (pictured), WorkForce WF-2630, WorkForce WF-2660 and WorkForce WF-2650.
We tried out the new Olympus E-PL7 compact system camera at yesterday's UK press launch, putting this mid-range model through its paces. Olympus are hoping that the E-PL7 will prove particularly alluring to women, who so far haven't bought into mirrorless cameras (90% of compact system camera sales are to men), and also to fashion-focused bloggers. Here are 43 full-size sample JPEG photos taken with the E-PL7, using the 45mm and 14-42mm lenses.
Leica have unveiled their show activities for Photokina 2014. In addition to the unique exhibition concept in the Leica Galerie, the programme features further cultural highlights. For example, the world premiere of the new book The Haight: Love, Rock and Revolution from legendary photographer Jim Marshall (1936-2010). Talks and signing sessions with prominent photographers are also planned.
From Wednesday, 2 September until Sunday, 26 October 2014, the new flagship Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road will host a free exhibition of images by Guardian photographer David Levene. The Guardian’s pioneering Eyewitness series was revolutionary when it was introduced in full colour across the centre spread of the newspaper in 2005. Now the only daily print photo feature of this size in the British press, the hugely popular Eyewitness series continues showcase some of the world’s best news photography. Levene has had over 120 photographs featured in the daily slot, and has now chosen ten of his favourites for this exhibition. Each photograph has been blown up to over 1.5m across, allowing viewers to experience these images on a scale at which they have never been seen before. This will be the second exhibition in The Gallery at Foyles, located on the fifth floor of the new Foyles bookshop at 107 Charing Cross Road, and curated by Futurecity to celebrate ‘the word’ in all its forms.
The Nikon Coolpix S2800 is a cheap and cheerful point-and-shoot compact camera featuring a 5x zoom lens, 20 megapixels, 720p HD movies, 2.7 inch screen and a range of special effects. Can £70 really buy you a decent camera? Read our expert Nikon Coolpix S2800 review to find out...
The Nikon D810 is a brand new 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR camera with no optical low pass filter. The D810 also offers 1080/60p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 5fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon D810 review to find out if it can emulate the success of the previous D800/E cameras...
The Nikon Coolpix S6700 is a wallet-friendly point-and-shoot compact camera, featuring a 10x 25-250mm lens, a 20 megapixel sensor, a 3 inch screen and 720p video. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S6700 review to find out if it's worth the £120 asking price...
The Nikon 1 S2 is the new entry-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The S2 offers 14 megapixels, 20fps burst shooting with continuous autofocusing, Full HD 60p video capture, built-in pop-up flash and RAW support. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 S2 review now...
The Nikon 1 J4 is the latest mid-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The J4 offers 18 megapixels, 20fps burst shooting with continuous autofocusing, Full HD 60p video capture and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J4 review now...
The Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is Panasonic's new flagship super-zoom compact camera, offering a large 1-inch image sensor with 20 megapixels, 4K video recording and a 16x zoom lens with a 25-400mm focal range. Priced at £749 / $899, read our expert Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 review to find out if it can justify its price-tag...
Epson today announced that its Ultimicron electronic viewfinder technology is incorporated in the new Leica Visoflex electronic viewfinder for the Leica T compact system camera. The newest, Visoflex is an optional high-resolution electronic viewfinder that boasts XGA (1024 x RGB x 768), 2.36 million dot resolution. The use of a color filter prevents the colour break-up that can occur with other colour systems when shooting fast-moving subjects and while panning. First launched in 2009, Ultimicron is based on the HTPS technology that ensures sufficient visibility in any environment, Epson claims.
The Tamron AF 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a new 18.8x wide-angle ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLRs. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Tamron 18-270mm offers an effective focal range of 24-450mm, replacing at least three lenses in your camera bag. Read our Tamron AF 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
The Tokina AT-X 12-28mm F4 Pro DX is an affordable wide-angle lens for APS-C DSLR users. Incredibly well-built, the Tokina 12-28mm is a good match for larger cameras like the Canon EOS 7D that we tested it with. Read our Tokina AT-X 12-28mm F4 Pro DX Review to find out if it's worth considering instead of the Canon and Nikon alternatives.
The Nikon 1 V3 is the latest flagship compact system camera from Nikon, boasting an amazingly fast 20fps burst shooting rate with continuous focusing (60fps without), a new tilting touchscreen LCD, built-in wi-fi, new 18.4-megapixel "CX" format sensor and a more compact design . Read our in-depth Nikon 1 V3 review to find out if this is the best Nikon compact system camera yet...
The Nikon Coolpix S3600 is an affordable point-and-shoot compact camera. Featuring an 8x, 25-200mm lens and a 20 megapixel CCD sensor, the S3600 also offers 720p HD movies and a range of special effects. Read our Nikon Coolpix S3600 review to find out if this budget shooter is worth the modest outlay..
The M.ZUIKO Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is a new fast standard zoom lens from Olympus for the Micro Four Thirds system. Offering a 24-80mm focal length, constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, fast and near-silent focusing, and a manual focus clutch, read our in-depth Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro review to find out if it's the perfect partner for the flagship OM-D E-M1 camera.
The Technical Image Press Association has recognised two Epson products in the prestigious 2014 TIPA Awards. The winning Epson products this year were the Epson Expression Photo XP-950 (pictured), which was named “Best Photo Printer,” and the Epson EH-TW7200, which won the award for “Best Photo Projector.” Mark Reynolds, director of consumer sales, Epson UK, commented, “TIPA members are all experts in the field and therefore select products according to the strictest standards. The panel has a huge variety of choice so we are very proud to learn that Epson products have once again been selected for these much valued awards.”
Nikon has announced a new Android-powered compact camera called the Nikon Coolpix S810c. Equipped with 12x optical zoom, a 16-megapixel sensor and WiFi, the Nikon Coolpix S810c features a newly adopted comment function which enabless users to add comments, such as their impression of the scene, immediately after the shutter is released. Successor to the Coolpix 800c, the Nikon Coolpix 810c adds a 3.7" display with a resolution of 1.2 million dots. Other feature highlights include Vibration Reduction, geotagging, Google Play support and Full HD video recording capabilities. The camera will be available in May for £249.99 / € 299.00 / $349.95.
The Canon EOS 1200D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T5 in North America) is a new DSLR camera for beginners. The Canon 1200D / T5 offers an 18 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen, 1080p movies, 63-zone metering, and 9-point auto-focus system. Available body only from £349 and with a zoom lens from £449 / $549, read our Canon EOS 1200D / T5 review to find out if this brand new budget DSLR is a bargain or not...
The new D4s is Nikon's new flagship DSLR camera for professional photographers. Aimed at sports, press and nature photographers, the 16 megapixel D4s builds on the success of the previous D4 camera with a wealth of improvements. Can the Nikon D4s possibly justify its eye-watering £5,199.99.99 / €6,199.00 / $6,499.95 price-tag? Find out by reading our Nikon D4s review...
The Nikon Coolpix L830 is a budget super-zoom compact camera with a 34x zoom lens. The 16 megapixel bridge-style Nikon L830 has a tilting 3-inch LCD screen, 1080p movies and uses AA batteries. Read our Nikon Coolpix L830 review to find out if this is the right super zoom camera for you...
The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD is an affordable ultra-zoom lens for full-frame and APS-C Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLR cameras. Read our in-depth Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD to find out if it's really a bargain or not...
The Nikon Df is a modern digital SLR that harks back to the film past, offering a retro design with a plethora of manual controls, whilst completely removing modern innovations like video recording and a pop-up flash. Find out if less really is more in our in-depth Nikon Df review...
Cinemartin has released version 3.X of its Cinec video converter / encoder for Windows. Adding support for Cineform, Sony XAVC, XAVC-S and RED files (.r3d) as well as 4K Ultra HD videos created with Snapdragon 800 powered mobile devices; Cinec 3.X comes with a number of new features such sd Motion Picture Adjustments, Dual Preview Monitor and the ability to create transparent videos with the new Quicktime Animation preset. The software is available in Standard, Pro and Gold versions, priced at €99, €199 and €799 respectively.
SLR Magic has launched its Anamorphot 1.33x 50 anamorphic adapter for indie filmmakers. Developed with the help of EOSHD, the Anamorphot 1.33x 50 (£749 / €899 is designed to improve image quality in widescreen formats, while creating special horizontal flare effects, commonly referred to as anamorphic streaks when pointed toward a light source. In addition to the Anamorphot 1.33x 50, SLR Magic has also launched a 77mm Achromatic Dioptre Set (£249 / €299), designed for use with the anamorphic adapter. Both products will be available late March 2014.
The book Brassaï: For the Love of Paris explores the renowned Hungarian photographer’s profound devotion to all aspects of his favorite city, and how in return, his work has served to shape Parisian identity. "Celebrating the enduring romance of the city with images of elegant window-shoppers on the rue de Rivoli, coal workers along the banks of the Seine, and the pure majesty of Parisian monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, this book will be a welcome addition to any Francophile’s library," the publisher says. The 256-page volume will be available from April for $50.
The Nikon D3300 is a brand new entry-level digital SLR camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, no optical low-pass filter, 50/60p Full HD movies, a 3 inch LCD screen, 5fps burst shooting and an ISO range of 100-25600. Read our detailed Nikon D3300 review, complete with sample JPEG and raw photos, test shots, videos and more...
Husband and wife team Anthony Epes and Diana Bird have announced a number of new workshops in their Cities at Dawn series. "The workshops focus on dawn and early morning photography - with our Paris and Venice workshops incorporating afternoon and evening photography walks also," the duo says. "Photographing cities at dawn is a photographers paradise. The light is incredible and the city is virtually empty." Click through / scroll down for the details.
The Adventure Travel Show, which features a number of travel photography seminars, takes place at London’s Olympia on 25-26 January 2014. Offered in partnership with Wanderlust Travel Magazine, these semiars are conducted by the magazine's founder Lyn Hughes and editor Phoebe Smith. An Adventure Travel Film Festival will be taking place on 25th January, showing a selection of excellent independent adventure travel films. Do note tat seminar and film evening tickets are individually priced. For more information visit the website below.
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is a professional standard zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Officially retailing for a whopping £2299.99 / $2299.99, does the Canon 24-700mm f/2.8 offer good enough image quality to justify its price-tag? Read our in-depth Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM review, complete with full-size sample images, to find out...
The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is a brand new premium standard zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. Retailing for £849.99 / $899.99, can the Sigma 24-105mm take on and beat the equivalent lenses from Canon and Nikon? Read our Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM review to find out...
The Nikon 1 AW1 is the World's first ever water-, freeze-, dust- and shockproof compact system camera. The AW1 is waterproof to 15 metres, freezeproof to -10°C and shockproof from heights of up to 2m, and comes with a new all-weather 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f/3.5–5.6 lens. Is this the perfect action camera for all the family? Read our Nikon 1 AW1 review to find out...
The Nikon D5300 is a new 24 megapixel mid-range DSLR camera with built-in wi-fi and GPS connectivity. The D5300 also offers 1080/50/60p video recording, ISO range of 100-25600, 5fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects, 3.2 inch LCD screen, and a 39-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5300 review now...
A Day at Home is a new photographic series by Charlotte Colbert. With playful nods to Bourgeois’ “femme-maison”, the visuals of ruins and fairy tales, Colbert questions the daily insanity of being human, more specifically within the context of the home. Shot on location, in a derelict house in Bethnal Green, the ruins become a character in themselves, the murky mindscape from which one cannot escape. The series will be on display at Gazelli Art House, a commercial art organisation dedicated to providing a new setting for the creation of contemporary art, from 29th November – 12th December 2013. Gazelli Art House is located at 39 Dover St, London.
The Nikon D610 is a new full-frame DSLR camera that updates last year's D600 with a new shutter mechanism, faster 6fps burst shooting and a new Quiet Release Burst mode, and an improved auto white balance system. The D610 retains the same 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage as its predecessor. Read our in-depth Nikon D610 review now...
Display specialist AOC has launched three new 61 cm (24″) monitors with an aspect ratio of 16:10. Coming in a classy texturised black finish and different equipment variants, the 60 series models from the AOC Professional Line deliver a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200. The AOC i2460Pxqu is based on a top-notch eIPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, with 178° viewing angles and a brightness of up to 300 cd/m². In addition to D-Sub and DVI-D, the i2460Pxqu features an HDCP-compatible HDMI socket as well as a DisplayPort. The AOC e2460Pxda and e2460Sxda each utilise an LED-backlit TN panel,a luminosity of 250 cd/m² and a static contrast of 1000:1. Both analogue and digital video signals can be received via D-Sub and DVI-D. In addition, the e2460Pxda offers full ergonomic flexibility, allowing users to adjust the panel height by 130 mm as well as to tilt and swivel the monitor.
The Olympus Stylus 1 is an advanced superzoom compact with a 1/1.7-type 12-megapixel sensor, fully retractable 28-300mm (eq.) f/2.8 lens and a 1.44-million-dot EVF. The large-diameter lens features a powerful, built-in VCM image stabilisation mechanism and a constant maximum aperture throughout the zoom range. The customisable analogue / digital Hybrid Control Ring on the front lets you assign the parameters you adjust most frequently (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, exposure time and program shift) to the ring or subdial on the top of the camera. Fast AF and shoot-and-share WiFi round off the specifications list. The Olympus Stylus 1 will be available for £549.99, from late November 2013.
The Nikon Coolpix P7800 is a brand new premium compact camera for the keen enthusiast. The P7800 principally adds an electronic viewfinder to last year's P7700 model - is this enough to compete with the likes of the Canon PowerShot G16? Read our expert Nikon P7800 review now, complete with full-size JPEG and RAW sample images.
The oldest known Instagrammer in the UK has started a movement to get the elderly to create digital photo legacies on the social photo community. Rex Redstone, 85, the self-confessed ‘Instagram-pa’ wanted to be able to share photos of his life online with family and friends. After seeking help and advice, he teamed up with Barclays Digital Eagles to start posting on Instagram. He is now encouraging other elderly people including his friends to share and showcase their own rich histories in Instagram timelines. To see Rex’s colourful history online, follow him at Instagram.com/Rexpeterborough
The winners of the Epson International Pano Awards 2013 competition have been announced. The overall winner of the Open Competition was Timo Lieber from the UK with a compelling black-and-white photograph of Dumont Dunes in the Mojave Desert, USA (above). The winner of the Amateur competition was Gary Schlatter of Australia, with a monochromatic image of a famous cluster of Cypress trees near San Quirico d'Orcia, Tuscany. The VR/360° competition winner was Dmitry Moiseenko with a spectacular aerial image of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Epson Perfection V550 Photo scanner is now available in the USA. Announced a month ago, the Epson Perfection V550 Photo is a new scanner that can automatically remove dust and scratches from damaged film. The V550 can also upload scanned images directly to selected social media and photo sharing sites such as Facebook or Picasa. With a hardware resolution of 6.400ppi, a dMax of 3.4 and built-in transparency unit, the V550 photo scanner can easily scan a wide range of media – from standard photographs, newspapers and A2-sized posters to mounted slides and loose strips of 35mm and medium-format film. The Epson Perfection V550 Photo is now available for $199.
The range-topping Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a 16-megapixel compact system camera with hybrid contrast- and phase-detect auto focus, 5-axis image stabilisation and a high-magnification EVF with a resolution of 2,360,000 dots. Other highlights include a splash-, dust- and freezeproof construction, a tiltable touchscreen, a PC sync terminal, Full HD video recording capability, built-in Wi-Fi, re-assignable controls, 10fps sequential shooting, new HDR Preview Mode, focus peaking, and a newly developed "Colour Creator" that lets you intuitively play with colour by tweaking dials on top of the camera. Prices start at £1299.99 / $1399.99 for the body only, £1499.99 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens kit and £1949.99 for a kit that includes the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens.
The new Canon EOS 70D is not just another DSLR camera, thanks to its innovative Dual-Pixel CMOS AF system. This new technology aims to deliver much better Live View and Movie shooting than any other DSLR on the market. Read our in-depth Canon EOS 70D review to find out if it delivers on its promise...
In the second of a new series of interviews with professional photographers, Luke Chapman reveals what has inspired him during his career.
Epson has announced the winning concept for its “Finish Strong” advertising campaign photography contest. The Finish Strong ad campaign contest invited photographers to submit 200 words or less describing their idea for Epson’s next Finish Strong print ad. At a vantage point 800 feet high atop the antenna on the Prudential Tower overlooking the Boston city skyline, Joe McNally and his photography crew recently shot the winning photo envisioned by a participant from the competition. Josh Lohmeyer from Pylesville, Maryland had the winning entry with the concept of a photographer on top of a tall, distinctive building with a large city skyline as the backdrop. “When we read Josh Lohmeyer’s entry, we were struck by the challenge of such a shoot, and yet could also visualise it – what a magnificent undertaking it would be with such a rewarding result," said Richard Day, group product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. "Joe McNally and his team brought Josh’s vision to life with a breathtaking finish.”
In addition to the A3-capable XP-950 all-in-one device, Epson has introduced three new compact home inkjet printers. The Epson Expression Premium XP-510, XP-610 and XP-615 offer dual paper trays, double-sided printing and individual inks. The XP-610 and XP-615 also boast a 6.3cm smart-navigation touch panel and CD/DVD printing. All Expression Premium series printers come with Epson Connect, which allows users to quickly and easily print documents and photos over Wi-Fi from smartphones and tablets. In addition these multifunction printers are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, allowing users to print from wireless devices without having to connect to a wireless router. The Expression Premium XP-615 and XP-610 are available from September 2013 and the XP-510 is available from October 2013, priced at RRP £149.99 and £129.99 respectively.
The Epson Expression Photo XP-950 is the first 6-colour photo all-in-one that offers A3 printing. Thanks to the rear speciality media feed, users can print onto a variety of media up to A3 size, while the two front-loading paper trays allow users to switch between photo and A4-sized media, without having to reload the paper during printing. This printer uses Epson’s Claria Photo HD ink, a six-colour ink set (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan and light magenta), which delivers smooth tonal gradations, deep blacks and rich, vibrant colours. The Expression Photo XP-950 printer includes Epson Connect, which allows you to quickly and easily print documents and photos over Wi-Fi from smartphones and tablets. In addition the XP-950 is equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print from wireless devices without having to connect to a wireless router. The Expression Photo XP-950 is available from September 2013, priced at £349.99.
The Epson Perfection V550 Photo is a new scanner that can automatically remove dust and scratches from damaged film. The V550 can also upload scanned images directly to selected social media and photo sharing sites such as Facebook or Picasa. With a 6,400dpi resolution, an optical density of 3.4 Dmax and built-in transparency unit, the V550 photo scanner can easily scan a wide range of media – from standard photographs, newspapers and A2-sized posters to filmstrips, mounted slides and medium format film. The Epson Perfection V550 Photo will be available from September 2013, priced at £179.99.
Flixel Photos have announced that supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks has invested in the company through Fierce Capital, the investment arm of The Tyra Banks Company. Flixel photographic images add an innovative element to traditional photographs by incorporating a seamless element of motion across an otherwise still image known as a “cinemagraph.” As a result of the new relationship, Flixel-branded cinemagraphs will be seen during Cycle 20 of ANTM, which premiered August 2 on the CW Network. "“Cinemagraphs combine the best of both worlds – the passive-viewing aspects of photography and the captivating aspects of video,” said Philippe LeBlanc, Flixel’s CEO. “We are very excited to partner with Fierce Capital and The Tyra Banks Company to introduce this exciting artform to... the millions of amateur and professional photographers and others worldwide who will create extraordinary works of art using Flixel technology.”
Gigapan and Promote Systems have united to help photographers simplify their workflow process when creating HDR and focus stacked gigapixel imagery. The Promote Control, an all-in-one, advanced remote control for digital SLR cameras, enhances the Gigapan EPIC Pro robotic camera mount (pictured) by increasing the flexibility in exposure bracketing needed to create high-quality images. “Combining the Promote Control with the EPIC Pro takes shooting HDR and focus stacked imagery to a higher level,” said Josh Friedman, CEO of Gigapan. “It makes it immensely easier for photographers to capture stunning and highly technical shots with more control and options when shooting high-resolution panoramic images.”
Modelled after the successful ShootNYC event launched in New York five years ago, the inaugural ShootLDN event will be taking place at The Old Truman brewery in London on 2 and 3 October. ShootLDN will host a comprehensive programme of photography-related lectures and workshops run by leading industry professionals, including photographers; photo agencies; picture editors; model agencies and fashion houses. As part of the free and interactive professional seminar and product demonstration programme Hasselblad has arranged for one of the four original Hasselblad Lunar Surface cameras (as used in training by astronaut teams, including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin) to be available at ShootLDN. At the two day show Hasselblad event partners, broncolor, Wacom, Adobe, EIZO and Epson will showcase key products to assist photographers with every stage of workflow and a special Adobe Mini-Theatre will host hourly tutorials and demonstrations, covering Photoshop, Lightroom and the Adobe Creative Cloud.
The M.ZUIKO Digital 75mm f/1.8 is a telephoto portrait lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Offering a 150mm focal length, fast and near-silent focusing and a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8, this tele-photo lens is perfect for portraits, high-speed indoor sports and stage shooting in low light. Read our Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 75mm f/1.8 review with full-size sample images...
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is the new kit lens for the EOS 700D / Rebel T5i. Is it just a throw-away lens that you should upgrade as soon as possible, or is it actually worth using? We've tested the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM on the EOS 700D / Rebel T5i to find out...
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is a pancake prime lens for APS-C and full-frame DSLR cameras. Offering continuous AF while capturing video with compatible cameras, the ultra-slim Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM retails for just £229.99 / €279.99 / $199.99. Read our in-depth Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM review complete with full-size sample images to find out if it's worth the modest outlay.
The Canon EOS 700D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T5i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 18 megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 700D / T5i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 5 processor. Is the Canon EOS 700D / T5i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
Pentax UK has revealed the recommended retail price of the 14-megapixel Pentax Efina digital compact camera. Announced in January, the Pentax Efina comes equipped with a 26-130mm equivalent zoom lens sporting 6 elements in 5 groups including 3 aspherical elements; a 1/2.3-type CCD sensor and a “self-portrait mirror." The name harks back to the days of film photography when Pentax had two APS cameras with a similar designation (the Pentax Efina and the Pentax Efina T). The digital Pentax Efina carries a suggested retail price of £79.99 in the UK.
The Canon EOS 100D (called the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 in North America) is the smallest and lightest DSLR in the World. The tiny new Canon 100D / SL1 boasts 18-megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 100D / SL1 include burst shooting at 4fps, a 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 5 processor. Is the Canon EOS 100D / SL1 just too small for its own good? Read our expert review to find out...
The second edition of the New Wave Photography exhibition was shown 19 - 27 April at the Crypt Gallery in London. The exhibition presented over fifty works by photographers from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, attracting a large number of visitors, including Londoners and tourists, art enthusiasts, collectors, businessmen and students. Over 2,000 people have seen the show, many of whom have left with a piece by their favourite artist. The photographers whose works were on display included five Hungarians (Réka Kóti, Sarolta Bán, Benedek Bognár, Zoltán Békefy and Miroslav Zselinsky), three Polish artists (Maciej Boksa, Przemysław Kuciński and Pawel Piotrowski), three Czechs (Martin Hruška, Lucie Jestrabikova and Karel Vojkovský) and Veronika Otepková from Slovakia.
ArcSoft Low Light is a new image noise reduction software program that combines multiple frames taken in your camera's burst mode to produce one high-resolution image with less noise and artefacts. Arcsoft even claim that it improves the noise levels of cameras like the Canon 5D Mark III, Nikon D600, and Nikon D3S. Read our ArcSoft Low Light NR review to find out if their claims are true or not...
In addition to the competitively priced Pocket Cinema Camera, Blackmagic has unveiled a 4K Ultra HD model with an EF lens mount and Super35 sized sensor with a global shutter; called the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K. Featuring Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) and CinemaDNG raw file recording, timecoding, a capacitive touchscreen and a built-in SSD recorder, the camera offers 6G-SDI output, a Thunderbolt port, 1/4” jack mic/line inputs plus 12V to 30V DC input, a 3.5mm headphone socket and LANC remote control. “Customers have been asking us to design a camera with global shutter and a large sensor. With the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K we have delivered that, plus the high resolution needed for the latest Ultra HD production work,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K will be available in July for $3,995.
The second edition of the New Wave Photography exhibition recognises the rise of contemporary photography from the CEE region. From 19th to 27th April the Crypt Gallery in London will host 12 artists, exhibiting fine art photography from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Surrealism, minimalist landscape, classical nude photography, gum print, lomography and digital montage demonstrate the diversity of the work on display. Hungarian photographers Benedek Bognár and Zoltán Békefy both draw inspiration from classical imagery while creating something completely new, while the Polish artist Maciej Boksa specialises in photographs intended to guide the viewer into an alternative perception of reality. Martin Hruška is showing a collection of his marine life photographs. Lucie Jestrabikova’s photos have been created by using her body to create fascinating abstract compositions, while Réka Kóti explores the creative boundaries of Lomography. Where Slovakian artist Veronika Otepková proves that digital photography can be both innovative and classically beautiful, Polish photographer Przemys?aw Kuci?ski uses a 19th century technique called gum print to create black and white nude images. The New Wave Photography 2013 exhibition will be on display from 19-27 April 2013 at the Crypt gallery in London.
The Pentax K-5 IIs DSLR camera features a faster auto-focus system, better LCD screen and a lower price-tag than the original K-5 model, and dispenses with the anti-aliasing filter of the slightly cheaper K-5 II model that was introduced at the same time. Read our Pentax K-5 IIs review to discover if this new DSLR can compete with the competition from Nikon, Canon and Sony.
The D7100 is a new prosumer DSLR camera from Nikon, succeeding but not replacing the popular D7000 model. The weather-proof D7100 features a 24 megapixel DX image sensor, 51-point autofocus system, 6fps burst shooting and a high-resolution 3.2 inch LCD screen. Read our detailed Nikon D7100 review to find out if it's the right DSLR camera for you...
The Nikon Coolpix A is a new pocket camera for professionals. The Nikon A features the same 16 megapixel APS-C sensor as the D7000 DSLR, a 28mm f/2.8 lens, full manual controls, 1080p HD video recording, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen and 4fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix A review to find out if this justifies the £999.99 / $1099.95 price-tag...
Ahead of our full review, here are 74 sample JPEG and 9 RAW photos taken with the new Nikon D7100 DSLR camera with the 18-105mm kit lens and the 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto lens. We've included an ISO sequence from 100 to 25,600 so that you can see exactly what the new 24.1 megapixel sensor is capable of.
The Nikon 1 S1 is the new entry-level model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The S1 offers 10 megapixels, 60fps burst shooting, 1080p movies, a 3-inch LCD screen, and a small and light body. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 S1 review now...
The Nikon 1 J3 is the new mid-range model in Nikon's compact system camera line-up. The J3 offers more megapixels, a smaller and lighter body, and a more simplified control layout than its predecessor, the 4-month-old J2. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J3 review now...
Epson has begun volume production of its latest, XGA-resolution Ultimicron panel designed for use in electronic viewfinders. Measuring just 0.48 of an inch diagonally, the latest in the Ultimicron series boasts increased surface luminance of 520cd/m2. Previous generations of Epson Ultimicron panels have been used in the viewfinders of top-of-the-line digital cameras including the critically acclaimed Olympus OM-D E-M5, which has recently won the coveted PhotographyBLOG Camera of the Year 2012 award. The new panel will be exhibited at Epson’s booth at CP+ 2013 in Yokohama, Japan, from 31 January to 3 February 2013.
The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is a moderate wide-angle lens in the full-frame format, or a fast standard prime when mounted on an APS-C body. The 35mm f/1.4 features 13 optical elements in seven groups with one aspherical lens element and a HSM focusing system which provides quiet, smooth and fast autofocus with full-time manual focus override. Retailing for £799 / $899, read our expert Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM review to find out if it's a worthy alternative to the Canon, Nikon and Sony equivalents.
The Nikon D5200 is a new mid-range DSLR camera with a 24 megapixel sensor, vari-angle LCD screen and 1080p HD movies. The D5200 also offers an ISO range of 100-25600, 5fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects and a 39-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5200 review now...
Positive View Foundation has unveiled details of its next major exhibition to be held at London’s Somerset House, entitled “Landmark: the Fields of Photography.” A sweeping overview of the rich genre of 21st century landscape photography, the novel exhibition is the first of its kind anywhere to show both the harsh, even brutal realities of the changing environment, as well as its enduring and stunning beauty. Focusing on our rapidly changing planet, ‘Landmark: the Fields of Photography’ features more than 170 original works of art taken by enterprising photographers employing technology ranging from 19th Century plate-camera techniques to the use of planes, drones, robots and even satellites to capture vivid images of earth’s varied terrain – and even distant planets. Sponsored by Barclays, the “Landmark” exhibition will take place from 14 March - 28 April 2013.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 (marketed as TS6 in the United States) is a new ruggedised compact camera with a 16-megapixel sensor and 28-129mm equivalent zoom lens. Waterproof to a depth of 12m, shockproof from a height of 2m, freezeproof to a temperature of -10 °C and pressure resistant to 100kg, the Panasonic FT5 offers Full HD video recording capabilities and one-touch easy connection to Wi-Fi with NFC, allowing for remote picture capture and quick and easy upload. The enhanced GPS functionality allows you to automatically record your location and view the map and associated photos directly on your camera.
Also announced today is the Panasonic FT25 (TS25), another 16-megapixel tough camera sporting a 25-100mm equivalent lens. The FT25 is waterproof to a depth of 7m, shockproof from a height of 1.5m and freezeproof down to a temperature of -10 °C. In comparison to the FT5, the FT25 lacks the on-board GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities and offers only 720p video.
The Canon EOS 6D is a new full-frame DSLR with a much more affordable price-tag than the 5D Mark III and a few tricks up its sleeve that its bigger brother doesn't offer. At over £1000 / $1000 cheaper than the 5D Mark II, have Canon cut too many corners for the 6D to be a real contender? Read our in-depth Canon EOS 6D review to find out...
The PENTAX MX-1 is a new high-performance digital compact camera. Featuring a four-times optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and a 28mm wide-angle coverage, the Pentax MX-1 has a newly designed 12 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a top sensitivity of ISO 12,80 and a 3.0-inch, tilt-able, high-definition LCD monitor. Combining state of the art technology with a classic design reminiscent of film cameras, the MX-1 features a textured-rubber grip, and brass top and bottom panels. In addition the camera features a pop up auto flash, along with a number of metallic parts, including a metallic lens ring, to complete the tasteful, high-class retro design finish. The PENTAX MX-1 will be available in Black and Black and Silver from February 2013 priced at £399.99.
The Nikon Coolpix S3300 is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot compact camera that won't break the bank. Featuring a 6x, 26-156mm lens and a 16 megapixel CCD sensor, the S3300 also offers 720p HD movies and a range of special effects. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S3300 review now to find out if it deserves a place in your pocket.
The Nikon Coolpix S01 is a tiny point-and-shoot compact camera that's actually smaller than a credit card. Featuring a 3x zoom lens, 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch touch-screen LCD and 720p HD movies, is the Nikon S01 too small for its own good? Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S01 review to find out...
The Nikon 1 V2 is a second-generation compact system camera that's clearly been redesigned to appeal to the serious enthusiast. In addition to a more direct control layout with shooting mode and control dials, a chunky hand-grip and built-in pop-up flash, the Nikon V2 also sports a new 14 megapixel sensor, faster 15fps burst shooting with continuous focusing, and improved Best Moment Capture and Motion Snapshot Modes. Read the World's first Nikon 1 V2 review to find out if this new mirrorless model can capture the attention of the more discerning photographer...
CHINA: Portrait of a People is a hefty 638-page volume containing over 800 colour photos by American photojournalist Tom Carter. On a limited budget, and with just a backpack and a digital camera, Carter has visited more than one-third of all the cities and villages in China, encountering 56 different ethnic minorities, each with their own distinct languages, customs and lifestyles, learning everything he can about these people, their society, and their way of life. His book, now in its second printing, aims to portray modern China to the West candidly, fairly and objectively. CHINA: Portrait of a People is available for $24.95.
The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC is a portait prime lens for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. The Samyang 85mm f/1.4 is a much more affordable alternative to the Nikon and Canon equivalents thanks largely to being manual-focus only. Read our in-depth Samyang 85mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC review complete with full-size sample images.
ReaSoft has launched a new free Web-based service for photographers. Currently in Beta, ImVerter (which stands for Image conVerter) recognises 500+ image formats including raw photo formats (CR2, NEF, ARW), vector graphics (CDR, SVG, DXF), postscript formats (PDF, AI, EPS) and also dozens of little-known or unpopular picture formats; and converts them into JPEGs, PNGs, GIFs, TIFFs, PDFs or BMPs depending on user preference. The service is free, with the only limitation being the maximum size of the source file, which is 20MB.
The Nikon 1 J2 is the entry-level model in Nikon's range of compact system cameras. The new J2 adds a better screen, range of creative effects, textured grip and a lower price tag to its predecessor, the J1, which has been one of the best-selling compact system cameras of the last year. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J2 review to find out if it can carry on where the J1 left off...
The Apple iPad Mini is a new 7.9-inch tablet. 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad, the iPad Mini has Multi-Touch display, FaceTime HD and iSight cameras, ultrafast wireless performance and 10 hours of battery life. iPad mini comes in a new aluminium and glass design that is just 7.2 mm thin and weighs only 0.68 pounds.
The iPad 4 features a 9.7-inch Retina display, new Apple-designed A6X chip that delivers up to twice the CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the A5X chip, 10 hours of battery life, FaceTime HD camera and ultrafast wireless performance.
Both iPad mini and fourth generation iPad come with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features.
The Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is a 15x ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLR shooters. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Tamron 18-270mm offers an effective focal range of 28-420mm, replacing at least three lenses in your camera bag. Read our Tamron AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a new compact camera for enthusiasts, offering the functionality of a DSLR without the associated bulk. The P7700 adds 1080p video, a vari-angle LCD screen, 8fps burst shooting and a faster lens to help make it an even more serious rival to the market-leading Canon Powershot series. Read our in-depth Nikon P7700 review now, complete with full-size JPEG and RAW sample images.
The Nikon D600 is a new full-frame DSLR camera. Featuring a 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, the small, lightweight D600 also offers 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D600 review now...
Epson has developed a new high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) TFT colour panel for electronic viewfinders. Measuring just 0.48” diagonally, the new panel offers XGA (1024x768) resolution in red, green and blue for a total of 2.36 million dots. It is the latest addition to Epson’s Ultimicron series, which already includes a 0.47” SVGA panel, used in the Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera and a 0.52” QHD panel.
Eposure.com has introduced a free and live webinar service. Tim Bilsborough, Eposure’s founder (pictured above with director Gabrielle O’Hare) says, “Webinars are a fantastic tool which allows us to work directly and interactively with many more photographers, all over the country. We cover areas such as ‘how to create a website which is designed for buyers, not photographers’, and, ‘the marketing essentials for commercial photographers.’ We know that marketing is something that many photographers find very time consuming and yet brings little reward. Our agency background means we can pass on very relevant information that can make their marketing strategies effective.” The current webinar schedule is available to Eposure members on the website below.
Epson has introduced two new Wi-Fi enabled “Small-in-One” printers. The flagship Expression XP-800 comes equipped with a 30-page Auto Document Feeder featuring automatic two-sided copying, scanning and faxing, a 3.5” touchscreen with gesture navigation for easy setup and operation, specialty paper support through its rear paper feed4, and an auto-extend paper output tray that automatically extends any time the user hits print from a Mac, PC or iPad. The main difference between the two printers is the scanner resolution, which is 2400dpi on the XP-600 and 4800dpi XP-800, the printing speed (XP-600: 9ppm, XP-800: 11ppm) and the built-in Ethernet networking feature, which is only offered on the XP-800. The Epson XP-600 ($149.99, pictured) and XP-800 ($279.99) will be available in late-October through major retailer stores across the USA.
The Canon EOS 650D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T4i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts 18-megapixels, full 1080p high-definition videos with continuous auto-focusing, and a touch-screen interface. Other key features of the 650D / T4i include burst shooting at 5fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-25,600, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 5 processor. Is the Canon EOS 650D / T4i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
PermaJet will arrive at Photokina 2012 with their biggest range of products to date. New additions to their line-up include the Mercury Ultra White Matt 405gsm inkjet canvas, 5-metre-length inkjet trial rolls of the PermaJet Oyster 271gsm and Ultra Pearl 295gsm media, an all-new Image Block Print Display System, a range of fast drying canvas protective varnishes in 2.5-litre cans, an anti-curl roller device and more. PermaJet’se full product range will be available to view at Photokina 2012, Hall 06.1 Stand D-020.
Coinciding with the launch of the EOS C100 and C500 cameras, Canon has announced the addition of two new zoom lenses to its Cinema EOS system. Available in both EF- and PL-mount versions, the CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S/SP wide-angle cinema zoom lens (pictured) and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S/SP telephoto cinema zoom lens are engineered to deliver exceptional optical performance for the latest large-format single-sensor 4K and 2K digital cinematography cameras. The Canon CN-E15.5-47mm T2.8 L S/SP wide-angle cinema zoom lens is expected to be available in November 2012 and the CN-E30-105mm T2.8 L S/SP telephoto cinema zoom lens is expected to be available in January 2013, both for an estimated list price of $24,500 each.
The Samsung ST200F is an affordable travel-zoom camera with a 10x zoom, 16 megapixels, 3 inch screen and built-in wi-fi. Read our in-depth Samsung ST200F review to find out if it's worth the modest outlay...
Innova Art has unveiled two new additions to its award-winning Olmec brand of resin-coated papers. Launching at Photokina, the all-new 190gsm Photo Gloss and Lustre Lightweight papers offer photographers exciting new weights and finishes. Both new papers are bright white, water resistant and single-side coated.
The Pentax X-5 is a digital bridge camera with a 26x optical zoom lens. Offering focal-length coverage from 22.3mm ultra-wide angle to 580mm super telephoto, the Pentax X5 also features a 16 megapixel BSI sensor, 3-inch tilting LCD screen, electronic viewfinder, full 1080p HD video, and 10fps burst shooting. Price and availability of the Pentax X-5 are to be confirmed.
We directly compare the Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera and the Nikon D7000 DSLR in our first ever head to head review.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 is a new all-action digital camera. The Panasonic FT20 (also known as the TS20) offers freeze, shock, water and dust proof capabilities, plus 16 megapixel photos and 720p video. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT20 review to find out if this is the right tough camera for you.
The Samsung NX1000 is a new wallet-friendly mirrorless camera aimed at beginners upgrading from a simpler compact. Featuring a 20 megapixel APS-C sensor, full 1080p video, ISO 100-12,800, a 3-inch AMOLED screen, 8fps continuous shooting and Wi-fi connectivity, read our in-depth Samsung NX200 review to discover if this is the best budget compact system camera.
The Samsung WB150F is a brand new travel-zoom camera at a bargain price. The WB150F offers a wide-angle 18x zoom lens, 14.2 megapixel sensor, 720p video recording, 3 inch LCD screen and full manual controls. Read our in-depth Samsung WB150F review to find out if it's worth the modest price-tag.
The Nikon D800E is a 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR with the anti-aliasing filter removed, which should result in higher resolution, sharper images compared to the regular D800. The D800E also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800E review to find out if you should choose it instead of the D800.
