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December 2002
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| 12-18-2002 |
Reindeer Graphics Announces Optipix 1.1Reindeer Graphics, Inc., makers of Optipix, announce the release of Optipix 1.1. This free update for all registered users of Optipix adds two new plug-ins to the Optipix suite. Safe Median is a variation on the standard median technique for noise removal that not only is color-safe, but leaves corners intact, providing a powerful tool for removing image artifacts without destroying the fine detail in the image. Power Median is the power-user's dream: a median tool with a completely user-definable neighborhood. This plug-in is designed to remove noise that has an orientation, such as scratches. The Optipix online documentation has also been updated to give examples for these plug-ins.
Optipix is available from the
Reindeer Graphics online store. The retail price of Optipix is US$99.95.
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| 12-17-2002 |
Canon Releases File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS XThe File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS X allows you to process RAW images into 16-bit TIFF files, 8-bit TIFF files or JPEGs. In addition, the File Viewer Utility can be used for a broad range of RAW file adjustments, including image processing parameters (digital exposure compensation, white balance and color matrix settings, custom tone curves, subject pattern sharpness and edge enhancement), as well as detailed IPTC captioning and even the application of up to 26 different Personal Functions to the EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds. File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS X is compatible with the following digital cameras: EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D, EOS-D60, EOS-D30, PowerShot G3, PowerShot G2, PowerShot G1, PowerShot S45, PowerShot S40, PowerShot S30, PowerShot Pro90 IS
File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.1 and 10.2 (as of December 2002).
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| 12-17-2002 |
SMaL Camera Technologies Enables Digital Cameras by RadioShack, Oregon Scientific and Creative LabsCambridge, MA (December 17, 2002) - SMaL Camera Technologies, the developer of electronic imaging solutions and the creator of the award-winning Ultra-Pocket digital camera, today announced SMaL-enabled devices by RadioShack, Creative Labs and Oregon Scientific. These companies have each released a digital still camera based on SMaL's Ultra-Pocket digital camera design and technology, now available in retail stores and catalogs. Based on its proprietary CMOS digital imaging technology and patented low power design, SMaL's solution has been heralded for its sleek credit card-sized design, groundbreaking 1/4" thickness, the industry's lowest power consumption and its proprietary AutobriteŽ technology. These technological advances allow consumers to take between 500 and 1000 pictures on a single charge and never worry about the camera's battery running low or needing to be replaced. Additionally, each SMaL-enabled camera automatically recharges itself each time the camera is connected to a computer via the supplied USB cable. SMaL's AutobriteŽ technology allows consumers to capture crisp details without worrying about backlighting or glare-eliminating an annoying pitfall of most digital cameras - as the revolutionary technology automatically adjusts the exposure so that details in both bright and dim areas of an image are clear. SMaL delivers a complete solution that features a kit of core components with reference design, offering a turnkey solution and quick time-to-market for their partners. Manufacturers and specialty retailers have the option to apply their own unique industrial design, manufacturing and distribution channels to differentiate their camera in the marketplace. RadioShack, a leading national consumer electronics specialty retailer, is currently distributing the SMaL-enabled FlatFoto at over 5,100 retail stores. Oregon Scientific, best known for its manufacturing and marketing of timing, weather, and personal communication devices, is currently distributing the SMaL-enabled DS6610 in North America and Europe.
SMaL will be showcasing to select OEMs its next generation credit card cameras and
imaging technology for mobile handsets at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
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| 12-16-2002 |
Olympus C-5050 Zoom Review Posted
Just a quick note to let you know that we've posted our full
Olympus C-5050 Zoom review. This is currently one of the best 5-megapixel cameras
out there and surprise, it's also the least expensive. It's got it all too, every
exposure mode, metering mode, multiple types of storage media, fast 3x lens, very
ergonomic controls and it's all wrapped up in a professional all-black magnesium body.
Check it out, we think it's a winner.
