-- Top News Stories -- See our PMA 2005 News Page for info about the new 2005 cameras! Canon Firmware Upgrade Digital Rebel XT/350D Canon Firmware Upgrade EOS-1Ds Mk II Canon Firmware Upgrade EOS-1D Mk II DxO Optics Pro Version 3.0 Beta Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Epson Stylus Pro 4800/7800/9800 KM DiMAGE X60 Kodak Easyshare C310/C330/C360 Kodak Easyshare V550/V530 Kodak Updates ASF Plug-ins nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Nikon Coolpix S2 Nikon D70 Firmware 2.0 Update Olympus Camedia D-435 Olympus Stylus Digital 800 Pentax Optio S5z, S55, S45 Qimage v2005.300 Released RawShooter essentials 2005 Update Rollei Announces 6008 AF “Bundle” April 2005 News Index March 2005 News Index February 2005 News Index Steve's "Best Cameras" List Mike Chaney's Tech Corner Sunday Morning Photographer Check out our camera

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05-31-2005

Pixmantec RawShooter essentials 2005 Update (v.1.1.3) Copenhagen, June 1 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the update of the FREE download RAW Workflow management tool RawShooter essentials 2005 (v.1.1.3). The update provides the following extended functionality: Performance optimized – we have speeded up the creation of proxy files and image transition (once loaded) to give an almost instantaneous response. Dual processor support – one of the most commented features of RawShooter essentials 2005 has been its processing speed for RAW files, well now utilizing a dual processor this has become even faster. Extended White Balance support - for the Nikon D2x and D2Hs. New Camera support - for Nikon D70s and Olympus C7070WZ Enhanced copy paste of image corrections – uses familiar CTRL-C/V to paste a set of image corrections onto one or more similar images. Ability to specify output dpi – this enables the user to convert either a full resolution image or perhaps a 72 dpi image for distribution via email. This is particularly useful for TIFF files and can be thought of as a form of proofing. Film strip mode - for RAW thumbnails with auto scaling to fit in window The update is available as a free download from www.pixmantec.com. Pixmantec and Imagenomic Team Up to Promote RawShooter and Noiseware Copenhagen, Denmark and Alexandria, Virginia, USA, May 20, 2005 – Danish and U.S. digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec ApS and Imagenomic, LLC announce that they will be jointly marketing their respective software products, RawShooter essentials 2005 and Noiseware. Working in synchrony, these two highly sophisticated and complementary ‘tool sets’ extend RAW conversion and noise removal to an elevated level of workflow performance and convenience. The companies will initially cross-promote RawShooter essentials 2005 and Noiseware as a precursor to joint marketing and distribution. Pixmantec and Imagenomic also intend to explore the potential to forge closer cooperation through joint product and technology development.

05-31-2005

Kodak Announces Free Updates for ASF Plug-ins Kodak Austin Development Center, Austin, Texas, USA, announces the newly available version 2.0 updates for all plug-in products. Customers can also download and "try before you buy" any plug-ins, they have not checked out yet. The new version 2.0 update benefits include: larger preview/navigator windows, better memory handling, improved preview functionality, layout/labeling enhancements, as well as several other improvements for more robust performance. The Kodak Austin Development Center suite of image correction and enhancement plug-ins (formerly known as Applied Science Fiction plug-ins) offer powerful, time-saving, automatic, and affordable features to make images the best they can be, says the company. DIGITAL ROC Plug-Ins, DIGITAL SHO Plug-Ins, and DIGITAL GEM Plug-Ins work within image editing programs like Photoshop and other compatible products. The plug-ins automatically restore and/or optimize digital images from sources including flatbed or film scanners, digital cameras, or images on CD. Download free trial plug-ins for Windows and Macintosh here.

