01-30-2000

JVC's New 3.3 Megapixel GC-QX3 According an article in TWICE, JVC will introduce a new three megapixel GC-QX3 digital still camera at PMA 2000. It's scheduled to ship in February for less than $1000 and will be JVC's second attempt to get into the digital camera market. First of all, here's JVC's specifications: Image sizes: 2032 x 1536, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 Optical 2.3x zoom lens, f7.5 - 17.5mm Aperture settings: F=2.8 (wide)/3.8 (tele), 5.6, 8.1 1/1.8" CCD with 3,338,400 pixels SmartMedia storage (3.3V) TIFF and JPEG file formats, DCF and DPOF conforming Video format: JVC original, max. 20 seconds USB connectivity 2" 200,000 pixel TFT polycrystalline silicon color LCD Bundled with rechargeable battery, charger, 8MB SmartMedia card, lens cap, hand strap, USB cable, video cable and CD-ROM with USB driver, Video Player for Windows and JVC Video Decoder for Macintosh Now - onto the really interesting stuff! The QC-GX3 has three "pro still" modes, all of which take multiple shots and use various techniques to make an enhanced shot from them. This obviously requires a stationary subject, but can yield much better results... First is the "6 Mega Pro-Still", which uses a movement of the optical refraction plate to shift the image 3.45 microns (1 pixel) upwards in between shots. Using this method, the light falls onto colors of different pixels in each shot, allowing less of the data to require interpolation. Every green pixel is recorded, not interpolated, whilst the red and blue data is doubled. A 3.34 megapixel 2032 x 1536 image which JVC notes offers color reproduction equivalent to over 6 megapixels is the result... Next comes the "NR Pro-Still". This takes multiple exposures (no note of how many) and uses the data to cancel out random noise components of the pictures, raising the signal to noise ratio by 18 dB! Finally, the "DR Pro-Still" takes two pictures, one bright and one dark. It then merges the two, creating a final image with triple the dynamic range, giving a range that JVC says approaches film quality. Thanks to the Imaging-Resource for all of these specs.

01-28-2000

Nikon Coolpix 990 First Look Posted I've only had it for a day and the weather went to crap today but I still got a pretty good First Look of the Coolpix 990 posted along with a very small assortment of sample photos. Please remember that this is a pre-production camera with beta firmware.

01-28-2000

Digital Photography Comes of Age at Digital Photo 2000 BROOKFIELD, Wis.--Jan. 28, 2000--InterMedia Events announces the only national trade expo and conference dedicated to digital photography and imaging - Digital Photo 2000. The expo will be held May 19-20, 2000, at the Rosemont Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill., with the conference scheduled for May 17-19, 2000 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, across the street from the Rosemont. The event provides photographers, photo labs, retailers and other graphics professionals with a wide-range of solutions for the explosive digital photography market - from digital photo capture to software manipulation and the latest potentials in photographic printing. The Digital Photo 2000 Conference features a variety of topics delivered by some of the most dynamic users in the digital photography and imaging market. Educational seminars feature the latest growth strategies, tips on digitally- capturing a quality image, techniques in image manipulation and color correction, and tricks for achieving the desired output. Complete information about the show and conference can be found at the Digital Photo 2000 Web site or by e-mailing info@digitalphotoexpo.com.

01-28-2000

Aladdin Systems Acquires Kai Line Scansoft (creators of the award winning TextBridge Pro OCR ) recently acquired the Kai line and they decided to combine PhotoSoap2, SuperGoo, and PowerShow into a new product called PhotoFactory which is now available from DigitalRiver for just $29.95, that's a savings of about $50!

01-27-2000

Kodak Reduces Digital Camera Prices ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Jan. 27, 2000--Faced with continued losses in its digital photographic business, Eastman Kodak Co. on Thursday cut the suggested retail price of five popular digital cameras by as much as $100. Effective today, following are the cameras with new suggested retail prices. Kodak DC290 zoom digital camera, $899 Kodak DC280 zoom digital camera, $699 Kodak DC215 Millennium edition digital camera, $349 Kodak DC215 Silver edition digital camera, $299 Kodak DVC325 digital video camera, $99

01-27-2000

Olympus Japan Intros New C-3030 Zoom Olympus America Inc., today announced their new C-3030 ZOOM 3.34 Megapixel (2048 x 1536) filmless digital zoom camera to its line of award-winning digital cameras. Full specs on my C-3030 Zoom Info Page Thanks to Danny Brenner editor of Digital Photography World for pointing me to the PC Watch site and their Olympus C-3030 pictures.

01-26-2000

Nikon Intros 3.34 Megapixel Coolpix 990 MELVILLE, NY, January 27 -- Nikon today introduced the Coolpix 990, a new, top-of-the-line digital camera that packs 3.34 megapixels of resolution and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens into a sleek, eye-catching design. Created for the serious photographer who values the quality and versatility that have made Nikon the camera of choice for professionals, with intuitive, easy-to-use features, the Coolpix 990 will hit retail shelves in April with an MSRP of $995. Want to know more?   Of course you do, click HERE !!! 01/27/2000 update: See my Coolpix 990 First Look and sample pictures

01-26-2000

PhotoHighway.com Announces February 2000 Chat Schedule MONTEREY, Calif. - January 25, 2000 - Continuing on the momentum of this month's rich, educational chat line-up, PhotoHighway.com announced today its online chat schedule for February 2000. One of the many benefits now offered to consumers and professionals alike are live on-line chats with industry experts, well-known photographers as well as PhotoHighway.com sponsors. Following is the schedule of chats scheduled on PhotoHighway.com for February 2000: "Extreme Landscape Photography" February 2, 2000, 8:00 p.m. EST "My Photogenic Valentine: Choosing and Using Your Wedding Photographer" February 9, 2000, 9:00 p.m. EST "Pro Chat: Affording Digital Photography Without Getting Ripped Off" February 15, 2000, 4:00 p.m. EST "Imaging Industry Trends with Alexis Gerard" February 16, 2000, 8:00 p.m. EST "New Product Introduction: Digital Imaging Technology from Fuji" February 23, 2000, 8:00 p.m. EST To participate in a chat, register as a a member of PhotoHighway.com free of charge at www.photohighway.com. To join in the discussion, simply log in to the site as a member at the time of the desired chat. The chat link will be clearly marked on the main member homepage.

01-26-2000

Coolpix 800 Firmware 1.1 Upgrade for NTSC Due By 1/31/2000 According to a note on the Nikon USA Tech Support web site the firmware 1.1 upgrade for the NTSC version of the Coolpix 800 will be posted by Jan 31. The firmware upgrade for European users with PAL cameras is already available on the Nikon Euro web site. Also on the Nikon USA site was a note informing us that the new NikonView 2.x and DX (for the D1) software for Mac OS/9 users should also be available by the end of the month.

01-26-2000

Kingston Announces 260MB PC Type II Hard Drive FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 26 -- Kingston® Technology Company Inc., a leading supplier of PC Card peripherals, announced today a new 260MB PC Card hard disk storage upgrade, the DataPak(TM) 260. The DataPak 260 is a PC Card Type II compliant hard disk drive with a native storage capacity of 260 (uncompressed) Megabytes. Kingston is committed to providing affordable digital storage as the trend continues toward higher capacity Type II drives. DataPak 260 consumes a mere 15 milli-amps of power in both sleep and standby mode, and only 350 milli-amps in access mode. With the low power draw feature, DataPak offers users the valuable advantage of longer battery life for their digital devices. The DataPak 260, part number (DP-PCM2/260), has a MSRP of $359.00.

01-25-2000

Fuji DS-260HD "BigJob" Review Posted Looking for a digicam that can take the worst that Mother Nature can throw at you?   If so, then look no further than the Fujifilm DS-260HD "BigJob" camera. This bad boy is totally weather proofed, built like a tank and ready to go where no digicam has gone before! Also in-house and under review are the Olympus D-340R and D-450 Zoom cameras, a pair of 1.3 megapixel cameras that are competively priced and produce excellent pictures.

