"Better than the manual" Books for Nikon, Olympus and Canon digicams.

-- Top News Stories -- Amphibico U/W Housing for Sony F707 Archos Jukebox Multimedia BreezeBrowser v1.4 for Canon Users Canon EOS-1D Firmware 1.3.0 Update Canon EOS D60 SLR Canon Powershot A100, A30, A40 Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe Foveon's Full-Color Image Sensor Fuji FinePix 30i Multimedia Camera Kodak DX4900 EasyShare Nikon Coolpix 2500 Nikon D100 SLR Pentax DB-100 Binocular/Digicam Profile Prism v2.0 Released Samsung Digimax 410, 350SE, 340 and 230 SeaLife Intros Underwater DigiCam Sigma SD9 Digital SLR Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P31, P51, P71 Sony Mavica CD250 and CD400 Toshiba PDR-T10, PDR-3310, PDR-3300 January 2002 News Index December 2001 News Index November 2001 News Index

02-28-2002

Sanyo to Show New DSC-MZ2 at CeBit The PMA 2002 show is barely over with and already we're hearing about things that will be shown at the CeBit show in Germany in the very near future. The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have information on the new Sanyo DSC-MZ2 2-megapixel, 2.8x zoom camera. It will be the first digicam to use Real Color Equalizer technology which enables the color space set on the PC to be relayed to the camera via the CF card. The MZ2 can use CF, CFII or Microdrives and also records 15fps motion video up to 640x480.

02-27-2002

Canon Posts EOS-1D Firmware 1.3.0 Canon has just posted the EOS-1D Firmware Version 1.3.0 Update. Canon announces that Firmware Version 1.3.0 is now available for reducing noise in EOS-1D images. The update will be effective especially for those images where an ISO speed setting of 800 and higher is selected to capture a dark subject or a subject against a dark background. Updating the Firmware Version to 1.3.0 as well as the tone curve data in your EOS-1D, will reduce the noise even further when taking pictures at ISO speed settings of 800 and higher. Also, a modification to eliminate a horizontal noise line, recognizable on the upper part of the frame in some scenes, is now available. If you wish to have your EOS-1D modified to eliminate this noise line, contact the local Canon Distributor listed on your Warranty Card. This modification may require a certain amount of time. The following EOS-1D cameras have already been modified. * Cameras with Firmware Version of 1.2.0 or later installed when the camera was purchased. Significant noise reduction is possible by updating the firmware to Version 1.3.0. Further noise reduction is possible by downloading the custom tone curve data from the Canon web site and uploading it to the camera.

02-24-2002

Our PMA 2002 Report Goes Live For all the news about all of the new cameras and other digital imaging hardware and software be sure to see our complete PMA 2002 Report.

02-23-2002

New Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera Combines Quality of 4.0 MP with One Touch Simplicity ORLANDO, Fla., February 23 - Eastman Kodak Company announces the availability of the Kodak EasyShare DX4900 Zoom Digital Camera, the first print-optimized 4.0 Megapixel (MP) digital camera, designed to be one-touch simple. The Kodak EasyShare DX4900 is part of the Kodak EasyShare system, the recognized industry standard for ease-of-use, that allows consumers to transfer, print and e-mail pictures with one-touch simplicity. The latest addition to the EasyShare portfolio, the DX4900 has a suggested retail price of $399 and will be available in March. Read the full Kodak press release

02-23-2002

Toshiba Expands Digital Camera Line at PMA 2002 with Three Bold New Cameras ORLANDO, FL, February 23, 2002 (Photo Marketing Association Show, Booth #1233) - Toshiba is introducing three new digital cameras at the Photo Marketing Association Show 2002, opening tomorrow in Orlando, Florida. The PDR-T10 is a small pocket-size 2-megapixel camera that uses its LCD monitor as an interactive touch-screen to control its functions. The PDR-3310 is an ultra-compact 3-megapixel camera with loads of features and a full 3x optical zoom. The PDR-3300 is an affordable 3-megapixel digicam equipped with a 2.8x Canon zoom lens. Read the full Toshiba press release

02-22-2002

LetsGoDigital Has Announcement of Four New Samsung Digicams The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have the announcement of no less than four new digicams from Samsung ranging from two to four megapixels in resolution. Samsung Digimax 410, 350SE, 340 and 230 all have 3x optical zoom lenses and very compact body designs. Read all the details here. Pentax Optio 230 And the new camera announcements just keep rolling in, LetsGoDigital has now posted info about a new Pentax Optio 230, a very compact 2-megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom. Similar in design to its bigger brothers the Optio 330 and 430 but it features a swing-out and swiveling 1.6" color LCD screen. If that's not enough it also has a 3D picture creation feature and also functions as a world time clock! For all the specs just follow the link above.

