September 1999

Monthly "Hot" List Agfa ePhoto 1680LE Agfa ePhoto CL30 Clik! Casio QV-2000UX eFilm 35mm Insert Fuji MX-1200 Halo Data Type I Microdrive Kyocera Samurai 2100DG Minolta RD3000 Nikon Coolpix 800 Nikon 950 Slide Copier Panasonic PV-SD4090 Ricoh RDC-5300

09-30-99

Sony Licenses MemoryStick To Other Firms TOKYO - Sony Corp. in a move to avoid a repeat of its Betamax debacle, said Thursday it will license six Japanese electronics manufacturers to make and market its nifty Memory Stick, and gadgets using the memory device. The Memory Stick is a chewing gum-sized memory device which allows digitized video images, music or computer files to be transferred among various sorts of electronic devices. Sony aims to popularize its newly introduced Memory Stick in the electronics industry by licensing other manufacturers to make video camcorders, digital cameras and personal computers using the data storage device. The six Japanese companies to be licensed to make Memory Stick products are Fujitsu Ltd, Japan's largest computer maker, Aiwa Co Ltd, a Sony affiliate, Sanyo Electric Co Ltd, Sharp Corp, Pioneer Corp. and Kenwood Corp.

09-30-99

New! Quantum Battery 1 Compact for Power-Hungry Digital Cameras and Flashes Mount the Quantum Battery 1 Compact under the camera and get 12 ounces of concentrated power. With two outputs you can power both a digital camera and a 6- volt shoe mount flash connected to the camera. Or power a shoe mount flash connected to a conventional film camera. Plenty of power is available for taking all your digital pictures and downloading them to the computer. When powering a flash, recycling speed is three times as fast as alkalines and a third faster than nicads. Enough power is available for typically 150 - 600 auto/TTL flashes depending on the chosen f/stop setting. Features: Attaches to the tripod socket on the bottom of camera. Outputs for both short (Bantam "X" series) and long (QB1 "MM" series) cords. "Fuel Gauge" displays power remaining and charging level. "No-memory" nickel metal hydride cells charge reliably in 3 - 4 hours. Energy saver mode dims lights for longer shoots. Digital Camera Capacity: Nikon Coolpix 950 240 shots* Olympus 620L 400 shots* Kodak DC265 800 shots* (*With LCD off) The Quantum Battery 1 Compact will power all of the above cameras using the XDC2 power cord. Refer to the complete Module selection chart in the Quantum Catalog for all M and X series modules available for your flash or digital camera. Quantum Battery 1 Compact (QB1c), retail price $199.00, power cord XDC2 $30.00. For a brochure or to locate a dealer near you write or go to our Quantum's web site.

09-30-99

Digital Video Conference & Exposition to Highlight Digital Video Trends, Tools, Techniques, and Converging Technologies SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 28 -- Miller Freeman, Inc., a leading producer of trade shows in the U.S., has announced the 3rd Annual Digital Video Conference & Exposition which will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, October 18-22, 1999. Now in its third year, this annual event merges the worlds of: broadcast video, Web video, 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and data. The DV Conference & Expo is a focused technical conference and product expo for video professionals using digital video technology. The conference provides professionals with useful and up-to-date instruction on how to get ahead in the very competitive and evolving digital video marketplace. With over 60 cutting-edge exhibitors and the special sponsorships of: Canopus, Adamation Pinnacle Systems, FAST, and Digital Video Magazine, the DV Expo will draw over 6,000 digital video professionals worldwide. The 1999 DV Conference & Expo will feature over 70 conference sessions ranging from beginning to advanced levels. Topics range from: Planning and Managing a Video Project, to Cinematic Concepts, to Digital Storytelling for Corporate Communications, and much more. "The conference topics go far beyond the technical" says Conference Chair Harry Mott, head of the Digital Media Department at Otis College of Art and Design. "The topics combine the latest techniques with proven principles of communication and design and are presented by the masters in production. Digital video professionals who want to accelerate their careers will learn how to go further- faster-at the Digital Video Conference."

