-- Top News Stories -- Archos AVCam 300 Module BreezeBrowser 2.8 Released C1 Pro Now Available for Mac Users C1 SE RAW Workflow Software DiMAGE Messenger 2.0 Software Flashtrax 40GB and 80GB Models Leica Digilux 2 Nikon Announces D70 SLR Pentax 16mm-45mm Zoom for *ist D PhotoRescue 2.0 for Mac OS X and Windows QPict v6 Adds Support for RAW Files Sigma Photo Pro Version 2.0 Sony Full-Circle 360° Lens November 2003 News Index October 2003 News Index September 2003 News Index 2003 Holiday Wish List Steve's "Best of 2003" Camera Picks PMA 2003 Special Report Sunday Morning Photographer (A weekly column by Mike Johnston)

12-31-2003

Full Sony F828 Review Posted Just posted is our full Sony Cyber-shot F828 review. Sony's latest flagship camera is an enthusiast's dream with a manually-operated 7x Carl Zeiss T* zoom lens, industry-leading 8-megapixel imager, Night Shot, Night Framing, Laser Hologram focus assist, durable alloy body, InfoLithium battery and much, much more. Minolta DiMAGE G400 Review Posted Also posted today is our Minolta DiMAGE G400 review, a compact 4-megapixel, 3x zoom camera with fast startup and very fast auto focus and short shutter release lag times. This ultra-compact camera features a stylish and durable metal covered body and easily fits in pocket or purse.

12-30-2003

LetsGoDigital Posts Olympus E-1 SLR Review Our good friends over at LetsGoDigital have posted their Olympus E-1 SLR review, you can find it in English, Norwegian, Polish, Dutch and Spanish languages from this link. Find out what they think about this new pro digital SLR. And before you ask, yes, we are working on finalizing our E-1 review. We were swamped with other cameras that we had previously committed to reviewing and the E-1 review got put on hold. Olympus just sent us a very big box of E-1 components including their new 300mm f2.8 lens - and what a lens it is!   We'll be posting the full review soon.

12-25-2003

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year To All Here's wishing all of our readers a safe and happy holidays and a great and successful new year. If you thought that 2003 was a great year for digital cameras then we're sure that 2004 is really going to excite you. The PMA 2004 show is the second week of February so we expect things to begin heating up just shortly after the start of the new year. As usual, we will review and report on all the new cameras and other digital imaging goodies so be sure to check in regularly.

12-23-2003

Olympus To Introduce Two New Digital Macro Flashes For E-System In January Melville, NY, December 22, 2003 – Olympus America Inc. will introduce two new macro photography flash units for its award-winning E-1 professional digital SLR in late January 2004. The Olympus STF-22 Twin Flash Set and SRF-11 Ring Flash Set are designed specifically for digital capture, as are all the product offerings in the innovative Olympus E-System, the world’s first 100% all-digital interchangeable lens SLR system. The SRF-11 Ring Flash Set (MSRP $700.00 USD) delivers soft, even illumination ideal for seeing inside crevices and revealing detail. The STF-22 Twin Flash Set (MSRP $950.00 USD) delivers light from the sides instead of directly from the front, casting shadows that reveal surface texture as well as detail. Read the entire Olympus press release.

12-22-2003

Full Nikon D2H Review Posted Just posted is our full Nikon D2H review and all I can say is that this camera answers the question - "What's the fastest pro digital SLR camera?" Everything about the D2H is fast. It's ready to shoot as soon as you turn it on, it focuses in a heartbeat and I've never seen a camera write a large buffer full of images to a CF card this fast - ever. If you're in the market for a professional camera for photojournalism and sports photography, they don't get much better than this, check it out.

12-22-2003

Quantum Turbo® Compact -- Portable Power for Flash and Digital Cameras Today’s digital cameras and flash demand more power. Different voltages. The Quantum Turbo® Compact is the portable solution to power a digital camera and flash together. The proper voltage for each camera model is automatically adjusted. To power a different camera or flash, you need only change the cable. Quantum's smallest Turbo yet, the Turbo C weighs just 16 ounces yet packs almost the same power of a standard Turbo. A self- contained thread screws into the socket on the bottom of a camera, and Turbo C itself accepts tripod threads for mounting. Turbo C's energy comes from Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) technology, providing concentrated power, quick flash recycling, no memory, and long life. The remaining battery capacity is displayed on its “fuel gauge” so that you won’t be caught unaware. Indicators show power delivered to the camera and/or flash. When charging, which takes just 1.5 hours, the “fuel gauge” displays the charging progress. For more information please visit the Quantum web site.

