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-- Top News Stories -- BetterLight's Scan Backs Improved Canon EOS-1D SLR Review Posted Coolpix 5000 Firmware update posted Coolpix 5000 full review posted Free Noise Removal Photoshop Action Minolta DiMAGE 7 Firmware Update Minolta DIVU v1.1.1 Update Nikon Capture v2.0.2 Update Posted Nikon Software Updates for WinXP Olympus Introduces 3D Scantop Photos in 3-D, A Great Gift Qimage Pro 2002 v1.1 Released Sipix $99 Portable Photo Printer Steve's is Site of the Night on TechTV Two Digital Cameras from Praktica Windows XP and Digicam warnings November 2001 News Index October 2001 News Index September 2001 News Index August 2001 News Index

12-31-2001

December DPOTD Winners Posted I have just posted the Digital Photo of the Day page for our December 2001 winners. Congratulations to the top three digi-photographers and all of the December entrants and their excellent photos.

12-29-2001

Sony Sells More Than Five Million Digital Cameras With Carl Zeiss Lenses The six-year collaboration between Carl Zeiss and Sony Corp. has sold more than five million digital cameras with Carl Zeiss optics. According to Carl Zeiss, the combination of high-quality optics and Sony's electronic technology has attracted users in the upper end of the consumer digital imaging market. As a result, Sony is gaining marketshare in digital cameras worldwide, and has already reached the top position in digital camcorders worldwide.

12-29-2001

Photo Retailers Report Strong Digital Camera Sales Over Holiday Season Photo retailers, for the most part, saw their holiday sales either hold steady or decline slightly year over year, with digital cameras leading the way. According to market information provider NPDTechworld, Port Washington, N.Y., USA, digital camera sales began strong, up 40 percent on the Friday following Thanksgiving, compared to 2000. In fact, Frank Ponder, general manager of Bel Air Camera, Los Angeles, Calif., USA, sold "more digital cameras than I could ever imagine." Ponder pointed out December sales of digital cameras alone through Christmas already represented 10 percent of his total camera sales for the first 11 months of 2001. He said sales of analog cameras were "way down," however, resulting in a similar slide for film sales, with photofinishing "struggling to stay even." Ponder credited a 7 percent gain in sales from Dec. 20-24 for bringing his holiday sales "very close" to a year ago. At Colonial Photo & Hobby Inc., Orlando, Fla., USA, Vice President Mike Rausch said holiday sales would have "easily equaled" those of 2000 had it not been for problems getting several products in stock. He said the Nikon Coolpix 775 and 5000 digital cameras were hot sellers. Rausch saw a 7 percent decline in holiday sales as a result. He added sales of SLRs were stronger than anticipated, despite the shift into digital. Rausch said the events of Sept. 11 impacted sales, especially in October - a strong month the prior two years - and consumers this year seemed to wait until December, instead, to shop. Randy Wells, manager, The Camera Trader, Englewood, Colo., USA, said holiday sales were down slightly from 2000, but added a lot of last-minute shoppers and impulse buyers flocked into his store. The Camera Trader carries a limited amount of digital products, and film sales were still strong, Wells said. Carol Rupp, manager of Southwest Photo Supply Inc., Dodge City, Kan., USA, said high-end products didn't sell as well this past holiday shopping season, and overall sales during the period held steady. Rupp also experienced stronger-than-expected SLR camera sales, but saw fewer last-minute shoppers than in past years.

12-28-2001

Full Canon EOS-1D Pro SLR Review Posted I've now posted the conclusion to ourCanon EOS-1D review, there are sample photos and a 2nd Opinion by a pro photographer that has been using a D30 for over a year. This is one awesome but expensive digital camera. If you need or want the best SLR for Canon lenses, this is definitely the one to get!

