-- Top News Stories -- Canon EOS 20D SLR Canon Powershot A85, A95, A400 Canon Powershot G6 Canon Powershot S70 Casio Exilim Pro EX-P700 Casio Exilim EX-S100 Casio Exilim EX-Z50 and EX-Z55 Casio QV-R61 DxO Pro Supports 8MP Prosumer Cameras Epson PRINT Image Matching III Fuji's New "E" Series Cameras Fuji FinePix S3100 & S5100 Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Microsoft Digital Image Suite 10 Minolta DiMAGE X50 Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Minolta DiMAGE Z10 Panasonic Lumix FX7 Panasonic FZ20, FZ15 and FZ3 Panasonic Lumix LC80 Pentax Optio 750Z Pentax Optio S50 Pentax Optio S5i Pentax Optio X Sigma Photo Pro 2.1 Available Sony DPP-FP30 4x6" Printer Sony 7.2-Megapixel DSC-P150 Sony 2GB Memory Stick PRO Sony 4-Megapixel DSC-L1 Sony 5-Megapixel DSC-T3 Sony 7-Megapixel DSC-V3 July 2004 News Index June 2004 News Index May 2004 News Index Steve's "Best Cameras" List Mike Chaney's Tech Corner Sunday Morning Photographer Check out our camera

08-31-2004

Digital Outback Photo Announces A New Workflow Book In German The book "Digitale Dunkelkammer" is now available as a printed book and e-book. According to author Uwe Steinmueller, "Our book teaches how to solve the digital workflow problems at hand and not just summarizes what tools like Photoshop can do. All techniques are based on real world experiences as fine art photographers." What are raw files and why raw files gets you better image quality What is the responsibility of a raw converter Basic understanding of color management Learn to read histograms The essential workflow steps Mastering your raw converter Adjust exposure, white balance, contrast and colors Essential Photoshop techniques Working with Photoshop Layers We try to make the workflow as simple as possible but not simpler For more information visit: http://www.outbackphoto.com

08-30-2004

Sony Announces Fully Featured 7-Megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-V3, Designed for Photo Enthusiasts SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30, 2004 – With its 7.2 megapixels and a Carl Zeiss lens with 4x optical zoom, the new Cyber-shot DSC-V3 puts outstanding image quality, sophisticated controls and a compact ergonomic design in the hands of photo enthusiasts. Providing all the versatility of a much larger camera, the V3 is a compact, classic rangefinder-style camera featuring a large easy-to-handle grip. The new design incorporates a 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder and is powered by Sony’s Real Imaging Processor circuitry for fast start-up and shot-to-shot times. It has dual media slots (Memory Stick and CompactFlash I), records JPEG, TIFF or CCD RAW file formats, high-speed burst captures up to eight full-resolution images at more than two frames per second. Thew V3 also features Sony exclusive Hologram AF focusing system, NightShot and NightFraming modes with infrared illumination, PictBridge direct print capability, flash hot shoe and lots more. The all-black, metal bodied Cyber-shot V3 will be available in late October for about $700. Read our DSC-V3 first look    or the Sony press release.

08-30-2004

Sony Announces New Super-Slim 5-Megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-T3 with Large 2.5-inch LCD SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30, 2004 — Thin, fast and good-looking describe Sony’s new 5.1 megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-T3 digital camera, announced today. The pocket-size T3 camera is Sony’s thinnest digital camera to date, measuring in at less than three-quarters of an inch. And due to Sony’s Real Imaging Processor circuit, this new model is lightning fast. It shoots bursts of up to four full-resolution images at three frames per second. The camera features a large 2.5-inch LCD viewfinder, occupying roughly two-thirds of the back of the camera. To keep a slim profile, the T3 camera’s Carl Zeiss zoom lens operates internally rather than extending beyond the camera’s body and its 3X optical zoom ensures great image quality. The DSC-T3 will be available in October for about $500. Read our DSC-T3 first look    or the Sony press release.

08-30-2004

Sony Announces New Stylish, Small and Responsive 4-Megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-L1 SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30, 2004 — The Cyber-shot DSC-L1 is a 4.1-megapixel, 3X optical zoom camera no bigger than a small candy bar and comes in four colors and finishes: brushed silver, dark blue matte, black and a striking dark red piano gloss. Measuring 3 ¾” x 1 ¾” x 1”, the L1 model is powered by Sony’s Real Imaging Processor circuitry, delivering outstanding shot-to-shot speed, stamina and quick start-up time for catching the action as soon as it happens. The Cyber-shot L1 features a 1.5-inch transflective LCD and a new Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3X optical zoom lens. The silver DSC-L1 camera will be available in mid-October, and the blue, black and red models will follow in January, each for about $300. Read our DSC-L1 first look    or the Sony press release.