01-25-2000

Express Digital Releases Most Powerful Digital Imaging Software Yet DENVER--Jan. 25, 2000-- Express Digital announced today the release of ExpressPhoto 6.0(TM), a digital photographic software application that raises the standard for ease of use and the speed of producing photos. Simply shoot, preview, add a custom border and/or text and print. All in seconds, all on location and all with only two clicks of the keyboard. The software is so easy to learn and use that the photographer will be making money in the digital world in hours instead of in weeks or even months. Built by photographers for photographers, ExpressPhoto 6.0 has powerful features to capture, customize and completely print a 35mm quality photo in 45 seconds. Whether in the studio, on the sidelines or at a charity fund-raiser, ExpressPhoto is the perfect tool to expand any photography business. ExpressPhoto 6.0 comes in two versions, ExpressPhoto Pro(TM) and ExpressPhoto Event(TM). ExpressPhoto Pro supports multiple printers and cameras and has the power to produce special effects and composite prints. ExpressPhoto Event supports Sony printers and the Sony FP3 digital camera and offers the photographer an affordable entry into the digital world.

01-25-2000

netdrive.com Enhances its 100MB Personal Internet Hard Drive Offering, Available Now to Everyone LOS GATOS, Calif. - Jan 24 - netdrive.com, the company that is transforming the Internet into a personal storage medium, has launched the general release of its unique storage service for users of the Web. This free service offers 100MB of secure personal storage on an "Internet hard drive," that is as easy to use and functions the same way as a PC's hard drive, allowing users anytime anywhere access to their files. Along with offering the greatest amount of absolutely free storage on the Internet, netdrive has expanded the capabilities of their service with new features. Users now have a choice of accessing their files either from their netdrive file system interface or through a standard Web browser. This new browser access leverages netdrive's innovative file systems interface approach to create a complementary and seamless way to securely reach files from any desktop. netdrive also announces plans to offer a range of premium services to meet the growing needs of users applications and strengthen collaboration. This new offering will include enhanced sharing capabilities, new exciting features and additional storage space options. Further details will be made available in March 2000. Getting a personal netdrive is free and does not require purchasing any new hardware or software. Setup takes only minutes, involving a simple download and registration from netdrive.com's Web site. netdrive file system client interface works with Windows 95 and 98 and requires a minimum of 16 MB of RAM for proper operation (Windows NT and Macintosh versions are also planned).

01-24-2000

U.S. Digital Device Spending Boom To Continue LONDON, Jan 24 - U.S. consumers spent $7.3 billion on personal digital devices in 1999 and sales will grow by a further 35 percent this year, according to a new study published on Monday by high-tech consultancy Strategy Analytics. Sales would continue to grow at 22 percent a year and hit $24.3 billion by 2005. It said favourite products ranged from digital cellphones and smartphones through Personal Digital Assistants and portable computers to MP3 players and digital cameras.

01-24-2000

Kodak Outlines Consumer Digital Strategy To Propel Its Brand Online NEW YORK--Jan. 24, 2000-- Eastman Kodak Company today outlined its plans to let people do more than ever with their pictures in the rapidly emerging market for digital photography products and online services. "The digital world opens a treasure chest of picture possibilities for consumers, and Kodak is prepared to meet their needs," Daniel A. Carp, Kodak Chief Executive Officer and President, said here today in meetings with investors and the news media. "We are using our scale, scope, retail infrastructure and pre-eminent brand to provide consumers with unsurpassed digital products and online services that will build the premier online community." To win in this rapidly evolving market, the company's strategy is: Extending Kodak as the pre-eminent online imaging brand. Growing digitization for the mass-market. Remaining the highest value provider of key branded digital products and services. Maintaining a long-term leadership position for consumer digital still cameras in key markets. Building the premier online photo community, supported by compelling content, services, applications, products and marketing. "Our strong and growing traditional core business in photography will allow us to fund our digital strategy over the long term," Carp said. "During 1999 alone, U.S. film use grew 14% -- the equivalent of adding a market the size of France to the U.S. in one year alone." "This may be the most exciting time in photo industry since George Eastman invented consumer picture taking 100 years ago with the introduction of the Brownie Camera," said Carp. "We are experiencing unprecedented growth--fueled by renewed interest in photography, digital camera sales, digitization, digital services and the Internet. People have--and always will--associate Kodak with photography and pictures, whether those pictures are film, digital or on the Internet."

01-20-2000

Motorola Working On Fuel Cells To Replace Batteries A PC World story says that Motorola is developing a tiny fuel cell that could power laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices and last 10 times as long as traditional batteries. The technology is three to five years away. The cells, now in prototype stage, measure just one inch square and less than one-tenth of an inch thick. They use liquid methanol (wood alcohol), which is combined with oxygen to produce electricity. Developers envision that the cells would be able to power a cell phone for more than a month. In addition, the cells would be replaced by simple cartridges, eliminating the need for battery chargers.

01-19-2000

Digital Camera Vendors Surpass Milestones and Break Two Barriers for 1999 Unit Volume and Revenue for the U.S. Market Belmont, CA -- Jan 20, 2000 -- A definitive new consumer digital camera report from Imerge Consulting Group asserts that digital camera vendors surpassed two momentous unit and revenue milestones in 1999 by selling for the first time over two million units into the U.S. market, (excluding toy cameras). As a result, vendors also broke the one billion-dollar barrier in revenue for 1999. The new report entitled: The Worldwide Digital Camera Forecast and Market Overview, 1999 to 2004 is available starting February 1, 2000 from Imerge at www.imergeconsulting.com "This catapults the U.S. market into the dominant region for digital camera sales for the first time and moves the U.S. ahead of Japan in units and revenue. Compound average growth rates are proving to be higher than we anticipated a year ago" said Ron Tussy, President and Principal Analyst at Imerge Consulting Group. "Unit volume for all segments excluding toy cameras was better than projections from 1998 as nearly all products, regardless of brand, price or quality sold through channels." "Nikon is extremely pleased to be among the top five market share leaders in the U.S. market according to this report and we recognize the importance of this milestone as the U.S. market continues to become more dominant into the future" says Bill Giordano, Director of Marketing, Nikon Corporation. "The U.S. consumer digital camera market, with its large consumer base is now emerging as a dominant region for our sales, as this report shows. Olympus hopes to continue to successfully address the needs of these consumers" says Kenny Suzuki, Director of Marketing for Digital Products, Olympus America Inc. The report provides five-year, (1999-2004) unit, ASV and street revenue forecasts, and segmentation for low-end, mid range and high-end consumer digital cameras for the U.S., Japan, Europe and ROW. It also identifies top market share leaders for each region/segment and their unit volumes along with revenue and includes the industry's most recognized trend analysis for 2000 and beyond. The report also includes forecasts from Imerge’s other reports on film digitization and online print fulfillment, flash media for digital cameras and sensor forecasts for consumer digital cameras.

01-19-2000

Fujifilm To Showcase Innovative Products and Services At PMA 2000 ELMSFORD, N.Y.--Jan. 19, 2000--Offering a full range of innovative consumer, professional and photofinishing products and services, Fujifilm is showcasing an extensive lineup of imaging products at this year's Photo Marketing Association Trade Show, February 3 - 6 in Las Vegas, NV. Focusing on three areas of the photo imaging business - Picture Taking, Digital Applications and Digital Printing - Fujifilm is showing how everyone can "Get the Picture with Fujifilm." Fujifilm's leadership in digital camera technology is once again demonstrated with the introduction of Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD image sensor technology, in which the unique placement of sensors results in images rich in detail and alive with vibrant colors. The company plans to make several product announcements regarding the Super CCD technology during the PMA show. The new Aladdin DigiCam Picture Center is a low-cost, easy-to-use countertop system for photo retailers and dealers that provides consumers with a quick and easy way to print images captured by digital cameras. Consumers simply drop in their SmartMedia(TM) card or other digital media, view the desired image on a liquid crystal display and wait a mere 35 seconds for the first print and 30 seconds for each print thereafter. Fujicolor CD, available in the U.S. for the first time, provides consumers with the ability to easily view, edit and share images via email. Thanks to an alliance with Microsoft, the Fujicolor CD incorporates state-of-the-art Microsoft Picture It! 2000 Express software that gives consumers easy access to their images via their PCs, plus simple-to-use yet powerful image editing tools that allow users to change the size of their pictures, adjust color and brightness, correct red-eye and sharpen, warp or blur images, among other creative effects. Fujifilm will introduce new printers that feature the company's refined Thermo- Autochrome printing technology, an environmentally friendly single sheet process that requires no inks, toners or ribbons and is similar to the technology used in conventional photography where the dyes are formed in the paper.

