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-- Top News Stories -- Canon SD100 Digital ELPH Kodak DCS Pro Back/Plus Firmware Update Lexar 32X/40X Firmware Fix for D1h/D1x Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400 Film Scanner Minolta DiMAGE Xt Ultra-Compact Nikon Coolpix 5400 Announced Pentax *ist D SLR Delayed PowerEx 2200mAh AA NiMH Batteries Sigma Updates Photo Pro Software for SD9 Sony PC105 Handycam Sony Cybershot U60 and U30 April 2003 News Index March 2003 News Index February 2003 News Index PMA 2003 Special Report Steve's "Best of 2002" Camera Picks Photokina 2002 News Page Sunday Morning Photographer (A weekly column by Mike Johnston)

05-28-2003

Kodak releases Version 3.0 of EasyShare software Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., USA, released the latest version of its free, all-in-one digital picture organization software. Kodak EasyShare software version 3.0 offers digital camera owners new features designed to make it simpler to quickly view, organize, edit, share, and print their digital pictures, including CD burning, on-screen album creation, and compatibility with Microsoft Outlook address books. The free download of the full Windows version is available at www.kodak.com/go/easysharesw.

05-28-2003

Sony's New Digital Cameras Promote Sports And Fashion SAN DIEGO, May 28, 2003 — Capturing summer memories on the beach or at a nightclub just got more fun with the new Cyber-shot® U-series digital cameras from Sony. The Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera's ruggedized and waterproof design brings picture taking to places users would be cautious in taking a conventional camera: the ski slope, the beach, the side of a mountain, even up to 5 feet underwater. The Cyber-shot U30 model has a compact, fashionable design that turns it into an attention-grabbing, wearable accessory that is light enough to hook to a belt loop, drape around the neck or carry in a pocket. Both models will be available in early July, and will sell for around $250 and $200, respectively. Read our Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60 review or the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U30 review.

05-28-2003

New Nikon Coolpix 5400 Is The Perfect Tool For Creative Digital Photographers Wide-Angle Coverage, 4x Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens And Assortment of New Creative Features Focus On "Digital Artistry" Read our Coolpix 5400 review MELVILLE, NY, May 28, 2003 - Nikon, the world leader in photography, today answers the call of creative digital photographers with the new 5.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400 (www.nikoncoolpix.com). This exciting advanced digital camera adds a new dimension to the popular Coolpix line of digital cameras and combines a host of enhanced features and design elements. With superior 4x Zoom-Nikkor ED optics, wide-angle coverage and the exclusive new Best Shot Selector (BSS) feature, the Nikon Coolpix 5400 provides the ideal tool for digital photographers who are serious about the art of photography. The durable and lightweight Nikon Coolpix 5400 is the perfect tool to enhance any advanced photographer's creative imagination. Read the entire Nikon press release.

05-28-2003

Recently Posted Reviews The news may be a little slow lately but we sure haven't been sleeping, too many new cameras to review for that. I'll be brief here, for all the details read the following reviews: Casio QV-5700 - 5 Megapixels/3x zoom Pentax Optio 550 - 5 Megapixels/5x zoom Hi-Ti 640PS 4x6" dye sub printer Polaroid PDC3350 - 3 Megapixels/3x zoom And look above for the announcement of the new Nikon Coolpix 5400 and then see our Coolpix 5400 First Look of this new camera.

05-27-2003

Lexar Media and Olympus Sign Worldwide Supply and License Agreement FREMONT, Calif., May 27, 2003 -- Lexar Media, a leading designer, developer and marketer of award-winning high-performance digital media and accessory products, and Olympus Optical Co., a world leader in the development and marketing of digital cameras, today announced a significant expansion of their relationship with the signing of a new OEM and technology licensing agreement. Under the new agreement, Lexar Media will now be offering xD-Picture Cards in Lexar packaging through many of its 37,000 worldwide retail outlets. Lexar Media has also agreed to license its patents to Olympus for the xD-Picture Cards and host devices sold to Olympus' retail customers or bundled with Olympus cameras. Lexar Media has been selling Olympus xD-Picture Cards since 2002 in capacities of 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB, and, more recently, 256MB. Lexar Media's current offering of digital media includes xD-Picture Card, CompactFlash Type I/II, Memory Stick - including Memory Stick Select and Memory Stick PRO, Secure Digital Card, MultiMediaCard and Smart Media. Lexar Media is the only company to that currently provides all popular memory formats to its distributors and customers