08-29-2004

Updated Sigma Photo Pro 2.1 Software Available Sigma Japan has posted an update to their software used with the SD-9 and SD-10 digital SLR cameras. The new Photo Pro 2.1 software feature improvements are as follows: New Edit/White-Balance Options Auto WB always available as an option in Edit White Balance. Monochrome processing as a WB option, which allows tinting via Color Adjust. "Original" WB sets WB back to as-shot. Info Enhancements Show focal-length range in Info Window's focal length field, e.g. as "28mm (15-30)" Info Window improvements (smaller layout, original white balance, long pathnames). Info Line improvements (added WB to Review Window info line, and metering mode with bias to both windows' info lines) Image Processing Improvements Improved Auto White Balance calculation, especially for long exposures. SD9-specific highlights color problem fixed. SD10-specific purple-fringe problem fixed.

08-26-2004

300 Million Served and Growing - Thank You Wow, last night we sailed past the 300 Million visitor mark. It's still hard to believe that this all started as nothing more than a hobby site just six years ago. What's happened since then is like the action of our visitor counter. I'd like to personally thank all of our readers, the faithful that have followed us since the early days and those of you that have just recently found us - THANK YOU! The (almost daily) changes in the digital camera business are astounding and whenever you think that you've seen it all, something new and exciting comes along and gets you going all over again. It's 2004 and we're already seeing pricing and performance that wasn't expected for at least another year. The pace of this industry is staggering and not everyone is going to be able to survive it. There will be winners and losers -- Sony and Canon are dueling for the number one spot with Casio, Fujifilm, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and others battling for the rest of the market. As always, the consumer is the ultimate winner of these product and pricing wars. The vast array of new products being introduced is staggering. I promise that we'll do our best to separate the gems from the junk so keep reading those reviews!   And thanks for visiting with us.

08-25-2004

Konica Minolta’s Dimage A2 Digital Camera And Anti-Shake Technology Receive Top 2004-2005 Honors Mahwah, NJ (August 25, 2004) – Konica Minolta announces that their CCD-Shift Anti-Shake technology has received a 2004-2005 European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) award in the “Innovation” category. In addition, the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 8 megapixel digital camera featuring the Anti-Shake technology has won the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Award for “Best Digital Prosumer Camera” in Europe for the year 2004. The DiMAGE A2 has also received prestigious “Editor’s Choice” awards this year from PC Magazine, CNET and American Photo. “These awards are especially significant because they recognize Konica Minolta’s commitment to producing the highest quality photography products for consumers,” said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Konica Minolta’s Camera Division. “We are honored that our Anti-Shake technology as well as the new DiMAGE A2 have been selected as a superior imaging product throughout Europe and the United States.” According to EISA, Konica Minolta’s Anti-Shake technology was selected to receive their “Innovation” award because it “enables users to capture sharp pictures even in low light conditions and at long focal lengths. It is a completely new type of stabilizer system not connected to the optical element, but directly to the CCD sensor. Quick response is secured by the specialized integrated circuit, and activation of Anti-Shake is as easy as pressing one button.”

08-25-2004

Casio Announces 7-Megapixel Exilim Pro EX-P700 August 25, 2004, TOKYO, JAPAN – CASIO today announced the EXILIM PRO EX-P700, a remarkable high-performance, high-resolution model in the EXILIM® range of digital cameras. The EX-P700 offers the operating ease users have come to expect from compact cameras, along with stunningly beautiful high-resolution images thanks to a 7.2 million pixel CCD imaging element and a full array of features that make photography a breeze. Following in the footsteps of the EX-P600, the EX-P700 offers some additional improvements that make it an even more impressive, flexible package. New to the EXILIM PRO range is a 4X optical zoom (coupled with 4X digital zoom), combined with a large 2.0-inch LCD screen, offering users even more performance from the same body size. Its full array of functions and features, such as the Business Shot function that straightens distorted pictures automatically, also raise the bar one notch higher in terms of usability. (Note: The EX-P700 was announced by Casio Japan, not Casio USA so we are not sure if it will be available in N America.) Read the full Casio press release.