09-29-99

Sierra Imaging Announces New Digital Camera Design Kit Featuring the Power and Flexibility of the Raptor(TM) II Chip SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--Sept. 29, 1999-- Sierra Imaging, Inc., the only company offering OEMs all the necessary components for digital still camera product success, announced today the availability of the Raptor Design Kit (RDK) and Image Transform Processor Simulator(ITPSIM). The RDK, which ships as a fully-functional Raptor II megapixel digital camera, is a complete system for designing and prototyping digital camera systems based on the Raptor II chip. The design kit's hardware consists of modules which include a power supply, user interface, flash memory module, display, a 1MP CCD with autofocus lens, and a strobe. Detailed schematics, electrical specifications and interface information speed up the process for designing new daughter boards for component evaluation, camera development and sales demonstrations. Raptor II is a second-generation embedded imaging chip integrating a 5 element parallel SIMD image processor with a 32-bit RISC core. The powerful, highly integrated chip controls virtually all functions of a digital camera. Raptor II's throughput rates of up to 3.3 Mpixel/second for fully processed JPEG encoded images and its support of any CMOS or CCD sensors up to 16 million pixels make it a highly extensible choice for a variety of OEM cameras. Running the Sierra Systems Software Platform (S3P)(a) RTOS, Raptor II requires no boot time and extends battery life by shutting down idle system components.

09-29-99

Exploding Use of Digital Images Will Help Drive Photo-Image Processing Revenues over $50 Billion in 2002 NEWTONVILLE, Mass.--Sept. 28, 1999--The ongoing explosion in the use of digital images will help to drive photo-image processing revenues to $51 billion worldwide by 2002, according to a new market research report from Lyra Research, Inc., and Photofinishing News, Inc. "An estimated 5.5 billion amateur digital photos will be uploaded to the Internet by online photofinishing services in 2002, generating $3.3 billion in revenue worldwide," Chuck Davenport, Senior Analyst with Lyra's Digital Photography Systems Advisory Service and co-author of the new report, which assesses the impact of digital imaging on the photo-image processing industry worldwide. Over the next three years, the number of photographs taken with digital cameras will grow dramatically. "By 2002, amateur photographers worldwide will create and save more than 19 billion images annually with digital cameras," says Davenport. "That same year, professional photographers will capture more than four billion digital images worldwide." According to report co-author Don Franz, editor of Photofinishing News Letter, "Amateur photo-image processing revenues are projected to reach $34.5 billion worldwide in 2002, growing at a 6.7 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next three years." Franz also points out that professional photo-image processing revenues are expected to climb at an 8.8 percent CAGR to reach $16.4 billion in 2002. Available in October from Lyra Research, Inc., the report, The Impact of Digital Imaging on the Photo-Image Processing Industry, examines current and future digital and conventional photographic trends in four regions: North America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia/Pacific Rim/Oceania, and Latin America/Africa. The report reveals how digital imaging continues to affect amateur photo-image processing channels (wholesale, mail order, retail/onsite) and professional channels (school photography, event imaging, commercial photography, and in- house/corporate/government photography). For more information on this report, visit www.lyra.com and click on the digital camera image on Lyra's home page, or call Lyra Research at (617) 454-2613.

09-27-99

CamPrint Links Digital Cameras to Color Printers For Fast and Easy Images RENO, Nev., Sept. 27 -- iGo Corporation announces the availability of Syntran's CamPrint, providing a link from digital cameras to color printers for direct output of color snapshots -- without the use of a computer. Works with the following cameras and printers: Agfa ePhoto 1280, 1680, Casio QV-5000 SX, QV-7000SX, Epson Photo PC 600, 700, Fuji DX-7, DS-7, DS-20, MX-700, Nikon CoolPix 900, 950, Kodak DC200, 210, 220, 260, Olympus D220L, 320L, 340L, 500L and 600L, Pretec 600, 800, Ricoh RDC-4200, 4300, Umax DC-A1, Epson Stylus Color 400, 440, 600, 6400, 800, 850, Stylus Photo EX, 700, 740, Any ESC/P2 emulation printer, HP 850C, 855C, 870C, 890C, 1120C, 1600C, 2000C, Any PCL 5 emulation printer, Canon BJC 620, 7004, Any BJC emulation printer. CamPrint provides fast, easy connections that link virtually all digital cameras and color printers together. Unique features of CamPrint include: Auto Color Calibration feature ensures print quality at the touch of a button Multiple Image Option lets users print images individually, in select groups, or as an index on a single sheet of paper from their printer Automatic Image Adjustment lets users resize images and create multiple copies without complex image editing software Requiring only a digital camera and color printer, the CamPrint solution includes easy-to-use hardware; a Centronix parallel port auto-switch, 9V DC power supply, two parallel port cables, a one-year warranty and a user manual. CamPrint retails for $99 and volume pricing is available.