12-19-2003

SD Memory Card Sales Surpass CompactFlash Card Sales in October The SD Memory Card has passed the CompactFlash Card, to take the top position in market share among memory cards, according to the most recent sales data available from The NPD Group. The SD Memory Card captured the number one position with 30 percent of the U.S. flash memory market in October against 28.8 percent for the CompactFlash Card. In third place was Memory Stick, with a 22 percent market share. Panasonic is a co-developer of SD Memory cards along with Toshiba and SanDisk. Joseph Unsworth, analyst - Semiconductor Memories for Gartner Inc., noted: "The recent success of the SD Card in the retail channel is in line with my expectations of the SD Card becoming the leading flash card format. The SD Card is well-positioned in terms of performance, cost, and industry support across many applications and that is why I expect the SD card to have the largest share of revenue of all of the flash card formats in 2004." A total of 1,524 products worldwide, carrying 134 of the world's foremost brand names, currently use the SD Memory Card. The format is further supported by the more than 650 members of the SD Card Association, a consortium working to set industry standards and promote the acceptance of SD Memory Cards in a wide variety of applications. Source: PMA Newsline International.

12-19-2003

New C1 SE RAW Workflow Software - $249 With Full Pro Camera Support - Intro $199 Price Through 12/31/03 NORTHPORT, NY, December 19, 2003 — Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, is pleased to announce C1 Special Edition (SE) RAW Workflow software, the latest version in the C1 DSLR line of RAW Workflow Solutions which is being rolled-out today. The extensive feature set of the new C1 SE RAW Workflow software is based on the C1 LE (Limited Edition) version, with the exception of the RAW conversion simultaneous batch limit being raised to 100 images (from 20 in LE) and the addition of the full camera support previously available only in the C1 PRO version. On the Mac platform, RAW conversion support is provided for the full line of Canon digital SLR’s (1Ds, 1D, 10D, 300D, D30 and D60). On the Windows platform, the Nikon D1X and D100 are also supported, in addition to the full Canon DSLR lineup. All C1 versions, including the new C1 SE, provide unlimited batch processing by using the Quick Proof™ Export function which converts RAW files into high-quality proofs in approximately three (3) seconds each (depending on computer configuration). To celebrate the release of C1 SE, special pre-release pricing of $199 is now available from the three authorized C1 web sites: www.c1dslr.com, www.pictureflow.com (US) and www.pixource.com (Asia). Read the entire C1 SE press release.

12-18-2003

Sometime last night or this morning we turned over 200 million on the visitor counter. I still can't believe it myself, it was only a couple of years ago when we were thrilled to see twenty million and it's been like a blur ever since. I'd just like to thank all of our site visitors; past, present and future -- we couldn't do it without you folks. I would also like to wish all of our readers a safe and happy holiday season. Here's hoping that you don't eat too much and that Santa brings you the camera that you wanted. The choices are mind-boggling so I hope that our camera and printer reviews allowed you to make a well-informed holiday purchase.

12-18-2003

New Sensor Swab for Full Frame dSLRs Photographic Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its latest cleaning swab for digital SLR’s, the Sensor Swab type 3. This full frame, 24mm swab features newly designed construction to provide even pressure across the full width of the swab. Like our other swabs, these are manufactured in a clean room under strictly controlled conditions to ensure the ultimate in purity for cleaning delicate and expensive sensors. The SS3 is designed to clean the Kodak 14n and Canon 1Ds sensors when used with our Eclipse Optic Cleaner. Packaged 12 per box, MSRP $48.00. For more info go to the Photographic Solutions web site.

12-18-2003

Canon Plans to Roll Out Nearly 20 New Compact Digital Cameras December 18, 2003 - TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Canon Inc. said on Thursday that it plans to roll-out nearly 20 new compact digital cameras next year in an aggressive product push aimed at grabbing one-fourth of the global market. Canon, Japan's largest maker of office machines, is also busy jostling with electronics giant Sony Corp. for the top share of the booming digital camera market worldwide. Takashi Oshiyama, head of Canon's digital imaging business group, told Reuters in an interview that his firm's long history building cameras would give it the upper hand against its rivals, many of which have only been making cameras for a few years. "We have a 67-year history making cameras and there is still lots of technology gathered over that time stored away in the shed," Oshiyama said at Canon's headquarters in Tokyo. "Those companies out there that have no experience producing film cameras have yet to create a camera that performs like a real camera should. I won't say who that is." Oshiyama said Canon planned to launch "about twice" as many compact digital cameras in 2004 as the nine it rolled out this year. That would help it achieve a market share of 25 percent, up from around 20 percent in 2003 and 15 percent last year. Read the entire Reuter's press release.

12-18-2003

Digital Photography 101 Now Open For Registration Enrollment is now open for the next session of Digital Photography 101, an online interactive digital photography course that begins January 12, 2004 and is taught by Arthur H. Bleich, professional photographer and feature editor of Digital Camera Magazine Lighting, color, texture, composition, and other subjects are covered to give both beginning and intermediate students a solid grounding in photodigital techniques and esthetics. Each class is limited to ten enrollees, all of whom have access to the instructor as a mentor throughout the course. Weekly assignments are critiqued online and students may interact with the teacher and each other at a restricted Discussion Board. Tuition for the 10-week course is $365. For further information visit the DP Corner web site.