05-31-2005

Canon Releases Firmware Upgrades for Digital SLRs Canon Japan has today released firmware updates for several of their EOS digital SLR cameras, see below for applicable models. EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT / EOS 350D Firmware Version 1.0.2 This firmware update incorporates the following improvements: Fixes the phenomenon of extreme underexposure when using some lenses. Fixes the phenomenon of auto power off function failure when auto power off is set more than 2 minutes. Fixes the phenomenon of incorrect white balance when using an external flash. EOS-1D Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.2.2 This firmware update includes the following additional functons and improvements: When pressing the DISPLAY button immediately after shooting, the LCD monitor would turn completely white, the camera would hang, and the images in the buffer memory would be lost. Countermeasures for this issue have been incorporated into this update. Errata in the German and Russian language displays have been corrected. EOS-1Ds Mark II Firmware Update Version 1.1.2 This firmware update includes the following additional functions and improvements: When pressing the DISPLAY button immediately after shooting, the LCD monitor would turn completely white, the camera would hang, and the images in the buffer memory would be lost. Countermeasures for this issue have been incorporated into this update. Errata in the German and Russian language displays have been corrected.

05-27-2005

DDI Software Releases Qimage v2005.300 Qimage v2005.300 has just been released. This latest edition of our popular batch image printing and processing software includes an all new folder browser with full network compatibility for accessing and managing images across a network using "My Network Places". We have also improved the visual interface substantially by redoing all tool buttons using brand new full color icons for a cleaner look that improves usability. Check out the "News" link on the Qimage homepage to see the many other improvements we have made in recent months. Whether you already own Qimage and have not upgraded in a while or you are a new user looking for the best and most highly recommended printing software available, please give Qimage a try. It might just revolutionize the way you print photos!

05-25-2005

Mustek Introduces New PVR-H140 Personal Video and Photo Recorder Mustek Inc., Irvine, Calif., USA, announces its new Personal Media Center product, the PVR-H140 video and photo recorder. The PVR-H140 can record up to VGA 30 fps AV (MPEG 4 compatible file format) through AV In with its timer record feature. It also features a 3.6-inch color TFT LCD and adjustable LCD brightness. The PVR-H140 incorporates up to 40GB HDD storage capacity allows users to back up photo and video files from memory cards. In addition, there is a multi-language user interface and TV playback through AV Out.

05-24-2005

Petition the Camera Makers to Publically Document Their RAW Formats or Adopt a Universal RAW Format With the recent news of the encrypted white balance information found in Nikon's D2X RAW files a lot of us are looking for a solution to this hodge-podge of RAW image formats. We need to be assured that we can still access our RAW image data in the future, regardless of whatever computer operating system we might be using by then. This can only happen if we let the camera makers know that we don't want this practice to continue - we hold the power of the consumer - they can't sell it if we don't buy it!  If this is of concern to you then please read the following information received from Michael Reichmann of The Luminous Landscape site. "The problem of proprietary and undocumented RAW formats continues to grow worse, with more than a hundred separate formats now in existence, several of them encrypted in various ways. New ones are being added almost every month, and though Adobe’s proposed DNG format is gaining some traction, there is still a long way to go." "You are undoubtedly aware of the OpenRAW Working Group and its web site, founded by Juergen Specht. Together with Michael Reichmann of The Luminous Landscape, these individuals are putting forward an initiative to try and put some pressure on the world’s camera makers to both adopt openly documented RAW formats, as well as a universal RAW format (be it DNG, or something else)." "We are asking for your support for this initiative. It takes the form of an article written by Michael and Juergen, which can be found at:" http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/raw-flaw.shtml "In addition to a description of the nature of our concern about proprietary RAW formats, we have added a petition, and a request that readers send it to one or more of the camera makers whose links are listed at the bottom of the article."