12-28-2001

Nikon Posts Windows XP Updates Nikon has posted the following Windows XP updates for its camera and scanner software programs. Nikon Capture v2.0.2 (D1, D1X, D1H) NikonView v4.3.1 (Coolpix 775, 880, 885, 990, 995, 5000, D1, D1X, D1H) NikonScan v3.1.2 (LS-2000, Coolscan III/IV ED, Super Coolscan 4000/8000 ED)

12-27-2001

Minolta Posts DiMAGE 7 Firmware Upgrade Minolta USA today posted firmware version A1v121u for the DiMAGE 7. Firmware version A1v121u was developed for general improvement in exposure performance (particularly for flash photography). If you already have version A1v121u, it is not necessary to update the firmware. This firmware is for use only with the DiMAGE 7 and cannot be used with other products. Please read the Firmware Installation instructions for full information. Windows firmware updater Macintosh firmware updater Checking the DiMAGE 7 firmware version: Set the main switch/mode dial of the camera to the setup position. Press the digital-subject-program button. Check the number displayed in the LCD monitor display of the camera. Products with version numbers other than A1v121u are eligible for a firmware upgrade. DIVU ver 1.1.1 Update Also posted is the Dimage Image Viewer Utility Update ver 1.1.1 for use with the DiMAGE_5 and DiMAGE_7 cameras. This is an update to the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility. This new Version 1.1.1 includes improvements in RAW file processing and as well as improvements in overall functionality. A previous version of the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility must exist in your computer in order to complete installation of this update. If a previous version is not found, installation of this update will fail. This software will not be available on CD-Rom until sometime in January. Please be sure to download the Owners Manual for the DIVU Ver 1.1.1 as some instructions have been changed. The revised Owners Manual is accessible on the Support / Manuals section of our web site under the name of the product you are using. DIVU updater for Windows DIVU updater for Macintosh

12-26-2001

Better Light Unveils New Digital Scan Back Cameras Using Kodak Tri-Linear CCDs Better Light Inc., San Carlos, Calif., USA, introduced two new digital scan back cameras to its SuperModel line, with Kodak's new tri-linear CCD sensors, which are twice as sensitive as previous Kodak sensors and reduce a photographer's lighting requirements by as much as 50 percent, the company said. Increased CCD sensitivity, Better Light said, translates into faster scan times, smaller camera lens apertures and reduced light levels. The Super6K-2 captures up to 9,000-by-12,000 pixels (309MB 24-bit RGB or 618MB 48-bit RGB file) in less than two minutes, has a continuously adjustable ISO range of 200 - 3,200, and is ICC profile compatible. It is designed for art reproduction, commercial, advertising and catalog photography as well as scientific and industrial applications. It has a suggested list price of $18,990. The Super8K-2 captures up to 12,000-by-15,990 pixels (549MB 24-bit RGB or 1.1GB 48-bit RGB file), has a continuously adjustable ISO range of 120 - 2,000, and is ICC profile compatible. Designed for Giclee printers, color labs, museums and those involved in art capture and reproduction, it costs $24,990.

12-26-2001

Minolta Halts Development of APS Cameras TOKYO, Dec 26 (Reuters) - Japan's Minolta Co Ltd said on Wednesday it had halted new product development for APS (advanced photo system) cameras and would focus its resources on the fast-growing market for digital cameras. The shift in business strategy is part of the camera and copier maker's effort to right itself by cutting costs and jobs after forecasting a group net loss of 21 billion yen ($160.4 million) for the year through March. APS standards were jointly developed by five camera makers -- Minolta, Nikon Corp , Canon Inc , Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd and Eastman Kodak Co. APS cameras were introduced in 1996 but the market for such products has been shrinking because of stiff competition from digital cameras. A spokesman for Minolta said the firm, which entered the digital camera market in July, planned to expand its market share by assigning its APS researchers to digital cameras.

