January 1999

01-30-99

Report On The Japanese Nikon 900 Firmware Upgrade I received the following information from TsuruZoh Tachibanaya, the author of the popular CAME program: "It seems the most Nikon users don't know why Nikon haven't started the firmware upgrade service. I'd like to send you a current status of what is happening in Japan to relieve some of their irritations (or maybe they'll be more irritated by this information? I don't know...)" Nov.13: Nikon corporation (Japan) announced E900 firmware upgrade service Nov.24: Firmware upgrade started in Japan Early Dec.?: First bug found with upgraded firmware details: when using larger than 20MB CF card and the battery level is low or critical (by the upper LCD control panel, battery icon is half or blinking), sometimes the E900 won't startup Mid Dec.?: First bug was fixed Jan.23: Second bug found with upgraded firmware details: when zoom switch is operated at M-REC mode and the LCD is off, "Number of exposures remaining" goes to ZERO and it won't let you shoot any pictures. It seems that the second bug is not fixed yet, maybe this is why the firmware upgrade outside of Japan is still being delayed."

01-30-99

CMPnet Affirms Arrival of New Digicams At PMA This Month CMPnet affirms that new cameras are coming from Agfa, Epson, Sony and Toshiba in a January 29 article called "Cameras: A Snapshot of Digital's Future". These cameras will be shown at the upcoming PMA Show in Las Vegas, Feb 18, 19. They don't really tell us anything we haven't already reported here. Agfa has the CL50, a 1.9 megapixel (interpolated), 3x zoom camera. Epson will officially unveil their PhotoPC 750Z with 1.25 megapixel and HyPict interpolation up to 1600x1200. Sony would not comment on their new camera but just look down the News Page here and you'll see the article about their DSC-F55K 2.1 megapixel camera and let's not forget the long-awaited DSC-D700 CyberShot Pro. And Toshiba will show their new PDR-M4, a 2-megapixel camera with 3x zoom.

01-29-99

Polaroid ColorShot Now Available In Parallel Port and DirectConnect Adapter A month or so ago we reported on Polaroid's ColorShot Digital Photo Printer that uses instant film to print real photos from your digital camera images. At the time of our first report the ColorShot printer was only available in a USB port version and now Polaroid has introduced the PC parallel port model. The ColorShot prints in as little as 15 seconds (emerges from the printer and then develops). Multiple copies can be printed as fast as 4 images per minute. With a cigarette lighter AC adapter you can print images right in your car with a notebook computer. Superb quality - no dots, ColorShot uses the combination of a proprietary print mechanism with Polaroid's advanced instant film for true, continuous-tone, fade-resistant photographic prints. DirectConnect Adapter Polaroid recently introduced their new DirectConnect adapter to allow either of the ColorShot printers to hookup directly to your digital camera for operation without the use of a computer. Currently it works with digicams from leading manufacturers such as Olympus, AGFA, Epson, Casio and it can be upgraded via the web to support new cameras from other manufacturers such as Kodak, Fuji, Ricoh (and hopefully Nikon?) as they are released. The adapter also has other modes for printing including a "print all" mode and "print index" mode (several small pictures on one sheet of film). Additionally, the adapter can be configured to automatically add text or a logo to each picture you print. Current street prices: ColorShot Printer (USB or Parallel) $250, DirectConnect Adapter (USB or Parallel) $99, ColorShot Film 3-pack $28.

01-29-99

Lexar Media's Pro Series High Performance Digital Film Chosen by Official Digital Photographers of the Superbowl FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 1999-- Lexar Media, the leader in High Performance Digital Film(TM), today announced that ImageDirect, the official digital photographers of the National Football League (NFL), will use Lexar Media's Pro Series digital film at Superbowl XXXIII. ImageDirect selected Lexar's 160MB 8X Pro Series PC Card digital film along with Kodak Professional digital cameras for the ultimate high-performance digital imaging solution to catch the high-speed action of the Superbowl. The Pro Series digital film is a family of high performance digital film specifically designed for the professional or "prosumer" digital photographer who demands the fastest 'click-to-click' time in order to capture fast action photography. It is currently shipping to key digital camera OEMs including Kodak. The Pro Series PC Card digital film ranges from 96 to 160MB and is available from professional camera resellers and the company's Website with prices starting at $399.00. The action-packed photos of the Superbowl game, on Sunday, January 31, will be used for both the NFL's official Website and America Online's Website. By using high resolution digital cameras, the NFL can post photos of the game much faster than traditional cameras, and then use the images for print purposes as well. 01/31/99 update:  The picture of John Elway above came directly from the NFL's website, go see all the SuperBowl pics!!

01-28-99

Fuji Announces New 1.5 Megapixel Heavy Duty Camera From Phil Askey's site comes the following news: Fuji today announced their new DS260HD, the latest addition to their line of digital cameras known as "Big Jobs." With a 1280 x 1024 resolution it weighs in at a hefty 700g (23 oz) and measures 140 x 100 x 106.5 mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 4.2") but is completely dust and water proof. Designed for use in "dusty and dirty" situations this camera would fit in perfectly at a construction site. Brief specifications: 1.5 Megapixel 1/2" Interlaced CCD (1280 x 1024, 640 x 480), SmartMedia, 3x Zoom (35mm - 105mm), ISO 100, 1.8" LCD, Included Lithium Ion rechargable battery. The camera will be on sale in Japan on 21st March 1999 at 128,000 Yen (US$1100) (No news on worldwide availability yet). An optional 28mm wide angle adapter will also be on sale at the same time for 9,800 Yen (US$85).

01-28-99

Nikon Coolpix 900s, Officially Soldout! The following was received directly from Nikon USA "Demand for the Nikon Coolpix 900s digital camera has exceeded our most optimistic forecasts. As a result, the Coolpix 900s is sold out. This unprecedented demand was driven in part by numerous industry awards, uniformly excellent product reviews and rousing word-of-mouth from consumers and imaging professionals. When the Coolpix 900 was named the #1 digital camera of 1998 by a leading independent product testing organization, sales accelerated still further. We recognize and regret any inconvenience the extraordinary demand for the Coolpix 900s may have caused for some of our loyal customers. Now for the good news: Some revolutionary new Nikon products, already in expanded production, are on the way. Details about these new products will be available on the Nikon USA website on Feb 18th, 1999. If you are planning to purchase a digital camera, and cannot find a Coolpix 900s, we urge you to wait for the announcement in order to make an informed purchase decision. We expect the demand for these new products to exceed past product sales. Therefore, we urge you to reserve your new Nikon with your local dealer as soon as possible. For the name of your nearest dealer visit http://nikonusa.com and click into the dealer information page." Steve's Digicams will have the complete details on the new Nikons right here on the Breaking News page on Feb 17th!