09-27-99

Agfa Sponsors PC Computing's 2nd Annual Digital Photo Contest WILMINGTON, Mass.--Sept. 27, 1999-- Agfa Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA-DTP) announced today their premier sponsorship of the PC Computing 2nd Annual Digital Photo Contest - a promotional digital photography contest held between now and October 15, 1999, in which contestants have the opportunity to win one of four megapixel digital cameras, including the Agfa ePhoto CL50. In addition, winning photos will be featured in PC Computing's Year 2000 calendar to be distributed at Fall Comdex, as well as in PC Computing's online photo gallery. Contestants are invited to send a digital photo that represents winter, spring, summer or fall. Entries will be judged on creativity, image quality, and how effectively the digital image captures the essence of the season. This contest is an important component in the overall marketing partnership between Agfa and PC Computing. The contest was launched in conjunction with PC Computing's Digital Camera and Scanner Superguide, where Agfa is a major advertiser. The Superguide is a 2-part series in the September and October issues covering the products, solutions and techniques crucial to digital imaging. Other sponsors include Nikon, Olympus and Interland, an Internet web hosting service.

09-27-99

New Kodak DC240i Ships In All The Popular iMac Colors SAN FRANCISCO--Sept. 27, 1999-- All dressed up and ready to shoot, the latest megapixel digital camera from Eastman Kodak Company, the DC240i, comes in five, mouth-watering colors --blueberry, grape, strawberry, tangerine and lime. With a suggested retail price of $699, the DC240i comes ready to use right out of the box. The camera's Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface ensures fast downloading to both Macintosh computers and Windows systems. The camera has a fast powerup (less than 2.5 seconds), a nimble shutter response and takes less than half a second between shots. The user can review pictures immediately after capture or preview pictures before shooting at over 15 frames/second on a 1.8-inch color LCD screen. The DC240i will be available in October through value-added resellers, camera dealers, catalogs and traditional computer channels.

09-27-99

Epson Lowers Price of PhotoPC 750Z to $599 LONG BEACH, Calif.--Sept. 27, 1999--Epson America Inc., a leader in high-quality, award-winning imaging products, Monday announced that it has reduced the price of the PhotoPC 750Z megapixel zoom digital camera to $599. By reducing the current price of the PhotoPC 750Z by $100, Epson is making full- featured digital photography even more attractive and affordable. The EPSON PhotoPC 750Z contains a 1.25 megapixel CCD sensor, 6X zoom (3X optical and 2X digital), 12 MB of memory and EPSON HyPict(TM) image enhancement technology, which enables the camera to deliver 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution.