01-19-2000

Ulead Releases PhotoImpact 5.0 The folks at PhotoHighway have published an excellent review of Ulead's PhotoImpact 5.0 graphics suite. This has been one of my favorite graphics programs starting with the original release and it just keeps getting better and better. For less than $100 you can get a very powerful set of graphics utilities including the editor that use sPhotoShop plugins. It now has a host of web manipulating tools that I find incredibly useful in my day to day business of running this site. If you want the power of PhotoShop at a fraction of the cost then check out PhotoImpact, it's a winner!

01-19-2000

Q-Research to Launch VideoGenetics Software for Digital Video Enhancement SEATTLE (Jan. 19, 2000) - Q-Research Inc. will automate the process of enhancing digital video for the first time with the release of VideoGenetics, its latest digital imaging product. The software, which allows digital video enthusiasts and professionals alike to improve the quality of digital video quickly and easily, will launch Feb. 3 in conjunction with the PMA 2000 trade show in Las Vegas. Through VideoGenetics' simple interface, users access the powerful, patent- pending technology of genetic image optimization. The intuitive program makes complex imaging adjustments without requiring any technical knowledge on the user's part. Users simply tell the program what looks best to them, and VideoGenetics converts the images to reflect their preferences. Upon opening a video display in the program and starting the optimization process, a user will view two displays side by side: a sample of the original video on the left, and a first variation on the right generated by VideoGenetics. The software continues to display a series of variations, manipulating a dozen characteristics such as hue, gradient, color balance, contrast, gamma, color temperature, color shift and saturation. With a click of the mouse, a user rates how much better or worse each variation is compared to the original. The software automatically applies the desired enhancements to the video. The user may enhance the entire video while it is playing or select separate segments to enhance as needed. When the user is satisfied with the results of the optimization, the new version may be saved. To conserve space, the enhancements may be saved in a separate file that contains a link to the original video. The movie may be played in any program supporting Apple® QuickTime, such as QuickTime Movie Player or Adobe® Premiere®. More than one set of enhancements may be applied to a video and linked with fade-ins and fade-outs. Once saved, a set of enhancements may be applied to video segments shot in similar conditions for extra-quick enhancement. VideoGenetics is currently available for Macintosh®, with a Windows® version to follow. Minimum requirements include a Power Macintosh®, 16 MB RAM, Mac® OS 8.5 and up, and QuickTime 4.0. The software will cost $249, with an introductory price of $199 through April 3. VideoGenetics may be downloaded through Q- Research's Web site, at www.q-res.com. For a demonstration, stop by Q-Research's PMA booth Feb. 3-6 (#T92, Las Vegas Convention Center).

01-19-2000

Olympus Releases New C-860L In Europe Thanks to several readers for pointing me to the Olympus Europe page for the Camedia C-860L camera. It seems that we don't get too excited about new 1.3 megapixel cameras anymore, hard to believe they were "state of the art" just less than two years ago. They keep improving the quality of these cameras and dropping the price to make it an affordable purchase for new digi-photgraphers. The C-860L delivers 1280x960 or 640x480 images in SHQ, HQ or SQ quality JPEG or 1280x960 uncompressed TIF for the ultimate picture quality. It has a 5.5mm (36mm equivalent) lens with three aperture settings (F2.8, F5.6 and F11). TTL digital ESP metering with spot metering option. The color LCD is a 1.8" TFT type, common with all Olympus digicams as is the SmartMedia storage. Undoubtedly we will see the U.S. counterpart of this camera soon as well as some other Olympus "surprises" at PMA 2000 next month ?

01-17-2000

PrintStation - Photo Printing for Windows Users PrintStation by the author of PIE, lets you print loads of pictures easily and fast. You can print multiple pictures on multiple pages, with custom page layouts, with header and footer text at the touch of a button. Print pictures in columns and rows, resize or multiply single pictures. Automatic sizing and positioning, WYSIWYG preview, flexible labeling options: custom header and footer texts, optionally show filename, file date/time, Picture preview, very fast picture viewer with zooming and panning. JPEG, TIFF, PCX, DCX, BMP, DIB, PIC, TARGA and GIF image formats supported. Download a trial copy today and while you're there, check out PIE, another fantastic program for digicam users.

01-14-2000

Simple Technology Offers 64MB SmartMedia SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 13 -- Simple Technology, Inc. today announced the availability of its 64MB SmartMedia(TM), twice the storage of currently available 32MB SmartMedia. The extra storage is equivalent to 30 minutes of CD quality MP3 encoded music or 32 additional pictures with a 2 megapixel still digital camera. SmartMedia provided by Simple Technology is guaranteed to be 100% compatible to industry standard specifications. Simple Technology is a member of the SSFDC Forum, the standardizing organization of SmartMedia, and supports its cards with a 1-year warranty and unlimited toll-free technical support. In addition to 64MB SmartMedia the company also offers 32MB, 16MB, 8MB, and 4MB capacities as well as a PC Card adapter. The 64MB card features a 512Mbit NAND flash, electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) memory chip, packaged in an overmolded thin package (OMTP). Erase time is 3ms and access time is 10us for the first access and 50ns for serial access. Estimated street pricing for the Simple Technology 64MB SmartMedia is $159.

01-14-2000

Canon PowerShot S20 Chosen as Best of Show At Macworld 2000 San Francisco LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--Jan. 13, 2000--Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in optical and digital imaging technology, today announced that its PowerShot S20, 3.3 mega- pixel digital camera introduced last week, received the Macworld Magazine "Best of Show Award" at Macworld 2000 San Francisco. The editors of this preeminent Macintosh publication and Web site chose the PowerShot S20 as one of the top nine most exciting new products announced at Macworld, where hundreds of new products were introduced to the market. The "Best of Show Award" represents an honor, highly-coveted within the Macintosh industry and is presented exclusively at the twice-yearly Macworld Expo. The PowerShot S20 was the only photographic product recognized for this award. "The PowerShot S20 is a well-designed, compact camera, but most importantly, it is the first three-megapixel digital camera," reported Stephen Beale, News Director for Macworld.com. "Appealing to the Macintosh market has always been a priority for Canon," said Chuck Westfall, manager, technical information department, camera products, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "This honor from Macworld Magazine reflects the growing acceptance of Canon products by Mac users and reaffirms our commitment to the Macintosh- based market."

01-13-2000

Kodak DC280 Firmware v1.1 Available The new firmware update includes the following features. Improves USB communication by fixing the cause of intermittent camera hangs Eliminates lens retraction delay on power down while the camera is still processing an image Improved battery level sensing to more accurately report the battery level for NIMH batteries Firmware bug fixes Download the English version here or the Japanese version here. Kodak Posts Firmware v3.0.1 for DCS330 Within the last month Kodak has posted new firmware for all of their DCS professional cameras and the most recent addition was for the DCS330. The new firmware and Kodak Host software can be downloaded from the Kodak Support Web Site. The new firmware features easier to use drop-down type menus, enables the use of both card slots, adds a quick card format option, improves auto white balance, adds more image processing options, enables the recovery of deleted images, post-capture EV compensation, GPS support and many other features. The DCS Host Software provides productivity features such as rotate, crop, and image renaming, sharpening and noise reduction, all functions that will make it easier to view and acquire images.

01-13-2000

Motorola, Microsoft Veterans Lead Digital Camera Connectivity Start-up BOULDER, Colo.--Jan. 12, 2000-- Digital Camera Network (DCN) president, Mark Van Buskirk, announced today the appointment of Mark Stair as vice president and C.O.O. and Robert Jordan as vice president of marketing, sales, and business development. Mr. Stair, a fifteen-year veteran of wireless product development, was previously director of Motorola's cellular design center in Seattle. Mr. Jordan has held a variety of senior sales and marketing management positions in the high-technology industry, with Microsoft, Visio & Exabyte. DCN just recently announced their Shoot-2-Print(TM) connectivity technology, without a personal computer of any type. Shoot-2-Print is the process by which a consumer easily uploads the digital camera image through a regular telephone jack and promptly receives final prints using a variety of delivery options. DCN's Shoot-2-Print solutions are the first in a series of innovative digital camera technologies, including TCP/IP, wireless, and photo server architectures. Further information on how DCN is "Changing the Focus of Photography(TM)" can be found at www.dcn.com.

