Got some Hot News, please email it to Steve and thanks!

03-28-2000

Pentax VersaCam 'Net Camera Captures and Sends Still Digital Images ... Without a PC! BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 28 -- Imagine capturing live images of the Malibu surf to email to your friend in Dallas; imagine catching the action at your busy restaurant or store for promotion on your website; imagine your childcare facility providing a way for parents to see their child right from their desktops; imagine publishing the daily progress of your company's construction project over the Internet. Now imagine capturing and sending these live images without a personal computer! The Pentax VersaCam 'net camera allows you to do just that. Pentax Technologies Corporation (PTC) will introduce the VersaCam 'net camera at Spring Internet World 2000 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, April 5-7. Unlike the majority of web cameras, no PC or additional hardware is required to send images with the VersaCam. After initial configuration, only a communication link such as a modem or network card and power are needed to operate the camera. The VersaCam captures digital still images, compresses them into JPEG files, and sends them to your specified location. Pictures can be sent to web sites, LANs, email addresses, CCTV networks, and personal computers. The transmitted images can be viewed with any standard Internet browser. The VersaCam is lightweight, small (3"x3"x6") and fits inside standard protective camera housings for outdoor use. The VersaCam will be available for shipment in June 2000.

03-28-2000

New 1550mAH Maha NiMH Batteries Our good friends at Thomas Distributing have received the new Maha 1550mAh NiMH AA batteries, these are very high capacity (typical 1650mAH) and are comparable to the more expensive Kodak brand cells. You need the most capacity you can get for these power-hungry digicams and the Maha batteries are priced right at just $15.90 per set of four. And if you don't own one already you should, the Maha C-204F charger is the best thing going out there as far as "smart" rapid chargers are concerned. Thomas has got the C-204F charger and four 1550mAH batteries for $36.90, and this includes a free 12V car cord too!

03-28-2000

DP Review Posts Fuji 4700 Review The DP Review has just posted their Fuji FinePix 4700 review of Fuji's new digicam with the controversial SuperCCD. Phil examined a preproduction camera for his 12-page review and had this to say: "The 4700Z was certainly an interesting camera, a design of two opposites.. Great design, build quality and ergonimics. It's great to see digicam manufacturers thinking about how we actually use the cameras rather than just bolting a button here or there, and there's some really nice touches on the 4700Z that make you think. Unfortunately this wasn't matched by the pixel level image quality demanded by the more mature end of the digicam market. Up close images were fuzzy, had odd pixel effects and chromatic abberations towards the corners of the frame. If you're shooting for the web or for email then image quality will be just fine, otherwise you may wish to consider a 3 megapixel digicam."

03-28-2000

Be Delivers New Personal and Pro Editions of BeOS 5 MENLO PARK, Calif.--March 28, 2000--Be Incorporated today announced the availability of the latest release of its highly-acclaimed digital media operating system, BeOS 5. The Personal Edition of the operating system, renowned for its rich media handling capabilities and ideal for first-time or casual users, is now available at no charge, via the web at http://free.be.com. Additionally, BeOS 5 Pro Edition, a fully-featured version designed for audio and video applications, has also been made available to third- party publishers in North and South America, Asia, and soon to follow, Europe. For the first time, BeOS 5 Personal Edition takes advantage of a remarkable operating system installation procedure that makes no alteration or modification to the boot drive. While other operating systems typically require a repartitioning of a disk drive to make room for the new OS, BeOS 5 Personal Edition simply resides on the disk as a single file. This single file can be moved or deleted like any Windows file, but when it is double clicked, it switches control from Windows to BeOS. As a result, the new or casual user will find the installation process is no more difficult and no riskier than installing a typical Windows application. BeOS 5 Personal Edition is compatible with Intel-based PCs and includes HTML-based documentation. BeOS 5 Personal Edition handles an ever increasing number of IDE and SCSI drives as well as broader PCMCIA and USB support, including digital camera and IEEE 1394 FireWire video support. BeOS can read virtually every major audio and video format as well as produce output that can be processed by most popular applications and devices. Dial-up and LAN-based TCP/IP networking is available and the OS comes with an Internet browser, an ftp and telnet server, and AppleTalk support.

03-28-2000

Smile, You're On Yahoo! Photos SANTA CLARA, Calif.--March 28, 2000--Sharing pictures of life's most memorable moments just got a lot easier. Yahoo! Inc. today officially announced the addition of Yahoo!®Photos to its network of properties. Yahoo! Photos is a place for anyone who likes to take photos to easily create and share online photo albums of memories and good times with friends and family. Yahoo! Photos makes uploading photos to the Web simple and gives people easy-to-use tools to create photo albums, order high-quality digital prints and much more. Prints ordered on Yahoo! Photos are provided by Shutterfly, an all-digital online photo service that turns digital images into 35mm quality prints, and mails them directly to individuals, family and friends. To introduce the service, Yahoo! Photos and Shutterfly will offer users their first order of up to 15 prints for free.

03-27-2000

Quatech Release of PCD-U, USB SmartMedia and PC Card Reader/Writer Quatech Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the PCD-U, the newest member of their FreedomUSB Series. The PCD-U is a PCMCIA memory card reader providing an easy way to move large blocks of data via a USB port. To celebrate the new release they are running a special FreedomUSB sale on the Quatech website. Anyone using the Quatech secure online ordering system is invited to purchase a single FreedomUSB adapter, including the new PCD-U, at a 20% discount from April 1 through May 30, 2000. As an added bonus, all online orders during this period will also receive FREE ground shipping. The PCD-U has two card slots, one for SmartMedia cards and an upper slot accommodates a single Type I or Type II PCMCIA ATA Flash card or CompactFLASH card. Further, as ATA Flash cards are compatible with older portable computers with PCMCIA slots but no USB ports, Quatech's PCD-U is an ideal solution for transferring files from an older laptop to a USB equipped PC. Quatech's new PCD-U lists for $99. Using the 20% online discount, a single PCD-U unit can be ordered for $79 via Quatech's website from April 1 thorough May 30, 2000. Thanks to the Imaging-Resource for this news item

03-27-2000

Club Photo Adds Online Photo Sharing Services for Event Photographers SAN JOSE, CALIF., Mar. 28, 2000 - Club Photo(tm) Inc. (www.clubphoto.com), the leader in online photo sharing and print finishing, today announced its Event Photo Site to serve professional photographers. The new Event Photographer service enables professional photographers to post proof photos of events so that clients, their friends and family can view and order reprints of their favorite moments online. Prior to this service, event photographers processed the pictures, created a proof album and met with their customers to determine which pictures to reprint. In most cases, friends, family and guests never saw the proofs from the event, so photographers lost many sales opportunities. Now photographers can display the event photos to all participants and invited guests, even those who could not attend, so that they can order favorite pictures and relive that special occasion again and again. One of the most frustrating bottlenecks for busy professionals -- gathering customer orders for event photos -- is eliminated. At the Club Photo Event site, photographers can easily share their proofs in their own personalized, pre-registered site. This enables clients and invited visitors to view the albums and order desired prints directly online. The photos are marked by a "PROOF" watermark to protect the photographer's image.