05-23-2003

Kodak Pro Releases Firmware Upgrade for DCS Pro Back and Pro Back Plus and Free DCS Capture Studio v2.0 Update with Mac OS-X Support ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 22 - Continuing a tradition of offering free enhancements for its professional digital camera portfolio, Kodak Professional, a division of Eastman Kodak Company, announced the availability of a firmware upgrade, version 3.2.9, for its DCS Pro Back and Pro Back Plus digital camera backs, and a new version of its popular Kodak Professional DCS Capture Studio software, now Apple Macintosh OS-X compliant. New features in firmware release v3.2.9 include: Added Extended Range Imaging (ERI) JPEG capability. JPEGs created inside the camera backs now can be used with the Kodak Professional ERI-JPEG File Format Module (ERI FFM) for Adobe PhotoShop Software Files can be processed into standard RGB TIFFs for the highest non-compressed image quality available White balance (WB) has been added as a selection in the menu bar. WB settings of Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash and "click" can be selected on the camera back. To download the DCS Pro Back and DCS Pro Back Plus firmware upgrade along with the installation instructions, customers should go to: Kodak Pro website. Kodak Professional DCS Capture Studio v2.0 The newest version of Kodak Professional's image-editing software allows photographers to perform extensive image manipulation in a 12-bit space, and make color shifts to improve image quality. It includes many new enhancements. To obtain the free Kodak Professional DCS Capture Studio v2.0 program and operation instructions, customers should go to: Kodak Pro website.

05-22-2003

Apacer Disc Steno CP-100 Review Posted With summer vacation time getting close we have reviewed another one of the portable image storage alternatives for digital camera users. The Apacer Disc Steno CP-100 is unique in the fact that it's a portable, battery operated CD burner, not a hard drive unit. You offload your flash cards to inexpensive CD-R or CD-RW discs, in the field, in your car or back at the hotel. And when the vacation is over you plug the Disc Steno into your computer and it turns into a fast 24X CD recorder/reader, 10X CD-RW recorder and a high-speed, USB 2.0 multi-format flash card reader.

05-22-2003

Asante Releases New Reader/Writer For USB 2.0 San Jose, California, May 21, 2003--Asante Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASNT.OB) today announced the release of its new digital memory reader/writer for USB 2.0. The FriendlyNET Gini II UMR206 supports the 6 most popular types of digital media: Sony Memory Stick, CompactFlash, IBM Microdrive, SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard (MMC), and Secure Digital (SD). With 4 slots, the Gini II even allows users to copy between different memory cards. Everything about the Gini II is plug-and-play. The drivers built into Apple Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows XP/Me treat each memory card as a removable drive. Just drag files to copy them to a local hard drive; no special applications are required. Asante resellers and systems integrators are offering this new product now: Gini II. UMR206 USB 2.0 memory reader/writer. Part #99-00698-07. Retail: $39. Gini II is also available on www.AsanteStore.com.

05-21-2003

Pentax *ist D SLR Delayed Until Late August Pentax Japan has now officially delayed the launch of their new *ist D digital SLR interchangeable lens camera until "late August" due to delivery problems with some components. Pentax had previously announced a July delivery date. Many digicam makers are suffering from similar parts shortages due to the SARS breakout in China and excessively high demand for imagers and other digicam components being used in all sorts of new consumer products. We certainly hope that Pentax can meet the new delivery date as their last digital SLR camera was scrapped before it became a reality. This was probably a smart move on their part seeing as how the market prices were dropping rapidly for these cameras thanks to Canon's D30, D60 and the Nikon D100. The first Pentax dSLR would have been priced too high so they went back to the drawing board and came up with the *ist D which looks to be a great camera at a much better price point. Time will tell, check back in August or September as we should have looked at one by then.