01-28-99

Sony's New 2.1 Megapixel DSC-F55K CyberShot Readers Niall Bruce and Don Wetzell both sent me a link to the Japan PC Watch site which shows the new Sony DSC-F55K CyberShot 2.1 Megapixel camera. From that page I found this page at Sony Japan that shows a larger picture of the new camera - large enough to read the words "Carl Zeiss" on the 37mm f/2.8 lens! According to the Sony news page the DSC-F55K will begin shipping in Japan on 4/1/99 and will use Sony's new 16MB MemoryStick module. It has a 1/2-inch CCD imager that yields 1600x1200, 1024x768 or 640x480 images, it captures 320x240 MPEG motion video and has a 2-inch color LCD display. Just browsed over to Phil Askey's site and he has some exclusive pictures of the new Sony camera, check it out! The PC Watch website has posted a Sony DSC-F55K page with sample images just be sure to scroll your browser sideways or you'll miss the pictures.

01-27-99

Agfa To Introduce Yet Another New Digicam Next Month At PMA The DCRP reports the following info on Agfa's next upcoming camera, the model CL-50, which will be introduced at PMA next month: 1.9 megapixels (interpolated), not sure what the real CCD resolution is yet 3X optical zoom + 2X digital zoom Uses SmartMedia? (can anyone confirm this?) Can record audio Solar panel device that boosts LCD panel illumination in sunlight It will cost $799 As I have said before, I do have more NEW camera news but cannot divulge the details until just before the PMA show so hang in there, it won't be long before Feb 17th.  If you have any info about new cameras at PMA please email it to me - if it doesn't violate any of my NDA agreements I'll be glad to discretely post it.

01-27-99

Underwater Cases for Olympus Digicams digitalkamera.de has a news item about an underwater case for Olympus digital camera models D-220L to D-340L (and probably the new D-340R). This case is waterproof to a depth of 3 meters and also makes your digicam safe for use outdoors in the rain and snow. Here's the page at Olympus Japan with a picture of the D-400 Zoom UW case. I've fielded some emails requesting info about UW cases for digicams so I hope this helps you in your search.

01-26-99

Kingston Slashes Prices Up to 26 Percent on Flash Memory Product Line FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingston® Technology Company today announced it has slashed prices on the Flash memory storage product line by as much as 26 percent. As the market for digital cameras and handheld computers expands, Kingston is able to pass the cost savings to end users by improved engineering design and streamlined manufacturing. With the growing need for Handheld Personal Computers (HPCs), and digital cameras, Flash has become one of the fastest emerging industries for memory storage. Kingston's high-performance Flash memory cards are well-suited for digital cameras and handheld personal computers, which require more megabytes of Flash memory storage for multiple images.

01-25-99

SanDisk Announces Fourth Quarter Revenue and Net Income SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 1999--SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK - news), the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage products, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. Total fourth quarter revenues were $38.2 million, up $6.1 million from the third quarter due to increased sales of CompactFlash and FlashDisk products. Revenues from licenses and royalties were $8.1 million. Net income for the quarter was $3.6 million, up from $2.5 million in the previous quarter. Diluted earnings per share was $0.13, compared to $0.09 per share for the third quarter of 1998. Revenues for the fiscal year were $135.8 million, an increase of 8% from $125.3 million for the previous year due to higher patent license and royalty revenues. Product revenues were down slightly despite a 34% increase in unit sales due to lower average selling prices. Net income in 1998 was $11.8 million, or $.43 per share, compared with $19.8 million, or $0.79 per share for 1997 on a diluted basis. SanDisk's balance sheet remains strong with cash and investments of $134 million and no debt. Operations generated $8.3 million of cash during the fourth quarter and $13.3 million for the year.

01-25-99

Digicam Timing Program for Macs TenSeconds is a first try at making a digital camera shutter timer available for Macintosh (Mac OS 7 or later, Mac OS 8.5 preferred) users. TenSeconds is an application created to time the latency between pressing the shutter release button on a digital camera and the release of the shutter.  Digital Eyes recently embarked on a project to time this latency, and a Windows-only application was created to allow a user to time this latency. We built this Macintosh application so that Mac users can contribute to this effort as well.  It is currently in what we consider beta stage, please report bugs to our email address. The timer starts at -5 seconds, counts down to 0, then begins counting up to 5 seconds, in 60ths of a second (displayed to the precision of 100ths). A tone will sound as each full second elapses. The tone will be higher when the timer reaches zero. The principle of operation is that when the timer reaches zero, you take a picture of the screen with your digital camera. The image captured by your camera should give you a reasonable idea of the latency between you pressing the button and the camera taking a picture. We hope you find this simple program useful. It's free to all good people.

01-25-99

Pegasus Imaging's JPEG Wizard Pegasus Imaging has been developing high quality JPG compression programs for some time now and has just released their JPEG Wizard utility for Windows. It allows you to apply JPG compression to different regions of images so certain parts remain razor sharp while the rest of it gets compressed. This is a novel approach for optimizing your image file sizes for email or web use. Pegasus has an Online JPG Wizard that demonstrates its ability to shrink and/or edit your JPEG images. Now you can have this power available locally on your own computer by downloading their new program. Here's a quick list of JPEG Wizard features: DOWNLOAD SPEED- Reduce your file sizes 30-70% without visual loss. LESS BLOCKY ARTIFACTS - Published test results show the Pegasus' JPEG implementation is superior to many of the commonly used JPEG implementations. ADD BANNERS AND TRANSPARENT WATERMARKS- Add banners, text and watermarks for copyright protection and promotion! RECOMPRESSION WITHOUT LOSS! - Recompress your JPEG files again and again without introducing generational image loss normally associated with recompressing JPEG files! MERGE IMAGES - The JPEG Wizard 1.0 supports the ability to seamlessly merge multiple images into one utilizing both text and image while maintaining a very small file size. REGIONALLY OPTIMIZE YOUR COMPRESSION THUMBNAIL ON THE FLY - Create high quality thumbnail images as you compress your images individually or in batch mode. ADJUST IMAGE COLORS - Adjust JPEG hue, tint, brightness and contrast without introducing a recompression artifact in the image. PASSWORD PROTECTION - Utilizing the PIC format in the JPEG Wizard 1.0 you can secure your images with passwords. BATCH IT! - The advanced batch features in the JPEG Wizard can save you hours of time regionally compressing, overall compressing, combining images, cropping, appending, creating thumbnails, color adjusting, rotating, watermarking, adding image comments and adding text to a series of images. Read a comprehensive review of JPEG Wizard at the FRCN's web site - click on the Digital Imaging link after you get there.

01-24-99

Prince Digital Releases Version 2.0 Erithacus Software announces that version 2.0.0 of Prince Digital for Windows has now been uploaded to our web sites. Version 2 includes some major feature enhancements, and the good news is that all existing customers are entitled to a FREE upgrade (just enter your old password). Those of you who have not yet purchased the program get another 15 days trial period after downloading the new version. The most significant improvements are illustrated on our home page at http://www.erithacus.com/princedigital and are summarized below: Selective enlargement Selective enlargement allows portions of images to be expanded, letting you focus in on objects of interest and crop out unwanted parts. The original image file is not modified. Improved print quality Bicubic spline interpolation gives much improved image quality at large print sizes, or with low/medium resolution images, by removing the characteristic digital "pixelated" effect. Combined with the new selective enlargement feature this lets you print image areas with resolutions as low as 640 x 480 at 10" x 8" and still get acceptable results. Automatic image exposure correction option Many digital camera images suffer from underexposure, resulting in murky images. Our new exposure correction option allows such problems to be corrected automatically, without modifying the original image file. Visit http://www.erithacus.com/pri ncedigital for a full list of additions, improvements and fixes, and to download the new version.