12-21-2001

Coolpix 5000 Firmware Update Available Many of the first Nikon Coolpix 5000 cameras were delivered with firmware v1.5 in them and a problem has been identified with it. Under certain circumstances if the camera is turned on with the lens cap on it displays a warning message on the color LCD. You are supposed to be able to turn the camera off, remove the lens cap and then turn it on again. Some cameras lock up permanently at this point and have to be sent in for service and installation of the newer firmware. All of the Coolpix 5000's being shipped now have the newer firmware. You can check your camera's firmware version by holding the MENU button down while turning the camera on. If the screen says v1.5 you need to update, if it says v1.6 then you need do nothing, you have the latest firmware already. The Coolpix 5000 Firmware v1.6 Update is now available for download from the Nikon USA web site. This is for Windows users only at this time. We'll post more news and a link when the Macintosh uploader is available. You can upgrade your firmware via CF card if you have a card reader or PCMCIA adapter and laptop that you use to download your image data rather than the USB cable and Nikon software. This also works for Macintosh users so if you have a card reader (or know someone who does) you won't have to wait for the Mac updater to upgrade your camera. Here's how to do it: Format your CF card in the camera Set your camera's Auto Off time to 5 or 30 minutes Set the menu language to English (not sure if it works for others) Make sure that the EN-EL1 battery is fully charged or use a fresh 2CR5 Put the CF card in your card reader (or laptop with PCMCIA adapter), create a folder called "Firmware" off the root of the card. Make sure that you don't create this folder off of the DCIM folder, it must be off the root. Extract the firmware.bin file from the CP5000_Firmware.zip file that you downloaded from the Nikon site. Copy the firmware.bin file to the Firmware folder on the CF card. Flip the REC/PLAY switch on the back of the Coolpix 5000 to the Play position. Put the CF card in the camera. Turn the camera on. You should see the following on the color LCD: If your screen says "CURR: E5000V1.6" then stop, you already have the new firmware. If it says "CURR: E5000V1.5" then proceed to next step Chose "Yes" and wait for the screen that says "Complete OK" -- do not turn camera off until you see the completed message. Turn the camera off. Turn camera on while holding down the MENU button, the screen display should indicate that the camera now has E5000V1.6 firmware. If all went well, format the CF card and use your camera. Congratulations, you are now running the latest firmware! Please pay attention to the instructions above and follow them carefully. There's no more a chance of turning your camera into a doorstop by doing it this way then by using the software updater and the USB cable. But all the usual disclaimers apply - if this sounds too technical for you please get someone else to do it for you or contact Nikon and send your camera in. I just got done updating the Nikon 5000 that I have using this process and it worked just fine.

12-21-2001

WetPixel.com Site Redesigned Our friends over at the WetPixel.com site have just finished a site redesign. WetPixel.com is the place to go if you want to learn about underwater digital cameras and all things relating to "going down" with your digicam. Eric Cheng has joined David Breitigam in updating the site with both a new look and better performing hosting servers. Stop by and check them out!