05-21-2003

Firmware Upgrade for Lexar 32X and 40X CF Cards Used In Nikon D1x and D1h Cameras Lexar has recently identified a rare compatibility issue between some of our 32x and 40x Professional Series CompactFlash cards and Nikon D1x & D1h cameras. Under certain conditions, the cards can become corrupted resulting in a standard "CHA" error message on the camera's LCD display. The affected cards can be identified by the card's serial number located at the bottom edge of the card opposite the connector. Cards with a serial number ending with the last 4 characters of 4D8D or 6DB4 should be updated with the latest firmware. The CompactFlash cards affected are: 40x 256 MB, 40x 512 MB and 32x 1 GB If an error occurs, Lexar Media Image Rescue software - that was provided with the card at time of purchase - can be used to recover most images captured prior to the error and reformat the card. A firmware update is available for the cards that addresses this issue, and recommends that all Nikon D1x & D1h users contact Lexar Pro Tech support at 510-413-1233 for details on returning the cards for a free firmware update. This update pertains only to cards being used in the Nikon D1x & D1h cameras. If the last 4 characters of the serial number are OE1B, no action is required since these cards already contain the updated firmware.

05-20-2003

Delkin's New eFilm Digital Camera Batteries Are Now Available Poway CA, May 20, 2003 Delkin Devices Inc., maker of high quality eFilm memory cards and other innovative products for camera stores worldwide, today announced their new line of eFilm digital camera back-up and replacement batteries is in full production and shipping. Previously announced at the PMA 2003 convention, the eFilm digital camera rechargeable batteries are designed specifically for today's most popular digital cameras, and are built to last up to 25% longer than those manufacturers package with their digital cameras. The attractively priced batteries will be sold in custom retail eFilm packaging at independent camera stores and at Delkin's website (www.delkin.com). The initial series of batteries will be compatible with popular Nikon, Canon, FujiFilm, Minolta, Sony and Olympus consumer and pro digital cameras. Read the entire Delkin press release.

05-20-2003

Digital Camera Sales Soaring According to the PMA Newsline the digital camera market has been very good to the Japanese manufacturers. Both Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. and Canon Inc. have posted record-high profits for their fiscal year ending March 31. Global digital camera shipments were up 70 percent on the year to 24.55 million units in 2002. Olympus, Sony Corp., Canon and Fujifilm are fiercely competing to win the lion's share of the global camera market, with each company holding about 20 percent each. Olympus' digital camera division has returned to profitability. At the top five manufacturers, including Nikon Corp., operating profits in their digital camera-related divisions rose 130 percent in fiscal 2002. Konica Corp. and Minolta Co. Ltd. which plan to merge their operations in August, both reported record-high group pretax propfits for fiscal 2002. Minolta saw ultrathin digital cameras sell briskly, and Konica enjoyed robust sales of small models with resolution of five million pixels. Casio Computer Co. Ltd. and Pentax Corp. also saw digital camera sales help shore up their earnings.

05-15-2003

Image Tank G2 Review Posted Are you planning an extended vacation this summer and want to be sure to have enough storage space for all your digital pictures?  If so then you might want to check out our Image Tank G2 review. Here's a lightweight, battery- operated, 20GB USB 2.0 storage device that you can hang on your belt. They don't get much smaller than this and it's reasonably priced too.

05-14-2003

Sigma SD9 Firmware and Photo Pro Update Available As promised Sigma has posted new v1.4.0.1302 firmware for the SD9 camera and the Photo Pro 1.1 software for download. The new camera firmware adds compatibility with Lexar's Write Acceleration technology used in their fast CF cards, fixes a bug in long exposures, and compresses the preview images which results in a smaller X3F raw file size. The new software delivers improved JPEG quality, improved noise reduction processing, USB driver implemented for Mac OS 9 and the ability to switch faster between large thumbnail images. See our updated SD9 sample photos.

05-13-2003

Minolta USA Introduces the World's Thinnest, Compact, 3.2 Megapixel Dimage Xt Digital Camera Ramsey, NJ (May 12, 2003) – Minolta Corporation introduces today the new extremely thin and compact DiMAGE Xt, 3.2 megapixel digital camera. Similar to the stylish and award-winning Minolta DiMAGE Xi, the DiMAGE Xt features the world's fastest start-up time of any digital camera with an optical zoom lens, Minolta's image-processing technology, CxProcess, a 3x optical zoom lens, 4x digital zoom and an even smaller and thinner camera body than the DiMAGE Xi. And adding to this camera's versatility, Minolta also announces a waterproof Marine Case for use with the DiMAGE Xt. Read our full DiMAGE Xt User Review

05-13-2003

More New Camera Reviews Posted We're still working our way through a small mountain of new cameras and today have posted the Pentax Optio 33L review, a compact 3-megapixel 3x zoom camera that features a 180° tilt-up and rotating color LCD. If you're thing is BIG telephoto lenses then check out the Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom review, this is a 3-megapixel camera that features a 10x optical zoom lens. And if you're looking for an ultra-compact 3-megapixel camera that will fit in any pocket you won't want to miss the new Minolta DiMAGE Xt, the thinnest 3x zoom on the market.