08-25-2004

Casio Announces New 5-Megapixel Exilim EX-Z55 and EX-Z50 Cameras DOVER, NJ, August 25, 2004 – Casio announces the release of the 5-megapixel EX-Z55 and EX-Z50, two new models in the EXILIM ZOOM range of digital cameras with long battery operation and large LCD viewing screens. The EX-Z55 is equipped with a high resolution 5-megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens and a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen incorporating an optical viewfinder. With its compact and stylish design, the EX-Z55 can take approximately 400 pictures on a single charge. The EX-Z50 has a 2 inch LCD screen and can take approximately 390 pictures. Both models offer extended battery life, making them ideal for use during long vacations and business travel, in fact any occasion requiring the amazing stamina that these cameras now offer. Read the full Casio press release.

08-25-2004

Casio Announces New 6-Megapixel QV-R61 August 25, 2004, TOKYO, JAPAN – CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD. released the QV-R61, 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. (Note: The QV-R61 was announced by Casio Japan, not Casio USA so we are not sure if it will be available in N America.) Read the full Casio press release.

08-25-2004

Casio Announces Exilim EX-S100 - World's Smallest 2.8x Zoom Camera DOVER, NJ, August 25, 2004 – Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, announces the release of the world’s smallest digital camera with an optical zoom (2.8X), the EXILIM CARD EX-S100. The EX-S100 was developed to be the flagship model of the series, and as such, embodies all the brand concepts. Key features of the EX-S100 include use of the world’s first transparent ceramic lens in an ultra-slim 2.8X optical zoom lens unit, and Casio’s proprietary EXILIM Engine, an ultra-compact image processing LSI module that enables the camera to achieve high-image quality, high-speed operation and low power consumption – all within an extremely slim and compact body package. As a result, the EX- S100 is the world’s smallest optical zoom-equipped digital camera, with a volume of just 79 cc and very compact measurements of 3.46” x 2.24”. Moreover, it is only .66” thick, and just .56” at the thinnest point. Read the full Casio press release.

08-24-2004

Sony Adds 2GB Memory Stick Pro Media with Faster Read and Write Speed Options SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2004 - Sony Electronics is providing Memory Stick PRO™ media users with an expanded range of enhanced media that not only offers higher capacities and are high-speed read and write capable, but are also compatible with a vast array of current Memory Stick PRO devices. The updated Memory Stick PRO (High Speed) media features capacities of up to 2GB in the standard-size media and 1GB in the Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media size and are designed to support both read and write speeds of up to 80Mbps (10MB/s.). Among the fastest in the flash media industry, this higher speed will be especially beneficial for transferring data-intensive images, such as high-resolution digital photos, to and from PCs and other devices that may incorporate a high-speed parallel data transfer interface in the future. Read the full Sony press release.

08-24-2004

Pentax Announces New Super-Compact Optio S5i 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. Includes 10MB of internal memory and SD card slot, a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and charger stand. The Optio S5i will ship to major camera retailers in September 2004. Read the full Pentax press release.

08-24-2004

Pentax Announces New Swiveling-Lens Optio X 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. The Optio X will ship to major camera retailers in September 2004. Read the full Pentax press release.

08-23-2004

DxO Optics Pro Expands Support To Include the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 and Sony F-828 Paris, France, August 23, 2004 - DO Labs, a software company focused on research in image processing to enhance image quality, announces immediate support in its award-winning DxO Optics Pro software application for the popular Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 and the Sony F-828 8 megapixel digital cameras. DxO Optics Pro automatically corrects digital image faults such as Distortion, Vignetting, Blur and Lateral Chromatic Aberration. Previously available only for leading Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, DxO Optics Pro version 1.1 now extends support to high-end prosumer models… Read the full DxO press release.

08-20-2004

New Canon Reviews and First Looks Posted In case you missed the links in the articles below - we have posted a detailed first look of the new EOS 20D SLR and the Powershot G6. We have posted full reviews of the Powershot A95, the Powershot A85, and the Powershot A400.

08-19-2004

Canon's New 8.2-Megapixel EOS 20D Digital SLR Delivers Speed, Precision and Value LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Aug. 19, 2004 – Designed for advanced amateurs, photojournalists, wedding photographers and professionals who purchase their own equipment, Canon’s new EOS 20D digital SLR combines speed, image quality, ease-of-use, and ruggedness with compact size and light weight to deliver the highest performance in its class. Available in September, the EOS 20D digital SLR will carry an estimated street price of $1,499 without a lens; $1,599 with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 –5.6 zoom lens; and $1,999 with the new EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Wide Angle Zoom lens. Read the full Canon 20D press release. Canon's New 580EX E-TTL II Speedlite LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 19, 2004 – The long awaited evolution in Canon’s Speedlite family of EOS system flashes is here. The Speedlite 580EX flash takes its place as Canon’s new flagship Speedlite, replacing the popular Speedlite 550EX model. A more powerful flash with a maximum guide number of 58/191 at ISO 100 in meters/feet (at 105mm focal length), faster recycling, more consistent color and enhanced controls are among the improvements that all photographers, especially those who shoot digital, will find useful. Read the full Canon 580EX press release.