12-15-2003

Nikon Coolpix 3700 Review Posted Just posted is our Nikon Coolpix 3700 review, a stylish and compact 3-megapixel camera with a sharp Nikkor 3x optical zoom and amazing closeup macro capability that Nikons are famous for. This durable metal-bodied camera is the first Coolpix to use SD memory cards and comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery and will make a great holiday gift, check it out.

12-15-2003

PHOTOBIRD.COM - The easy way to share your photos SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - December 15, 2003 - Photobird.com today announced the immediate availability of its new easy-to-use, professionally-designed website that enables digital camera users to easily share their digital photos. Photobird.com enables digital camera users to easily create online photo albums, using an intuitive, attractive web-based interface. For a free trial, visit www.photobird.com. Photobird.com is faster, easier, and more convenient than e-mailing your photos to friends and family. When you want to share your photos on Photobird.com, you only need to send your personal Photobird.com link -- which is much simpler than sending megabytes of data each time you want to send photos to someone. Digital camera users who like to link directly to their photos and photo albums will enjoy Photobird.com's easy to remember links. You can even link directly to photos, which is useful when when posting them on eBay online auctions, classified ads, message boards, and forums. Photobird.com offers flexible and convenient monthly and yearly subscription options, available immediately from www.photobird.com/subscribe. For less than $5 per month -- about the price for storage space for a website that you would need to build yourself -- Photobird.com provides the storage space and the unique, professionally-designed web interface to make it easy to create your own online photo albums. Access to the Photobird Learning Center is free for all visitors to Photobird.com.

12-15-2003

PhotoRescue 2.0 Now Available for Mac OS X and Windows I've lost count of how many times readers have asked me what program I use to recover "lost" image files on flash memory cards. For the last year or so the one that I have been using on my PC is DataRescue's excellent PhotoRescue utility. It has consistently recovered image files that other recovery utilities were unable to find. I don't even bother with the other programs anymore, if PhotoRescue can't recover the files, then no program can. DataRescue has just released PhotoRescue 2.0, it's available in both Mac and PC versions as well as simple "wizard" and advanced user interface models. It just doesn't get any easier, the image files are displayed visually on the screen as hi-res thumbnails as they're recovered. Version 2.0 now recovers more images from bigger storage devices. With more and more people using 512MB, 1GB and larger cards, this is very important. PhotoRescue 2.0 faster recovery rates are obtained through a proprietary data-recovery engine that dynamically switches between up to 12 data-recovery algorithms to apply a case-by-case optimized recovery strategy. PhotoRescue supports the recovery of all file types but its algorithms are particularly optimized for JPG or JPEG files, TIFF files, GIFs and BMPs. It also offers a constantly updated support for CRW, NEF, ORW, MRW and many types of movie files. In some cases, it can even rebuild pictures that have suffered minor corruptions. PhotoRescue 2.0 is available in a simplified Wizard version, and a more advanced Expert version for Windows and Mac OS X. Both versions, available in most languages, can be freely evaluated and are available for download at www.datarescue.com. DataRescue has also upgraded its reseller offering by including both its PC Expert and Mac OS X Expert version in a single package priced at $39.

12-15-2003

Fujifilm Introduces Premium Plus Photo Paper For Outstanding Color Pictures From Home Inkjet Printers Valhalla, NY, December 9, 2003 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a global leader in digital imaging, today introduces its new Fujifilm Premium Plus High Gloss Photo Paper for consumers who choose to produce their pictures at home. Fujifilm has leveraged its pioneering history and expertise in digital photo processing to develop its own premium photo-quality paper. Consumers have long associated the Fujifilm brand with color excellence and quality and this new paper follows in that tradition, boasting a broad spectrum of rich, vibrant colors, including "blacker" blacks and "whiter" whites. Unlike some competitive photo paper products, Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper will work with all inkjet printer models. It is a glossy type paper that is water-resistant and quick to dry. Offered in the two most popular at-home photo sizes -- 4" x 6" and 8.5" 11" --, pictures printed to Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper are suitable for framing, photo albums or scrapbooks. Fujifilm Premium Plus Photo Paper is currently sold in 4"x 6" in 20, 60 and 100 sheet packs or 8 ˝" x 11" in 20, 50 and 100 sheet packs, and is available in select retailers with widespread distribution planned for the first quarter of 2004.