01-13-2000

Scitex Announces New Leaf C-Most Technology- 6.6 MegaPixel CMOS Sensor Herzlia, January 10, 2000 - Scitex Corporation Ltd. today revealed that it is completing development of the innovative Leaf C-MOSTTM, active pixel CMOS sensor. The company released details of its patent pending technological breakthrough, a 6.6 Mega Pixel CMOS sensor in a unique, ultra-thin package. This is the first full-size, 35mm CMOS sensor to be commercially developed. The Leaf C-MOST 6.6 Mega Pixel sensor is another technological breakthrough for Scitex Input Systems Division. In 1986 this Scitex division pioneered the first flatbed, CCD color scanner, and in 1992 it presented the Leaf DCB, the first film quality, digital camera back for professional studio photography. The company embarked on the sensor project in order to develop future products to complement its CCD based Leaf line of camera backs for professional digital photography. The project yielded the new Leaf C-MOST sensor which presents key advantages over existing CCD and CMOS sensor technologies. With its unique, ultra thin packaging the Leaf C-MOST sensor can be positioned in the focal plane of a standard 35mm camera, allowing full-size, high resolution images to be captured using standard 35mm lenses. The Leaf C-MOST sensor provides exceptional image quality when compared to other CMOS sensors due to the unique active pixel design, and its high sensitivity and low noise levels are comparable to CCD technology currently available. Scitex also affirmed that Leaf devices incorporating the Leaf C-MOST sensor are expected in the future to offer cost effective digital imaging alternatives to CCD based devices. Scitex collaborated with three innovators on the research and development activities. FillFactory of Leuven, Belgium for the design of the CMOS sensor; Tower Semiconductor Ltd., of Migdal Haemek, Israel for the wafer fabrication process and ShellCase Ltd., of Jerusalem, Israel for the development and production of the custom packaging. Thanks to reader Robert Schultz for spotting this news item.

01-12-2000

Canon Honored as One of the Top Ten Most Innovative Companies of the 20th Century LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--Jan. 12, 2000--Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its parent company, Canon, Inc., has been recognized as one of the top ten most innovative companies of the 20th Century, according to an analysis by MicroPatent LLC. The ranking, which lists the companies that have received the most U.S. patents in the last 100 years, places Canon as No. 9. Canon is one of only two Japan-based companies in the top ten. With a total of 18,876 U.S. patents granted in its 63-year corporate history, Canon broke through the top ten with a No. 5 ranking during the 1980s. The company then rose to its current No. 2 position, which it has held since 1990. As one of the most prolific inventors of consumer and professional imaging solutions, Canon consistently invests over one billion annually in research and development. Among some of the most notable products developed from Canon patented technology are the laser beam print engine, bubble jet printing systems, plain-paper copying devices, eye-control focus systems for cameras and camcorders, and optical image stabilization for video cameras, broadcast lenses, and binoculars.

01-12-2000

Agfa SnapScan 1212u Desktop Scanner Receives a "Best Buy" Award From Consumer's Digest Magazine WILMINGTON, Mass.--Jan. 12, 2000--Agfa Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA- DTP) announced today that the SnapScan 1212u will receive a "Best Buy" award in the February 2000 issue of Consumer's Digest Magazine. The SnapScan 1212u, a USB- compatible flatbed scanner designed for home and small office use. Offering 36-bit color depth and an optical resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi, the SnapScan 1212u is ideal for home and small office environments. The SnapScan 1212u now ships with ScanWise Agfa's simple-to-use, revolutionary new scanner driver. A key element in the SnapScan 1212u package is ScanWise, the revolutionary scanner driver that brings a truly one-button approach to desktop scanning. In the U.S., the SnapScan 1212u is available for the suggested price of $99. Agfa will offer a $20 mail-in rebate on the SnapScan 1212u - available now through May 31, 2000. Rebate coupons will be available to customers at national retail chain stores that carry the camera, as well as via the Agfa DTP Web site.

01-11-2000

Argus Breaks $199 Price Point With Megapixel Digital Camera Argus Industries Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill., USA is introducing the Argus DC3000 Mega-Pixel Digital Camera kit to consumers at a retail price point under $199 (U.S.). The Internet- ready camera offers 1-million pixel output resolution using a Sony High Resolution CCD Sensor, dual coated switchable optical lens, auto electric flash, LCD multi-function display, 24-bit true color and other features. The kit includes the DC3000 camera, 4Mb Smart Media Card, dual PC interface cables, batteries, a soft camera case, Twain Driver and application software.

01-10-2000

digitalkamera.de Reports on Fuji European Press Conference From the German digitalkamera.de web site comes this interesting news gleaned from Fuji's European press conference about their new SuperCCD. "Due to their [SuperCCD] octogonal shape, these are also better matched to circular light-collecting microlenses and gain a higher light yield from both properties, that is to say a higher light sensitivity with improved signal-to-noise ratio and higher dynamics. According to Fujifilm, there's no real reason why we shouldn't see an ISO 800 camera. Real products created from these [SuperCCD] advances are to be expected from Fujifilm from the first half of 2000. Within this time-scale, the company hopes to announce an amateur digital camera that achieves the resolution of a 4 million pixel camera. Nikon, which was for many years Fuji´s partner in the professional imaging market, deciding to go it´s own ways, Fujifilm didn´t want to leave this part of the market to it´s competitors. Thus, a digital Super CCD SLR-camera for those with elevated tastes can also be expected in the near future. "

01-10-2000

New HP DeskJet 1220C Printer Delivers 13 x 19" Wide-format and Photo-Quality Features for $499 Palo Alto, Calif., Jan. 5, 2000 - Hewlett-Packard Company today introduced the HP DeskJet 1220C Professional Series color inkjet printer, delivering professional- quality graphics output and high-performance text printing for business and home- office users with either PC or Mac systems. The printer sets new standards for print quality and speed in the wide-format- printer category. Now users can have both vibrant, photo-quality color prints and unmatched speeds of up to 11 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 9.5 ppm color. The DeskJet 1220C printer includes the following new ease-of-use features: HP PhotoREt III enhanced color-layering technology uses up to 29 drops of ink for each dot in a printed image, allowing the printer to generate 17 different shade levels for each of the primary colors alternative photo mode that prints at 2,400 dots per inch (dpi) on photo paper. three paper paths, including a direct path accommodating media weights of up to 67 pounds. 4 x 6-inch note cards up to 13 x 19-inch posters. low-ink warning -- alerts the user when ink is low, and can be configured by the user to provide a reminder of a preferred supplier for ink cartridges; cancel-print button -- instantly terminates jobs at the printer; automatic print-cartridge alignment -- automatically aligns new print cartridges using an optical sensor and a test-page procedure; and media-width sensor detects when a job requiring 11-inch x 17-inch paper is sent to the printer, and if that paper size isn't loaded, notifies the user rather than continuing to operate and wasting ink. The DeskJet 1220C printer ships with Windows NT® 4.0, Windows® 98, Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and Mac OS 8.1 drivers in the box, and supports IEEE parallel and USB connects. The HP DeskJet 1220C Professional Series color inkjet printer is expected to be available in stores in mid-February with an estimated street price of $499.

01-10-2000

Nikon Announces New Lower Pricing on Award-Winning Digital Products MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 10 -- Photographic professionals, people who use imaging technology for business, and consumers now have an opportunity to save from $100 to $300 on Nikon's award-winning digital cameras and scanners. Nikon Inc., which has experienced phenomenal growth with its Coolpix line of digital point-and-shoot cameras and its Coolscan film scanners, and has earned virtually every prestigious award for these products, has announced new, lower prices on four of its top products. The Coolpix 950, originally $999, now has an MSRP of $899; and the Coolpix 800, originally $699, now has an MSRP of $599. In addition the Super Coolscan 2000 film scanner, originally $1899, now has an MSRP of $1599 and the Coolscan III, originally $999, now has an MSRP of $799. All four of these products are key players in Nikon's digital imaging family, and all are slated to continue in the Nikon line. The new pricing is in effect immediately.

01-08-2000

New Toshiba 3.3 and 2.3 Megapixel Cameras According to the Japanese DigitalCamera.gr.jp web site, Toshiba has a new 3.3 megapixel PDR-M70 camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. Also a new 2.3 megapixel PDR-M60 with a 2.3x zoom. There's also some pictures of a new 2 megapixel digital motion camera that appears to be a prototype of a future model from Toshiba.