02-22-2002

Canon Introduces the 6.3 Megapixel EOS D60 SLR Camera With Interchangeable Lenses: Ideal For Studio / Catalog Pros And Advanced Amateurs See our extensive Canon EOS D60 user review LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. - February 22, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to answer the needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts with the introduction of the EOS D60 digital SLR. Developed with the needs of studio and catalog photographers in mind, the new D60, with its 6.3 megapixel (effective) resolution, provides photographers with the high performance, advanced features, and creative flexibility they expect from an EOS SLR camera. Read the full EOS D60 press release

02-22-2002

Canon's New Powershot A100, A30 and A40 Digital Camera Models LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. - February 22, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), is introducing three new PowerShot digital cameras: the PowerShot A40, A30 and A100. The PowerShot A100 is Canon's first true entry-level digital camera. All three models are designed to provide consumers with a fun and affordable way to enter and experience digital photography. In addition, optional waterproof cases are available for all three models, allowing the cameras to be used as deep as 100 feet underwater. Read the full Powershot press release

02-21-2002

Nikon Unveils Affordable 6.1 Megapixel D100 Digital SLR Camera MELVILLE, NY, February 21, 2002 Nikon today introduced the high-performance D100 digital SLR camera, a 6.1 effective megapixel camera that provides a unique combination of advanced SLR functionality and powerful digital capabilities that deliver high-quality images. Designed for high-end amateur photographers and photo enthusiasts, as well as a wide range of business applications, the D100 now makes digital SLR photography more accessible with Nikon's exclusive advanced capabilities, intuitive ergonomics and powerful feature set. The D100 is part of Nikon's highly successful digital SLR series. Read the full D100 press release

02-21-2002

Nikon Introduces A New Twist On Photography - Coolpix 2500 Features World's First Inner-Swivel Lens Design MELVILLE, NY, February 21, 2002 - Nikon today introduced a digital camera with a revolutionary twist, the Coolpix 2500, a stylish pocket-sized 2.0 million effective pixel digital camera featuring the world's first inner-swivel lens design. This inner-swivel lens makes shooting from various angles -- including a 180-degree flip for self-portraits -- easy and fun, while providing protection for the lens when not in use. The slim and stylishly compact design features Nikon's built-in One-Touch Upload button to easily transfer images to the computer or web, making the Coolpix 2500 the perfectly portable, affordable high-quality digital camera. See our extensive Coolpix 2500 review Read the full Coolpix 2500 press release

02-20-2002

Sony's New CD Mavica Digital Cameras Offer Better Pictures And Instant Archiving PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 20, 2002 - Maximizing the benefits of writeable CD photography, Sony's two new CD Mavica digital still camera models (MVC-CD250 and MVC-CD400), announced today, incorporate focus, exposure and archiving features that help make every picture worth keeping. Read the complete Sony press release or click on the links above to read our First Look reports and see sample images from these cameras.

02-20-2002

Sony's New Cyber-Shot Cameras Make The Delete Button Practically Obsolete PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 20, 2002 - The need to delete out-of-focus or improperly exposed pictures is almost a thing of the past with the powerful hidden capabilities of Sony's new Cyber-shot digital still camera models (DSC-P31, DSC-P51 and DSC-P71), unveiled at a press conference today. Read the complete Sony press release or click on the links above to read our First Look reports of these cameras. The DSC-P71 First Look includes sample pictures.

02-19-2002

Sony's New MicroMV DCR-IP55 Camcorder The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have news of another new digital camcorder from Sony, the MicroMV DCR-IP55 features a Megapixel CCD imager and a Carl Zeiss 10X lens. This is a palm-sized digital camcorder with still image capture, a built-in flash and it uses Sony's Hologram Autofocus system first seen on the Cyber-shot F707 camera. The IP55's 2.5-inch color LCD is touch-sensitive and includes a stylus pen. The camera is also Bluetooth compatible and able to communicate with similarly equipped network hardware.