08-19-2004

Canon Powershot G6 - Fully-Featured 7-Megapixel, 4x Zoom Digital Camera LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Aug. 19, 2004 – Canon’s new 7.1-megapixel PowerShot G6 digital camera offers photographers and photo enthusiasts a flexible, full-featured tool for expanded creative control. The simply sophisticated PowerShot G6 digital camera features a new compact design, advanced ergonomics and brilliant Canon optics that deliver beautiful images. The G6 offers users a vari-angled 2.0” LCD monitor, Canon's DIGIC Image Processor, which increases image quality and processing speeds while reducing power consumption, a 4x all-glass optical zoom lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/2.0-3.0 and macro focusing down to 2 inches. The PowerShot G6 digital camera will be available in September for an estimated selling price of $699.99. Read the full Canon press release.

08-19-2004

Canon Powershot S70 - Compact Seven-Megapixel Camera with a 28-100mm Wide Angle Zoom Lens LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Aug. 19, 2004 – Canon’s latest addition to its S-Series, the 7.1-megapixel PowerShot S70 digital camera widens the photographic options for consumers and enthusiasts alike with its high performance 28-100mm UA wide-angle 3.6x optical zoom lens and a compact, two-toned dark metallic and black body. The PowerShot S70 digital camera will be available in September for an estimated street price of $599.99. Read the full Canon press release.

08-19-2004

Canon Introduces Three New A-Series Powershot Digital Cameras LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2004 – Canon expands upon the success of its PowerShot A-series digital camera line with three new models. Named after their AA-battery power source, the new PowerShot A400, A85 and A95 digital cameras provide consumers with an exceptional combination of top-of-the-line features, functional design and excellent image quality at a tremendous value. PowerShot A400 available in September for an estimated street price of $179.99, is an entry-level 3.2-megapixel, 2.2x optical zoom camera and comes in four colors: Silver, Sky Blue, Lime Green and Sunset Gold. The PowerShot A85 available in August for an estimated street price of $299.99 is a feature-filled 4.0-megapixel digital camera with 3.2x optical zoom lens and 1.8" LCD monitor. The PowerShot A95 also available in August for an estimated street price of $399.99 is a 5.0- megapixel camera with prosumer-level features like a 1.8" vari-angled LCD monitor, FlexiZone AF/AE, and 14 easy-to-use Shooting Modes. Read the full Canon press release.

08-18-2004

Sony Debuts New Photo Printer: Compact Size, Lab Quality Prints SAN DIEGO, Aug. 18, 2004 — With a footprint smaller in size than an 8"x 10" portrait, Sony's new PictureStation™ DPP-FP30 printer makes it easy to print and share lab-quality photos with or without the use of a personal computer. About the size of a standard paperback the compact FP30 4x6" printer will be available in October with an included 40 sheet print pack for about $150. Read the full Sony press release.

08-16-2004

Many New Camera Reviews Posted Today Posted today is a trio of new Konica Minolta cameras starting with the entry-level DiMAGE X31, a super-thin 3-megapixel model with Minolta's unique folded-optical zoom lens. The X31 fits it any pocket or purse and won't break the bank, check it out. Next is the X31's bigger brother, the new DiMAGE X50, a 5-megapixel super-thin "X" camera with a stylish and durable metal body and speedy performance. If you can't get close enough to the action then check out the DiMAGE Z10 with its 8x optical zoom and 3-megapixel imager. This is a lightweight yet high performance camera with a big zoom that sells for $300 or less. Note that our recent hurricane has kept us from getting movie samples but we'll post them in the next day or so. And the first of Fujifilm's new E-series cameras, the FinePix E500, an entry-level 4-megapixel model with a big 2-inch color LCD and very good image quality. And it won't hurt the pocketbook much at just $299.