03-27-2000

Sierra Imaging Places Chipset and Software in Kodak Digital Camera SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--March 27, 2000--Sierra Imaging, Inc., today announced a double design win with Eastman Kodak Company. The picture company is using Sierra's Raptor(TM) embedded imaging chipset and Sierra's highly acclaimed Image Expert(TM) software with its Kodak DC80 digital camera, sold only in Japan. The Raptor chipset controls all aspects of the camera, from image acquisition, processing, and storage, to power management and display functions. The Raptor chipset provides high performance features normally found in much more expensive products, including zero boot time, click-to-click times of less than 2 seconds between pictures, and user selectable PAL or NTSC video out settings. Sierra Imaging's Raptor chip and firmware are highly optimized for maximum battery performance, yielding on average over 400 pictures per set of four AA alkaline batteries, making them among the most efficient technologies available for power management and battery longevity. Sierra's Image Expert software extends the camera's performance to the desktop, providing the fastest and easiest way to download images to the PC. Image Expert is an image acquisition and management tool that allows the user to view and organize thumbnail views of images using a visual browser metaphor. Once images have been downloaded, they can be cropped, rotated, scaled, and corrected, then viewed as slide shows, e-mailed to friends & family, or printed using one of Image Expert's many print templates. The application is OLE-based, allowing images to be easily dragged and dropped into other applications such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.

03-27-2000

PhotoHighway Chat Schedule Upcoming PhotoHighway.com live chats. "PhotoShop in Black & White" Tuesday, 3/28 8:30pm ET "Shooting Great Travel Pictures" Wednesday, 4/5 8:30pm ET "Dirck Halstead on Photographing the President" Wednesday, 4/12 9:00pm ET "Picture-Taking Strategies to Give You Better Photos" Wednesday, 4/19 8:30pm ET "Digital Cameras: What You Need to Know Before Buying One" Wednesday, 4/26 8:00pm ET "Making Changes to Your Digital Pictures" Wednesday, 5/3 8:00pm ET To participate in a chat, consumers can register to become a member of PhotoHighway.com at no charge. 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 homepage.

03-25-2000

Imaging-Resource Posts Olympus D-360L Review Dave and gang at the Imaging-Resource have been busy again and just posted their Olympus D-360L user review. Dave's conclusion: "The D-360L is a very simple to use, straightforward digicam that provides the luxury of completely automatic exposure control for users who just want to "point and shoot". This camera is perfect for the user who wants to take great pictures without having to do too much work, although it does offer important control options such as exposure compensation, spot metering, and variable ISO for those times you need to go a bit beyond what the automatic exposure system can accomplish. Overall, a very practical digicam that's simple to use, and has enough resolution to make good- quality 5x7 prints."

03-24-2000

Kodak Pushes Harder On Low-Cost Digital Cameras NEW YORK, March 23 - Photography giant Eastman Kodak Co. is moving more aggressively in the lower-priced, digital camera market as activity in the area increases, company spokesmen said Thursday. "We are moving increasingly aggressively at the lower-end of the price range with cameras that deliver 4X6 and 5X7 prints and easy-to-use cameras," said Joe Runde, a Kodak spokesman. Runde noted that Kodak has been selling digital cameras for the last two years and it is not changing its strategy but rather continuing its push in the area. Kodak, which has been trying to raise the profile of its digital business, holds the No. 2 spot in digital camera sales, But several other players are becoming forces in the digital camera market and the number of lower-cost, easier-to-use options is growing from competitors such as Polaroid Corp. as more consumers adopt digital cameras. He added that Kodak plans to soon launch two new cameras but declined to comment on whether they would be in the cheaper, easier-to-use market. "It's a very significant market selling those (cameras) to kids that use them at (the) entry level, e-mailing (pictures) to friends. That business is an area that makes sense for Kodak to be in," said Alex Henderson, an analyst at Prudential Securities. He noted the company's plans to move a camera manufacturing plant from Japan into China and said that would be able to serve the market on a more cost- effective basis. "I think it's a good tactical move on their part."

03-24-2000

ritzcamera.com Launches Online Auctions SAN DIEGO, and WOBURN, Mass., March 22 -- ritzcamera.com, the flagship site in the phobo.com network of interactive sites, and FairMarket, Inc., today announced the launch an online auction site available at www.ritzcamera.com. The new auction site, ( http://auctions.ritzcamera.com/) is dedicated to providing the best selection of quality photo, video and digital products at the most competitive prices. ritzcamera.com's auction capabilities include the typical English auction, where the highest bidder wins, Dutch auctions, where multiples of the same item are available, and AutoMarkdown(SM), or "falling price" auction, in which bidders are e-mailed when the price of the item they want reaches what they're willing to pay. The auction features also include e-mailing customers when someone bids higher than they did on an item.

03-23-2000

Epson's "Killer" Chip One of our readers pointed me to the MIS Associates web site to check out their news. MIS has been selling quality inkjet refill kits and cartridges for a long time now. Here's what they have to say about the new Epson Stylus Photo 870 and 1270 printers: "If you are not aware of it, Epson has a new printer series coming, the 870 & 1270. They are an improvement over the current 1200. Images are sharper and will last longer. The price is about the same as the current 1200. The biggest difference is the cartridges, they have a killer chip in them. When they are empty they can not be refilled. Epson claims this is the way they are heading in the future. This is bad news for us and our refilling customers. Many customers have already asked if we will be supporting this printer with our inks and refill kits. The answers is, we sure intend to. It will depend if we can find, or someone else can find a work-around for the killer chip. Reproducing the inks, is well within our capability. We will have to wait and see how difficult a work-around for the chip will be. We expect that the entire 3rd party industry will be working hard on this problem during the next couple of months. A solution should become evident this summer. The other potential obstacle is Epson's attitude towards 3rd party companies, especially the Chinese ones. If they take legal action against 3rd party companies for creating workarounds, then this all becomes much more complicated. We will just have to wait and see what happens. On the positive side, Epson is doing a great job of expanding the horizons of Digital Printing, and for this we are grateful." If you're not one of those that likes to refill his own cartridges or buy less expensive third-party cartridges then this will not mean much but it will surely mean that the printing costs with these new printers will be higher.

03-23-2000

Kodak Releases New DC290 Firmware Well this one sailed right by us, thanks for the reminders from several folks about the Kodak DC290 Firmware upgrade that's now available on Kodak's web site. According to Kodak the new firmware: Adds language support for a Simplified Chinese user interface. Improves battery life when taking Timelapse pictures by not utilizing the Liveview and Quickview functions of the color LCD. Fixes other minor bugs. And James Surine informed me that with this firmware update the DC290 can now enjoy arcade sound with the latest version of MAMED and MESSD.

03-22-2000

Bibble v0.93 Now Does Thumbs Eric Hyman just told me that the v0.93 update to his Bibble program was available for download. Bibble is a Windows 95/98/NT program that Eric wrote to decode the Nikon D1's raw NEF files. It allows you to read in the NEF files, then adjust, sharpen, resize, white balance (with a single mouse click), apply unsharp mask and more and then write the file out as a 16-bit TIF or compressed JPG. The most recent update now includes a thumbnail browser for both NEF and JPG files. Bibble may have a silly name but it's a very good program and the best part -- it's FREE.

03-21-2000

Versatec RX Flash Bracket I just posted a review of the Versatec RX flash bracket for the Nikon Coolpix 900s, 950 and 990 cameras. This is one nifty flash bracket that doubles as a sturdy grip and it easily blows all the other Nikon flash brackets totally away. If you're using the Nikon bracket now, do yourself a favor and check this bad boy out, it's a solid piece of hardware that belongs in your arsenal of pro accessories.

03-21-2000

Viking Ships IntelliFlash USB Flash Memory Reader RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif.--March 21, 2000-- Viking Components Tuesday announced its new IntelliFlash(TM) USB flash memory reader/writer for high-speed, image and data transfer between a flash memory card and a PC. IntelliFlash will ship in April of 2000. Viking IntelliFlash works for PC Card types including SmartMedia(TM), PCMCIA Type I or II ATA cards, and CompactFlash(TM). Its USB connection is hot swappable, allowing users to insert and remove cards without having to power down and reboot the system. And its bi-directional high-speed data transfer allows users to quickly and easily download images from a digital camera, or data from any other PC Card source at a speed of up to 1.5 MB per second.