02-19-2002

Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe Turns Consumers Into Digital Age Hollywood Directors Fremont, CA – February 19, 2002 - SCM Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, today announced the release of DVD Complete Deluxe, the newest addition to SCM’s Dazzle line of market-leading digital media solutions. DVD Complete Deluxe is a revolutionary DVD authoring and burning software program that allows consumers to turn video footage into Hollywood style DVD movies in five easy steps. Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe offers unsurpassed simplicity and flexibility for DVD authoring. Novice users can take advantage of the software’s project wizards to guide them step-by-step through the DVD authoring process, while expert users can adjust and manipulate all aspects of their projects in detail. The end result is a professional looking DVD movie that is quick and easy to make. “Camcorders, DVD players and now DVD burners are becoming essential home entertainment tools for consumers,” said Dirk Peters, director of product marketing at SCM Microsystems. “DVD Complete Deluxe bridges all these devices, putting consumers in the director’s chair with a complete team of designers at their fingertips, to create professional-looking DVDs. This solution is powerful, yet extremely easy to use, making it fun for both beginners and experienced PC users.” With high quality picture and sound, high capacity and a compact and portable storage medium, DVD technology has rapidly achieved popularity among consumers. DVD players are one of the fastest growing consumer electronics products in history, and the availability of affordable DVD recordable drives makes it possible for consumers to burn and watch their very own DVD movies. DVD Complete Deluxe helps consumers create Hollywood style movies on DVD using their own video footage. Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe allows users to: Automatically convert video footage into crystal clear DVD quality MPEG-2 video Choose one graphic theme from a number of supplied templates and have backgrounds, selection buttons, inserts and disc labels all automatically updated with the same graphic look and feel Easily print DVD labels, dust jackets and jewel case inserts using the same theme selected for the DVD movie created Add cool start-up overtures, interactive menus, background audio and scrolling credits Add fun features such as scripts, bloopers, out-takes and director’s cuts Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe will output video to VCD, cDVD and DVD for playback on DVD players and CD or DVD drives on personal computers. The software supports Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME and XP operating systems and works with the latest CD and DVD recorders. Dazzle DVD Complete Deluxe is priced at $99 (MSRP) and will be available via digital download beginning in March and in retail stores nationwide in April 2002. A starter version of the software, called DVD Complete, will be bundled with a selection of Dazzle digital video products. SCM will offer an upgrade from DVD Complete to DVD Complete Deluxe for $29.99.

02-18-2002

Pentax DigiBino DB100 - Digital Camera Binoculars The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have just posted a news item about the Pentax DIGIBINO DB-100 which is a pair of binoculars equipped with an 800,000 pixel digital camera and 1.6" color LCD. View distant objects like regular binoculars with 7x magnification that's equivalent to a 280mm lens on a 35mm camera. It has 16MB of internal memory to capture up to 100 fine mode JPEG images, shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec., and video output for connecting to a TV for viewing. Action shots are easily captured at 5fps up to 10 frames and it has a minimum focusing distance of just 2 meters.

02-18-2002

InfoTrends Predicts More Consumers Will Use TVs To View, Share Photos A new report from InfoTrends Research Group Inc., Boston, Mass., USA, projects the TV may become the center of consumer photography applications in some homes over the next five years. "The TV will not replace the PC as the primary imaging platform in the near term," said Kristy Holch, principal at InfoTrends. "But consumers will gradually discover that it is a friendly, easy-to-use alternative for viewing and sharing photos. For consumers without access to PCs, or who aren't comfortable with technology, intelligent set-top devices will be their on-ramp to digital photography." A new generation of photo-enabled set-top devices is enabling this trend. Newer DVD models support reading photos from a CD. Also, set-top devices such as personal video recorders (PVRs), game consoles, and home media centers will increasingly allow for storing and displaying photos. The gradual growth of home networks, set-top Internet connectivity, and high definition TV will also foster TV-based photography. The consumer appeal of photos will help drive adoption of these technologies, according to the InfoTrends report, titled "TV-Based Digital Imaging: A Driver in the Next Wave of Intelligent Consumer Electronics." By 2006, InfoTrends projects 85 percent of U.S. households will have a photo-enabled set-top box, up from less than 1 percent in 2001. These will drive multiple new revenue streams, including digital camera and set-top hardware, online and retail services, and print consumables, the report predicted. InfoTrends also found 59 percent of U.S. households who have visited an online photo site would be interested in receiving and viewing photo CDs on TV, using a DVD player.