12-15-2003

Canon And The NFL Team Up To Put Action In Focus For Football Fans LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2003 - Who says the best seats are on the 50-yard line? Thanks to Canon, official camera and binocular sponsor of the NFL, football fans can now get even closer to the game. With the playoffs fast approaching, Canon has created a series of promotions including the "Canon Fantasy Photographer Sweepstakes" that enhances the excitement of the games and changes the way they are viewed. The "Canon Fantasy Photographer Sweepstakes" is a random drawing where one grand-prize winner will receive a trip for four to the 2004 Pro Bowl in Hawaii where they will have the opportunity to take pictures from the sidelines during pre-game, half-time and post- game events. The prize includes game tickets, hotel, airfare, as well as a Canon EOS Digital Rebel kit. Additional sweepstakes prizes include three first-prize awards of a trip for two to any 2004 regular season NFL game with game tickets, hotel, and airfare included, plus the Canon EOS Digital Rebel zoom lens kit. Ten second-prize winners will each win the Canon EOS Digital Rebel kit, and 25 third prize winners receive a $100 NFLshop.com gift certificate. Fans are automatically entered into the sweepstakes by taking part in Canon's largest ever "Cash in With Canon Rebate" promotion, which features double and triple rebates on purchases from over 40 selected pieces of Canon photographic equipment. For more information visit the "Cash in with Canon Rebate" web page. Fans can also score the entry forms at all Canon authorized dealers.

12-15-2003

Breeze Systems Announces Major Upgrade To Its Popular Breezebrowser Software, Version 2.8 New and enhanced features further establish BreezeBrowser's place as an indispensible tool in the digital photographer's workflow. The new 'filmstrip’ view is particularly helpful, as it enables users to view both a strip of thumbnails and single larger image at the same time. BreezeBrowser v2.8 also intoduces the ability to read Adobe's new standard for shooting data, XMP, and extends the range of cameras for which raw images can be displayed to Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Fuji and Minolta. New in this release: Combining the best of BreezeBrowser's thumbnail and main views the new filmstrip view makes it even easier to organize images. Filmstrip view displays image thumbnails in one resizable pane and a larger image in the rest of the window. HQ mode sharpening for proofs and raw conversion. More and more new cameras include a raw image mode which offers the highest possible image quality from the camera. BreezeBrowser v2.8 now supports the viewing of raw images from recent cameras like the Nikon D2H, Olympus E1, Pentax *ist D and Minolta A1 in addition to raw images from Canon cameras and other Nikon, Fuji, Olympus and Minolta cameras. Support for Adobe XMP data, BreezeBrowser v2.8 can read Adobe XMP shooting data from JPEG, JPEG 2000 and TIFF images. Enhanced contact sheet printing, BreezeBrowser's flexible contact sheet printing has been further enhanced to include different colored captions and the option to specify the page background as a solid color or an image. BreezeBrowser can be purchased from www.breezesys.com for only $44.95 and includes free upgrades for one year from the date of purchase. BreezeBrowser v2.8 is a free upgrade for all registered users.

12-12-2003

Popular Photography Magazine's "Report from Japan" According to Popular Photography Magazine's "Report from Japan" Minolta will show a 90% working digital version of their popular Maxxum SLR at PMA in Feb and will deliver it by Photokina in Sept-Oct 2004. A high-level Nikon exec says that they will stick with APS-size sensors for their digital SLRs, research is going forward with 24x36mm size sensors but no product is forthcoming. Olympus plans to release an amateur- and medium-priced version of their E-1 dSLR, both with built-in flash. An independant lens manufacturer will be producing optics for the new 4/3 camera system. Olympus won't show much at PMA but could introduce the medium-priced E-1 by Photokina. Canon prefers 24x36mm sensors for pro cameras and predicts only a slight drop in their price which will keep them out of the amateur range. APS-size sensors will continue to rule the amateur SLR market and Canon has no plans to produce an entire range of APS-dedicated lenses. Pentax already has the lightest digital SLR with their *ist D and vows to make even smaller, lighter and less expensive dSLRs. They also are working on a more comprehensive SLR with image stabilization in the camera body or lenses. Pentax is also planning on two series of lenses, one for the APS digital sensor cameras and one for 35mm cameras, at the rate of about five per year. Canon and Nikon are committed to Image Stabilization (Canon) and Vibration Reduction (Nikon) in lenses, almost all other camera makers are researching putting such systems into digital SLR camera bodies. Both mechanical and optical systems are being researched. Problems include whether such systems should be mechanical or optical, whether they can overcome vertical, horizontal and panning shake, and how to avoid violating Nikon and Canon petents. In Point-n-Shoot cameras Nikon plans to add Vibration Reduction, Canon does not think that Image Stabilization is necessary for point-n-shoots.

12-11-2003

Full Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom Review Posted Just posted is our full Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom review complete with conclusion and sample photos. This is a top of the line 5-megapixel camera with a 4x wide angle zoom, fully-articulated color LCD and every possible "bell and whistle" feature. It's sure to please advanced photographers and is a camera that can grow with you if you're still a newbie. All this and it's still priced under $700, check it out.