09-27-99

Nikon Introduces New Coolpix 800 Click to see a bigger picture We've already had our hands on it, read Steve's Coolpix 800 User Review. Unfortunately the weather here in Florida has been soggy lately so my sample pictures page won't be completed for a few days, there are some good macro shots there though.  I'll tell you this, the Coolpix 800 takes pics as sharp as the 950! MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 27 -- Nikon today announced the newest addition to its popular two-megapixel Coolpix Digital Camera series: the compact, fully automatic, easy-to-use Coolpix 800. The new camera provides high performance, versatility, and high image quality, thanks to its 2x Zoom Nikkor lens and refined electronics. Small enough to slip into a pocket or Christmas stocking, and weighing only 9.5 ounces, the easy-to-use Coolpix 800 will be on retail shelves in early November for under $700. The rugged Coolpix 800 continues to shatter the two-megapixel resolution standard and create the vastly superior images that Nikon is known for worldwide. Not only is the camera small and light weight but it's new 2x Zoom Nikkor lens offers unprecedented sharpness, clarity and color right down to subjects as close as 2.8 inches away with the Macro setting. Users can select ultra-high-definition, rich, full-sized 1600x 1200 pixel images, 1/16-size frames, or easy-to-store 640x480 VGA-sized images. A choice of Nikon exclusive 256 element matrix metering, center-weighted and spot metering is built in to the Coolpix 800. Three optional converters for telephoto, wide angle and fisheye lenses are available -- all designed to let the business or home photographer take the best possible pictures. The Coolpix 800 features Nikon's exclusive Best- Shot Selector (BSS) which allows users to shoot ten frames in five seconds, analyzes the images, selects the best one and discards the others. There's also a new high-speed continuous mode, which will shoot up to 30 frames per second for up to 40 QVGA-sized (320x240 pixels) pictures. The Coolpix 800 features a sharp 1.8 inch color LCD and an optical viewfinder. High-precision autofocus (480 steps) ensures razor- sharp pictures every time. A built-in Speedlight offers a variety of high performance flash modes including Auto Flash, Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow Sync and Red-Eye Reduction. Even with the LCD turned on, it offers an unprecedented extended battery life of approximately 100 minutes using four AA-alkaline batteries. It's also fast, booting up in two-seconds. Images captured on the 2.11 megapixel CCD can be saved in an uncompressed TIFF format plus three JPEG compression modes. The Coolpix 800 ships with an industry standard 8MB Nikon CompactFlash(TM) memory card which stores up to 200 images, depending on image size.

09-25-99

Video For Pro Photographers Thinking About Going Digital I don't normally review videos but Steve Herzog sent me his latest one called "Point and Shoot For Professional Portraits" which is aimed at professional photographers who are thinking about going digital. Steve does a show-and-tell of how he has integrated an inexpensive Olympus C-2000Z digital camera into his film-based business. This 117-minute VHS video could potentially save you thousands of dollars if you're already in a normal film-based business and have been bitten by the digital bug.   Steve outlines the pros and cons of going totally digital before the technology matures a little more. He has a very profitable business doing senior high school portraits and has successfully added a sub-$1000 digital camera into his camera room. This wasn't done without problems and he'll show you how he solved the ones that he encountered along the way.   Steve details the use of PhotoShop on the Macintosh computer platform in conjunction with an Epson Photo EX printer. His video is very professional and thorough, if I was a production video critic I would have to give it the "two thumbs up!" rating.   He has other videos and books about making money as a working pro photographer. Check them out at his website at www.4incite.com.

09-24-99

Firmware Fixes For Sony Mavica FD88 and FD83 Floppy & Other Problems I just received the following email from Don Wetzel: A while back I sent you an email detailing the technical problem with the FD88. The occasional very long record times, high rate of battery drain and occasional camera lockup. After dealing with Sony's Mavica group for nearly 6 weeks the problem has been resolved. Sony sent me a replacement camera but it had the same problems and they occured at a greater frequency. When this occured Sony finally agreed that there was a technical problem. After 2 more weeks, I was told that there was a firmware correction that would resolve all the issues. I sent my camera to the Sony repair facility in Atlanta for the work. They had it back to me in under 1 week. ALL issues are now resolved. The camera works perfectly. I had sample disks set aside that exhibited the problem and all 12 of them worked to perfection. Since then I have told the users on the Mavica Information Exchange to get the work done (with Sony's blessing). Every person has reported the same result, perfect operation on return. Sony in Canada has just this week caught up with the service bulletin and are now prepared to do the same work. As to other countries, Sony USA will send the correction to any service center anywhere for them to use. It is a firmware patch. If any FD88 or FD83 owner has any problem with long record time (over 6 seconds in any resolution), camera overheating, unusual battery drain (drop from 50 min left to change battery in one image) or occasional lockups on MPG file recording, they should have the work done. Sony has been picking up all the costs. They need to call in the USA 888-449-7669 and tell them of the long record times. If the person answering doesn't "recognize the problem" ask to talk to their supervisor.