02-17-2002

Archos Jukebox Multimedia - Portable Storage, Camera, Camcorder, MP3 Player and Video Recorder The ARCHOS Jukebox Multimedia provides a revolutionary, handheld entertainment center, which combines an MP3 music player and recorder, plus built-in microphone, photo album and carousel, still camera and camcorder, plus video player and recorder. The base unit of the Jukebox Multimedia provides an MP3 player, a photo and video viewing capability, and a 10GB Hard, plus an Expansion Connector that allows additional modules to be attached to the unit. It comes with a standard USB 1.0 interface and can also use an optional USB 2.0, FireWire, or a PC Card connection. The 10 GB Hard Drive is able to hold 2500 MP3 songs, 5000 to 30,000 photos, 10 to 50 hours of videos and can serve as a back up 10GB hard drive for personal data. The Jukebox Recorder Kit allows real-time MP3 recording from any audio source. The Photo Module downloads images from CompactFlash cards or SmartMedia in seconds to the hard drive and can be viewed on the color LCD or on a TV. The Camera Module turns the unit into a digital camera and Camcorder with a 2X digital zoom to shoot movies in MPEG4 format with an MP3 sound track. The Video Recorder Module is similar to a VCR recorder. It can record and playback MPEG4 quality videos from and to a TV. The Jukebox Multimedia provides a total, portable entertainment solution for music, photos, videos and data - all in the palm of your hand.

02-16-2002

Amphibico Launches Its First Housing for a Digital Still Camera - the Sony DSC-F707 Amphibico, designer and manufacturer of top-of-the-line underwater imaging equipment, announces the introduction of a still camera housing worthy of the Amphibico brand and worthy of inclusion in its world renowned line of underwater video equipment and accessories. The 707 housing has been created consistent with Amphibico's reputation for designing high quality products and is manufactured from marine grade aluminum with ergonomically positioned camera controls and perfect balance underwater. Both electronic and mechanical controls will access key camera functions: the zoom (T/W), pre-trigger (image framing) and power on/off will be electronic while the strobe on/off/auto, white balance, metering mode and shutter will be mechanical. The 707 has a wet alarm and, while it is available standard with a flat port, it will accept all of Amphibico's bayonet-mounted lens assemblies. The rear of the camera provides easy viewing of the 1.8" LCD color monitor. The camera and housing have been positioned for "straight-thru" photography, the choice of professionals for easier and more precise framing of subjects especially moving subjects. Only Amphibico offers LSD. The 707 will utilize any available strobe but is equipped with LSD, Light Sensor Device, designed by Amphibico's electronics engineers to provide perfect lighting every shot by imitating TTL light monitoring. Or you may simply want to mount one of Amphibico's self-contained-power 10 watt arc lamps. They are always on, offer more than an hour of burn time, have no hot spots and produce a colour temperature of 6500°K. Suggested Retail price: $995.00 US

02-12-2002

Sigma SD9 SLR Info and Specs I've just posted the complete Sigma SD9 SLR info and specs page. We should have one for review but probably not until May, more info later. The Sigma folks will be showing the new SLR at the PMA 2002 show in Orlando at booth #1635.

02-11-2002

DC Resource Posts First Sony Mavica FD200 Review Sony's floppy disk-based digital cameras have come a long way since the original Mavica FD5 with VGA resolution was released. This year Sony gives us the Mavica FD200 with a 2-megapixel imager, a floppy drive and a Memory Stick card slot.   It's "large" by today's standards because you can't miniaturize a 3-1/2" floppy drive but it gives you room for a nice, big 2-1/2" color LCD on the back. The key to the Mavica's has always been the simplicity of getting the images into the computer, no cables or special software needed, simply insert the floppy in the drive and you've got your pictures. If you need to capture a lot more pictures, no problem -- 128MB Memory Sticks are now only $65-75. The only problem is the FD200's $499 price, for the same money there are higher resolution 3- and 4-megapixel cameras that are physically smaller with more features. Jeff at the DC Resource Page has posted the first Sony Mavica FD200 review on the net, see what he has to say about it.