03-21-2000

Analog Devices and Fujifilm Co-Develop New CCD Signal Processor for High-Performance Digital Cameras NORWOOD, Mass., March 21 -- Analog Devices, Inc. today announced a new CCD (charged-coupled-device) signal processor that significantly improves sharpness and clarity in digital cameras while prolonging battery life. Digital cameras using Analog Devices' PxGA(TM) technology, such as Fujifilm's recently introduced FinePix4700Z digital camera and FinePix S1 Pro single lens reflex digital camera, achieve one of the highest color fidelities available on the market today. Analog Devices and Fujifilm worked closely together to co-develop an advanced imaging architecture that integrates a timing generator and 12-bit converter with ADI's proprietary PxGA technology, resulting in increased color depth, greater gradiations of colors and better overall system performance. ADI's PxGA technology is a proprietary AFE technology that integrates critical high- performance analog functions onto a single chip, greatly increasing system performance and efficiency. By controlling color balance as close to the CCD as possible, PxGA significantly reduces the effect of possible noise(A) being added in subsequent analog and digital processing steps.

03-20-2000

Digicam Mailing List Mitch Leben emailed to have me post this info about his digital camera mailing list: I think your visitors will be interested in a mailing list I run, digicam@leben.com. Digicam members frequently cite your site, particularly reviews. Here is the basic list information: Digicam is a forum for general discussion concerning the purchase and use of digital cameras. All makes and models of digital cameras qualify for discussion. Appropriate topics include but are not limited to: Hardware: Cameras, cables, memory cards, batteries. Images: Image quality, resolution, compression, file formats. Software: Image processing and enhancement, archiving. Color: Color reproduction, color corrections, calibration. Printing: Preparing files to print, types of printers. Advocacy: The future of film. To subscribe to DIGICAM: Send a message to majordomo@leben.com with the words "subscribe digicam" in the message. No subject is required. You can remove yourself from the list at any time by sending a similar message with the words "unsubscribe digicam" in the message body. Full list rules and info will be mailed when you subscribe.

03-20-2000

DC Resource Posts Casio QV-3000 Review Jeff at DC Resource emailed me to let me know that he had just posted his Casio QV-3000EX review online. He had this to say about it: "The QV-3000EX is a worthy follow-up to the already excellent QV-2000UX. When you add up all the features, it's a good buy -- but with the IBM Microdrive, it's a great one. Overall, I recommend the QV-3000EX highly! While it's only the second three megapixel camera we've tested, it's right up there with the PowerShot S20. The camera is full-featured, and everyone loves the Microdrive! Mac users may want to consider something else if the lack of panorama software really bothers you -- perhaps Casio will offer it one of these days."

03-19-2000

3.34 Megapixel Still and MPEG-4 Camera from Toshiba Several readers asked me if I knew anything about the new Toshiba MEC100AS so I went off looking to see what I could find. I saw a picture of the prototype they showed at one of the electronics shows in Japan a while back but hadn't heard anything more about it. After searching the Toshiba Japan web site I came up with the picture and link above. So far I have deciphered the following specs out of the Japanese pages: 1/1.8" 3.34 million pixel CCD 2048x1536, 1024x768 still JPG image resolution 320x240 (QVGA) and 160x120 (QQVGA) MPEG-4 video clips F2 - F8 apertures, 1/4 - 1/1000 sec shutter speeds 2" TFT color LCD PCMCIA Type II storage USB If anyone has any further specs or pictures of this camera please let me know. Not sure if it will even make it over here to the U.S. so we'll wait and see what Toshiba has to say about it. 03/20/00 update: One of our readers pointed me to this 3/15/2000 Toshiba press release that has a little more info about the camera and some of Toshiba's other new A/V products. The camera is due for a June 2000 launch.

03-16-2000

PhotoWorks Archive Crosses the 85 Million Image Mark SEATTLE--March 16, 2000--PhotoWorks announced today it surpassed 85 million photo images stored on its Internet server. PhotoWorks offers free scanning and lifetime archiving of photos with all regular film processing orders. PhotoWorks has scanned and posted as many as one million customer photos a week to its online archive as PhotoWorks' popularity has expanded. More recently, PhotoWorks began offering first-time customers free film processing of their initial roll of film. In February, PhotoWorks announced an Internet strategy to integrate its successful photo processing and printing business with an Internet business model. Backed by $15 million in venture capital funding led by Orca Bay Partners and Madrona Investment Group, PhotoWorks is aggressively expanding its Internet technology and Web development, partnerships and marketing efforts.

03-16-2000

Sony CyberShot Cameras to Feature MGI's PhotoSuite & VideoWave TORONTO, March 16 - MGI Software today announced that it has secured a worldwide licensing agreement with Sony Corp., for both MGI PhotoSuite and VideoWave on CyberShot cameras. PhotoSuite and VideoWave will be included with Sony's new line of high performance digital cameras - the Cyber-shots, which includes the DSC-S70, the only digital camera to combine 3.3 mega-pixel resolution with advanced Carl Zeiss(TM) optics. The new line also includes the Cyber-shot DSC-S50 and DSC-S30 cameras. Also available in May, the three cameras are expected to sell for about US$800, $600 and $500, respectively. This latest agreement furthers MGI Software's relationship with Sony Corp. MGI PhotoSuite also is included with European and Asian shipments of the popular Sony Mavica.

03-16-2000

KB Gear Interactive Leads 1999 Sales in Entry-Level Digital Camera Market MINNEAPOLIS, March 15 -- KB Gear Interactive garnered an impressive 35% share of the burgeoning entry-level digital camera market during 1999 with its JamC@m 2.0, an award-winning digital camera that achieves mega-pixel quality pictures with a 640x480 VGA processor enhanced by PhotoSharp software. The JamC@m 2.0 features true 640x480 VGA resolution, three storage capacity levels, and USB/serial connection in the box. In summer 2000, KB Gear will launch JamC@m 3.0 (SRP: $99), a revved-up, higher performing version of the camera that will come in three hip colors with expandable memory and a strobe flash.

03-16-2000

Low End Mac Looks at High End Rolleiflex The folks at Low End Mac take a look at the latest digital photography equipment from the Rollei in their online article entitled "Rolleiflex Embraces Digital Revolution."   Under scrutiny is the Rollei d 30 Flex, a professional SLR digital camera with a somewhat dated 2/3" CCD-chip with 1.4 million (1280 x 1024) pixel resolution but in 30-bit color depth. The article also looks at the Gamma C4 Digital studio back that fits medium format cameras and delivers 2048 x 2948 (23.2 MB interpolated) 36 bits per color (RGB) images. And the Gamma S12 digital back for scan-type photography that yields 35 MB size files without interpolation.

03-15-2000

Panasonic PV-SD4090 SuperDisk Review Posted I just posted my Panasonic PV-SD4090 SuperDisk review online. Check out the only other camera in the world besides the Sony Mavicas to use a floppy disk drive -- and this one can use 120MB SuperDisk floppy diskettes too!

03-15-2000

Canon S20 In Stock at Ritz Camera For those of you looking for the new Canon S20 three megapixel "pocket wonders" -- I just got word from Ritz Camera that they are now in stock and can be ordered immediately from their web site and all 400 of their store locations will have them by Friday.

03-15-2000

IR Posts Nikon 990 Review My good friends over at the Imaging-Resource have posted their Nikon Coolpix 990 review (of a prototype) and have pretty much come to the same conclusion that I have about this fine camera. Dave and company do their usual exhaustive review (where does he find the time?) of this new 3 megapixel wonder and had this to say about it: The Coolpix 990 is an exceptional follow-on to the already excellent Coolpix 950. The list of added features, options, and capabilities is too long to include in a brief conclusion, but suffice to say they're both extensive and eminently useful. Virtually every aspect of the camera's performance has been enhanced or extended, and the result is a true 3 megapixel powerhouse. And don't forget my Nikon 990 review which is still a work in progress as I haven't received a production model camera yet -- but it's expected soon.