01-21-99

Calluna Introduces New 260MB Type II PC Card Hard Drives SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- CeBIT'99 will see the launch of the world's first 260MB Type II PC Card hard disk drive. At only 5mm, the disk drive is less than half the thickness of all previous disk drives from Calluna. The launch of the new Callunacard(TM) will provide the best value solution for storage in mobile and transportable applications in the market place. Visitors to CeBIT will be able to see the memory card in action on the RFI stand, No F32, in Hall No 6. The Type II Callunacard has been developed from the recently launched 1GB Type III Callunacard. The Type II card uses identical magnetic recording technology incorporating the same recording head and the same disk as the Type III. A new mechanical and electronics design enables 260MB of data to be stored on just one disk using one head within a format just larger than a credit card. Production of the new Type II 260MB PC Card will begin within the next three months and it will be available at a MSRP of $299 from resellers and retail outlets in April. In addition, with the demand increasing for higher capacity storage from mobile devices, Calluna plans further developments for this exciting new technology, and is already looking at increasing capacity in the same Type II format.

01-19-99

Flashpoint Extends Digita Photo Adventure Contest FlashPoint Technology Inc. today announced that it has extended the deadline for the DigitaTM Photo Adventure Contest, designed to encourage and educate photo enthusiasts and third-party developers on the capabilities and advantages of Digita Script. Digita Script submissions are now due on February 28, 1999 and contest winners will be announced March 29, 1999. After kicking off the contest in late October 1998, FlashPoint has seen a worldwide rise in software development kit downloads and an impressive level of creative and productive script entries. FlashPoint has seen a very creative set of submissions that allow users to automate image capture, build customized Web pages, enhance images, automate various camera settings, and even create poetry. All enthusiasts of the Kodak DC260, DC220 and Minolta Dimage Zoom EX1500 cameras are encouraged to get creative, have fun, solve needs, streamline workflow and build new solutions. Users can enter their Digita Script programs into the Digita Photo Adventure via the web for a chance to win the $2,500 Grand Prize trip to Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. The first place winner will be able to choose either a Kodak DC220 Zoom, DC260 Zoom or Minolta Dimage EX Zoom 1500 digital camera. Second place winners receive a SanDisk ImageMate external CompactFlash drive and a 15MB CompactFlash memory card. Third place winners receive a 10MB SanDisk CompactFlash memory card. All qualified entrants will receive a free one-year subscription to Digital Camera Magazine. Contestants only need a Digita-enabled camera, a simple text editor and the Digita Script Software Developer Kit available on the FlashPoint web site.

01-19-99

Popular Photography to Join DigitalFocus in Presenting the Excellence in Imaging Awards At PMA Show NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 1999-- The most recognized awards in digital imaging just got a little more recognizable. DigitalFocus, the leading digital imaging newsletter publisher and events producer, announced today that Popular Photography magazine, the premier publication in the field, will co-sponsor the 2nd annual Excellence in Imaging awards at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show in Las Vegas on Feb. 17th. The annual awards, given to the best products and technologies of 1998, will be presented prior to the DigitalFocus '99 @ PMA press demo event being held at the Alexis Park Resort on Wednesday, Feb. 17th from 6 to 9 p.m. Award categories include digital cameras, digital camcorders, printers, scanners, software, services, media, and technology innovation. Popular Photography and DigitalFocus will present the awards to winners and runners-up before the event. Companies wishing to learn more about the Excellence in Imaging awards and the DigitalFocus '99 @ PMA event can contact DigitalFocus editor Chris O'Malley (chris@digfocus.com or 561.498.8912) or publisher Jon Pepper (jon@digfocus.com or 413.665.8131), or check out the DigitalFocus web site. Members of the press who wish to RSVP for the DigitalFocus '99 @ PMA event on Feb. 17th can do so by email (rsvp@digfocus.com) or phone (800-826-9622).

01-18-99

Epson's Award-Winning Consumer Ink Jet Printers Drop in Price TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 1999--Epson America Inc., creator of high-quality, award-winning imaging products, Monday announced it has lowered the price of its award-winning line of consumer ink jet printers. The EPSON Stylus Color 740, the EPSON Stylus Color 640 and the EPSON Stylus Color 440 are now available at $249, $179 and $129 respectively. The EPSON Stylus Color 740 is also one of the first color ink jet printers in the industry to deliver native Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity for both Windows 98 and Macintosh, including the new iMac. The EPSON Stylus Color 640 and 440 are Windows compatible out of the box. However, Macintosh users can also take advantage of this new printer by purchasing an optional Epson USB/Parallel Adapter, priced at $49.

01-16-99

Olympus D-620L Review Posted Our friends at the Imaging-Resource have been busy as usual reviewing the latest digicam hardware and have just posted an in-depth review of the new Olympus D-620L SLR megapixel digicam. Their conclusion:  "Olympus had a tough act to follow, in attempting to better their earlier D-600L SLR digicam. We're happy to say that they succeeded in doing just this, with the D-620L. While they've made slight but perceptible improvements in image quality, the biggest strides come in the "feel" of the camera in live shooting situations, and in the provision of an external flash sync connector. The extremely fast shot-to-shot cycle times of the D-620L radically alter the entire digital photography experience. Its increased responsiveness makes the camera so much more transparent to the creative process that it's easy to forget you're using a digital camera, rather than a film one."

01-15-99

CycloVision's ParaShot Lowers The Price for Immersive 360° Digital Photography CycloVision's ParaShot is the world's fastest and easiest way to create fully interactive digital photography content in a matter of minutes. You simply click the button, to create a digital photograph that captures a 360° image in one exposure. ParaShot is an easy to use attachment for use with mega-pixel digital still cameras, specifically the Agfa ePhoto 1280 and ePhoto 1680 and the Nikon Coolpix 900 and Coolpix 900s digital cameras. Based on patented technology, the ParaShot incorporates a parabolic mirror, relay lens and PC-based software for rapid deployment of 360° photographs to the Internet or corporate Intranets, multimedia applications, CD-ROM's or DVD's. Using a ParaShot attachment, your digital image appears as a donut shaped photo, which is then unwrapped using the ParaShot software into a 360° interactive window that can be navigated around with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities using Internet browsers. Unlike competitive immersive photographic systems, the ParaShot requires no stitching, additional processing fees or complex programming. ParaShot renders high quality immersive images that enhance your web site visitors experience with content that is alive, and immediate. Instant 360° immersive digital JPEG photographs Optimized for use with Afga ePhoto 1680 camera Rapid deployment of immersive content Navigate photos with pan, tilt & zoom actions Suggested List Price $995.00 See ParaShot 360° samples using a Java-enabled browser or with the LivePicture plugin.