08-16-2004

Pentax Optio 750Z - Compact 7-Megapixel 5x Zoom GOLDEN, Colorado (August 16, 2004)….PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the new Optio750Z digital camera. With 7.0 megapixels and a 5X optical zoom, the Optio750Z will delight advanced photographers seeking high quality images from a compact digital camera. Strategically positioned at the high-end of the PENTAX Optio Series, the Optio750Z offers true performance in a pocket-sized digital camera. Classically designed with an aluminum alloy exterior and a leather-grained rubber façade. The Optio750Z delivers high-precision imaging with 7.0 effective megapixels, a high-performance smc PENTAX 5X optical zoom lens, newly developed ASIC (Application Specified Integrate Circuit), and other impressive features. The camera’s 10 shooting modes meet a variety of shooting situations, and a large dial simplifies mode selections. The generous 1.8 inch, low-reflection LCD monitor enhances visibility and shooting freedom and the camera captures VGA video with sound at a rate of 30fps (frames per second) with 640 x 480 recorded pixels up to the full available capacity of the chosen memory card. The PENTAX Optio750Z and other new and exciting digital products will be on display September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The Optio750Z will ship along with the software to major camera retailers in September 2004 for a suggested retail price of $649.95. Read the full Pentax press release.

08-16-2004

Pentax Optio S50 - Compact 5-Megapixel 3x Zoom GOLDEN, Colorado (August 16, 2004)….PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new PENTAX Optio S50 digital camera with a 5.0 effective megapixel CCD and a 3X optical zoom lens. A successor to the popular Optio S40, the PENTAX Optio S50 offers an easy-to-use help function menu to help guide digital newcomers through the camera’s array of digital features. With a generous 1.8 inch LCD monitor, the Optio S50 is equipped with a handy mode dial that allows users to select one of nine modes with a simple turn. Two AA batteries power the Optio S50 making it a perfect travel choice. The Optio S50 also is PictBridge compatible to allow direct printing to compatible printers. PENTAX will unveil the Optio S50 and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The Optio S50 will ship along with the software to major camera retailers in September 2004 for a suggested retail price of $299.95. Read the full Pentax press release.

08-11-2004

New Camera and Printer Reviews Just Posted Today we posted the Olympus Ferrari Digital Model 2004 review, this is the limited production version of Olympus' AZ-1, a compact 3.2-megapixel 3x zoom camera all dolled out in Ferrari red with special accent panels and the famous yellow Ferrari horse logo. Olympus is only making 10,000 of these cameras and just 1,000 of them are available in N. America. And the Samsung Digimax V50 review, a sleek and compact 5-megapixel camera with a 3x zoom and a fully articulated 2.0-inch color LCD. Besides the usual Auto exposure mode the V50 features Scene modes and shutter-speed priority, aperture priority and manual modes as well as lots of other image adjustments. Posted yesterday is our Epson PictureMate review, a dedicated 4x6" photo printer with card slots and pigment ink for an incredible 100-year print longevity. The PictureMate is a small and portable printer that can operate in standalone mode or connected to Windows PC or Macintosh computers. It can also be connected directly to any PictBridge enabled digicam. And coming up soon - Minolta DiMAGE Z10, X31 and X50, Fujifilm FinePix E500 and a whole lot more coming up on our radar screen as we near mid-September and the big Photokina show in Germany.

08-11-2004

Microsoft Releases Digital Image Suite 10 REDMOND, Wash. -- Aug. 10, 2004 -- On a high-resolution digital camera or a camera phone, great photos are just a click away with Microsoft Corp.'s latest digital photography offering. Today, Microsoft announces the availability of its new line of digital imaging software, including Digital Image Suite 10, the comprehensive yet easy-to-use photo solution for organizing, editing, sharing and safekeeping digital photos. Digital Image Suite 10 combines the power of two digital imaging software applications -- Microsoft Digital Image Library 10 for organization and Microsoft Digital Image Pro 10 for editing -- to offer an end-to-end solution with powerful panoramic stitching in two dimensions, intuitive color-correction tools, even more one-click fixes, and added options for organization and sharing. Microsoft Digital Image Suite 10 will be available for an estimated retail price of $129 (U.S.). Microsoft offers up to $60 (U.S.) in rebates -- a $30 mail-in rebate open to all consumers who acquire Digital Image Suite 10, and an additional $30 digital camera mail-in rebate (if consumers purchase any digital camera within 30 days of acquiring the software). Digital Image Pro 10 will be available for an estimated retail price of $89.95 (U.S.) before a $40 (U.S.) mail-in rebate.