03-15-2000

SmartDisk's FlashPath to Support Windows 2000 NAPLES, FL--SmartDisk Corporation announced support for Windows 2000 is being integrated into its FlashPath(TM) floppy disk adapter for digital appliances. A beta version of the FlashPath for SmartMedia(TM) Windows 2000 driver can now be downloaded from SmartDisk's Web site, with general availability planned for the end of March 2000. Additionally, future releases of Windows 2000 driver support for Sony's Memory Stick(TM) and SanDisk's MultiMediaCard are planned

03-15-2000

FotoTime.com Photo Sharing Site The FotoTime.com web site is a photo sharing web site similar to the competitors. What makes them different is they offer (for free), their FotoAlbum software. Members may also upload pictures using their browsers if desired. The Foto Album software can organize and group pictures on your PC. Directly connects to Kodak digital cameras. Has TWAIN support for other devices. Can print multiple pics per page. Does lossless jpeg rotation. Has one button publish feature to your personal photo album on FotoTime.com The FotoTime.com web site allows users to share pictures with family and friends using invite feature. Has Security features to insure that unwanted visitors do not view your pictures. Has a slide show. Stores pictures at original resolution so prints turn out better. Features activeX version of same printing available in FotoAlbum. Allows users to buy photographic quality printouts of their pictures. Store will soon provide novelty items with pictures on them such as mug, t-shirt, etc. Members may store up to 100MB of data.

03-14-2000

UMAX Includes Adobe Photoshop 5.5 with Award-Winning PowerLook Series Scanners FREMONT, Calif., March 14, 2000 - UMAX Technologies, Inc. today announced that it is the first company to include the professional version of Adobe Photoshop 5.5. Starting immediately, UMAX will offer the powerful graphics tool with its award-winning series of professional scanners. Now graphic artists and imaging specialists can scan, edit and create professional-level images and artistry right out of the box. The PowerLook 2100XL offers fast performance and superior 800 x 1600 dpi hardware-based resolution and can scan images up to 12" by 17", despite the small footprint of just over 18" by 24". The PowerLook 2100XL will be available later this month at an estimated street price of $1,499 to $2,699, depending on software bundle and transparency adapter. The PowerLook 1100 is the first professional scanner with dedicated FireWire/IEEE- 1394 design and one of the fastest peripheral connection standards developed to date. The plug-and-play scanner uses bit enhancement technology (BET) technology for 42-bit color output, auto-detect slide holders and hot swap warranty. The scanner is currently available to order at an estimated street price of $999 to $2,099, depending on software bundle. The PowerLook 3000 is a "flat-drum" scanner with a moving flatbed for stable and repeatable quality, auto focus for sharp scans, a 3.6Dmax to detect fine shadow details, auto detect slide holders, and BET for 42-bit color output. The PowerLook 3000 is currently available at a suggested price beginning at $6,999. The PowerLook III is a versatile scanner for scanning slides, transparencies, negatives, and reflectives, with automatic color correction and background RGB to CMYK separations, 3.4Dmax to detect details in highlights and shadows, ultra-high resolution scans at 1200 dpi, for 42-bit output, and auto detect slide holders. The PowerLook III is currently available at an estimated street price beginning at $799.

03-14-2000

Online Mothers Are Cyber-Showing Their Babies on the Web WILTON, Conn., March 14 -- Online moms with babies are taking advantage of the Web to "cyber show off" their baby pictures, according to an Internet survey of 1,000 mothers by Greenfield Online. Nearly a quarter of these mothers have created Web sites devoted to displaying photos of their children and 59 percent have shared family photos via email in a 90-day period. Some 60 percent are at least somewhat likely to buy a digital camera this year and 18 percent own and use these cameras to photograph their kids. The most common brands of digital cameras found in respondents' households are: Kodak 14% Sony 14% Olympus 8% Panasonic 5% Canon 5% Even with regular cameras using film, mothers are asking for Web-friendly processing. Respondents who developed film during a 90-day period took advantage of new options for producing "Net-ready" photos. One-fifth had film developed onto floppy disk, and 12 percent had their developed film posted online. The Picture Perfect study was conducted online between January 28, 2000 and February 1, 2000 with a sample of 1,035 respondents. Respondents were women who have children up to three years of age. All survey findings report aggregate information about groups, not individuals. To join Greenfield Online's Moms and Babies panel, please visit www.babysurvey.com

03-14-2000

Ceiva Logic's Web-connected LCD Picture Frame PC World has an article on the Ceiva Logic LCD Picture Frame which looks like an ordinary 8x10" picture frame except for the power and telephone cord coming out the back. We've heard about the Sony CyberFrame and the soon to be released Wallet but the Picture Frame throws in yet another powerful variable -- the Internet! The unit sells for just $249 and the idea is to give it to someone like your Grandma and every day (or whenever) she gets a new set of pictures downloaded into her Picture Frame automatically via the unit's built in modem and Ceiva's service. You can go on the Internet, connect to Ceiva's site, upload your pictures and then anyone with a Picture Frame and your authorization gets them delivered automatically. The Picture Frame has a 5x7" 640x480 resolution color LCD display and a 33.6kbps modem.

03-13-2000

Accompany, Inc. Launches Expanded Product Offerings in the Photography Market Accompany, Inc., a pioneer in group buying on the Web, has entered into the digital camera marketplace by offering a vast variety of digital cameras, photography software and equipment across its network. Accompany brings people together to save money which means the more people who buy, the more everyone saves. Group buying is the latest and greatest way to buy online. By joining with thousands of other individuals who share a common interest in photography, online shoppers are empowered to receive price breaks previously only appreciated by large corporations that purchase in bulk quantities. At the same time, photography equipment suppliers benefit from an increased volume of sales. Consumers can enter into the Buy-CyclesSM via Accompany’s site, as well as through Web community partner sites such as About.com, Deja.com, NYTimes.com, Quicken.com, and WashingtonPost/Newsweek Interactive.

03-13-2000

Digita Software in New HP PhotoSmart C500 San Jose, Calif. - March 13, 2000 - FlashPoint Technology today announced the availability of the latest Digita-enabled digital camera, the HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera. Because Digita is an open software platform, users of the intelligent HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera can add software directly into the camera to run a variety of specialized imaging, Internet and business applications, without the need for a PC. Onboard software intelligence enables Digita-enable d digital cameras to provide real world solutions for photographers while they're in the field. Digita is the industry's first open software-based platform for next generation imaging appliances. It allows photographers, mobile professionals, and software developers to customize and extend their product's capabilities, by adding imaging applications directly in the camera or other imaging device. Digita drives the intelligent digital photography products including HP's PhotoSmart C500, C912 and C618, the Kodak DC220, DC260, DC265, and DC290, and the Minolta Dimâge EX ZOOM 1500 digital cameras, as well as the Epson PT-110 digital photo printers.

03-13-2000

Multimegapixel Camera Comparison The Japanese web site DreamArts (aka d# Press) has posted the latest in a series of digital camera comparisons where they shoot the same scene (buildings across the way) with some of the most popular multimegapixel cameras. This comparison puts the following cameras head to head: Fujifilm FinePix 4700, Casio QV-3000EX, Canon S20, Epson 900Z, Olympus C-3030Z, Sony DSC-S70, Nikon Coolpix 990 and D1, Olympus C-2500 and C-2020, Nikon 950 (firmware v1.3), Canon S10, Leica DigiLux Zoom, and Olympus C-960.