09-24-99

MicroTech USB CameraMate Review Posted I just finished posting my user review of MicroTech's new USB CameraMate and this card reader/writer is a real winner!  It's small, it's fast and it reads CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards as well as SmartMedia. The word is that it is very near release after several months of production delays but obviously it was worth the wait.

09-23-99

Digitella Seeks Beta Users Digitella Technology, the leader in intelligent digital camera software systems, is looking for beta users for a new internet based workflow tool called intellipix.com. Using only an internet browser, Intellipix.com allows users to upload multiple photos at once and based on a user profile, these images will be processed in batch and routed to up to 5 destinations automatically. "Intelligent" Camera Users - Requirements: (1) Owns an "intelligent" digital camera (Digita based cameras including HP PhotoSmart C500, Kodak DC220, DC260, DC265, DC290, Minolta 1500) (2) Has multiple destinations to which they would like their images routed Standard Digital Camera Users - (1) Owns any digital camera (2) Has multiple destinations to which they would like their images routed In addition to use of the IntelliPix.com service. Five (5) beta users chosen by will random drawing will receive free CompactFlash digital film. To sign up please e-mail support@digitella.com or phone Ryan T. Hunter (949) 250-1601 x5134.

09-23-99

Microsoft Releases Picture It! 2000 REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22 -- Microsoft Corp.(Nasdaq: MSFT - news) today introduced the latest version of its award-winning Picture It!® 2000 consumer photo-editing software. Microsoft® Picture It! 2000 is designed for consumers who want to enter their photos into their personal computer, edit and enhance them and then share them with friends and family. Featuring new tools to create Web pages, Web slide shows and Web photo albums, Picture It! 2000 combines consumers' enthusiasm for sharing photos with their excitement for the Web. Photos often need to be fixed before they are inserted into projects. In addition to the powerful photo-editing tools that allow users to remove red- eye, correct scratches, remove dust, and restore faded photos, Picture It! 2000 features new tools to help users edit and enhance their photos more efficiently. The new Mini Lab makes it possible to fix multiple photos at the same time. New special effects allow consumers to turn their photos into art. With 100 new illusions, organized in an easy-to-follow preview menu, users can make a photo look like a charcoal drawing, a black and white sketch or an Impressionist painting. New paint strokes and photo strokes that allow you to draw with strands of bamboo, rope or Christmas tree lights, make creating a border or drawing on a picture fun. In addition, new 3-D text makes it easy to create photo captions that stand out. With two CD-ROMs packed with 950 high-quality photo backgrounds, 150 fonts and more than 400 templates, Picture It! 2000 makes it easy to put enhanced photos in a wide range of projects, such as wallpaper, cards, calendars, funny money, magazine covers, trading cards, flyers, business cards, collages and photo albums.

09-23-99

Happenstance Slide Copier Review Online My Happenstance/Nikon 950 slide copier review is now online. This is a nifty little gadget for anyone who owns a Nikon 950 and has a collection of 35mm slides gathering dust. For about $40 you can digitize that old collection and enjoy them on your computer screen instead of dragging out the projector and the BIG screen!

09-22-99

Agfa Introduces ePhoto CL30 Clik! Digital Camera WILMINGTON, Mass.--Sept. 22, 1999--Agfa Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA-DTP) introduces the ePhoto CL30 Clik! digital camera - a high- performing, USB-compatible digital camera offering 40 megabytes of removable storage on Iomega Clik! disks. The ePhoto CL30 Clik! digital camera is the first digital camera to offer a built-in Iomega Clik!(TM) drive. ePhoto CL30 Clik! Specs: Resolution 1440 x 1080 (PhotoGenie-enhanced), 1152 x 864, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 and a special grey-scale text mode of 1152 x 864. Both an optical viewfinder and 1.8" color LCD screen 40MB Clik! disk - store between 60 and 360 images USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface PhotoWise software for Windows® 95, 98 and NT, as well as MacOS® 7.0 or above. The ePhoto CL30 Clik! package includes: camera, cables (PC, Video), AC adapter, powerful software, a 40MB Clik! removable disk, one set of four AA- sized alkaline batteries and a soft protective case. In the U.S., the ePhoto CL30 Clik! digital camera will be available in November for the suggested price of $549. Agfa will offer a $50 mail-in rebate upon immediate availability of the ePhoto CL30 Clik! digital camera.