05-23-2005

Casio Exilim Camera Wins 2005 Camping Gear Award From ReserveAmerica DOVER, NJ - May 23, 2005 - Casio, Inc., a leading innovator in digital cameras, was named an award winner in the ReserveAmerica 2005 Camping Gear Awards. Casio's EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z55, a powerful, yet compact 5-megapixel digital with a large 2.5 LCD screen, earned top honors in the digital camera category for its durability, size and performance. The prestigious annual award and "best of" list is designated by editors of ReserveAmerica's publications and by consumers who provide feedback throughout the year. ReserveAmerica is the premier access point for outdoor recreation, and is contacted by eight million consumers regarding camping reservations each year. "Casio is honored to receive the 2005 Camping Gear Award in the digital camera category," said John Clough, President of Casio, Inc. "The EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z55 incorporates Casio's heralded EXILIM Engine that enables high picture quality and speedy response time. It features circuitry which enables lower power consumption providing users with a much longer battery life, allowing them to take up to 400 pictures on a single charge. This means that the EX-Z55 is perfect for travel applications where it may not be possible to regularly charge the battery."

05-20-2005

Olympus Announces Entry-Level 5-Megapixel D-435 Melville, New York, May 20, 2005 – With the release of the new D-435, Olympus packs 5.0 megapixels of image resolution into an extremely easy-to-use digital camera. First-time digital camera buyers will be amazed at the camera’s simple operation and impressed by the brilliant, high-resolution images they are able to capture. A built-in Help GUIDE makes learning digital photography easier than ever before, and the light, compact body design makes it convenient to slip the camera in a pocket so you can take it anywhere. The D-435 will be available in August 2005 for an estimated street price of $169.99. Read the full Olympus press release.

05-19-2005

Lexar Issues Customer Advisory Regarding Canon Cameras Lexar Media Inc. and Canon Inc. posted customer advisories on May 19, 2005 to all Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 20D, and EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D Digital / EOS Kiss Digital N camera customers using Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash cards. The advisory alerts customers to lost image occurrences reported by both companies. Canon and Lexar both extensively test their products prior to release to ensure compatibility across product lines. In this instance, both companies investigated the occurrences and were able to identify the problem only through extreme testing. The first identified lost image condition was found to be with all memory cards. The second identified lost image condition was found to be rare and specific to the listed cameras when used with Lexar CompactFlash cards. To ensure compatibility, Lexar will offer a firmware update for Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash cards to customers who experience a problem with the Canon cameras listed. Similarly, Canon will offer a camera firmware update to address issues unrelated to a specific card make. Lexar will release a firmware update on June 3, 2005 for Lexar Professional 80x CompactFlash customers who experience a problem with the Canon cameras listed. Customers interested in the firmware update are directed to www.lexar.com/support for additional information about the firmware update and instructions on the process for card replacement. To request the firmware update, Lexar customers directed to www.lexar.com/support will find a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) form. Upon completing a RMA form, the customer will be issued a RMA number. Alternatively, customers can call the Professional Support line at (510) 413-1233 to be issued a RMA number. Customers will then be instructed to send the Lexar product to the nearest Lexar office where their card will be exchanged for a card with the updated firmware. It is not possible for customers to install the updated firmware. Issues experienced with other cards may be addressed by Canon through its firmware release.

05-19-2005

Rollei Announces New 6008 AF “Bundle” Includes 6x6 Camera, Digital Back, Editing Software, and Top-of-The-Line Lens STROUDSBURG, PA (May 19, 2005) – Rollei, manufacturer of the classic twin-lens 6x6 Rolleiflex, today announced the availability of the 6008 AF “Bundle,” which will be the top-of-the-line offering in a family of products Rollei is rolling out in the U.S. The bundle includes the Rollei 6008 AF camera, the world’s first auto focus single lens reflex camera in a 6 x 6 medium format; C1 Pro software for precise workflow that supports all phases of image editing and intuitive operation; and the 16-megapixel PhaseOne db20p digital back, which gives photographers film and digital picture taking capability in one package. The interchangeable film packs allow a photographer to shoot film, Polaroid-type shots as well as digital shots. Pricing is expected to be in the $14,999 range. Read the full Rollei press release.