01-15-99

Microtech Announces New Digital Camera Products USB CameraMate Reader Microtech International, Inc. is announcing their newest USB offering for the digital photography market, the iMac friendly USB CameraMate. This compact, cross-platform digital film reader streamlines the process of transferring digital photos from digital film storage cards (SmartMedia and CompactFlash) to USB compatible computer systems. USB CameraMate transfers digital images at speeds of over 30X faster than conventional serial cable downloads. 160MB Digital Flashfilm Cards Microtech International, Inc. announced a new higher capacity Type II ATA digital film card with the release of a 160MB card, doubling the previous high capacity. Digital FlashFilm high-speed ATA cards were the first PCMCIA cards developed specifically for Fujix and Nikon professional digital SLRs. Available in capacities of 20MB, 40MB, 60MB, 80MB, and 160MB. Digital Photoalbum Pro Microtech International, Inc. announced an addition to their family of high-performance SCSI digital film readers. The Digital PhotoAlbum PRO has been upgraded to include a built-in slot for SmartMedia digital film cards and a CompactFlash adapter for using CompactFlash film cards in the Type II/ III slot. This added functionality enables the device to read and format all common digital film cards being used today, including Type I and II ATA Flash PC Cards, Type III rotating DPA "Viper" drives, SmartMedia in 3.3v and 5v up to 128MB (when available) and CompactFlash cards from any manufacturer.

01-15-99

Current Lithium Batteries Pose Risk of Fire The Boston Globe Online posted a story called "The Power Source of the Future" in which they detail a potentially dangerous problem with the current crop of lithium batteries. Click on the link to read the entire story.

01-13-99

PMA '99 Rumour Mill It's not even time for the PMA Las Vegas show yet but the rumours are already beginning to filter in on some of the new offerings to be shown there next month. Toshiba will show their new PDR-M4, a true 2 megapixel camera that will be all-Toshiba, not a Fuji OEM. Olympus and Nikon will also be showing their new digicams -- sorry but I have to keep the details Top Secret until next month or they'll shoot me! 01-15-99 Another "deep throat source" informs me that Toshiba will show two new cameras - a PDR-M4 and a PDR-M5. Both will be housed in a very compact, aluminum case and use a 1/2" CCD yielding 2 megapixels (1600x1200 / 800x600 in normal mode), variable compression modes, 1.8" LCD, USB and serial port, video out, 8MB SmartMedia, 5-mode flash, rechargeable batteries and AC adaptor. The PDR-M5 will have all of this plus a 3X optical zoom lens.

01-13-99

New Sanyo VPC-Z400EX Saves Power With Daylight Illuminated LCD Screen digitalkamera.de reports that the new Sanyo VPC-Z400EX megapixel camera has a daylight-illuminated 2" LCD screen. By flipping a small door open on top of the LCD (see picture) you can use the existing daylight to illuminate the large LCD screen. Circuitry in the camera detects this and turns off the internal lamps used to perform this task. Sanyo is not alone in this new technology, the Sony Mavica FD-81 and the new Epson PhotoPC 750Z also share this type of display LCD. We certainly hope this is a TREND that will be followed by other camera makers as anything that can be done to reduce the power consumption in digital cameras SHOULD be done. Hopefully we will soon see the use of even newer display technologies like Kopin's CyberDisplay to further reduce the amount of power consumed by the main display device.

01-13-99

Online Photo Album and Free Web Space Servers - Are They Stealing Your Photos? This seems to be a rather "hot" topic on some of the digital camera web sites in the last couple of days. Is it true, are they actually stealing your photos? I won't stick my neck out and say YES or NO. The truth of the matter is that I don't know for sure one way or the other. There is so much legal "fine print" in their Conditions of Use Agreements that it's hard to tell exactly what they are saying. These services for the most part are on the up-and-up and are only protecting themselves. In the eyes of the law they become the publisher of anything they post to the Internet on your behalf. The bottom line is that if you want to protect your photos there are several things that you can do BEFORE uploading them to a remote web server: Add a copyright symbol, date and your name in the photo Never upload the original full size image, only use smaller scaled-down images If in doubt - don't do it in the first place! Most Internet service providers (ISPs) offer you some kind of "personal web space" for non-commercial use. This is the best place to put your photos online even if it means you have to learn some HTML coding or use a program that will do it for you. If you decide to use your own web space remember to put your name and copyright symbol in the photos anyway. And you better check your ISP's Conditions of Use Agreement, you might just find that it's worded the same as all these other guys agreements!   There's just no escaping lawyers these days :-)

01-13-99

Canon's PowerShot Pro70 Wins Popular Mechanics' Editor's Choice Award at Consumer Electronics Show '99 LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Canon PowerShot Pro70 digital camera was honored last week by Popular Mechanics magazine with the publication's first annual Editor's Choice Award for best digital still camera. The announcement was made during a reception at the Winter Consumer Electronics Trade Show in Las Vegas on January 7th. The award was established to recognize and honor corporations whose innovative products enhance consumers' lives. Canon's PowerShot Pro70 is a full-featured digital camera that offers prosumers a wide range of capabilities, including the highest resolution in its class with the 1.68 million- pixel CCD sensor. The sensor produces images as large as 1536 x 1024 pixels, which allows users to create high-quality 8 x 10-inch photographic prints. Additional features include a built-in 28-70mm f/2.0~2.4, 2.5x power zoom lens, which provides users with high optical resolution, low distortion, true wide-angle capability and the largest maximum aperture in its class. The PowerShot Pro70 is also the first digital camera to offer two CompactFlash card slots for maximum picture-taking capability, including one type II slot, making it compatible with IBM's high-capacity MicroDrives. Word just in that Norman Camera will have the new Canon PS Pro 70 camera in stock on Feb 1st.   Here's their website URL if you want to place an advanced order for one.

01-13-99

Epson's New Stylus Photo 750 Thanks to the Imaging-Resource for pointing me to an Espon web site in Hong Kong for information about their new Stylus Photo 750 printer. I have always been a big fan of Epson printers and currently own and love my large format Stylus Photo EX. Here is a link to Epson U.K. for the new Stylus Photo 750 printer. The EPSON Stylus Photo 750 features the innovations of industry-leading 1440dpi performance with 6-pico liter Ultra MicroDot and the Variable-sized Droplet Technology. These revolutionary advances offer breakthrough in quality and speed on both document and color printing. Even more impressive, it now prints to the edge with a margain of only 3mm. It also features PhotoEnhance 3, bi-directional printing with logic seeking, 48 x 6 nozzles (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, Light Magenta). Printing speeds: Black text up to 6ppm in Economy mode, Color text up to 5.8ppm in Economy, Mixed text & photo up to 2.6ppm in 360dpi, Full page color up to 1.2ppm in 360dpi and Photo at just less than 2 minutes at 720dpi. Standard interfaces include IEEE-1284 parallel, Macintosh RS-423 serial and the new USB. Sources tell me to also look for new large format Stylus Photo 1200 printer, specs the same as the Stylus Photo 750 except paper handling is A3+ and will also accept roll paper. Delivery expected in March or April. The current Stylus Photo 700 and Photo EX models will remain but of course, will lower in price.