02-11-2002

Foveon Announces The World's First Full-Color Image Sensor SANTA CLARA, CA - (February 11, 2002) - Foveon, Inc., a technology leader in high quality digital photography, announces the introduction and immediate availability of its new line of Foveon X3 image sensors. The image sensors utilize the company's new Foveon X3 technology and are the world's first full-color image sensors that capture red, green and blue light at each and every pixel. This technology innovation results in sharper images, better color, and freedom from color artifacts common in present digital cameras. The Foveon X3 image sensors are the first to detect color by embedding three photo detectors in silicon at every pixel location. The benefits of Foveon X3 technology will be available for all classes of digital cameras, ranging from high-end professional systems to low-cost point-and-shoot cameras. Read the Foveon X3 press release

02-08-2002

NikonNet to Feature Online Photo Coverage of 2002 Olympic Winter Games NikonNet, the educational web site of Nikon Inc., Melville, N.Y., USA, will present a series of online photo albums featuring news coverage from the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, from Feb. 9-24. Providing real-time photo coverage of the Olympics for NikonNet members will be sports photographer Dave Black, who has been shooting the Summer and Winter Games since 1984, and whose images have appeared in such publications as Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and TIME.

02-08-2002

BreezeBrowser v1.4 Released for Canon PowerShot Users Chris Breeze emailed me to let me know that he had just released BreezeBrowser v1.4, a powerful but user-friendly program for Canon PowerShot users. BreezeBrowser currently supports raw file conversion for the G1, Pro90, G2, S30, S40 and D30 cameras. Chris plans to add EOS-1D raw file conversion after Canon releases an updated version of their SDK. He's added these powerful new raw conversion features: auto and manual levels saturation adjustment gamma correction resizing using a high quality sinc filter unsharp masking 100% preview option for accurate white point selection and assessment of the converted image. All post-processing is carried out using the full image data from 16-bit raw conversion (8-bit for the G1 and Pro90) to give the best possible quality. These post-processing tools are also available using the proofs feature which can be used to batch process images ready for printing proofs. Also revised is the user interface and further improvements to the HTML generator. BreezeBrowser ships with several attractive templates including drop shadows, frames and a simple Java script-based online ordering page. Be sure to check out Chris' other software programs: Downloader - a free utility for downloading images from Canon cameras via the USB cable or images from DCF compliant cameras from a card reader. G2Remote - tethered operation of the Canon Powershot G2, S30 and S40 from a PC via the USB cable. This offers almost complete control of all the cameras settings and includes a large image display area and live viewfinder display. D30Remote - tethered operation of the D30 from a PC via the USB cable. It offers extensive control of the camera's settings and includes a large 720x480 preview and a full size preview window which can be left displayed and is updated automatically when more pictures are taken.

02-06-2002

SeaLife Introduces New ReefMaster DC200 Underwater Digital Camera SeaLife Cameras, whose products are manufactured in the United States at Pioneer Research, Moorestown, N.J., USA, introduced the ReefMaster Digital, an underwater 1.3-megapixel digital camera for divers and snorkelers. It features a 1.8" color LCD monitor, 2x digital zoom and three modes of operation - sea, external flash and land. In the "sea" mode for example, the shutter speed and aperture adjustments compensate for the low light conditions common in underwater photography. The internal camera is protected from water and pressure by a clear, Makrolon housing, with dual O-rings that keep the unit safe to a depth of 200 feet, SeaLife said. The "land" mode allows the ReefMaster Digital to function as a traditional digital camera, after being removed from its clear waterproof housing. The ReefMaster Digital will be available soon at dive stores for a suggested retail price of $549.95. It can be expanded with all SeaLife Marco and wide angle lenses and one or two external flash(es). The supplied NiMH rechargeable batteries allow for up to 2 hours operation with the LCD monitor turned on.

02-04-2002

Fujifilm Canada Launches New Website Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, launched a new corporate website. The site contains information for consumers and photography enthusiasts with an emphasis on professional and digital photography. The new site is an extension of Fujifilm's new brand campaign - "Open Your Eyes." "Our goal is to create a positive on-line brand experience to get repeat visitors. With the new functionality offered on the site, we are creating interaction with our various customer segments by improving the visitor experience," says Maria Carapina, assistant manager, Marketing Communications, Fujifilm Canada. Highlights include: "Fujifilm Professional Imaging Community, "a community for professional photographers; "Digital Gateway," a gateway to digital photography resources; and "My FUJIFILM," which allows visitors to define their level of photography interest.