03-13-2000

Epson Lowers Price of PhotoPC 650 to $299 LONG BEACH, Calif.--March 13, 2000--Epson America Inc. today announced that it has reduced the price of the value-packed, high-performance PhotoPC® 650 megapixel digital camera. The PhotoPC 650 is an economical choice for home, education or business consumers with 1152 x 864 pixel resolution, USB and serial image transfer on Windows® and Macintosh® computers. Epson's PhotoPC 650 will be available now for an estimated street price of $299.

03-13-2000

HP PhotoSmart C500 Digital Camera Now Shipping PALO ALTO, Calif.--March 13, 2000--Hewlett-Packard Company today announced it is now shipping the HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera. This full-featured digital camera, enables users to capture and print high-quality digital photos directly from their digital cameras, bypassing the PC altogether. The HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera is targeted at users who need exceptional quality and functionality. It features two-megapixel resolution for outstanding, photo-quality images with sharp details and rich, realistic color. It also features 3x optical and 2x digital zoom, giving users the flexibility to shoot, capture and frame images accurately. The easy-viewing, 2-inch LCD allows for immediate preview and postview of photos. The camera is compatible with both PC and USB-connect Macintosh systems. The HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera, unveiled last August, is expected to sell for an estimated U.S. street price of $699 and is now available worldwide, except in Japan.

03-10-2000

Epson Announces Price Cuts on Photo Printers LONG BEACH, Calif.--March 8, 2000-- Epson America Inc., creator of high-quality, award-winning imaging products, today announced that it has enhanced the values of two of its high-performance ink jet printers designed for business and small-office professionals. The EPSON Stylus Color 860, priced at $149 (estimated street price following a $50 mail-in rebate), and EPSON Stylus Color 760, priced at $129 (estimated street price following a $30 mail-in rebate), deliver 1440 dpi resolution, the smallest droplet size in their classes -- four picoliters -- and Epson's award-winning Micro Piezo(TM) print technology. The results are laser-sharp text and unrivaled photos and graphics produced at record print speeds. LONG BEACH, Calif.--March 8, 2000--Epson America Inc. today announced that the award- winning EPSON Stylus® Color 740 and EPSON Stylus® Color 740i are now available for $99 and $129 (estimated street price following a $50 mail-in rebate), respectively.

03-10-2000

Applied Science Fiction Demos Film Developing to Digital Process FUTURE IMAGE WEEKLY BRIEFING - ISSUE #94 March 10, 2000 Austin, TX-based Applied Science Fiction (ASF) previewed its forthcoming Digital Film Processing (DFP) technology this week for a small group of analysts invited to its headquarters. The company had planned to introduce DFP at this fall's Photokina, but leaks at PMA compelled it to this early disclosure in order to pre-empt uncontrolled rumors. While the non-disclosure agreement we signed restricts us from disclosing all we were shown and told, the basics can now be made public. DFP is a proprietary technology that takes exposed but unprocessed film, and yields digital images - - without chemical developing. Currently ASF plans support only for color and black and white 35mm and APS formats. The process as ASF demonstrated it on a prototype unit: A roll of exposed, film is placed into a feeder. As the film is fed through the image capture engine, a proprietary developing agent - - which ASF says is non-toxic - - is applied to the film. The system then captures the data from the film digitally, with each picture element developed to its optimal exposure level. The whole process takes just a few minutes. The process destroys the original image exposed on the film - - the film cannot be run through a standard chemical developing process at a later time. [Of course, that is no less true of regular chemical processing - - if something goes wrong there, the film is likewise a lost cause.] ASF intends to deliver the technology through a series of OEM relationships that are currently under negotiation. If it works as advertised - - and the demonstration we saw indicates that it will - - DPF will shake up the imaging industry in two major ways. First, it will remove virtually all barriers to entry in the film processing/scanning/printing business. The DFP process requires no water, and therefore eliminates the need for expensive plumbing. It generates no hazardous waste, and therefore does away with waste disposal provisions - - and with expensive, rigorous compliance with onerous EPA and OSHA regulations. ASF says it can implement DFP in an automated self-service kiosk: customers will input their film, and the kiosk will return a CD with digital images, prints from the images, or upload the images to the Web. Therefore any location where picture takers spend a little time - - from a restaurant to a copy shop, from a gas station to an ATM - - can offer photofinishing services, or become an image collection point for a larger photofinishing organization, such as the photofinishing dot.coms. Second, the DFP technology can produce a better picture - - and may therefore impact consumers' image quality expectations from film and digital imaging. The process develops each picture element to its optimal exposure, holding both shadow and highlight detail to a degree unprecedented in the imaging industry. The NDA we signed prevents us from discussing how this image quality is accomplished, but the demonstration and results we saw were extremely impressive. This technology will turn every user into a better photographer, whether they are a vacation snapshooter, dedicated amateur, or professional. The devil will, as always, be in the details. For instance, reliability will be key: there is no second chance at capturing the image from the film. But, if ASF and its partners execute successfully, DFP technology can be a huge success because it increases both convenience and satisfaction for users. In the process ASF will be a strong contributor to the ongoing transformation of the imaging services industry, from a vertical business to a commodity that enables users to plug in and out of the information infrastructure wherever they are. Want to have this kind of information delivered to your email box every week? Future Image Inc. is the leading provider of decision support services for imaging industry executives worldwide. The FUTURE IMAGE WEEKLY BRIEFING is a concise executive briefing covering the week's most important news in the Digital Imaging Industry, with commentary from Future Image analysts. The FIR Digital Imaging Briefing focuses on five key areas: Internet Imaging, Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Components and Architectures, Visual Asset Management and Industry Updates. Delivered by email 48 times yearly. Yearly subscription fee: US $375, $595 for 2 years.

03-10-2000

More RDC-7 Info on digitalkamera.de The folks over at digitalkamera.de have posted some more info on the 3.3 megapixel Ricoh RDC-7 which is slated for a June release. Like the JVC GC-X1, the new Ricoh can use pixel shift technology to produce even more detailed still images as well as interpolate the image resolution up to 3,072 x 2,304.   I look forward to reviewing this camera when it's available.

03-09-2000

Kodak Begins Marketing Blue Plus Color CCD Image Sensors To Other Manufacturers ROCHESTER, N.Y.--March 9, 2000--Eastman Kodak Company today announced it is now selling its award-winning Kodak Blue Plus Color charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors to manufacturers of digital cameras and other imaging devices. A key component to digital cameras, sensors receive and react to the light coming through the camera lens. Kodak's Blue Plus Color CCD image sensors are full-frame devices that offer enhanced photo-responsivity and very low dark signal. The high dynamic range of these sensors provides exceptional performance in digital camera applications where superior image quality is required. As a result, digital cameras deliver great pictures even in difficult lighting. Kodak's Blue Plus Color CCDs incorporate the company's indium tin oxide technology, which, coupled with integral color filter arrays, provides enhanced photo-responsivity. The result: very high equivalent film speeds (up to ISO 1600). The sensors also offer: High Dynamic Range--very high charge capacity, excellent photoresponse linearity and very low dark signal, providing true 12-bit performance High Resolution--from 2 to 6 million pixels in a variety of optical format Reference Evaluation Boards--designed and manufactured to enable a successful start-up and evaluation for the experienced or novice CCD user Color Fidelity--RGB (red /green/blue) color filter array patterns optimized with proprietary materials to render exceptional color reproduction Anti-blooming Protection--a Kodak-patented lateral overflow drain design providing superior photo-responsive linearity True Two-Phase Technology--Kodak- components Pixel Size--available with 13, 9, and 6.8(mu)m square pixels patented two-phase clocking to simplify circuit design and reduce the number of analog board to meet a variety of customer needs Frame Rate--very high charge-transfer efficiency and custom design options for three-stage output amplifiers and multiple outputs enable high frame rate operation

03-09-2000

Survey Says ... Free 2 Megapixel Camera Future Image is conducting a preliminary survey on sharing photos and ordering prints on the web. They'd like to get your input, and will award a 2MP digital camera to one lucky respondent. The questions are at the Future Image website [www.futureimage.com] or jump directly to the survey here.