05-12-2003

Kodak Announces Agreement to Acquire Applied Science Fiction™ Technologies ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 12 – Eastman Kodak Company today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Applied Science Fiction’s proprietary rapid film processing technology, Digital PIC™, and other key assets, the company’s latest effort to make photography in all its forms easy and ubiquitous in a digital age. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Applied Science Fiction is the creator of the award-winning Digital ICE™ and Digital ICE3™ technologies, the leader of automatic photo restoration applications, as well as the inventor of the cutting-edge digital dry film processing system Digital PIC. Digital PIC rapidly develops standard color negative film without chemical mixing or plumbing. The process simultaneously renders a digital image file that can be used to print photographs and write images on a CD. Kodak sees a generation of Picture Maker kiosks that function much like automatic picture machines, available everywhere and providing processing and printing for either film or digital camera users. Since these machines will accept film or digital camera input, as well as prints, consumers will be able to preview and select, edit and print their pictures in a matter of minutes. These kiosks will appeal both to existing photo retailers who want to give consumers greater access to their pictures as well as to the expanding channels for picture-taking activities such as vacation and entertainment venues. Read the ASF/Kodak press release.

05-12-2003

Minolta Intros Dimage Scan Elite 5400 Film Scanner, CF Adapter for SD Cards and New DiMAGE Messenger Software New scanner features 5400dpi resolution, a new Quick Scan function, 16-bit A/D conversion, high speed data transfer, and Applied Science Fiction's Digital ICE technology Ramsey, NJ (May 12, 2003) - The new Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 offers professional quality scans even for those new to film scanning and digital image processing. Minolta's stylish new 35mm film scanner combines incredible 5400dpi resolution with advanced features such as Digital ICE image restoration technology from Applied Science Fiction, 16-bit A/D conversion, USB 2.0 connection, a new Quick Scan function and easy-to-use controls. The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400's high resolution capability can easily make up to full-frame 24 inch photo-quality prints. Minolta Corporation announces the new Minolta SD-CF1 CompactFlash Adapter, enabling SD (Secure Digital) Memory Cards to be used with most CompactFlash compatible cameras, printers, PDAs or other imaging equipment. Use of an SD Memory Card with the new Minolta adapter permits transfer rates of up to 30% faster then CompactFlash cards alone. Minolta Corporation announces the retail availability of a boxed CD-ROM version of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger digital imaging software. This new digital imaging software allows users to connect written text to specific portions of digital images, share the combination with others via e-mail or printed copy, and invite related comments to be added from the receiver - all in just a few, simple steps. Read the entire Minolta press release.

05-09-2003

Sony Packs Performance And Style In Petite Mini DV Camcorder Package SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2003 - Just in time for a summer road trip or a day in the park, Sony Electronics today introduced the DCR-PC105 Mini DV Handycam® camcorder that travels anywhere and achieves top quality video and high resolution still images anytime. Weighing in at about 16 ounces, the compact camcorder combines a one-megapixel imager with Carl Zeiss® optics to produce video with 520 lines of horizontal resolution that has crisp detail and color clarity. The new camcorder also incorporates an intelligent pop-up flash to ensure that the still images (1152 X 864) are captured in bright and vivid resolution even in tough lighting situations. Read the entire Sony press release.