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| 12-16-2002 |
SilverFast Ai 6 Supports Nikon LS2000 and Heidelberg/Linotype Scanners with Macintosh OS-X 10.2, OS9 and Windows OSLaserSoft Imaging has readied support for all Heidelberg/Linotype desktop scanners, so users can upgrade their current software to SilverFast Ai for Macintosh OS 9-10.2, and Windows OS's. Future operating systems will be supported with SilverFast. SilverFast 6 has new features such as SilverFast SRD providing users with the capability to easily remove dust and scratches from images either during scanning or from scanned raw data files. Other features of SilverFast 6 include Selective Color Correction with Multi-Layers and Masking for handling complex images, ACR, known as Adaptive Color Restoration, to bring back faded or normalize over-saturated colours, SC2G a sophisticated function for converting color images to greyscale, and GANE a tool for eliminating grain and noise while preserving image detail. In addition to these exciting new features, SilverFast has implemented a new help system utilizing Apple QuickTimeŽ movies. The movies let users visualize how corrections can be applied to an image. Besides an introductory QuickTimeŽ movie each main dialog has it's own instructional QuickTimeŽ movie that can be called while inside a dialog. "For the first time, a large 1:1 sized movie demonstrates all functions of SilverFast!" says Karl- Heinz Zahorsky, President & Founder of LaserSoft Imaging. SilverFast 6 is available right now for : Jade, Jade II, Saphir, , Saphir Ultra, Saphir Ultra II, Saphir HiRes, Linoscan 1200 (OS9), Linoscan 1400, Linoscan 1450, Linoscan 1800 (HighRes), LinoScan 2200, LinoScan 2650, LinoScan 2400XL, and the Opal Ultra.
Demo-versions and upgrades can be downloaded from
www.SilverFast.com.
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| 12-13-2002 |
BreezeBrowser v2.4 Now AvailableBreezeBrowser v2.4 is now available for download. This version includes support for Canon EOS 1Ds, Powershot S45 and Powershot G3 raw conversion. It also includes a revised folder tree display in thumbnail view for easier access to folders on your desktop and in "My Documents". EXIF and IPTC data is now stored in PNG files and a recursive option has been added to the HTML generator. Please see this page full details: Due to some technical issues with Canon's latest SDK which affect Canon EOS 1D raw conversion there is a separate version available for Canon EOS 1D users (both versions are listed on the download page). If you need to convert Canon EOS 1D raw files and 1Ds, G3 or S45 raw files it is recommended that you install both versions in different directories.
Please note BreezeBrowser v2.4 will not run on Windows 95 and has
not been tested on Windows NT4. The latest version of BreezeBrowser
that runs on Windows 95 and Windows NT4 is BreezeBrowser v2.3.
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| 12-12-2002 |
Sony Memory Stick - Another SmartMedia?
 We've all been waiting for higher capacity Memory Sticks but it now looks as if it might suffer the same fate as SmartMedia. Sony is expected to show the new higher capacity Memory Stick - tentatively named "Memory Stick Pro" at the CES show next month. We don't know if it will be compatible with existing devices or not. The new MS Pro cards will be offered in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities and feature higher performance. Read the entire story at c|net's News.com 12/14/02 update: According to Imaging-Resource's news article Sony had the following to say:
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| 12-12-2002 |
Nikon Announces New Compact, Lightweight G-Type Ultra-Wideangle Zoom for Nikon Digital SLRs
This will be the first truly compact, lightweight AF-S ultra-wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLR cameras, and is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2003. Read the entire Nikon press release.
Also see
Rob Galbraith's Nikkor 12-24mm article.
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| 12-11-2002 |
Kodak Pro 14n Ship Date Pushed BackBuyers anxious to get their hands on Kodak's new DCS Pro 14n camera will have to wait an extra month before it's available. According to the Kodak DCS Pro 14n Q&A page the new shipping date is mid-January 2003, about a month beyond the scheduled December 16, 2002 date originally announced. Here's part of the text from the Kodak website:
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| 12-10-2002 |
MacWorld 2002 "Eddy" AwardsThe editors at MacWorld have announced the winners of The 18th Annual Editors' Choice Awards, better known as the "Eddy's." There are many software and hardware awards given out, follow the link to read about all of them. The ones dealing with digital cameras, printers or imaging software are the ones that we're interested in and are as follows:
Digital Camera (less than $1000) - Consumer Graphics Software - Photo Printer - |
| 12-09-2002 |
Fuji S2 Pro Problem Identified(ELMSFORD, NY, December 9, 2002) -- Fuji Photo Film U.S.A, Inc., announced that certain FinePix S2 Pro cameras with specific serial numbers may be subject to an intermittent electronic malfunction that could render the camera inoperable. "Err" messages will appear on the top display panel and LCD monitor of the camera when the AA or lithium batteries are replaced, and the camera will not operate. Fujifilm noted that the chance for a camera to fail while in use is very remote. Fujifilm is notifying its dealers of the steps the company is taking to address customer inquiries related to this subject. The company is asking FinePix S2 Pro owners to visit its corporate Web site to determine if their camera may be affected. To view a list of serial numbers, please visit this Fujifilm web page. If the malfunction occurs or if the owner's serial number is listed, Fujifilm advises that the customer send an email to: digitaltech@fujifilm.com or call: 1-800-659-3854, option #1, to receive instructions on receiving free evaluation and service. Customers can also send their camera directly to Fujifilm at the following address:
Fuji Photo Film, U.S.A., Inc. |
| 12-09-2002 |
Nikon USA Posts Nikon Capture 3.5 and Nikon Scan 3.1.4 Update and New Firmware for Coolscan IV
Nikon has posted a software update for Nikon Capture 3.5 (Mac/PC) and Nikon Scan 3.1.4
(Mac OS X) and a firmware update for the Coolscan IV (Mac/PC). Go to the
Nikon Digital Tech Support Page, click on your product and then download the
updated software or firmware for your operating system.