01-07-2000

Epson Introduces FireWire Printing Technology for Apple Macintosh SAN FRANCISCO--Jan. 7, 2000--Epson America Inc., creator of award-winning, high- quality imaging products, is now offering a high-speed interface for the Apple Power Macintosh G3 and G4 computers that enables users to take advantage of the full speed capabilities of several Epson printers. The Type B IEEE 1394 Interface Card, also known as FireWire, communicates with peripherals at up to 400Mbps, allowing the computer to run the printers at their full engine speed. Epson, the first company to offer FireWire printing, has made this new optional interface available on the EPSON Stylus® Color 900, EPSON Stylus Color 900G, EPSON Stylus Color 1520, EPSON Stylus Color 3000, EPSON Stylus Pro 5000 and EPSON Stylus Pro 9000.

01-07-2000

Sony Defines IEEE 1394 and Memory Stick as the Future of Home Networking In an article on TWICE (This Week In Consumer Electronics), Sony calls i.LINK (IEEE 1394) and its Memory Stick storage media as keys in home network and portable network solutions in the near future. On one side of the networked solutions question is the IEEE 1394 (aka FireWire) high speed I/O interface that is rapidly gaining momentum as THE video input standard in new camcorders, digital cameras and PCs. On the other side is the Memory Stick which is now available in 8, 16, 32 and 64MB sizes, with 128MB, 156MB and 1GB sizes coming soon. Sony has reached an agreement to have merchandise displays of Memory Stick products in more than 600 Circuit City locations this spring. Industry support for Memory Stick continues to grow, according to Sony. Lexar Media will begin development of high-speed Memory Stick media. The company joins 26 others firms since November that said they will be licensing the technology for use in portable electronics, audio, telecommunications and automotive applications.

01-07-2000

Fuji Ships SuperCCD Cameras Next Month Fuji Photo Film will release products based on its new Super CCD sensor starting next month. The company did not make details available but confirmed that new cameras using Super CCD technology are slated for shipment in February.

01-07-2000

Microtech Delivers Highest Capacity 64MB SmartMedia Digital Film Card San Francisco, CA, January 5, 2000 - Microtech International, a leading provider of digital photography solutions, is now shipping the largest capacity SmartMedia memory card on the market. The new 64MB card is capable of storing more digitally captured images than any previous generation. Based on a NAND architecture, the card employs two coupled 3.3v 256Mb flash devices encapsulated in a thin overmolded package, making it the thinnest and lightest digital film card available. The new card is designed to complement the latest generation of multi-megapixel digital cameras with larger file sizes for crisper, more dynamic photos. They are also fully compatible with the Diamond Rio 500 MP3 player. Microtech Expands CompactFlash Offering to 128MB San Francisco, CA, January 5, 2000 - Microtech today announced new 64MB, 96MB, and 128MB industry standard CompactFlash cards in a Type I (3.3mm) form factor. The new cards are designed to the CompactFlash Association specifications using 256Mb NAND Flash architecture and high-speed controller design. The cards are compatible with all major brands of digital cameras employing CompactFlash as storage media. The expanded capacity is especially necessary in multi-megapixel digital cameras and MP3 players such as the RCA Lyra. In addition to the 64MB, 96MB, and 128MB capacities, Microtech CompactFlash cards are also available in 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, and 48MB capacities and all operate at 3.3v or 5v. They are available at many leading retail, mail-order, and on-line stores. Microtech Delivers First 3 Slot SCSI Digital Film Reader San Francisco, CA, January 5, 2000 - Microtech today announced availability of their latest digital photography solution, the triple slot PCD-47B SCSI reader/writer. The new model is equipped with an industry standard Type III PC Card slot and dedicated built-in CompactFlash and SmartMedia slot, allowing the widest variety of digital film or memory cards to be accessed. Designed specifically for use in digital photo kiosk and minilab equipment, the PCD-47B provides an elegant way to transfer images quickly from virtually any digital camera to the host system for processing. The PCD-47B is available in an internal 3.5"x 1" form factor or in an external enclosure including a universal 40-watt auto-ranging power supply and cooling fan.

01-07-2000

Red River Ink Jet Paper Red River Paper offers 25 different ink jet papers. From glossy card stocks to coated art papers, Red River has paper to meet just about any need. The sample kit for $9.99 is a great deal. It includes two 8.5 x 11" sheets of all their papers. You can try them all and decide which works best. They can also custom cut and score just about any product and welcome questions, ideas or recommendations. Stop by www.redriverpaper.com and check out their digital accessories including Epson printers, inks, frames and batteries. They are one of our site sponsors and we thank them for their support.

01-07-2000

Matsushita Electric, SanDisk and Toshiba to Form SD Association to Promote Next Generation SD Memory Card LAS VEGAS--Jan. 6, 2000-- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd, best known by its Panasonic brand name, SanDisk Corporation and Toshiba Corporation announced today that a new industry-wide association will be created to set industry standards for the SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card and promote its wide acceptance in digital applications. The new organization, named the SD Association (SDA), will be headquartered in California and its executive membership will include some 30 world-leading high- tech companies and major content companies. Initial SDA membership is expected to include approximately 100 companies from around the world covering diverse industries including consumer electronics, information processing, telecommunications, entertainment and software. Thus far, 71 companies have stated they plan to join the SDA as members. The first general meeting of the association is tentatively scheduled for the end of January, 2000. The association aims to establish technical and specification standards for the SD Memory Card applications, promote the next generation memory card to make it widely used in the industry through standardization, and encourage development of products in the field of digital A/V equipment and digital information network equipment.

01-07-2000

Silicon Film's EFS Products to be Manufactured by Express Manufacturing Inc. IRVINE, Calif.--Jan. 6, 2000-- Silicon Film Technologies Inc. today announced its Electronic Film System (EFS(TM)) line of digital image capture products will be manufactured by Express Manufacturing Inc., a full-service electronic manufacturing services (EMS) supplier of turnkey contract electronics manufacturing and engineering services. EFS-1 consists of the (e)film(TM) Cartridge, a self-contained digital imaging module that fits in a standard film compartment; the (e)port(TM) Carrier, which uploads the images to a computer, and the (e)box(TM) Storage module, which stores hundreds of images for future upload. Together, these components are designed to allow users to enjoy all the features and functions of their SLR camera system while capturing digital pictures. The EFS-1, which will be available to the public in the first half of calendar 2000, combines a CMOS image sensor with miniaturized control and processing electronics, 64 MB of memory and two batteries. Innovative packaging is used to permit the entire assembly to fit into the space occupied by a standard 35mm film canister. Initial versions of the EFS are designed to fit in specific camera bodies. Here we go again ... another trade show, another EFS-1 press release ... maybe we'll actually see this thing some day ... but by that time the BarbieCam will probably have more pixel resolution.

01-06-2000

Lexar's High-Speed Controller To Enhance Sony's 'Memory Stick' Performance LAS VEGAS--Jan. 6, 2000-- Lexar Media today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sony Corporation to commence the development of a high-speed Memory Stick(TM). Under the terms of the agreement, Lexar Media will license its high-speed flash memory controller technology to Sony in order for Sony to substantially improve the read/write speed of the Memory Stick to download 64 megabytes of music (approximately 80 minutes of compressed music) in less than ten seconds. In addition, the agreement allows Lexar to license Memory Stick media specifications from Sony and thereby manufacture and market Memory Stick media. "Lexar's goal has always been to offer the fastest, largest capacity flash memory-based digital film cards in the industry, and we believe that Sony's decision to work with Lexar clearly validates our technology and leadership position," said John Reimer, President and CEO, Lexar Media. "Sony selected Lexar after carefully reviewing our technology and intellectual property portfolio. With Memory Stick added to our product lineup of USB-enabled CompactFlash, PC Cards and SmartMedia, Lexar is now well-positioned as a complete provider of digital film products."