The Nikon D3200 is a new entry-level digital SLR camera with an attention-grabbing feature list. The D3200 has a massive 24 megapixels, full 1080p HD movies, 3 inch LCD screen, 4fps burst shooting and an ISO range of 100-12800. Find out if this is the best DSLR camera for beginners by reading our detailed Nikon D3200 review, complete with sample JPEG and raw photos, test shots, videos and more...
The Nikon D800 is one of the hottest DSLR cameras for 2012. Featuring a remarkable 36 megapixel full-frame sensor, the D800 also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800 review to find out if it's worth the £2499.00 / $2,999.95 cost of admission.
Epson has released three useful tips for those who want to preserve their summer memories on the form of photographic prints. “National Photo Month is a great time to remember what a true photo is all about – the printed image,” said Richard Day, product manager, Epson America. The three tips are: 1) print on real canvas (this is to promote Epson’s Signature Worthy Exhibition Canvas Matte media), 2) check the paper type you choose in the printer’s driver matches the paper you are printing on and 3) let the prints dry 24 hours before framing or displaying them.
The Nikon D4 is a new DSLR camera that will be widely used by the pros at this year's London Olympic Games. With the sort of specification that mere mortals can only dream of, the Nikon D4 has an eye-watering price-tag to match, so read our in-depth Nikon D4 review to find out just how good it is.
Epson has won two awards from the Technical Image Press Association. The Epson products recognised by TIPA were the Epson EH-TW9000W, named as the ‘Best Photo Projector,’ and the Epson Stylus Photo 1500W, which won ‘Best Expert Photo Printer’ (pictured). The former is a Full HD 3D projector that offers easy-to-use features, while the latter is a wireless, A3+ printer that allows fast, easy printing from laptops, desktops and the latest generation of mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads via Epson’s iPrint app.
Throughout May Lomography will be celebrating the first anniversary of its first LomoLab in the United Kingdom. The Lomography Lab month will see each Lomography Gallery Store (Soho, East London and Manchester) run a series of promotions, workshops and in-store competitions. Click through / read on for more information on the promotions as well as the LomoLab itself.
Prix Pictet today announced that they have received 643 nominations for work by photographers in 76 countries. Speaking today, Michael Benson, Director of the Prix Pictet, said: “We have been hugely impressed by the quality and scale of interest in this year’s theme of Power, with its potential to uncover images and issues that are both awe-inspiring and disturbing.” This year, a major exhibition of the shortlisted works will go on show at the Saatchi Gallery in London, coinciding with the announcement on 9 October of the winner who will receive an award of 100,000 Swiss francs. The exhibition will run until 28 October 2012.
Ahead of our full review, here are 63 sample JPEG photos and a movie taken with the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera with a 22-megapixel sensor, 61-point auto focus system, sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600 and Full HD video with manual control.
The Master Photographers Association (MPA) has announced a national portrait seminar tour. Led by MPA president Paul Cooper (pictured) and sponsored by Epson who will show the workflow to fine prints, the seminars are presented by Colin and Linda Buck and each features a top regional name. After morning coffee, at 11.30am the guest photographer will stage a live studio portrait shoot with a chance for hands-on participation. During the lunch break you can use the studio, outfitted with Elinchrom lights. The cost of attendance is £15 for MPA members/guests – £20 for non-members. Click through / scroll down for the exact seminar dates and locations.
Apple today introduced the new iPad, featuring a 9.7-inch Retina display with 2048x1536 pixels, new dual-core A5X chip with quad-core graphics, and a 5-megapixel camera. The new display boasts a resolution of 264 pixels per inch (ppi), up from 132ppi in the iPad 2. The integrated “iSight” camera module features a five-element f/2.4 lens and a BSI sensor as well as digital image stabilisation for capturing shake-free Full HD (1080p/30fps) movies. The new iPad Wi-Fi models will be available in black or white on Friday, 16th March for a suggested retail price of £399 including VAT for the 16GB model, £479 for the 32GB variant and £559 for the 64GB version. iPad Wi-Fi + 4G will be available for a suggested retail price of £499 (16GB), £579 (32GB) and £659 for the 64GB model.
Canon USA has announced the Canon Pixma MX892 Wireless All-In-One (AIO) printer. This print, copy, scan and fax machine has a variety of connectivity options for easy printing of documents and images from the cloud and other compatible portable devices. For those registered with Google’s PicasaWeb Albums, there is Pixma Cloud Link so users can print photos directly from their online albums. The printer also provides direct access to a wide range of printable templates, such as stationary and calendars, so photographers can get creative with their images, the company says. Additionally, the Canon Pixma MX892 Wireless Office AIO printer will also have 802.11n wireless capability allowing for a high-speed network transfer rate and easy sharing on a network. The will have an estimated selling price of $199.99.
The winner of this year’s Prix Pictet will be announced in London by Honorary President Kofi Annan. The theme of the competition, which will be judged by an internationally recognised panel of experts chaired by Professor Sir David King, is power. The jury is looking for photographs of the highest artistic quality, which most powerfully contribute to public awareness of issues involving sustainability, with a particular focus on the chosen theme. The winner will be named in October. For more information, visit the website below.
The Pentax Optio WG2 and WG2-GPS are two new waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant compact cameras. Both models can be used at a depth of up to 12 metres and can withstand a drop of 1.5 metres, cold to -10°C and a weight up to 100kg. The WG2 and WG2-GPS also feature a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, Full HD movie recording, 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage, 3 inch high-resolution LCD monitor with 16:9 dimensions and 460,000 dots, and six built-in LED macro lights. The Optio WG2-GPS additionally comes equipped with an upgraded GPS module.
The Pentax WG2 and WG2-GPS will be available from March 2012 for £299.99 and £349.99 respectively.
Canon has added two new touchscreen models to its Ixus range of sylish premium compact cameras. The Canon Ixus 510 HS (ELPH 530 HS in North America, pictured) features a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 12x optical zoom, Wi-Fi connectivity, Multi-area White Balance, face identification technology and a futuristic lens cover. The Canon Ixus 240 HS (ELPH 320 HS) has a 16.1-megapixel sensor, a 24-120mm equivalent zoom lens and integrated Wi-Fi. Both models feature large, bright and vibrant 3.2” PureColor II Touch LCD displays with sharp 460,000-dot resolution, Canon’s latest Smart Auto mode that now identifies up to 58 different scenes, Intelligent IS, and the ability to shoot Full HD movies with stereo sound and output them to any HDTV thanks to an on-board HDMI connector. In addition, Canon’s Movie Digest mode captures four seconds of movie before each still shot is taken and then merges all the clips together in HD quality. The Ixus 510 HS (PowerShot ELPH 530 HS) is available from April, priced at £349/€399/$350, while the Ixus 240 HS (PowerShot ELPH 320 HS) will hit the shops in March, carrying an RRP of £279/€319/$280.
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, looks back at the photographs that got away...
Hasselblad has announced the eleven recipients of the 2012 Masters Award. The winners are Frank Meyl (Architectural), Jon Lowenstein (Editorial), War Kuen Eric Wong (Fashion), Christian Tagliavini (Fine Art), Ken Hermann (General), Tom D. Jones (Landscapes), Denis Rouvre (Portrait), Joe Felzman (Products, for his image shown above), Vincente Ansola (Up and Coming), Milosz Wozaczynski (Wedding) and Lucas Pupo (Wildlife).
Fujifilm USA has officially announced the Fujifilm X100 Black Edition. According to the company, “Fujifilm is also launching a limited release of the high-end compact digital camera FUJIFILM X100 Black Premium Edition worldwide. The X100 Black Premium Edition will come with a genuine leather case, a lens hood, an adapter ring and a protective filter; and will also include a Limited Edition numbered card for product authentication.”
The 10-megapixel Canon Ixus 500 HS is a metal-bodied ultra-compact camera with 12x optical zoom, while the 16-megapixel Ixus 125 is a similarly slim camera with a wide, 24-120mm equivalent lens. Both cameras feature a Smart Auto mode that can recognise up to 58 different scenes and shooting situations, a Full HD movie mode and high-speed shooting. The new Face ID feature works with Smart Auto to ensure that your loved ones “always look their best in photos,” the company says. By registering a person along with their age in the camera’s memory, the face will then be recognised and Smart Auto will automatically apply the most appropriate settings to capture a great shot, based on their age and activity, as well as the ambient scene. Other highlights include a 3-inch, 460.000-dot rear screen, a “Super Slow Motion Movie” mode, an improved Movie Digest mode and a range of fun effects. The Ixus 125 HS is available from late February, priced at £229/€259, while the Ixus 500 HS is expected to hit the shops early March, priced at £309/€349 RRP.
Note: in the USA, the Ixus 125 and Ixus 500 will be marketed under the names Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS and ELPH 520 HS, priced at $249.99 and $299.99 respectively.
The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) has announced it will hold the CP+ 2012 Camera & Imaging Show from 9-12 February 2012, at the Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. The history of CP+ stretches back more than 50 years, tracing its origins to the first Japan Camera Show. This year marks the third year since the venue moved to Yokohama, an international port city and one of the largest cities in Japan. The year 2012 also marks the 150th anniversary of Yokohama as the birthplace of commercial photography in Japan, where in 1862 Renjo Shimooka founded a photography studio. Click through / read on for a detailed list of events that will be taking place at CP+ 2012.
Over seventy winning and highly commended images from CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year 2011 competition will go on display at a free exhibition held from 6-17 December at London’s SW1 Gallery. Selected from over 10,000 images, The Environmental Photographer of the Year is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography. The competition honours amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The SW1 Gallery is located at 12 Cardinal Walk, Roof Garden Level, Cardinal Place, London.
Behind Photographs – Archiving Photographic Legends is a new book by world-renowned photographer Tim Mantoani. Successfully funded through a Kickstarter project, the book is Mantoani’s personal mission to introduce the world to the photographers behind some of the world’s most quintessential images. Using the rare and mammoth format of 20X24 Polaroid, Mantoani documented these photographers holding one of their favorite or most iconic photographs.Featured photographers include legendary rock photographer Jim Marshall holding a photograph of the late Johnny Cash during his legendary concert at San Quentin Prison, Neil Leifer posing with his famous shot of Muhammad Ali standing and gesturing over a knocked out Sonny Liston, Harry Benson with his epic photo of The Beatles having a pillow fight and Steve McCurry’s famed portrait of the Afghan Girl from the cover of National Geographic. At the bottom of each Polaroid, the photographer has been asked to comment about their image in their own penmanship. Published by ChannelPhotographics, the book is available for $60. There is also a limited-edition version, which includes a set of nine 8"x12” individual prints ($295).
Nikon's combined camera and projection device is back for 2011 in the form of the S1200pj, now featuring a more powerful projector and a refined user interface. The S1200pj also offers 14 megapixels, a 5x zoom with 28mm wide-angle setting, 720p HD movies and a 3 inch LCD screen. Read our expert review of the Nikon Coolpix S1200pj projector camera.
Canon has announced that the company is developing a new-concept EOS-series digital SLR camera equipped with a 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor that will also be able to record 4K video. 4K is a relatively new resolution standard for digital cinematography, whose name comes from its approximately 4000 pixels of horizontal resolution (by comparison, Full HD delivers “only” 1920 pixels in the horizontal dimension). Further details regarding the new EOS digital SLR camera currently under development, including the product name, specifications and scheduled launch date, have yet to be decided.
The Nikon 1 J1 is the junior member of Nikon's new range of compact system cameras, featuring a smaller and lighter body at a cheaper price than the V1 model. Based around the same "CX" format sensor, the Nikon J1 is still all about pure speed, with fast auto-focusing and up to 60fps continuous shooting. The J1 also offers a built-in pop-up flash, 3 inch LCD screen, full HD video, and a range of innovative modes like Smart Photo Selector and Motion Snapshot. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J1 review.
The Nikon 1 V1 is the company's long-awaited entry into the rapidly growing compact system camera market. Based around the brand new "CX" format sensor, the Nikon V1 is all about speed, with fast auto-focusing and up to 60fps continuous shooting. The V1 also offers an electronic viewfinder, 3 inch LCD screen, full HD video, and a range of innovative modes like Smart Photo Selector and Motion Snapshot Mode. Can the Nikon V1 successfully carry on the long tradition of the company's DSLRs? Read our in-depth Nikon 1 V1 review to find out...
The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a new compact camera for the aspiring photographer, offering most of the functionality of a DSLR without the associated bulk. A more responsive and more intuitive version of last year's model, the P7100 is an even more serious rival to the market-leading Canon Powershot G12. Read our in-depth Nikon P7100 review to find out if this really is a serious challenger.
FotoDC has announced the programme of the upcoming fourth annual FotoWeek DC photography festival, taking place from 5-12 November in Washington, DC. This year FotoWeek DC programming can be found at FotoWeek Central, the designated festival hub, four satellite locations including FotoSpace, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design, George Washington University, and Pepco’s Edison Gallery Place, as well as numerous partner venues. All programming is open to the public and most is free with registration. Click through / read on for an overview of FotoWeek Central and the four satellite locations.
Ahead of our full review, here are 48 sample photos and a Full HD 1080i movie taken with the new Olympus E-PM1 compact system camera. There's also an ISO sequence from 400 to 12800 so that you can see exactly what the 12.3 megapixel sensor is capable of.
Three Getty Images photographers, contributors and freelancers have picked up prestigious awards at the 2011 Picture Editors’ Guild Awards, held last night in London Dan Kitwood scooped the Fotolia Photo Essay category, with Dave Benett and Matthew Lloyd winning the Celebrity Photographer of the Year and Newscast Young Photographer of the Year categories, respectively. The overall winner of the SABMiller Photographer of the Year 2011 award is Matt Dunham from The Associated Press. To view these award-winning portfolios and a full list of winners, visit the website below.
In Part 2 of our Going Pro series, some of the UK's leading photographers reveal how they became professional photographers.
The Epson Stylus Photo PX830FWD and PX730WD are new home photo printers that deliver better-than-lab-quality results. The PX730WD offers built-in Wi-Fi, while the PX830FWD is Epson’s premium 4-in-1 for high definition printing at home. The Epson Stylus PX730WD and PX830FWD are available from 1 September 2011 and will be priced at £259.99 and £299.99 respectively.
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.
Olympus have further expanded their Micro Four Thirds family with the launch of the E-P3. Boasting the World's fastest autofocus system, the E-P3 also adds a 3-inch OLED touchscreen display, new 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor, full HD movie mode with stereo sound, and an extensive range of creative filters. Read our expert Olympus E-P3 review to find out if this is the best PEN camera yet...
Inspired by the Epson Red Sea Competition that takes price each November in Eilat, the first Epson Underwater Photo Grand Prix, designed to highlight the Earth’s vast marine biodiversity, seeks to showcase the talent and skill of underwater photographers from all continents. Throughout this month, around 500 professional and amateur photographers will be shooting hidden aquatic treasures for a chance to win one of numerous prizes. All categories winners and nominees will be announced on 19 November 2011, as part of this year’s Epson Red Sea Eilat Competition.
Canon has announced a new photo inkjet printer and a new all-in-one device. The Canon Pixma iP4920 Photo Inkjet Printer ($99.99) utilises the ChromaLife100 + ink system with five individual ink tanks, and produces a 4”x6” borderless photo in approximately 20 seconds. The Pixma MG5320 Wireless Photo All-In-One device ($149.99, pictured) uses the same ink system and is capable of a similar printing performance, but can additionally be used as a photocopier and a scanner. Both new products feature significant upgrades to Canon’s Easy-PhotoPrint EX and Full HD Movie Print software.
Adobe has launched the Photoshop & You experience at 550 Sutter Street in San Francisco.. Open to the public through 6th August, Photoshop & You is a place for visitors to explore the world of digital imaging with leading photographers, renowned teachers, industry influencers and the Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop Elements teams. After a quick photo shoot, guests can visit the Extreme Imaging Lab hosted by popular Photoshop Evangelist Russell Brown, which also features a printing station for guests to have their favourite critter letterform, created by distinguished illustrator Craig Frazier, printed on Y-shirts. Visitors can also reserve individual sessions with Photoshop experts to learn how to make photos look their best. All presentations, classes and other activities are free to the public.
To popularise the new Lumix G3 compact system camera, Panasonic has launched a campaign entitled ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ which enlists the talents of two UK professional photographers. David Eustace heads to Yosemite National Park, while urban photographer Will Cooper-Mitchell explores the bustling New York City to find out for themselves how the camera performs in two very different and visually stimulating environments. Devised by creative agency Brave, the campaign will feature on television, in print, online and in store and breaks on the 15th July.
Update: Click through / scroll down to view the New York City TV spot.
Eyewitness: Hungarian Photography in the 20th Century is a major photography exhibition hosted by the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Featuring works by both internationally acclaimed photography icons such as Brassaï, Capa, Kertész, Moholy-Nagy and Munkácsi - all of whom became world famous after leaving their homeland to seek their fortune abroad - and masters such as Rudolf Balogh, Károly Escher and József Pécsi, who stayed at home to pursue careers in Hungary; the exhibition showcases over 200 black-and-white prints that “show how these world renowned photographers were at the forefront of stylistic developments and reveal their achievements in the context of the rich photographic tradition” of their country. Tickets cost £9 and are available daily at the Royal Academy. Advance bookings (phone nr. 0844 209 0051). The exhibition runs until 2 October 2011, and is open to the public every day from 10am to 6pm
East Pleasant Pictures, a global collective specialising in multiple forms of moving-image media, has shot a series of commercials for a major cruise ship line using Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV HDSLR cameras. Directed by Emmy-winning producer/director Xander Strohm, the commercials featured candid scenes of cruise ship passengers playing dodgeball and engaging in other recreational activities. Co-director Damien Drake explained: “We did a lot of documentary work for high-profile people and needed to be as inconspicuous as possible. We couldn’t use a crew, and we had to be our own technicians. The DSLR cameras stood out because they provide super high-quality HD and are very unobtrusive. In fact, a lot of the time people didn’t even realise that we were shooting video.” Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras provide full 1920x1080-pixel HD video recording at user-selectable frame rates of 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976), and 25 fps.
The Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP) is reminding interested photographers that the deadline for the FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards 2011 is 31st July. There are six categories, including wedding; commercial; portrait; reportage; landscape and illustrative, plus there are separate sections for non-European photographers and students. For more information visit the website below.
Website: FEP Federation of European Professional Photographers
The first ever full-career retrospective of the legendary British photographer Brian Duffy will open July 8th at Idea Generation Gallery. Together with Terence Donovan and David Bailey, Duffy is recognised as one of the innovators of “documentary” fashion photography, a style that revolutionised the fashion industry. He produced an extraordinary body of work but destroyed most of his negatives and transparencies in 1979. “Featuring more than 160 images painstakingly rediscovered by Duffy’s son after years of searching through archives and publications around the world, this exhibition has truly risen from the ashes,” the organisers say. Running until 28th August, the Duffy exhibition is presented by Idea Generation Gallery, 11 Chance Street, London E2 7JB. Admission is free.
The Samsung ST6500 is an affordable compact camera with a distinctive curved design that certainly makes it stand out from the crowd. The ST6500 also offers 16 megapixels, a 3 inch touch-screen LCD, wide-angle 5x zoom lens and 720p movie recording. Read our Samsung ST6500 review to find out if this is the right compact for you...
GigaPan Time Machine is a system that enables viewers to explore gigapixel-scale, high-resolution time-lapse videos. Created by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, GigaPan Time Machine allows you to pan or zoom in and out of high-resolution panoramas while simultaneously “moving back and forth through time”. Viewers, for instance, can use the system to focus in on the details of a booth within a panorama of a carnival midway, but also reverse time to see how the booth was constructed. Or they can watch a group of plants sprout, grow and flower, shifting perspective to watch some plants move wildly as they grow while others get eaten by caterpillars. And so forth. You can view a few examples created with this system at the website below. Do note that you need Google Chrome or Apple Safari to take advantage of this technology.
The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is a new A3+ high-gloss photo printer that uses 50% larger ink cartridges for fewer cartridge changes. The new A3+, 8-colour R2000 printer delivers high-quality photographic prints using Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment ink and features Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet connectivity. The Epson R2000 will be available from May 2011, priced at £419.99 / $499.99.
The Canon IXUS 115 HS (also known as the PowerShot ELPH 100 HS) is an affordable compact camera sporting some great features. These include a back-illuminated 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, full 1080p HD movie recording, a 28mm wide-angle lens with a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 and a top ISO speed of 3200, all for under £200 / $200. Read our in-depth Canon IXUS 115 HS review to find out if it's a real bargain...
The Nikon D5100 is a new mid-range DSLR camera that features a 16.2 megapixel sensor, vari-angle LCD screen and 1080p HD movies. The D5100 also offers an ISO range of 100-25600, 4fps continuous shooting, a range of creative effects and an 11-point autofocus system. Read our in-depth Nikon D5100 review to find out if this is all the DSLR that you need.
The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 is a new professional A3+ / 13-inch photo printer. Positioned above the older R2880 model, the R3000 features bigger ink cartridges, improved media handling, a redesigned print head and Ethernet and wireless-N connectivity. Retailing for £699 / $849, is the Epson R3000 a worthy successor to the popular R2880? Read our expert Epson Stylus Photo R3000 review to find out...
Two Epson printers and an Epson scanner received TIPA awards this year. The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 won the title, “Best Expert Photo Printer”, the Epson Stylus Pro 4900 was announced the “Best Large Format Printer”, while the “Best Photo Scanner” award has been scooped up by the Epson Perfection V330 Photo (pictured).
pson Print Academy is offering four new photography, printing and imaging classes for 2011. Hosted at Epson’s headquarters in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire from April 2011, with the potential for additional classes to run at the Epson cartridge manufacturing factory in Telford, the classes will provide real-life practical advice on image capture through to print, with expert guidance from highly-knowledgeable Epson staff and acclaimed photographers, the company says. Click through / read on to learn more about the individual classes, entitled “The Perfect Black and White Print”, “Making Perfect Exhibition Prints”, “Confidence with Colour” and “Fine Art Photography”.
Pentax has partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to offer a DC Super Heroes-inspired collection of personalised Pentax Optio RS1500 cameras Owners of the “DC Super Heroes RS1500” collector pack can personalise their camera with one of their favourite Super Heroes including Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Superman, or super villains, such as Catwoman and The Joker. Obviously targeted at the adolescent market, the limited-edition RS1500 camera will come in a specially designed package, including different skins depicting the well known characters, and a 4GB SD card. Timed to coincide with the release of a new Warner Brothers action-adventure film, Green Lanterns, the Pentax Optio RS1500 DC Super Heroes collector pack will be available from 1 May 2011 at the RRP of £119.99 including the camera itself, the super hero themed skins, memory card and a special Green Lantern protective camera case.
Canon USA has introduced two advanced-design PL-mount lenses that address the emerging 4K production standards. Designated as the Canon FK14.5-60 wide-angle cine zoom and the Canon FK30-300 telephoto cine zoom, both of these lenses are more compact and lightweight than contemporary PL-mount lenses and both feature a totally new Canon optical design that virtually eliminates focus breathing. The wide-angle FK14.5-60 (pictured) maintains its T2.6 maximum aperture over the entire focal range, and boasts a high MTF even wide open. (T-stops are prectically f-stops corrected for light loss caused by the absorbance and reflectance of the actual lens elements employed.) As you will probably have guessed, these lenses are not meant for the amateur videographer, although some of the technology used to make them may eventually trickle down to lenses used by mere mortals.
The Nikon D5100 is a new 16 megapixel DSLR camera. Featuring improved vari-angle screen, special effects mode and full 1080p HD movies, the Nikon D5100 has the same DX-format 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor as the D7000, with an ISO range of 100-25600. Other key features of the D5100 include an 11-point AF system, High dynamic range mode, Active D-Lighting, 4fps burst shooting, and seven different special effects for stills and movies. The D5100 will be available from 21st April for £669.99 / $799.95 / €777 body only or £779.99 / $899.95 / €904 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens.
The Canon EOS 1100D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T3 in North America) is a new entry-level DSLR camera with some advanced features. Replacing the ageing 1000D / XS model, the new Canon 1100D / T3 offers a 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, 720p movies, 63-zone metering, and 9-point auto-focus system. Available body only from £419 and in a range of kits from £459 / $599, read our Canon EOS 1100D / T3 review to find out if this budget DSLR is a bargain or one to avoid.
The Canon EOS 600D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T3i in North America) is a new DSLR camera that boasts a class-leading 18-megapixels and full 1080p high-definition videos. Other key features of the 600D / T3i include continuous shooting at 3.7fps, a vari-angle 3-inch LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution, ISO range of 100-12800, 14-bit image processing and Canon's Digic 4 processor. Is the Canon EOS 600D / T3i the best mid-range digital SLR camera on the market? Read our expert review to find out...
The Nikon Coolpix S3100 is a budget digicam with a sense of style thanks to its all-metal body and wide variety of colours. Costing just £130 / $140, the S3100 ticks all the right boxes - 14 megapixels, 5x wide-angle lens, 2.7 inch screen, range of do-it-all auto modes - at a price that won't break the bank. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix S3100 review complete with sample images, video and more to find out if this is the right point-and-shoot camera for you.
The Lumix DMC-FT3 is Panasonic's new all-action digicam for 2011. Successor to the very good FT2 model that we reviewed last year, the Panasonic FT3 offers improved freeze, shock, water and dust proof capabilities, plus a built-in GPS function, compass, altimeter and barometer. Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT3 review to find out if this is the tough camera for you.
The Photographers’ Gallery today named the four shortlisted artists nominated for its annual Deutsche Börse Photography Prize (DBPP). The annual award of £30,000 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 2009 and 30 September 2010. The four shortlisted artists are Thomas Demand, Roe Ethridge, Jim Goldberg, and Elad Lassry. The winner will be announced at a special ceremony at Ambika P3, University of Westminster, London, on 26 April 2011.
The shortlist for the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards has been announced. The 2011 competition has attracted more submissions than ever before, reaching all corners of the globe, with over 105,000 entries from 162 counties. The winners will be showcased as part of the World Photography Festival and Exhibitions at Somerset House in London.
The brand new Olympus E-PL2 is the second PEN camera aimed directly at the compact owner looking to upgrade to a more capable, but still portable and relatively inexpensive, camera. Key improvements over the year-old E-PL1 model include a larger LCD screen, faster auto-focusing, and a new kit lens. Read our expert Olympus E-PL2 review to find out if it hits the mark.
The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 is a new 13-inch / A3+ printer. Designed for professional photographers and fine artists, the Epson R3000 delivers gallery-quality black-and-white output and vivid color prints. The R3000 features high-capacity individual ink cartridges, advanced media handling to support a wide range of paper types, and Ethernet and wireless-N connectivity. The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 will be available in March for $849 / £699.99.
Epson’s fine art papers, previously only available in cut sheet sizes, are now also available in roll form. The range of papers - linen and acid-free, and made of 100% cotton – are available in warm white and bright white, with either a smooth or textured finishes. The papers are fully compatible with Epson’s recently-launched large format fine-art printers, the 24inch Epson Stylus Pro 7890 and 44inch Epson Stylus Pro 9890 (pictured). The 50-foot rolls are priced from £88.15 to £258.52 + VAT depending on width.
We had a brief opportunity to try out the brand new Olympus E-PL2 camera in a rather snowy pre-Christmas London. There are 43 full-sized JPEG and 15 RAW photos in our Olympus E-PL2 gallery, including all the digital filters and full ISO range.
The Environmental Photographer of the Year 2011 photographic competition is now open for entries. The Environmental Photographer of the Year is calling for entries that deal with some of the most important challenges of our time, and this year a new video category has been introduced to further raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The competition will run until 31st July 2011, with judging taking place throughout August and September.
The Best View of Heaven is from Hell by Bran Symondson is a new photo exhibition documenting the Afghan National Police (ANP). As a serving soldier in the British Army, Bran Symondson became fascinated by the Afghan National Police (ANP), their ethos and their daily existence in the war with the Taliban. When he was given the opportunity to return and document these characters as a civilian photographer in 2010, he was able to capture a unique perspective on the current conflict.
The new Canon IXUS 1000 HS introduces a long zoom lens to the style-conscious IXUS range of compact cameras. Also known as the SD4500 IS, the Canon IXUS 1000 HS boasts a 10x zoom, 10 megapixel back-illuminated sensor, 3 inch LCD screen and full 1080p HD movies. Is this the right travel-zoom camera for you? Find out in our in-depth Canon IXUS 1000 HS review, complete with full-size sample images and video.
The Samsung PL90 is a budget digital camera with a unique twist - it has a built-in USB connector that allows quick and easy transfer of your photos to a computer. The 12 megapixel PL90 also offers a 4x wide-angle zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen and VGA video recording. Read our in-depth Samsung PL90 review complete with sample images and video.
The Nikon D3100 is an entry-level digital SLR camera boasting 14.2-megapixels and full HD movies. Successor to the popular D3000 model, the new D3100 features full-time auto-focusing in both Live View and D-movie modes, a Quiet Shutter Release mode, and an enhanced Guide Mode for the beginner target audience that the D3100 is aimed at. Find out if this is the perfect first DSLR camera for you by reading our expert Nikon D3100 Review.
The D7000 is a new prosumer DSLR camera from Nikon, blending features from the cheaper D90 and the more expensive D300s and adding some new ideas of its own. Taking on the Canon EOS 60D, the D7000 is the first Nikon DSLR camera to offer continuous auto-focus during video recording, and the first to feature a 16 megapixel DX image sensor. Read our expert Nikon D7000 Review to find out if it's the right DSLR camera for you.
The Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 exhibition will open on 25th October, just a month before the Cancún climate-change conference. The overall winner of the 2010 competition is an aerial photograph titled “Flight of the Rays” by Florian Schulz, which shows a congregation of Munkiana devil rays in Baja California Sur. Bulgarian Radoslav Radoslavov Valkov has gained the title of the Young Environmental Photographer of the Year with his macro photograph of a fly. Hungary’s Bence Máté has been announced winner of The Natural World category for his image, “Fly to Eye” (see above). The winning images will be exhibited at The Air Gallery, Dover Street, Mayfair, W1S 4NE on 25th - 30th October 2010. Admission is free. A Blurb photo book of the winning images from the 2010 competition is available for purchase.
The Epson Stylus Photo PX660 is a new all-in-one printer, scanner and copier designed to meet the needs of the photo enthusiast. Users can print pictures directly from memory cards, USB drives and PictBridge-enabled cameras. Printing a 10x15cm photo takes 12 seconds, and you can personalise CDs and DVDs by printing directly onto suitable discs. Priced at £129.99, the Epson Stylus Photo PX660 uses dye-based Epson Claria ink, and will be available to purchase from 1st December.
Nikon have been closely competing with Canon in the DSLR arena for many years, but they've always come second-best (or worse) in the compact camera market. The new Coolpix P7000 is a clear attempt to redress that balance, with a completely revised design that is aiming for the jugular of the market-leading Canon PowerShot G-series. Read our in-depth Nikon Coolpix P7000 review to find out if it can topple the King from his throne...
‘The Crossing’ is a one-day event that takes a look at the shifting terrain of the contemporary image world and what will be necessary for photographers to embrace to fulfill their creative aspirations and goals. Speakers include Michelle Sank, David Birkitt, Simon Roberts, Christian Payne, David White and Benjamin Chesterton. The seminar takes place on 23rd October at Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6AB. Admission is £40. To book your place, visit the website below.
Website: Rhubarb Rhubarb Seminars
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a new 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera with extremely fast contrast-detect autofocus and a multi-aspect LiveMOS sensor.. Featuring an intuitive touch control for setting the active focus point, the new Panasonic GH2 boasts focusing times as low as 0.1 second at the wide end of the 14-140mm lens. To match the multi-aspect sensor in the GH2, Panasonic has also developed a multi-aspect EVF with a resolution of 1.53 million dots, a magnification of 1.42x, and 100% frame coverage. In addition to capturing 16-megapixel stills, the GH2 also offers Full HD video recording at variable frame rates including cine standard 24fps with a bit rate of up to 24Mbps. Along with the Lumix GH2, Panasonic also unveiled three new lenses, including a wide 14mm f2.5 pancake, a 100-300mm super-telezoom and a 12.5mm 3D lens. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 will cost £899.99 with the 14-42mm lens and £1299.99 with the 14-140mm lens.
Viral music video pioneers OK Go’s latest video has been filmed with the new Samsung NX100 mirrorless camera. Announced last week, the NX100 was used to produce the ‘Last Leaf,’ video, a trailer of which can be viewed now on www.cre8yourworld.com . A series of behind-the-scenes episodes has also been produced using the Samsung NX100.
Kodak will celebrate its 125th anniversary at Photokina next week. New and current products on display will include the Kodak Nexpress Photo Platform, Picture Kiosk and APEX systems, the Kodak D4000 duplex photo printer and the recently announced Kodak Professional Portra 400 film (pictured), which is claimed to be the world’s finest grain 400 speed colour negative film. Of course Kodak will also showcase its existing range of digital cameras, inkjet printers, pocket video cameras and digital photo frames.
Panasonic have teamed up with Channel Five for the advertiser-funded programme commission How To Take Stunning Pictures. Each programme in the six-part series focuses on a different theme; portrait, action, celebration, landscape, holidays and animals. Photography master classes will be provided by Martin Parr, Harry Borden, Tim Flach Emily Quinton, Bob Martin and Charlie Waite. The series will be sponsored by Lumix, Panasonic’s range of photographic cameras and will also be available to view on Panasonic’s IPTV service Vieracast. The programme launches tomorrow at 7.30pm on Channel Five with Episode 1: Portrait.
Website: How to Take Stunning Pictures
Canadian photographer Linda Rutenberg’s exhibition Eden at Nightis on show at Cornwall’s The Eden Project. Rutenberg’s current exhibition explores the rarely witnessed life of plants after dark in The Eden Project’s famous biomes. The innovative work leads on from two books, The Garden at Night and After Midnight, which were shot in North American public gardens. The prints were made with help from Shiraz Software, developers of RIP software package Shiraz Focus.
Previously unseen photographs from Nadav Kander’s journeys along the course of China’s Yangtze River will go on display at Flowers from 14 October 2010 to coincide with the publication of a monograph comprising the complete series. “The river is embedded in the consciousness of the Chinese, even those separated from it by thousands of miles,” the organisers say. “It plays a pivotal role in both the spiritual and physical life of the nation.” The exhibition coincides with the publication of a comprehensive monograph introduced by Kofi A. Annan and published by Hatje Cantz. Kofi A. Annan presented Kander with the 2009 Prix Pictet photographic award in sustainability for a selection of photographs from ‘Yangtze – The Long River’.
Epson today launched the Stylus Photo PX820FWD wireless All-In-One (AIO) device. The PX820FWD has a 19.8cm smart-navigation touch-panel with integrated touch-screen that puts all its functionality at the user’s fingertips and enables photos to be printed quickly and directly from memory cards and PictBridge-enabled cameras. Offering integrated wireless and Ethernet connectivity for shared printing, scanning and faxing, the Epson Stylus Photo PX820FWD can print a 10x15cm photo in ten seconds. Available from September, the PX820FWD is priced at £299.99.
The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has announced the winners of its 2010-2011 Awards. In the Photo category, there were 16 sub-categories from best photo software (Apple Aperture 3) to best zoom lens (Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD). Other award-winning products include the Canon EOS 550D and EOS 7D, the Nikon D3S (pictured) and AF-S Nikkor 300mm F2.8G ED VR II, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and TZ10, the Olympus µ Tough-8010 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4-5.6, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, the Sony ? NEX-5 and Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V, the Samsung EX1, the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 and the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. For more information including product descriptions, head to EISA’s website.
Website: EISA Photo Awards 2010-1011
Epson has introduced its new line of Artisan® all-in-ones – the Artisan 835 (pictured) and Artisan 725. The flagship Artisan 835 boasts a 7.8-inch smart touch panel, a 3.5-inch colour LCD, built-in fax, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder, while the Artisan 725 features an enhanced touch panel for easier navigation. Both feature 2.5 times faster wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi n2, wireless printing from an Apple iPhone and the world’s fastest 4”x6” photo print speeds, according to Epson. The Artisan 725 ($199.99) and Artisan 835 ($299.99) will be available in mid-August through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores across the U:S:A:, and Epson’s retail site.
Website: Epson Store
The winners of the Student Focus Competition for the Sony World Photography Awards 2010 have been announced. Victoria Ines Dobaño and Rodrigo Terren Toro’s winning images, entitled Villa Epecuen, depict the overwhelming power of water. The students’ challenge was to produce a series of six photographs that explored the notion of ‘Power’. The 2011 Student Focus competition has now been launched.
The 2010 FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards are open for entries. The main competition - which is broken down to six categories including commercial, reportage, portraits, wedding, landscape and illustrative - is open to European photographers only, but non-Europeans can participate in a special international section. Category winners will be awarded a “Golden Camera Award” – and the overall winner will be named FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year 2010. The competition will close for entries on 15th July 2010. Entry fees apply.
Website: Federation of European Photographers
HP has launched a new category of Web-enabled printing solutions that will allow people to print from any email device to any new ePrint-enabled printer from anywhere in the world through the new HP ePrint technology. The HP ePrint platform enables people to send the files they want to print from their mobile devices to HP printers that have their own e-mail addresses. This new line of ePrint enabled HP printers include the HP Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One, the HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One and the HP Photosmart Premium Fax e-All-in-One, which are priced at £179.99, £149.99 and £99.99, respectively. Finally, the HP Photosmart Premium Fax e-All-in-One (£229.99, pictured) allows users to fax, scan and copy, using the automatic two-sided document feeder; plus print photos and web content easily.
Tamron has just announced the second series of its free learning programme that’s specifically targeted at first-time digital SLR owners. Starting on June 7, 2010, and every Monday for 12 weeks, Tamron will release an entertaining and informative one-minute episode of “DSLR Know-How with Tamron: Series 201” on YouTube that’s designed to bring picture-takers to a higher level of photographic expression. “In just one minute per week you can learn important tips to making excellent pictures at no cost,” notes John VanSteenberg, Tamron’s Senior Education Manager. “Each of these one-minute video demonstrations is designed to take the viewers of the first series and newcomers to a higher comfort level with their equipment and photographic techniques.”
Website: TamronVids
National Geographic and Energizer have teamed up for the third annual Energizer Ultimate photo contest. Through Wednesday, 30 June, aspiring photographers can visit the website below to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. The winner will have their photo featured in the December issue of National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, and they’ll also be awarded the trip two to the Greek Isles.
Website: Energizer Ultimate Contest
The Casio EX-Z550 is an inexpensive yet well-specified digital camera, offering a 14 megapixel sensor, 4x wide-angle zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen and 720p HD movies. Available in a variety of colours, the EX-Z550 costs a mere £149.99 / $169.99 - read our in-depth Casio EX-Z550 review to find out if makes the grade.
The new Epson Stylus NX420 is billed as the “industry’s first wireless All-in-One under $100”. Featuring individual ink cartridges and fade-, smudge- and water-resistant DURABrite Ultra ink, the Epson Stylus NX420 offers fast printing speeds, one-click red-eye removal, 2400dpi scanning and manual, two-sided printing. The Epson Stylus NX420 is currently available through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores across the U.S.A., mail order, PC manufacturers, the Internet, and Epson’s own retail site. The estimated retail price is $99.99.