05-18-2005

Nikon Announces Ultra-Slim, Weatherproof Coolpix S2 MELVILLE, NY, MAY 18, 2005 - Nikon Inc. today announced the introduction of the new Nikon Coolpix S2 ultra-slim digital camera as a complement to the Coolpix S1, already available nationwide. The Coolpix S2 is a splash-proof 5.1 megapixel, ultra-slim digital camera with a full range of exclusive in-camera solutions. Coupled with its incredible, bright 2.5” LCD screen, the durable and capable Coolpix S2 will please consumers who require compact size, splash-proof protection and the ability to quickly and easily capture top-quality images in a number of shooting situations. The Nikon Coolpix S2 will be available this spring at select retailers nationwide, at an MSRP of $449.95. Read the full Nikon press release.

05-17-2005

New Compact and Slim Kodak Easyshare V-Series Digital Cameras Fuse Video and Still Photography NEW YORK, May 17 — Fresh for the summer season, KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras were unveiled today in cities around the globe. Two models — each smaller than a deck of playing cards — are designed for trendsetters who seek high-style, compact personal electronics that combine phenomenal quality, performance and simplicity. The 5-megapixel EASYSHARE V550 and V530 zoom cameras break new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still pictures perfect for printing. Record longer, TV-quality videos with sound — up to 80 continuous minutes — while using less memory storage. Avoid on-screen shaking with image stabilization technology, and zoom in on video subjects in real time using the 3x optical Schneider-Kreuznach lens. Then watch the videos with friends on the big, bright, crisp 2.5" and 2.0" LCD screens, viewable from nearly any angle. Read the full Kodak press release.

05-16-2005

Nikon D70 Firmware 2.0 Update Available As promised earlier this month, Nikon USA has today made available the D70 firmware update v2.0 that ehances the functionality of the D70 camera. The issues addressed by this new firmware are as follows: Performance of the 5-area AF system has been improved (Dynamic area and Closest subject AF-area modes). Changes have been made to the design of menu displays. Page-size settings can now be applied from the camera with direct printing from a PictBridge-compatible printer. The number of exposures remaining, displayed in the control panel and viewfinder, when shooting at an image-quality setting of NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG Basic has been changed (the number is calculated based on the size of compressed RAW file). The default setting for camera clock has been changed from 2004.01.01 to 2005.01.01. Now you cannot set the clock back to a date before 2004.12.31. A problem that sometimes caused communication between the camera and computer to be unexpectedly terminated when using Nikon Capture Camera Control has been corrected. (Windows) Download the update from the Nikon USA D70 firmware page Users outside of the U.S. should visit their regional Nikon web site for the appropriate firmware update and information on how to install it.

05-13-2005

Fantasea Announces New Underwater Cases for Nikon Coolpix 4600, 5600, 5900 and 7900 Cameras Fantasea Line, distributor of the world’s most popular and affordable underwater photographic products, has announced the addition of two new underwater camera housings, the Fantasea CP-7, for the Nikon Coolpix 5900 and Coolpix 7900 digital cameras and the Fantasea CP-6, for the Nikon Coolpix 4600 and Coolpix 5600 digital cameras. Both housings are rated for 130 ft / 40m and will be available in June 2005 for $160 including one year's pre-paid flood insurance. Read the Fantasea CP-7 press release. Read the Fantasea CP-6 press release.

05-12-2005

Digital Outback Photo Releases New eBook Covering the Popular RAW Conversion Programs and Workflow Our friends over at Digital Outback Photo have just released a completely new e-book: "The Art of RAW Conversion, Optimal image quality from Photoshop CS2 and leading RAW converters". This book covers all angles of RAW conversion based on their real-world experience. Also topics like color management, DNG and B&W are covered. The RAW converters featured are Camera Raw 3.x, RawShooter, Canon DPP, Capture One, Nikon Capture and Bibble 4.x.  Get your copy today!