01-13-99

Olympus Lowers Price of D-600L To $799 Also reported on Imaging-Resource is that Olympus has just lowered the MSRP of their very popular D-600L SLR digital camera down to $799, State Street Direct is already selling them for as low as $699.

01-12-99

PictureWorks Technology, Inc. and Sarnoff Corporation Partner to Create Imaging Software for Both Digital Still and Video Cameras DANVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 1999-- PictureWorks Technology, Inc. and Sarnoff Corporation today announced the formation of an exclusive partnership to develop imaging technologies and products for use with both digital still cameras and camcorders. The partnership brings together the technology and marketing expertise of two industry pioneers: PictureWorks, with its digital still camera solutions and Sarnoff's VideoBrush Corporation with its innovative array of video mosaicing applications. For the first time, a software company will be dedicated to the development and marketing of products for the users of digital still cameras, as well as camcorders, live video and tethered video cameras. Since PictureWorks Technology's inception in 1994, it has been a leader in supplying software for use with imaging products including digital cameras, scanners and video conferencing cameras. VideoBrush Corporation, a Sarnoff Technology Venture, was first to market immersive imaging software for camcorder users when it released VideoBrush Panorama, a product that creates panoramic images from video images.

01-12-99

Photobit Corporation Wins Broad Patent for "Camera-On-a-Chip" Technology PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 1999--Photobit Corporation, the leading supplier of CMOS image sensors, announced today the issuance of a broad U.S. patent for camera-on-a-chip technology. The patent, titled "CMOS Active Pixel Sensor Type Imaging System On a Chip," covers the first major breakthrough in image sensors since the development of the solid-state charge-coupled device (CCD) in the 1970s. It is assigned to the California Institute of Technology, which earlier granted to Photobit an exclusive license to the technology. The new patent adds to Photobit's exclusively licensed patent portfolio. CMOS active-pixel image sensor technology, invented at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1993, enables the integration of a complete imaging system, including pixel array and control area, onto a single piece of silicon. This greatly reduces power consumption and lowers the number of parts needed in finished imaging products, among other benefits. Digital cameras-on-a-chip have many industry applications and are currently available from Photobit as both custom and off-the-shelf products. The leaders of the NASA development team founded Photobit in 1995 to commercialize the groundbreaking technology. They include Dr. Sabrina Kemeny, CEO; Dr. Eric Fossum, Chairman and Chief Scientist; and Mr. Robert Nixon, Vice President of Engineering. Dr. Fossum and Mr. Nixon are co-inventors on U.S.Patent No. 5,841,126, issued on November 24, 1998.

01-11-99

PC Magazine "Editor's Choice" Awards - Digital Cameras The January 1999 issue of PC Magazine featured a large and in-depth article on 20 popular, sub-$1000 digital cameras called "Closing the Gap." Their Editor's Choice results for the following three categories are: Business - Sony Mavica FD-81 "It's real selling point is convenient floppy disk storage... the drawback is image quality: Sony's aggressive compression algorithms to enable floppy disk storage degrade the images somewhat." Semipro - Nikon Coolpix 900s "For higher-end users who need uncomprimising image quality our Editor's Choice is the Nikon Coolpix 900s. Pictures were sharp, with accurate, well-balanced colors. Our jury placed the Coolpix's images first for both printed output and Web display." Home - HP PhotoSmart C30 "For budget-concious home users looking to get started in digital photography our Editor's Choice is the HP PhotoSmart C30. It's easy to use, and it delivers above-average image quality at a very attractive price."

01-11-99

Vivitar Introduces ViviCam 2750 Digital Camera With CompactFlash Card Slot SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 1999-- SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK - news) announced today that Vivitar, one of the nation's largest camera manufacturers, has introduced the ViviCam 2750, a new affordable digital camera, which has a specific slot for CompactFlash™ (CF™) memory cards invented by SanDisk. The new camera was introduced last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. A special SanDisk discount coupon for SanDisk CompactFlash memory cards and ImageMate external CF drive will be included with each ViviCam 2750 sold. The new ViviCam 2750 is a VGA 640 x 480 resolution digital camera with LCD display and optical viewfinder. The new camera includes a fully featured control panel, 2MB (megabyte) internal memory and video outputs for VCR taping of images or playback on television sets. "This marks the 61st digital camera to use CompactFlash memory cards," said, Nelson Chan, vice president of marketing at SanDisk. "We are pleased to be working with Vivitar in jointly marketing this new digital camera. This partnership allows SanDisk to offer to ViviCam customers a special price on our CompactFlash cards as well as our popular ImageMate (card reader) which is now available in both parallel port and USB versions."

01-11-99

Fuji MX-600 Zoom Megapixel We first reported about this camera many months ago when it was found on a Japanese web site. The new Toshiba PDR-M3 is an OEM'd Fuji MX-600, it's the same camera. At this time it is not clear whether Fuji will import it into the U.S. market but you will be able to get the Toshiba PDR-M3 when it becomes available. Dreamarts in Japan has some MX-600 (FinePix 600) sample photos online to give you an idea of how well this camera works. There's some Sony DSC-D700 pics on the same page. The Fuji MX-600 Zoom sports a 1.5 million pixel CCD, Autofocus, and a 3X optical zoom lens with the equivalent of 35-105mm coverage of a 35mm camera. To enhance the camera's dynamic range, a built-in flash with digital 2X telephoto mode captures the feel of a 210mm image. Whether taking a series of snapshots at a sporting event, or a candid portrait, the MX-600 Zoom has all the angles covered. In fact, it takes as little as two seconds to adjust the focal length, making it a snap to jump from a wide-angle shot such as a panoramic scene, and in a heartbeat, switch to a telephoto setting to capture a subject in that same frame. The camera's 24-bit color images can be shot in either high resolution 1,280 x 1,024 mode, or basic 640 x 480. Furthermore, the camera's high-speed RISC processors with on-board DRAM chip, make it possible to take and store RGB colored-filtered images that capture every nuance of color, while affording for a picture to be taken every five seconds. And, another desirable function, is the built-in 1.8-inch color LCD monitor, for instant image preview and playback. With its quick and accurate high-speed CCD Autofocus System, the MX-600 Zoom automatically measures distance and lighting to ensure that the combination of aperture/shutter settings is based on the entire image, not just the center. The end result is high-quality images, that when printed, near professional output. With its one-touch settings using the Mode Dial and four direction keys, the MX-600 Zoom allows the user to select exposure levels, as well as aperture, macro and flash settings. By selecting the wide-angle setting, either F3.8 or F7.6 apertures, portrait or expressive subjects can be emphasized. In addition, for manual flash photography, the built-in autofocus lens features a Slow Synchro mode to allow users to slow down the shutter speed to capture the backdrop during the evening. For added effect, an external synchro-flash mode produces striking shots such as dramatic angles or reflective lights. Measuring 4.8" (w) x 3.3" (h) x 2.4" (d) and weighing only 11.6 ounces, the MX-600 Zoom features a horizontal camera design, a familiar look to consumers who are used to the traditional design of a 35mm camera. Like all of Fujifilm's consumer-priced digital cameras, images are easily stored on SmartMedia™ removable storage cards. A 4MB card is packaged with the camera, while higher capacity SmartMedia™ cards are sold separately. The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery and also comes bundled with an AC power adapter. In addition, the MX-600 Zoom comes packaged with Adobe Photo Deluxe 2.0™ image editing software.