03-08-2000

Casio QV-3000EX Review Posted Current inventory of new 3 megapixel cameras "in house" I have posted the Casio QV-3000EX User Review online. Most of it including the conclusion is there but it is still a work in progress. I felt it important to get it out ASAP as this will be the first 3mpixel camera on the market. The sample pictures page is now online with more to come including night shots and high ISO. This is an excellent camera and at $999 WITH a Microdrive it is going to attract a lot of attention.

03-08-2000

Snapfish.com Welcomes New Members to the World's Only Free, Complete Photo Service SAN FRANCISCO, March 7 -- Snapfish.com, the only photo service that offers free photo developing, printing, scanning and online sharing began registering members online today. In a special promotion for early registrants, Snapfish.com is offering a free 35mm single use camera to the first 15,000 people who register at www.snapfish.com. While most online photo services cater to only the digital camera market, Snapfish.com offers complete services for both film-based and digital camera users. Members who shoot 35mm film can reap the benefits of online photography now, and if they decide to switch to digital, Snapfish.com makes the transition seamless.

03-08-2000

iPIX to Acquire PictureWorks Technology, Inc. OAK RIDGE, Tenn. and PALO ALTO, Calif., March 8 -- Internet Pictures Corporation (iPIX) announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for iPIX to acquire PictureWorks in a stock-for- stock transaction valued at approximately $175 million. The combined companies and their technologies will create the first "Imaging Infranet," an extensive global infrastructure of services, networks, and content delivery systems for visual content. This combination of robust infrastructure and services will make iPIX the choice for one-stop Internet imaging solutions in the real estate, e-retail, travel, publishing, entertainment, consumer online auctions, architecture/engineering/construction and insurance markets. Upon closing, this acquisition will position iPIX as the only end-to-end provider of visual content solutions including: Full-service virtual tours provided by iPIX's photographer network Self-service 360 by 360 degree virtual tours using iPIX camera kits Instant publishing of still photos to Web sites using PictureWorks' Rimfire solution iPIX interactive WebCams iPIX Movies Transformation and enhancement (watermarking, annotation, PhotoMovies(TM), SurroundView(TM), etc.) of user-supplied images using Rimfire Visual content hosting and distribution to leading Web sites across the Internet

03-08-2000

FlashPoint Awarded Five Patents for Innovations in Digital Imaging Technology SAN JOSE, Calif.--March 8, 2000-- FlashPoint Technology Inc., creator of Digita, the industry's first standardized software platform for digital imaging appliances, today announced it has furthered its leadership in the imaging industry with five new patents. The new patents reflect innovations in image decompression, screen design, slide show creation, the addition of sound to images, and image display methods in digital cameras. The patents generate additional momentum behind FlashPoint's creation of an intelligent software platform for all digital photography and imaging products. Of the five, two were granted in the United States and three in Taiwan. The five new patents solidify FlashPoint's position in vital intellectual property areas of the digital imaging-operating environment. This brings the number of core patents FlashPoint holds in imaging appliance technology to 17, with 80 patents pending in the U.S. and 42 pending in other nations. Altogether, FlashPoint and its partners have filed more than 150 patents to date, worldwide.

03-07-2000

digitalkamera.de Posts More Olympus C-3030 Specs Our friends at digitalkamera.de in Germany have posted more info about the upcoming Olympus C-3030 Zoom camera. We will have one of these in for testing and review as soon as they're available from Olympus America.

03-07-2000

Fuji Modifies Position On SuperCCD Resolution? From The Imaging Resource's News comes more about the great Fuji Super CCD resolution debate. Go over to their site to read the whole story. "Fuji is reacting to the debate over its decision to label its SuperCCD cameras with a megapixel rating based on final image file size, rather than sensor resolution. The standard with digital cameras up until now has been to base the figure on the CCD resolution..."

03-07-2000

Red River Intros New Zeppelin SemiGloss Photo Paper Red River Paper introduces Zeppelin SemiGloss Photo paper for inkjet printers. This quality 45lb. sheet is coated on both sides for duplex printing. The coating also helps stablilze the paper and minimize ripples and curl from heavy ink coverage. Zeppelin is available in all popular sizes. The Red River sample kit is still the best offer on the net. Two 8.5 x 11" sheets of all Red River paper products (50 total sheets) for $9.99 plus shipping. Try them out before you buy.

03-07-2000

Kodak Picture CD Sales Jump in January and February ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 7--Eastman Kodak Company today reported that it has sold more than 760,000 Kodak Picture CDs in the U.S. during the first two months of the year -- more than 30 percent of all prior year's sales for the award-winning product launched in February 1999. Kodak also reported that total sales for Kodak Picture CD since its introduction have exceeded 2.7 million. Created and co-marketed with Intel, Kodak Picture CD lets consumers experience the benefits of digital pictures without the need for a digital camera. When consumers drop off their traditional film to be developed, they have the option of having their pictures loaded onto Kodak Picture CD, a CD-ROM that includes built-in software for fun things such as do-it-yourself photo touch-up, e-mailing pictures to friends and family and adding special effects to pictures. Kodak mostly attributes the sales success of Kodak Picture CD to an impactful marketing and promotion campaign, as well as a company-wide initiative to showcase the benefits of digital pictures to consumers--both of which are key components to the company's strategy to grow the overall picture market. As consumers continue to explore the benefits of digital photography, retailers and labs will realize increased revenue. In addition to incremental revenue generated through film scanning and the sale of Kodak Picture CD, retailers also have the opportunity to increase photo-sharing and gift-giving with specialty items such as enlargements, picture frames, photo albums, photo T-shirts, mugs, calendars and other items. The next U.S. issue of Kodak Picture CD is scheduled to be released in April.

03-07-2000

Digimarc and TWAIN Announce New Version of Industry Standard for Macintosh Platform TUALATIN, Ore.--March 7, 2000-- Digimarc and the TWAIN Working Group today announced an updated Macintosh version of the industry standard TWAIN interface that enables Macintosh application developers to acquire images from digital cameras and scanners for use in their imaging applications. The new version of the standard application program interface (API) called Macintosh TWAIN Data Source Manager Version 1.7 is a free download currently available online at www.twain.org. Digimarc is the world leader in digital watermark technology. The TWAIN Working Group is a not-for-profit organization developing standards for the imaging acquisition industry. The organizations collaborated for the past year to develop the Macintosh TWAIN DSM Version 1.7. The Data Source Manager (DSM) is the industry standard cross-platform (Windows and Mac) API for image acquisition. The Macintosh DSM Version 1.7 is PowerPC native and supports Mac OS 8.0 and above. The new version is fully compatible with previous TWAIN specifications and existing data sources, and provides the same functionality as the Windows DSM that is shipped standard with the Windows platform by Microsoft.

03-06-2000

DC Resource Posts Canon S20 Review Jeff at the DC Resource emailed to say that he had just posted his Canon S20 User Review online. He had this to say about it: I've posted my review of the 3.3 megapixel Canon PowerShot S20 to the DCRP site! Like everyone else, I loved the S10 model, and the S20 is just as cool, but with even better photo quality (but you already knew that, right?)