05-12-2005

Olympus Announces All-Weather 8-Megapixel Stylus 800 Melville, New York – Olympus once again demonstrates that digital camera design is about more than just the number of pixels and the size of the LCD – it’s about functionality. The Stylus 800 delivers power, performance and enhanced usability with an array of innovative technologies: Bright Capture Technology for low-light photography; a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal™ LCD for high-contrast viewing; metal, all-weather construction for protection against the elements; manual exposure and aperture settings for creative control and versatility; as well as an 8.0-megapixel sensor for high-resolution images. Available in July 2005 for $449. Read the full Olympus press release.

05-11-2005

Mike Johnston's "The Empirical Photographer" Book Is Now Available "The Empirical Photographer" - Collected Essays and Articles 1984-2000, author Mike Johnston. This is the definitive selected collection of the very best of Mike's critical articles and essays. Mike Johnston has published more than 100 articles about photography in magazines in the U.S. and England. He currently writes for BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY and CAMERA ARTS magazines, and his popular column "The Sunday Morning Photographer" appears on the web right here on this site and others and is translated into Polish, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Greek. In the past he was East Coast Editor of CAMERA & DARKROOM and Editor-in-Chief of PHOTO TECHNIQUES.

05-10-2005

Pentax Announces Three New Optio Compact Cameras Golden, Colorado … PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three new digital camera additions to its popular Optio digital camera lines. The PENTAX Optio S5z, the Optio S55 and the Optio S45 as well as the manufacturer’s sixth DA lens will ship to dealers in June 2005. The $350 Optio S5z is loaded with features and a 2.5 inch monitor to optimize image composition and playback. With a 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels, the Optio S5z features an aluminum alloy exterior and a rounded corner design and rubber grip. The Optio S55 has 5.0 megapixel resolution, a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor and will sell for under $300. The Optio S45 features 4.0 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor. With the large monitor that simplifies composition and playback, the Optio S45 is well suited to any user. The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US. Read the full Pentax press release.

05-10-2005

Epson Introduces PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition with Larger LCD and Faster Print Times LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Epson America Inc. introduces new PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition. The top choice among consumers has been Epson's PictureMate personal photo lab, for easy printing of beautiful and affordable lab-quality 4" x 6" photos without having to use a PC or Mac. And now Epson is giving consumers yet another choice, expanding the product line with the introduction of PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition. This premium version has all the benefits of the original PictureMate, plus new features such as a 2.4-inch color LCD screen and extra printing and editing features for computer-free printing. In addition, PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition prints photos as fast as 75 seconds per lab quality print, 40 percent faster than original PictureMate, and supports an optional internal battery for added convenience and portability. Read the full Epson press release.

05-10-2005

Epson Introduces New Stylus Photo R2400 Wide Carriage Printer with New UltraChrome K3 Inks LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Epson America Inc. introduces the $849 Epson Stylus Photo R2400 and Epson UltraChrome K3 inks. This new printer, coupled with its innovative ink technology, offers professional and fine art photographers the most advanced ink jet technology available to date. The Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment ink set ensures both a wider color gamut and superior black and white output with print permanence ratings that are perfect for gallery exhibits. With three levels of black and advanced driver controls, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 enables users to create professional-quality prints on a wide variety of media. Replacing the award-winning Epson Stylus Photo 2200, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 will be the printer of choice for professional and fine art photographers, as well as serious amateurs. Read the full Epson press release.