12-17-2001

Qimage Pro 2002 v1.1 Released Mike Chaney emailed to let me know that he had just released the 2002 edition of Qimage Pro, a Windows printing program on steroids. The new Qimage Pro 2002 v1.1 features: Levels and curves: Two of the most powerful image editing tools available arrive in the debut of Qimage Pro 2002. Adjust levels and curves for the luminance (brightness) channel, or separate RGB channels and apply these settings as an associative filter or create new images. Although you can create separate copies of filtered images as always, the amazing speed of the new filters will encourage you to simply apply your changes as an associative filter, eliminating the need to store anything other than your originals and allowing you to open the filter parameters and change them at any time. Sliders that operate via mouse or arrow keys and curves that can be drawn with up to 17 points are just some of the features that help in developing professional quality filters for your images. The following are snaps of the new filters: Batch filter auto-preview: Since levels and curves are primarily visual components, a fast and efficient method was developed for viewing, accepting, and canceling filter changes. This new option called "Auto Preview" can be turned on/off via the batch filter "View" menu option. When turned on (default), a small real time preview window automatically opens when any filter parameter is changed. When finished previewing the changes to one or more filter parameters, the changes can be accepted with "OK" or thrown out using "Cancel". Preview filtered/unfiltered images using a splitter: The real time preview window also boasts a new slider that allows you to drag your filter mask over only part of the preview if you like. An incredibly useful feature, this allows you to preview both the original and filtered image in real time using the same window! Take a look at the (downsized) example below. The splitter has been dragged to the center of the face, showing the unfiltered side on the left and the filtered side on the right where levels were used to correct the exposure of the image. Numerous batch filter speed enhancements: Many aspects of batch filter operation have been optimized to provide you with faster previews, faster filters, and more efficient use of memory. While these speed improvements apply to all image types, filtering of raw (NEF/ORF) images has improved by a factor of 10 or more for most filters! The new version evaluates the type of filters being used and can detect when a reload of the raw image is necessary, such as when changing white balance, unsharp mask, and exposure correction. All other filters will operate many times faster than before with respect to raw images. Cosmetic and operational improvements: Numerous cosmetic and operational improvements have been made to this latest version as well, including better window sizing for the batch filter window, ability to instantly filter any thumbnail by highlighting the thumbnail(s) and pressing Ctrl-F, etc.

12-16-2001

Digital Imaging Software News ISOR 5000 Actions for Photoshop Fred Miranda launches a new Nikon Coolpix 5000 noise reduction action. It’s called ISOR 5000, and offers users several levels of intensity from only color noise reduction (chroma noise) to high settings of noise reduction for outstandingly clean results. Fred utilized new Photoshop techniques on the ISOR 5000 actions and now the retention of detail is better than ever. Click here for ISOR 5000 samples and info. Cameraid for Macintosh Cameraid v1.2b3 for Macintosh users has been released. It includes an updated manual, significant user interface changes, much faster browsing of large JPEG images at reduced sizes and batch processor enhancements. Version 1.2 is scheduled for release just before Christmas, unless any serious problems are found in this version before that time.

12-15-2001

Windows XP Warnings for Digicam Users Turns out that all isn't exactly wonderful when it comes to the latest Microsoft operating system and digital camera users. Windows XP has all kinds of new digital imaging "goodies" built in but using some of them can bring you less than satisfying results. Both Canon and Nikon have warned against using Explorer's image rotation feature as it destroys the Exif header in the JPEG files. The Exif header contains all of the exposure and camera data that is recorded at the time of capture and the high-end digicams use this to display this info during playback. And both companies also warn users against formatting flash cards under WinXP because it will use the default FAT32 format -- and digital cameras can't understand this as they use the standard FAT file system. If you remember to tell WinXP to use FAT instead of FAT32 then all will be OK but it's always best to format your flash cards inside of the camera with its own format utility. 12/16/01 update: I've had several readers email to tell me that they have had no problems using Explorer's image rotation feature and that the Exif data remains intact. I've also had a D30 owner tell me that it did destroy the Exif data. I can not prove or disprove this personally, I do not run WinXP. If you are using WinXP you can do your own test, rotate an image (use a copy, not your original) and then view it with any program that can display Exif data and see if it is still there. You can find quite a few Exif-capable viewers listed here. Those that I have used include ThumbsPlus, Exif Reader, Exif Image Viewer and ACDSee. 12/17/01 update: A Microsoft spokesman pointed out that this is misleading as the issue only effects those downloading camera pictures using XP's camera wizard. "Pictures are converted to JPEG because that is the most common format and, as a result, EXIF information is lost. However, the majority of users don't need EXIF information. So this glitch only effects those advanced users and they can simply open the camera as they would a hard drive and drag and drop the pictures without losing any information," he explained. Nikon and Canon have also warned that Compact Flash cards used with digital cameras should not be formatted using Windows XP, whether Home or Professional versions. If a CompactFlash card that has been formatted using Windows XP is inserted into a Coolpix digital camera the message 'card is not formatted' will appear in the camera monitor. If such a card is inserted into a D1, D1X or D1H camera, the 'CHA' display in the control panel will start to flash. In either case, both companies advised using the camera to reformat the card. But the Microsoft spokesman said that the flash card problem was not an XP issue, but rather that the cameras were not configured to handle the later versions of the FAT file format. "This is not just XP; these cameras could not handle Windows 2000 either," he said.