Website: Epson Store
Epson UK has announced that as part of its loyalty programme, owners of selected Epson models can save £400 when purchasing either a Stylus Pro 7880 (pictured) or Stylus Pro 9880 large format printer. Printers qualifying for the loyalty programme offer are the Stylus Color 3000 and 1520; Stylus Photo 2000, 2100 and R2400; Stylus Pro 5000, 5500, 4000, 4400, 4800, 7000, 7400, 7450, 7500, 7600, 7800, 9000, 9400, 9450, 9500, 9600, 9800, 10000, 10000CF and 10600. In addition, Epson has announced price reductions on two other large-format printers including the Stylus Pro 7700 and 9700, as well as its GS Canvas Satin media, developed specifically for the Stylus Pro GS6000. The 24” Stylus Pro 7700 has been reduced from £2,395 to £1,995 and the 44” Stylus Pro 9700 has been reduced from £4,795 to £2,995. 44” rolls of GS Canvas Satin are reduced from £202.61 to £130.43 and the 64” rolls are reduced from £295.65 to £182.61.
The Wild Wonders of Europe 2010 photography competition is set to launch in May. Last year’s winners, Janne Heimonen and Marcus Valeur were awarded the opportunity to hone their skills during a six-day adventure to the Cairngorms National Park and Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the Scottish Highlands, followed by a day at a special Epson print academy. Their winning images were selected from almost 11,000 images submitted to the competition by hobbyists, semi-pros and pro photographers from 23 countries. If you are interested in entering the 2010 contest, visit the website below.
Website: Wild Wonders of Europe
Guilherme Junior, a Brazilian photographer, is the winner of the 2010 Sony World Photography Awards’ Campaign Award. The winning image, entitled ‘Twisters’, shows the supporters of the Flamengo soccer team in Rio de Janeiro. Delly Carr, one of the world’s leading sports photographers, and chair of the judging panel commented: “This female fan epitomises football’s energy and passion. She is singled out from the rest of the crowd through her ‘over-the-top’ celebratory jump, and therefore as one with the team. She has channelled all her energy into that explosive reaction. Her face is pure joy.” A selection of shortlisted images entered to the competition, including the Guilherme’s winning shot (reproduced above), will be exhibited in Cannes, April 2010.
GigaPan has just introduced the Epic Pro, a robotic camera mount that empowers DSLR cameras to take thousands of photos that can be combined for one highly detailed image. Based on technology employed by NASA’s Mars Rover, the GigaPan Epic Pro joins the newly designed EPIC and EPIC 100 in the series. Strong enough to hold a camera and lens combination of up to 10 lbs, the Epic Pro enables users to capture enormous panoramas with crisp, vivid detail, the company says. Priced at $895, the GigaPan Epic Pro will be available from April.
Apple has announced the retail availability of the Apple iPad. In the US, the Wi-Fi models will go on sale on 3 April, followed by the WiFi+3G models in late April, the same time as all models of iPad hit the shelves in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Featuring a 9.7-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, the Apple iPad boasts 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132ppi, and comes with 16, 32 or 64GB of built-in storage capacity
Small cameras with big sensors are set to be the future of photography - at least, that's what Olympus think as they introduce the E-PL1, their brand new PEN camera for the mass-market. Cheaper, smaller, lighter and easier to use than most rival models, the Olympus E-PL1 is firmly aimed at frustrated compact camera owners who crave more control and better results, but who are put off by bulky and complicated DSLRs. The full-featured E-PL1 should also appeal to experienced prosumers looking for a cheaper way into Micro Four Thirds. Read the World's first online Olympus E-PL1 review to find out if it strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality.
The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! is an upcoming exhibition held on the lower ground floor of Selfridges. Converting Selfridges’ Ultralounge into a bunker-like workspace/den, it will be filled with paper inspired found and made objects, creating an environment reminiscent of a 1980’s pop video and suggesting the innocence of a bygone era. As well as being able to pick up a copy of The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! magazine, visitors can stay and enjoy numerous interactive activities. These will include a drive-in style photo-story viewing booth, 1980’s makeovers, a dance floor, manual typewriters to try out, and photo opportunities. Visitors will also be able to talk to the artists - Andrea Blood and Zoë Sinclair – and the magazine contributors and even become involved in editorial meetings. The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! will take place from 1 to 29 April.
Arctic explorer and photographer, Martin Hartley, left the UK last week equipped with a specially-tested LEICA MP camera with LEICA ELMARIT-M 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens as part of his expedition equipment. Martin Hartley commented, “Despite 19 polar photographic assignments over the last 12 years, there are still ‘impossible’ images to capture. At the start of every expedition on the Arctic Ocean in late February/March, it is difficult to survive let alone operate a camera due to the severe conditions. Below minus 40 degrees Celsius, electronic circuits slow down and become unreliable. The mechanical LEICA MP will give me the best chance of capturing those elusive, extremely cold photographs this time, which may be our last opportunity to do so.” During his trip, Martin will regularly send back film for developing, and images from the expedition will be posted regularly on his website.
Website: Martin Hartley
Epson has released the free Epson iPrint application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. This app lets you print photos directly from your iPhone using a variety of Wi-Fi enabled Epson printers. The Epson iPrint app is available for free from the App Store in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Portugese. Epson iPrint is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch versions 2.2.1 and later.
The first Lomography Gallery Store and official Lomography Embassy will open its doors on the US West Coast on 18 February. The USA’s Lomographic Society is planning an “epic celebration” with drinks, live Mariachi music, tacos and tamales, and dancing girls. The festivities will begin at 7pm - if you want to take part, send an RSVP to [email protected]. A series of workshops will also take place on the first week, starting on 19 February. Lomographic Society USA is headquartered at 7998 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90047. Click through / read on for the details.
Olympus have just launched the Olympus E-PL1, a new, affordable Micro Four Thirds camera with a built-in flash, sensor-shift image stabilisation and one-touch HD video recording. Sporting a stabilised 12.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor, the Olympus E-PL1 weighs in at only 296 grams without a lens, battery or memory card. Speaking of which, the Olympus E-PL1 is compatible with SD and SDHC cards, just like the existing Micro Four Thirds offerings from Olympus and Panasonic. Other highlights include a Supersonic Wave Filter for automated sensor cleaning, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200, 3fps continuous shooting for up to 10 raw images, HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity, and auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows. The Olympus E-PL1 also features an easy-to-understand, non-technical Live Guide with simple direct control over key image effects. Available from March 2010 at a retail price of £549 for a single lens kit and £699 for a twin zoom kit, the Olympus E-PL1 is the most affordable Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus to date.
The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 is an A1+/24" large format printer aimed squarely at the pro photographer. According to Epson, the 7900 offers "the best the industry has to offer for colour proofing, photography and fine art reproduction" - a bold claim indeed. Jon Canfield finds out if the Epson 7900 really can deliver on its promise in our expert review.
Tamron has just announced a free new learning programme that’s specifically targeted at first-time DSLR camera owners. Starting on 18 January 2010, and every Monday for 12 weeks, Tamron will release an entertaining and informative one-minute episode of “DSLR Know-How with Tamron” on YouTube that’s designed to bring picture-takers up to speed in getting the most out of their equipment. “Once the ‘DSLR 101’ series is posted, we will follow it up with a ‘202’ and ‘303’ series covering more sophisticated techniques, creating, in effect, a unique easy learning center,” says John VanSteenberg, Tamron’s Senior Education Manager. The Tamron YouTube videos can be found on the TamronVids Channel.
Website: TamronVids Channel on YouTube
The new Olympus E-600 DSLR has all the features of a mid-range camera at an entry-level price. Heavily based upon the existing E-620 model, the E600 loses a few of its bigger brother's features in order to hit a more competitive price-point - namely $599.99 / £549.99 with the 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko lens. Gavin Stoker finds out if there's still enough on offer in our Olympus E-600 review.
Epson have introduced the Epson PictureMate Show, a two-in-one digital photo frame and 4” x 6” photo printer. Boasting a seven-inch, 16:9 tilt digital photo display with 800x480-pixel WVGA resolution, PictureMate Show offers 12 unique and entertaining slideshow formats for digital images, as well as a remote control to conveniently view and display photos. Combined with a 4”x6” photo printer, it allegedly offers the highest maximum print resolution in its class (5760x1440dpi) to produce a print in 37 seconds. PictureMate Show ($299.99) is currently available through a variety of online retail shops and Epson’s retail site.
Kodak has announced that it is ceasing production of its Ektachrome 100 Plus Professional (EPP) and Ektachrome 64T Professional (EPY, pictured) film emulsions. The company cites “significantly decreased sales volumes” as the cause of discontinuance in both cases. The suggested alternative for EPP is Ektachrome E100G. There is no suggested alternative for EPY. Based on current usage demand, both discontinued products are expected to be available in the market through early 2010.
RED’s founder, Jim Jannard, has announced the specifications, pricing and launch schedule of their Epic-X modular digital stills and motion picture camera. According to information shared by Jannard himself via the REDuser forum, the Epic-X will be at the heart of a completely modular system, where each module can be upgraded individually. Featuring a new MYSTERIUM-X 5K sensor, the Epic-X will offer various movie resolutions and frame rates, a sensitivity range of ISO 200/24° to ISO 8000/40°, independent stills and motion modes, a 5-axis adjustable sensor plate, multiple recording options, wireless REDMOTE control, touchscreen LCD control option, interchangealbe lens mounts supporting RED, Canon and Nikon lenses with full electronic aperture and focus control, touch focus tracking and more. As you can expect, all this functionality and features galore doesn’t come cheap: the first working prototypes of the Epic-X, dubbed “Tattoo”, will be priced at $28,000 each. Availability of the first “Tattoos” is slated for late 2009.
Website: REDuser
Photo-i has just launched its latest DVD title, A Guide to Digital Printing and Scanning. Written and presented by Vincent Oliver, photographer and editor of photo-i.co.uk, this 2 hours and 54 minutes DVD shows you how to get the best from your printer and scanner in an easy-to-follow way. Topics covered include choosing a printer, colour management, profiling a monitor, creating custom printer profiles, choosing the right paper, optimising photographs for printing, printer settings for monochrome, scanning film and prints, and more. A Guide to Digital Printing and Scanning has been produced in association with Epson and is available to buy online at the website below.
Website: photo-i
Epson have announced the affordable, portable Epson PictureMate Charm.photo printer. The PictureMate Charm can print a borderless 4x6” colour photograph in 37 seconds, and the prints are smudge, scratch and water resistant. Also, they are claimed to resist fading up to 96 years under glass and over 200 years in dark album storage (though Epson does not actually guarantee the longevity of prints). The printer features a 2.5” LCD screen to view, crop and print photos, as well as remove red eye and select popular photo layouts and colour tones. PictureMate Charm also prints from all popular memory cards with built-in card slots, and prints wirelessly from PDAs and digital camera cell phones with a separately sold Bluetooth adapter. ThePictureMate Charm will be available on Oct. 20 through a variety of online retail stores and Epson’s retail site at an estimated street price of $149.99.
Kris Dickson has been awarded the title of UK Master Photographer of the Year 2009. The announcement was made at the Master Photography Awards in Newcastle last night. In addition to the main prize of the evening, Dickson was awarded firsts in the following categories: UK Fashion and Beauty, the Mario Acerboni Northern Ireland Award and the overall Mario Acerboni Award. He was also crowned UK Fashion & Press Photographer of the Year. Jingna Zhang, from Singapore, was named Overseas Master Photographer of the Year 2009. Click through / read on for the full list of award-winning photographers.
From October 9-12, Nikon will sponsor 100 promising young photojournalists in upstate New York for the 22nd Eddie Adams Workshop, also known as “Barnstorm.” At the workshop, students will have the opportunity to use Nikon’s professional digital SLR camera system, as well as the new D300s (pictured above, and recently reviewed here on PhotographyBLOG). Nikon technical experts will also be available onsite to offer advice and guidance. Barnstorm participants will benefit from the experience and advice of legendary professional mentors such as Bill Eppridge, Stacy Pearsall and Tim Rasmussen. In addition to sponsoring the Barnstorm, this is the sixth year that Nikon will award a $10,000 scholarship to the top student from the Barnstorm XXII Workshop. A panel of judges selects a student based on the work he or she presents during the workshop. The scholarship money must be used by the winning student to further his or her education in the photographic arts field, and will be applied towards their tuition and/or housing at the college of his or her attendance.
Bits & Coffee have released version 2.6 of BatchPhoto, their Windows-based picture converter software, which now enables you to automatically rotate hundreds of digital photographs in one session. The new version is fully compatible with Windows 7, and can take full advantage of multicore CPUs. Apart from the new Auto Rotation feature, which can be performed even without starting the application, directly from Windows Explorer’s contextual (right-click) menu, BatchPhoto can annotate, touch up, transform, apply effects, convert and rename hundreds of pictures in a single operation. It comes in two editions: Home and Pro priced at $29.95, and $59.95, respectively. BatchPhoto may be purchased securely online at the website below.
Website: BatchPhoto
Tired of seeing the world in plain old two dimensions? Then Fujifilm have the answer - enter stage left the World's first 3D camera that doesn't require those dorky glasses, the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1. This remarkable device uses two lenses, two image sensors and a special LCD screen to create an utterly convincing stereoscopic 3D photograph. And the W1 also doubles up as a perfectly functional 2D point and shoot camera too. Mark Goldstein catches a glimpse of the future as he reviews the Fujifilm W1...
Epson UK is offering half-price CoverPlus extended warranties on many of its Stylus Pro large-format printers, representing savings of up to £699.50. This includes access to a UK-based telephone help desk, which will endeavour to resolve any issues, and, if required, a next-day site visit from a specialist Epson engineer. This offer is available from 31 October 2009 to 31 March 2010 and applies to the following Stylus Pro models: 3880, 4450, 4880, 7450 (pictured), 7880, 7900, 9450, 9880, 9900 and 11880.
Imaging USA, one of the world’s largest events for professional photographers, has picked Nashville for its 2010 convention and tradeshow. The USA’s longest running photographic convention will feature a unique combination of artistic and business education designed specifically for professional photographers, whether they’ve been in business for years, or are just starting out. Registration for the conference, which will take place from 10-12 January 2010, is open to all professional photographers and several options are available, including full conference and one-day passes. A special promotion includes a free full conference registration for new members who join PPA prior to the show. For more information about Imaging USA or to register for the conference, visit the website below.
Website: Imaging USA
Large format photographer David Ward explores how to create one of the essential ingredients of his photography - mystery.
PhotoshopIsland.com offers exclusive designs and elements for anyone who works with Photoshop, from professional photographers to scrapbookers. Three collections are available at launch: Distressed Background Brushes, 2010 Calendar Brushes & EPS Files and Postage-Themed Brushes. To encourage visits during its launch, PhotoshopIsland visitors who sign up for its e-news have a chance to win an Epson PictureMate PM 260 photo printer. Plus, each visitor who signs-up gets a free set of 10 high resolution Photoshop brushes.
Based on the famous analogue M-series cameras, the Leica M8.2 is 10 megapixel digital rangefinder camera aimed firmly at the professional user. The £3900 / $5999 body-only M8.2 is a serious investment, and with Leica announcing its successor this week, the 18 megapixel full-frame M9, you could argue that its days are numbered. We find out if the M8.2 is still worth a look...
Kodak’s booth at Print 09 will be streaming with exhibits, presentations and activities unlike any previously seen at a trade show, the company says. The Pipeline of Innovation serves as the centerpiece of Kodak’s booth. This 24-foot-long digital display will feature a continuous stream of visual images representing innovative technology and solutions from Kodak. Visitors can interact with the display to learn more about what interests them. Another highlight at Kodak’s booth will be the K-Zone, a live talk show set where dynamic discussions with industry experts, print service providers, and marketing professionals will take place daily throughout the show. The K-Zone kicks off on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:00 a.m. CST with a panel discussion, “What’s Print Got to Do with It,” featuring Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eastman Kodak Company.
The Nikon D3000 is a new digital SLR camera for the masses, with simplified handling and guided help that offers a gentle introduction to the world of SLR photography. The D3000 is designed to improve your photos, with an interactive Intelligent Guide mode holding your hand on the road to that perfect picture. Other standout features include a large 3 inch LCD screen, sensible 10 megapixel sensor, 11-point autofocus system and 3fps continuous shooting. Available for £429.99 / €522.00 body-only or £499.99 / €607.00 / $599.95 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens, Gavin Stoker discovers if the Nikon D3000 is the ultimate camera for DSLR beginners.
Rupert Nightingale’s Icelandic landscapes are featured in an upcoming exhibition, held from 8-28 October in London’s ‘theprintspace’ gallery. Whilst these images are stylistically a meditation on both texture and form, they also attempt to address the idea of the mythic and perceived permanence of the landscape. Rupert Nightingale believes the slower, more contemplative approach to shooting, combined with the detail and tonal richness of the large format negative, gives rise to a more satisfying and painterly final image. The gallery’s address is: theprintspace, 74 Kingsland Road, London E2 8DL.
Epson has launched the Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW, a high-end 4-in-1 Wi-Fi photo printer. Integrating fax capability with Hi-Definition photo printing, scanning and copying, the PX810FW is Epson’s flagship Wi-Fi, all-in-one for the home user. In addition to photo printing, it comes with a number of more general printing features. You can save paper by double-sided printing with the included duplexer. An automatic document feeder allows for convenient faxing, copying and scanning of multiple pages. The auto-selecting A4 and photo sized paper trays means that both A4 plain and photo sized paper is always ready for use, and the PX810FW also has the capacity to print directly onto suitable CDs and DVDs. The innovative greeting card feature allows you to produce a personalised 10x15cm card incorporating your own handwritten message within the photo without even switching on the PC. The Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW will become available on 1 September at an RRP of £299.99.
Epson has also announced the Epson Stylus Photo PX710W wireless, all-in-one, Hi-Definition photo printer. Paolo Marenghi, Product Manager, Epson UK, said: “With its Wi-Fi capability and contemporary design, the Epson Stylus Photo PX710W can be placed anywhere in the modern home. With integrated paper trays it is far slimmer than most printers standing at only 150mm tall. Whether you wish to print from a PC, Mac or iPhone, the PX710W will print any document you need and produce photos of outstanding quality.” Additional features in the Epson Stylus Photo PX710W include the ability to view and print photos directly from a memory card using the 6.3 cm LCD viewer, printing directly from PictBridge compatible digital cameras and optical character recognition (OCR) software for text scanning. An Epson Photo Paper Pack is also included, so you can start printing high-quality photos on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper in 10x15cm, 13x18cm and A4 sizes straight away. Scheduled for release on 1 September 2009, the Epson Stylus Photo PX710W will be available at an RRP of £199.99.
The twelve-megapixel Pentax Optio P80 is the latest model of the popular Optio P series of digital compact cameras, and features HD video capture in a slim, lightweight body with a 27.5-110mm equivalent 4x zoom lens. Other highlights include shake reduction (though not of the mechanical kind), extra-quick face detection, smile capture and an Auto Picture mode that automatically selects the scene mode it thinks is best for any given shot.Pentax have allegedly improved the Face Detection AF & AE function on the P80 to now capture subject faces from an angle; and a more responsive version of the Auto-Tracking AF function helps keep an active subject in constant focus. The Optio P80 will be available in Black, Pearl and Mint in September 2009 at $199.95 USD.
The 10-megapixel Pentax Optio E80 is an entry-level digital camera with HD video capture, user-friendly features and large control buttons. Highlights inlcude a 2.7”, 230.000-dot LCD, a 32-96mm equivalent 3x zoom lens, face detection, and 720p video recording at 15 frames per second with shake reduction and sound. The Pentax Optio E80 features an upgraded version of Pentax’s Auto Picture mode, which automatically and instantly selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene. The camera is powered by a pair of AA-sized batteries, which can be bought almost anywhere. Available in Silver or Black, the Pentax Optio E80 can be purchased from September 2009 at $129.95 USD.
The 10-megapixel Pentax Optio WS80 is a new rugged, dust- and waterproof camera with a 5x zoom lens and the ability to record high-definition video. The Pentax Optio WS80 can withstand depths up to five feet (1.5 metres) for up to two hours, and sports features like extra-quick face detection, smile capture, shake reduction and an Auto Picture mode similar to the iAuto mode of other manufacturers’ digital cameras. Available in two eye-catching color options, black with orange accents or white with purple accents, the PENTAX Optio WS80 will ship in September 2009 for $249.95 USD.
Epson has announced the Epson Stylus Photo PX650 high-definition all-in-one photo printer, scanner and copier. A 1200 dpi photo scanner captures the fine detail of original prints, whilst the Hi-Definition, dye-based Epson Claria Photographic Ink creates glossy photos with smooth gradations and a subtlety of tone that lasts for over 200 years, Epson claims. The Epson Stylus Photo PX650 has a 6.3cm LCD panel for viewing and editing photos before printing them directly from the memory card. The PX650 can also print directly onto suitable CDs and DVDs. Availability is slated for 1 September 2009, and the recommended retail price is £129.99 including VAT. An Epson Photo Paper Pack is also included, so you can start printing high-quality photos on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper in 10x15cm, 13x18cm and A4 sizes straight away.
The Olympus E-P1 brings together the image quality and interchangeable lenses of a digital SLR, the video capability of a camcorder, and the size and portability of a point and shoot, all in one compact package. The first Micro Four Thirds model from Olympus is inspired by the popular 1950's PEN series of film cameras, but is very much a product of the new millennium, offering a wealth of up-to-date must-have features. Mark Goldstein finds out if the E-P1 really is all the camera you will ever need in our latest expert review.
The Pentax Optio W80 is Pentax’s most water-, shock-, dust- and cold-proof digital camera ever. The Pentax W80 can withstand depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) for up to 2 hours, drops of up to 3.3 feet (1 meter), and sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). The 12.1 megapixel W80 also features a 5x zoom lens, HD movies, a 2.5-inch LCD screen and triple anti-shake protection. Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Pentax Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $299.95. Accessories include a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($19.95).
A gaming console might not be the first “accessory” that comes to mind when talking about digital photography, but the Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) has some interesting features for the photo enthusiast. Every PS3 allows consumers to store their digital photos by connecting their cameras or USB storage drives directly to the console via a USB cable, with images then transferred directly onto the PS3’s hard drive. Once done with this, you can easily create playlists by grouping together photos. The PS3 system also offers five slideshow styles to show off your photos on your big screen, and you can set the slideshow to any music stored on your PS3.You can even upload your photos directly to a photo sharing site. Finally, with the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, you can take your photos with you anywhere. Connect your PSP to any PC or laptop via a USB cable and upload your digital photos directly to the PSP’s storage card, the Memory Stick PRO Duo. You can also connect your PSP to your PS3 via a USB cable, and swap photos and photo playlists between the two systems.
Think Tank Photo is to release a new concept in camera bag, called the Multimedia Wired Up Collection, and they have produced a promotional video to show it off. In order to produce this video, Think Tank Photo co-founder and Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Deanne Fitzmaurice teamed up with Emmy Award winning multimedia producer Dai Sugano. The Multimedia Wired Up Collection is billed as the first integrated bag system specifically designed for those shooting still, audio, and video in the field. The promotional video is available at www.thinktankphoto.com/mmvideo
The Olympus E-620 is an affordable mid-range digital SLR camera that offers a lot of bang for your buck. The 12 megapixel E620 features built-in image stabilisation, a free-angle LCD screen, compact dimensions and light weight, 7-point autofocus system and 6 Art filters. Is the E-620 the best Olympus DSLR yet? Read our expert review to find out.
The Canon Digital IXUS 110 IS (also know as the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS) is a new compact camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and HD video mode. Available in four different pastel colours, the Canon IXUS 110 IS features a 4x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, 2.8 inch wide-angle LCD screen and 12 megapixel sensor. Gavin Stoker casts his critical eye over the new $329.99 / £349.00 / €399.00 Canon Digital IXUS 110 IS.
Looking for the smallest DSLR camera in the world? Step forward the diminutive Olympus E-450, weighing in at less than 400 grams. The tiny E450 is based on the FourThirds standard, offering a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen and brand new Art Filters for creating your own digitally enhanced master-pieces. Is the Olympus E-450 worth £350 body only / £450 single lens kit in the UK, or $699 for the double-lens kit in the US? Zoltan Arva-Toth finds out in the World's first online Olympus E-450 review.
Epson has unveiled four new all-in-ones in its affordable Stylus NX line. These include the entry-level Epson Stylus NX115 ($69.99, pictured), Epson Stylus NX215 ($89.99), Epson Stylus NX415 ($99.99), and the flagship of the series, the Epson Stylus NX515 ($149.99). The Epson Stylus NX215 is apparently the industry’s first all-in-one at its price point with memory card slots and a 1.5-inch color LCD screen for standalone photo printing. The Epson Stylus NX415 boasts a 2.5-inch color LCD, claimed to be the largest at its price point, as well as card slots and PictBridge® support. The Epson Stylus NX515 is allegedly the fastest printer in its class (at least for printing black text in default mode) and offers Wi-Fi printing with a simple four-step setup process so users can print wirelessly. The prices quoted are estimated street prices. Availability is slated for June, but Amazon, BestBuy, Fry’s Electronics and Epson’s retail site are already taking pre-orders.
The Canon EOS 500D is the latest DSLR camera to jump on the HD video bandwagon, offering 1080p and 720p quality settings. Also known as the Digital Rebel T1i, the successor to the EOS 450D features a 15 megapixel CMOS sensor, 940,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen, Live View and ISO range of 100-12800. At $799.99 / £869.99 body only or $899.99 / £969.99 with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens, find out if the Canon EOS 500D is the best consumer digital SLR in our expert review.
The National Park Foundation and Olympus have announced the launch of the 2009 Share the Experience Photo Contest, a special competition that encourages nature lovers, amateur photographers, and kids of all ages to take pictures of a national park. The 2009 Share the Experience Photo Contest will run from May 4, 2009 through December 31, 2009 and showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands, drawing entries from all across the United States. All 2009 entrants will have the opportunity to win one of six prize packages, including trips to national parks. The Grand Prize winner will earn the international honour of having his/her winning image grace the cover of the 2011 “Federal Recreation Lands Pass,” an Olympus E-3 DSLR camera kit, plus a five-day, four-night trip for four to the Federal Recreation Area of their choice.
The new Epson Stylus SX515W is a high-speed compact printer, scanner and copier with Wi-Fi. A 6.3 cm LCD viewer, in-built PictBridge and memory card slots, and an Ethernet connection for wired networking complete the Epson SX515W’s headline specs. Richard Aplin, Product Manager at Epson UK commented: “With more households having several wireless laptops or computers, flexibility and the capacity to share a printer becomes essential. The Epson Stylus SX515W incorporates Wi-Fi which allows multiple users to print and scan wirelessly from around the home, eliminating the need to have more than one printer.” The Epson Stylus SX515W will be available on 1st June, 2009 for £149.99.
The Epson Stylus SX415 is a new all-in-one printer with individual inks offering printing, scanning and copying. With a 6.3cm LCD viewer, memory card slots and in-built PictBridge, there is no need for a PC to print all your photos. Richard Aplin, Product Manager at Epson UK says: “The versatile Epson Stylus SX415 offers high-quality output to meet all the printing, scanning and copying needs of our customers. What’s more it comes with individual ink cartridges, which is a cost-effective solution to printing. The Epson SX415 will be available on 1st July, 2009 for £119.99.
The GigaPan Epic 100 is a new robotic camera mount for capturing detailed gigapixel panoramas. The Epic 100 model fits a wider range of camera models and is compatible with almost any point and shoot digital camera. The Epic 100 also works with several smaller DSLR cameras and has a maximum weight limit of three pounds. The GigaPan Epic sells for $379 and the GigaPan Epic 100 for $449.
Rumanian software firm Bits&Coffee SRL have released version 2.5 of their image editor, BatchPhoto. With version 2.5, BatchPhoto introduces a new major feature: raw photo development. By taking advantage of multi-core processors BatchPhoto can convert hundreds or even thousands of raw images to common image formats like JPEG or TIFF in a single session. Moreover, it can also change the often meaningless names assigned by digital cameras to custom keyword-based names, in the same operation. It comes in two editions: Home and Pro priced at $29.95(US), and $59.95(US), respectively. Do note that this program is Windows only.
Western Digital’s MyBook family of external hard drives has been expanded to include 2TB capacities. Yes that’s two terabytes - currently the largest available capacity in a single-drive system. The new 2 TB My Book family includes: My Book Studio Edition, My Book Mac Edition, My Book Home Edition and My Book Essential Edition models. All of these are available now except for the Mac Edition 2TB, which is forecast to hit the shelves next month. Estimated pricing ranges from $329.99 to $379.99, depending upon drive model.
Magnum photographers Paolo Pellegrin and Alex Majoli have been selected as the first two professional photojournalists to receive Getty Images grants for 2009. Two student PJs, Andy Spyra and Maximiliano Braun, are also getting grants from the agency. Paolo Pellegrin’s project is entitled “Iraqi Refugees”, Alex Majoli documents Brazil’s ‘hidden’ internal war in his ongoing work “Requiem for Samba”, Andy Spyra has chosen to report on the Kashmir Conflict, whereas Maximiliano Braun’s project, “Stay With Me”, focuses on families caring for a relative living in a vegetative state due to brain damage.
Our new regular columnist, one of Britain's most accomplished large format photographers, David Ward from Light & Land, considers how larger and cheaper memory cards influence how we actually take pictures, for better and for worse...
The MemoryKick MediaCenter is the world’s first full-featured, high-speed, compact portable storage device that fits right into your pocket. It combines the best features of Photo Banks, MP3 players, Memory Card Readers, and Video Players in one lightweight and stylish device. The MemoryKick MediaCenter is available now in 6 colours in the US for $249.95 for the 30Gb version, $299.95 for 60Gb, and $399.95 for 120Gb.
Anthony Suau’s image of an armed officer moving through a home in Cleveland, Ohio, following an eviction is the winner of World Press Photo of the Year 2008. This year, a record 5,508 professional photographers from 124 countries submitted a total of 96,268 images. The winning image was taken in March 2008 as part of a story commissioned by Time magazine. Anthony Suau will receive a cash prize of €10,000 from World Press Photo at an awards ceremony in Amsterdam on 3rd May.
Four 8ft prints by professional photographer David Osborn of Britishpanoramics.com, taken with the 160 megapixel Seitz 6x17, are about to be shown for the first time. ‘There isn’t another camera anywhere in the world that takes larger digital pictures than the 160 mega pixel Seitz, and the files produce incredible results,’ says Osborn. You can judge Osborn’s prints for yourselves on the Innova Art stand at Focus on Imaging at the NEC from 22-25 February.
The GigaPan Epic capture detailed panoramas with almost any point-and-shoot digital camera. The Epic is a small robotic mount that automates the picture taking process, includes fully integrated software and works seamlessly with GigaPan.org. The GigaPan Epic, complete with the GigaPan Stitcher software, is available now for $379. The GigaPan Epic 100, available soon for $449, is a second model designed for larger point-and-shoot digital camera models.
The new Olympus mju 9000, mju 7000 and mju 5000 cameras offer zoom ranges from 5x up to 10x in a stylish and compact design. The Olympus 9000 (also known as the Stylus 9000) has a 10x wide optical zoom (28-280mm), 12 megapixels, 2.7 inch LCD screen, and Dual Image Stabilisation. The Olympus 7000 (also known as the Stylus 7000) has a 7x wide optical zoom (37-260mm), 12 megapixels, 3 inch LCD screen, and Smile Shot function. The Olympus 5000 (Europe only) has a 5x wide optical zoom (37-260mm), 12 megapixels, 2.7 inch LCD screen, and Perfect Shot Preview. The Olympus mju 9000 / Stylus 9000 will cost £310 / $349.99, the Olympus mju 7000 / Stylus 7000 £260 / $299.99 and the Olympus mju 5000 £220.
Geotate has upgraded its GPS Web-Service for adding location tags to digital images. “This upgrade of our Internet-based web-service coincides with the first Geotate technology-enabled products using our technology, being used by photographers. It represents another step in our ability to engineer innovative technology into market leading products,” said CTO Chris Marshall. Geotate’s software is used in JOBO’s photoGPS, amongst other products, and it allows you to record and discover the location where you took your pictures and videos.
Epson America has introduced the 24-inch Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and the 44-inch Epson Stylus Pro 9900. Almost twice as fast as previous models, the 7900 and 9900 feature Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP print head and new Epson UltraChrome HDR Ink technology with all-new Orange and Green inks. Also new to the Epson Stylus Pro series is an optional high performance, in-line spectrophotometer for commercial proofing applications. The Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 will be available in November 2008 for $3,995 and $5,995 respectively.
Epson has joined forces with X-Rite to bring together two the R2880 printer and i1Display 2 calibrator in one convenient package. The i1Display 2 offers essential colour control tools, such as ambient check and match, workgroup match, and push-button calibration and validation. Once the image is ready to be printed, the Stylus Photo R2880 matches the colours with impressive accuracy. The Epson R2880 and X-Rite i1Display 2 are available now for £669.99.
Epson have introduced three new sub-$100 ink jet all-in-ones, the NX300, NX200 and NX100. Joining the flagship Epson Stylus NX400 model, the three newcomers are priced from $69.99 to $89.99. The 4-in-1 Epson Stylus NX300 is Epson’s first ever sub-$100 all-in-one with fax and an Auto Document Feeder (ADF). The Epson NX100 prints up to 26 ppm for black text documents, while the Epson NX200 produces even faster black and color documents at up to 32 ppm. In addition, the Epson NX200 adds card slots and PictBridge compatibility for PC-Free photo printing.
The Epson Stylus Photo PX800FW is a new all-in-one printer, scanner and fax machine designed for your living room. With a black gloss finish, the PX800FW features a 19.8cm LCD touch panel interface, automatic document feeder, 4800 dpi scanner, and integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. Epson Claria dye-based ink produces better-than-lab-quality photos. An optional automatic duplexer clicks on the rear of the Epson PX800FW and provides double-sided printing, including booklet printing. The Epson Stylus PX800FW will cost £299.99, available from today.
The Epson Stylus Photo PX700W is a new all-in-one printer and scanner designed for your living room. With a black gloss finish, the PX700W features a 6.3 cm colour LCD screen, 2400 dpi scanner, and integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. Epson Claria dye-based ink produces better-than-lab-quality photos in just 17 seconds. Prints can be made by the PX700W on a variety of media from plain paper, high gloss photo paper and CD’s and DVD’s. The Epson Stylus PX700W will cost £199.99, available from today.
The Artisan 800 and 700 are new flagship inkjet all-in-ones from Epson. The premium Epson Artisan 800 model features Wi-Fi Fax, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), Ultra Hi-Definition photos, 4800 dpi resolution scanning, a 7.8-inch smart touch panel and 3.5-inch LCD screen. The Epson Artisan 700 lacks the fax capability of its big brother and has a smaller 2.5-inch LCD and 2400 dpi resolution scanning. Both models offer Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking and use six-color Ultra Hi-Definition Claria ink. The Epson Artisan 800 costs $299.99 and the Artisan 700 $199.99.
The Epson Stylus SX600FW is a new high-speed printer, scanner, copier with fax and Wi-Fi functionality. The SX600 FW also features an automatic document feeder, 6.3cm LCD screen and individual DURABrite ink cartridges that are water, smudge and fade resistant. The Epson Stylus SX600FW will be available 1st September 2008 for £149.99.
The ExpressDigital Template Marketplace is a new e-commerce solution which provides access to hundreds of graphic templates and borders. “ExpressDigital and its selected partners are thrilled to unveil the new ExpressDigital Template Marketplace, which puts the power in the hands of the photographers to increase their product offering with a variety of creative content,” said Graham McFarland, Founder and CEO of ExpressDigital. “Templates are a proven way to turn photos into profits, and now we are providing a one-stop-shop to enable easy access to the best content out there and make them more accessible to professional photographers.” The ExpressDigital Template Marketplace is available in Darkroom v8.9.
WildPhotos is the UK’s largest two-day photography symposium dedicated to exploring the power of wildlife photography. The event brings together photographers, both professional and amateur, editors, publishers and conservationists. Participants take part in discussion and debate, giving them the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best in the business. WildPhotos takes place on 31 October – 1 November at the Royal Geographical Society, London. Tickets cost £165 (standard rate) / £125 (conc. rate) for the two-day event, or £95 (standard rate) / £75 (conc. rate) for Friday or Saturday only.
Best-selling Photoshop author Deke McClelland has started a new video podcast series, dubbed dekePod. “101 Photoshop Tips in 5 Minutes” is an all-new, irreverent, laugh-out-loud music video. “This has long seemed like an obvious idea to me: Come up with 101 Photoshop Tips, rattle them off in precisely 5 minutes, and set them to music,” says Deke, creator of O’Reilly’s One-on-One book series. You can watch “101 Photoshop Tips in 5 Minutes” now at digitalmedia.oreilly.com/dekePod . Future podcasts are scheduled to be posted every other week and available for download starting Tuesday, July 8.
The Epson Stylus NX400 is the flagship model of a new generation of all-in-one printers. “Whether printing book reports, driving directions, presentations or party invitations, the Epson Stylus NX400 turns ordinary projects into amazing output. Its versatility, high-performance, durability, and affordable price make it the best solution for everyday home printing needs.” said Kristi Lanzit Fox, product manager, Consumer Ink Jet Printers, Epson. The Epson Stylus NX400 is now shipping and will be available for an estimated street price of $99.99.
Ilford is re-introducing its Galerie pre-mounted boards in Smooth Pearl and Gloss surfaces. Images up to 20” x 24” (50cm x 61cm) can be produced, printing directly onto a rigid substrate in one easy operation. With pre-mounted boards, images can be created off the printer and placed straight into a frame. “The market for pre-mounted boards is growing and ILFORD is one of the few companies in the photographic market to offer such a product line,“ said Andrew Stewart, Sales and Marketing Director, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH.
The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 is a new professional A3+ photo printer. The new 8-ink R2880 printer uses advanced UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks and a refined look-up table to more accurately match colours. The Epson R2880 is able to achieve 85 percent of Pantone gamut using only eight ink cartridges. “The Stylus Photo R2880 replaces the iconic Stylus Photo R2400. It represents the pinnacle in photo printing for professionals and enthusiasts that require the superior image quality of Epson’s large format printers but with a smaller footprint to print smaller production runs.” commented Mark Robinson, Senior Product Manager at Epson. The Epson Stylus Photo R2880 costs £569.99 / $799.99 and will be available in June 2008.
The Pentax Optio W60 is a new fully waterproof, 10 megapixel digital camera with 5x zoom lens and 28mm wide-angle capability. The Pentax W60 can operate up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at extreme temperatures well below freezing. The new Digital Wide function merges two shots into one image for ultra-wide-angle image capture (equivalent to a focal length of 21mm in 35mm format). The High-Quality Movie mode offers HD resolution up to 1280 x 720 pixels, comparable to a 720p HDTV. The Pentax Optio W60 will be available in July 2008 for $329.95 in a choice of two colors, Ocean Blue and Silver.
Epson’s new SX400 and SX200 all-in-one printers offer cost-effective printer, scanner and copier functionality in a stylish and compact unit. Both the SX400 and SX200 feature individual ink cartridges for cost-efficient printing, and use use Epson’s pigment-based DURABrite Ultra Ink for prints that can last up to 200 years when stored in a photo album. The Epson SX400 additionally includes a 6.3cm crystal-clear LCD viewer. The Epson SX400 costs £119.99 and the Epson SX200 £79.99, both available in June 2008.