08-11-2004

SanDisk's Ultra II CompactFlash Cards Win TIPA Award for Speed and Performance SUNNYVALE, Calif.-- SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today announced that the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), an association made up of 30 top photography publications from across Europe, has awarded its Best Imaging Storage Media Award to the SanDisk Ultra II CompactFlash line of high-speed storage cards. The SanDisk Ultra II cards were recognized by leading editors, many of whom are professional photographers, as setting "a new standard for industry performance." TIPA editors judge on quality, performance and value -- criteria that are very important to all photographers. "We have worked very hard to take the leadership position in the digital camera storage card market," said Nelson Chan, senior vice president and general manager of SanDisk's retail business unit. "It is a real honor for our efforts to be recognized by such a distinguished panel of experts and one that makes all of us here at SanDisk very proud. The TIPA Award is further assurance that SanDisk's Ultra II cards will meet the rigorous demands of digital photographers around the world." The coveted TIPA award is a winning endorsement for the superior speed and performance of the SanDisk Ultra II line, which includes CompactFlash, Memory Stick PRO and SD card formats. SanDisk Ultra II cards are targeted at digital cameras with 4 megapixel or higher resolution that can take advantage of a significantly faster memory card. Each card features a minimum write speed of 9 megabytes per second (MB/sec.) and a minimum read speed of 10MB/sec.

08-10-2004

Sony's Latest DVD Handycam Camcorder Brings Home Video To The Big Screen SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2004 -- Sony's DCR-DVD301 camcorder, with its vast 3.5-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD display, will record directly to 3-inch DVD-R/-RW discs, which play in most current home and PC DVD players, as well as later releases of PlayStation2 videogame consoles. The screen's hybrid technology minimizes LCD washout even in bright sunlight and can rotate up to 270-degrees for multiple viewing angles. Beyond its 3.5-inch screen, the camcorder will share most of the same features as the DCR-DVD201 DVD Handycam camcorder, such as a one-megapixel Advanced HAD CCD imager and the ability to take one-megapixel digital still images. The DCR-DVD301 model will be available in October for about $1,100.

08-08-2004

Pentax Introduces Two Compact, Lightweight FA Series Macro Lenses for Digital and Film SLRs GOLDEN, Colorado (August 8, 2004) PENTAX Imaging Company will bring the best of both worlds to photographers with two smc PENTAX-D FA interchangeable lenses - the smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8 and the smc PENTAX-D FA Macro 50mm F2.8. The latest series is designed to optimize image quality in both digital SLR and film photography. Each lightweight macro lens features an image circle to accommodate 35mm format and offers close-up to life-size magnification. Read the full Pentax press release.

08-07-2004

Konica Minolta Opens the "7 Digital" Web Site As the official release date of Konica Minolta's new Dynax/Maxxum 7 Digital SLR draws closer, the new Meet the 7 Digital web site has been opened. We are promised a series of "teasers" until the Photokina show next month in Germany. Currently there is a 360-VR view of the camera and a brief rundown on the Anti-Shake system it will use. stay tuned for more.

08-04-2004

PictureCode Signs 450 Leading Camera Stores As Resellers August 4, 2004 (Austin, Texas) -- PictureCode, developer of the popular Noise Ninja image noise reduction software package, has entered into a distribution agreement with the PRO buying group, the largest cooperative buying group for United States camera stores. The deal adds more than 450 leading camera stores to the list of authorized resellers for Noise Ninja. The agreement grew out of a successful pilot project in which Noise Ninja was resold for several months by Precision Camera, a PRO member store located in Austin, Texas. "Noise Ninja has become our top selling software product," says Jerry Sullivan, owner of Precision Camera. "It sells itself. We all know that noise is inherent in digital photography, especially at high ISO settings. Our customers, both professionals and amateurs, have been asking for a solution to the digital noise problem, and they are thrilled to know there is a solution. Noise Ninja is easy to use, and at any price it's the best product out there. Plus, PictureCode is constantly improving it and adding value." Going forward, PRO member stores will form the backbone of PictureCode's brick-and-mortar distribution channel. The new channel will complement the company's existing Internet sales channel, providing customers with more options for purchasing and learning about Noise Ninja. PRO member stores are among the most experienced and reputable in the industry. A partial list of PRO resellers is located at www.picturecode.com/resellers.htm. More information about PictureCode, Noise Ninja, and digital camera noise can be found at www.picturecode.com.