05-10-2005

Epson Introduces Stylus Pro 4800, 7800 and 9800 Printers with New UltraChrome K3 Inks LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Epson is once again advancing its printing technology into new territory for professional photographers and graphic artists with the launch of the Epson Stylus Pro 4800, Epson Stylus Pro 7800, Epson Stylus Pro 9800, and new Epson UltraChrome K3 ink technology. The combination of these new printers and archival inks not only gives today's most demanding professionals the widest gamut of archival color ink jet printing to date, but an almost infinite degree of black and white image control that rivals all other forms of photographic printing. All three printers introduce several new and advanced features and technologies, most notably Epson UltraChrome K3 inks -- a new archival technology that uses eight individual colors to create even better exhibit-quality output on a wide selection of media. The Epson Stylus Pro 4800 replaces the award-winning Epson Stylus Pro 4000 for printing images as wide as 17 inches, while the Epson Stylus Pro 7800 and Epson Stylus Pro 9800 replace the Epson Stylus Pro 7600 and 9600 for printing up to 24 inches and 44 inches in width, respectively. Read the full Epson press release.

05-09-2005

Konica Minolta Introduces New 5 Megapixel DiMAGE X60 Mahwah, NJ (May 9, 2005) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the latest incarnation of its popular X-series digital cameras – the new DiMAGE X60. This slim, stylish and fast 5-megapixel digital camera features a large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, fastest-in-class startup time, 3x optical and 4x digital zoom capability, automatic Macro and Super Macro capability, Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection, and 15MB internal memory. The DiMAGE X60 will ship at the end of May. Street price is $349.99. Read the full Konica Minolta X60 press release. Konica Minolta has also "quietly" released the DiMAGE E500, a very compact and affordable 5-megapixel, 3x zoom camera with a 2-inch color LCD.

05-06-2005

DIWA Presents Canon EOS Rebel XT with Gold Award Amsterdam, 6. May, 2005 - DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world- wide organization of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon Digital Rebel XT digital SLR. The Digital Rebel XT is an entry-level D-SLR camera, but performs in many ways better than many of its more expensive rivals. Read the full DIWA press release.

05-04-2005

New Camera Reviews Just Posted Just posted are the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ4 and its big brother, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 reviews. These two are physically identical compact, super-zoom cameras with 12x image stabilized Leica lenses and differ only in resolution and the addition of sound recording on the FZ5 model. If you love digicams with powerful zoom lenses then be sure to check out these two affordable cameras - we like them!

05-04-2005

Home Photo Printer Market Booming: Up Almost $400 Million in 2004, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study Says (Weymouth, MA) May, 03 2005... A 39% surge in photo printer shipments in 2004 drove an 8% increase in the overall home printer market, according to a new report from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. Additionally, the photo printer category as a whole hit $1.5 billion in 2004, experiencing a 33% revenue growth over 2003. “The digital camera revolution has ignited demand for better home photo printing solutions,” said Ed Lee, director of the Photo Printing Trends service at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “Vendors have seized on the opportunity by rolling out a succession of new photo printing features, spawning upgrades that are meeting consumer needs and invigorating the stagnant printer market.” Read the full InfoTrends press release.

05-04-2005

Kodak Announces Three New Easyshare "C" Series Cameras and Printer Dock Packages ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 4 -- Eastman Kodak Company is making it simple and quick to shoot , print and share real KODAK pictures, thanks to innovative new packages that combine the affordably-priced EASYSHARE C310, C330 and C360 digital cameras, printer docks, and software . With an entire snap-to-print solution in just one box, Kodak is making it effortless to buy a complete personal photography system, and to begin sharing pictures within minutes of returning home from the store — with or without a computer. Read the full Kodak press release.

05-03-2005

DxO Optics Pro Version 3.0 Beta Available Paris, May 3, 2005 – DxO Labs today made available a public beta version of its soon-to-be released DxO Optics Pro version 3.0 software. DxO Optics Pro V3.0 automatically enhances images produced by Digital Single-Lens Reflex (Digital-SLR) cameras and their lenses with revolutionary optics, noise and lighting corrections packed in an all-new, easy-to-use feature rich application. Serious photographers worldwide are invited to download and test-drive DxO Optics Pro V3.0 from the DxO Labs Web site (http://www.dxo.com) and provide feedback on all aspects of this landmark application. Read the full DxO press release.

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