The Sixties: Photographs By Robert Altman is a new photo exhibition at the Idea Generation Gallery. Running from 16th July – 29th August , the exhibition brings together 60 of the most powerful images from the chief staff photographer of Rolling Stone magazine. “The passion for what he was shooting is wonderfully clear, but there’s more to it than that. It’s almost as if he’s distilled the essence of the era - you get a real sense of the drama, excitement, hope, anger, idealism of the time. It makes for some iconic images.” commented Hector Proud, managing director of Idea Generation Gallery. Entry to the exhibition at the Idea Generation Gallery in London is free.
World-renowned photographer Greg Gorman is holding a series of week-long exclusive digital photographic workshops. This workshop series is aimed at any photographer looking to enhance their camera, lighting, color management, image editing and fine art printing skills. The weeklong workshops cost $4250 and are offered from June 8-13, August 3-8 and September 21-26, limited to nine attendees each.
Tamron Photo Workshops are hands-on, in the classroom and in-the-field photo workshops led by professional photographers. Don Gale, Terry Livingstone, Dave Maynard, Jim Shadle, Roy Toft, and Les Voorhis are some of the photographers involved for 2008. Each weekend event, which is limited to 30 participants, includes a Friday evening photo seminar and a full day Saturday workshop in the field, and admission fees and transportation where applicable. The $179 per person cost includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or snacks, and other surprise giveaways.
The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 is a new 64” wide inkjet printer with an 8-colour ink set. The Epson GS6000 is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, inclduign photo applications and fine-art reproduction. It has an exceptionally wide colour gamut which provides enhanced support for commonly used spot colours. The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 has a resolution up to 1440x1440 dpi and a smallest ink droplet size of 3.7 picolitres. The Epson GS6000 will be first shown at the FESPA Digital show in Geneva 1-3 April. Price to be confirmed.
Wild Wonders of Europe is the continent’s largest ever photography project. Spanning at least 5 years, the Wild Wonders of Europe project will consist of a cutting-edge web site, outdoor exhibitions, books, audiovisual picture shows, TV-series, photo competitions, and events all across Europe. “It is clear that presently, a majority of Europeans are becoming increasingly alienated from nature. Wild Wonders of Europe aims to reverse this trend. We want to touch people’s emotions, excite them about nature, make it cool. We want to re-connect people with our natural heritage…our spiritual home,” says Peter Cairns, photographer and writer from Britain, Business Director of Wild Wonders of Europe.
Epson will be showing their largest printer, the 64” Stylus Pro 11880 and their smallest, the PictureMate 260, at this year’s Focus On Imaging show. Also the Stylus Photo R1900 will be demonstrated in the UK for the first time. Mike McNamee, editor of Professional Imagemaker and Paul Gallagher, photographer and monochrome specialist who will be doing short talks on the stand. Finally, a media gallery will show the wide range of options, including premium glossy, traditional photo, canvas and fine art which are available to choose from.
The new Epson Stylus CX9475Fax ink jet all-in-one can print, scan and share files over a wired or wireless network. Epson’s new InstaNet technology offers an intelligent, automated Windows-based network installer that is easy to use. The CX9475 Fax offers printing, copying, scanning, and high-speed black-and-white or color faxing, as well as the ability to print photos with or without a computer, using the 2.5-inch tilt LCD. The Epson CX9475Fax will be shipping in February for an estimated street price of $179.99.
Dye-sub printer specialists HiTi had a number of new models on display, although most of them were commercial rather than for home use. We spotted the interesting P110S, which seems to be a direct competitor to the Epson Picturemate series, and the admittedly specialist S420 passport photo printer.
Website: HiTi PMA 2008 Booth Tour
Channel 4’s ‘Picture This’ photo contest aims to discover the UK’s most talented up and coming photographers. Six photographers picked from thousands of applicants are competing against each other to win an exhibition at the Baltic gallery in Newcastle and a publishing deal worth thousands of pounds. The first episode of ‘Picture This’ aired on 6th January at 7pm, with the next two episodes on on Sunday 13 January and Sunday 20 January.
MediaStreet is introducing three fun photo display devices, the eMotion Digital Photo Watch, eMotion Key Chain Digital Photo Viewer (pictured) and the eMotion Pocket Digital Photo Viewer. “When I travel, one of the true comforts and companions I have on the road is being able to see my children smile in the photos I carry with me,” said Norm Levy, president of MediaStreet. “We developed our new line of smaller digital frames and viewers for people who love to show off their family, or who need a little pick-up when a smile is needed.” Each photo viewer comes with access to http://MyDigitalContent.com for free download of professional photography and fine art for play on that device.
PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Zoom 4”x6” compact photo printer.
“There are two ways of looking at the Epson PictureMate Zoom ($199.99 direct), the high-end model of the newest generation of PictureMate dedicated photo printers. On the one hand, it’s Epson’s faster, less expensive (by $100) replacement for last year’s Editors’ Choice PictureMate Flash. On the other, it’s the first cousin to this year’s Editors’ Choice PictureMate Dash. Either way, it comes with an impeccable pedigree. More important, it lives up to expectations, earning its own Editors’ Choice for high-end small-format dedicated photo printers.”
The Stock Artists Alliance (SAA) has called on Photolibrary to answer serious allegations that the company has not paid $2.2 million in commissions due to Index Stock image contributors. Four major North American photographer associations have affirmed their support for SAA’s actions to seek full accounting and payments of any monies owed to contributors. Advertising Photographers of America (APA) National President Martin Trailer stated, “APA supports the actions of SAA to investigate the accounting procedures of Photolibrary, parent of recently acquired Index Stock. APA believes the allegations made by Photolibrary’s controller are serious enough to justify a full review of the company’s accounting practices.”
TrustedReviews have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.
“Epson’s PictureMate PM290 is a neat and effective small-format photo printer. With its built-in CD rewriter and Bluetooth capabilities, it can handle most needs of any enthusiastic photo taker. Improvements could be made, such as bundling in the battery which makes this machine fully portable and redesigning the printer so both paper and power supply are carried internally. Even so, it stands up well against its competition and running costs remain low.”
The PhotoViewer from Epson and Philips is the easiest way to view and print your digital photos in high-definition in the living room. The PhotoViewer makes it possible to watch photos on a large TV screen and print them as they appear on the supplied Epson PictureMate PM 240 photo printer. The PhotoViewer allows photos to be viewed in full 1080i high-definition, directly from the memory cards of digital cameras, mobile phones or PDA’s. The PhotoViewer costs £119.99 and will be available in December 2007.
The Nokia N82 is a 5 megapixel camera, navigation device and multimedia computer in one. With a 5 megapixel camera, powerful Xenon flash and Carl Zeiss optics, the Nokia N82 delivers remarkably vivid photographs, even in low-light conditions. “The evolution of camera capabilities in mobile devices has been extremely fast over the past years. With the Nokia N82 we have reached such a superior level in image quality, speed and ease of use that not only does it outperform any other cameraphone on the market, but it’s also a very credible alternative for single purpose digital still cameras,” says Satu Ehrnrooth, head of Nokia Nseries Cameras Category, Multimedia, Nokia. The Nokia N82 is available now with an estimated, pre-tax, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 450 euros.
PCMag have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.
“Epson’s PictureMate small-format photo printers have always stood out from the crowd, but the company has really outdone itself with its latest iteration, the PictureMate Dash ($99.99 direct). Although the Dash is the low cost version of the newest generation of PictureMates, it offers features I’m used to seeing only on printers that cost far more—from a surprisingly big 3.6-inch LCD screen to the ability to print from a wide range of sources. It’s also the fastest small format photo printer I’ve seen at any price.”
DPNow have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 290 compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.
“Epson have worked wonders with the internals of the latest PictureMate models. Print quality is attractive and there’s no twiddling your thumbs while printing. The large screen is a plus point and ease of use is commendable. The design is good enough, though the rather flimsy lid doesn’t seem to complement the rest of the hardware well. To be honest, we don’t think the new angular and boxy design introduced last year was an improvement on the curvaceous and more compact styling of the original PictureMate.”
Website: DPNow - Epson PictureMate 290 Review
The Kodak Photo Futures report looks at the changing nature of photography throughout Europe, highlighting the changes in photography since the advent of digital technology. The report identifies five distinct types of user: Eventographers, Happy Snappers, Digital Disciples, Picture Pests and Analogue Artisans. Kodak’s John O’Grady concludes that “people are becoming increasingly creative about how they choose to display, share and print their images. Pictures are becoming ever more central to communicating – representing our identities online, providing a backdrop for social engagements, even a new form of currency.”
Olympus are releasing 3 new Supersonic Wave Drive lenses, 1 standard lens and a 2.0x Teleconverter to support the launch of the E-3 DSLR. The SWD lenses are: 12-60mm (24-120mm) 1:2.8-4.0 SWD ($999.99), 50-200mm (100-400mm) 1:2.8-3.5 SWD ($1,199.99) and 14-35mm (28-70mm) 1:2.0 SWD ($2,299.99). The standard lens is the 70-300mm (140-600mm) 1:4.0-5.6 ($479.99).
The popular Nokia N95 camera phone has been upgraded to 8GB internal memory. Other improvements include a has a sleek black cover, 2.8 inch QVGA display and superior speakers. Dedicated media keys allow users to control video on their mobile just as they would on DVD. The new Nokia N95 8GB ships with the movie Spider-Man 3 in Europe and selected countries in Middle East and Africa region.
“Life: A Journey Through Time” by Frans Lanting has been printed using the latest Epson Stylus Pro printing technology. This photographic exhibition, which will tour Europe, depicts a journey of photographic discovery that parallels new scientific insights about the story of life on Earth. “We used Epson’s state-of-the-art Stylus Pro printers and UltraChrome K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta to help us achieve prints that will do these natural wonders justice. I can say that we have more than fulfilled this aim.” commented Lanting.
Nikon will sponsor 100 of the worlds most promising young photojournalists as part of the 20th annual Eddie Adams workshop. “Nikon has been a proud sponsor of the Eddie Adams Workshop since its inception 20 years ago. This year is a tremendous milestone for the workshop and a true testament to Eddie’s vision for creating an education program that helps promising young photographers become award-winning photojournalists.” said Bill Pekala, general manager of Nikon Professional Services. In addition to the event sponsorship, this is the fourth year that Nikon will award a $10,000 scholarship to the top student from the workshop.
The Epson R1900 printer produces durable, superior quality, Hi-Definition photos up to A3+ on a wide range of media. The R1900 includes groundbreaking image processing algorithms and a new formulation of Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss Ink technology. UltraChrome Hi-Gloss2 offers a wider colour gamut, natural skin tones and consistent colour with a smooth gloss finish. The Epson R1900 prints onto glossy, matte and fine art paper in cut-sheet and roll format and directly onto printable CD’s and DVD’s. The Epson R1900 will cost £399.99, available November 2007. The Epson R1900 will be available in the first quarter of 2008 in the US for $549.99.
CNET have reviewed the Epson PictureMate Dash (also known as the PM 260) compact photo printer, which can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds.
“As we played with the printer, we had really high hopes: It’s jam-packed with great features, it’s easy to use, and it blew away the $100 competition in CNET Labs’ speed test. But (and it’s a big but), the picture quality was very disappointing. If you’re after the most features in a snapshot printer, this is the one you should get—just go into it knowing you won’t get the best prints available.”
Website: CNET - Epson PictureMate Dash Review
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.
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is the replacement for the much older and very popular 1280/1290 A3+ printer. The new Epson 1400 is a dye-based printer which uses 6 colour Claria Photographic Ink, with up to 200 years print life in album storage. Borderless prints from 10x15cm up to A3+ and direct printing onto CD and DVD faces are all offered by the Epson Stylus 1400. Connectivity support includes Pictbridge, USB 2.0 and an optional Wireless Ethernet Print server. Jon Canfield finds out what Epson’s flagship A3+ dye-based printer has to offer…
Website: Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Review
ePhotoZine have reviewed the 8 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX33 digital camera, which offers a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens (28-100mm), 2.5 inch monitor, optical image stabiliser, face detection and Intelligent Auto mode.
“The FX33 nails its colours to the mast early on. This is a camera for those who want the best results with the least effort. This means that there’s a standard program mode, with exposure compensation and ISO control available, a choice of Scene modes, and the Intelligent Auto function that does everything for you bar wiping noses and picking up litter. In fact the FX33 shares many similar traits to the higher-resolution FX100 such as the 28mm wide angle lens and the way the mode dial sits half under the top plate. Where it stops is that the FX100 is rather more sexily designed, though this isn’t an ugly camera to look at itself.”
ACDSee Pro 2 features next-generation workflow management and RAW processing functionality. The upgrade was developed with input from more than 2,500 photographers worldwide. “The ability to work directly with our customers has allowed us to develop a product release that will bring unprecedented efficiency to the photographic community, freeing them to focus on what they do best—producing quality images.” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. ACDSee Pro 2 is available now for $129.99. Current ACDSee customers are eligible for a 30-percent customer discount.
Last week Getty Images announced a new $49 “web use” license for images from all of its collections. This week several leading trade associations representing over 12,000 professional photographers have asked Getty to remove all Rights Managed imagery from the new license. In a letter to Getty, they contend that “Offering your very best imagery at heavily discounted prices may well increase volume, but it also risks undermining Getty’s core licensing business-as well as the businesses of the independent contributing photographers who create and own the majority of imagery in your RM collections.”
Epson have developed a new optical low pass filter (OLPF) which combats moiré patterns on digital cameras. The Epson OLPF features a new structure that enables the uniform separation of light rays across the visible spectrum. Moiré patterns are subsequently eliminated across the visible spectrum. The new OLPF is also thinner and lighter than a conventional structure.
The Epson PictureMate Dash and PictureMate Zoom are new 4”x6” compact photo printers that offer up to 200 year print life. Both PictureMate Dash and PictureMate Zoom produce borderless 4”x6” prints in as fast as 37 seconds. Both models feature a large built-in premium photo viewer with a 3.6” total viewing area. PictureMate Zoom additionally features a built-in CD burner. PictureMate Dash and PictureMate Zoom are now shipping and will be available for $99.99 and $199.99 respectively.
Epson has redesigned its consumer photo paper range, offering a simple choice of three glossy paper types. The new line-up now includes Premium Glossy Photo Paper, Glossy Photo Paper and Photo Paper, easily identified by the Epson star rating. The papers are all available in three sizes, 10x15cm (4x6”), 13x18cm (5x7”) and A4.
The Epson RX680, Epson RX595 and Epson R280 are Epson’s newest line of Ultra Hi-Definition printer models. All three Ultra Hi-Definition models – the Epson Stylus Photo R280 photo printer, Epson Stylus Photo RX595 all-in-one and Epson Stylus Photo RX680 all-in-one – deliver a dozen 4”x6” photos in as fast as 2 minutes, 17 seconds . “Our newest generation of Ultra Hi-Definition products produce legendary professional-quality photos, yet are easy enough for anyone to use,” said Steve Semos, product manager, Epson. All three models will be available in September. The estimated street prices are $99.99 for the Epson Stylus Photo R280, $149.99 for the Epson Stylus Photo RX595 and $199.99 for the Epson Stylus Photo RX680.
The Canon SD950 IS and Canon SD870 IS are new additions to the Digital ELPH range of compact digicams. The 12.1 megapixel Canon SD950 IS now features a 3.7x image stabilised lens, whilst the Canon SD870 IS offers 8 megapixels and a 3.8x zoom. “Don’t be fooled by their stunning good looks,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The PowerShot SD950 IS Digital ELPH and SD870 IS Digital ELPH cameras are filled with top-performing features that deliver extraordinary results.” Both models are available in September, with the SD950 IS costing $449.99 and the SD870 IS $399.99.
The Epson DX9400F is a is a 4 colour all-in-one printer, scanner, copier and colour fax machine. It uses Epson DURABrite Ultra individual ink cartridges and offers a 6.3cm LCD viewer. A 10x15cm photo can be printed in only 26 seconds while up to 32ppm can be printed in black and white and colour. The Epson DX9400F will cost £129.99, available November 2007.
The Epson PM 290 and PM 260 are two new additions to the PictureMate range of compact photo printers. Both models can produce a 10x15cm borderless lab-quality photo in just 37 seconds. The Epson PM 290 and PM 260 offer a large 9.1cm LCD colour screen and direct printing from digital camera memory cards, USB DIRECT PRINT and PictBridge. In addition the PM 290 features Bluetooth connectivity as standard and an integrated CD-RW/DVD drive.
The Epson RX685 and Epson RX585 are new 6 colour photo all-in-ones. Both models feature Epson’s Claria Photographic Ink, individual ink cartridges for cost efficient printing and a 6.3cm colour LCD screen. The RX685 delivers premium quality prints that look better than the lab in just 23 seconds. Print life from both the Epson RX685 and Epson RX585 is up to 200 years when stored in an album and 98 years when displayed in a photo frame.
The Epson DX8400 and Epson DX7400 are new all-in-one four colour inkjet printers featuring Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Ink. Both models offer fast print speeds of up to 32ppm and it takes 26 seconds for a 10x15cm photo in draft, borderless mode. The Epson DX8400 Series additionally features a 6.3cm LCD viewer. The DX7400 will cost £79.99 and the DX8400 £99.99, available from 3rd September 2007.
ePhotoZine have reviewed the weatherproof Olympus mju 780 compact digital camera, which features a 7.1 megapixel sensor, metal body in silver or black, and 5x optical zoom with mechanical image stabiliser.
“Rather surprisingly there is noise evident on the grey and black cards on the ISO80 test, and in the shadow areas it’s green and purple. This is easily the worst low ISO results we’ve seen on a compact. However, the detail is still good and it won’t be too dramatic on full scale pictures. ISO100 is only slightly worse as might be expected.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus mju 780 Review
The Epson CX7400, Epson CX8400 and Epson CX9400Fax are three new all-in-ones aimed at the the small office and home office environments. They are also well suited to novice digital camera owners who occasionally want to print photos on photo paper with or without a computer. “Head-to-head, this lineup offers more features and better image quality than competitive models. For all your day-to-day printing needs, whether text or photo, these are the products you want.” said Tom Piche, product manager, Consumer Ink Jet Printers, Epson. The Epson CX7400 and Epson CX8400 are now shipping and will be available for $69.99 and $99.99 respectively, while the Epson CX9400Fax will be shipping in October for $149.99.
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.
PhotoBox now allows you to upload, mount and frame your favourite images. Photobox has teamed up with YourFramer - in just six steps PhotoBox customers can create bespoke framed prints. Orders are turned around within 14 working days and arrive complete and ready to hang.
Shutterfly’s Summer Memories promotion will give away 5 million prints to customers. Shutterfly will randomly select 25 daily winners from its customer base and reward them with 1,000 free prints each. In addition to the daily winners, 3 grand-prize winners will receive 10,000 prints each. Shutterfly has also launched SummerMemories.com, to inspire the Shutterfly community to tell their family stories.
PrinterInfo have reviewed the Panasonic KX-PX20, an easy-to-use, dye-sub home photo printers with print life of up to 100 years and a 3.6 inch colour LCD screen.
“For the money, users can do much better with other compact photo printers, dye sub or inkjet. The expensive cost per print and poor image quality alone makes this a poor buy next to models such as the Sony FP90 and The Epson PictureMate Flash. But the lack of wireless compatibility, single memory card slot, and lack of optional battery go well beyond this to make the PX20 simply not worth the cost, unless the consumer is wed to Panasonic products.”
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.
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Kodak Z712, which is positioned as an alternative to a DSLR, offering a 12x zoom lens (36-432 mm) and 7.1 megapixels.
“The camera has a plastic body, but isn’t light. The build quality feels quite good and the camera is well balanced. It is small, but has a place for everything as the grip will easily fit a hand and a place to position your thumb. The screen for the viewfinder is bigger allowing easier picture taking, but the rear screen is the most favoured option. During bright sunlight, the viewfinder will come into its own as you still see the image to be shot.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Kodak Z712 Review
ePhotoZine have just reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix F20, a 6 megapixel digital camera with a 3x zoom lens, ISO 2000 and 2.5-inch LCD screen.
“In ISO ranges 100-400 the quality of the image is good, and there is plenty of detail. By ISO800 some noise is starting to appear and the image is becoming slighty fuzzy, and at ISO1600 the noise is clearly visible and all parts of the picture are grainy, but no more than you would expect for such a high ISO setting.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Fujifilm FinePix F20 Review
Website: Read our Fujifilm Finepix F20 Review
The Idruna Remote Editing System (IRES) allows an editor to see what a photographer is shooting, in real time, even if the photographer is on the other side of the world. IRES works even over mobile phone networks or satellite modems, as only thumbnails are transmitted over the web. Idruna’s Remote Editing System is available now priced at $199 for the Windows version, or from $389 as part of Pocket Phojo 5.0 for Windows Mobile.
Win a Nikon D200 and 17-55mm lens, worth over £2,000, in the AOPOPEN contest. Awards will be presented for the judges ‘Best in Show’ choices and the ‘Public Choice’ winner. The AOPOPEN exhibition showing the finest images runs from 22 August to 28 September 2007 at the AOP Gallery, London.
Photo-i have started an interactive group test of three pigment based printer - the HP B9180 (pictured), Canon Pro 9500 and Epson 2400.
“Generally I hate doing group tests, I prefer to cover each printer in greater depth. However, over the last three years I have covered all three printers with their own interactive reviews. Believe it or not the Epson was reviewed in June 2005, which makes this printer the oldest in the group. Perhaps it may be unfair to include the Epson against the other two, but I have confidence that it will hold its own. This review is a supplement to the individual reviews, I will be giving scores as I go along. Please don’t compare my results next to those from the original reviews as these marks may no longer be valid, technology has moved on and I will mark them against today’s bench mark.”
Website: Photo-i - Pigment Printers Review
The new PNY 2GB Micro SD card is fully compliant with all mobile phones, digital still cameras and camcorders. The PNY Micro SD card is sold with an SD adapter which can also be used in standard SD slots. “2GB storage capacity offers vast possibilities”, says Laure Lapègue, PNY Category Manager for Flash Cards, “storing up to 34 hours of MP3s, 12 hours of video MPEG 4s and 2000 digital pictures from a standard 2 Megapixel camera phone, on just one mini card!”. The PNY 2GB Micro SD card is available now for £17.50 in the UK.
The Corsair Flash Survivor USB drives is water-resistant to 200 Meters, CNC-milled aluminum encased, and shock-proof, making it the industry’s toughest USB drive. The drives are pre-loaded with a security application with 256bit AES encryption, and they are 5x faster than other drives. “Corsair has built the Flash Survivor family specifically for customers with a ‘Bring It On!’ attitude – for someone who doesn’t want to worry if his/her equipment can stand up to the active lifestyle they lead,” said Jack Peterson, VP of Marketing at Corsair. The new Flash Survivor is available in 2 models, the Flash Survivor GT 8GB for $129.99, and the Flash Survivor 4GB for $59.99, both available now.
The X-Rite Picture Perfect Color Seminar teaches photographers how to manage color and perfect their workflow. The seminar series takes place in 40 cities in the US and Canada from May-December 2007. Professional photographer Phil Nelson, an X-Rite Color Expert, will lead the one day seminar, which costs $299.
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.
PMA 2007: The Nikon D40x DSLR features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen, all in the most compact Nikon DSLR ever. The D40x offers near instant power-up and a continuous shooting mode of 100 jpeg images at 3 frames per second. The Nikon D40x is fully compatible (autofocus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses which are equipped with an autofocus motor. The D40x and AF-S 18-55mm DX lens kit will cost £599.99 / $799 and be available from 29th March 2007.
Photo-i have started an interactive review of the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 A3+ six-colour photo printer.
“After my recent batch of review printers, it is nice to take delivery of a box that doesn’t require two people to lift it. This box can easily fit it in the boot of most cars, which is handy for next time you pop into your computer superstore. As with most printers, there isn’t a USB cable included - so make sure you pick one up at the same time. Nor have Epson included a starter pack of media. This is such a shortsighted, penny saving mistake. Surely once people see how much better a photo looks on Epson’s own brand media, they won’t settle for anything less.”
PNY Optima is a new high speed range of memory cards, offering a minimum write speed of 9MB/sec, minimum read speed above 10MB/sec and up to 4GB storage capacity. The PNY Optima Secure Digital is available now in 1GB and 2GB capacities. The PNY Optima SDHC 4GB Optima version (class 6) will be available by the end of Q1 2007. The PNY Optima CompactFlash is available now in 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB capacities.
Epson has won five prestigious iF Design Awards for the P-5000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, V10 scanner, PictureMate PM 240 printer, EMP-6100 projector and TM-88IV PoS printer. The iF design award has existed since 1953. This year the iF jury panel reviewed 2,293 products from 35 different countries.
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Canon G7, which features a 10 megapixel, 1/1.8 inch sensor, DIGIC III image processor, Face Detection, 35-210mm lens and optical image stabilization system.
“The ISO80 picture is very clean, with smooth tones and excellent sharpness. There’s some, very faint, signs of noise in the ISO100 picture, but nothing of real concern. It starts to appear more in the shadow areas of ISO200 pictures but is only quite noticeable in ISO400 mode. ISO800 is still sharp while being quite noisy, but when it gets to ISO1600, the noise level increasing significantly and the colours shifts as well.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Canon G7 Review
Website: Read our Canon Powershot G7 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.
CES 2007: The Epson CX7000F all-in-one printer features a high-speed fax, DURABrite Ultra pigment ink for long-lasting prints, individual ink cartridges and high-speed printing and copying. It also features memory card slots and photo color restoration and OCR software. The Epson Stylus CX7000F is available this month around $150.
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is a new A3+ six-colour photo printer which features Epson’s Claria Photographic Ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan and light magenta) and provides offers 200 years of durability and archivability in album storage. The Stylus Photo 1400 driver supports Adobe RGB for a wide colour gamut. Connectivity options include Pictbridge, USB 2.0 and an optional Wireless Ethernet Print server. The Epson 1400 replaces the popular Epson Stylus Photo 1290s and will be available this month for £299.99 in the UK and $399.99 in the USA.
In our third portable printer review of December, we take a look at the Epson Picturemate 280, which boasts a resolution of 5760x1440 dpi, support for 16 different memory card formats, built-in DVD-ROM/CD-RW/CD-R drive and a 2.5 inch colour LCD screen. At £199, the Picturemate 280 is expensive for such a specialist printer, so can it justify the cost? Carry on reading to find out…
Website: Epson Picturemate 280 Review
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix S10, which has 6 megapixels, Vibration Reduction and a 10x, 38-380mm swivel lens.
“The autofocus wasn’t either fast or tenacious and the macro mode struggled where other compacts would be able to focus easily. The metering is generally good, being weighted, on landscape pictures, for the land so that exposure compensation is required to bring the sky in. However, colour accuracy is very good, as long as the tendency to cover everything in shadow in a magenta cast is avoided. It makes the camera very good for portrait shots.”
ArcSoft Press Release
FREMONT, CA— Dec 12, 2006—ArcSoft, Inc. released today ArcSoft® PhotoStudio® Darkroom 1.5, a new version of its popular image editing application that provides non-destructive photo processing for RAW, JPEG, and TIFF image files. The program offers professional photographers and photo hobbyists a complete set of image enhancement tools and export options. The new version more than doubles the number of RAW formats supported, and allows users to import photos directly into the application from a camera or removable drive. Additionally, ArcSoft’s automatic red-eye removal and spot and patch removal technologies have been integrated into the program, letting users perform common blemish removal functions in one click.
Epson UK Press Release
The Epson Stylus DX7000F all-in-one is the latest addition to the high-quality and versatile Stylus DX range. It incorporates a high-speed fax, fast printing and individual inks, making it ideal for the home or home office. Epson Stylus DX7000F – RRP including tax £119.99 – available November 2006.
30th November 2006 –The Epson Stylus DX7000F is a versatile printing system offering print, scan, copy and fax functionality, ideal for the home or home office. It features Epson’s DURABrite™ Ultra ink, a print resolution up to 5760dpi on suitable media and Epson’s unique Micro Piezo™ technology. The laser-like print quality output is highly durable and is smudge, fade and water resistant on either plain or photo paper. Four individual ink cartridges at £6.99 each ensure it is designed with efficiency in mind - you save money and only replace the colour you use. The Epson Stylus DX7000F offers standalone photo printing with digital camera memory card slots and PictBridge. You can easily switch between copy, print and fax using the one-touch buttons on the control panel. Print speeds are fast, offering up to 27 pages per minute and a photo print speed of just 29 seconds.
The Nikon D40 DSLR is finally here after a number of high-profile leaks and reports by some of the leading photography websites. We’ve resisted the urge to break any embargoes, instead preferring to bring you news of the D40 in full, along with some exclusive product shots from yesterday’s UK press launch in central London. The Nikon D40 is small, light and undeniably cheap at just £449.99/ €679.99 with the new 18-55mm kit lens (it won’t be sold as body-only), but after trying it out, the D40 importantly still retains the usual high Nikon build-quality. The new Nikon D40 will be available from 1st December 2006.
Nikon UK Press Release
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines brilliant performance with the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. The Nikon D40 boasts handling and performance advantages that eliminate the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras. The careful design of the D40 allows users to take breathtaking pictures without the need to “learn” photography. The Nikon D40 features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colours. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its 420-pixel sensor, the Nikon D40 instantly assesses and compares the brightness, contrast and colour of each scene to set the accurate exposure. Spot metering, centre-weighted metering and exposure compensation are also available for those wanting more control. The Nikon D40 comes kitted with the new 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.
TrustedReviews have reviewed the Epson PictureMate PM 280 portable home photo-lab.
“Print quality on Epson glossy photo paper is very precise, with well-defined edges and natural colours. The printer automatically enhances shots, independent of source – though you can turn this off – and generally, the enhancements are an improvement. In one or two of our test pictures dark areas were a bit over-dark, but this is nit-picking in what are high-quality images.”
PNY Press Release
With the emergence of higher performance xD-Picture Card™ compatible digital cameras and thanks to its Olympus partnership, PNY Technologies enlarges its xD-Picture Card™ range launching the 2GB capacity. Introducing 2GB storage capacity in its xD-Picture Card™ range, PNY now meets all customers’ needs: digital camera owners can now take 1,000 shots (with a camera resolution of 8 megapixels) with an Olympus digital still camera in HQ mode (the default high-quality image setting). The development of advanced video-recording functions in digital cameras and the desire for higher digital picture quality means a demand for larger memory. Olympus plans to apply this high-capacity technology to develop the xD-Picture Card™ for Olympus digital cameras with memory capacities eventually reaching up to 8GB.
NEW YORK (November 2, 2006)—The Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines have been updated and revised. The new version 2.0 is available to the public at http://www.UPDIG.org . A free, downloadable PDF version is also available on the UPDIG site.
The 12 Guidelines are organized into a Quick Guide (executive summary) and a Complete Guide. The aim is to clarify the issues affecting accurate reproduction and management of digital image files. Although the guidelines were created from a photographer’s perspective, the UPDIG group has worked hard to incorporate the concerns of everyone involved in the process of reproducing digital images. Anyone working with digital images should find them useful.
Ferrania Technologies Press Release
Ferrania Technologies expands inkjet products line with Compatible Print Kit that delivers 4” x 6” prints for as low as 16¢ each
Chicago, Ill. — November 12, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies (Booth #4342) is here to help retailers attending the 2006 Private Label Manufacturers Association offer their consumers the first ever paper and ink compatible replacement print kit for EPSON PICTUREMATE*. “It is estimated that there are over 10 million of these printers in US homes,” stated Tom Zohn, Inkjet Director of Growth for Ferrania. “We’re so pleased that we can offer retailers an attractive alternative to the current OEM product, at a price 45% less than what their consumer customers are currently paying.”
Ferrania Technologies Press Release
Chicago, Ill. — November 12, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies (Booth #4342) is here to help retailers attending the 2006 Private Label Manufacturers Association “switch on to a revolution!” NEW Illuminated Photo Frames. “These unique frames will enhance any traditional or digital imaging photo,” stated Don Cacciola, General Manager. “They will put the light back in your favorite photo!” These revolutionary frames use Back-Lit Flat Screen Thin Film Technology. They are excellent “everyday” frames for use throughout the home and office, plus they make great gifts for any special occasion, like holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, as well as for corporate gifts.
Ferrania Technologies Press Release
Chicago, Ill. — November 12, 2006 — Ferrania Technologies (Booth #4342) now has available for retailers attending the 2006 Private Label Manufacturers Association a fast and easy, do-it-yourself, instant digital photobook. This photobook comes with everything needed to create a 24-page album that holds more than 90 pictures! Take photos from any digital camera or storage media and transform them instantly into a custom digital photobook in 4 Easy Steps! The easy-to-use and intuitive software allows for many design options, from one to four images per page, borders and shading, text boxes for journaling, zooming and cropping of images, and much more! Simply select the layout, drag & drop images into the design template, and you’re on your way.
Women In Photography International Press Release
Women In Photography International celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary with a final juried Call for Entries for 2006. Submission Deadline: Minimum 2 images, through November 25, 2006 Notification by e-mail of Juror Selection: December 15th Online Exhibition, December 30, 2006 All submissions, online JPEG’s, only
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 21, 2006—Women In Photography International celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary with a final juried Call for Entries for 2006. Submission Deadline: Minimum 2 images, through November 25, 2006. Founded in 1981, Women In Photography International (WIPI) has progressed over the years to become one of the most recognized organizations for women photographers worldwide. WIPI completes the twenty-fifth year in 2006 by announcing “The Portrait” - a juried call for entries of traditional and non-traditional portrait images.
PCMagazine have reviewed the Epson PictureMate PM 280 portable home photo-lab.
“Setup is easy. Slide the ink cartridge—which contains cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks—into a slot in the back and load paper. Given the built-in CD drive for burning photos to a disc, I suspect a lot of people will stop there. But if you want to print from a computer, you can also install a driver using an automated installation routine, then connect via USB cable.”
ILFORD Photo Press Release
Never mind those characters in the blue-and-white football shirts singing Arrivederci Roma, the real winner of this year’s World Cup was Alex Handley who triumphed in the Spirit of the World Cup competition sponsored by ILFORD Photo to win a year’s supply (365 rolls) of ILFORD film of his choice. The competition provided an open palette to photographers of all walks, with no restrictions on subject matter or location, provided it reflected the enthusiasm which surrounded this quadrennial highlight of the world sporting stage. The many hundreds of competition contestants covered an extremely wide range of takes on the subject theme, from celebrations to commiserations, from anticipation to action. However, the winning image did not actually feature football or players or even fans of the game, but showed the extent to which patriotism extended to all areas of daily life while the nation held its breath over the four weeks leading up to the 9 July final.
The new Pentax T20 digital camera is announced. Offering 7 megapixels, 3 inch LCD screen and a slim 19.5mm body, the Pentax T20 will arrive in UK stores in October with a retail price of £249.99.
Pentax UK Press Release
14th September, 2006 - Pentax is delighted to introduce the new Pentax Optio T20 compact digital camera. An upgrade to the highly successful Optio T10, the new camera still benefits from a combination of stylish design and innovative functionality - such as touch-screen programming, on-screen image manipulation and high-definition playback - but now boasts a meatier 7 megapixel processing performance. This makes the Pentax T20 ideal for those who want to match cutting edge design, top-end optical performance and leading digital technology. Housed within an extremely slim body, the Pentax T20 is defined by its extra-large 3.0-inch, high-definition LCD monitor, which allows for easy viewing and a touch-screen control system for programming the camera. Using the screen as the main interface in this way, navigation is simplified, more control is given to the user, and the design of the camera is simplified to make it much more aesthetically pleasing. Yet ease of use and stunning design is balanced by high-end performance, with the T20’s 7 effective megapixel resolution delivering exceptionally high-quality prints with crisp detail.
PCMagazine have the vey first review of the new HP Photosmart A716 compact photo printer.
“When I reviewed the 475, I said it had so many strengths that if it weren’t for the lack of water resistance, it would be a runaway pick for Editors’ Choice. With the HP Photosmart A716 Compact Photo Printer, the company retains the strong features and performance of the 475 and adds water resistance, too. That’s enough for it to replace the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition as our Editors’ Choice for a high-end, small-format photo printer.”
Epson and Panasonic Press Release
6 September 2006 - As 16:9 ratio has become the international standard of HDTV, a new photo culture is emerging, raising the demand for true 16:9 format cameras, printers and photo paper. At the forefront are Epson and Panasonic with new products to meet the needs of photographers who want to shoot, view and print in 16:9 format which brings wider breadth and deeper perspective into the picture. Panasonic has introduced its LUMIX LX2 digital camera to feature a 16:9 CCD sensor and LCD screen. Epson is launching Premium Glossy Photo Paper 16:9 (101.60mm x 180.60mm). It features a smooth, bright white resin-coated layer for a vibrant high-gloss finish and is compatible with a range of Epson printers including the new Epson Stylus Photo R360 and Stylus Photo RX560. As an introductory offer Epson and Panasonic are joining together to provide a trial sample of the new 16:9 Premium Glossy Photo Paper with every purchase of the Panasonic DMC-LX2.
The PictureMate Pal, Snap and Flash will all be available in September 2006 for $149, $199 and $299.
Epson America Press Release
Epson Builds on Success of PictureMate® Personal Photo Lab Family With New Printers That Deliver Even Better Image Quality, Speed and Ease of Use - PictureMate Pal, Snap and Flash Offer Professional Quality 4” x 6” Photos That Consumers Can Easily Print Themselves
LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/—Building on the phenomenal success of the PictureMate personal photo lab line, Epson America Inc. today announced three new printer models, which enable consumers to easily print professional looking 4” x 6” photos themselves at home or wherever they choose, with or without a computer. The newest PictureMate printer line, which includes PictureMate Pal™, PictureMate Snap™ and PictureMate Flash™, boasts several improvements over the previous generation, including features that make it even easier to print the best looking photos with no tradeoffs.
Sony have released a firmware update, v1.01, for the 10.2 megapixel Sony A100 DSLR camera.
The firmware update is to:
1. Address the symptom that in very rare cases, RAW format files may not be opened by the supplied image control software, Picture Motion Browser.
2. Improve image gradation when the shutter speed is 1 sec or longer.
3. Improve printed picture quality when the image is printed by Epson(R) printer under PRINT Image Matching.
Website: Sony A100 v1.01 Firmware
Epson UK Press Release
The Epson Stylus Photo R360 and Epson Stylus Photo R265 are Epson’s latest A4 photo printers, featuring a new dye ink formulation – Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing. It also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer and Advanced Variable Sized Droplet technology for smooth tones and fast print speeds. Both printers are ideal for any home where superior print quality is required.
5th September 2006 – Epson features its latest ink technology innovation - Claria Photographic Ink, for superior photo quality, in its two new 6-colour photo printers. The Epson R360 and Epson R265 also feature Epson PhotoEnhance technology, a photo expert inside your printer that ensures you produce bright and vibrant photos every time. As with all of Epson’s new consumer printer range for 2006, both new models also offer cost-effective printing with individual ink cartridges from only £6.99 each. You only need to replace the colour you have used. You won’t have to wait long for your photos either as you can print a 10x15cm photo in just 13 seconds.
Epson UK Press Release
Epson’s Stylus Photo RX560 features Epson’s latest innovation, Claria Photographic Ink for high quality, low cost printing and also includes PhotoEnhance, the photo expert inside your printer. It delivers affordable, premium quality print, copy and scan functionality for photo enthusiasts and small office users.