09-22-99

CompactFlash and SmartMedia Slug It Out for Dominance In the Digital Camera Market FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Sept. 22 -- While most digital camera vendors easily agree that flash memory is the most effective method to capture digital images, the debate rages on as to whether CompactFlash or SmartMedia is more effective. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the two camps won't come to an agreement any time soon. "SmartMedia currently holds the advantage in both slots and card shipments in the digital camera market, but there is certainly an air of hesitancy among vendors when speaking on the subject," said Kevin Kane, an analyst with IDC's Digital Cameras and Scanners research program. "CompactFlash continues to earn design wins, even among vendors who were previously devout supporters of SmartMedia, and is gaining support across the industry." The biggest differences between CompactFlash and SmartMedia focus on capacity and price. CompactFlash's maximum capacity is 128MB, compared with SmartMedia's 32MB. On the other hand, an average SmartMedia card cost less than $15 in 1999, compared with more than $51 for CompactFlash. According to IDC, more digital camera vendors currently use CompactFlash memory than SmartMedia in their products, but SmartMedia cameras and SmartMedia memory outsell CompactFlash. In 1998, 53% of cameras using either CompactFlash or SmartMedia were using SmartMedia, and SmartMedia held 58% of worldwide flash card shipments. IDC believes SmartMedia's limited capacity may eventually be its Achilles' heel and expects CompactFlash will gain the market share advantage in 2000.

09-22-99

New Olympus C-2500L, Does It or Doesn't It Have A CompactFlash Type II Slot? The mystery is now over, here's an email I just received. Steve, To help you with the confusion, The C-2500L uses a SmartMemory slot, and Type I CompactFlash slot. There is only one version of the camera. All the cameras shown a Seybold, to the press, and at show have been the Type I units. Any other information like the "Elvis" sightings is rumor. John Knaur Olympus America Inc. Digital Product Manager.

09-21-99

Toymax To Market WWF Slam Cam PLAINVIEW, N.Y.--Sept. 21, 1999--Toymax Inc. today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. to manufacture WWF digital cameras. Through a strategic alliance with MGI Software Corp. Toymax will be creating WWF CD-ROM imaging software to accompany the digital camera. The WWF Slam Cam(TM) digital camera system allows wrestling fans of all ages to effortlessly capture digital photos and then utilize the software to combine their personal photographs with exciting, specially designed WWF content. All users need do to "picture themselves as members of the WWF" is simply connect the camera to the PC and load the software. In a few easy steps, they can put themselves in World Wrestling Federation scenes, place their heads on their favorite wrestlers' bodies, and create personalized WWF memorabilia such as sport cards, greeting cards, and calendars. These creations can then be printed out on a home color printer or shared through email. In addition, users can generate photo slide shows, or apply creative special effects and interactive warps. The WWF Slam Cam will come complete with the Photo Slam(TM) software and a PC connector cable and will retail for approximately $60 at computer, toy and specialty retail outlets this fall.

09-21-99

Minolta Announces New 2.7 Megapixel Dimage RD 3000 Professional SLR Minolta has finally announced the 2.7 megapixel Dimage RD 3000 with the following specifications: Two 1/2" progressive scan 1.5 megapixel CCDs 1,984 x 1,360 resolution CompactFlash Type II Microdrive support Interchangeable Vectris APS lenses SCSI interface NTSC video out Size: 150 x 117 x 101 mm Weight: 1kg Price : 360,000yen ($3344 USD) This info came by way of the PC Watch site and thanks to our ever-vigilant reader Hiroyuki for pointing it out to me by way of our Message Board. Here's the PC Watch RD3000 sample pics Nikon D1 (Production Model) Pictures Hiroyuki also found some new Nikon D1 sample pictures also on the PC Watch site. According to the Kumio Yamada, the photographer, the D1 he used was a production model and not a beta.