01-06-2000

Biggest CES Ever Stars Digital Technology for the New Millennium LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 -- As the world's largest annual technology tradeshow with more than 1.1 million net square feet of exhibits, the 2000 International CES -- Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology(SM) showcases digital content, delivery and hardware technology for the new millennium. Attendees to the International CES, held today through Sunday in Las Vegas, Nev., can see new digital technology applications for consumers' workstyles and lifestyles, including Internet access devices, digital audio and video, information technology, home networking, mobile electronics, wireless communications, content media, e-commerce and accessory products. "CES is the world's launch pad for the digital millennium, and this is our biggest CES ever," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). "More than 90,000 international industry professionals-manufacturers, retailers, content providers and creators, broadband developers, installers, engineers, corporate buyers, government leaders, financial analysts and the media-are expected here. They'll see how digital technology is creating a bridge between information technology (IT) and traditional consumer electronics (CE) products and how consumer technology is traveling easily between work and home." For more news on CES before, during and after the show, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES news and information. CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing. CEA represents more than 500 U.S. manufacturers of audio, video, accessories, mobile electronics, communication, information technology and multimedia products that are sold through consumer channels.

01-06-2000

3.34 Megapixel Canon S20 Now Official LAS VEGAS--Jan. 6, 2000-- Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in optical and imaging technology, today announced the PowerShot S20, the world's smallest 3.3 megapixel digital still camera at 4.1 x 2.7 x 1.3 inches (W x D x H). The new camera combines the benefits of digital imaging with features and functions traditionally found only in conventional 35mm cameras and allows users to make high-quality 8x10 prints that are virtually indistinguishable from prints made from 35mm film. The new, full-performance digital camera will appeal to users looking for the highest overall performance in a small, ultra-compact size. In a new metallic champagne color, the PowerShot S20 joins the complete line of Canon digital cameras including the PowerShot A50, S10 and Pro70 models. Canon S20 features: 3.34 million pixel 1/1.8" CCD imager 2048x1536, 1024x768 or 640x480 resolution 1.8" TFT color LCD USB and RS-232 connectivity CompactFlash Type II ISO 100, 200, 400 2X 6.5-13mm (32-64mm) F2.9 zoom lens Shutter speed 2 - 1/1000 seconds Focus range 2.2ft to infinity, macro 0.4 to 2.2ft Center-weighted and spot metering

01-06-2000

New Sony Digital 8 Handycam Camcorders Include Digital Still Imaging Capability with Memory Stick Media LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 -- CES Booth N109 - Sony today announced new Digital 8 Handycam® camcorders featuring Memory Stick® media to give consumers more capability to capture, create and share digital still images on a camcorder. Four of the five new models include Memory Stick media and will be available this spring. This new line includes the DCR-TRV820, the first camcorder with a built-in color printer. It prints business card-sized color photos on the spot, like an instant camera. Pictures can be printed from either a favorite video scene or a digital still image saved on the Memory Stick media. The supplied 4 MB Memory Stick card and a Handycam camcorder allow users to instantly photograph digital still pictures or capture a still image from their videotape. The pictures can be transferred to selected printers, desktop or notebook PCs, or other digital devices, such as Sony's CyberFrame(TM) digital photo frame.

01-06-2000

SCM Microsystems Announces Secure Digital Media Readers LOS GATOS, Calif., Jan. 6 -- SCM Microsystems, Inc. announced today plans to develop card readers for a new class of flash memory cards, called Secure Digital, or SD memory cards. The readers will be sold with digital consumer electronics devices such as Internet music players and digital cameras to facilitate the rapid and secure transfer of digital information. Under development by leading consumer electronics and digital media companies, including Matsushita Electric, SanDisk and Toshiba, Secure Digital cards are small size, high speed read/write next generation memory cards capable of providing a high level of copy protection for music, movies and other artistic and commercial content.

01-06-2000

Q-Research Announces Strategic Alliances SEATTLE--Jan. 6, 2000--Q-Research Inc., maker of digital image enhancement programs, has announced an agreement to package its PhotoGenetics software with Casio's newest digital cameras. PhotoGenetics will be packaged with Casio's latest digital camera models, including the QV-8000SX with 8X optical zoom and the QV-2000UX with 2.1 megapixel resolution, USB and support for CF Type II cards. Ariston will also distribute PhotoGenetics with its Universal Serial Bus (USB) iRead(TM) Flashcard Reader/Writer and iSee(TM) Web cameras sold through its Web site and worldwide network of distributors and resellers. The iRead(TM) Flashcard Reader/Writer enables the quick transfer of images from digital cameras to a PC or Macintosh. The iSee(TM) Web cameras allow users to take snapshots, videoconference, create movies and transfer files over the Internet. In another alliance, d-store.com, the leading provider of digital photography solutions online, will market PhotoGenetics through its Web site. Visitors to the www.d-store.com site may download PhotoGenetics for a free 30-day trial.

01-06-2000

Casio Introduces the World's First Wrist-type Wearable Digital Camera LAS VEGAS--Jan. 6, 2000--Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, in conjunction with CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., Japan, announced today at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show an amazing new product, the Wrist Camera, Model WQV-1, the world's first wrist-type wearable digital camera. This new watch marks major advances of the "wrist data device" concept and create totally new types of wristwatches that tap the high-growth potential of both the digital imaging market and digital audio market. Measures 40.0(W) x 52.0(H) x 16(D) mm and weighs only 32g Built-in STN LCD monochrome screen (120 x 120 dots) with 16 grayscales Stores up to 100 images, 1MB of built-in memory Date Stamp feature (year, month, day) and time (hour, minutes) Three recording modes: Normal 16-grayscale monochrome image Art produces two-tone image Merge Mode combines two different images into a single image. Visual Data Bank feature for storage of portrait, name, and phone number records Infrared data transfer with a computer or another Wrist Camera Recording Format: CASIO original (conversion to BMP or JPEG when uploading to a computer) Recording Element: 1/14-inch monochrome CMOS sensor Total Pixels: 28,000; Pixel Yield: 24,334 Lens: F2.8 fixed; f = 1.1mm Focusing Distance: 30cm to (Infinity) Shutter: Electronic shutter Shutter Speed: 1/11 to 1/1660 second

01-06-2000

Fujifilm MX-1700 Wins Innovations 2000 Award ELMSFORD, NY, January 6, 2000 -- Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. has announced that its MX-1700 ZOOM digital camera will be honored today with an Innovations 2000 award for design and engineering excellence from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) at the 2000 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A panel of industry experts comprised of industrial designers, engineers and industry trade media, selected Innovations 2000 winners. The MX-1700 ZOOM is the world's smallest megapixel camera with an all-glass, 3x aspherical zoom lens. Fujifilm manufactured the lens via a newly developed, glass injection mold process that allowed the company to produce the lens en masse, making aspherical lens manufacture efficient and economically viable for consumer digital cameras. With this specially-developed aspherical zoom lens, the MX-1700 ZOOM delivers pin-point image sharpness and improved optical quality while eliminating aberrations, vignetting, and light fall-off, benefits any shutterbug would enjoy.

01-05-2000

KB Gear Introduces PhotoSharp to Enhance Digital Photos Taken With Its JamC@m 2.0 MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 5 -- KB Gear Interactive today released PhotoSharp, a digital photo enhancing software that will make photos taken with the company's JamC@m 2.0 digital camera approach the quality of photos taken with high-end digital cameras. Comparison photos taken with the $89 JamC@m using PhotoSharp versus a $300 megapixel camera can be viewed online at http://www.gojamcam.com/photosharp PhotoSharp will work like JamC@m's current download driver, which transfers pictures from the camera to a pop-up screen. With PhotoSharp, however, people will be given options during the download process to help enhance their digital photos. PhotoSharp will work exclusively with JamC@m 2.0. The results will be noticeably more colorful and more focused images. PhotoSharp can be purchased on KB Gear's web site. It can be downloaded for $9.99 or a CD-Rom version is available for $14.99.

01-05-2000

UMAX Announces PowerLook 1100 -- Industry's First Scanner Dedicated for FireWire/IEEE-1394 SAN FRANCISCO--Jan. 5, 2000-- UMAX Technologies, Inc. again led the industry today by announcing the UMAX PowerLook 1100, the first professional Mac and PC scanner dedicated for FireWire/IEEE-1394 support -- with a price point starting at $999. Support for FireWire/IEEE-1394 enables the PowerLook 1100 to eliminate nearly all of the technical difficulties associated with SCSI scanner designs. Connections require neither SCSI termination devices nor pre-assigned addresses, and parallel port data pass-through adapters are eliminated. To create professional-quality image production, the PowerLook 1100 achieves a high 3.4Dmax for fine details, 1200 x 2400 dpi with a 10,600 element tri-linear CCD, and an effective 42-bit output using UMAX's patented BET (Bit Enhancement Technology). The scanner offers a transparency adapter, auto-detect frame holder for automatic scanning of up to twelve 35mm slides, and batch scanning capabilities. The PowerLook 1100 is designed for use on systems equipped with a FireWire/IEEE- 1394 port such as the Apple PowerMac G4 and G3 and the iMac DV, as well as systems running Windows 2000 and Windows 98 second edition. The scanner will be available Q1 2000. Street price starts at an estimated $999.