5th September 2006 – Epson launches the Stylus Photo RX560, a six-colour premium quality All-in-One as an addition to its award winning range. It features Epson’s new innovative Claria Photographic Ink for superior photo quality; Epson PhotoEnhance technology for bright and vibrant photos and Advanced Variable Sized Droplet technology for smooth tones and fast print speeds. With individual ink cartridges from only £6.99, it offers cost effective printing and copying as you only need to replace the colour you have used, a feature of all Epson consumer printer range for 2006. The RX560 also features an A4 flatbed scanner with optical resolution up to 1200x2400dpi to deliver high-quality scanning and copying.
PNY Press Release
Mérignac (France) - September 5th, 2006 PNY is delighted to announce new solutions for advanced mobile phones. More and more models now come with memory card slots built in to enable customers to use the camera, MP3 player, PDA, and play games. So it’s no surprise that PNY Technologies has enlarged its mobile flash card range with high capacity digital storage solutions. Mini SD(tm), Micro SD(tm) and MMC Mobile cards have now become the main storage formats used in Mobile Phone. With the launch of the 2GB Mini SD(tm) and 1GB Micro SD(tm), PNY can now deliver storage solutions for customers with advanced mobile phones.
Epson launches the PictureMate PM 280 and PictureMate PM 240 portable home photo-labs. The Epson PictureMate PM 240 will cost £129.99 and be available in September 2006, whilst the Epson PictureMate PM 280 will cost £199.99 and be available in October 2006.
Epson UK Press Release
4th September 2006 – Don’t lose your precious memories into the depths of your computer hard drive or leave them trapped on memory cards and CDs. Epson’s new PictureMate PM range with a contemporary and iconic design empowers you to print superior quality photos at home more conveniently and cost-effectively than ever before, from only 20p per photo. The two new models, the Epson PictureMate PM 280 and Epson PictureMate PM 240 are premium quality 10x15cm photo printers. Both work standalone, so there is no need to connect to your computer. They are easy to use with fast print speeds up to 42 seconds per photo. The PictureMate PM 280, features an internal CD drive allowing you to print directly from a CD or save images from your digital memory card to CD. Both printers also provide direct printing from digital camera memory cards, “USB DIRECT -PRINT™”, PictBridge and an optional Bluetooth® adapter.
The Epson Stylus Photo R260 will be available in September for an estimated street price of $129.99. The Epson Stylus Photo R380 and RX580 will be available in October for an estimated street price of $199.99.
Epson America Press Release
Epson Ushers in the Era of Ultra Hi-Definition Photo Printing - New Ultra Hi-Definition Epson Stylus(R) Photo R260 and R380 Printers and Epson Stylus Photo RX580 Photo All-in-One Bring Unparalleled Combination of Image Quality, Longevity and Speed to Home Photo Enthusiasts
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/—Beginning today, the world of consumer photo printing takes a big step forward with the introduction of three Ultra Hi-Definition photo printers from Epson that deliver the ultimate professional-level prints to the home photo enthusiast at amazing print speeds. The Ultra Hi-Definition product line consists of the Epson Stylus Photo R260 and R380 photo printers, along with the Epson Stylus Photo RX580 photo all-in-one. Using some of the same technology that professionals rely on to produce beautiful and marketable art, Epson’s new Ultra Hi-Definition printers set a new standard in the photo printer category. A key component of the new product line is Claria(TM) ink, the latest breakthrough in Epson’s long line of ink innovations, delivering superior image quality with Ultra Hi-Definition richness, depth and clarity. With Claria ink and a newly designed print head, these products deliver the fastest photo print speeds of any previous Epson model, and print longevity that is superior to lab photos.
Epson America Press Release
New Epson ‘More-in-Ones’ Give Home and Small Office Users the Most Value-Packed Set of Features for Printing, Scanning and Copying - The Epson Stylus® CX5000 and CX6000 Produce Long-Lasting Prints With DURABrite® Ultra Ink, Copy With Ease, Scan at Remarkable Resolutions, and Restore Faded Photos
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/—Whether printing or copying client-ready documents, enlarging photos for reprints, or restoring color to old photos that have faded over the years, Epson’s new “More-in-One”™ products offer more unique features than any other all-in-ones priced less than $150. The new Epson Stylus CX5000 and CX6000, priced respectively at $99.99 and $149.99 (estimated street prices), provide versatile office and home printing solutions that can be used for everyday printing and a wide range of color and photo projects. “When it comes to choosing an all-in-one for your home or small office that gives you the most ideal combination of performance, quality, ease-of-use, and affordability, nothing beats an Epson—the brand overwhelmingly preferred by professional photographers,” said R. Craig Allen, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “Offering more than just printing, copying and scanning, these products have aptly earned the nickname ‘more-in-ones’ because they’re packed with more unique features and benefits for end-users than any other all-in-ones at these prices.”
Fuji Hunt Press Release
As Fuji Hunt’s expertise in all aspects of image handling and processing continues to develop both inkjet and analogue fields - as well as bridging the two in many instances - the company’s Photokina 2006 exhibit promises to be a major attraction at the world fair of imaging. While photochemistry remains the backbone of Fuji Hunt’s product ranges, the company’s Inkjet Solutions division has also been progressing rapidly, and the company’s presence at Photokina will be reflecting this advance. Utilising part of parent company Fujifilm’s stand - Stand 9, Hall 4.2 facing the main entrance to the halls - Fuji Hunt will be displaying and demonstrating a wide selection of its products.
Nikon Europe Press Release
Nikon scoops two top EISA Awards for D200 and U Point Technology/Capture NX Software
Amsterdam, 15 August 2006. Nikon Europe has taken two top honours at the prestigious EISA 2006-2007 Best Product Awards, with the D200 hailed as Camera of the year and Nikon’s U Point Technology/Capture NX software triumphant in the European Photo Innovation category. The two awards – for two quite different products - demonstrate Nikon’s commitment to producing a range of best-in-class products that are chosen by professional camera users all over the world for their quality, variety and overall performance.
O’Reilly Press Release
O’Reilly Releases: “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography” - The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Your Digital Tools From a Photography Pioneer
Sebastopol, CA—No doubt about it—the allure of the digital camera seduced us all. Yet many photography enthusiasts and professionals still don’t know how to tap into the power and range of today’s digital tools to create compelling photos. That is, until now. In the joyful and long-anticipated “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography” (O’Reilly, $39.99 US), a master teacher shares how to use digital technology to develop and refine one’s artistic expression.
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.
LaserSoft Imaging Press Release
Heidelberg High-End Scanners Get Updated by SilverFast Ai Studio to Run Under the Latest Macintosh and Windows Operating Systems
KIEL, Germany, July 10 /PRNewswire/—LaserSoft Imaging once again, building on its advanced line of award winning scanning/imaging software, is releasing SilverFast with new support for the high-end Heidelberg Nexscan and Tango series. This is a breakthrough for those companies who originally purchased these legendary workhorses only to run into difficulties when Heidelberg dropped its interest in the scanning market and discontinued support. This professional level software breathes new life into these high quality scanners and provides a current workflow solution to the thousands of units still in operation today. With SilverFast Ai Studio, it is now possible to integrate these scanners with the new high powered Macs and PC’s running the most current software to date, such as OSX - Tiger.
Epson UK Press Release
Nanohand, lasered textiles and injket micro-drops win Epson Photography Competition at the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering
July 6th 2006 - The unsuspected beauty of images from engineering is revealed today by the winners of the University of Cambridge Epson Photography Competition at the Department of Engineering. The Department of Engineering’s annual photography contest was started two years ago and is now well established with the winners having their pictures reproduced in the technical and popular press around the world. The competition is open to all staff and students in the Department. The winning photograph shows what your inkjet printer is doing, if you could only see the movement of the ink drops, moving at 6 metres per second as they hurtle towards the page. Taken by Dr Steve Hoath, a Research Associate at the Inkjet Research Centre at the Department for Engineering, it is entitled ‘Tails from the Nozzle Bank’.
Colour Confidence Press Release
Birmingham UK, 27th June, 2006 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, have today announced a new development in their product offering. Customers visiting www.colourconfidence.com will now have the chance to purchase a range of high-quality Pantone and PermaJet consumables which will be valuable additions to the digital workflow of many users. “At Colour Confidence we feel this is an obvious development; our customers have been asking us to provide recommendations on consumable products and by selecting PermaJet and Pantone as key partners we are recognising the quality of their solutions.” Commented Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director, Colour Confidence. “We aim to be a one-stop-shop when it comes to accurate colour and will continue to respond to our customers in order to achieve this.”
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. 100 Megapixels In Your Pocket
2. I Saw The Light
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.
ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.
“Noise levels at ISO200 and ISO400 are low, as you would expect from an APS-C digital SLR of this level. Shots taken at ISO800 display a little more noise, but the images are still very usable. At ISO1600 chroma noise starts to become more prevalent, with midtone areas gaining a fairly strong pattern of multi-coloured speckles. By ISO3200 things start to get messy. The grey area of our QP card has no grey left in it, instead large flecks of red, green and blue are dominant. However if pictures taken at the ISO setting are converted to black & white, then they still display a good amount of detail and the noise levels are better controlled.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Samsung GX-1S Review
Sanyo Epson Press Release
Sanyo Epson Develops High-Resolution LCDs That Produce Clear Images from Any Angle
TOKYO, Japan, May 17, 2006 - Sanyo Epson Imaging Devices Corporation (“Sanyo Epson”) today announced the development of high-resolution liquid-crystal displays featuring Photo Fine Vistarich wide viewing angle technology. The new technology enables the displays to produce beautiful images even when viewed from an angle of 90 degrees from the top, bottom, left, or right. Volume production of displays featuring this new technology, which are available in five sizes (2.4-inch, 2.5-inch, 2.8-inch, 7.0-inch, and 10.1-inch), will commence in Autumn 2006.
Epson Press Release
The Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) has awarded Epson three awards in its annual review of the best products in the digital photo imaging arena.
April 2006 - Epson, leader in digital imaging technology, has been presented with three of the most prestigious TIPA Awards 2006. The Epson Perfection V750 Pro scanner has been voted as the “Best Flatbed Photo Scanner in Europe 2006”, the Epson Stylus Photo RX640 as the “Best A4 Multifunction Photo Printer in Europe 2006” and Epson UltraChrome K3 ink as the “Best Printing Technology in Europe 2006”. TIPA currently has 31 member magazines, making it the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Widely regarded as experts, the editors of the magazines test the photo and imaging products and then meet once a year to judge the best in Europe.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. Large Sensors Just As Noisy As Small Sensors?
2. I Dream Of (A Digital Camera) Jeannie
3. It’s A Mac/Win-Win Situation
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, 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 (unless you request otherwise). 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.
Epson have unveiled a number of Spring rebates, including $50 off the new 80Gb Epson P-4000 photo viewer and $150 off the RX620 printer. Here’s the full list:
Epson PictureMate - $20 off
Epson Stylus Photo R340 - $30 off
Epson Stylus Photo RX620 - $150 off
Epson Stylus CX4200 - $20 off
Epson Stylus CX4800 - $30 off
Epson Stylus CX5800F - $30 off
Epson Stylus CX7800 - $30 off
Epson P-4000 - $50 off
AcuLaser CX11N - $150 off
Website: Epson Spring Rebates
PMA 2006: PMA 2006 turned out to be as much about the future as the present, with some of the hottest new products just being prototypes or mockups, rather than the real deal. Consequently you won’t be able to get your hands on quite a lot of the kit that has been announced until May, June, or even 6 months later in the case of the Panasonic DMC-L1 and the as yet un-named 10 megapixel Pentax DSLR. In fact, of all the products listed in our Hot Top 10 for PMA 2006, only 2 of them are available to buy today (Bibble Labs 4.6 and Muvee). Carry on reading to find out which products made our top 10…
PMA 2006: Epson, HP, IDS, Olympus, PortalPlayer and Samsung Electronics Announce PictSync Guidelines for Easy Photo Sharing Between Cameras, Phones and Portable Media Players
PictSync(TM) Enables Easy Transfer of Digital Photos Between Camera Phones, Digital Cameras, and Portable Media Players; Industry Leaders Announce Pre-Release Interoperability Guidelines for Industry Comment
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/—Epson, HP, IDS, Olympus, PortalPlayer and Samsung Electronics, working together as the PictSync Promoters Group, announced today that they have jointly developed guidelines to increase interoperability between digital cameras, camera phones and portable media players. The guidelines, dubbed PictSync(TM), will enable the easy transfer of digital photos between two portable devices that are able to capture or store images, without requiring a personal computer. A licensing program is under development to allow for broad industry adoption of the PictSync guidelines.
Epson Press Release
The Epson Stylus Photo RX640 and Stylus Photo R340 win iF product design award 2006.
Epson has won an iF product design award 2006 for the Stylus Photo RX640 all-in-one photo printer (pictured) and the Stylus Photo R340 photo printer. The iF product design awards, established in 1954, now rank amongst the most prestigious design competitions in the world. An international panel of top design experts critically examine and select the winning products from a total of around 2,300 entries from over 30 different countries each year. This year it attracted products from 37 nations. The Stylus Photo RX640 and Stylus Photo R340 were awarded in the Computer category.
Fujifilm Press Release
New Film Features Improved Color Saturation and Image Stability, Finer Grain
PMA 2006 Booth # 3508 http://www.fujifilm.com/pma
Valhalla, NY, February 14, 2006 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. announces the introduction of Fujichrome Provia 400X Professional film at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show. The new high-speed color reversal film delivers new levels of color saturation, ultra-fine grain, rich tone reproduction and improved color image stability. Fujichrome Provia 400X features Epitaxial Sigma Crystal Technology for ultra-fine grain (RMS: 11) along with new generation couplers and new color correction technology for excellent performance and image stability. The new film will replace Fujichrome Provia 400F, a favorite among professionals for commercial and fashion photography.
Fujifilm USA Press Release
PMA 2006: Fujifilm Showcases Multiple Imaging Solutions for Retailers, Professionals, Businesses and Consumers
PMA 2006 Booth # 3508 http://www.fujifilm.com/pma
Valhalla, NY - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is featuring a broad spectrum of imaging technologies and products at the PMA 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show under the banner, “Fujifilm. Expand the World of Imaging.” The tagline was created to underscore Fujifilm’s role in providing a wide range of innovative solutions - digital, analog or a fusion of technologies - that will expand the value that imaging products and services can bring to businesses and consumers alike.
Epson UK Press Release
Epson Stylus Photo RX640 makes its show debut at Focus on Imaging 2006 - Stand Number C10 - Along with a huge range of consumer and LFP products, Epson will be showcasing its latest addition to its award-winning all-in-one range, the Stylus Photo RX640.
26th February 2006 – The Stylus Photo RX640 is the ideal solution for photo enthusiasts who need an advanced photo centre for their digital imaging needs. Making it’s show debut at Focus on Imaging and with an array of features including CD-R printing, a high definition 2.5 inch Photo Fine colour LCD preview monitor and a 3200dpi scanner with built-in transparency unit, its set to be the main attraction at Epson’s stand this year. Visitors to the stand can expect to find a solution for all printing, scanning and viewing needs. From amateur photographic enthusiasts through to professional photographers, the Epson stand includes a device to enable everyone to free their photos.
Epson UK Press Release
Epson introduces the Stylus Photo RX640 – an advanced all-in-one solution for photo enthusiasts
The Epson RX640 is a sophisticated all-in-one photo centre featuring printing, copying and scanning functionality to meet the needs of photo enthusiasts who desire premium photo quality from both digital and analogue image sources.
1st February 2006: The latest addition to Epson’s all-in-one photo printer range is the Stylus Photo RX640. With an array of features including CD-R print, a high definition 2.5 inch Photo Fine colour LCD preview monitor and a 3200dpi scanner with built-in transparency unit, the RX640 is the ideal solution for photo enthusiasts who need an advanced photo centre for their digital imaging needs. Printing at home is even more affordable with the Epson Stylus Photo RX640. With six individual ink cartridges, you only need to replace the cartridge you have used. Epson’s superior print technology ensures your prints are of a consistently high-quality every time. A minimum droplet size of 1.5pl with Variable-Sized Droplet Technology (VSDT) results in smooth, detailed photos. If time is of the essence, borderless photos are created in less than a minute.
PMDA Press Release
PMDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF VISIONARY AWARD: GRAHAM NASH AND MAC HOLBERT
Graham Nash from Rock Group Crosby, Stills, & Nash and Partner Mac Holbert Win Award for Inventing Digital Fine Art Printing
NY, NY, January 23, 2006—The PhotoImaging Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PMDA) http://www.pmda.com announced today that Graham Nash, award-winning photographer and legendary member of the rock group Crosby, Stills, & Nash and his partner, master printmaker Mac Holbert of Nash Editions, are winners of the prestigious PMDA “Visionary Award” for inventing digital fine art printing. The prestigious Visionary Award will be presented during the annual PMDA Awards Dinner, held the night before PMA on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the Caribe Royal Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 will be available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese in February 2006. Suggested retail pricing is £329 for the full product, £149 for upgrade, and £85 for the student and teacher edition. (All prices exclude VAT).
Corel Press Release
New Suite Delivers a Higher Standard of Ease of Use and Graphics Power for Design Professionals and Business Users
Maidenhead, UK - 17 January 2006 - Corel Corporation today unveiled the latest version of its award-winning graphics suite, CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X3. With more than 40 new and enhanced features, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 will be available for purchase to customers around the world in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese in February 2006.
Whether they are design professionals on deadline or small business owners creating their own marketing materials, customers will enjoy a significant productivity boost from CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3. The suite simplifies the design process for projects of any scale, including logo creation, professional marketing brochures, and eye-catching signs. Customers choose CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X3 because it delivers a combination of superior design capabilities, speed, ease of use, and affordability that’s unmatched in the graphics software industry.
Epson America Press Release
New multifunction Epson printer includes fax capabilitiy along with Epson’s DURABrite® Ultra pigment ink for printing beautiful smudge, fade and water resistant images on plain and glossy photo papers
LONG BEACH, Calif., January 10, 2006 – The Epson Stylus CX5800F, which is one of the latest multifunction products geared to the consumer and SOHO market, is now shipping and will be available by the end of the month for under $150 (after $30 mail-in rebate). This product features all the capabilities customers are looking for in a multifunction printer, including fax capability, one-touch color restoration with Epson Easy Photo Fix™ technology, and Epson’s DURABrite Ultra Inks for smudge, fade and water resistant high resolution printing on most types of paper.
Trusted Reviews have the first online review of the Epson Stylus Photo RX520 all-in-one printer, which includes a transparency unit for film scanning and allows direct photo printing from memory cards.
“When it comes to printing 15 x 10cm photos, though, things are very different. A print from a PC still takes an uncomfortably long 2:24, but prints from memory cards or a PictBridge camera come in at only just over a minute. This is a very competitive time, when compared with Canon or HP devices in the same price bracket. Print quality for photos, as we’ve come to expect from Epson printers, is very good. Our test images were clear and precise with little noticeable colour cast. There was good definition in darker, shadowed areas and gradated areas of colour, such as skies, were smooth. Colours printed from cards and cameras were also natural and images sharp.”
Eynsford Photographic Image Club Press Release
Kent residents, of all ages, get snap happy competing for fabulous prizes!
Eynsford Photographic Image Club (EPIC), organisers of the inaugural countywide search to find the ‘Best Amateur Photographer in Kent 2006’ sponsored by Kent Life magazine, are declaring loudly that Kent is officially obsessed with snapping!
The competition to find Kent’s best snappers (Under 16 and Adult) is a precursor to the main event – a two day festival of photography focusing on the fastest growing art form in the UK – photography. EPIC are keen to focus attention on their May 2006 event the : EPIC Photography Festival (May 28th-29th). The festival is the first of it’s kind dedicated to photography in the UK, open to both amateur and professional photographers with no age bar.
TrustedReviews have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 100 printer, which provides glossy high-quality 6x4 inch prints at £0.19p per photo.
“Judging by the amount of television advertising devoted to personal photo printers, they are becoming very valuable products for their manufacturers. Epson now has one of these ‘photo lab’ devices at well under £100, and so puts itself up against HP and Lexmark, in what is an increasingly crowded market. The white and purply-silver case of this small-loaf sized printer gives it a clean, homely look and there’s a handle for carrying it around with you. This is somewhat spoiled by the fact you also have to carry a power supply and mains lead, but you can invest in an optional Lithium ion battery (around £50), if you need to print away from the mains.”
Agilent Technologies Press Release
Agilent Technologies Announces Innovative Image Pipe for Camera Phones; Processor Enables Digital-Camera-Like Image Quality for Cell-Phone Cameras in All Lighting Conditions
PALO ALTO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 28, 2005—Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced an innovative image pipe processor that allows mobile phone and computing devices to take lifelike, rich color photos in all lighting conditions. The image pipe is integrated in Agilent’s new family of system-on-chip (SOC) sensors, which feature the enhanced-performance (EP) pixel architecture.
What sets Agilent’s image pipe apart from existing image signal processors (ISPs) is the degree of built-in processing intelligence and adaptability to lighting conditions, which results in exceptional image quality. The image pipe accommodates a wide range of lighting conditions, from indoor to sunlight to fluorescent, and can enhance overexposed or underexposed images.
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
DIWA Gold Award to Fujifilm FinePix S9500
New Accessories
Olympus High Speed XD-Picture Card
LowePro DryZone Rover
Digital Foci Media Buddy
New Software
Premium ICC Printer Profiles for Epson R2400
Adobe Bridge 1.0.3
Other Headlines
Photography Comes Alive
Ilford Black and White Film Survives for 50 Years
Pentax DSLR Rebates
Samsung Cameras get Mobile TV
Shutterfly Press Release
Shutterfly Introduces New Contest Platform to Foster Community & Add a New Dimension to Photo-Sharing
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 16, 2005 — Shutterfly, the leading independent online photo service, in partnership with Crest, today announced the Crest Whitestrips® Holiday Smiles Photo Contest that encourages consumers to submit a photo of their favorite holiday smile—whether sweet, silly or surprising – for the opportunity to win a Grand Prize package including a family vacation for four, a digital camera with Shutterfly Gift Card and a box of Crest Whitestrips Premium. The contest begins immediately and ends on January 12, 2006. To view entries and official contest rules, visit www.shutterfly.com/photocontests
“With Crest Whitestrips it is easier than ever to make your smile camera-ready this holiday season,” said Amit Mackar, assistant brand manager of P&G’s Crest Whitestrips. “Since we know bright smiles equal brighter photos, we created the Crest Whitestrips Holiday Smiles Photo Contest with Shutterfly to give our customers a fun, friendly and trusted experience for sharing those holiday memories.”
Epson Press Release
Make This Year’s Thanksgiving Celebration a Family Best Seller With Epson’s Storyteller Photo Book Creator
For as Little as $20, Easily Turn Your Thanksgiving Photos Into a Hardcover Coffee Table Book That Will Last for Generations
LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/—For many families, Thanksgiving is the one time each year when several generations will sit down together at the dining room table. This year, you can preserve the spirit of your Thanksgiving feast and other festivities for years to come with a new tradition—creating and printing a coffee table book of your holiday photos in your home while the family is still gathered together with Epson’s StoryTeller(TM) Photo Book Creator.
Epson’s StoryTeller kit gives you everything you need to turn your digital photos into your family’s unique holiday story to create a beautiful, hardbound glossy coffee table photo book in the convenience of your own home. Starting at $20, StoryTeller is available in 5” x 7” and 8” x 10” sizes with glossy photo paper to print the inside pages, a glossy book cover, a hardbound book that you can easily assemble, and easy-to-use software that lets you enhance and place dozens of photos on up to 20 pages per book. And, StoryTeller works with letter-size printers made by all major printer manufacturers.
HP UK Press Release
NCH, the Children’s charity to receive £1 per message donated
LONDON, November 4th, 2005 – Forget sending gimmicky, arty or humorous Christmas cards this year. A national poll today shows that 84% of Brits are more likely to cherish a home made or a personalised card this Christmas.
When shown a variety of home made, traditional, humorous, nativity, comic and winter scenes cards, 76% of the population said that they feel more “special” the more personalised the card. 51% of people admitted that receiving a card with no personal message inside actually made then feel snubbed.
In response to the nation’s appetite to create and make, Hewlett Packard has teamed up with the NCH, the Children’s Charity to create a huge national Festive Card that will be delivered to Her Majesty, the Queen on December 15th. HP is calling on the general public to submit the digital photos that best represent their vision of the family’s festive spirit.
The Epson Stylus Photo R240 is announced. The Epson R240 has a 1.5” colour LCD preview screen, minimum droplet size of 2pl and can print a 10x15cm photo in 47 seconds. The Epson Stylus Photo R240 has an RRP of £99 including VAT.
Epson UK Press Release
For easy and fun photo printing at home, use the new Epson® Stylus Photo R240 Series
The new Epson Stylus R240 Series makes creating lab quality photos at home quick, easy and affordable.
1st November 2005: Epson introduces the Stylus Photo R240 Series, a stylish home photo printer specifically designed for novice digital camera users. Featuring a colour preview display for ease of use, high quality photographs can be created more quickly and cost-effectively than at the photo-lab.
The Epson Stylus Photo R240 Series features an intuitive interface and colour LCD preview screen, enabling you to navigate the printer’s features easily. The screen and interface work together to allow you to select, view and then print your photos with ease. Photos can be printed direct from a memory card, via PictBridge or with a USB enabled digital camera, so there is no need for a PC.
A month after it was first announced by Epson Japan, the new P-4000 portable storage device has now been introduced by Epson America.
Epson USA Press Release
The Epson® P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Offers 80GB Hard Drive for Storing, Sharing and Viewing Thousands of Photos
Latest Multimedia Storage Viewer from Epson Provides High Capacity Hard Drive and Beautiful 3.8’’ LCD with Epson Photo Fine™ Technology for Brilliant Color and Incredible Detail
NEW YORK, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/—Epson is introducing its newest product in the Multimedia Storage Viewer category, the Epson P-4000. Epson is continuing to develop products that meet the changing needs of today’s digital photographer. The Epson P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewer has many of the same features and strengths of the popular Epson P-2000, but now offers double the hard drive capacity with 80GB* for storing and sharing an even larger number of photos along with video and music files.
The Epson P-4000 is the perfect portable companion to any digital camera with its built-in card slots, high storage capacity and Epson’s exclusive and highly-regarded large 3.8” LCD with Epson Photo Fine technology for the ultimate in color, detail and clarity.
Adobe UK Press Release
Adobe Photographers Directory Expands its Global Reach to Include Thousands of Pro Photographers
Updated Directory Provides Designers and Art Directors with Access to Thousands of Professional Photographers Worldwide
London — Oct. 20, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced that thousands of professional photographers are accessible to the creative community through an expanded update to its worldwide Photographers Directory. The Photographers Directory is now highlighted in the Favourites section of the Adobe Bridge feature in Adobe Creative Suite 2 and Photoshop® CS2 software and is also accessible from the Adobe Web site. Adobe has teamed up with nearly 20 professional photography associations worldwide, making it easy to find the right photographer without interrupting the flow of the overall design process and providing photographers with a global network to showcase their work and attract new clients.
The Epson Stylus Photo R340 printer is announced today. The Epson Stylus Photo R340 has a 2.4 inch LCD screen abd can print directly onto ink jet printable CDs and DVDs. The Epson R340 can print a 4” x 6” lab-quality borderless photo in as fast as 57 seconds, and it is available now for $199.
Epson America are also announcing the Stylus Photo R220, which was first announced by Epson UK back in September.
Epson America Press Release
Two New Printers Join Epson’s Six-Color Ink Jet Printer Line and Offer Enhanced Printing Features
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 11, 2005 – Epson America Inc. is debuting two new six-color photo printers today—the Epson Stylus Photo R220 and R340—each with a rich set of photo-centric and user-friendly features. The Epson Stylus Photo R220 is the most affordable six-color photo printer in Epson’s line with a price tag under $100, but is rich in features and quality. The Epson Stylus Photo R340 is a full-featured, PC-free printer that provides a convenient 2.4” premium photo viewing monitor and memory card slots.
These new printers share some improvements over the previous products, such as better color saturation for brighter reds and yellows and automatic image enhancement for adjusting a photo that is too dark when a subject is backlit. In addition, both printers offer the capability of printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs and can now print from the center to the edge of the CD or DVD with no visible blank space for a cleaner, more professional look. Epson was the first and still is the only consumer ink jet printer manufacturer in the U.S. to include CD/DVD printing on its printers.
The Epson PictureMate Express Edition is announced. The PictureMate Express Edition is the third PictureMate and will retail for $149. The new Epson PictureMate Express Edition is 35% faster than the original PictureMate model and can print a 6x4 inch photo in 80 seconds.
Epson USA Press Release
Epson Adds PictureMate(R) Express Edition to Its Line of Personal Photo Labs - Company Also Reduces Pricing for PictureMate and PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition in Anticipation of Holiday Shopping Season
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/—Last year, Epson’s PictureMate(R) personal photo lab was a top choice among gift givers looking for the perfect digital camera companion for their friends and family members. With less than 90 days left to shop for holiday gifts, Epson is giving consumers yet another PictureMate product to choose from—and making the popular line of 4” x 6” compact photo printers even more affordable.
The latest addition to the PictureMate product line, Epson’s new PictureMate(R) Express Edition (MSRP $149) has all the benefits of the original PictureMate, plus a faster print speed that allows users to print brilliant, glossy 4"x6” photos in as little as 80 seconds—35 percent faster than the original PictureMate(1). In addition to the introduction of a third PictureMate model, Epson also is reducing the price of its existing PictureMate products. PictureMate and PictureMate(R) Deluxe Viewer Edition are now available for a suggested retail price of $129 and $199, respectively.
Steves Digicams have reviewed the Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size.
“The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 is a fast and versatile wide-carriage photo printer that when used with Epson UltraChrome inks and papers, produces photo lab quality prints that last as long as conventional photo prints. It is capable of printing on a wide range of glossy, semi-gloss, matte and fine art media. It has a top mounted auto sheet feeder for most media, the thicker Velvet Fine Art and Watercolor Paper-Radiant White papers are fed through the rear manual feed slot, one sheet at a time. As seen from our Print Time chart above, the R1800 is a relatively fast printer, capable of making a borderless 4x6” in less than a minute and a large 13x19” glossy print in just over six minutes. In addition to photo prints the R1800 can also make full color photo labels for CD and DVD discs.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Epson R1800 Printer Review
BIOS have reviewed the Epson PictureMate 100 printer, which provides glossy high-quality 6x4 inch prints at £0.19p per photo.
“Epson’s latest photo printer is based on the excellent PictureMate 500 but cuts features in order to slash costs by half. Most noticeable is the fixed, tiny LCD monitor instead of a large flip-up screen and a hashed menu system. Photo quality is still excellent and it retains support for wireless and battery-operated printing, but the PictureMate 100’s unintuitive menu system and small monitor are a real disappointment. If you can live with these shortcomings, you should be very happy with the printer’s water and smudge-proof photos that will stay brilliant for years longer than any other digital printing option. If you can stretch your budget, the PictureMate 500 is a much more user-friendly product.”
Website: BIOS - Epson PictureMate 100 Review
Epson UK Press Release
Epson and Discovery Real Time team up to show how everybody can be a great photographer - New series to show how easy it is to create professional photos
Epson announces today that it has teamed with Discovery Real Time to produce a brand new fast paced show on digital photography. Hot Shots, a 10 part series, will be aired on Discovery Real Time from 24th October 2005.
Each episode in this new series will give three contributors, of varying levels of ability, the opportunity to learn from artistic experts of various genres. The participants will first be given a masterclass in that particular genre, where they will be encouraged to take lots of photos and print them out on a portable printer, with the expert on-hand to provide critique. They will then be set a challenge, where they have time to experiment with the techniques they have learnt and produce and print further photos - highlighting how easy it is to create photos at home.
TrustedReviews have published the first online review of the new Epson Stylus DX4800 printer.
“Perhaps not surprising on a device at this price point, there’s no LCD monitor screen, but since the device includes a memory card reader – behind a spring-loaded, acrylic cover on the left – this can make life a bit awkward. You have two choices: you can print an index sheet and mark off the prints you want to reproduce from a card, or upload the images to your PC and select them from there. If your camera supports PictBridge, it’s a much better bet to select from the camera.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Epson Stylus DX4800 Review
Nikon USA Press Release
Nikon Kicks off the ‘D50 Digital Experience’ Multi-City Road Tour, Proving To Consumers That Incredible Photos are Incredibly Simple to Take with a D50
MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/—This fall consumers in major cities across America will have the chance to see for themselves what the buzz surrounding digital SLR cameras is all about, as Nikon today embarks on a national multi-city road tour to put its newest, lightest and easiest-to-use digital SLR camera - the D50 - directly into the hands of curious consumers. Nikon’s “D50 Digital Experience” tour kicks off today at the St. Louis County Fair and Air Show in St. Louis, Missouri, and will continue on to stops in 11 major cities across the country, helping people experience firsthand how easy taking incredible photos can be using the D50.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX520 all-in-one is announced. The Epson RX520 includes a transparency unit for film scanning and allows direct photo printing from memory cards. The Epson Stylus Photo RX520 will cost £149.00 including VAT.
Epson UK Press Release
Epson® introduces the Stylus Photo RX520, the perfect all-in-one home photo solution for quality, ease of use and value
The Epson Stylus Photo RX520 offers an economical and easy to use solution for photo lab quality printing, scanning and copying in the home
September, 2005: Launched today, the Epson Stylus Photo RX520 is an innovative all-in-one home photo centre designed to meet the requirements of new digital camera users who demand high quality output, combined with ease-of-use and value for money. The Epson Stylus RX520 is the only device in its class to offer an integrated Transparency Unit for film scanning, meaning that precious photographs stored on film can be printed or archived digitally.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX520 incorporates a number of exciting new features, including a colour LCD display. This LCD screen allows users to navigate quickly and easily through the many functions of the Stylus Photo RX520 via a user-friendly icon-led interface, as well as allowing the preview of images before printing them.
Epson Press Release
Offer high quality and economical multi-function solutions
Epson introduces the Stylus DX3800 Series and DX4800 Series for the consumer who needs high quality printing, scanning and copying capabilities in an economical and space-saving package.
September 2005 – Epson introduces the Stylus DX3800 Series and DX4800 Series, all-in-one devices for the home or small office. These multi-function devices offer laser-like print quality and highly durable prints alongside scanning and copying capabilities for high-resolution copies and enlargements. Four individual ink cartridges ensure both models are designed with economy in mind – you only need to replace the cartridge you have used. The introduction of Epson’s unique new ink – DURABrite Ultra™, gives you the freedom to print durable, long lasting images, whether you want a plain paper document or a glossy photograph.
The Epson PictureMate 100 printer is announced. The Epson PictureMate 100 provides glossy high-quality prints at £0.19p per photo. The Epson PictureMate 100 will cost £99.99 RRP inc VAT.
Epson Press Release
Print your own photos with the Epson® PictureMate 100
PictureMate 100 is a truly stylish personal photo lab that prints high-quality 10x15cm photos at the touch of a button, from any digital camera. Its optional battery is ideal for those who want to free their photos anytime and anywhere
October 2005: The Epson PictureMate 100 is Epson’s latest 10x15cm photo printer. It has a fresh and stylish design with an easy carry handle and optional battery pack so people can print photos anytime and anywhere. The PictureMate 100 is designed to provide glossy high-quality prints at just £0.19p per photo1, making home photo printing very affordable.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX700 all-in-one printer is unveiled. The Epson RX700 is a six colour printer that can print on CDs and DVDs. The Epson Stylus Photo RX700 is available now for an estimated street price of $399.
Epson America Press Release
New Epson All-In-One Offers CD/DVD Printing, Numerous PC-Free Capabilities and a High-Quality Photo Fine(TM) Display Along With More of the Tools Customers Need for Making the Most of Precious Memories
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/—The newest product in Epson’s photo all-in-one line combines creativity tools, flexibility and quality to provide the ultimate solution for the photo enthusiast. The six-color Epson Stylus Photo RX700 all-in-one ink jet offers a variety of convenient and user-friendly features, including the capability to print on ink jet printable CDs and DVDs. Epson was the first and still is the only ink jet printer manufacturer in the U.S. to include this feature on its photo printers and now is also the first to include this feature on an all-in-one device.
ePhotoZine have published a short review of the XS Drive 2 XL VP2260, a simple to use portable storage device which supports all types of memory card.
“We primarily used the drive with a 1 gigabyte XD card. It has very good compatibility though, with support for the main nine types of memory card (See specs above). Inserting and removing cards is very straightforward with the slots clearly labelled. Being picky, we think it would be worth having rubber seals over the card slots when not in use, to prevent dust and dirt finding their way into the device.
SanDisk Press Release
SUNNYVALE, CA, AUGUST 24, 2005 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the world’s largest supplier of flash storage card products, today announced it has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s annual list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies, ranking 8 out of the 100 companies listed. The list can be found in the September 5, 2005 issue of FORTUNE Magazine.
SanDisk posted record revenues for 2004, with total revenue at $1.8 billion, up 65% from $1.1 billion in 2003. Net income was $267 million, up 58% from net income of $169 million in 2003 and fully diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2004 were $1.44, compared to $1.02 in 2003.
Epson have announced 6 new printers today - the Epson Stylus CX7800, Epson Stylus CX5800F, Epson Stylus CX4800, Epson Stylus CX4200, Epson Stylus CX3810 and Epson Stylus C88. All of the new models use DURABrite Ultra pigment ink.
Epson America Press Release
EPSON ANNOUNCES SIX NEW PRODUCTS THAT INCORPORATE LATEST INK INNOVATION—DURABRITE® ULTRA INK
New Epson single function and multifunction printers are affordably priced and include Epson’s DURABrite Ultra pigment ink for printing beautiful smudge, fade and water resistant images on plain and glossy photo papers
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 22, 2005 – Epson America, Inc. is announcing a new line of ink jet products that are perfectly suited for the home as well as the Small Office/Home Office environment. These new models include one single-function printer—the Epson Stylus® C88—and five all-in-one devices—the Epson Stylus CX7800, CX5800F, CX4800, CX4200, and CX3810—that all utilize Epson’s new DURABrite Ultra pigment ink. This new formulation of DURABrite pigment ink provides customers with the fade-resistance, water-resistance and smudge-resistance they’ve come to expect from DURABrite, plus now is compatible with Epson’s Premium Glossy Photo Paper.
Epson Press Release
The Epson P-2000 and the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 win ‘Best Product’ awards in this year’s European Image and Sound Awards (EISA)
16 August 2005: Epson was the proud winner of two awards at this year’s EISA awards. The judging panel chose both the Stylus Photo R2400 and the Epson P-2000 Multimedia storage viewer for ‘Best Product’ awards, confirming Epson’s commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to its customers.
The judging panel comprised representatives of 50 top photo, video, audio, home theatre and mobile electronics magazines from over 18 European countries.
Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
Casio EX-Z500 is announced. The Casio EX-Z500 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.7 inch LCD screen. Anti Shake DSP technology reduces blurring caused either by shaking hands or moving subjects. The EX-Z500 has the longest battery life of any Casio camera, with up to 500 shots on a single battery charge. The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z500 will be available in September for £279.99.