12-15-2001

Other Sites' Camera Reviews Time to play catch up around the net. We've been so busy in our own backyard that we haven't had time to see what anybody else has been up to. Here's a list of recent reviews from our friends at the other digicam web sites: EOS-1D review updates from both the Imaging-Resource and DP Review. I am currently working on my EOS-1D review and will have it posted later this week. Nikon Coolpix 5000 reviews from Imaging-Resource and DC Resource Page. Fujifilm FinePix 2800 Zoom review from DC Resource Page.

12-14-2001

Nikon to Double Digital Camera Production For Fiscal 2002 JPEA Photo Electro News reports Nikon Corp. plans to double sales of digital cameras for fiscal 2002/2003, ending March 2003, while reducing film camera sales about 20 percent. Nikon sold 480,000 SLRs worldwide in the first six months of the year, ended in September. The company expects to sell another 370,000 units in the latter half, JPEA Photo Electro News reports. Nikon sold 950,000 compact cameras in the April-Sept. period, and expects to sell 610,000 additional units in the second half of the year, JPEA Photo Electro News reports. Digital camera sales for the first half year were 640,000 units, up 68 percent. For the whole year, Nikon expects to sell a total of 1.3 million units.

12-13-2001

Coolpix 5000 Review, Posted in Full OK, you asked for it, the Nikon 5000 review is now finished, complete with my usual conclusion text. I will be adding more sample photos, including some studio shots using the SB-50DX to trip the studio slaves. The much anticipated Canon EOS-1D arrived today and will be consuming most of my time for the next couple of weeks. After one day of using it all I can say is, "I feel a need, a need for speed!" The EOS-1D is the fastest digicam I've ever used, both in capture and focusing speed. This is truly the digital alter-ego of the famous Canon EOS-1V film camera. There's little doubt that an EOS-1D will be behind the majority of those big, white Canon telephoto lenses at this year's NFL football games and other sporting events. This camera was well worth the wait!