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| 12-08-2002 |
SanDisk ImageMate 6-in-1 USB 2.0 Reader/Writer Review Posted
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| 12-03-2002 |
Canon Announces New Powershot S45
The 4.0 megapixel Canon PowerShot S45 features a high-resolution 3X f/2.8 optical zoom lens and a compact, silver-toned aluminum exterior for a rich and elegant appearance. In addition, the S45 includes Canon's exclusive "DIGIC" Imaging Processor to help improve overall image quality, increased processing speed and enhanced camera features including a 9-Point AiAF autofocus system for faster and easier focusing; 9-position White Balance; selectable metering modes for precise exposure in almost any shooting condition; selectable Second-Curtain sync flash; an improved Movie Mode that captures clips up to 3 minutes apiece with sound; and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's CP-100 dye- sublimation printer and several Canon Bubble Jet Printers. The PowerShot S45 will be available in December and have a suggested retail price of $649.
Read the full Canon S45 press release
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| 12-03-2002 |
Mastering Nikon Compact Digital Cameras v5.0 Released
With these two added chapters, the eBook grows to 451 pages with over 1200 photographs, illustrations and tables covering digital photography as encountered by the top Nikon compact digital cameras. Other chapters document digital camera principles, photographic myths and superstitions, Photoshop in seven lessons, a 22-step photographic self-teaching course, digital printing, digital special effects, a deep "How Do I..." section, vexing FAQs and operation of the more than 300 original iNovaFX Photoshop Action Filters that are included in the package. The Nikon eBook is a Best Seller among photography books and comes on CD for Macintosh and Windows computers. It includes well over 300 original iNovaFX Photoshop Actions that repair, enhance and widen the scope of Nikon digital images. New in Version 5.0 are the iCrosstar series that add tunable cross star effects to existing images, and the iGrad series that add soft-edge gradation filter effects in your digital darkroom. "Nikon has evolved in significant ways," said author iNova, "and the eBook has tried to keep pace. These cameras enter one's life as unknown entities full of secrets and mysteries. I hope the eBook helps people domesticate them without losing sight of their surprising depth and natural abilities." The chapter on the camera operation of the CP4500 adds 38 new pages and the chapter on the CP5700 adds 44 more. Among the two new chapters over 290 new "InfoBites" (noteworthy camera or technique-specific factoids) make their appearance.
Mastering Nikon Compact Digital Cameras can be ordered in a special
arrangement with Steve's Digicams that saves customers the U.S. First
Class shipping costs and shares the profits to help support this site.
Click here to order at $49.95.
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| 12-02-2002 |
New DPS Standard for Direct Printing from Digital Still CamerasPALO ALTO, Calif., and TOKYO, Dec. 2, 2002 -- Canon Inc., Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., HP, Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation and Sony Corporation today announced a proposal for an industry standard that enables consumers to easily print photos by directly connecting their digital still cameras to their printers -- no PC required. Until now, each company had its own proprietary solution for direct printing -- without a computer -- between their own branded digital still cameras and printers. This situation has proven to be limiting to consumers, as they are unable to achieve the same convenience and ease of use when using a combination of products of different brands. The unified specification, tentatively named "DPS," ensures compatibility across digital cameras and printers, regardless of brand, giving consumers the flexibility and simplicity to create high-quality photos. The specification was originally developed by Canon, HP, Seiko Epson and Sony. Fuji and Olympus later joined discussions and collectively the specification was finalized. Together, these six companies, all leaders in digital imaging, will continue to advocate industry adoption of this new standard, which is expected to spur the growth of digital photography. About DPS DPS specifies an application layer control protocol and is independent from any physical transport. It was designed to be extensible for implementation on future physical interfaces. The DPS version 1.0 document, which will be published formally later, is written for USB as a physical transport and Picture Transfer Protocol as data transfer protocol. Consumers can simply connect a DPS-enabled digital still camera to a DPS-enabled printer, using the camera to perform operations and easily print high-quality photos. The following features are supported by a DPS system according to the recommended specifications:
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| November 2002 News |
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