Casio UK Press Release
Five-Hundred Sharp Shots on a Single Charge
New EXILIM ZOOM Features Anti Shake DSP and Large 2.7 inch Screen
August 4, 2005, London, England – CASIO ELECTRONICS CO. LTD., in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its lineup of high quality digital cameras with the EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z500. The new 5.0 megapixel EX-Z500 with 3x optical zoom boasts CASIO’s Anti Shake DSP technology, a large high-resolution 2.7 inch TFT colour LCD display, and the longest battery life of the entire CASIO range — up to 500 shots on a single charge. These cutting-edge features are packaged in a sleek new ergonomically shaved body design, further enhancing the sharp and distinctive look of the EXILIM ZOOM series.
TrustedReviews have reviewed the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson PictureMate 500).
“Print speeds aren’t quite what Epson makes out. The company claims a 6 x 4in (15cm x 10cm) print completes in 1 minute 17 seconds, but we saw nothing out in under 1 minute 26 seconds, whether from memory card, camera or PC. That’s still not too bad though. Print quality is very, very good. The six-colour print system really improves light shades, giving them extra vibrancy and adding a fidelity we’ve rarely seen from an inkjet print. Even with the enhanced resolution of 5,760 by 1,440, though, you can still see some dots in areas of smoothly changing colour, like cloudless sky.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
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Write a Review of the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
The Hugarian website Index Digicam have reviewed the Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size.
Website: Index Digicam - Epson R1800 Printer Review
Pentax Optio60 digital camera is announced today. The Pentax Optio60 is an easy to use 6 megapixel compact digicam with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.0 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder. The Optio60 digital camera ships next month and the price will be $200 US.
Pentax USA Press Release
PENTAX ANNOUNCES Optio60 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH HIGH RESOLUTION AND LOW LEARNING CURVE
Golden, Colorado (July 21, 2005)…High resolution digital photography is simpler than ever with the new PENTAX Optio60 digital camera. An excellent choice for digital newcomers, the PENTAX Optio60 offers 6.0 megapixel resolution and a 3X zoom lens in a compact, lightweight, and stylish design.
An easy-to-understand “Simple mode” deserves the credit for lowering the learning curve of the PENTAX Optio60. Set in this mode, users are free to concentrate on photography subjects while the Optio60 automatically selects optimal focus and exposure settings for scenes at hand. Even more, the PENTAX Optio60 incorporates Manual exposure settings plus Aperture and Shutter priority modes to allow room for users to grow their photography skills.
Designtechnica have published a review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500).
“When PictureMate hit the market a couple of years ago, its cute lunch pail design sent the message that a printer could travel. The only thing missing was a photo viewer so that you could see the images you were selecting. Epson corrected the flaw in the latest version of PictureMate—the Deluxe Viewer Edition ($249)—which adds a 2.4-inch LCD to complete the package.”
Website: Designtechnica - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
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Plustek OpticFilm 7200i scanner is announced. The Plustek OpticFilm 7200i is a new film and negative scanner which incorporates SilverFast’s Infrared Smart Removal of Defects (iSRD) technology. Delivering 7200x7200 dpi, the Plustek OpticFilm 7200i generates an uncompressed picture file that is larger than 200 MB. The OpticFilm 7200i is priced at $399.
Plustek Inc Press Release
The OpticFilm 7200i Now Ships with SilverFast iSRD; Professional Resolution Scanner for Slides and Negatives with New Infrared Scanning Channel for Seamless Image Defect Removal
LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 21, 2005—Plustek Inc (www.plustek.com), a leading manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional imaging devices, today launched the OpticFilm 7200i, a high-resolution professional-grade film and negative scanner for photographers and small office/workshop users who want the best in resolution quality and fast scan speeds. Following on the heels of the company’s award-winning OpticFilm 7200, the OpticFilm 7200i will be the first scanner to incorporate SilverFast’s new Infrared Smart Removal of Defects (iSRD) technology, which provides an additional infrared scanning channel, on top of the standard scan channels, to remove any defects on the surface of the film or in the scanned image. A high-tech hardware enhancement, the SilverFast iSRD automatically eliminates the appearance of grime and visually fills in scratches for near-perfect scans. The OpticFilm 7200i is priced at $399.
BIOS have published their review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer (also known as the Epson Picturemate 500).
“Print quality is ultimately what counts with a dedicated photo printer - and the PictureMate 500 won’t disappoint. Output quality is virtually identical to its predecessor, and you have to look really closely to see slight vertical banding and ink droplets - flaws found on all inkjet printers. Viewed at arms length however, prints were as good as any you can get from film. In particular, colours were vibrant and lifelike, details crisp, skin tones natural, and saturation levels spot on. Like the original Picture Mate, you’ll be able to get great quality prints out-of-the-box without having to tweak a printer’s driver settings.”
Website: BIOS - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
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InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release
Worldwide Consumer Scanning Market Shows Signs of Stabilizing after Market Consolidation and Fierce Competition from All-in-Ones, According to New Report by InfoTrends/CAP Ventures
(Weymouth, MA) June, 16 2005… The worldwide mass scanner market continues to evolve as digital imaging vendors vie for consumer mindshare. Today’s challenge is to continue differentiating single-function scanners from low-cost, multifunctional, inkjet based all-in-one devices. The combined functionality and rock-bottom price points offered by all-in-one vendors have recently made the price/performance of single-function scanners less attractive to prospective buyers, particularly in North America.
DPNow have published a detailed evaluation of the K3 Ultrachrome inkset from Epson, as used in the new Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer (pictured).
“In this article we focus entirely on colour gamut, the breadth of colour a printer is capable of reproducing. Using Gretag Macbeth ProfileMaker we custom profiled an Epson Stylus Pro 4800 for use with Epson Premium Semi Gloss photo paper and plotted the measured base colour gamut at L:50 (mid-density), L:25 (darker) and L:75 (lighter). The results are compared over the following pages with those from the Epson Stylus Photo R1800, which uses Epson’s UltraChrome High Gloss inks introduced last year and the Epson Stylus Photo 2100 (2200 in some markets), which uses Epson’s original three year old UltraChrome ink formulation. We’ve also compared the results with HP’s new Photosmart 8750 A3 printer and Canon’s i9950 A3 model.
Website: DPNow - Epson UltraChrome K3 inks on test
nik multimedia, Inc. Press Release
Plug-in software features technology to easily sharpen digital images
San Diego, CA – June 13, 2005 – nik multimedia, Inc. today announces nik Sharpener Pro™ 2.0 is now available through the nik multimedia retail Web site (www.nikmultimedia.com) and specialty camera stores. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 provides the easiest way for photographers and digital artists to optimally sharpen their digital images and achieve the best possible detail in their final prints. As a plug-in to Adobe® Photoshop® and other image editing applications, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the perfect addition to a photographer’s digital workflow.
The Jobo Giga Vu Pro is a direct competitor to the Epson P-2000 portable storage device that I enthusiastically reviewed back in March. With a 3.8 inch colour LCD screen, 40Gb or 60Gb hard drive, built-in card slot for Compact Flash / Microdrive memory cards, support for video and music playback, and the ability to playback RAW files, the Jobo Giga Vu Pro matches the better known Epson device. Jobo haven’t stopped there though - they have added a host of pro-level options to the Giga Vu Pro, including WiFi support, Levels display, Channels display, a touch screen for entering information, PictBridge compatibility and support for RAW files from over 70 different cameras. Similar in size and weight, can the Jobo Giga Vu Pro compete with the Epson P-2000? Read my extensive review to discover the answer.
Website: Jobo Giga Vu Pro Review
PQI aren’t the first company that spring to mind when you think of portable storage devices, but their new mPack P800 looks like it could be a viable alternative to the likes of the Epson P-2000, at least according to an enthusiastic review by PCStats.com (found via Gizmodo).
”...the mPack P800 even supports a range of picture formats beyond the expected JPEGs. GIF and BMP pics can be viewed, and even RAW images, something that should make photography enthusiasts smile.
Coupling well with its photo-viewing abilities, the mPack P800 sports another handy feature which is surprisingly uncommon among other players: its own Compact Flash slot. This thoughtful addition makes the player much more flexible to use and transfer data with, especially when away from home. “
Website: PCStats.com - PQI mPack P800 Review
Website: mPack
The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 has just been reviewed by Pocket-Lint. Tthe Stylus Photo RX620 is an all-in-one inkjet multifunction printer featuring a 2400X4800 dpi flatbed scanner, 2.5 inch preview monitor, integrated memory card reader, 6 individual ink cartridges and up 5760dpi print resolution.
“On the positive side, the high quality prints I was expecting were duly delivered via the RX620’s six separate dye-based inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan and light magenta) that are deemed to last up to 25-years under the correct conditions before fading starts to affect them. A maximum optimized output of up to 1440x5760dpi on the right media provides bags of detail and thanks to a tiny, 3-picolitre ink droplet size, no visible dot ‘grain’ is visible in the prints. The RX620 is however quite slow, particularly in the to quality Photo RPM mode where a borderless A4 image took just under 10-minutes to print.”
Website: Pocket-Lint - Epson Stylus Photo RX620 Review
Tom’s Hardware Guide have published a great roundup of compact photo printers, including the HP Photosmart 375 (pictured).
“Just as 8½ x 11 / A4 printers use two technologies, laser and inkjet, two printing technologies are in competition in the 4"x6” printer market. Here though, they are inkjet and thermal (or dye) sublimation. But where the laser and inkjet markets are relatively compartmentalized in terms of objectives - laser for speed, inkjet for quality - the same isn’t true for 4"x6” printers. Whether you choose thermal sublimation or inkjet, the goal is the same: getting the best possible quality and photos that will hold up as long as possible over time.”
Website: Tom’s Hardware Guide - 4"x6” Printers: Your Own Photo Lab
Website: Read my HP Photosmart 375 Review
Website: Read my Epson PictureMate Review
Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera is announced. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR and features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body. The main differences between the Pentax *ist DL and the *ist DS are 3 auto-focus sensors (down from 11), automatic selection of ISO speed, smaller, lighter body and a larger LCD screen. The *ist DL will ship in July 2005 with the smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm digital lens for under $800 US, and in the UK for £499.99 body-only.
Pentax USA Press Release
PENTAX Announces New Digital SLR Model: Simple, Affordable, Small Body Features Large LCD Monitor
Golden, CO (June 1, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has unveiled a third digital SLR camera − the PENTAX *ist DL digital SLR. Carrying on the PENTAX tradition of compact digital bodies with simple operation and outstanding performance, the *ist DL features a 2.5 inch LCD monitor and the lightest PENTAX digital SLR body at only 16.6 ounces.
“The *ist DL is the smallest digital SLR with the largest LCD in its class offered at a very affordable price,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
Positioned as an addition to the popular PENTAX digital SLR family, the *ist DL is a perfect camera for beginning digital photographers including families and digital users who are ready to step-up from a point-and-shoot, compact digital camera.
Forbes.com have published a short review of the new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer.
“Epson claims that photos print out in about 75 seconds. I’m not sure how they arrive at that figure. About 88 seconds lapsed between the moment I pressed the “print” button and that at which I was able to take a finished print off the tray. A group of 10 pictures took a little more than 14 minutes. Regardless of the somewhat longer than expected printing time, the 4-by-6 inch prints were generally excellent.”
Website: Forbes.com - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Write a Review of the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Epson UK Press Release
Epson Stylus PRO 4800 and 7800 to make their UK debut at Adobe Live!
26th-27th May 2005 - The Epson stand (number 230) at Adobe Live 2005 will see the UK debut of two of Epson’s brand new large format printers; the Epson Stylus PRO 4800 and the Epson Stylus PRO 7800.
Marking a new era in digital imaging, both the Epson Stylus PRO 4800 (17” wide) and the Stylus PRO 7800 (24” wide) incorporate the innovative new Epson UltraChrome K3 inkset, a new standard in ink technology for the photographic, design and proofing markets.
PC Magazine are first off the mark with their review of the very new Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition printer.
“When we reviewed the original PictureMate, we said that we’d like it even better if it had a color LCD for previewing images, but that was the only important trick it missed. The PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition adds that missing color LCD, as well as faster printing and a few more tricks. And, indeed, we like it even better.”
Website: PC Magazine - Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Write a Review of the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Epson UK Press Release
Epson® wins four prestigious industry awards for their superior imaging products in this year’s TIPA Awards
The Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) has awarded Epson four awards in their annual review of the best products in the photo market.
May 2005 - Epson has swept the board at the TIPA Awards, winning in four categories: Best Prestige Camera, Best Flatbed Scanner, Best A3 Photo Printer and Best Image Storage Back-Up.
TIPA currently has 31 member magazines across Europe, making it by far the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Widely regarded as experts, the editors of the magazines meet once a year to judge the best photographic products available on the market today.
ePhotoZine have published a brief review of the Olympus µ(mju: )-mini Digital SS, a 5 megapixel digital camera with 2x optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-70mm.
“It was an Olympus pocket digital camera that has to take the blame, a few years ago, for getting me into digital photography. That was a two-megapixel model and things have come on a fair stretch since then. This one is less than half the size and has more than twice the resolution! Although the pictures came out a little over sharp for someone who always shoots RAW, the results were nice for a straight out Jpeg.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus µ(mju: )-mini Digital S Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus µ(mju: )-mini Digital S
Pentax OptioS5z is introduced today by Pentax UK. The Optio S5z (pictured) has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom lens and a 5 megapixel sensor. The Optio S5z features Pentax’s Sliding Lens system to help make it extremely compact and light. The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available in the UK in July for £249.99.
Pentax UK Press Release
An Evolving Classic – Introducing the Pentax OptioS5z
The latest addition to the award winning OptioS family, the OptioS5z boasts the style and function of its predecessors, but with an enlarged 2.5-inch LCD screen
Pentax is delighted to introduce the new OptioS5z — a stylish, compact and lightweight digital camera combining an easy-to-view 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels. Developed in line with the qualities benchmarked by its predecessors, the OptioS5z combines style, function and ease of use, all contained within an ultra-compact and portable frame.
Pentax Optio SVi is announced. The Pentax Optio SVi is identical in terms of features to the Pentax Optio SV. The Pentax SVi has a 5 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens (36mm - 180mm) and a 1.8 inch LCD screen. A cosmetic change in appearance seems to be the only real improvement to the Optio SVi , plus a reduced price tag when compared to the SV. The Optio SVi will cost £249.99 in the UK and be available in June.
Pentax UK Press Release
The Pentax OptioSVi — a Compact Digital with the Power of 5.0 Effective Megapixels, the Versatility of 5X Optical zoom and an Enhanced New Design
Pentax is pleased to introduce the new OptioSVi — a compact, lightweight digital camera designed specifically for power with portability. With 5X optical zoom capability, it gives users a greater freedom of composition, and the new improved grip ensures comfortable handling that adds to shooting confidence.
Epson PictureMate 500 is announced today by Epson UK. The PictureMate 500 is an updated version of the original popular PictureMate which offers several improvements. Most notable is the addition of a 2.4 inch colour LCD screen for previewing and editing your photos (the lack of a colour LCD was something that I criticised in my review of the original PictureMate). There is also a new battery option which makes the PictureMate 500 truly portable. The PictureMate 500 can now print more quickly - Epson claims 40 percent faster than the original PictureMate. The PictureMate 500 will be available by June 2005 for a suggested retail price of £179.
Editor’s Note: This product was announced earlier today by Epson USA, where it is known as the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition.
Epson UK Press Release
PictureMate 500, the latest personal photo-lab from Epson
Visits to high-street photo labs promise to be a thing of the past, as Epson introduce their new PictureMate 500. The 10x15cm photo printer offers a colour LCD screen, fast print speeds and an optional battery for improved portability.
June, 2005: As digital cameras continue to be favoured over the traditional film camera, the number of photos printed at home continues to increase. In light of this change, Epson’s easy-to-use home photo printer range just gets better. The PictureMate 500 is the latest 10x15cm photo printer providing professional lab quality photos from the comfort of your own home. It makes home photo printing even quicker and easier with the addition of a 2.4” LCD screen, optional battery for improved portability and faster print speeds. You can now enjoy high quality photos, minutes after they are captured. At 29p a photo1 it rivals the cost of most high-street vendors.
Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition is announced by Epson USA. The Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition is an updated version of the original popular PictureMate which offers several improvements. Most notable is the addition of a 2.4 inch colour LCD screen for previewing and editing your photos (the lack of a colour LCD was something that I criticised in my review of the original PictureMate). The Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition can now print more quickly - Epson claims 40 percent faster than the original PictureMate. The PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition will be available by June 2005 for a suggested retail price of $249.
Epson USA Press Release
At-Home Photo Printing Even More Convenient with Epson’s PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 10, 2005—Extension of PictureMate Line Features Premium Photo Viewer, Faster Print Speed And Enhanced Printing and Editing Features for Easier, More Versatile Digital Photo Printing
With digital camera adoption surging to nearly 46 million households(a), an increasing number of consumers want better solutions for printing lab quality photos in the convenience of home. One of the biggest annoyances has been having to download images onto a computer and then fuss around with software in order to format and print photos, which can be difficult and time-consuming. And what about the growing number of digital camera owners who don’t even own a computer?
Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer is announced today. The Epson R2400 features Epson’s UltraChrome K3 8 colour inkset to deliver the ultimate in both black and white and colour printing. Prints are lightfast for up to 75 years in colour and over 100 years in black & white. The Epson R2400 supports paper sizes ranging from 100 x 148mm to A3+ and a wide range of media, including premium photo and art paper. The Epson Stylus Photo R2400 has an advanced black and white mode that allows users to take control over the hue and tone of black and white images. The Stylus Photo R2400 also uses Epson’s Micro Piezo print head and Variable-sized Droplet technologies. Price of the Epson R2400 is £599 / $849 and it will be available in June.
Check out the photo gallery from the European Press Launch
Epson Press Release
Epson® announces the most advanced colour and black & white A3+ photo printer
Featuring Epson’s state-of-the-art UltraChrome™ K3 ink technology, the Stylus Photo R2400 is an affordable inkjet solution for photographers looking for high quality results from a desktop printer at an affordable price.
May 10, 2005 – Launched today, Epson unveiled its latest inkjet printer, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400. Boasting Epson’s revolutionary UltraChrome K3 8-colour ink technology - the same ink technology employed in Epson Stylus Pro large format printers for professional users - the Stylus Photo R2400 allows high end amateur and professional photographers to confidently produce professional quality for both black & white and colour photographs up to A3+.
InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release
Home Photo Printer Market Booming: Up Almost $400 Million in 2004, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study Says
(Weymouth, MA) May, 03 2005… A 39% surge in photo printer shipments in 2004 drove an 8% increase in the overall home printer market, according to a new report from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. Additionally, the photo printer category as a whole hit $1.5 billion in 2004, experiencing a 33% revenue growth over 2003.
“The digital camera revolution has ignited demand for better home photo printing solutions,” said Ed Lee, director of the Photo Printing Trends service at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “Vendors have seized on the opportunity by rolling out a succession of new photo printing features, spawning upgrades that are meeting consumer needs and invigorating the stagnant printer market.”
Digital Outback Photo have started a diary-like review of the new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size.
“Recently we discovered the Epson Premium Semimatte paper that features a very nice satin surface. Unfortunately this paper is only available in rolls or larger 17x22” sheets. This means that we would need a larger printer or have to cut down the sheets. Now we checked out the Epson Premium Semigloss paper that can be only bought in Letter and 13x19” sheets. This paper is also very nice and comes close to the Semimatte. We still think that Semimatte has the nicest surface of all Epson glossy papers. It can be a good compromise to use Semigloss on the R1800 and Semimatte on larger printers.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Epson R1800 Printer Review
TrustedReviews have reviewed the new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size.
“While the design and mechanics of this A3 Epson Stylus Photo R1800 are very similar to an A4 printer you will have to expect to pay more for the longer carriage. In its favour, this is a very versatile printer that can handle anything from postcards up to oversize A3. You can do full-bleed output, print on roll paper or on compatible CD blanks and thanks to its six colours, it produces excellent photographic prints on gloss, watercolour or plain papers.”
Website: TrustedReviews - Epson R1800 Printer Review
Epson UK Press Release
New Firmware for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music. The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality.
April 2005 - A firmware upgrade is now available for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer. New features include; increased image handling; compatibility with a larger range of digital SLR cameras and the addition of histograms. Existing P-2000 customers can download the new firmware (version 02.02), free of charge from the Epson website. Go to www.epson.co.uk, click on digital photography products and follow the support link from the product information page.
Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is announced. nik Sharpener Pro 2 is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and other programs that allows you to sharpen digital images. nik Sharpener Pro 2 adds compatibility with 16-bit images, more control over sharpening and a larger preview area. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 also features a new RAW Presharpening filter. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 will be available in June. The Inkjet Edition costs $169.95 and nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Complete Edition costs $329.95.
nik multimedia, Inc. Press Release
New version of company’s award-winning digital image editing software features new tools for photographers
San Diego, CA – April 19, 2005 – nik multimedia, Inc. today announces nik Sharpener Pro™ 2.0, the long awaited upgrade to the popular nik Sharpener Pro software. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 provides the easiest way for photographers and digital artists to optimally sharpen their digital images and achieve the best possible detail in their final prints. As a plug-in to Adobe® Photoshop® and other image editing applications, nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the perfect addition to a photographer’s digital workflow.
CNET News has a good roundup of portable storage devices for photos, inlcuding the Epson P-2000 that I enthusiastically reviewed a few weeks ago.
“Most have a slot only for Compact Flash cards. If your camera uses a smaller type, you’re expected to provide your own card adapter. Only the Epson P-2000 also offers a slot for SD cards. Nor is that the only virtue of the sleek black Epson ($500 online). The size, brightness and clarity of its 3.8-inch screen blows its competition off the equipment rack. Thanks to its supercrisp 640 pixels by 480 pixels (four times the resolution of its rivals), photos look like glossy drugstore prints. Photo transfer is fast: just under two minutes for a 256MB memory card filled with 103 pictures.”
CNET News - Photo vaults shoot, store, show
Thanks to Sanj for letting me know.
Canon USA Press Release
Canon U.S.A., Inc. Endorses the Independent WIR Certified Image Permanence Testing Program and Seal, Joining Epson, Hewlett-Packard, and Lexmark in Providing Consumers with Standardized Print Longevity Ratings
GRINNELL, Iowa—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 8, 2005—Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. (WIR), an independent test methods development and product testing company, today announced that Canon U.S.A., Inc. will participate in the new WIR Certified Image Permanence Testing Program. With comprehensive test data provided by Wilhelm Imaging Research, Canon will begin using the WIR Certification Seal with a range of qualified photo printing products.
“In addition to our own photo imaging permanence scale, we are providing customers the ability to see independent image permanence results that allow an easy comparison of the available photographic materials by supporting the new Wilhelm Imaging test certification Seal,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. “The new seal program provides an immediate, uniform test method to provide consumers with the information needed to understand the difference between various products used to print their digital photographs.”
ePhotoZine have just posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.
“When first picking up the camera I was unsure if it would be comfortable to handle, due to the vertical grip. But my fears were soon displaced; the ergonomic grip is very comfortable. The actual grip on the camera is chunkier than the S2, giving a firmer handle to the camera. It is easy to hold for extended periods due to the thought given by Fuji to the camera grip. Apart from the grip, the top controls of the camera are similar in layout and use to those on the S2, I found it very easy to switch from one to the other. The rear layout has been altered slightly, but functionality is the same, apart from additional few functions, such as the film simulation modes.””
Website: ePhotoZine - FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Review
The Epson PictureMate allows you to print 10x15 cms borderless photos at up to 5760 x 1440dpi-optimized dpi in the comfort of your own home. The Epson PictureMate uses a 6-colour high gloss pigment ink printing system and print life is claimed to be 104 years. The PictureMate has a built-in memory card reader supporting 9 different formats and can also be directly connected to any PictBridge or USB DIRECT-PRINT compatible device. The Epson PictureMate has a monochrome LCD screen that allows you to select which photos you want to print. A few weeks ago I reviewed the similar HP Photosmart 375 printer, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars - can the Epson PictureMate compete? Read my review to find out.
Website: Epson PictureMate Review
Photo-i have just finished their interactive review of the brand new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the UK for £399.99 inc Vat and $549.99 in the USA.
“As a professional photographer with over 30 years experience and exhibited at many venues, I can say that the print I produced this afternoon is better than anything I have ever done in the darkroom. The print has sharpness, great colour saturation and all the qualities that I would expect from a wet chemistry photograph, let alone a digital print. It is stunning. Any photographer who questions the quality or merit of a digital print compared to a wet chemistry print need only look at the output from the R1800.”
Website: Photo-i - Epson R1800 Printer Review
Photo-i have just started an interactive review of the brand new Epson R1800 A3 / 13x19 inch printer. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the UK for £399.99 inc Vat and $549.99 in the USA.
“The R1800 uses the same UltraChrome ink set as the R800, in fact the cartridges are the same. I would have expected larger cartridges for an A3 printer. If the inks perform as well on this printer as they have on the R800 then I think we will be in for a treat, I will hold back from saying more until I have fully tested the printer.
The advantage of UltraChrome inks lays in the longevity of the inks. The inks are pigment based, compared to dye based on most other inkjet printers. The ink droplets are encapsulated in a micro thin covering of resin, this protects the inks from atmospheric pollutants and rough handling.”
Website: Photo-i - Epson R1800 Printer Review
Picojet have developed an inkjet printhead made out of stainless steel. Aimed at industrial printing applications, this isn’t likely to feature in a home inkjet printer any time soon. The new printhead can jet a wide range of liquids, including oil, water, solvent and hot melt (wax).
PicoJet Press Release
PicoJet Reaches Development Milestone With Successful Demonstration of New Stainless Steel Ink Jet Printhead
HILLSBORO, Ore., March 14 /PRNewswire/—PicoJet, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art piezoelectric drop-on-demand printheads, announces it has reached a development milestone with the successful demonstration of its new stainless steel PJ-N256 drop-on-demand inkjet printhead.
The demonstration was a benchmark of the printhead’s initial printing capabilities at the completion of a five month development project. The PJ-N256 printhead successfully proved its ability to fire each of the 256 jets simultaneously at 10,000 drops per second creating a 300 dpi image. It produced full color images using UV-curable ink jetted onto foam board, poster board, canvas, textile, glass, metal and plastic media. This same technology will allow simultaneous firing at over 20,000 drops per second enabling higher print speeds and resolution in the future.
The HP Photosmart 8450 is currently HP’s top-of-the-range colour Letter / A4 sized inkjet printer. The HP 8450 is an 8 colour inkjet printer that allows you to print colour and black and white borderless photos at up to 4800x1200-optimized dpi. It has a built-in memory card reader (supporting 7 different formats), can be connected to any PictBridge-compatible camera and has an Ethernet port for network sharing. Using the supplied HP Bluetooth Wireless Adapter, you can make prints from any Bluetooth compatible device. The HP 8450 also has a reputation for producing truly neutral black and white prints by using a dedicated Gray Photo cartridge. So can the HP Photosmart 8450 challenge the likes of Epson and Canon and take the crown as the best Letter / A4 sized inkjet printer? Read my review to find out.
Website: HP Photosmart 8450 Review
BIOS magazine have just reviewed the Lexmark P315 portable photo printer.
“Lexmark’s latest printer makes printing 6x4in. photos a snap. Competing directly with Epson’s excellent PictureMate (£127 ex. VAT), the P315 portable photo printer slightly undercuts Epson’s offering and still manages to integrate a 2.5in. LCD preview screen (the PictureMate’s LCD is fixed and monochrome only), but its build and output quality are equally poor. The P315 is a really disappointing offering from a company with so much printing experience.”
Website: BIOS Magazine - Lexmark P315 Printer Review
The PMA Show 2005 was held last week in Orlando, Florida. PhotographyBLOG was there for an entire week to cover the show, attend various press events and go on the rides at the Universal Studios “Islands of Adventure” theme park (I can’t work all the time you know…). All in all the Show was a quiet, understated affair compared to previous years, with the general concensus being this was a year of consolidation in the industry, rather than innovation. There were still a lot of new products introduced, however, so here is my personal roundup of the hits, misses and maybes.
Epson StoryTeller Photo Book Creator is announced. StoryTeller Photo Book Creator is a convenient, easy-to-use kit with everything consumers need to turn their digital pictures into a glossy, hardbound photo book to preserve and share personalized life stories and events. StoryTeller Photo Book Creator kits will be available for purchase in the USA in late April 2005 for $19.99 for the 5” x 7” version, $24.99 for the 10-page 8” x 10” version, and $29.99 for the 20-page 8” x 10” version.
Epson Press Release
Epson’s storyteller Photo Book Creator MAKES PUBLISHING your own “Best Seller” of cherished MEMORIES a snap at home
Easy-to-Use Kit Gives Chief Memory Officers and Photo Enthusiasts Tools to Preserve and Share Special Occasions
LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 22, 2005 – Epson America Inc. today announced the debut of the StoryTeller™ Photo Book Creator, a convenient, easy-to-use kit for creating and publishing personalized, hardcover photo books entirely at home that are ideal for gifts or display. StoryTeller Photo Book Creator provides Chief Memory Officers™ (CMOs) and photo enthusiasts everything they need to publish a book of their own photos to remember and share special events and memories easily and affordably at home.
Epson UK Press Release
The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 will have its first UK audience with live demonstrations at Focus On Imaging 2005. Available from April 2005 and designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photo enthusiast and semi professional photographer, this A3 photo printer is the latest addition to the Epson photo printer portfolio.
Providing border-free printing up to A3, photographers now have the freedom to print in a wide range of formats for portfolios, display, and photographic exhibitions without sacrificing quality. Combined with the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set, the Stylus Photo R1800 delivers prints that really can exceed the quality from a professional photo lab.
HP are really promoting their new HP Photosmart printer, the the 8750, at PMA 2005. At a lunchtime conference today, HP presented their overall package for the 8750 and the higher-end DesignJet 90 via 3 key speakers. Henry Wilhelm, who is heavily involved with testing digital print lifespan, Iris Mangelschots from GretagMacbeth, who are providing colour management solutions bundled with the new HP printers, and Joel Meyerowitz, a professional photographer who has converted to selling digital prints in the last year made with the HP DesignJet series, abandoning conventional silver halide. (Click on each picture to see a larger version)
The HP PhotoSmart 8750 supports print sizes up to 13x19 inches, offers a lightfastness of up to 108 years, and has a new 9 colour inkset which now includes blue for more, well, vibrant blues. There is also a built-in memory card reader which HP are positioning more as a way to proof your photos, rather than the usual selling point of being able to bypass the computer entirely (reasoning that prosumer photographers will edit their photos on a computer in Adobe Photoshop before printing).
The black and white print that HP were showing was stunning - true black and white quality out of the box with no need to profile the printer, due to HP’s dedicated Gray inkjet cartridge. This technology has featured on their smaller printers like the PhotoSmart 7960 - the real challenge for HP will be the colour side of things. Will the new Blue cartridge be enough to convince buyers that HP can beat their competitiors in terms of colour? Pro photographer Joel Meyerowitz certainly seemed to think so - Meyerowitz claimed that using the DesignJet series and the 8750 was “a life changing experience”. Strong words indeed. A competitive price-tag of $499 will no doubt help HP’s cause. I was personally very interested in the Epson R1800 when it was announced a few days ago - now the HP PhotoSmart 8750 is making me think again.
Update: Henry Wilhelm’s report for the HP Photosmart 8750 is now online:
Epson America / Sprint Press Release
New Option Makes it Easy and Convenient for Sprint Customers to Print Camera-Phone Photos
Orlando, Fla. (Photo Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show) – Feb. 18, 2005- Epson America Inc. and Sprint (NYSE: FON) have teamed to make it easier and more convenient for Sprint customers to print photos stored in their Picture MailSM online albums on their home printers using a new feature for the site, Print at Home.
Beginning this spring, Sprint customers using Picture Mail will have the option to print the photos stored in their online album directly to their home printer, regardless of brand, using Epson’s popular Print at Home capabilities at no additional cost. Family and friends who receive a Picture Share can also use this feature at no additional cost.
Hamrick Software Press Release
Used extensively by professional photographers, film processing labs and consumers around the world, VueScan 8.1.30 offers an enhanced, user-friendly interface with support for raw files for 109 digital cameras, and support for more than 400 scanners, including all Canon and Epson scanners
PHOENIX, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/—When a married couple became embroiled in a bitter argument over the poor condition of the pictures in their wedding album, they didn’t go to a marriage counselor, but to Professor “A.”
Owned and operated by Alec Fromm, Professor “A,” based in Mississauga, Ontario, is an independent training service for Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. Alec agreed to help the couple restore their wedding memories. Even though a “professional photographer” took the pictures, Alec determined that the black & white and color 35mm negatives were underexposed and improperly processed for the types of film used. How could this marriage be saved?
Alec turned to Hamrick Software’s, VueScan, the award-winning program that lets users easily produce better looking digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides, and documents. Using VueScan, Alec was able to capture the film data at a level that allowed him to manipulate the images to a point where the output was astounding, when compared to the original prints.
Epson Stylus Photo R1800 has been announced today by Epson UK. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the UK for £399.99 inc Vat and $549.99 in the USA. As the older Epson Stylus Photo 2100 currently costs over £400, this sounds like a bargain to me (especially as I paid over £500 for the Epson 2100 in early 2004!).
Epson UK Press Release
EPSON(r) introduces new bench-mark A3 photo printer for photo enthusiasts and semi professional photographers
The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 photo printer, the latest addition to Epson’s photo printer portfolio, is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers.
February 2005 - Epson announces the launch of the Stylus Photo R1800 printer. Available from April 2005, it is to feature many of the award-winning capabilities of the successful Epson Stylus Photo R800. The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 now delivers border-free printing up to an A3 format, enabling photo enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers to print images large enough for photographic exhibitions.
The Epson Stylus Photo R1800 delivers unsurpassed print performance in an A3 photo printer. High definition images are achieved through Epson’s UltraChrome(tm) Hi-Gloss pigment ink, which is delivered in 1.5 picolitre (pl) droplets to capture the finest details. It includes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Blue, Red, Photo Black, Matte Black and Gloss Optimizer Technology. The inclusion of red and blue ink increases the colour gamut and colour space, primarily making it closer (and in some areas wider) than Silver Halide, essential for photographers requiring premium colour reproduction. The Gloss Optimizer provides a smooth gloss finish to prints for exceptional premium glossy and semi-gloss prints.
Pentax *istDS Silver is introduced by Pentax UK. The *istDS Silver is a silver-coloured version of Pentax’s popular digital SLR, with the same specification as the black version. Price and availability of the Pentax *istDS Silver are to be confirmed.
Pentax UK Press Release
PENTAX Adds a Silver-Coloured Version to Its Popularly Priced Compact Digital SLR Camera
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of a silver-coloured version to the popular PENTAX *istDS digital SLR camera. Named the PENTAX *istDS Silver, it offers the same user-friendly features and high-standard specifications as the original black-coloured version, except for its body colour. With a choice of two attractive colours, the *istDS now extends outstanding manoeuvrability, simplified operations and an affordable price to a broader range of quality-conscious digital SLR users.
The PENTAX Optio50 has been announced by Pentax UK. The Optio50 is an easy to use and compact digital camera with a 3x zoom lens and 5 megapixels. The price of the Optio 50 is £149.99 and it will be available in April.
Pentax UK Press Release
The PENTAX Optio50 — the Compact Digital Camera Enabling Even Novices to Achieve Impressive Images with Easy Operation
PENTAX introduces the new Optio50 — a compact, lightweight digital camera that makes digital photography easy for virtually anyone. Incorporating a handy “Simple” mode, it allows the user to quickly choose an icon that matches the subject at hand and have the camera select all the optimal settings automatically for the best possible results. And to ensure easy use continues no matter where you go, the Optio50 has also been designed to be powered by AA batteries, which are widely available internationally. But to be worthy of the PENTAX name, of course, ease of use is simply not enough. Indeed, the Optio50 offers the power and clarity of a 3X optical zoom lens and the sheer detail and high-level resolution of 5.0 effective megapixels, making it as sharp at shooting as it is easy to use.
Pentax OptioS5n unveiled by Pentax UK. The OptioS5n is a stylish and compact 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen. The Optio S5n will cost £249.99 and be available in March.
Pentax Press Release
The PENTAX OptioS5n — a Stylish Digital Camera Combining a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, Ultra-compact Dimensions, High Performance and Exceptional Ease of Use
PENTAX introduces the new OptioS5n — a stylish and compact digital camera with ultra-compact, lightweight appeal. What’s more, it also offers the power of 5.0 effective megapixels and a 3X optical zoom lens incorporating PENTAX’s unique Sliding Lens System. Developed in line with the OptioS series concept of being “stylish and ultra-compact to enable it to be worn like an accessory”, there’s so much more to the OptioS5n than its stylish, elegant appearance. Indeed with an easy-to-see 2.0-inch large LCD monitor, a useful Mode Palette function that simplifies shooting and playback and the advantage of MPEG-4 file format for high-quality, extended duration movies, the OptioS5n is every bit as versatile as it is attractive.
Epson Stylus Photo R1800 has been announced by Epson America, according to a news item over at Imaging Resource. The R1800 is an A3 version of the Epson Stylus Photo R800 that I reviewed in July last year, featuring the same 8 colour UltraChrome Hi-Gloss inks and 1.5 picoliter droplet size. I concluded my review by saying “Now, if Epson were to bring out an A3 version of the Stylus Photo R800, and I’m sure they will, one day, hopefully, fingers crossed, then that will definitely be the perfect photo printer.” The Stylus Photo R1800 will retail in the USA for $549.
Website: Imaging Resource - Epson announces Stylus Photo R1800
Epson Stylus Photo RX620 announced: the Stylus Photo RX620 is an all-in-one inkjet multifunction printer featuring a 2400X4800 dpi flatbed scanner, 2.5 inch preview monitor, integrated memory card reader, 6 individual ink cartridges and up 5760dpi print resolution. The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 can also back up data directly from CD-R/Zip drives via its USB port. The RX620 will cost £199 RRP inc VAT.
Epson UK Press Release
EPSON® launches a standalone all-in-one home photo centre to meet the requirements of photo enthusiasts
Placing the emphasis on high resolution printing and scanning, the Epson Stylus Photo RX620 all-in-one offers a complete no-compromise solution for home photo users working from both digital and analogue photo sources.
4th February 2005 - Epson announces the latest addition to its all-in-one printer series, the Epson Stylus Photo RX620. The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 sports an array of features to meet the demands of photo enthusiasts who need to scan, print and store new and old images, making it the most versatile and easy to use all-in-one photo printer on the market.
The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 makes it easy to retrieve the photos you want from all of your photo archives. Using the 2400X4800 dpi MatrixCCD scanner, you can produce high-quality copies of photos, whilst the unique direct print function quickly produces photos directly from old negative film sources.
The AFT PRO-Gear SOLO memory card reader from Atech Flash is reviewed by ePhotoZine.
“The AFT PRO-Gear SOLO is one of the latest 10 in 1 readers that supports 10 card formats such as Compact Flash Type I, Type II, Microdrive, MultiMedia, Secure Digital, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick MagicGate and xD-Picture Card. It’s a sleek designed product that is far more attractive than the earlier bulkier versions. With dimensions of 86.5mm x 14.8mm x 59.7mm it’s smaller than a pack of playing cards and has three slots so you could put three different card types in and transfer date between them.”