01-10-99

IBM's Microdrive To Be Used In Digital Cameras And 10.5-Ounce Wearable PC's (Business Wire photo) ARMONK, NY - Jan. 10, 1999 -- (BUSINESS WIRE) The world's smallest and lightest hard disk drive, the IBM Microdrive, will begin shipping in volume in mid-1999. The 340MB Microdrive, weighing 20 grams, is an example of IBM's technological innovation changing the shape of digital cameras, video cameras, companion PCs, and notebook computers. IBM's 10.5-ounce Wearable PC fits in your pocket and is completely portable, yet offers enough power to run IBM's Via Voice Speech Software. With 340MB of storage and 64MB of EDO RAM, this 233MHz hands-free computer even lets you watch videos on an eye-level display. IBM's Wearable PC is an example of IBM's technological innovation.

01-09-99

Questra Corporation Demonstrates H-P's JetSend Technology at Consumer Electronics Show LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Questra Corporation, a leading professional services firm specializing in embedded software and hardware development for digital imaging and multimedia industries, will be demonstrating the connectivity potential of Hewlett-Packard's JetSend communications protocol at this year's Winter CES show. The demonstration will be in the Questra booth, #5214 in the Digital Imaging Pavilion, at the CES held in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Questra developed the prototype in only eight weeks, highlighting the company's ability to adapt new technologies to enhance product features. Questra engineers have created a unique application that allows a digital camera to send digital images instantaneously to a set top box. The image is then automatically displayed on a TV monitor. Using infrared communications, the link is wireless. Questra designed the demonstration to illustrate the inter-exchange potential between two devices by using HP's JetSend technology. The JetSend protocol was developed by Hewlett-Packard to help devices such as printers, digital cameras, personal digital assistants and other information appliances to exchange communication information to arrive at a desired outcome. In the case of the Questra demonstration, product manufacturing companies can see first hand the exciting consumer applications afforded by Questra's Design Services as digital images are instantly sent infrared through a set top box to a video monitor. Another potential application could allow the same image to be remotely sent to the consumer's printer at the same time.

01-09-99

In-Depth Mavica FD-91 Review Phil Askey's Digital Photography site has just posted an in-depth user review of Sony's new Mavica FD-91 camera and includes some 30-plus sample pictures. Be sure to check out the rest of the site too! Phil's is one of the newer digital photography sites out there but it is very well done and I am happy to welcome him to the ever-growing fraternity of digicam related web sites.

01-08-99

MetaCreations' Kai's Photo Soap 2 Named "Best of Show" at Macworld SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 1999--MetaCreations Corporation (Nasdaq:MCRE - news), the Creative Web company, announced today that Kai's Photo Soap 2 was awarded "Best of Show," selected by Macworld Magazine editors as one of the "hottest" products introduced at Macworld Expo '99 this week. Kai's Photo Soap 2 from MetaCreations was one of ten products awarded the "Best of Show" distinction. Macworld Magazine chose Kai's Photo Soap 2 over the many products demonstrated at the show because of its intuitive interface and useful new features, including the ability to run Photoshop plug-ins. As previously announced, a special edition Kai's Photo Soap has been selected for bundling with Apple Computer's iMac, Agfa digital cameras, Microtek scanners, Epson color printers and Kidboard graphics tablets, among others. Soap 2 is currently available on a hybrid CD through national retail outlets, in catalogs, and direct from MetaCreations at a SRP of US $49.95. Until May 31, 1999, a $15 mail-in upgrade rebate to Kai's Photo Soap and a competitive $15 mail-in rebate is available until May 31, 1999.

01-07-99

MetaCreations Announces New "MetaFlash" Internet Technology CARPINTERIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 1999 -- MetaCreations Corp. (Nasdaq:MCRE - news) Thursday announced that the company has developed a technological advancement, named MetaFlash™, as a component of the company's 'Creative Web' strategy. MetaFlash™ enables Web developers to easily and affordably capture photo-realistic 3D images for interactive use on the Internet. MetaFlash™ is the combination of a flash attachment designed by MetaCreations for standard digital cameras and powerful MetaCreations software that reconstructs the digital pictures into high-quality, texture-mapped 3D wire frame models. The company believes that MetaFlash™ technology will dramatically reduce the time and cost involved in producing photorealistic 3D Web images.

01-07-99

Macworld Magazine Announces 1998 Editors' Choice Award Winners SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999-- Macworld magazine, the leading Macintosh publication and website, has named the hardware and software product winners of its prestigious 1998 14th Annual Editors' Choice Awards. The Eddy Award winners were announced last night in a ceremony at the posh Mercury Restaurant in San Francisco, held the eve of the Macworld Expositions, which opens today. The Eddy Awards, the Macintosh industry's highest distinction for breakthrough product development and technological innovation, were given to products in 26 categories, honoring the best software and hardware products for business, dynamic media, video, web, publishing, graphics and developer tools. In addition to the 26 award categories, Eddys were given for Hardware Product of the Year, Software Product of the Year, Technology of the Year, and the Impact Product of the Year. Macworld magazine 1998 Editors' Choice Award winners (of interest to our readers) are: Best Scanner - PowerLook 3000 (UMAX Technologies) Best Digital Camera - D-620L (Olympus America) Runners-Up: Nikon 900s and Kodak DC260 Best Printing/Image-Editing Software - Adobe PhotoShop 5.0.2 Best Professional Printer - Stylus Pro 5000 (Epson America) Best Consumer Hardware Product - Stylus Color 740 (Epson America) For a list of all of the winners go to MacWorld's 1998 Editor's Choice Awards page.