02-04-2002

Pixology to Launch Early Version of Software for Red-Eye Reduction U.K. digital imaging and Internet printing company Pixology said its software, known as Pixology IRIS (Intelligent Red-Eye Imaging Solution), automatically detects and corrects red-eye. The software is currently in R&D, and Pixology said the a fully automatic red-eye product should be commercially available by the third-quarter 2002. An early version of the product using IRIS technology will be launched later this quarter. The key components involved in creating a successful solution for red-eye are automatic detection and correction in conjunction with a minimal level of false detection. It is estimated that such technology could add a value between US$5-$10 to a digital camera. In addition, Pixology said an automatic solution to red-eye will provide a significant boost to the Internet printing market, as many digital images are not printed due to the problem each year. Pixology recognizes six immediate applications for the technology: in cameras, software packages, home printers, scanners, minilabs and via online services.

02-04-2002

Fujifilm Introduces the Versatile Finepix 30i Digital Camera to U.S. Market Wallet-Size Digital Camera Features MP3 Playback, Voice Annotation, Video Conferencing and Digital Audio and Video Recording Capabilities ELMSFORD, NY, February 5, 2002 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., the first manufacturer to pair MP3 digital audio technology with a high-resolution digital camera, has announced that it is bringing the FinePix 30i digital camera to the United States. A hit in Europe and Asia, this wallet-size successor to the noted FinePix 40i is one of the most versatile digital cameras on the market, offering a choice of digital features: Powerful CCD sensor - The FinePix 30i offers consumers a 2.0 million effective pixel CCD (2.1 million total pixels) for vibrant, colorful prints of up to 8x10 inches. Digital Picture Voice Annotation - Speaking into the camera's built-in microphone, picture-takers can attach 30-second voice notes to each photo, enabling picture-takers to further enhance their memories with additional commentary. MP3 Digital Music Player - In addition to taking great pictures, the FinePix 30i can perform like a portable MP3 player by allowing users to download and listen to near CD-quality playback of their favorite MP3 files. The included 16MB SmartMedia™ card can store up to 20 minutes of music while an optional 128 MB card can hold up to 160 minutes. Multi-Purpose Remote Control - The enhanced, back-lit remote control of the FinePix 30i lets users include themselves in pictures, scroll through photos, and display the titles and artist names of their favorite MP3 tracks. Digital Audio Recording and Playback- The FinePix 30i can record up to 33 minutes of audio on the bundled 16MB SmartMedia card; 272 minutes on a 128MB card. Digital Video with Sound - The FinePix 30i's digital video recorder can take up to 20-second bursts of AVI video with sound, a nice feature for capturing that fleeting special moment. Videoconferencing - The FinePix 30i can double as a PC-cam, allowing consumers live face-time via computer with friends and loved ones. Extremely Compact - The camera measures a mere 3.3"W x 2.9"H x 1.2"D and weighs only 5.6 ounces without batteries. Read the entire press release with full specs.

02-04-2002

Kodak to Expand Do-It-Yourself Photo Booths NEW YORK (Reuters) - Photography giant Eastman Kodak Co.(NYSE:EK - news) plans to expand its do-it-yourself Picture Maker kiosk family to places such as hotels, resorts, and Internet cafes, enabling users in remote locations to print pictures snapped with a digital camera. Kodak's new Picture Maker Digital Print Station is a low-cost booth that fits within its group of self-contained sales points from which consumers can perform a variety of transactions, including ordering prints of new pictures, or enlarging older ones. The machine can generate a print from a digital memory card, CD, or floppy disks in 25 seconds. The kiosks can also burn pictures to a CD, and later this year, distribute them over the Internet. Consumers have the option to pay for the entire transaction by credit card. The new stations are part of Kodak's strategy to grow its stand-alone printing systems beyond retail locations such as big-box shops and drug store chains. "It gives us new channels to go into that are out of our traditional mass food and drug retailers," said Kodak product manager Rob Pignataro. "You can see these in airports, electronics stores, and office supply superstores." Kodak already has some 21,000 kiosks deployed in the United States, and over 35,000 globally. A Kodak spokesman declined to detail how many pictures are generated by the family of devices, which include their Digital Print Station, Picture Maker Order Station, and Picture Maker Print Station. Interest in digital photography continues to surge, but industry experts say widespread acceptance of the new technology remains fleeting as users suffer with the complexity of the image transfer process, a conundrum often referred to as "getting the pictures out of the camera." Dan Carp, Kodak's chairman and chief executive, said at an investors meeting last week that Kodak and other digital camera makers realize they must continue to simplify the process. "You can't say (to the public) 'These cameras are easy enough to use, believe me'," Carp told Reuters. "I think the retailer will play a big role in making it easy enough to get prints."