12-11-2003

QPict v6 Adds Support for RAW Image Files Sweden December 11, 2003 - Rune Lindman releases QPict version 6 for Mac OS X. QPict 6 is the most important release in the history of the product. QPict 6 adds full support for RAW image files from almost every camera brand and model such as Nikon, Canon, Kodak, Casio, Minolta, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax and more . Enables cataloguing, viewing and conversion of RAW files. Now also has native support for postscript files. With the new kiosk mode you are able to put your work on display in public places without worrying about anyone messing with the computer. QPict is a fully featured, easy-to-use media asset manager for all kinds of multimedia files including images, movies, fonts and sounds. QPict offers a very attractive and inexpensive way to view, organize, search and batch process media files. QPict supports standards such as ANPA, EXIF and XML. For a complete list of new and updated features or to download a free 30-day trial version, visit our web site at http://www.qpict.net. For a limited time existing QPict users can upgrade to the new version 6 for only $14.00.

12-10-2003

Simple Star Announces PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5 San Francisco, CA (December 10, 2003) Simple Star, Inc., the creators of easy to use consumer software, announced today the release of PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5. With PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5, powerful new features enable users to get more enjoyment from their digital photos than ever before. PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5 allows users to quickly organize their photos and then edit and print with ease. In addition, PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5 enables even new users to easily create and share musical shows with their digital photos and music. "PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5 offers the best way for consumers to get the most out of their digital photos whether they are novice photographers or experienced users," said Chad Richard, chief executive officer of Simple Star. "With the popularity of digital cameras exploding, it's never been more important to make powerful yet easy to use photo software available to consumers. Simple Star believes that the joys of digital photography should be accessible to everyone." In addition to the release of PhotoShow Deluxe 2.5, Simple Star has also released two new animated clip art theme packs that can be used to enhance photos and musical slide shows. The "Holiday Pack" and "Kids Pack" are both available as downloads and are seamlessly integrated into PhotoShow 2.5 upon completion of the download. Clip art theme packs are available for immediate download at www.simplestar.com for $9.99 each or both for $14.99.

12-10-2003

PictureCode Releases Noise Ninja 1.1 Austin, Texas (December 10, 2003) -- PictureCode today released version 1.1 of Noise Ninja(tm), the highly regarded image noise removal software application. Introduced only a month ago, Noise Ninja has rapidly gained a following among photography professionals and enthusiasts for its ability to quickly and easily eliminate high-ISO noise and grain from digital images while preserving detail. In direct response to user feedback, Noise Ninja 1.1 includes a variety of refinements and new features: Automatic selection of noise profiles based on EXIF data (camera model, ISO setting, and shutter speed) for batch processing and individual images. Ability to toggle the filter preview. Improved batch processing options. Improved toggling between filtered and original images. Reading and writing of monochrome JPEG and TIFF files. Keyboard shortcuts for common operations. Preservation of JPEG EXIF data. Preservation of ICC profiles. Compatibility with the Windows shell "Open With" command. Additional refinements of the user interface. Noise profiles for 25 popular camera models Noise Ninja 1.1 runs under Windows XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98SE. It can be downloaded for free from www.picturecode.com/download.htm. A license key is required to unlock certain features. Keys for version 1.0 will continue to work for version 1.1. New keys are priced at $29 for the Home license (allowing 8-bit-per-channel file output), and $69 for the Professional license (allowing 16-bit file output and batch processing).

12-10-2003

Digicam Sales and Resolution Soar as Prices Sink It comes as no surprise to us that the digital camera business is literally booming. During 2003 digital cameras truly reached the status of being a mainstream consumer item and all of the number-crunchers out there agree. A recent Business Week Online article is called "Everyone's Smiling for Digital Cameras" and claims that digicam sales on MSN's online shopping mall are up 40-50% vs. last year. As we have heard from many vendors, digital cameras "are on fire" and are the top category for online sellers of consumer electronics goods. During 2003, the sales of digicams has eclipsed that of analog film-based cameras in both market share and dollar value. Old-line camera giants and relative upstarts are facing off in this fiercely competitive market. "Anybody who can find a manufacturer to make a digital camera for them is doing it," says Elliot Peck, director and general manager for camera sales at Canon USA (CAJ). "There's going to be a shakeout over the next couple of years." At the moment, Canon and Sony (SNE) are running neck and neck in the battle for No. 1, each with about 20% of the market, Peck claims. Five players collect more than 75% of total sales: Olympus, Canon, Sony, Kodak (EK), and Fuji (FUJIY). The biggest winners in this free-for-all are consumers, who are taking more pictures using higher quality cameras that sell for less. "It's really changing consumer behavior with photos," says Michelle Slaughter, director of digital-imaging trends at Norwell (Mass.) tech consultancy InfoTrends. "Before, you might finish a roll every month or take pictures of major events. Now people are sharing their daily lives. You don't have to wait for pictures anymore. It has completely changed the way we view photography."