Website: AFT PRO-Gear SOLO Review
Epson America Press Release
Popular Epson Online Experience Digital Printing Course Now Available via Authorized Photo Dealers
Unique On-Demand Program Enables Photo Enthusiasts and Advanced Amateurs to Learn Digital Printing Secrets of the Pros at Home at Their Own Pace
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(Business Wire)—Jan. 18, 2005—In response to the ongoing demand for high-quality education in digital photography, Epson America Inc. has begun offering its Online Experience digital photography and printing program via authorized photo dealers, making it even easier for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateurs to participate in the valuable on-demand program. This unique program offers participants expert techniques, valuable tips and insider secrets the pros use to create spectacular digital prints.
NewSoft Press Release
NewSoft Simplifies DVD, SVCD and VCD Photo Slideshow Creation with the Launch of Presto! PhotoDisc
Easy-to-Use Workflow and Themed Templates Turn Photos into Professional-Looking Slideshows in Three Quick Steps
LAS VEGAS, NV (CES, Booth 9017) - January 5, 2005 NewSoft Inc., a leading provider of innovative business and consumer software, introduced their new digital photo slideshow suite, Presto! PhotoDisc today from Booth #9017 at the 2005 International CES. A truly user-friendly solution, the software’s ready-to-use templates and step-by-step workflow walk users from photo collection to dynamic slideshow in three quick steps. PhotoDisc users can burn their slideshows to DVD, SVCD or VCD, for anytime viewing from the comfort of the family room couch, using a standard home DVD player and TV. Complete with DVD motion menus, animated titles, transition effects, sound bites and music, Presto! PhotoDisc makes it easy for users of all experience levels to show their memories to family and friends with confidence.
Casio USA Press Release
CASIO ANNOUNCES NEW QV-R SERIES DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING 6 MEGAPIXEL CCD
EXILIM Engine and Large 2.0-inch LCD Screen in a Compact Body
LAS VEGAS, NV, January 6, 2005 – Casio, Inc, in conjunction with it’s parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today, at the 2005 International CES Show, the QV-R62, a 6-megapixel digital camera in the popular QV-R range with improved image quality and responsiveness thanks to the incorporation of Casio’s proprietary EXILIM Engine. In addition, several new advanced features have been included to enhance overall performance. This compact model is the flagship in the QV-R series, and features a large 2.0-inch LCD screen and a 3X optical zoom lens in a compact aluminum body. The QV-R62, which is on display at Casio’s Booth # 9808, will be available at retail in January 2005, with an MSRP of $399.99.
Casio USA Press Release 25/08/04Casio USA Press Release
CASIO SHOWCASES THE 7 MEGAPIXEL EXILIM PRO EX-P700 WITH 4X OPTICAL ZOOM
New Top-of-the-Line EXILIM Model Offers Enthusiasts And Casual Picture-Takers Superior Portability, High-Resolution, and High-Speed Shooting
LAS VEGAS, NV, January 6, 2005 – Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, a leading innovator in digital cameras will be showcasing the EXILIM PRO EX-P700, the latest addition to the award-winning EXILIM series of digital cameras, at the 2005 International CES Show that opened here
today. The camera will be on display at Casio’s Booth # 9808.
The EX-P700 has an ultra high resolution 7.2 million megapixel CCD with 4X optical zoom, and an ultra-fast 0.01 second release time lag (with flash off, focus locked). This remarkable high-performance, high-resolution compact camera offers the operating ease users have come to expect from Casio’s EXILIM CARD, ZOOM and PRO ranges of compact cameras. The EX-P700 will be available in January 2005, MSRP $599.99.
Pentax UK Press Release
The new PENTAX OptioWP — a slim, compact digital camera with waterproof performance that enables underwater shooting
PENTAX is pleased to introduce the OptioWP, a compact digital camera that features JIS Class 8-equivalent waterproof performance and has a body only 22mm thick. What’s more, the new OptioWP also features a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, a 3X optical zoom lens and the imaging power of 5.0 effective megapixels.
Developed in line with the three keywords, “Sportiness”, “Elegance”, and, “Leisure”, the OptioWP provides the user with the advantage of waterproof performance that enables confident shooting during a range of water sports. And unusually for a camera with such sporting capability, the OptioWP also has surprisingly sophisticated styling that makes it ideal for use on practically any kind of occasion.
Ricoh Japan have already announced this new model - now it’s the turn of Ricoh UK to introduce the Caplio R1V, which will be available in retail from February. Price to be confirmed.
Ricoh UK Press Release
Successor to the popular Caplio R1, the Caplio R1V is a powerful 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle, 4.8x optical zoom in an exceptionally slim 25mm body
Northampton 2004. Ricoh is extremely proud to announce the launch of the Caplio R1V 5.0 megapixel digital camera, the successor to the award winning Caplio R1. The Caplio R1V features an innovative lens retracting system that enables 4.8x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle shooting capacity to be housed in a 25mm ultra slim, aluminium body. The lens generates the finest quality images capable of being offered by this class of compact digital cameras. Moreover, with the world’s fastest shutter response* and Ricoh’s exceptional 1cm wide macro technology, the Caplio R1V incorporates all the latest high-end features to satisfy even the most discerning professional. At the same time, it offers user-friendly functionality that everyone who enjoys taking pictures will love. Even more impressive, is that the Caplio R1V’s powerful features are encased in a sleek body as thin as 25mm and weighing just 150 grams.
*As of
, 2004 for all auto focus digital cameras.
30 Minute Photos Etc. Press Release
Kodak, Sony, Canon and all other Used Digital Camera Models Finding New Life and Bringing Military Families Closer Together
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) January 3, 2005—“Operation Photo” collecting all used digital cameras nationwide so military families can share family photos as a tool for boosting morale and staying close during the New Year.
Mitch Goldstone a well-known leader in the photo industry, is also recognized for his national grassroots campaigns, such as www.epiccusa.com , which brought thousands of people to New York City to support the airlines and commerce in the Big Apple after 9/11. Among other humanitarian campaigns was last summer’s www.supportthegames.org which was also organized with his partner, Carl Berman, to bring business leaders to Athens for the Olympic games.
This time, Goldstone is reaching out to picture-takers across the U.S. with “Operation Photo”—a program appealing for photographers to donate their older model digital cameras to families of service members distanced during the New Year.
Fortune Magazine have published their round-up pf the best technology of 2004, which includes the HP Photosmart R707 (pictured) as the year’s best point and shoot camera:
“This 5-megapixel model produces impressive shots for a $350 camera, but the thing that makes it special is its friendliness for beginning digital photographers. The R707 uses adaptive lighting to help the user take the best possible images in difficult situations, and it also has a help system that analyzes photos and recommends steps the shooter can take to create better shots.”
Other photography award winners included the Canon i9900 as best printer (with Epson PictureMate as runner-up) and Canon 20D as best digital SLR (with Nikon D70 as runner-up).
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: Fortune Magazine (subscribers only)
Photo-i have now completed their interactive review of the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner.
“This scanner is beautifully made with lots of attention to detail, but then so is the Millennium Dome. This scanner is rich in functionality, too bad the functions are not that useful. The fact that most of the extra features depend on having either the Epson R800, or SP 2100 printers, will put many buyers off. If you are going to include features like this then at least make sure that every user can access them, even if they have got a Canon or HP printer. Most of the photographers I know want to do something to their pictures, even if it is simple dust removal or colour correction. Scanning directly to a printer won’t give you that option. “
PCMagazine have taken a look back over the last year of new products and published their Best of the Year guide. The 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom (pictured) is their recommended model in the Camera—Enthusiast category.
“Other models have longer zoom lenses and more intuitive menus, but the Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom’s excellent picture quality, deep feature set, and solid construction make it a great choice for enthusiasts. It boots up and recycles very quickly. In testing, flash shots showed well-saturated colors and strong, balanced illumination. Exposure and colors were good in our simulated daylight shots.”
Other photography-related winners include the Leica Digilux 2, Nikon D70, Canon EOS 20D, Canon i9900 Photo Printer and Epson PictureMate.
BBC News are running an interesting article that claims home printing can be cheaper than high street developers. PC Pro Magazine tested 100 (!) printers, including the Epson Stylus Photo R800 (pictured), to try and find out if they produced cheaper prints than your local photo lab.
“Some High Street photo shops can be the cheapest when it came to developing prints that were 6x4in, said Mr Ross, but the test revealed that images 7x5in and 8x10in in size were cheaper to produce at home.
According to PC Pro, producing a print 8x10in on an Epson R800 printer using top quality paper costs £1.87. At Jessops the same image would cost £2.50 and at Snappy Snaps £9.99. A 10x7in snap at Boots would cost £4.99.”
Website: BBC News
Not to be mistaken for the RD-1 from Epson, the unique R-1 film camera from inventor Clifford Ross is capable of taking photos that have “100 times as much data as the average professional digital camera” using film negatives. Ross’s camera is capable of resolving amazing levels of detail - apparently a tree on a ridge four miles away is sharply focused.
“The camera, called the R-1 (R for Ross), looks oddly rigged, like something out of Dr. Seuss, and almost like an antique viewfinder camera on legs. In fact, Ross pulls a cloth over his head and the back of his contraption when he takes a picture. But with this camera that he concocted out of 60-year-old camera parts, mirrors, a microscope and other items—none of them digital—Ross has taken photographs on 9-by-18-inch negatives that when slowly processed by hand and digitally scanned contain 100 times as much data as the average professional digital camera.”
Website: CNET News - Tom Swift’s new camera, ready for space and spies
ePhotoZine have posted a review of the cost-effective (i.e. extremely cheap) Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens. Is a £130 macro lens really any good?
“This lens is good and sharp stopped down and still quite respectable wide open, on the coin shot above it has picked out every last detail in my grubby fingerprint. A problem I foresee with this lens is that many people also use their macro lenses for portraits. If your subject isn’t moving then this lens is fine, producing decent results at normal distances. If however you wish to capture a more informal shot, the autofocus is just too slow. As a rule of thumb, macro lenses are always slow to autofocus, just not this slow.”
The Norwegiann website http://akam.no/art.php?artikkelid=12150 have just published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
DesignerPrint.co.uk Press Release 26/11/04
November 26, 2004—DesignerPrint.co.uk, a newly established Southampton based company that offers customers the opportunity to turn their favourite images into a work of art by having them printed onto canvas, block mounted or a poster print.
Using the latest digital printing technology DesignerPrint.co.uk offers a large format printing service, creating prints that will last many years.
Canvas Prints are the best way to display your favourite photos, memories or artwork. DesignerPrint.co.uk prints your image directly onto 340gsm matte artist’s grade canvas which is then laminated to protect your picture from dust and stains. This process, combined with the Epson pigment based inks we use, means that your prints are guaranteed to remain crisp and vibrant.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
Epson America Press Release 17/11/04
PictureMate, The No. 1-Selling 4’’ X 6’’ Ink Jet Photo Printer, Now in Full Distribution across United States
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 17, 2004—The PictureMate(TM) personal photo lab, the No. 1-selling(a) 4"x6” dedicated ink jet photo printer in the United States, has gone into full distribution—making the popular personal photo lab available to even more of the estimated 33 million-plus digital camera owners(b) across the country just in time for the holiday season, according to Epson officials.
The PictureMate personal photo lab and PictureMate Print Pack, the affordable ink and paper combo pack, are now available nationwide at consumer electronics retailers, computer superstores, mass merchandisers, office superstores and photo specialty stores. Consumers also can purchase PictureMate online, via catalogs and through television shopping.
PictureMate, which launched in limited distribution earlier this year, is the first and only dedicated photo printer to address all the barriers digital camera owners have had with printing their photos at home.
Pocket-Lint have published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“We were decidedly disappointed with this model, which surprised us as many have said that they rate this among the best. Compared to the test prints we produced with the HP 375, the prints came across dulled in colour. Epson suggests that its print quality will last for over 100 years and this while we aren?t about to hold off our review till the results come in giving it a good battering proved fruitless in our determination of scratching the print.”
Epson UK Press Release 15/11/04
EPSON DEBUTS ITS NEW DIGITAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS AT MACEXPO 2004 - STAND 440
19th- 22nd November 2003 - EPSON’s first UK viewing of the EPSON F-3200 multi-format film scanner, EPSON PhotoPC P-2000 portable multimedia storage viewer and EPSON L-500V digital camera will take place at MacExpo 2004.
The EPSON F-3200 is aimed at professionals and experienced amateur photographers who want to scan their film quickly without sacrificing quality. A multi-format dedicated film scanner, it allows professionals and experienced amateurs to quickly scan reflective prints of up to 4” x 6” in addition to 35mm film through to 5” x 4” sheet film. It is the first film scanner to support a built-in memory card reader, so users can scan direct to memory cards for additional ease of use.
Compatible with either a Mac or PC, the Epson F-3200 is also ideal for those wanting to digitise their film archive or who shoot in film whilst requiring the capability to create digital images for manipulation and printing. Featuring advanced software the F-3200 enables photographers to scan 35mm and medium format film in batches and at the same time remove dust and scratches from images. The built-in LCD screen allows photographers to preview scanned images quickly and easily.
Casio USA Press Release 25/08/04
CASIO ANNOUNCES THE 7 MEGAPIXEL EXILIM PRO EX-P700 WITH 4X OPTICAL ZOOM
New Top-of-the-Line EXILIM Model Offers Enthusiasts And Casual Picture-Takers Superior Portability, High-Resolution, and High-Speed Shooting
DOVER, NJ, November 10, 2004 - Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan announces the addition of the EXILIM PRO EX-P700 to the award-winning EXILIM series of digital cameras. The EX-P700 has an ultra high resolution 7.2 million megapixel CCD with 4X optical zoom, an ultra-fast 0.01 second release time lag (with flash off, focus locked). This remarkable high-performance, high-resolution compact camera offers the operating ease users have come to expect from Casio?s EXILIM CARD, ZOOM and PRO ranges of compact cameras. The EX-P700 will be available in January 2005, MSRP $599.99.
I’m pleased to be able to bring you a new PhotographyBLOG article today, courtesy of Phil Baker, who amongst other things writes a regular technology column for the San Diego Source newspaper. Phil’s article is called “Finding the Best Photo Printer”, in which he tries out some of the latest models of color ink-jet photo printers from Canon, Epson and HP, including the new HP PhotoSmart 8150 (pictured).
Website: Finding the Best Photo Printer
The New York Times has recently published an article looking at portable storage devices for digital photographers, including the new Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer (pictured) (found via Website: Engadget).
“Of the six devices I tested, the P-2000 is arguably the most ambitious and, in many respects, the most successful.
The device, which is now reaching stores (information will soon be at www.epson .com), acts as an electronic snapshot as well as a shoebox for digital photos. Its L.C.D. display is 2? by 3 inches - smaller than a snapshot (typically 4 by 6 inches) but larger than those on any of the other devices I tried, not to mention the tiny camera monitors.”
Tom’s Hardware Guide have published a very detailed review of 8 of the newest mid-range inkjet printers, including the Epson R300 photo printer (pictured). (found via Digital Photography Blog).
”...this article concentrates on the mid-range models, though even that covers a fairly wide price spectrum, with the least expensive model reviewed costing $59 and the most expensive $199. As we’ll see, however, the price of an inkjet printer is of little importance in the final cost analysis. Cost of use is what you have to look at above all, and we’ve devoted an entire section of this article to understanding that aspect of the printer purchase equation.”
Website: Tom’s Hardware Guide - In Living Color: 8 New Inkjet Printers Put to the Test
PCMagazine have published their review of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“We timed the PictureMate at 2 minutes 15 seconds to 2:22 for each 4- by 6-inch photo, about 30 seconds slower than the Sony model. Image quality is a match for conventional film-based photos. It’s also waterproof and smear-proof: We took one photo directly from the printer, held it under running water for about 15 seconds, rubbed it, and let it dry, with no noticeable effect.”
Epson America Inc. Press Release 21/10/04
THE EPSON R-D1 - THE WORLD’S FIRST RANGEFINDER DIGITAL CAMERA BEGINS SHIPPING IN UNITED STATES ON NOV. 1
New Digital Rangefinder System is the First Digital Camera to Support L/M-Mount Lenses
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 21, 2004 - Epson America Inc. has achieved another digital photography breakthrough with the introduction of the EPSON R-D1-the world’s first rangefinder digital camera. This camera was introduced in Japan earlier this year and will now be shipping in the United States in early November.
The EPSON R-D1 marks a significant milestone in the industry by combining the classic feel and precision engineering of a traditional rangefinder camera with the latest digital technology. It is the first digital camera allowing photographers to use revered L- and M-mount lenses.
The EPSON R-D1 links the future with the past - a new digital camera with a classic rangefinder feel. The EPSON R-D1 is comprised of a magnesium alloy exterior and an aluminum die cast body, combining digital technology with the traditional feel of a finely tuned instrument. The camera features a 6.1 megapixel APS C-size CCD sensor with a 1.53 magnification factor for an image resolution up to 3008 x 2000 pixels, easily producing output of 16” x 20” and beyond. The Epson R-D1 supports a RAW mode as well as two JPEG modes. Both JPEG modes incorporate PRINT Image Matching II technology for optimal prints.
Casio Europe Press Release 18/10/04
Fiery photo technology for hot winter nights: The new EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50 “Red Star”
Norderstedt, October 2004 - The days are getting shorter and the dark season is setting in. The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50 “Red Star” Special Edition with its loud colour shade and lots of power gets everyone out of hibernation. The little one is power-packed! In its shiny metallic red it records the big party celebration in no time at all.
The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z50 “Red Star” is not only a hot candidate for fantastic pictures when it comes to design; the lifestyle camera is also a shining example for photo fun as regards the subject of technology. 5.0 Megapixel and 3x optical zoom provide outstanding sharpness, and it’s easy to watch for the right moment with the Direct On function. The shiny red one is ready for all kinds of snapshots in around 1.6 seconds1). With a shutter release time lag of around 0.01 seconds2), you can take a photo of the good-looking guy next door before he notices. And if the unnoticed approach is successful, even the smallest tattoo can still be shot in large format. Namely, the Auto Macro function automatically switches from Autofocus to the Macro mode and back again as required. In the heat of the night the “Red Star” is a faithful companion: the SUPER LIFE battery gives it power for up to 390 pictures3). One charge of the powerful Lithium-Ion storage battery is enough. For poorly-lit pictures there is the useful Flash Assist function available, which most automatically brightens up pictures that have turned out too dark if need be. And when you’ve found Mr. Perfect at last, the movie function is activated. It records a film with sound recording without any time limit4). For flaming moments by candlelight, the “Red Star” offers a further highlight: in the BESTSHOT function there are 23 preset motif programs for all kinds of different situations, as well as for the scenario. For easy operation and a technically top-class performance, the Icon Help function explains the symbol of the respective mode that the photo-lover is currently using.
PhotographyBLOG reader Jernej B has sent me an interesting link to a report on the Wilhelm Research website, which looks at the permanance of various 6x4 inch printers that are currently available in terms of print longevity. The pigment-based Epson PictureMate printer comes out on top with a massive 104 years when printed on PictureMate Photo Paper. The HP PhotoSmart 325 and 375 printers are next with 82 years. Bringing up the rear is the is the Sony DPP EX5 with a meagre 4 years.
Website: Wilhelm Research - Display Permanence Ratings for 4x6 Inch Printers
Website: Wilhelm Research - Test Methods
Epson USA Press Release 11/10/04
Epson Pairs Most Advanced Pro Printer with Exclusive ColorBurst RIP to Launch Complete Printing Solution for Demanding Creative Professionals
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 11, 2004— Epson Stylus(R) Pro 4000 Professional Edition Features a Custom-designed PostScript Language Level 3 RIP by ColorBurst(R) that’s both PANTONE(R) Licensed and SWOP(R) Approved
Epson America Inc. is expanding the capabilities of its most advanced professional-level photographic printer to deliver the highest level of performance and value. The Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Professional Edition combines the award-winning Stylus Pro 4000 printer with a custom-designed RIP from ColorBurst and Epson’s fastest Ethernet card for the premier printing solution for digital proofing, fine art and digital photography.
Featuring Epson UltraChrome(TM) Ink, the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Professional Edition produces extremely brilliant, color-accurate, stable prints with repeatable results that are consistent from printer to printer. The unique PostScript Language Level 3 Compatible RIP developed by ColorBurst exclusively for this Epson printer is the first one that includes a full Pantone color library, so there is no need to convert Pantone spot colors to process equivalents, and is SWOP certified. Because this version produces contract-quality prints for final approval in-house, it saves designers money, enables them to set expectations for clients and facilitates the prepress workflow.
Epson UK Press Release 08/10/04
Epson delivers a stylish 5 mega pixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch Photo Fine viewer
The Epson L-500V is a compact 5 mega pixel digital camera combined with a 2.5 inch Photo Fine viewer. It is the world’s highest definition consumer display on the market with 256 pixels per inch (ppi) and enables accurate viewing and sharing of photos directly from the camera screen.
October 2004 - The Epson L-500V, compact digital camera, will instantly capture 5 megapixel resolution photos with 3 times optical zoom. It features a 2.5 inch Epson Photo Fine viewer with a resolution of 256 ppi. You can share your images more easily, browse and select photos from thumnails and comfortably view your photos, not just preview them as with smaller digital camera screens.
Also included are outdoor and movie modes. The outdoor mode alternates between high brightness and high contrast so you can take high-quality photos in adverse light conditions. The movie mode offers VGA resolution at 30 frames per second ensuring producing a smooth picture.
Epson UK Press Release 08/10/04
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music. The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality.
October 2004 - The Epson P-2000 Photo Viewer is the latest digital imaging accessory that enables you to save your photos from your digital camera memory card and view them on the 3.8 inch Photo Fine display. The bright vivid displays found in Epson Photo Fine products make them suitable for use under most lighting conditions. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, you?ll be able to enjoy viewing your photos from the Epson P-2000.
The key features of the Epson P-2000 include a 3.8 inch VGA (640x480) high definition Photo Fine display that offers a resolution of 212 pixels per inch (ppi). You can store and view your photo albums, create slide shows and connect to your photo printer, computer or TV. The Epson P-2000 is approximately twice as fast as its predecessor when viewing photos and has a battery life of up to three hours.
In addition to the quality photo viewing capabilities, the Epson P-2000 provides support for digital camera and camcorder movies and music files. You can add music files to your slide shows for a fun and lively presentation of your images. Also included is a 40 GB hard disk drive, so it can double up as a portable storage unit for any PC or Mac files.
ePhotoZine have published one of the first reviews of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“I printed off 20 family snaps of varying levels of contrast and from different cameras, ranging from point & shoot to digital SLR loaded on a CompactFlash card. It delivered a good set of photos. Colours are good sharpness is good and contrast is good. Blacks look rich highlights sparkle and generally the results are impressive and live up to Epson’s claims of “bright colours”. The only thing I don’t like is the slight etch effect seen if you angle the print in the light.”
It looks as though Epson are finally about to replace their venerable A3 printer, the Stylus Photo 2100/2200. The Japanese website I Love Epson has details about a new A3 model called the PX-G5000. Michael Reichmann over at Luminous Landscape comments “The PX-G5000 is an 8 ink, 5760X1440 A3-sized printer, with 1.5 picoliter dots. The inks apparently have a wider colour gamut and better compatibility with glossy papers.”
Thanks to Hans Van Rafelghem for sending me the link.
Website: I Love Epson - PX-G5000 Printer
Adobe Press Release 27/09/04
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 27, 2004 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the Digital Negative Specification, a new unified public format for raw digital camera files.The company also launched a free software tool, Adobe DNG Converter, that translates many of today’s popular raw photo formats into the new .DNG file format, compliant with the Digital Negative Specification (see separate press release). Technology leaders, major customers and professional photographers today endorsed the new specification.
Companies
“We believe this new Digital Negative Initiative specification from Adobe will help to move the imaging industry forward and enable more efficient digital imaging workflows. We hope to see DNG adopted widely by all major vendors of digital cameras, equipment and imaging software.”—William Radcliffe, director of technology development, Corbis
“Microsoft has long supported technologies that make it easier for our customers to enjoy digital media on the PC. Adobe’s leadership in proposing a universal format for raw digital camera images will do just that. We believe that standards such as DNG are essential to the future growth of digital photography.”—Josh Weisberg, group product manger, Windows digital media group, Microsoft
Adobe Press Release 27/09/04
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 27, 2004 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the Digital Negative Specification, a new unified public format for raw digital camera files.The company also launched a free software tool, Adobe DNG Converter, that translates many of today’s popular raw photo formats into the new .DNG file format, compliant with the Digital Negative Specification (see separate press release). Technology leaders, major customers and professional photographers today endorsed the new specification.
Companies
“We believe this new Digital Negative Initiative specification from Adobe will help to move the imaging industry forward and enable more efficient digital imaging workflows. We hope to see DNG adopted widely by all major vendors of digital cameras, equipment and imaging software.”—William Radcliffe, director of technology development, Corbis
“Microsoft has long supported technologies that make it easier for our customers to enjoy digital media on the PC. Adobe’s leadership in proposing a universal format for raw digital camera images will do just that. We believe that standards such as DNG are essential to the future growth of digital photography.”—Josh Weisberg, group product manger, Windows digital media group, Microsoft
Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 22/09/04
Kodak Reports Significant Progress in Digital Growth Strategy; Reiterates EPS Forecast of $3, Sales of $16 Billion Forecast in 2006
NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Sept. 22, 2004—Eastman Kodak Company, at a meeting with investors today, will report significant progress in the digitally oriented growth strategy that the company presented last year.
Kodak will indicate that it expects sales of digital products and services to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 36% between 2003 and 2007. The company previously projected a growth rate of 26% between 2002 and 2006.
For the period of 2003 to 2007, the company is now projecting total revenue to grow at a rate of 7% to 8%. Although the current forecast envisions a more rapid decline in the traditional business, that decline is offset by a higher rate of growth in digital products and services, allowing the company to maintain its target for total sales of $16 billion by 2006.
Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04
Canon launches new range of compact photo printers - SELPHY
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of a new range of compact photo printers. These new printers, called SELPHY, are designed to meet the increasing demand from people who want to enjoy high quality photos from their digital images quickly and easily. Enabling creation of lab quality prints, wherever and whenever necessary with no need for a PC. SELPHY is the epitome of Do-It-YourSELF PHotographY it makes printing photos from digital images as liberating, enjoyable, instant and simple as taking them. There are three new SELPHY printers in the range, each providing direct printing from any PictBridge compatible digital camera, digital video camera or Digital SLR. The SELPHY range comprises:
- SELPHY CP500 - compact, ultra high-speed (63 second borderless postcard photo prints ) superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation direct printer
- SELPHY CP400 - Super compact, fast (81 second borderless postcard photo prints?), superb quality 300 dpi dye-sublimation entry level direct printer
- SELPHY DS700 - Superb quality, 2 picolitre, 4800 x 1200 dpi ink jet printer that prints images quickly from all popular digital camera memory cards (85 second borderless postcard photo prints). A direct connection to the TV together with an easy to use remote control allows convenient image preview, selection and printing. Also capable of printing from IrDA compatible camera-phones
The SELPHY CP400 will be available from October for £119.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 172.99 RRP inc. VAT
The SELPHY CP500 will be available from October for £149.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 219.99 RRP inc. VAT
The SELPHY DS700 will be available from November for £199.00 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 289.99 RRP inc. VAT
Epson USA Press Release 16/09/04
EPSON ONCE AGAIN EARNS TITLE OF OFFICIAL PHOTO PRINTER OF MISS AMERICA PAGEANT
EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 Features Ultrachrome Ink Technology to Help Contestants Remember Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience With Brilliant Prints That Will Last for Generations
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - September 16, 2004 - Contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2005 this week will be able to share and preserve their memories of this pinnacle of achievement with photographs that will last for generations. For the fifth year in a row, pageant officials have selected an archival printer from Epson America Inc. as the competition’s official photo printer.
From rehearsals to the final competition itself, long-time Miss America photographer Bruce Boyajian is photographing contestants’ activities and then printing the images using the award-winning EPSON Stylus Photo 2200 to be sure the prints last. He chose the archival printer because it delivers an unmatched combination of stunning image quality and longevity on a variety of media types with light, water and smudge-resistant EPSON Ultrachrome ink technology.
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Photography gives us the chance to relive our memories, and the best way to do that is to show the ultimate product, which is the print,” said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, specialty photo printers, Epson. “Epson’s advances in print permanence have been designed to keep important memories, like this milestone in these women?s personal and professional achievement, lasting a lifetime. For a tradition like the Miss America Competition, we know that the prints can?t just look good today but also must look good for generations to come.”
Pentax USA Press Release 13/09/08
PENTAX DOWNSIZES DIGITAL AGAIN IN SECOND COMPACT DIGITAL SLR
*ist DS Delivers Outstanding Image Quality
GOLDEN, Colorado (September 13, 2004)...PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography once again with the introduction of the *ist DS digital SLR. Developed as a second, even smaller, PENTAX compact digital SLR, the *ist DS camera advances the PENTAX commitment to easy-to-use and portable digital.
The *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is designed to be compatible with most PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.
The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families.
PENTAX will unveil the *ist DS and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The PENTAX *ist DS will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.
Pentax USA Press Release 13/09/08
TWO CAMERAS IN ONE NOW OFFERS 4 MEGAPIXELS
PENTAX Introduces The OptioMX4
GOLDEN, Colorado (September 13, 2004)...PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the new OptioMX4. A compact digital camera with a powerful 10X optical zoom and 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 design captures both high quality still images and movies with telephoto capability.
The OptioMX4 meets consumer demand to capture distant subjects with 10X optical zoom through a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37mm-370mm lens in 35mm format. The optional wide-angle conversion lens steps up the OptioMX4 angle of view to the equivalent of a 27.75mm lens in 35mm format. Comprised of 8 groups of 12 elements, the lens of the OptioMX4 features aspherical lenses and extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimize aberration. With 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 has the power to achieve high-precision, vivid images at all zoom ranges.
Pentax USA Press Release 13/09/08
PENTAX Optio SV Packed With 5 Megapixels, A Powerful 5X Zoom And Advanced Features
GOLDEN, CO (September 13, 2004)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the Optio SV digital camera. With 5.0 megapixels, a powerful 5X optical zoom, and tiny dimensions, the Optio SV combines powerful digital with portability.
The unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system in the Optio SV allows the powerful 5X zoom lens to retract and fully recede into the camera housing, flush with the body frame. As result, the Optio SV boasts the ultra-compact body dimensions of 3.0 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches. The novel lens system significantly reduces both the depth and length of the entire camera while it delivers a powerfully high zoom ratio for outstanding image quality. First incorporated in the Optio S digital camera launched last year, this innovative system is featured on select PENTAX digital cameras.
Epson USA Press Release 13/09/08
THE EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R320 OFFERS THE FLEXIBILITY TO PRINT INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AND PRINT DIRECTLY ONTO THE SURFACE OF CDS AND DVDS WITHOUT HAVING TO USE A COMPUTER
New Direct Photo Printer Includes a Built-in Color Monitor for Added Convenience and Costs Less Than $200
LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 13, 2004 - Epson America Inc. has replaced its popular, award-winning EPSON Stylus R300M ink jet printer with the new EPSON Stylus Photo R320. This printer is ideal for digital camera owners who want a flexible and easy to use photo solution without having to spend a lot of money. The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 offers convenient and innovative features such as PC-free printing, 13 supported memory card types, a built-in color monitor for viewing and selecting images before printing them and the ability to print long-lasting photos in a variety of popular borderless sizes. The printer also features Epson?s unique ability to print directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs.
“The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 is one of our most versatile photo printers to date. It not only prints incredible looking photos with ease and gives customers choices as to the sizes and quantities they want to print without ever having to use a PC, but also prints directly onto CDs and DVDs,” said Lowell Wolf, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “Whether you want to print out a personalized CD or print out photos for preserving important memories, sharing photo memories with friends and family has never been so simple and fun.”
The Epson UK press release below mentions a new film scanner, the Epson F-3200. I’ve not heard of this model before, so a quick Google search revealed that the “I Love Epson” Japanese website have a new F-3200 section. The Epson F-3200 scanner seems to have negative holders for all film sizes, including 5x4”, a DPI of 3200 and a built-in LCD screen. There is also a memory card slot that accepts MemoryStick, Compact Flash, SD and xd-Picture memory cards. So expect to see another press release soon!
Epson Press Release 03/09/04
EPSON - Beyond Photo
photokina 2004, September 28 - October 3
Put EPSON’s latest innovations to the test
Booth No. J/050, Consumer Hall 3.1
August 2004 - At photokina 2004, visitors seeking to experience the future of digital imaging either in business or the home, should ensure the EPSON stand is at the top of their list.
As well as demonstrating its comprehensive range of digital imaging products for the home and the office, EPSON is launching the EPSON P-2000 Photo Viewer, a portable media player that stores, organises and plays back digital photos, movies and music. It is also launching the EPSON L500, a combined digital camera and image viewer.
For the professional and advanced amateur photographers there is also the opportunity to see the new EPSON F-3200, dedicated film scanner.
HP Press Release 27/08/04
HP Introduces Fall Lineup of Digital Photography, Music, TV, Home Projection and Entertainment Offerings in Time for Back-to-school and Holiday Shopping
HP offers consumers keys to living digitally—simple, personalized experiences
MIAMI, Aug. 27, 2004
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HP today announced its expansion into multiple new consumer digital entertainment and digital photography categories with a range of offerings aimed at making it easier than ever for people to live digitally. The offerings include new digital cameras and photo printers, home theater projectors, plasma and LCD flat-panel TVs, entertainment-based notebooks and desktop PCs, and the Apple iPod from HP - all in time for the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.
HP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina unveiled the enhanced digital lineup today during a press conference in South Beach, Fla., where HP is sponsoring the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
Pentax USA Press Release 24/08/04
OPTIO X CAMERA OFFERS SHOOTING FREEDOM AND VIEWING EASE
PENTAX DELIVERS A DIGITAL TWIST
GOLDEN, Colorado (August 24, 2004)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new Optio X digital camera featuring a new twist in design innovation. Offering twice the versatility in digital imaging, the PENTAX Optio X opens with just a twist of the hand and positions the lens on one side for shooting freedom and the generous LCD monitor on the other side for viewing ease. With 5.0 effective megapixel clarity, a 3X optical zoom and a unique design that allows both above-the-head and hip-level shots, the Optio X also features a high-performance, 2.0 inch, low-temperature poly silicon TFT color LCD monitor.
Optio X users will not sacrifice size for innovation. The Optio X body is a mere .7 inch thick making it the thinnest model in the entire Optio series. The Sliding Lens system - a unique PENTAX feature that allows the lens to be completely retracted inside the body as soon as the power is turned off - makes the Optio X so easy to carry in a bag or pocket.
Along with the 5.0 megapixel clarity, a newly developed ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) improves image quality and enhances processing speed. The Optio X also features a new “My Menu” function, which allows users to group together frequently used functions for easy future access. With such wide-ranging capabilities and customized functions, the Optio X is a comprehensive personal digital imaging tool designed to be carried everywhere.
PENTAX will unveil the Optio X and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
Pentax USA Press Release 24/08/04
BIG STYLE IN A SMALL DIGITAL CAMERA
GOLDEN, Colorado (August 24, 2004)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new 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. Following in the footsteps of the popular Optio S, the stylish Optio S5i features the highest megapixel count in this ultra-compact series.
The Optio S5i is a perfect digital camera for action photographers. The Optio S5i features a new Sport mode that sets the camera for shutter speed-priority to enable spur of the moment shooting while Pan focusing mode ensures optimal focusing from close range to infinity. Both modes help offer optimal results for capturing fleeting action shots. For additional user confidence, the Optio S5i battery charger stand is capable of simultaneously charging one rechargeable Lithium-ion battery housed inside the camera as well as a spare battery. The Optio S5i is equipped with 10MB of internal memory and is compatible with SD memory cards.
PENTAX will unveil the Optio S5i and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
Ricoh UK Press Release 20/08/04
Ricoh launches the Caplio R1 - a powerful 4.0 megapixel digital camera that offers a 28mm wide-angle 4.8x optical zoom lens in a 25mm super slim body
Ricoh is proud to announce the release of the Caplio R1, a powerful 4.0 megapixel digital camera featuring an innovative lens retracting system that allows an incredible 4.8x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle shooting capability to be stored in a 25mm super slim aluminium body. The 28mm wide-angle 4.8x optical zoom lens produces the finest quality images that compact digital cameras in this class can offer. The Caplio R1 features the world?s fastest shutter response* and Ricoh?s outstanding 1cm wide macro technology. The Caplio R1 incorporates all the latest high-end features of the digital camera to satisfy even the most discerning professional, whilst offering user-friendly functionality that is sure to capture the hearts of all photo enthusiasts. That these powerful features?and more! ?are encased in an elegantly sleek body as thin as 25mm and weighing a mere 150 grams is simply amazing in and of itself.
* As of August 2004 for all auto focus digitalcamera
Ricoh Press Release 19/08/04
Ricoh launches the Caplio RZ1 -a fashionable 4.0 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens in a 25mm super slim body
August 19th, 2004. Ricoh is proud to announce the release of the Caplio RZ1, a fashionable 4.0 megapixel digital camera with an outstanding 35 mm lens and a 3x optical zoom lens in a super slim body as thin as 25 mm. On the performance side, the Caplio RZ1 also incorporates technologies that professional photographers would appreciate - outstanding 1cm macro technology, and the combination of a 4.0 megapixel CCD and Ricoh’ unique image processor -while offering user-friendly functionality that is sure to capture the hearts of all photo enthusiasts. The Caplio RZ1 offers all these and many other features at a surprisingly reasonable price.
* As of August 2004 for all auto focus digital camera
Steves Digicams have published one of the first reviews of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“The PictureMate is a good choice for today’s digital camera users that only need to make 4 x 6-inch size prints. If you want to make larger prints then look at the larger photo inkjet printers from Canon, HP or Epson—the PictureMate is strictly a 4 x 6” size printer. It’s small and very portable, it even has a carrying handle built right in to prove that it was designed to be portable. The only thing the PhotoMate lacks to make it a “perfect” standalone printer is a color preview LCD.”
Popular Photography have been busy posting a lot of new reviews and articles on their website, including a review of the Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro (pictured). So in no particular order…
- Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro Review
- Blur Busters!
- Snapshot Print-Off
- Kodak EasyShare DX7630 Review
- Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Review
- Digital Toolbox: Divorce, Digital Style
- Digital Toolbox: The Photoshop Makeover
- Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX OS APO AF
- Canon 28-105mm F/4-5.6 AF
- Flash Battery Packs Review
Epson UK Press Release 03/08/04
EPSON brings effortless and easy film scanning to amateur film photographers
EPSON launches the EPSON Perfection 2580 Photo, featuring new film scanning capabilities that includes the first automatic film loader for digitising 35mm film.
1st August 2004: The EPSON Perfection 2580 Photo is the first scanner to include Auto Film Loader features for digitising 35mm film. Filmstrips can now be scanned effortlessly with just one click. The EPSON Perfection 2580 Photo also includes high optical resolution for picking up minute detail and creating large prints from film. Furthermore, EPSON’s unique photo restoration tools are included for repairing and rejuvenating old photographs.
Richard Baylis, Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer Product, EPSON UK says, “This new scanner offers users a higher resolution, improved photo restoration and fast film scanning solution. The revolutionary auto film loader will make film scanning easier and quicker for amateur film photographers by automating the loading process.”
RRP inc VAT £99.99
Digital Camera Magazine have recently reviewed 4 digital cameras, including the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 (pictured).