01-05-2000

Macworld Magazine Announces 1999 Editors' Choice Award Winners SAN FRANCISCO--January 5, 2000--Macworld magazine, the leading Macintosh publication and Web site, has named the hardware and software product winners of its prestigious Fifteenth Annual Editors' Choice Awards for 1999. The Eddy Award winners were announced last night at a gala awards ceremony, held at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art on the eve of Macworld Expo, which opens today. The Eddy Awards, the Macintosh industry's highest distinction for breakthrough product development, are given to honor the top software and hardware products in 26 categories. To be eligible, new products must have been released between November 1, 1998 and November 1, 1999. Two of Macworld's Eddy winners are: Best Digital Camera Nikon Coolpix 950 (Runners-Up: Olympus C-2500L and Kodak DC265) Best Printer/Imaging Device HP DeskJet 970Cxi A complete list of the 1999 Macworld Eddy Award winners and finalists can be found online at Macworld.com. Winners will be published in the March 2000 issue of Macworld magazine.

01-05-2000

Memorex Enter Flash Memory Market LAS VEGAS, CES, Jan. 5 -- Memorex makes its formal entry into the Flash Memory arena with both CompactFlash(TM) and SmartMedia(TM) offerings. And they've entered in a major way according to President, Michael Golacinski. "Memorex has made a huge commitment to this explosive new media category with an expansion of manufacturing capabilities. We're the first major consumer brand to embrace the category, and were excited about its rapid acceptance and future expansion." Memorex is no stranger to computer media leadership. According to PC Data research, during much of 1999, Memorex led the retail CD-R/RW category in both unit sales and $ volume market share. Memorex CompactFlash and SmartMedia memory cards and accessories will be available February 15, 2000. Memorex CompactFlash cards will be available in 8, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96 and 128MB capacities with SRPs ranging from $39.95 to $399.95. An USB CF reader will be offered with a SRPs of $44.95 and a PC card adapter for $12.95. SmartMedia cards will be available 8, 16 and 32MB capacities with SRPs of $29.99, $49.99 and $99.99 respectively.

01-04-2000

Casio Intros First 3.34 Megapixel Digital Camera With F2.0 3X Optical Zoom Lens DOVER, N.J.--Jan. 4, 2000-- Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, in conjunction with CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the release of the world's first personal-use digital camera with 3.34 megapixel CCD. Scheduled to go on sale in March, the new QV-3000EX provides film-level resolution in a digital camera and will sell for under $999. The new QV-3000EX employs an advanced 3.34 megapixel CCD that captures every nuance of the subject you are trying to record. The QV-3000EX also features primary color filters to create 2048 x 1536-pixel images of very high-definition and natural looking color, and a new F2.0 Canon 3X optical zoom, wide-aperture lens. All of this gives the QV-3000EX the means to record images of subjects that are too difficult for existing digital cameras with amazing definition and clarity. 3.34 megapixel color filter CCD Canon F2.0 3x (33-100mm) optical zoom USB connectivity IBM microdrive support 2048 x 1536-pixel images. Low-noise night scenes, original noise reduction system Quick and easy operation, 2048 x 1536-pixel images can be recorded at intervals of approximately two seconds. Program record modes: Landscape, Night Scene, and Portrait Shutter speed priority or aperture priority exposure. Shutter Speed: 2 to 1/1000 seconds Aperture: F2.0/2.3/2.8/4.0/5.6/8.0 White Balance: Automatic/fixed (4 modes) Continuous mode records up to three images at 0.5-second intervals. Movie recording and playback. Panorama recording and playback Three metering modes Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot. Mode Memory Stores power saving and other settings in memory when camera power is turned off. Four flash modes Auto, on, red-eye reduction, off. 1.8-inch high-definition Hyper Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD monitor screen Video output. The Japanese site PC Watch has posted some Casio QV-3000EX sample pics taken with a beta model. The pictures look very nice, especially the night scene which is amazingly clean. At the top of the page is a small picture of the new Casio camera.

01-04-2000

Canon Introduces Software for Macintosh Computers COSTA MESA, Calif.--Jan. 4, 2000--Canon Software Publishing (CSP), a division of Canon Computer Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc., Tuesday announced its plans to provide software programs compatible with the Macintosh operating system. The first available programs will be Canon Photo and Canon Photo Gold this month, followed by OfficeReady and OfficeReady Professional later in the year. Canon Photo Gold and Canon Photo offer simple, yet fast and powerful, photo manipulation to new, occasional and enthusiastic users of digital cameras, scanners and digital photographs. The Canon Photo family of products gives users the power to digitally enhance and retouch photographs, share them with friends and family, explore special effects and create printable photo projects -- all with speed and quality. Canon Photo Gold and Canon Photo will be available in January 2000 through electronic software delivery (ESD) at www.software.canon.com and other selected e-retailers for an estimated price of $54.95 and $34.95 respectively. The Mac-PC hybrid CD-ROM will ship to retail outlets in March 2000 at the same estimated price. Hybrid versions of OfficeReady Professional and OfficeReady 2.0 will ship to retail in the second half of the year with an estimated price of $69.95 and $39.95 respectively.

01-04-2000

Sony Unveils Digital Powerhouse with New VAIO Digital Studio PCs SAN JOSE, Calif.--Jan. 4, 2000-- Sony Electronics' focus on turning personal computing into a creative experience through digital imaging has culminated in its latest line of powerful VAIO Digital Studio(TM) desktop computers. The new models, PCV-R545DS, PCV-R547DS and PCV-R549DS are equipped with added multimedia capabilities, new hardware extras and Intel® Pentium® III processors at estimated prices ranging from $1,499 to $2,599. Quality, performance, and functionality are key attributes for the VAIO Digital Studio line. When partnered with digital imaging solutions such as Sony Cybershot® digital cameras, DV Handycam® and Digital8(TM) camcorders or a digital audio accessory like the recently announced VAIO Music Clip(TM) Personal Network Player, consumers will have a powerful companion for exploring this age of digital audio and video. The latest additions to Sony's popular VAIO Digital Studio desktop PC family include the entry-level PCV-R545DS with a 500MHz Intel Pentium III processor and a 20GB hard drive, the mid-range PCV-R547DS with a 600MHz Intel Pentium III processor and 27GB hard drive, and the high-end power horse, the PCV-R549DS, featuring a 750MHz Intel Pentium III processor and a 40GB hard drive, all available with 128MB of memory. The two higher end models will also ship with a new nVidia-TNT 2 Pro graphics card that has twice the rendering capabilities and 3D graphics than its predecessor as well as a new CD-RW drive, the Sony CRX-140E (8X/4X/32X) for even more functionality in the system.