09-20-99

Inventors of Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) Receive Prestigious C&C Prize MURRAY HILL, N.J.--Sept. 20, 1999--The C&C Prize, one of the world's top honors for pioneers in computing and communications, has been awarded to George Smith and Willard Boyle for their invention of the charge-coupled device (CCD). This brings to 12 the number of Bell Labs engineers and scientists who have received the C&C Prize. Bell Labs is the research and development arm of Lucent Technologies. The CCD is a light-sensitive integrated circuit used in a wide variety of applications, primarily in imaging. One of the inspirations for Smith and Boyle was the challenge of creating a new kind of semiconductor memory for computers; another was the development of technology for video telephone service, which required solid-state cameras. In the space of an hour on October 17, 1969, they sketched out the CCD's basic structure, defined its principles of operation, and outlined applications including imaging as well as memory. By 1970, the Bell Labs researchers had built the CCD into the world's first solid-state video camera. In 1975, they demonstrated the first CCD camera with image quality sharp enough for broadcast television. Today, CCD technology is pervasive not only in broadcasting but also in video applications that range from security monitoring to high-definition television, and from endoscopy to desktop videoconferencing. Facsimile machines, copying machines, image scanners, digital still cameras, and bar code readers also have employed CCDs to turn patterns of light into useful information.

09-20-99

Personal Picture Maker from Kodak and Lexmark Provides Computer-less Solution for Printing Digital Photos ROCHESTER, N.Y.--Sept. 20, 1999--Delivering on its promise to produce an affordable, easy-to-use photo printer for digital camera owners, Eastman Kodak Company has teamed up with Lexmark International, Inc., to introduce the Kodak Personal Picture Maker by Lexmark. Available today, the Kodak Personal Picture Maker (PM100) by Lexmark enables digital picture-takers to crop, personalize, print or store their digital images without having to connect cables to a computer or digital camera. The printer is priced at $149 after a $50 mail-in rebate. The Kodak Personal Picture Maker by Lexmark incorporates an onboard digital camera card reader that loads, manipulates and prints digital photos, without having to connect cables to a computer or digital camera. The user simply pops in the camera card and prints. The card reader accepts both CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards. Before printing their pictures, people can have fun personalizing them by adding creative borders and text. A Kodak template option, built into the printer software, can also be selected to create borderless pictures and stickers using Kodak Inkjet Photo Paper, which is available in perforated sheets including, 5 x 7-, 4 x 6- and 3.5 x 5-inch prints per page. The menu on the printer's display panel easily guides users through a variety of printing options, such as choosing which and how many photos to print on each page. Photos can also be stored from the camera card directly to an external storage device such as an Iomega Zip drive, so that the memory card can be erased and reused. The Kodak Personal Picture Maker by Lexmark can also print saved pictures directly from the external storage drive.

09-20-99

Agfa Re-Launches Streamlined Version of the Original ePhoto 1680 for $549 WILMINGTON, Mass.--Sept. 20, 1999--Agfa Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA-DTP) today introduces the ePhoto 1680 LE (limited edition) - a streamlined version of the award-winning ePhoto 1680 digital camera. The ePhoto 1680 LE will be available in the U.S. in October, for the suggested price of $549. The new streamlined version of the ePhoto 1680 includes Agfa PhotoWise(TM) (V 1.6) for accessing, managing and enhancing images, a serial cable for transferring images, a 4 MB SmartMedia(TM) card for storing images, 4 AA alkaline batteries, a cable for direct video output and a soft traveling case. The ePhoto 1680 is a feature-rich solution for professionals who use photos in their work or require high-quality images for personal use. This digital camera solution provides photo-quality, 1.3-million pixel images, in a unique, user-friendly design. Agfa's breakthrough PhotoGenie(TM) technology further expands the 1680's overall image-quality, allowing the camera to achieve an image quality of up to 1.9 million pixels.