12-10-2003

LetsGoDigital Reports on Two New Minox Digicams If you like your digicam to look like a piece of jewelry then check out the Minox DD1 Diamond, a 3-megapixel (2.1mpixel hardware) fashion camera adorned with synthetic diamonds and a weight of just 120g. For the more conventional camera lovers there is the Minox DC 5211, a compact 5-megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom and 1.5-inch color LCD, all wrapped up in a stylish all-metal body.

12-09-2003

Pentax Announces 16mm-45mm F4 Zoom for *ist D GOLDEN, Colorado (December 9, 2003)…PENTAX U.S.A. has announced a perfect companion lens for the *ist D digital SLR camera. The compact, high-performance, interchangeable smc PENTAX-DA 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL lens features a 3X zoom ratio with focal lengths covering ultra-wide to moderate-telephoto ranges for the angle of view equivalent to 24.5mm-69mm in the 35mm format. The DA-Series features a responsive “Quick-Shift Focus System” that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves the camera’s operability. The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction. The image circle in DA-series lenses, including the smc PENTAX-DA 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL, is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance. The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications. PENTAX U.S.A. will preview the lens at the PEPCOM Digital Focus media event on January 7 in Las Vegas during the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.

12-09-2003

Asiva Selection Plug-In for Photoshop Now Available This new plug-in, by Shapiro Consulting Group, Inc., (SCGI), Austin, Texas, is based on the patented Asiva technology. It allows users to make selections or masks with its unique curve technology. Users can create precise selections by adjusting the plug-in's Hue, Saturation and Luminance curves. These curves represent the color component values of the desired selection. The Asiva Selection plug-in's curves also allow for selection roll-off so all subsequent adjustments or effects will appear completely natural. A built in Color Sampler Tool provides a good starting-point for setting these three curves. The Asiva Selection plug-in features all 16-bit per component internal processing, even on 8-bit images. For pre-Photoshop CS users working on 16-bit files, the plug-in directly creates a gradient selection without having to create an 8-bit duplicate file and transferring a selection, increasingly saving time with larger files. Other controls allow the plug-in to ignore, add to, or subtract from an existing Photoshop selection, modify the selection by expanding it and controlling the expanded selection's fall-off. This plug-in can provide more precise control over selections than Photoshop's built in Color Range selection. All of the selection plug-in's settings may be saved and loaded, as provided in other Asiva plug-ins. The Asiva Selection plug-in runs under Mac OS 9.x, Mac OS X, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. It has been tested with Photoshop 5.5 through 7.0. Within Photoshop, the plug-in supports 8 or 16-bit, RGB or CMYK files. For more information and screenshots visit www.asiva.com.

12-09-2003

Sony Full-Circle 360° Lens Mechanism The folks at I4U News have posted an item about a new Sony 360° full-circle lens video camera. They quote the November edition of Sony's CX-News Semiconductor and LCD Newsletter which says, "Until now, taking a 360° panorama with a normal lens has required taking multiple shots while rotating the camera slowly and then combining ("stitching") those shots together to form the panorama. In contrast, the 360° full-circle lens allows the full 360° surroundings of the camera to be imaged at the same time with a single lens. Sony has now developed a camera module that uses this 360° full-circle lens, and is releasing as commercial products both a camera module that uses a 380K-pixel, 30 fps CCD that outputs a ring-shaped image as a composite video signal as well as a high-resolution camera module that uses a 1.28 MP, 7.5 fps CCD with a built-in panorama expansion processing function. New functions and applications can be created by combining these devices with a variety of different products, and thus these products can contribute to the creation of new markets." Just a reminder that this isn't exactly a "first," check out our Kaidan 360° One VR review for a similar device that's been available for digital cameras for a while now.

12-05-2003

Nikon D2H SLR First Look Posted Just posted is our Nikon D2H SLR First Look. We're really enjoying doing this review but it's going to take a while to finish - in the meantime here's a little teaser. This is a camera that will satisfy anyone's "need for speed," it's so fast it's unbelievable. It will spoil you forever though.