12-12-2001

SiPix Printer Allows Users to Stick It to Their Friends and Family with New $99 Portable Photo Printer Milpitas, Calif., Dec. 12, 2001- SiPix, Inc., The Digital Imaging Appliance Company, today announced the PocketColor 100 portable printer for anyone who likes to share pictures. Designed in collaboration with IDEO, one of the most distinguished innovation consultancies in the world and recognized for designing the first Apple mouse, the Palm V, and the Handspring Visor Edge, the PocketColor 100 printer runs on AA batteries and prints directly from the SiPix SP-1300 digital camera or from any personal computer using a USB interface. The cool little handheld printer is easy and fun to use, allowing users to print and share pictures and photo stickers at school, parties, work or to liven-up any event. Priced at $99, the PocketColor 100 is a take-anywhere personal appliance that gives the flexibility to print and share digital pictures, images and graphics on the spot. The pocket-sized printer uses an automatic sheet feeder and a dry color ink cartridge, eliminating messy liquid inks. An automatic protective overcoat even makes the printed photos resist fingerprints, ultraviolet rays and water stains, making the prints absolutely kid and adult-proof! "The printer is perfect for kids and teens who want to decorate or personalize their belongings with photos of friends and family, favorite artists and bands, sports heroes or whatever images they want, when they want it," said Michael Weizer, director of product marketing for SiPix, Inc. "Sharing digital pictures is rapidly becoming a way of day-to-day life for kids, parents, friends and family and we've made it fun, easier, and more affordable than ever to share those favorite pictures." Ron Glaz, Program Manager, Digital Camera and Scanners at International Data Corporation, observes that friendlier, more affordable products are essential to growing the digital imaging market. He adds, "The PocketColor 100 is aimed at expanding the consumer adoption of digital imaging. This consumer-priced printer allows photographers, students, friends, travelers and others to show off their high-resolution pictures immediately, while on the road, on location or at home." The SiPix PocketColor 100 is compatible with PCs running Windows 98/98SE/ME/200 0/XP equipped with a USB port. The printer runs on 4 AA batteries or the included AC adapter. The printer includes a bundle of great software titles to help users get going right out of the box. It includes the easy-to-use ArcSoft PhotoImpression ™ photo editing and creative design program to edit and retouch photos or add special effects for photo cards, calendars and frames. It also includes SiPix Grab, Print & Share, which allows users to grab and print pictures directly from any Web page to the PocketColor 100. Available now, the SiPix PocketColor 100 retails for $99 and is backed by a one-year warranty and toll-free technical support at 866-888-1678. Lifetime technical support is available at no additional charge at 408-719-507 6. The PocketColor 100 includes a 20 sheet pack of photo paper, a color cartridge, paper tray, cleaning head, USB cable, AC power adapter, and a Quick Start guide. Additional packs of sticker and photo paper are available at the same locations as the PocketColor 100 printer and from the SiPix on-line parts and accessories store. Packs of 20 sheets include a color cartridge and cost $8.99 for photo paper and $9.99 for stickers. Value packs are also available for avid users. Sets include 60 sheets and three color cartridges and cost $21.99 for photo paper and $24.99 for sticker paper.

12-11-2001

Olympus Introduces 3D Scantop - Allows Designers To Create Photo-Realistic 3D Content With A Touch Of A Button December 11, 2001, NY, NY -- Olympus announced today at Internet World 3D ScanTop, an easy-to-use 3D animation system for e-business. Leveraging the recent advances in high- resolution digital cameras and powerful personal computers, 3D ScanTop allows the user to create realistic and accurate 3D animations at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for extensive modeling or costly laser techniques. 3D Scantop speeds up the delivery of 3D content for e-business, education, arts and entertainment applications. Olympus 3D ScanTop includes everything needed to create 3D content: easy-to-use 3D ScanWare software, lighting, and turntable. Creating 3D models take a few simple steps. The 3D ScanWare software controls all system components, the camera, turntable and lights. After a quick calibration step, the user simply places the object to be photographed on the turntable. With a touch of a button, the system captures a series of images of the object at different angles, using parameters such as resolution and number of images, set by the user. After the images are taken, the state-of-the-art software removes the background and creates a realistic and accurate 3D model. Once the 3D model is created, the color and texture of choice can be applied. 3D ScanTop is not only easy to use, it is also packed with powerful features. Any model that is created in 3D ScanTop can be imported into some of the most popular 3D modeling software. Creating 3D models in 3D ScanTop and importing them into 3D modeling software will save hours of work form the traditional method of creating model from scratch. Other key features include registration of multiple scans, texture editing, integration of web features such as sounds, hyperlinks, animations, actions, etc. In addition, the flexibility to select the image resolution and other parameters allows you to customize each scan to suit your application. 3D Scantop is available for $4999.95. For more information, contact Olympus America, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, Phone: (631) 844-5000, (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web page at: www.olympus.com/3D.