02-01-2002

Sandisk Ultra CompactFlash Cards Chosen to Capture Super Bowl Action SUNNYVALE, CA, Feb. 1, 2002 - SanDisk Corporation today announced that ImageDirect, the preeminent provider of digital photography services, will use SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash digital film cards to capture the high-speed action of Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002. SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash cards are a new line of digital film cards specifically designed for serious digital photographers who require a fast-speed card to capture action shots or to quickly shoot many high-resolution images. "You only get one chance to shoot a game like the Super Bowl so you have to be prepared," said Frank Micelotta, president of ImageDirect. "We've been using SanDisk's Ultra CompactFlash cards to shoot a number of high-profile venues including the 2001 Billboard Awards and the VH1 Music Awards and they have worked flawlessly. They offer a great combination of speed and performance so we don't miss a shot." Nelson Chan, senior vice president and general manager of SanDisk's retail business unit, said, "We are really excited that a world-class photo agency like ImageDirect is standardizing on the SanDisk Ultra CompactFlash cards. Whether you're a digital photography enthusiast or a professional, we are confident that SanDisk Ultra cards will deliver the performance you need to capture great pictures." SanDisk Ultra CF cards have a sustained write speed of up to 2.8 megabytes (MB) per second or more than twice the sustained write speed of SanDisk's standard CF products. They are available in the popular Type I CompactFlash form factor.

02-01-2002

Profile Prism v2.0 Released DDI Software announces the release of Profile Prism v2.0. Version 2.0 now offers the ability to create ICC color profiles for printers as well as cameras and scanners. For the same $69 purchase price, you can now close the loop on color managing your prints by creating ICC profiles for your camera, flatbed scanner, and printer using the same incredibly cost effective professional tool. Profile Prism uses a scanned image of the purchased Profile Prism target along with a reference target from your printer to produce incredibly accurate ICC profiles automatically with minimal hassle and no eyeballing, tweaking, or other guesswork involved! Customers who already purchased Profile Prism camera/scanner profiling software can upgrade to the v2.0 camera/scanner/printer profiling package for free under our generous one year free upgrade policy! Visit the Profile Prism homepage and discover the most effective path to color management for today's digital imaging enthusiasts. Click the news link on the page for more detailed information about Profile Prism v2.0.

02-01-2002

Digital Camera Shipments Rise 30% in 2001 NEW YORK, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Shipments of point-and-shoot digital cameras rose 30 percent in 2001 fueled by surging holiday demand, as manufacturers cut prices and increased awareness through advertising, according to an industry study. U.S. shipments of point-and-shoot digital cameras -- which feature business card-sized displays for quick viewing of snapped photos -- reached 6.5 million units in 2001, research firm International Data Corp. said on Thursday. Some 40 percent of those shipments came in the fourth quarter, traditionally the most lucrative consumer electronics season due to robust holiday sales. "This is due to all vendors offering great products, advertising on television and in print, and in general increasing awareness of the market," IDC said. The total digital camera market, including Simple-VGA digital cameras, the low-end models without the tiny displays that are priced less than $150, rose 2 percent from 2000 levels to 8 million units. IDC said the Simple-VGA segment is in decline, with players such as Polaroid Corp.(OTC BB:PRDCQ.OB - news) and Belgium's Agfa-Gevaert exiting the market. Average selling prices for point-and-shoot cameras fell to $375 in 2001 from $533, while Simple-VGA models fell on average to $90 from $106. For the fourth quarter, Sony Corp., at 19 percent of the point-and-shoot market, and Eastman Kodak Co.(NYSE:EK - news), at 17 percent, were the frontrunners, said IDC, which noted that Kodak made strong gains with its EasyShare line of affordable cameras. Hewlett- Packard Co.(NYSE:HWP - news) was third at 15 percent. Overall in 2001, Sony led the market with 23 percent share, followed by Olympus Optical Co Ltd. and Hewlett-Packard, at 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively, IDC said. IDC noted however that in 2001, Sony, Olympus and Kodak, long-time leaders, lost market share points while Hewlett-Packard, Canon Inc., and Nikon Corp. gained points.

January 2002 News

Steve's Main Menu

Our Discussion Forums

Content copyright © 1998-2002 Steve's Digicam Online, Inc.

Please read our Legal Notice and Privacy Notice

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