05-09-2003

SIGMA Announces Updated Photo Pro 1.1 Software and Firmware upgrade for Sigma SD9 Camera Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that on May 14th the new update of SIGMA Photo Pro Version 1.1 for the SIGMA SD9 digital SLR camera will be available. The current version (1.0) of SIGMA Photo Pro saves JPEG files with 4:2:0 down sampling, which degraded color detail in images. This was to provide the smaller file size in JPEG file. Now, in SIGMA Photo Pro update version 1.1, which is the first Update for SD9 includes the JPEG quality improvement with 4:4:4 down sampling, which save to take advantage of Foveon X3 technology. JPEG files will be saved with 4:4:4 down sampling whenever the JPEG quality is set to 7 or higher and provide the better color resolution. The new SIGMA Photo Pro features an improved noise reduction processing, by taking full advantage of the new noise reduction algorithm of X3F files. New software update utilizes increased file processing speed. We strongly recommend SD9 owners to install Firmware Update together with the latest versions of SIGMA Photo Pro Version 1.1 software. The new software and firmware update will be available for download on May 14th through Sigma Corporation of America ( www.sigmaphoto.com) or Sigma Corporation Japan ( www.sigma-photo.co.jp). Sigma Photo Pro works with Windows 98, Second Edition, 2000, Me or XP and Macintosh OS 9.21 or later, Mac OSX 10.1.3 or later.

05-08-2003

More New Reviews Posted Just posted is the HP Photosmart 935 review, a compact and affordably priced 5-megapixel digicam with a 3x optical zoom lens. Available with an optional camera dock to charge batteries, download and print digital images. Also just posted is the Delkin Device's Picturevision review. This is a small set-top unit for displaying your digicam images on your TV. It has card slots for most of the popular flash memory cards and the included remote lets you operate it from your easy chair.

05-03-2003

New Camera Reviews Posted Just posted - two new Sony camera reviews. First up is the ultra-compact Cyber-shot DSC-P8, a 3-megapixel 3x zoom that fits easily into your pocket or purse. Memory Stick Pro compatible and powered by a Sony InfoLITHIUM rechargeable. All wrapped up in a very stylish and durable alloy body. The other camera is Sony's new flagship model, the Mavica CD500, a 5-megapixel camera with a 3x Zeiss zoom lens that stores its images and movie clips on mini CD-R/RW media. It's lighter than last year's CD400 and $200 less expensive, how's that for value? About a week ago we posted the Fujifilm FinePix F410 Zoom review. This is an ultra-compact 3x zoom digicam using Fuji's new 4th Generation SuperCCD imager that creates up to 6-megapixel size images. Other cameras currently in our review process include the HP Photosmart 935, Pentax Optio 33L, Olympus C-740 UltraZoom and the Minolta DiMAGE Xt.

05-02-2003

Canon Intros Smallest Digital ELPH and Two New Card Printers PowerShot SD100 Uses Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card, Miniaturized Optical Lens and Innovative Design to Create World's Smallest ELPH LAKE SUCCESS, May 2, 2003 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), is announcing the world's smallest and lightest digital ELPH camera. The new PowerShot SD100, with its ultra-compact size and new white-platinum finish crafted in stainless steel, represents the ultimate in portability, durability and elegance. Now, more than ever, consumers can easily and securely carry their ELPH digital camera everywhere they go, and with 3.2 megapixels they are assured the highest quality images for making prints as large as 8.5x11-inches. Canon is also announcing two new dye-sublimation printers which are approximately 40 percent smaller and 13 percent lighter than current models in the line. The Canon Card Photo Printer CP-200 / CP-300 dye-sub printers allow users to create extremely high quality color prints directly from any current model PowerShot camera with the use of a USB cable. Read the entire Canon press release.

05-02-2003

PowerEx Introduces 2200mAh AA NiMH Batteries LA VERNE, CA -- Maha Energy Corp., the maker of the PowerEx brand batteries and chargers, announces its latest 2200mAh high performance NiMH AA rechargeable batteries. Unlike other similarly rated batteries, the PowerEx 2200mAh AA batteries do not compromise reliability and life cycles in exchange for higher capacity. The PowerEx 2200mAh AA batteries are capturing the best of both worlds – ultra high capacity and long life (number of times batteries can be recharged). The batteries are specifically designed for high drain applications such as digital cameras and other portable electronics. As part of its global marketing program highlighting that “Not All Batteries are Created Equal,” indeed due to variation in design, quality control and rating, even identically rated batteries could have significant variation in performance as much as 30%. Maha’s heavily invested fully automated production lines ensure some of the best performing batteries to be consistently manufactured. The 2200mAh AA batteries will also be shipped with a battery carrying case – a unique device that allows users to conveniently hold four AA or AAA batteries. This value added accessory not only allows users to carry batteries with ease but it also allows grouping batteries to prevent unnecessary mixing of batteries. For more information, please visit http://aa2200.mahaenergy.com/.

April 2003 News

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