01-07-99

Toshiba Unveils PDR-M3 Megapixel Digital Camera At ICES Winter '99 LAS VEGAS, January 7, 1999 (ICES/Winter ’99) -- Toshiba Imaging Systems, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced its next generation of digital camera, the PDR-M3®, the first Toshiba megapixel camera to feature a true 3X optical zoom and rechargeable batteries. The PDR-M3 will be available in February, 1999. Pricing has not yet been set but should fall into the $599 range. The PDR-M3 features a 1/2-inch, 1.5 million pixel striped array CCD that delivers superior 1280x1024 resolution capable of yielding 8x10" prints free of pixelation or color distortion. The four-mode flash system ("red-eye" reduction, force-fill flash, automatic low-light and force-off) is easily adjusted to any lighting condition up to 10-feet from the subject so that no detail is missed. Toshiba incorporated an all glass 3X optical zoom (38mm-115mm equivalent) capable of precisely maintaining resolution when capturing images, even when zoomed up to 300%. It also has a 2X digital zoom when used in conjunction with the 3X optical zoom, gives the PDR-M3 6x zoom capability. The PDR-M3 also has a playback zoom feature that enlarges captured images up to 4X on the LCD screen. The PDR-M3 ships with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and adapter. Menu-driven controls on the LCD status display allow the adjustment of basic camera settings, such as image quality and file sizes. Seconds after the images are captured, the pictures can be played back, saved or deleted using the camera’s super-bright 1.8-inch backlit LCD. Another feature is the on-board video-out that directly connects the camera to a multimedia projector, TV or VCR for viewing images without a computer. And yes, this is an OEM version of Fuji's MX-600 FinePix camera that we reported about several months ago.

01-06-99

HP Announces New DeskJet 882C Printer PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the HP DeskJet 882C printer, a premier home printer for professionals and families who need fast, brilliant photo-quality printing at an affordable price. The new printer, expected to sell for about $299 (U.S.)(1), replaces the popular DeskJet 722C printer and extends the company's line of affordable, photo-quality DeskJet printers. The new DeskJet 882C offers faster performance and increased versatility over its predecessor. Features include: Whisper-quiet, swift speed -- at up to 8 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 5ppm in color, a 25 percent increase in color print speed over the DeskJet 722C printer. The printer provides stunning photo quality, with smooth and vibrant results on any paper; Universal Serial Bus (USB) support -- offers plug-and-play functionality. The USB port allows multiple devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, increasing productivity; Hand-out printing mode -- condenses up to four pages of text and images onto a single page, saving printing time and paper; and Poster printing -- allows users to create large-sized prints by printing small segments of the original image onto single pages, then assembling up to 16 pages into a large-scale poster. All DeskJet printers offer brilliant, photo-quality printing capabilities. The DeskJet 882C printer uses HP Photo Resolution Enhancement color-layering technology (PhotoREt II) to deliver photo-quality results on any paper. HP's exclusive PhotoREt II color-layering technology precisely blends tiny droplets of ink to enable users to create dazzling, photo-quality prints, without having to sacrifice speed.

01-06-99

APPLE iMac and Power Macintosh Connection Software Available For Kodak DC260 and DC220 Cameras The new Digita Desktop Acquire module now makes it possible for the KODAK DC220 and DC260 Zoom Cameras, Universal Serial Bus (USB)-compatible cameras, to connect directly to iMac and Power Macintosh Computers. The USB cable shipped with the cameras is iMac-ready. This DIGITA Desktop Acquire also supports USB and serial connectivity on the Power Macintosh. USB requires an APPLE recommended USB PCI card and MacOS 8.5 or later. The Digita Desktop Acquire module was developed by FLASHPOINT TECHNOLOGY Inc., makers of the powerful DIGITA™ Operating Environment used by the KODAK DC220 and DC260 Zoom Cameras. The module leverages industry-compatible USB connectivity to give iMac users the ability to transfer megapixel picture files quickly and easily.

01-05-99

Interactive Pictures Comes Full Circle With Upgrades to IPIX Wizard Software SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999-- Interactive Pictures Corporation, the world leader in multi-dimensional 360-degree image technology, is ringing in the New Year with a series of new features for the company's popular IPIX Wizard for PC and Macintosh software. The new features, including a multiple "Save-As" option and expanded Java support, enable greater flexibility and ease-of-creation for IPIX immersive images. Through the addition of these new features, IPIX has further simplified the ability of users to create compelling, high-quality IPIX images in a matter of minutes for use in a wide-range of Internet and CD-ROM applications. For full info on the new version visit the IPIX web site.

01-05-99

Keyspan Introduces USB Expansion Card Enabling Macintosh Computers to Use SanDisk USB ImageMate SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 1999-- SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq: SNDK - news) announced today that Keyspan, a division of Innosys Inc., has introduced a PCI to USB card for Macintosh computers which enables SanDisk's USB ImageMate™ to be connected to any Macintosh computer with PCI slots. The ImageMate, supporting both Windows® 98 and Macintosh operating systems, allows digital camera owners to quickly and easily transfer images from CompactFlash™ (CF™) digital film cards to a desktop computer. The Keyspan PCI to USB card has an MSRP of $59. SanDisk's USB ImageMate has an MSRP of $89 and is available at major retail outlets.

01-05-99

Newer Technology, Inc. Announces Two New USB Removable Storage Card Readers And SCSI-to-USB Converter Macworld Expo Booth #1507, SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Newer® Technology, Inc., the largest supplier of Power Mac and PowerBook enhancement products, today announced two new removable memory readers and a SCSI connectivity adapter for USB systems. The Compact Flash reader or uFlash-CF and SmartMedia reader or uFlash-SM function like any removable media, but transfer files 80 times faster than by using a serial cable directly from device to computer. The new uSCSI allows users to connect existing SCSI devices such as hard disks, CD-ROMs and tape drives to USB-equipped computers. The uFlash-CF, uFlash-SM and uSCSI are expected to ship in Q1. Estimated street price for the uFlash-CF is $89, $99 for the uFlash-SM and the uSCSI is $79.

01-05-99

New Digicam Chipsets Coming - 2MPixel Cameras for $500 By Mid-1999? One article in EE Times has Cirrus Logic partnering up with Polaroid and IBM to produce higher-resolution and lower-cost digicams during 1999. The same article points out that the worldwide market for digital still cameras will reach $5.4 billion by 2002. One analyst said that for the industry to achieve a compound growth of 42% by 2002 the price of a megapixel camera must hit $200 or less. It should be an interesting year in the evolution of digicams!