08-04-2004

Triscape Updates Leading Software Suites for Digital Photographers and Imaging Enthusiasts WINDHAM, NH, August 4, 2004 - Triscape, Inc. today announced enhancements to its popular software suites, FxFoto 2.0 Standard, Deluxe Collage, and Pro Media Editions. The FxFoto titles are targeted at photography enthusiasts and advanced multimedia users giving them full control over their pictures and the tools to create stunning and captivating presentations and movies. FxFoto 2.0 Standard is available today as a fully functional free download, while the Deluxe Collage Edition can be obtained for $29.99 and Pro Media Edition for $39.99. All titles are upgradeable. Triscape is providing its updates free of charge for all current users. Printing upgrades include a new print wizard selection for 2x3 wallet-size and 4 x 6 and 3.5 x 5-inch snapshots and a new print "Center Image" option, which centers photos on the paper for printers with non-centered printable areas. Editing and viewing enhancements include an optional fixed aspect ratio rope that enables users to crop to desired proportions. A new multi-photo move facility makes it easier than ever to organize photo folders. The FxFoto Viewer can now blowup photos to cover the screen without extra margins. Also, the FxFoto Viewer now blanks the mouse cursor when it is not being used to reduce distractions. FxFoto will run under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. It requires 128MB of RAM and 4MB of free hard disk space. FxFoto Standard Edition is free without usage or time limits. The Deluxe Edition and the Pro Media Edition are available for $29.99 and $39.99 respectively from the Triscape, Inc. Web site at www.fxfoto.com.

08-03-2004

Casio Develops World’s First Transparent Ceramic Lens Using Murata’s Lumicera DOVER, NJ, August 2, 2004 – Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan today announced that using its proprietary optical technology, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., has developed the world’s first lens using transparent ceramics. This breakthrough will make it possible to create zoom lenses for cameras with greatly reduced profiles. Ever since Casio’s Exilim thin card-size digital camera went on sale, the entire digital camera market has undergone a huge change. Compact digital cameras offering mobility in a small package have become mainstream, while there has been a major push in technological development to find better methods of creating smaller, thinner cameras. Casio is continuing to take the lead in this field by creating the world’s first transparent ceramic lens using Lumicera, a transparent ceramic developed by Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Lumicera has the same light transmitting qualities as optical glass commonly used in today’s conventional camera lenses, however it has two very important properties that caught Casio’s attention. Not only is Lumicera’s refractive index (nd = 2.08) much greater than that of optical glass (nd = 1.5 – 1.85), it also offers superior strength. Casio has been able to create a ceramic lens with extremely high levels of precision thanks to several factors. Under recommendations from Casio the material itself has been refined for use in digital camera optical lenses by endowing it with improved transmission of short wavelength light and eliminating pores (air bubbles) that reduce transparency. Casio has also established a complete process involving the perfect combination of polishing material, time and pressure, and by treating the lens with a special coating compatible with a high refractive index. By incorporating this lens into the construction of the zoom lenses developed by Casio, a reduction in profile of approximately 20% has been made possible.

08-03-2004

Kodak Announces New EasyShare DX7590 with 5-Megapixel Resolution and 10X Optical Zoom ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 3 — Kodak introduces its new EasyShare DX7590 zoom digital camera. The DX7590 camera unites a professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach 10X optical zoom lens (38-380 mm equivalent); the Kodak Color Science image processing chip for rich, accurate colors; dual-sensor, low-light precision auto focusing; and multiple shooting modes for optimal creative control. The new model goes a step further, adding new features such as five megapixel resolution, an extra high-resolution (311,000 pixels) electronic viewfinder, JPEG fine and standard compression options, flash compensation, and rapid click-to-capture (just 0.2 seconds). The camera will be available worldwide beginning this month for US$499 (MSRP), setting a new price-to-performance benchmark for high zoom consumer digital cameras. Read the full Kodak press release.

08-03-2004

Kodak Announces New EasyShare Printer Dock Plus ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 3 — Building on its highly successful line of EasyShare printer docks, Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the EasyShare Printer Dock Plus. The new model (US$199.99 MSRP; available in August 2004) quickly and effortlessly makes real Kodak 4x6-inch pictures from nearly any digital source. People can wirelessly transmit pictures from their mobile phone cameras to the Printer Dock Plus, which also prints directly from digital cameras and memory cards — all without the need for a computer. Using the Printer Dock Plus, waterproof pictures can be printed at home with just a touch of a button, in as little as 60 seconds each. Read the full Kodak press release.

08-03-2004

New Kodak EasyShare Software Version 4.0 Makes Organizing, Sharing, and Printing Digital Pictures a Snap Kodak EasyShare software is the simple, all-in-one way for any digital camera owner to organize, share, and print their digital pictures. New features in version 4 for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH OS — including album uploading and synchronization with Ofoto, optional VCD and DVD burning, and free Ofoto-powered e-mail — make it easier than ever to tell stories though pictures. EasyShare software works with popular image and digital video file formats, regardless of what brand camera was used to take the digital pictures. The free, full-featured download is available by visiting www.kodak.com/go/easysharesw. Read the full Kodak press release.