03-06-2000

UMAX PowerLook 2100XL, Small Footprint, Large Format Pro Scanner FREMONT, Calif., March 6, 2000 - UMAX Technologies, Inc. today announced the professional PowerLook 2100XL scanner, a one- size-fits-all scanner for graphics professionals who require high resolution and fast color scanning of odd-sized or extra-large documents in a small-footprint package. The PowerLook 2100XL features UMAX's new proprietary Mirror Moving Technology which utilizes mirrors to project scanned images directly to a stationary CCD element. "The PowerLook 2100XL is perfect for the graphics professional who needs a quick, reliable, multifaceted professional scanner without sacrificing table top space to get it," said Christabel Chen, product marketing manager at UMAX Technologies. "They will especially appreciate the fast performance and superior 800 x 1600 dpi hardware- based resolution provided." The scanning area measures a full 12" by 17", despite the small footprint of just over 18" by 24." The scan area can accommodate up to thirty-two 35mm slides when used with the optional transparency adapter. High 3.4Dmax captures fine details of shadow areas - especially important when scanning transparencies. With auto-detect slide holders, the PowerLook 2100XL can crop and scan up to 32 slides automatically. In addition, batch scanning allows multiple image scans at a single pass for higher productivity. UMAX PowerLook 2100XL configurations include: Scanner, transparency adapter, and Photo/Prepress bundle: $2,699 (SRP) Scanner, transparency adapter, and Pro Design Mac or Pro Design Win bundle: $2,399 (SRP) Scanner, transparency adapter, and Design Mac or Design Win bundle: $1,999 (estimated street price), $2,199 (SRP) Scanner and Duo Design bundle (no transparency adapter): $1,499 (estimated street price), $1,699 (SRP)

03-06-2000

Ofoto To Give Away a Nikon 800 Digital Camera-a-Day Throughout March BERKELEY, Calif., March 6 -- Ofoto, Inc. will be giving away a digital camera-a-day to Ofoto members throughout the month of March. Every day of the sweepstakes, one winner will receive a Nikon Coolpix 800 digital camera, an approximate retail value of $599. The sweepstakes is available to anyone who signs up for the Ofoto service in March, as well as current members who click on the sweepstakes entry button at sign in. The Camera-A-Day sweepstakes is supported by an aggressive online advertising campaign, which will achieve over 80 million impressions. Online media carrying the promotion includes highly trafficked portals like Yahoo and GO.com, well-known tech sites like CNET and ZDNet, and many other popular sites. Registration for this sweepstakes is as easy as snapping a photo. By creating an account, new members are automatically entered in the sweepstakes. Existing Ofoto members can also enter the sweepstakes by clicking the sweepstakes entry button at sign-in. All Ofoto members who enter the sweepstakes are eligible for any of the 26 daily prize drawings.

03-05-2000

Memory Stick Mini-Digicams? According to a report at Global Digital Video Club we're soon to see some Sony digicams only slightly larger than the Memory Stick module which is about the same size and shape as a piece of chewing gum. So look out 007, soon everyone will have a spy-cam! To quote their news item: A lens on a stick! As big as the memory stick itself (this picture is bigger to read the text on it) we saw a sensational series of memory stick products to come! What about these new Still Camera Sticks.

03-05-2000

February 2000 POTD Winners Announced I just posted the February 2000 POTD Winners page online. Congratulations to the winning digi-photographers and their fine images. And THANK YOU to all the readers that stopped by the voting page and determined which were the "best of the best" photos. I received numerous emails telling me how difficult the voting decision had become this month because all the photos looked great. And I agree, all of last month's photos were outstanding examples of just how far the 'art' of digital photography has come. This year should really be fantastic as 3 megapixel digicam images approach "film quality" in the under $1000 consumer market. Last year's 2 megapixel cameras gave us the ability to make 8x10" photographic quality prints but didn't leave any room for cropping so the slightly higher resolution 3mpixel cameras should really do the trick.

03-04-2000

Qimage Pro Now Reads Nikon D1 Raw Files Good news for all Nikon D1 users -- Qimage Pro version 7.5 now supports the Nikon D1 raw (NEF) files!  Now you don't need the $500 Nikon Capture program to unlock those 12-bit D1 raw files. You may NEVER go back to using the JPEG fine mode on the D1 ... but you'll probably need to buy a Microdrive.   Here's what Qimage Pro can do with raw files from your D1: Download from CF card (or Microdrive) Instantaneous thumbnail view Auto-rename View slide shows Batch convert (to JPEG, TIF, BMP, etc) Rotate Filter Zoom/examine Compare to other images Interpolate (upsample) And a lot more... NEF format options now allow you to specify a gamma correction factor and the % of contrast you want applied by default. Mike will add/enhance the list of parameters in the future as feedback is received from D1 users. Currently, these options allow you to personalize the look and feel of your images while maintaining optimal image quality. ALL internal calculations are performed in the Nikon D1 12-bit native color depth to preserve quality. Image conversions to 8 bit space occur after all operations have been performed (12 to 8 bit conversion is the final step). Mike just posted some comparison pics of the same NEF file converted with Nikon Capture and Qimage Pro, go judge for yourself who the winner is at this page. In addition to the world class multi-print capability inherent to Qimage Pro, you get all the other state of the art processing previously available in other formats, including the almost 100% effective D1 ISO filter. Watch that high ISO noise and banding virtually disappear before your eyes, feel free to shoot at ISO 1600 when needed. Download the demo today and see the quality you've been missing and take your D1 to the next performance level!  Qimage Pro still works with all the other image formats and cameras that it did before, it just works better now.

03-02-2000

Pixel Actu, A New French Digicam Newsletter Vous parlez français?   Katz Laurent just let me know that his Pixel Actu, a French bi-monthly newsletter on digital photography is now online, issue Number 3 was posted last Monday.

03-02-2000

Sony Intros Two New MiniDV Camcorders DCR-VX2000 PARK RIDGE, N.J., March 1 -- Sony Electronics today introduced the DCR-VX2000 Digital Video Handycam® camcorder, an advanced three-chip CCD camera tailored to meet the demands of the high performance digital video camera user. This new camcorder offers state-of-the-art DV recording with a 2 1/2-inch plasma LCD monitor, digital still photography capability with Memory Stick® media and extremely high resolution for advanced imaging needs. The DCR-VX2000 mini DV camcorder, the successor to the popular DCR-VX1000 -- a staple of the independent film community -- now offers improved picture quality features and the option to capture still images either direct to Memory Stick media or from a single frame of video footage. Still images are saved in 640 x 480 (VGA) image size, making them useful as "still video grabs" during filming or for transferring into documents, e-mails, on-screen presentations or to other peripheral devices. The DCR-VX2000 is equipped with a brand-new, three-chip CCD imaging system that records up to 530 lines of horizontal resolution and delivers outstanding digital video quality. These new CCD imagers contain 380,000 pixels each and have been optimized for digital video recording. Super HAD? progressive scan CCD technology offers a superior signal-to-noise ratio that is double that of the DCR-VX1000. Also new in this camera are a 58-millimeter aspherical lens and a two-position neutral density filter. The aspherical lens minimizes the distortions that usually occur around the edges of video shot by a standard spherical lens, while the neutral density filter compensates for unique lighting situations such as studio lights or direct sunlight. Editing video is made easier with drop frame time code and built-in 20 segment assemble editor. In addition, the DCR-VX2000 camcorder can connect directly to Sony VAIO® PCs, or any 1394-enabled PC, with an optional i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) digital cable. With the addition of digital still imaging with Memory Stick media, the DCR-VX2000 provides maximum imaging options all in one camera. The groundbreaking DCR-VX2000 DV camcorder will be available in May and is expected to sell for about $3,000 DCR-TRV20 PARK RIDGE, N.J., March 1 -- Sony Electronics today announced the next generation of ultra compact, Digital Handycam® camcorders designed to meet the growing demands of the quality conscious camcorder user. The new line offers several sought-after features, including the Mini-DV format, Carl Zeiss® optics and color viewfinder. The new line includes the DCR-TRV20, which features a mega-pixel CCD, precision color viewfinder and a 3.5-inch precision SwivelScreen(TM) color LCD monitor. The 1/4-inch megapixel CCD allows for stunning detail and clarity to record 520 lines of horizontal resolution and to capture still images at 1152 x 864 pixels. Advanced HAD(TM) CCD technology reduces noise in the video signal to improve signal-to-noise ratio for a better picture in low light situations. Both the precision color viewfinder and precision SwivelScreen LCD monitor provide a full, clear view of video subjects. A number of advancements in the line strengthen the camera's ability to provide high quality home video including: Super LaserLink® connection, which provides 60 percent longer wireless connectivity than previous models (up to 26 feet). Super NightShot(TM) infrared system - with automatic slow-shutter control to deliver brighter, smoother video for shoot-in-the-dark videotaping. i.LINK® DV interface, for convenient digital connectivity to a PC or editing device. Super SteadyShot® image stabilization for control of a broad range of shake frequencies, to achieve an even higher level of smoothness DCR-TRV20 (with Memory Stick media capability and progressive shutter system) -- available in April and expected to sell for about $1,700