12-04-2003

Concord Camera Corp. Ships Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless -- Bluetooth Digital Camera Hollywood, Florida, December 3, 2003 -- Concord Camera Corp. [NASDAQ: LENS] announced today shipment of the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless, the first 2 Megapixel Bluetooth enabled digital camera. Designed with convenience in mind, the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless transmits images to Bluetooth compatible devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, and laptops as well as USB-compatible computers. The Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless is packaged with a Bluetooth adaptor, which allows the user to transform their Windows based computer or laptop into a Bluetooth device. Just install the Bluetooth driver software and plug the Bluetooth adaptor into the USB port and the computer is ready to receive pictures from the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless. The Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless can also beam an image to most Bluetooth devices that support OBEX and are able to receive, process and display a JPEG image. The Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless digital camera transmits pictures from as far away as 30 feet and no direct line of sight is necessary. The camera stores over one hundred VGA sized images in 7MB of internal memory but also has an SD/MMC card slot for additional storage. The camera also features preset scene selections for flexible picture taking and a 4x digital zoom. It offers three focus modes to ensure great pictures at any distance; macro for close-up images; portrait for group photos; and infinity for scenic views. AVI Video clip capability allows users to capture special moments. The user can select between 2 Megapixel, 1 Megapixel, or VGA resolution still images. Compatible with Microsoft® Windows ® 98SE, 2000 Professional, ME, XP Home and Professional. Images can be transmitted to specified Bluetooth compatible devices. See Concord’s web site for an up-to-date list of compatible devices. Weighing in at only 4.5 ounces and tiny at 3.44 inch length, the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless is pocket- sized and easily accessible any time you would like to snap a picture. The Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless is priced at only $149.99, available immediately through retailers.

12-04-2003

Kyocera Finecam SL300R Review Posted Just posted is our Kyocera Finecam SL300R review, a super-compact 3-megapixel, 3x zoom camera that's both stylish and durable with a short shutter lag and 3.5fps performance. Check it out, it'll make a great holiday gift.

12-03-2003

Nikon Announces Development of D70 Digital SLR Camera MELVILLE, NY, December 03, 2003 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced development of the D70, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera designed to deliver superb image quality and hallmark Nikon SLR performance at an attractive price that a broad range of consumers will find within reach. A new DX Zoom-Nikkor lens is being developed concurrently to match the D70, and both products are scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2004. Designed for a wide range of customers, from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 will enable photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera system. The new model will offer an exclusive selection of new features and exciting Nikon SLR technology that will surpass products within the evolving digital SLR market, and provide exceptional value at an estimated retail price of $999.00 for the camera body. Read the D70 press release.

12-03-2003

Kyocera To Drop Yashica Brand and Cameras As the global film camera market rapidly shrinks another well-known camera brand name is set to disappear. Kyocera acquired the ailing Yashica back in 1983 and just recently announced that it would stop releasing new Yashica cameras and will gradually cease sales of current camera models. This move will allow Kyocera to concentrate their efforts on their two other camera brands, Contax and Kyocera, so as to better compete in the global digital camera market.

12-03-2003

SR Electronics Digi-Slave LED Ring Lights SR Electronics announces the release of two new LED ringlights for digital cameras. The Digi-Slave L-Ring and Digi-Slave L-Ring Ultra are powerful, easy-to-use LED ring lights ideal for macro photography. Equipped with super high power white LEDs, both units feature a variable power dial to quickly and easily optimize the light output. These compact, lightweight ring lights are perfect for any kind of close-up photography – dental, catalog, jewelry, etc. The Digi-Slave L-Ring (Catalog # L520, MSRP $129.95) has 16 super-bright white LEDs, variable power dial, runs on 9V battery, attaches via 52mm threads (additional lens adapters may be necessary) and works with any digital camera. The Digi-Slave L-Ring Ultra (Catalog # U5200, MSRP $169.95) has 24 super-bright white LEDs, variable power dial, runs on 9V battery and a 9VDC power supply is included, attaches via 52mm threads (additional lens adapters may be necessary) and works with any digital camera.

12-02-2003

Addonics MFR Review Posted I just posted our mini-review of the Addonics Multi-Function Recorder (MFR), a very slick, battery-operated portable CD burner for digicam users. For $249 you get a device that functions as an 8-in-1 card reader, CD-R/CD-RW writer/reader, DVD player, MP3 player, image viewer with video and audio output to a TV, and connects to your host computer with a high-speed USB 2.0 interface.

12-02-2003

New Rollei dp3210 Features 10x Optical Zoom Our friends over at LetsGoDigital have posted news about a new Rollei dp3210 digital camera. It features 3.3 Megapixels, 10x optical zoom and has a large 2.5-inch color LCD as well as a high-resolution color electronic viewfinder. I can't help noticing that it is very similar to the Toshiba PDR-M700 in size, design and lens specifications -- maybe it's an OEM version?

12-02-2003

Not Enough Resolution? Try a Gigapixel! This comes from the "How'd they do that?" file ... If you've ever wondered what 196 Canon D60 6-megapixel images stitched together would look like then check out Max Lyons' Breaking the Gigapixel Barrier page. Max obviously spent some quality time at Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and the resultant image is incredible.