08-02-2004

New Camera Reviews Posted New camera reviews just posted include the flagship of Panasonic's Lumix line, the 5-megapixel DMC-LC1 with its unique 3.2X Leica zoom lens that's adorned with three manual control rings that work with the top-mounted shutter speed dial to give you the "look and feel" of a real 35mm camera. It was a pleasure to use this excellent camera but I'm sorry to say that with a MSRP of $1599, it won't be within the reach of most consumers' budgets. Next up is a pair of Kodak cameras, the 5-megapixel EasyShare LS753 which is physically identical to the 4-megapixel LS743, both are compact and stylish metal-bodied cameras that fit easily into most pockets and purses. It's easy to use and produced excellent pictures under a variety of shooting conditions. Another Kodak camera that is also easy to use and produces excellent images is the EasyShare DX7440, an affordable yet high-performance 4-megapixel camera with a sharp 4x optical zoom lens. All this for just $299, is this a great time to go digital or what?   Like the other EasyShare cameras, the DX7440 is compatible with the optional EasyShare Camera Dock and EasyShare Printer Dock, the latter not only charges the camera's battery but also serves as a high quality 4x6" dye sub printer.

08-02-2004

Nikon Summer 2004 Rebates on Coolpix 8700 and 3200 Summertime is picture time and Nikon USA is offering mail-in rebates on two of their popular Coolpix cameras for U.S. buyers. Purchase and take delivery of a new Nikon Coolpix 3200 or Coolpix 8700 digital camera from August 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004 and be eligible for a $20 or $200 rebate respectively. Click here to download the Coolpix mail-in rebate form (Adobe pdf)

08-02-2004

NYTimes.com, Canon U.S.A. and Kaidan Team Up For Panoramic Views of 2004 Political Conventions NYTimes.com, Canon U.S.A. Inc., Lake Success, NY, USA, and Kaidan Inc., Feasterville, Pa., USA, teamed up for last week's Democratic National Convention in Boston and will team up for the upcoming Republican National Convention starting Aug. 30 in New York City, using Kaidan's EventCam and Immersive Imaging solutions to capture and publish 360-degree interactive panoramic images. EventCam uses 10 Canon PowerShot S60 digital cameras to simultaneously capture a panoramic image. The PowerShot S60 is outfitted with Canon's optics and comes equipped with a wide-angle focal length of 28mm. The panoramic images can be viewed at NYTimes.com/conventions and require QuickTime Player for viewing (available for free at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/).

08-02-2004

Epson Introduces PRINT Image Matching III for Improved Digital Images TOKYO, Japan, July 30, 2004 - Seiko Epson Corporation ("Epson") today announced that it has developed PRINT Image Matching III, advanced technology that provides users of digital cameras an easy way to consistently produce the best quality prints, prints that accurately reflect the photographer's intent. In 2001, Epson developed the introduction of PRINT Image Matching, a technology to help ensure faithful output of the colors captured by digital cameras. Many digital camera manufacturers agreed to support the new technology, and Epson succeeded in driving further expansion of the digital photography market. Over one hundred models of cameras equipped with PRINT Image Matching have arrived on the market, including digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and camera-equipped mobile phones. On the printer side, this technology is supported by all Epson inkjet printers currently on the market (as of July 30, 2004). As digital cameras and camera-equipped mobile phones deliver ever-increasing image quality and resolution, user requirements such as the desire to create attractive, faithful reproductions and prints of their photographs, are growing, as well. To respond to this demand, Epson has developed PRINT Image Matching III, with improved color- correction functionality. Read the full Epson press release..

08-01-2004

New Tech Corner and Sunday Morning Photographer Monthly Columns Posted If you're a regular visitor here you probably know about our monthly "Mike" columns, if not -- check them out. Mike Johnston writes about all sorts of things photographic (both digital and film) in his Sunday Morning Photographer column -- this month he tells us what all those 35mm SLR lenses are used for. And Mike Chaney's Tech Corner column is devoted to that often-misunderstood topic of color management. You'll find permanent links here on the News page just below the Top News Stories links. We'll also list them right here: Sunday Morning Photographer Mike Chaney's Tech Corner

Looking for something on our web site?

Enter Keyword

Content copyright © 1998-2004 Steve's Digicam Online, Inc.

Please read our Legal Notice and Privacy Notice

The information presented here has been gathered from the manufacturers' press releases and other news sources,
it is believed to be true but no warranty is made as to the general suitability or performance of any product.
We do not personally endorse any company, product or service described here.   All trademarks, registered
trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.