03-01-2000

megapixel.net March 2000 Issue Online My good friends at the megapixel.net have posted their March 2000 issue online and this month they have reviewed a pre-production Nikon 990, Olympus C-2020, Epson PhotoPC 650 and the all-weather Fuji DS-260HD. These guys are always as busy as I am bringing you the latest info about digital cameras and putting out fine reviews. Their online e-zine is available in both English and French versions.

03-01-2000

Q-Research Newsletter Online Q-Research has posted the HTML version of their monthly newsletter online and I'm happy to say that Steve's Digicams is a featured web site this month. The Q-Research folks are the ones behind the popular PhotoGenetics program that recently won the "Consumer Product of the Year" award at the Fifth Annual Industry Achievement Awards sponsored by the Washington Software Alliance. Read about this and a lot of other interesting things in their newsletter. And be sure to download a trial copy of the PhotoGenetics software, you won't believe how easy it is to make an ordinary photo a great one by just clicking your mouse button.

03-01-2000

Digital Camera Sales Soar and Sony is the Clear Leader But... by Joe Wilcox, CNET News.com Digital camera sales soared last year, according to a new report, but while consumer electronics giant Sony may have bowled over competitors, its reign may be short lived. Sales of digital cameras topped $1 billion and are closing the gap with their film brethren, according to market researcher NPD Intelect. The digital category now makes up about 36 percent of the total market, with 1.8 million units sold in 1999. Sony led the digital camera charge last year, but the company faces challenges on several fronts: the diminishing appeal of floppy drives for storing digital images and the resurgence of traditional camera makers. "Every time Sony sells a floppy-disk camera, it goes against their Memory Stick strategy," NPD Intelect analyst Neil Portnoy said. Ease-of-use, Sony's strength, isn't as important as low price, and traditional film camera makers are introducing better-quality digital cameras than the consumer electronics giant. Digital cameras and camcorders store images electronically, which can then be transferred to a PC or printer. Such cameras usually use a serial or USB port, and digital camcorders often use an IEEE 1394, or FireWire, port. But Sony opted for using floppy disks for storing and transferring digital images. Many consumers find transferring images using cables attached to a PC difficult, Portnoy said. Sony's method of storing digital images on floppies is straightforward to understand and easy for most people to use. But over time, Sony's success could be its undoing. New 3.3 megapixel cameras can store only one or two high-quality images on a floppy disk, making it more inconvenient to use. Sony has also been pushing its own portable storage technology, bubble gum-sized wafers known as Memory Stick. But the strategy is working so far. Sony took 47 percent sales share, up from 42 percent in 1998, according to NPD Intelect. Olympus followed with 17 percent share. Kodak trailed Olympus with 13.1 percent share, with Nikon and Polaroid--respectively at 7.4 percent and 3.1 percent--pulling up the rear. "Sony has been strong because they've been hanging onto the floppy disk, and we know ease-of-use is a critical component to get people to use digital cameras," Portnoy said. "Moving the picture is the issue here. It's just too difficult for most people." The digital camera market is also very volatile, with Sony and others facing challenges from low-cost competitors. Polaroid's November introduction of a sub-$200 digital camera stormed the market, selling 150,000 units in less than two months and displacing Sony as the unit share leader, according to NPD Intelect.

03-01-2000

TI Announces Industry's Fastest Analog Front-End for High-Resolution Digital Cameras and Camcorders DALLAS, March 1 -- A new analog front-end (AFE) device from Texas Instruments provides high-resolution digital video and still cameras with the industry's fastest conversion rate. The new AFE for an area charge-coupled device (CCD) converts up to 42 million samples per second (MSPS) of picture data with 10-bit resolution per sample, supporting next-generation, high-resolution digital camcorders and digital still/video cameras. The TAFE1040 is the latest and fastest addition to TI's extensive line of analog front-ends supporting digital video and still cameras. The device performs all the analog processing functions necessary to maximize the dynamic range, correct errors associated with the CCD sensor, and digitize the CCD output. Next-generation camcorders will require extremely fast data conversion rates in order to process and record large amounts of image data. At 42 MSPS, the TAFE1040 meets the data throughput requirements of a high-resolution, mega-pixel CCD, enabling the camcorder to process the image data at 60 fields- per-second in real time. Thanks to TI's patented analog design schemes, added performance of the 3-volt TAFE1040 comes without a penalty in power consumption. Since the device typically consumes only 180 milliWatts (mW) of power at this level of performance, it serves to prolong battery life between charges.

03-01-2000

ImageScape 2000 Highlights Digital Imaging Explosion in E-Business Boston--March 1, 2000 -- InfoTrends Research Group, Inc. announced today that ImageScape(TM) 2000 - "E-Commerce and Imaging" at Spring Internet World in Los Angeles will gather leading innovators like ACD Systems, AltaVista, AOL, Digimarc, Excite@Home, HP, Intel, JASC, Kodak, and others into one location to highlight emerging digital imaging solutions that will significantly impact the future of e-business. The champagne breakfast event is scheduled for the morning of April 6, 7AM - 11AM at the Hotel Inter- Continental in Los Angeles. This forum continues to gain importance as digital imaging technologies make electronic and collaborative commerce more engaging for customers. Additionally, rich image exchange and display will augment the community-building aspects of the Internet, and lead to revenue-generating opportunities in the form of prints and photo merchandise. Industry leaders have been gathered especially for this event to bring to light these exciting industry developments before they happen. Members of the press who wish to reserve a seat at the event or submit questions to the ImageScape 2000 panelists should contact Lisa Christopher at FutureWorks, Inc. at 408-428-0895 ext. 106 or via e-mail at lisa@future-works.com. Please include all contact information.

03-01-2000

Fuji S1 Incompatible With New Nikkor AF-S Lenses? There's been a rather hot debate lately about the upcoming Fuji S1 camera and whether or not it will be able to "talk" to the new Nikkor AF-S series lenses. My friend John Cowley has posted some info on his LoneStar Digital web site. It appears that because the S1 is based on the older N60 body it won't be able to actuate the focusing system in these new lenses. Older Nikkor AF lenses have a little screw that can be turned by the camera to perform autofocusing. The new AF-S "SilentWave" lenses have a built in focusing drive mechanism that's actuated via electronic signals from the camera body. The Nikon D1 like its film counterpart the F100 and the F5 have no problem working with these new lenses. We'll keep you posted on this as more information comes to light.

Feb 2000 news

or

Steve's Main Menu

Looking for something on our web site?

Enter Keyword

Content copyright © 2000 Steve's Digicam Online, Inc.

The information presented here has been gathered from the manufacturers' press releases
and other news sources and is believed to be true but no warranty is made as to the general
suitability or performance of these products. All trademarks, registered trademarks, and
service marks are the property of their respective owners.