- Sony CyberShot DSC-T1
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX5
- FujiFilm FinePix F420
- Epson PhotoPC L-400
Website: Digital Camera Magazine
The Stylus Photo R800 is a 7 colour, 5760 x 1440 optimised dpi inkjet printer that offers borderless printing at print sizes up to A4 and is aimed at the professional and amateur photographer. It uses UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks, which have previously only been used in the Epson 2100/2200 A3 printer. These pigment inks are archival quality, offering print life of over 80 years on certain papers. As if that wasn’t enough, Epson have also introduced Red and Blue inks, which create a colour gamut rivalling that of silver halide photos, and they have reduced the ink droplet size to just 1.5 picolitres. So is the Stylus Photo R800 the ultimate A4 photo printer? Read my review to find out.
Website: Epson Stylus Photo R800 Review
Epson USA Press Release 13/07/04
EPSON SOAKS THE COMPETITION WITH NEW DURABRITE SCAN-PRINT-COPY DEVICE - EPSON STYLUS CX4600
Newest Epson All-in-One Features Water/Fade/Smudge-Resistant DURABrite Inks,
Color Restoration, Standalone/One-Touch Color Copying and Scanning, Individual Ink Cartridges and Multiple Memory Card Inputs
LONG BEACH, Calif.—July 13, 2004—Epson has successfully splashed down on the scan-print-copy market again with a new value-focused product ? the EPSON Stylus CX4600. This all-in-one features Epson’s exclusive water/fade/smudge-resistant DURABrite inks and offers an optimum balance of image quality and speed to satisfy the imaging needs of busy households, personal offices and today’s ever-growing number of beginning to intermediate-level digital photographers.
With a suggested retail price of $149 ($129 following a $20 rebate), the Stylus CX4600 triples as a scanner, photo printer, and black and color copier, in a new space-saving design that is only 6.7 inches tall and 13.5 inches wide. When used as a stand-alone product (PC-free), it can produce up to 13 black/color copies per minute (cpm)*, print up to 15 pages per minute (ppm)* in black and can scan images up to 600 x 1200 dpi with 48-bit color depth. Other advanced features include Epson?s photo restoration technology, quiet operation and an easy-to-navigate controlpanel. It also incorporates Epson’s renowned DURABrite inks and a variety of input slots for today’s most popular memory cards.
Editor’s Note: Epson UK have let me know that the PhotoPC L-410 is specific to Epson America and will not be released in the United Kingdom.
Epson America Press Release 12/07/04
Epson Introduces the EPSON PhotoPC L-410—A Four Megapixel Digital Camera That Makes Taking and Printing Photos Fun and Easy
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 12, 2004—New Compact Digital Camera Features High-Speed Continuous Shooting in Addition to Unique PRINT Image Framer(R) Feature
Epson America, Inc. is once again focusing its efforts on capturing important memories with the introduction of the EPSON PhotoPC(R) L-410. The EPSON PhotoPC L-410 is a compact, four megapixel digital camera that incorporates high-speed continuous shooting, records video clips and offers a new creative feature called PRINT Image Framer, which adds fun frames to any photo with a touch of a button.
The EPSON PhotoPC L-410 is ideal for anyone that wants to capture important memories easily and quickly, without having to compromise quality. In addition to its 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor, this compact and sleek camera includes a 3x optical zoom and a 3x digital zoom, a 1.5 inch high-quality LCD screen and PRINT Image Matching(R) II technology for simply producing the best possible prints on PRINT Image Matching-enabled photo printers.
“Capturing and preserving memories is becoming more and more important to today’s digital camera customer and the EPSON PhotoPC L-410 makes it simple and fun to take photos anytime and anywhere,” said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, digital cameras, Epson. “With the many Epson photo printing solutions available today, customers can confidently print these precious memories knowing that they will look amazing for years to come.”
Epson USA Press Release 06/07/04
NEW EPSON STYLUS? C66 AND C86 INK JET PRINTERS OFFER VIVID,
LONG-LASTING OUTPUT WITH FAST PRINT SPEEDS
Epson?s Latest All-Purpose Printers Include New Photo Kit to Provide Easy and Convenient Photo Printing From Start to Finish
LONG BEACH, Calif., July 6, 2004 ? Epson America Inc. is adding two new all-purpose printers to its award-winning product line that deliver fast print speeds and incredible print quality at affordable prices. Replacing the award-winning EPSON Stylus C64 and C84, the EPSON Stylus C66 and C86 produce text, documents and beautiful frame-ready borderless photographs, and are available for estimated street prices of $69 and $99, respectively.
Both printers feature Epson?s exclusive and award-winning DURABrite inks, delivering fade-resistant, water-resistant and smudge-resistant results to preserve cherished photos and important documents. The EPSON Stylus C66 and C86 offer up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi with variable sized droplets to ensure incredible quality and detail, as well as a convenient and cost-effective individual ink cartridge system with true black printing on glossy media for more realistic and sharper images.
PNY Technologies Press Release 24/06/04
Restore precious memories with ease
Merignac - June the 24th, 2004 - PNY Technologies announces PHOTORECOVERY, the new online data recovery service specifically for Digital Media in partnership with LC Technology International.
If you have ever deleted or lost pictures or documents accidentally PHOTORECOVERY for Digital Media will put an end to your frustrations! New cameras using Flash cards such as SDCard, or CompactFlash allow images to be erased, and the space on the media reused. The media can also be bulk erased or formatted; removing any images from the storage media. Imagine images of baby?s first steps, bath time, parties, school plays and special occasions being lost forever because someone pressed the wrong button!
Epson UK Press Release 01/07/04
EPSON brings effortless and easy film scanning to the home
EPSON launches the EPSON Perfection 2480 Photo featuring amazing one-touch photo restoration from this 2400dpi film and photo scanner
1st July 2004: The Perfection 2480 Photo provides excellent features and high specifications at an entry-level price. This model will be the natural successor to the EPSON Perfection 1670 and EPSON Perfection 1670 Photo. The new scanner is targeted at home users who want to scan film at home but may be daunted by the prospect. The scanner has been designed with this in mind and ease of use is a key feature.
Richard Baylis, Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer Products says, “This new scanner offer users a high resolution, improved photo restoration and fast film scanning. At the same time, we have ensured that it is incredibly easy to use, film negatives can be easily scanned to make high quality enlargements at home.”
Epson Press Release 30/06/04
100 days in the life of the UK’s most typical family?
July 19th sees the launch of ‘EPSON UK LIFE’, a unique photographic exhibition portraying a 100 days in the life of the UK’s most typical family.? The exhibition is a photo-documentary of the Wants and their day to day lives as a ‘real life’ British family. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view how the Wants live their life via a collection of ‘fly-on-the-wall’ images taken between the 15th March and 22nd June 2004.? The exhibition is in effect, a celebration of the British social norm.
DP-Now have published one of the first reviews of the Epson PictureMate inkjet printer.
“If you showed a typical PictureMate photo print to most people they would have no difficulty in appreciating its photo-realistic quality. But to be ultra-critical, our tests show that colour reproduction can stray from the ideal and there is some bronzing of the print surface. There is no doubt that Epson’s excellent dye-based A4 photo printers produce better results, but the PictureMate’s fade-resistance abilities balance things up. Overall, the PictureMate is adequate in terms of print quality but there is definite room for improvement.”
Website: DP-Now - Epson PictureMate Review
Epson UK Press Release 18/06/04
EPSON launches three new printers designed to improve the quality and cost efficiency of home and small office printing
June 2004 - The EPSON Stylus C46, EPSON Stylus C66 (pictured), and the EPSON Stylus C86, are the latest additions to EPSON’s range of general-purpose inkjet printers. All models are ideal for all kinds of home projects and small business use.
The new products benefit from EPSON’s latest PhotoQuicker 3.5 and EPSON Web-To-Page software. PhotoQuicker 3.5 allows users to modify and print photos more easily, while Web-To-Page software allows web pages to be automatically condensed to paper size, so the printed version reflects what users see on screen.
Richard Baylis, Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer products at EPSON UK, “EPSON is committed to the home printing market and these three new products are a great addition to our existing inkjet range. We are constantly looking at how we can improve the quality of our products and we think this latest range offers great performance through our superior technology and fantastic value for money”.
BT Press Release 08/06/04
To get a “real” photograph from a digital camera does not necessarily mean a visit to the chemists or camera shop any more, but just a quick stop at a new photo kiosk from BT and Fujifilm.
The first “Digital Photo Kiosks” have just been installed at London Luton Airport, the Blackpool Tower, St John’s Shopping Precinct in Liverpool, the Coppergate shopping centre in York and in the Corus hotels, at Hyde Park in London and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Initially ten kiosks are planned for a six-month trial across the UK. The kiosks will be rolled out nationwide to major tourist attractions, hotels, airports and shopping centres if the trial is successful.
PC Magazine have published a review of four of the newest printers on the market; the Epson Stylus Photo R800 (pictured), Canon i80 Color Bubble Jet, Sony DPP-EX50 and the Epson PictureMate.
“From the steady stream of ever-better, ever-cheaper printers, we’ve rounded up reviews of four that will satisfy your demanding and impatient nature. All but the Epson Stylus Photo R800 let you print without a PC. Two are dedicated photo printers: The portable Epson PictureMate ink jet has a built-in carrying handle and produces up to 4- by 6-inch photos that look as good as anything from a drugstore lab for only about 29 cents a shot; the Sony DPP-EX50 is a compact dye-sublimation printer that turns out film-quality prints in three sizes, to a maximum of 4-by-6 inches, at about 50 to 67 cents a pop.”
Thanks to Sanj for the link.
Website: PC Magazine - Personal Photo Labs
PENTAX Press Release 12/05/04
OptioMX Delivers Digital Still Images And High Resolution Movies At An Affordable Price
GOLDEN, Colorado (May 12, 2004) - PENTAX Imaging Company announced it will ship the first PENTAX combined high resolution digital camera and video movie camera, the OptioMX, in June 2004. The innovative, palm-sized OptioMX features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability. The camera will be available for $399.95.
The PENTAX OptioMX offers a new concept in digital imaging by delivering high-quality digital still images and movies. With advanced design and compact dimensions, the OptioMX features a large 1.8 inch LCD monitor that swivels 180 degrees horizontally and 210 degrees vertically to capture images and movies from new and exciting angles. The versatile and ergonomic handle grip of the OptioMX rotates 180 degrees to accommodate a broad range of shooting positions. The OptioMX is compatible with an SD memory card.
Vincent Oliver over at Photo-i has now completed his interactive review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer.
“This printer is going to appeal to many photographers - pro and amateur. For the professional it will give total control on every stage of the picture creation process, quality can be closely monitored. Amateurs who want something bigger than an A3, the 4000 will fit the bill. For the art photographer, this printer is an affordable means of producing limited edition prints and limited doesn’t mean the amount of time the print is going to last before fading. The success of this printer is already assured, there is already a large demand for this printer.”
Vincent Oliver over at Photo-i has just started an interactive review of the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 17” wide desktop printer.
“I should point out that the Pro 4000 is a lot bigger than you might expect. The two delivery men had considerable difficulty in manoeuvring the box through the front door (my door isn?t small either) the printer had to be unpacked in the lobby. It also took two men to carry the printer upstairs to my studio and it dominates a large portion of my office desk. Just in case you thought of picking one up on your way home after your Saturday shopping, then forget it. The box won?t fit in your car boot/trunk unless of course you drive a truck. “
It’s a refreshing change to link to a review of a film camera :-) ePhotoZine have just tested the Hasselblad XPan II, a 35mm film camera that shoots 21 extended 24X65mm “panoramic” frames on a 36 exposure roll of film.
“Having been a full digital convert for the last few years I thoroughly enjoyed a film revisit, especially on a camera as unique as this. It’s heavy in the hand for the size, which is something missing from the latest plastic digital cameras. It’s also slower so an “every shot has to count” approach is refreshing to return to. The shutter sounds good, the operation is quiet compared with an SLR and the focusing is smooth. Picture quality is razor sharp with no distortion or darkening at the edges.”
Epson UK Press Release 01/03/04
EPSON(r) launches advanced all-in-one home photo centre
The EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 features standalone functionality to make it easy to scan, copy and print quality photos from both digital and analogue sources. Joining the Stylus Photo RX500 in EPSON’s range of all-in-one photo centres, the Stylus Photo RX600 is a premium all-in-one photo centre designed to meet even the most advanced photographic needs.
1st March 2004: Today EPSON extended its all in one range of printers with the introduction of the photography-focussed Stylus Photo RX600. EPSON’s all-in-one photo centre offers an advanced 6-colour printing engine and high performance 2400 dpi scanner that enables users to quickly and easily scan, copy and print high resolution, durable photographs with or without the use of a PC - providing a true home photo-lab which rivals professional photo-lab results.
The Stylus Photo RX600’s 6-colour printer features up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi resolution and Variable Sized Droplet Technology delivers droplets as small as 3 picolitres to create intensely detailed images in natural and vibrant colours. Users can produce BorderFree images on a variety of paper sizes. The printer creates photos and text quickly, delivering a 10” x 15” colour print in around 54 seconds when connected to a PC. Furthermore, it supports popular digital photo printing standards from cameras that use Print Image Matching (PIM) or Exif.
Kyocera Press Release 19/02/04
KYOCERA ADDS NEW FINECAM SL400R DIGITAL CAMERA
Ultra-Thin, World’s Fastest 4.0 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera
RTUNETM Technology Ensures The Shortest Lag Time And Unlimited Continuous Shooting at 3.3 Frames Per Second
Somerset, NJ - Kyocera Optics, Inc., the imaging industry arm of Kyocera Corporation, advances its revolutionary line of RTUNE digital cameras with the new Kyocera Finecam SL400R. Targeted to serious photographers who demand greater resolution images, the 4 Megapixel Finecam SL400R with RTUNE image processing is the only solution for digital camera fans who have been frustrated by “missing the moment” due to the combination of the shutter speed lag time and slow “shot to shot” time. The world’s thinnest 3x optical zoom digital camera, the sleek SL400R features a new protective lens hood and sports Kyocera?s popular unique swivel lens for obtaining images from virtually any vantage point.
Kyocera Press Release 19/02/04
KYOCERA ANNOUNCES NEW CONTAX SL300R T* DIGITAL CAMERA
Newest Digital Camera With RTUNE Has Sophisticated Upscale Look Associated With Contax’s Award-Winning SLRs
Features Carl Zeiss T* Lens, Slim Swivel Body Design and Unlimited Continuous Shooting at 3.5 Frames Per Second
Somerset, NJ—Somerset, NJ - Kyocera Optics, Inc., the imaging industry arm of Kyocera Corporation, expands its breakthrough line of digital cameras with the new, upscale Contax SL300R T* featuring its revolutionary RTUNE imaging technology. Targeted for the discriminating photographer, the new 3.2 MegaPixel Contax SL300R T* is equipped with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* 5.8-17.4mm F2.8-4.7 lens (which is equivalent to a 38mm to 115mm zoom in 35mm format). Kyocera?s RTUNE imaging engine virtually eliminates shutter lag time and allows the world?s fastest full-memory continuous shooting at 3.5 frames per second (fps) with outstanding image quality.
The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has conducted a very personal test of the waterproof qualities of prints made with the new Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. Vincent took a print into the bath with him! There’s even a picture to prove it…
“The print was left to soak in the bath with yours truly for 20 minutes. There wasn’t any ink run, smudging or surface scratches. As a bonus the Glossy paper dried without any wrinkles - also works with Premium Semigloss paper. I didn’t try the watercolor paper.”
The R800 printer costs around ?399 and is available now. Cartridges cost ?11.90 each and ?6.35 for the Gloss Optimizer cartridge (inc. VAT).
Epson UK Press Release 17/02/04
EPSON(r) increases quality and control standards with new colour measurement device
EPSON’s latest Stylus Photo 2100 model includes the new Eye-One( DISPLAY from GretagMacbeth, which allows the user to create individual display profiles for their monitor, enabling them to work with colour more accurately.
February 2004: The EPSON Stylus Photo 2100 offers semi-pro and professional photographers new standards in photographic output. Based on EPSON’s commitment to building upon its established A3+ industry benchmark and following customer feedback, this latest model provides imaging functionality to meet the needs of today’s photographers. The Stylus Photo 2100 combines a revolutionary inkjet system, high-resolution printing and flexible media handling to deliver premium quality photo prints that rival traditional silver-halide results.
The latest improvement of the popular Stylus Photo 2100 includes the new Eye-One DISPLAY from GretagMacbeth. This colour management solution allows the user to easily calibrate and profile all types of CRT or LCD monitors, making it the ideal solution for professional and semi-pro photographers who need consistent, accurate colour.
Pantone Press Release 12/02/04
Pantone Introduces ColorVantage Inks for Canon Desktop Printers; Offers Professional-Quality Color to Consumers
LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 Now Offers Digital Photographers Expanded Choices With Support for Additional EPSON(R) Wide-Format Printer Models
Pantone, Inc., the global authority on color and 40-year provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced new PANTONE ColorVantage(TM) dye-based inks for the popular Canon brand of desktop printers, bringing professional-quality reproduction to consumers and photo hobbyists. In addition, the company announced expanded support for EPSON wide-format printers with its ColorVantage pigmented inks designed for the professional market.
Pantone began shipping the PANTONE ColorVantage family of products in November 2003 with support for several wide-format EPSON printers. At PMA, Pantone will showcase these and the newly supported Canon and EPSON models in its booth and demonstrate how to achieve accurate color from input to output. As part of this demonstration, the company will also highlight the Spyder(TM) monitor calibrator from the PANTONE ColorVision(R) product line working in conjunction with the PANTONE ColorVantage inks and papers to deliver vibrant, true-to-life output.
HP Press Release 12/02/04
HP Revamps Digital Camera Lineup, Increases Investment to Become a Top Vendor
LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 12, 2004 R&D Investment in Imaging and Printing Simplifies Capture, Share and Print Experience for Consumers
HP (NYSE:HPQ) (Nasdaq:HPQ) today unveiled plans to revamp its digital camera lineup as part of an aggressive strategy to become a leading vendor. The new camera line will include the introduction of eight cameras with revolutionary consumer industrial design and exclusive HP technology to improve image processing and ease of use for mainstream consumers. Industry-first improvements include HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal, which instantly removes red-eye from photos right on the camera without using a PC.
The revamp is the result of a significant increase in HP’s digital camera research and design efforts, nearly doubling the investment dollars in the past 18 months as part of HP’s overall $1 billion-plus research and development budget in imaging and printing.
Additionally, HP is bolstering its retail efforts with comprehensive online and in-store training programs for sales representatives in more than 4,500 stores across the United States. HP trainers reach approximately 15,000 store associates every week, assisting associates in understanding how HP products work better together—from capture to share to print.
Duracell Press Release 12/02/04
DURACELL CP1 PRISMATIC BATTERY POWERS HP PHOTOSMART R707 DIGITAL CAMERA
High-Power, Disposable Battery Addresses Consumer Demand for More Power Choices in Smaller Devices
LAS VEGAS, NV, February 12, 2004 - Duracell today announced that its new Duracell CP1 lithium primary prismatic battery is compatible with the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera with HP Instant Share. The HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, announced today at PMA, leverages the new battery’s potent power supply and thin profile to fuel its advanced technology. Disposable in nature, the Duracell CP1 acts as an “always ready” power source for the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, providing interchangeability with a rechargeable battery.
The unique design of the Duracell CP1 represents the first ever high-power lithium primary prismatic battery designed specifically for digital cameras. The new shape of the battery was developed after a survey of digital camera owners indicated that 75% of the respondents preferred to have a choice between rechargeable and primary (disposable) power when using a digital camera. Measuring only seven millimeters thick, the Duracell CP1 enables digital camera manufacturers like HP to create thinner profile cameras that accept both a primary and rechargeable source of power. With the Duracell CP1, digital imaging leaders now have the ability to offer a lower-cost, “ready-to-go” alternative to secondary batteries. For consumers, the battery provides an ideal portable power source for the spontaneous nature of photography.
Epson Press Release 11/02/04
NEW EPSON STYLUS? PHOTO RX600 SCAN-PRINT-COPY DEVICE CREATES PHOTO CENTER FOR BOTH TRADITIONAL AND DIGITAL IMAGES IN ANY HOME
EPSON Stylus Photo RX600 Not Only Scans, Prints and Copies Photos, but also Previews and Restores Old Slides, Transparencies and Traditional Photos into Brilliant Reprints
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Feb. 11, 2004 - Epson is launching its most advanced scan-print-copy device to date with the new EPSON Stylus Photo RX600. This photographic all-in-one is designed to not only view, scan, copy and print photographs without a computer, but also restore old slides, negatives and traditional printed photographs. The end results are true photographic quality prints using Epson?s superior six-color photo inks at resolutions as high as 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi.
“The Stylus Photo RX600 is without a doubt the ultimate do-it-all solution for either traditional or digital photography,” said Steve Semos, product manager, Epson. “This product offers outstanding versatility for virtually any photographic project, not to mention everyday printing and copying. Furthermore, it incorporates several of Epson’s most advanced photographic technologies such as Easy Photo Fix color restoration software, memory card slots, and a 2.5-inch high-quality color LCD viewer, all for a very attractive price of $349.”
Epson America Inc. Press Release 11/02/04
The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 Printer Offers Direct CD/DVD Printing for Only $99; New High Quality Six-Color Photo Printer is Rich with Features and Low in Price
LAS VEGAS—(Business Wire)—Feb. 11, 2004 Epson America Inc.‘s latest printer, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200, is ideal for digital imaging enthusiasts who want to print frame-ready photos and personalize home music and movie collections at an affordable price. With an estimated street price of $99, six individual ink cartridges, ultra-fast print speeds, and direct CD/DVD printing, the EPSON Stylus Photo R200 is the perfect solution for versatile, high-quality home printing.
“The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 offers the ideal combination of quality, performance, versatility, and value for home-users, photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike,” said Lowell Wolf, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “This powerful family-friendly printer brings quality and convenience home—at a truly exceptional value.”
Epson USA Press Release 09/02/04
PICTUREMATE BY EPSON ELIMINATES THE BARRIERS TO DIGITAL PHOTO PRINTING
First and Only Personal Photo Lab Enables Consumers to Produce Photos with Quality, Durability and Cost Benefits of Traditional Photo Lab Prints in the Convenience of Home
LONG BEACH, Calif., February 9, 2004 - Addressing all of the barriers that digital camera owners have had with printing their photos, Epson today introduces PictureMate, the first and only personal photo lab that allows digital camera owners to easily print brilliant, long-lasting lab-quality 4” x 6” photos at home at a cost that is comparable to some of the most affordable lab print prices.
This breakthrough is made possible by Epson’s exclusive archival print technology for photos that are indistinguishable from traditional lab prints and last even longer.
With an estimated 33 million households owning digital cameras at the close of 2003, more people are taking digital photos to preserve their memories. According to the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) Digital Imaging Survey, the majority of these owners would like to print more photos at home but feel the prints they are making don’t look as good as lab prints. The survey also indicates that owners believe 4” x 6” printing at home is difficult, too time-consuming, and cost-prohibitive.
Epson Press Release 01/02/04
EPSON(r) enhances range to deliver high quality, economy and durability to home photo printing with the Stylus Photo R200
The EPSON Stylus Photo R200 features a unique 6-colour inkjet system, high resolution and new ink formula in individual cartridges, to deliver long lasting, quality prints
1st February 2004: Launched today, the Stylus Photo R200 extends EPSON’s Stylus Photo printer range to offer a cost-effective device that delivers premium quality, durable photographs. The device features a new 6-colour inkjet system for glossy, highly detailed photographs, an ultra-high print resolution for maximum definition and a new ink formula for long lasting quality prints. With the Stylus Photo R200, EPSON is the first vendor to bring cost saving benefits of individual cartridges and CD/DVD printing1 to the home and digital camera user at this price.
Responding to the growth of the digital camera market and the increased demand for printing photos at home, this printer has been designed for recent digital converts with an eye for premium quality at an affordable price. EPSON’s MicroPiezoTM print head offers users an optimised print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi - the highest in the market, combined with dot sizes as small as 3 picolitres. With 90 nozzles used per colour the results provide fine detail, smoother gradations, vivid and detailed photographs at fast speeds - a 10x15” photo can be printed in approximately 36 seconds.
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.
Last week’s issue of the UK magazine Amateur Photographer, which costs ?1.99 from your local newsagents in the UK, contained a review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. The R800 scored 91% and this is what the reviewer, Damien Demolder, had to say about it:
“I am pleased with the detail this machine can produce, the way it puts down the tonal changes as smoothly as I recorded them, and that if there is grain in my film scans I can see it in the prints. In short, I like this printer very much. I am almost prepared to forgive it the time that it takes to print muy pictures to A4, but perhaps that would be going a step too far. I recommedn this printer as it is now, but if it could double or quadruple its speed I would tell you that you must go out and buy one. The finish is great, the colour is great, the detail is all there, plus it is easy to use and the prints seem to be durable. What more could you ask for - apart from A3?”
The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399/?299 and will ship in February 2004.
Website: Amateur Photographer
The new year has only just begun and already I have a long list of products to review, including:
Hardware
- Epson Stylus Photo 2100 printer
- Ricoh G4 digital camera
Software
- Digital Photography Captured Vol.1
- S-Spline Pro
Books
- Taking Pictures for Profit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Work by Lee Frost
- Photos That Sell: The Art of Successful Freelance Photography by Lee Frost
- Freelance Photographer’s Market Handbook: 2004
Expect to see these reviews appearing throughout January…
Epson Press Release 06/01/04
Epson Unveils Industry’s First Widescreen HDTV LCD Projection Televisions with Integrated Digital Photo Center
[Business Wire] Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 6, 2004—Livingstation(tm) Converges Epson’s Renowned LCD Technology with Advanced Digital Photo Capabilities for Unique Home Entertainment Experience
Epson America Inc. expands its presence in the home entertainment market with its introduction of two Epson Livingstation HDTV LCD projection televisions—the EPSON Livingstation LS47P1 and EPSON Livingstation LS57P1. Home entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of superior image quality and true digital output with its 720p resolution, thanks to Epson’s patented LCD technology. Additionally, with Epson’s proprietary Photo On Demand(tm) capability, users can now view, print and store their digital photos from an easy-to-use universal remote control.
Epson is a recognized industry leader in LCD technology and the Livingstation capitalizes on this expertise and delivers a dramatic and vivid cinematic experience to the consumer in two screen sizes, 47 and 57 inches. With three LCD panels, 1280 x 720 native resolution and a 16:9 native aspect ratio, the Livingstation’s wide screen produces unparalleled image quality. Additionally, the Livingstation has one of the thinnest profiles of any rear projection television currently available, measuring only 14.9 inches deep for the 47-inch model and 16.3 inches deep for the 57-inch model.
Shipping in March 2004, the estimated retail prices for the 47- and 57-inch models are $3,499 and $3,999, respectively.
Epson USA Press Release 05/01/04
THE EPSON P-1000 PHOTO VIEWER IS THE ULTIMATE DIGITAL CAMERA COMPANION
New Portable Photo Viewing and Storage Device Boasts Beautiful 3.8’’ LCD Panel Designed by a World Leader in LCD Technology
LONG BEACH, Calif., January 5, 2004 Digital photographers will welcome the arrival of the EPSON P-1000, a new device for viewing, storing and sharing photos that incorporates a high quality Epson 3.8” LCD screen for the best image quality. Digital photography is evolving and changing as are many photographers’ needs. Epson is helping to address these changing needs with the EPSON P-1000 photo viewer. This device gives photographers the ability to view details of their images with an LCD screen that sets it apart from any other product of its kind. Epson is a leading producer of LCD modules and has incorporated this technology expertise into devices such as AV projectors, digital cameras, cellular telephones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). With Epson’s introduction of the first LCD digital quartz watch over 30 years ago, to recently becoming the world leader in cellular telephone LCD displays, the EPSON P-1000 is a logical extension of this long heritage of LCD technology.
In addition to its high-resolution screen, the sleek and sophisticated looking EPSON P-1000 has a 10 GB hard drive and can print directly to select Epson printers. This convenient product enables photographers to simply take their CompactFlash memory card out of their digital camera, pop it into the EPSON P-1000 and download and print the images with ease.
“The Epson P-1000 is a breakthrough product for Epson that sets the bar extremely high for other portable devices of its kind,” said Daniel Oey, senior product manager, digital input products, Epson. “The screen resolution is simply amazing and allows photographers to see the details of their images clearly and easily without having to download them and view them on a computer screen. Whether shooting for work or play, this is a convenient viewing and storage solution for a variety of people.”
This press release isn’t really photography-related, except that Epson have published it, but it is quite interesting reading nevertheless…
“Epson Press Release 09/12/03”
EPSON Family Report reveals how typical British family life is changing
The typical British family of 2003 falls into one of five categories
Anyone who thinks that the typical British family has 2.4 children, two parents and a dog called Rover, would be wrong. Independent research commissioned by leading digital imaging company, EPSON in conjunction with leading psychologist, Dr Chris Steele, today sees the launch of the EPSON Family Report. The findings indicate that the typical British family now in fact consists of 1.6 children, has a family income of #24,793 per annum and an annual spend of #1,875 on family holidays.
The report was commissioned as part of a unique social experiment called The EPSON Family. EPSON commissioned the report to learn more about the ‘typical’ British family, their interests, and the kind of purchases that the typical family makes. EPSON is now currently searching the country for a typical British family to star in their very own web based project that will see them go from anonymity to stardom as it follows the families every move for 100 days.
ePhotoZine are exclusively reporting that Tamron has added a new product to its DI range of lenses. The 17-35mm lens has a fast aperture of f/2.8 at its widest angle. The lens gives an angle of view equivalent to 28-55mm on a digital SLR camera (as most digital SLRs have APS-C sized CCDs). Visit ePhotoZine for the full story and a picture of the lens.
Epson USA Press Release 30/10/03
EPSON INTRODUCES EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R800 PRINTER WITH NEW ULTRACHROME HI-GLOSS INKS
Most Advanced Letter Format Desktop Printer Features Eight Cartridge System for Archival Photographic Prints on Glossy and Matte Media
PHOTOPLUS EXPO, NEW YORK - Oct. 30, 2003- Epson America Inc. today announced the EPSON Stylus Photo R800, a new desktop photo printer featuring new Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks for archival prints on matte and glossy media. With an estimated street price of $399, the EPSON Stylus Photo R800 lowers the entry price for photographers and digital artists that want archival prints but do not need a large format printer. The EPSON Stylus Photo R800 is capable of making photo quality prints up to 8.5 inches by 11 inches on cut-sheet paper and up to 8.3 inches by 44 inches on roll paper.
“Photographers want the archival properties of prints made with pigment inks, but are concerned that the colors and gloss will not be as good as prints made with dye inks,” said Parker Plaisted product manager, photo imaging. “With the EPSON Stylus Photo R800, photographers can be confidant that the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks will deliver archival high-quality prints on matte and glossy papers that achieve the colors and gloss level seen in prints with dye inks.”
The Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set is designed specifically for photographers and digital artists. This ink set includes eight individual cartridges and features the new Gloss Optimizer as well as Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges. With an eight channel print head, the EPSON Stylus Photo R800 allows the user to keep the Photo Black and Matte Black ink cartridges in the printer at all times and the printer driver determines which black ink to use based on the paper type selected. In addition to the traditional cyan, magenta and yellow inks, the Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss ink set also includes new red and blue inks to create a Hi-Fi ink set that expands the color gamut. The color gamut for the Epson UltraChrome
Hi-Gloss ink on glossy paper is up to 22% larger than ink jet printers with standard cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink sets.
Well, it looks as if Epson may be releasing the printer that was announced in Japan a few weeks ago to the rest of the world. jasonB over on the DP-Now Forums has spotted a new printer on the Epson USA website. The A4 Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004! At last, an A4 printer that uses archival-quality inks :-)
Here are the specs:
- Product Available February 2004
- Epson UltraChrome? Hi-Gloss pigment ink for archival quality glossy and matte photos lasting up to 80 years
- Eight individual cartridges, including matte black ink and gloss optimizer
- World’s first 1.5-picoliter droplets and up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi for unsurpassed clarity and detail
- Prints a 5” x 7” color photo in as fast as 45 seconds and black text at up to 17 ppm?
- True BorderFree? photo printing in popular photo sizes (4” x 6”, 5” x 7” and 8” x 10”)
- Print directly on ink jet printable CD/DVDs
- Fast connectivity with built-in USB 2.0 High Speed and IEEE 1394 FireWire
Website: Epson USA - Epson Stylus Photo R800
Epson Press Release 22/10/03
Epson Unveils the Essential Printers for Digital Photo Enthusiasts: The EPSON Stylus Photo R300 and R300M
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 22, 2003—
New Direct Photo Printers Offer Convenient Photo Printing With or Without a Computer, and the Capability to Print Directly onto the Surface of CDs and DVDs
Epson America Inc. has added two new photo printers to its product line—the EPSON Stylus(R) Photo R300 and R300M. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300 and R300M are perfect for digital camera owners who want a flexible and easy to use photo solution. Both printers offer the same convenient and innovative features such as printing directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs, and being able to print photos with or without a computer. The EPSON Stylus Photo R300M includes a 2.5” color preview monitor for viewing and selecting images before printing them. The preview monitor is not available on the EPSON Stylus Photo R300.
These printer models are perfect for the digital photographer who uses a digital camera and wants to share photos with friends and family.
“People are sharing memories now more than ever, and with a printer like the Epson Stylus Photo R300/R300M, anyone can pop in their digital memory card and print out amazing looking photos even without a computer,” said Steve Semos, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. “These printer models not only make it easy and convenient to print photographs, but customers can even personalize CD layouts and print directly onto ink jet-printable CDs and DVDs.”
Epson USA Press Release 20/10/03
New Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Offers 17-Inch-Wide Professional-Level Photographic Printing and Seven-Color UltraChrome Ink System with New Eight-Channel Printhead
LONG BEACH, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 20, 2003—
Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Offers Nearly Twice the Speed of Previous Epson Stylus Pro Printers and New Ink System Automatically Switches Between Matte Black and Photo Black Ink Modes
Epson’s newest and most advanced professional-level photographic printer to date is taking the form of a desktop design. The new Epson Stylus(R) Pro 4000 creates exhibit-quality images up to 17 inches in width at speeds that nearly double that of previous Epson Stylus Pro printers. The printer features a new eight-channel printhead and seven-color Epson UltraChrome(TM) pigmented ink system that automatically switches between Matte Black and Photo Black inks for optimum print quality on different media surfaces. It’s also packed with several other advanced features designed specifically around the needs of today’s professional photographers, graphic designers, commercial printers, GIS mapping, CAD users and more.
“We’re confident the Epson Stylus Pro 4000 will be the most popular and best selling Stylus Pro printer yet,” said Mark Radogna, senior product manager, professional graphics, Epson. “The combination of this printer’s amazing image quality, dramatically faster performance and unique 17-inch-wide media handling, will make it a must-have product for any digital imaging professional—especially with an estimated street price of only $1,795.”
Konica Minolta Press Release 16/10/03
Langenhagen, October 16th, 2003
Minolta’s digital cameras already support the Epson USB DP and PIM II standards* to connect the camera directly with the printer. Now the DiMAGE Z1 and DiMAGE E323 digital cameras are also incorporate the new industry standard PictBridge for direct printing. Both 3.2 megapixel cameras were introduced in August 2003.
PictBridge is a new industry standard for direct printing of images and allows a user to print directly from a PictBridge compatible digital camera connected via a cable to a PictBridge compatible printer without the use of a PC.
“PictBridge support provides consumers with more options for sharing their digital photos than ever before,” says Hidenori Toyoda, General Manager Photo Division, Minolta Europe. “We are delighted that users of our new DiMAGE Z1 and DiMAGE E323 cameras will now benefit from easily sharing prints of their digital images without using a computer.”
Overview compatibility*:
DiMAGE A1 (PIM II, Epson USB DP)
DiMAGE Z1 (PictBridge, PIM II, Epson USB DP)
DiMAGE Xt (PIM II, Epson USB DP)
DiMAGE X20 (PIM II, Epson USB DP)
DiMAGE E323 (PictBridge, PIM II)
Website: http://www.minoltaeurope.com/
ePhotoZine are the third website today to post a review of Photoshop CS.
“Photo filters is a feature that many photographers have been crying out for. Automated colour correction filters. Applying a filter adds a preset such as an 81 warm up or 80 blue while you can select any colour you like using the colour picker. The strength of the filter can be reduced using the opacity slider and faded using Edit>fade option.”
Website: ePhotoZine - Photoshop CS Review
Keith Cooper has emailed me today with some more information about the Epson 4000 printer that Michael Reichmann first mentioned on the Luminous Landscape website a few days ago. Keith has kindly let me re-publish the photo of the printer here, and his Northlight Images website has more details about the new printer. Apparently the Epson 4000 first appeared in the 17th September issue of the Dutch magazine Grafisch Weekblad (Graphic Weekly).
Website: Northlight Images - Epson Stylus PRO 4000 Printer
Website: Grafisch Weekblad
UPDATE 28/09/03
Adri de Groot has helpfully translated the full article from Grafisch Weekblad into English. Click the Read More link below.
Luminous Landscape has just published a photograph of the soon-to-be-announced Epson Stylus PRO 4000, an A2 sized 8-ink Ultrachrome printer. Unfortunately this product is aimed at the higher-end of the printer market, with Michael Reichmann estimating that it will cost around $2,000…
“In various countries around the world Epson has started demonstrating to dealers their new Stylus PRO 4000 printer. This will be an A2 sized printer able to use sheet and roll paper up to 1.5mm in thickness. It will use 8 inks (with both matte and glossy black inks loaded at the same time) and the inks are Ultrachrome pigment-based as with the 2100 / 2200 / 7600 / 9600 models. Resolution is up to 2880 PPI and droplet size is 3.5 picoliter. Inks are in separate 220ml cartridges.”
As usual ePhotoZine have published a number of new digital photography articles and techniques. This month includes “Photoshop Masterclass 1”, in which the site’s editor improves a reader’s picture beyond all recognition, and “Tree time!”, which offers fresh angles on photographing trees.
Website: ePhotoZine - May Techniques
There are 2 new reviews of the Pentax Optio S, this time from DCResource and ePhotozine. Here’s what DCResource had to say:
“In terms of design, you can’t beat the Pentax Optio S. It’s a stunning work of engineering that gets attention wherever it goes. That’s nice and all, but what about photo quality? In general, it’s good, but it has one big flaw: blurry edges and corners. The Minolta DiMAGE X—which also has a unique lens design—had the same problem. Every picture didn’t have the blurry edges, but most of them did. Whether it’s a deal breaker is up to you. I see the Optio as more of a “second camera”, which you can take anywhere, rather than your primary camera. “
Website: DCResource - Pentax Optio S Review
Website: ePhotozine - Pentax Optio S Review
Vincent at photo-i has completed his 13-page detailed review of the Epson Perfection 3200 flatbed scanner. Find out why this scanner could be the perfect all-in-one solution for scanning documents and your negative/slide collection.
Website: photo-i
“Flatbed scanners have matured, they have become a viable alternative to the dedicated film scanner and at a fraction of the cost. Many photographers are moving into digital capture, but there are a lot of people out there still shooting film. These people also want the ability to scan and manipulate their pictures without breaking the bank. This flatbed scanner with its high quality film scanning capability might just be the answer.”