12-10-2001

Pictographics Releases iCorrect Color Correction Software December 7, 2001 - - Burnsville, MN - - Pictographics International Corporation, a leading provider of digital color technology, announces the release of iCorrect for imaging enthusiasts and home users who want a powerful yet easy-to-use color correction program for their digital pictures. iCorrect is available as either a stand-alone application for Windows or as a plug-in for popular Macintosh and Windows consumer imaging applications like Adobe Photoshop Elements and Jasc Paint Shop Pro. Now, home users will have access to the same digital color technology used by the world's leading imaging professionals. Based on Pictographics' award-winning iCorrect Professional, heralded as the closest thing to one-click color, iCorrect takes the guess work out of color correction and automatically makes the color right. iCorrect is priced at $39.95 and is available at www.picto.com. Uniquely positioned as the perfect complement to Windows XP's advanced image acquisition, viewing, and organization utilities, iCorrect helps users take their pictures to next level by making them look like they came from a professional. As Wayne Huelskoetter, president states, "Now that digital imaging has become main street as well as main stream through the advanced image awareness of Windows XP and the explosion of comprehensive consumer imaging applications like Adobe Photoshop Elements and Jasc Paint Shop Pro, home users will undoubtedly be looking for new, easy-to-use color correction utilities to automatically improve all of their digital pictures." As sales of digital cameras and scanners skyrocket, photo enthusiasts are increasingly seeking the power of professional quality color correction tools to make the color right. Digital cameras are one of the hottest things going, but they all suffer the same problem - accurate color capture. Until now, the only way to make the color right was to rely on often-frustrating color editing tools like curves, sliders or variations. With iCorrect, you can make the color right by simply clicking on the picture. iCorrect automatically makes the darks darker and whites whiter; adjusts brightness and contrast; removes unwanted color cast; corrects common reference colors including neutrals, sky blue, foliage green, and skin tones. iCorrect works equally well on all digital pictures whether they come from a digital camera, a scanner, a picture CD, AOL's You've Got Pictures, or any other online photo sharing site.

12-09-2001

Web Site Speedup, You Bet! I hope you've noticed a significant improvement in the site response since mid-day Saturday. We've added a third server, upgraded the #2 server with faster CPUs and more RAM and optimized the coding of our Discussion Forums. The URL for our forums has changed, please use the link above or the one from our main menu and be sure to update your bookmarks accordingly. Everytime I look at our server stats I get dizzy, I can't believe how much traffic is coming through here this month. It tells me that there's going to be a lot of new digicam users after Santa makes his deliveries.

12-06-2001

Steve's Picked as a Site of the Night on TechTV's Screen Savers Thanks to Leo and Patrick at Tech TV's (satellite network) Screen Saver's show for picking Steve's Digicams as their Site of the Night for holiday digicam buyers. "The site's holiday wish list section makes it easy for experts and novices alike to learn about digital cameras in various price ranges. Simply select your budget parameters -- say, between $200 and $300 -- and Steve serves you up a list of options along with informed descriptions and pictures of each camera. Steve's site isn't flashy, but it's purposefully constructed so that viewers with any browser or connection speed can soak up Steve's knowledge smoothly."

12-05-2001

Nikon Coolpix 5000, Arriving Shortly There's been considerable concern lately over the availability of the Nikon Coolpix 5000. Needless to say there are a lot of them already on pre-order and Christmas is getting close. The official word from our Nikon USA representative this afternoon confirms that there has been some "delays" in getting the cameras. I was assured that Nikon USA was receiving a large air shipment of cameras and that these cameras would be sent out to the distributors and dealers next week. (This is pretty much the same as the December 13th availability just announced by Nikon Japan for their market.) If you currently have a Coolpix 5000 on pre-order there should be no problems getting it before Christmas. If you are expecting to see them on the shelves in the stores before Christmas you will probably be disappointed. Nikon is going to do its best to get the cameras to the dealers to fill the pre-orders but it is unlikely there will be "shelf stock" until sometime in January. We received our full production model Coolpix 5000 today and will be finishing up our review as soon as possible. Please hold off on the email, when the review is updated with the screenshots and menus and sample photos I will post that info here. 12/06/01 update: Nikon USA confirmed that they have begun shipping the Coolpix 5000 cameras to the dealers and stores as of today.