01-04-99

Olympus Announces New D-340R Entry-Level 1.3 Megapixel for Under $500 MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus America Inc., Digital & Imaging Systems Group, a leading consumer digital camera manufacturer today announced the Olympus D-340R entry-level filmless digital camera for $499. The Olympus D-340R evolves from the popular point & shoot D-340L with a 1.3 megapixel CCD (1280 x 960 resolution) in a compact, lightweight camera, and adds new features including an improved ISO rating of 100/200; uncompressed TIFF recording mode for maximum quality zero compression images; 3x inspection mode to review photo details in the camera; and 8MB SmartMedia removable media, all for the same price as the previous model D-340L. The D-340R retains the popular features of the D-340L, including its compact light-weight ergonomic design, low price, all glass aspherical lens system, burst mode of 10 shots in 1/2 second intervals, 4 mode intelligent flash, 2x digital telephoto mode, video out, and SmartMedia card usage. The D-340R includes professional level photographic controls you'd expect from an Olympus camera. These include four levels of recording images (Standard Quality at 640 x 480, High Quality at 1280 x 960. Super High Quality 128O x 960 with low image compression for superior image quality, and uncompressed TIFF mode), exposure controls, and flash features. Exposure control allows users to bracket +/- 1 step for lighting compensation. Olympus also features a sophisticated four mode flash, with "red-eye" reduction, force-fill flash, automatic low-light and back-light mode, and force-off to accommodate any lighting condition. The D-340R incorporates high-speed D-RAM (internal memory). This architectural enhancement provides near world-class shot recovery performance of 2 seconds between shots surpassed only by the recently announced Olympus D-620L. The D-RAM also enables Sequence Shooting mode allowing the capture of up to 10 images in half second intervals. Activation is easy. Users simply hold the shutter button down and the camera does all the work. Up to 10 images are written through D-RAM and saved to the removable media for later review.

01-04-99

Epson Reduces Price of Award-Winning PhotoPC 700 to $499 TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1999--Epson, the creator of high quality, award-winning imaging products, today announced that it has reduced the price of its popular megapixel digital camera, the PhotoPC 700, by nearly 20 percent. Effective January 1, the estimated street price of Epson's megapixel PhotoPC 700 is now $499, reduced from its previous street price of $599.

01-04-99

Agfa Introduces New ePhoto CL30 Megapixel For Less Than $400 LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1999-- Visit Agfa at CES, at Booth 4913. Agfa Desktop Products Group (DTP), a leading provider of award-winning digital cameras and desktop scanners, introduces the ePhoto CL30 -- a high-performing, easy-to-use mega-pixel digital camera for under $400. The ePhoto CL30 expands the range of camera choices by offering high-end features, including a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface and a true resolution of one million pixels, for the price of a entry-level digital camera. Designed for the SOHO market, the ePhoto CL30 is ideal for anyone who requires high-quality, mega-pixel images at an affordable price. The stylish and compact ePhoto CL30 features both an optical viewfinder and 1.8" color LCD screen -- perfect for framing shots or playing them back. The LCD screen features an on and off switch, so the user can make the most of his or her power supply. The digital camera operates on four AA-sized alkaline batteries and ships with a 4 MB CompactFlash(tm) card -- enough storage capacity for 6 to 36 images depending on the resolution setting. The ePhoto CL30 offers image resolution of 1.5 million pixels (a true 1 million pixel image enhanced by Agfa's PhotoGenie(tm) technology) and a 2X digital zoom. In addition, the CL30 features both USB (Universal Serial Bus) and Serial downloading capabilities, satisfying the requirements of all digital camera users. The USB interface allows for extremely fast data transfer -- up to 10 times the rate of serial communication. USB also gives true meaning to the phrase plug-and-play, allowing users to plug and unplug the ePhoto CL30 for convenient switching with other USB devices, without having to reboot the PC or to chain multiple peripheral devices. The ePhoto CL30 is a complete, out-of-the-box solution for most applications. Included are: the camera, cables (PC, Video), powerful software, a 4MB SanDisk CompactFlash removable memory card, one set of four AA-sized alkaline batteries and a soft protective case. In the U.S., the ePhoto CL30 will be available in February for the suggested price of $399.

01-04-99

Epson Announces USB Version of Its High Performance Perfection 636 SOHO Scanner TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 1999-- Epson America Inc., creator of high quality, award-winning imaging products today unveiled a USB version of its Perfection 636 scanner. The Perfection 636U is a powerful, high quality flatbed scanner designed for home and small office/home office (SOHO) consumers requiring dedicated USB devices such as the iMac. The Perfection 636U features a robust new software bundle for increased flexibility and will ship in March 1999. The Perfection 636U achieves a true optical resolution of 600 X 2400 dpi using Epson's advanced Micro Step™ Drive technology which features a precise stepper motor, 4MB of onboard memory and intelligent image processing. Two hardware accessories are available for the Perfection 636U to increase flexibility and productivity. A 20-page automatic document feeder (ADF) capable of scanning multiple pages and legal size documents is available for $199. A transparency unit is also available for $99. The Perfection 636U version will be available in March for an estimated street price of $229. As a special introductory offer, a $30 mail-in rebate coupon will also be included with the product.

01-04-99

Olympus Announces Multi-Function Home Entertainment Photo Printer MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus America Inc., Digital & Imaging Systems Group, the leader of film and filmless photography, today announced the Olympus P-330 Instant Home Photo Printer, for filmless photo viewing and printing through a TV set, directly from a camera, or from a computer. Easy to use, the P-330 directly reads SmartMedia cards thus avoiding cables and printing aggravation. Consumers can easily create prints and reprints in about 2 minutes at home or at the office, without taking a trip to a photo store. The P-330 true photo dye-sublimation printer has 5 major uses: It is an instant home entertainment printer. It enables viewing images on the TV for cropping and printing up to 30 copies of photos in four sizes of up to 16 different images at once. It is also a video frame grabber/printer. Printing frames from any camcorder or VHS/DVD video signal, it can print any image displayed on a TV monitor. It is a dedicated photo printer connecting to virtually all common computers (Windows and Macintosh). The P-330 can print any computer generated image, including downloads from the Internet and images edited on a computer. It is a SmartMedia card reader, which allows all SmartMedia memory cards from Olympus (or other digital cameras) to be inserted directly into the printer for quick and easy downloading of images via the parallel port (Windows only). It is a dedicated printer for Olympus filmless digital cameras, direct printing images from the camera or removable cards. The P-330 includes the printer and photo paper pack. It is available for both Macintosh or PC computers immediately and is expected to sell for $449.

01-02-99

megapixel.net January 1999 Issue Now Online My friends at megapixel.net have just posted the January 1999 issue online. Reviewed this month are the new Canon PowerShot Pro 70, Konica Q-M100, Epson PhotoPC 700 and the older Minolta Dimage V digicams. All of their twelve previous digicam reviews are still online as well as articles dealing with redeye reduction macro photography. Check out the entire website, there's lot of great digital imaging info there.

01-01-99

32 MBytes SmartMedia: First Samples Available digitalkamera.de reports that the Korean memory chip manufacturer Samsung has sent to Europe for tests the first samples of SmartMedia cards with 32 MBytes capacity. This will give an opportunity to test whether they can be used in the Olympus C-1400 XL without problems. The new cards should be available in large volumes from February. The market introduction by camera manufacturers is likely to take place at CeBIT in March 1999. New Windows/NT FlashPath driver supports 32 MBytes SmartMedia cards. Just a few weeks after the 16 MBytes-capable Windows NT driver (version 3.04) for the FlashPath floppy adapter became available, the latest version 3.05 now also supports the coming 32 MBytes cards. The driver can be downloaded from the Olympus web-site free of charge and also works with the FlashPath floppy adapters of other camera manufacturers. 32 MBytes drivers for Windows 95/98 will likewise shortly be available.

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