12-02-2003

FotoWare Launches New FotoStation PRO Software FotoStation PRO solves overflow from digital camera files for stand-alone photographers and workgroups alike. The Norwegian based software company FotoWare a.s, presents a completely rewritten and enhanced version of its renowned and widely used software for acquiring, processing, archiving and distribution of media files. Now FotoStation PRO offers unparalleled flexibility and capability whether utilized as a single user application or as client in the scalable FotoWare workgroup and enterprise system. The new version has been directed even more towards the professional user. Obviously, the large numbers of existing users have been delivering their wish lists for FotoWare to include when creating the new FotoStation PRO. New features include a better way to import images from any digital camera for archiving together with comprehensive information. Actions are included to automate processing tasks, enhance image quality and deliver the files to the right destination. The new interface and features provide all the tools needed to integrate FotoStation PRO with almost any type of workflow. FotoWare also offers other products that will further enhance the features of FotoStation PRO. Index Manager works seamlessly with FotoStation PRO as a server based solution to handle huge archives of almost unlimited numbers of objects for workgroups. The combination of these two products represents the first choice of thousands of users throughout the world today. FotoStation 4.5 supports Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP; Macintosh OS 8.0 - OS X supported. (FotoStation 4.5 runs in non-native classic mode under OS X.) For more information, see www.fotostation.com.

12-01-2003

Canon & SportsShooter.com 'Clip Contest' Closing In On Winner LAKE SUCCESS, NY, Dec. 1, 2003 - With Canon, SportsShooter.com and literally hundreds of judges to thank, one talented and lucky lensperson will soon take home the coveted Canon EOS 1-D Digital SLR (along with the Canon EF 28-135 image stabilized zoom lens) and the title, "SportsShooter.com Photographer of the Year 2003." SportsShooter.com is the online community for working photojournalists. The annual honor - which will be announced online on February 1, 2004 - rewards the top aggregate point scorer in the site's monthly "clip competition" with Canon's rugged, rapid and ready for anything EOS 1D professional digital SLR. Capable of capturing 8 frames per second, the EOS 1D digital SLR is the camera of choice for photojournalists of every specialty. In addition to the EOS 1D digital camera annual prize, Canon created the SportsShooter Accessory Kit awarded to one overall winner each month. The kit consists of such imaging essentials as a Canon pro-camera bag, a pair of Canon 10x25 compact binoculars and a treasure trove of Canon logoed goodies. Based on the time-honored traditional newspaper industry clip contests (wherein photographers would submit their best published clips of the month to be judged by a panel of editors and photographers) the SportsShooter.com version made a few improvements to the rules, ensuring that no hint of bias or fotog-favoritism could even be implied. Member photographers can enter a maximum of six images per month in any combination of four categories: Sports Action, Sports Feature, News and Feature. Since SportsShooter.com's launch in June 2002, more than 1500 photographers, photo editors, students, interns and assistants from around the world have been admitted as members. While fully 98% of the site is open to the general public at no charge, photo posting and other site privileges are restricted to members only. SportsShooter.com archives all back and current issues of the monthly SportsShooter email newsletter, edited by USA Today staff photographer Robert Hanashiro (currently 64 issues) including nearly 1,000 photo related stories. Currently each month, the site has 250,000 visitors and serves up 3 million pages of photographic content. For more information about the contest, please visit www.sportsshooter.com.

12-01-2003

New Imaging Industry Organisation Launches Multi-Lingual Awards Web Site The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a new independent international industry organisation formed to identify excellence in imaging products, has formally opened its Web site at www.diwa-awards.com. The site will announce awards made by DIWA and link visitors to the Web site publications of DIWA members and their reviews of products that have earned DIWA awards. Over time, the DIWA site's interactive database will establish itself as a central point of reference for high quality and high value information to help members of the public determine their most appropriate purchasing choices. Details on products tested and rated by DIWA members will be freely available to site visitors. Read the DIWA press release.

12-01-2003

Leica Announces New 5-Megapixel Digilux 2 Leica Camera AG, Solms, today announced the LEICA DIGILUX 2 with its fast LEICA DC VARIO- SUMMICRON 7-22.5mm (28 - 90mm in 35mm equivalent) f/2.0-2.4 aspherical zoom lens. It has a 2/3-inch CCD image sensor with a resolution of five million pixels. Each individual pixel has a size of 3.4µm, these larger pixels register the light more quickly and accurately. The combination of these larger pixels, the large area 2/3-inch CCD and the high quality Leica lens leads to extremely high picture quality. The DIGILUX 2 has a large and bright 2.5- inch color LCD monitor and comes with a 64 MB SD memory card. included with the camera The DIGILUX 2's controls are based on traditional analog cameras, with focus, zoom and aperture settings being made by rings on the lens barrel and a shutter speed dial on the top of the body. The camera features a very short shutter release delay that makes it well suited to capture fast-moving action subjects and spontaneous shots. Read the entire Leica press release.

November 2003 News

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