01-04-2000

Macworld Expo Press Releases from Kaidan Kaidan and PictureWorks Announce New Photographic VR Object Solutions for Consumers San Francisco, CA ­ Macworld Expo ­ January 5, 2000: The leading manufacturer of Photographic VR hardware; Kaidan Incorporated, announced today with PictureWorks Technology, Inc. two new products targeted at photographic VR object imaging for the Internet. The Kaidan PiXi Manual Turntable and the PiXi Photographic VR Object Starter Kit are the ideal ways for consumers to photographically capture collectibles, products, toys, sculptures and other objects in a 3-D form. With these new products consumers can quickly and easily create stunning VR objects for inclusion in documents, e-mail messages or web pages. The PiXi Manual Turntable is 15 inches in diameter and can support objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The turntable has click-stops every 10 degrees and has index markings for manual positioning in 5 degree increments. The PiXi Photographic VR Object Starter Kit includes the PiXi Manual Turntable and PictureWorks Spin PhotoObject software for both Macintosh and Windows 95/NT. Scheduled to ship in February 2000, the PiXi Manual Turntable and PiXi Photographic VR Object Starter Kit will retail for $149.95 and $179.95 respectively. Optional software and hardware utilities (such as object support pedestals) are also available from Kaidan and vary in price accordingly Kaidan Announces New Panoramic VR Solutions for Olympus C-2000, C-2020 zoom, D-500L, D-600L and D-620L Filmless Digital Cameras San Francisco, CA ­ Macworld Expo ­ January 5, 2000: Kaidan Incorporated, announced today with two new products targeted at immersive panoramic imaging for the Internet. The Kaidan KiWi 2000/2020 and the KiWi 600/620 are the ideal companion accessories to the award winning Olympus C-2000 zoom/C-2020 zoom and D-500L/D-600L/D-620L filmless digital cameras. With these new KiWi tripod heads, owners of these Olympus filmless digital cameras can quickly and easily create stunning immersive panoramic images for inclusion in documents, e-mail messages or web pages. The KiWi tripod heads are available separately, or with industry leading QuickTime® VR panoramic stitching software and tripods. These bundles are aimed directly at the consumer who is looking for an inexpensive and easy way to capture and distribute panoramas of their vacations, weddings, homes, schools, events and businesses with no addition per-use image fees. Scheduled to ship in February 2000, the KiWi 2000/2020 and KiWi 600/620 will retail for $179.95. Bundles with Macintosh or Windows QuickTime VR creation software begins at $314.95. Additional bundles with tripods and utility software are available at various prices. Kaidan and Fuji Announce New Panoramic VR Solutions for Fujifilm MX-2700 and MX-2900 Digital Cameras San Francisco, CA ­ Macworld Expo ­ January 5, 2000: Kaidan Incorporated, announced today with Fuji Photo Film Co, Ltd. two new products targeted at immersive panoramic imaging for the Internet. The Kaidan KiWi 2700 and the KiWi 2900 are the ideal companion accessories to the popular Fujifilm MX-2700 and MX-2900 Zoom digital cameras. With these new KiWi tripod heads, owners of these Fuji cameras can quickly and easily create stunning immersive panoramic images for inclusion in documents, e-mail messages or web pages. The KiWi tripod heads are available separately, or with industry leading QuickTime® VR panoramic stitching software and tripods. These bundles are aimed directly at the consumer who is looking for an inexpensive and easy way to capture and distribute panoramas of their vacations, weddings, homes, schools, events and businesses. Scheduled to ship in February 2000, the KiWi 2700 and KiWi 2900 will retail for $179.95. Bundles with Macintosh or Windows QuickTime VR creation software begins at $314.95. Additional bundles with tripods and utility software are available at various prices.

01-03-2000

Pretec To Announce New Products At CES LAS VEGAS--Pretec Electronics Corporation, the creator of CompactModem(TM) and Compact I/O(TM) card, will be exhibiting varieties of colorful CompactFlash(TM) cards at CompactFlash Association (CFA) booth No. 4325 of Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held here on Jan. 6 - 9, 2000. iMac Colored CF Cards Four (4) 128MB CF cards, both transparent and translucent frames and panels with colors of yellow, blue, green and graphite are on display at CFA booth; the devices mounted on PCB inside the card, which consist of one controller IC from C-ONE technology and 256Mb flash ICs from Toshiba or Hitachi, can be clearly seen. Personal Digital Appliance Pretec will preview a new model of digital multimedia equipment which combines the functions of digital still camera, USB PC camera, MP3 music player, and Voice recorder in one palm-sized unit, named DC-530. With just two AA batteries, hundreds of pictures can be taken, or hours of MP3 music can be played. With 640X480 resolution, optical viewfinder, 2-way flash, automatic exposure, self-timer, B/W LCD indicator, stereo sound, and earphone output. Connectivity is via RS-232, USB and video output (NTSC and PAL). Media storages are through CF+ slot (CompactFlash Type II), which can take more than 5000 pictures in VGA mode, or store more than five (5) hours of MP3 music using Pretec 320MB CF card or IBM Microdrive, the smallest hard disk in the world.

01-03-2000

ArcSoft Launches PhotoImpression 2000: Multi-platform Image-Editing Solution for Consumers FREMONT, Calif.--Jan. 3, 2000--ArcSoft, a leading digital imaging software company and provider of online photo services (www.photoisland.com), today announced PhotoImpression(TM) 2000, a multi-platform photo-editing program designed for entry-level users. Available for both Macintosh and Windows platforms, PhotoImpression 2000 combines the advanced capabilities of professional imaging software with the ease-of-use and affordability demanded by consumers. The new PhotoImpression 2000 software package, which features one-click uploading and downloading of digital photos to PhotoIsland.com (www.photoisland.com), ArcSoft's photo-sharing web site, has a suggested retail price of $39.99 and will ship the first quarter of 2000.

01-03-2000

megapixel.net Jan 2000 Issue Online Our friends at the megapixel.net have just posted their January 2000 issue online. Reviewed this month are Casio QV-2000UX, Olympus C-2500L, Nikon 800 and the Sony FD73 cameras. If you've never visited the site before please do, it's loaded with all kinds of great digicam info and reviews.

01-03-2000

Epson Lowers Price of PhotoPC 800 To $599 LONG BEACH, Calif.--Jan. 3, 2000--Epson America Inc., a leader in high-quality, award-winning imaging products, today announced that it has reduced the price of the PhotoPC 800 two-megapixel USB digital camera to $599, estimated street price. The EPSON PhotoPC 800 combines pocket-sized portability with Epson's revolutionary HyPict(TM) image-enhancement technology, for breathtaking prints up to 11 inches x 14 inches. The PhotoPC 800 features a 2.14 megapixel CCD sensor, 8MB of memory and a built- in microphone for voice recordings up to 10 seconds. It also supports both serial and USB image transfer for fast and easy image download. Epson offers a complete digital photography solution to its customers with two attractive mail-in offers. Customers who purchase an Epson digital camera and any EPSON Stylus Color or EPSON Stylus Photo ink jet printer will receive $50 back by mail.

01-03-2000

QuickStitch 2.0 Wins PEI Magazine's 1999 Cool2 Award; Second Straight Year Enroute Wins Prestigious Award PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 3 -- Enroute Imaging announced today that QuickStitch(TM) 2.0 has won PEI Magazine's 1999 Annual Cool2 Award for Best Immersive/Panorama software. This is the second year in a row that Enroute has won this prestigious award with its imaging software. QuickStitch 2.0 ($49.95) creates wide-angled panoramas without the need of tripods, special lenses, or imaging software experience. Users simply select images to place into an 8-wide by 6-high grid and QuickStitch automatically stitches them together for spectacular panorama shots. Several low-resolution images can be combined with QuickStitch to create a single higher-resolution image for an up to 8" x 10" printout.

01-03-2000

Agfa Drops Price On ePhoto Smile To $99 WILMINGTON, Mass.--Jan. 3, 2000--Agfa Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA- DTP), a leading provider of award-winning digital cameras and desktop scanners announced today that it has lowered the price on the ePhoto Smile - an entry- level, cost-conscious digital camera. The ePhoto Smile offers features usually reserved for higher-end digital camera models, including video-out capability, for direct access to playing images on television monitors, and a 10-second self-timer. Effective immediately, the ePhoto Smile is now available in the U.S. for the suggested price of $99.

01-02-2000

DigiCam Web Page Generator The DigiCam Web Page Generator is a freeware program that makes placing your Digital Camera and Scanner Images on your web page a simple five step process. No need to understand how to create a web page. With the Digi-Cam Web Page Generator you can: Select optional Web page background colors or Images. Select the camera or scanner images you want on your web site. Pre-view your new web page. Click to upload the Web Page and selected pictures to your web site. Simple Five Step Process: Step 1: Enter a Title for your web page, Select Backgrounds and Fonts. Step 2: Select the Images you want to display on your web page. Step 3: Generate your Web Page Files with one easy click. Step 4: Preview the web page to see how it looks before uploading. Step 5: Upload the files to your Internet Web Site.

01-02-2000

EagleEye OpticZooms Scheduled To Start Shipping 1/20/2000 I received an email from the folks at EagleEye OpticZoom that said they will begin shipping the first batch of OpticZooms on the 20.1.2000. Also they have just now activated their website's secure on-line order and payment facilities and are accepting orders.

Dec 99 News

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