12-04-2001

MacWorld "Eddy's" Awards for 2001 Announced Every year the editors at MacWorld Magazine evaluate products and software for the Macintosh Operating System and then rate them for their utility, innovation and elegance. The seventeenth annual Editors' Choice Awards (better known as the Eddy's) can be found listed here. The winners will be honored at a party held during Macworld Expo in San Francisco during January 7 - 11, 2002. The categories that we are most interested in are as follows: Best Digital Camera PowerShot S110 Digital Elph, Canon (Winner) Coolpix 995, Nikon PowerShot G2, Canon Best Image-editing Software Photoshop Elements, Adobe Systems (Winner) Fireworks 4, Macromedia Test Strip 3.1, Vivid Details Best Digital Video Software Final Cut Pro 2.0.2, Apple Computer (Winner) DVD Studio Pro 1.1, Apple Computer Premiere 6.0, Adobe Systems

12-04-2001

Two New Digital Cameras from Praktica The folks over at LetsGoDigital.nl have just posted some information about two new digital cameras from Praktica, a name well known in the film world. This will be their first effort in the digital camera market, no word if these cameras will be available outside of Europe. More info later if and when it becomes available. Shown above is the 3.3-megapixel DCZ 33 which looks a lot like the Minolta S304 and it also has a 4X optical zoom lens.

12-03-2001

Your Digi-Photos Turned into 3-D Art For as little as $34.95 Photo's In 3-D specializes in taking your photographs and turning them into a three-dimensional product. You'll be the talk of the office and the envy of your friends as you display pictures of your loved ones in a way not often seen. Photos In 3D offers several sizes ranging from the smallest finished image size of 2" x 4" to the largest 7-5/8" x 10". All pictures are printed on Dye-Sublimation printers and have the same permanence as conventionally processed photos. (This is a shameless plug for a service that my best friend has started. These make great Christmas or holiday gifts for your family and loved ones. And the quality of these products are excellent.)

12-01-2001

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12-01-2001

Free Digital Noise Removal Photoshop Action A new iNovaFX color noise and grain reducing Photoshop Action Filter is available now for Beta testing by Photoshop 6.0 owners. Free to all digital photographers. Called the "iSORemover1.ps6", the Action seeks to reduce the grain artifacts and color noise artifacts of high ISO images by at least one stop of ISO without impairing fine color detail or painting the image with an unrealistic airbrush effect. "Doing surgery on a troubled image always runs the risk of making the wrong compromises," said Peter iNova, author of the iNovaFX Photoshop Action Filter series, "but I think this one is very close to right. A few early users have tried it with low ISO images and tell me results are good there, too." Color noise is usually not a problem with low ISO shots, but every little bit may help. Photographers who enjoy available light photography know that high ISO is both their friend and enemy. The increased sensitivity helps capture the shot, but the build-up of color inaccuracies (noise + blotches) and grain can become distracting and undesirable. The filter does four things in a particular sequence. It captures fine color detail and holds that aside while it lowers color noise, then diminishes rough grain without removing most of the subtle texture in a shot. When that is finished, it replaces the fine detail areas and restores the shot's chroma, since the other operations tend to reduce image chroma unevenly. "At over 20 seconds to do its work, it's not terribly fast," iNova said, "but it makes ISO 800 shots look a lot more like ISO 400. ISO 400 originals look more like ISO 200 shots, etc. You can view the before and after images color by color and see dramatic differences in the blue and red channels. I designed it to help with Nikon 995 ISO 800 images in particular, but I want to know how well it works for other cameras and film speeds. Therefore, this public Beta test." The filter can be accessed for free through the DigitalSecrets.Net Web Site iNova is also the author of "Mastering Nikon Compact Digital Cameras" an eBook on CD detailing Nikon 950/990/995/775 cameras. He is soliciting feedback from users who try the PS Action Filter. The Beta version will be available through the end of the year. Future eBooks for Nikon and other cameras will include the final version(s).