09-19-99

Qimage Pro v6.2 Can Now Stamp EXIF Camera Info Into Prints Mike Chaney emailed me to let me know that he has just released Qimage Pro v6.2 which has added some new features and made the interpolation process much faster than before. You can now print the EXIF header info from most digital camera JPG files if they haven't been edited. This info can be placed in any one of the four corners of the picture or you can have Qimage Pro save it as a new JPG file with the EXIF info embedded in it. For those of you new to all of this ... Qimage Pro is an extensive yet very easy to use image file printing utility for Windows users. It began as just a simple program to print files but has evolved into a very powerful program that makes its commercial competition look pale in comparison. It features a thumbnail interface to your image files and lets you drag and drop them onto the virtual page. You can then rotate or resize, apply all sorts of filters, use various interpolation schemes, and more before you print. This is the cream of the crop in Windows image printing utilities!

09-18-99

New H180 LCD Shade From Hoodman The folks at Hoodman have just released a new $19.95 H180 LCD hood made especially for the Nikon Coolpix 900, 900s and 950 models. We had previously reviewed their standard hood for a 2" LCD but it was a little big for the Nikon and tended to block the buttons. I'm happy to report that the new model H180 is an exact fit for the LCD and tapers slightly back to rear opening. It can be attached using the elastic strap as shown above or you can cut it off and use the supplied self-stick velcro strips. I have updated my Hoodman user review to reflect the new H180 hood.

09-18-99

Q-Research Releases Newly Updated PhotoGenetics PhotoGenetics is breakthrough technology, it's not photo editing like Photoshop, it's image enhancement software that allows the casual PC or Mac user to dramatically and easily improve the quality of their digital and scanned photographs. And it has recently been upgraded and now accepts optional PhotoGenetics Add-ons that have new evolution tools for specific purposes. Instead of having to know about hue, tint, brightness, contrast, gamma or any of that stuff -- you simply watch what happens to your pictures as PhotoGenetics does its magic. It automatically changes these values using sophisticated alogrythms, all you do is tell it whether the new picture looks better than the old one. You continue doing this until you end up with a picture that you think is the best. You can read the Imaging-Resource's PhotoGenetics review where Dave Etchells had this to say about it: "PhotoGenetics should be useful to just about anyone with a digital camera or scanner: Neophytes finally have a way to achieve excellent image adjustment, with NO knowledge of color theory or sophisticated graphics tricks, and experts will find it handy as a means to quickly arrive at a solid starting point for more-advanced manual adjustment. Regardless of your level of expertise, it should be an easy purchase decision!" You can also experience an online demonstration by going to their website at www.photogenetics.com.   Download a trial version and see for yourself just how simple, yet powerful this program is and start enjoying better pictures today.

09-17-99

Cameraid 1.1.3 For MacOS Now Available Cameraid 1.1.3 is the latest update to the all in one digital photography utility program for MacOS. New Features in 1.1.3 This update adds improved support for new cameras, such as the highly popular Nikon Coolpix 950 and Olympus C-2000Z. The image viewer has been enhanced to show even more information on photos that were taken with these cameras. The TIFF file format is fully supported, including downloads from cameras that can store images in that format. The HTML batch processor can now automatically generate web pages with image captions with dates, filenames and even image size information. Access to multiple versions of the same photo can also be provided from a single web page. Captions can contain links to several different resolution versions of the same photo. Several minor bugs and problems in version 1.1.2 have been fixed for 1.1.3. Cameraid 1.1.3 requires a Macintosh with a 68020 or better processor, QuickTime, at least MacOS System 7 and 2MB of available RAM. The unregistered shareware version is fully functional, but includes built-in delays and registration reminders in some operations. The $15 registration fee (payable through Kagi) will eliminate the delays and make working with Cameraid faster and smoother. The update is free of charge to registers users of previous versions of Cameraid.

09-17-99

c|net Review: Cutting Edge Cameras The folks at c|net have put together another review/buyer's guide for the latest megapixel cameras, it's called Cutting Edge Cameras. They compare and rate the features and image quality of the Epson PhotoPC 800, Fuji MX-2700, Nikon Coolpix 950, Olympus C-2000Z, Ricoh RDC-5000, Sony DSC-F55 and Toshiba PDR-M4. Their top pick was the Nikon Coolpix 950 followed by the Ricoh RDC-5000.

09-17-99

Lexar Media And Olympus Form Strategic Alliance To Market Lexar's 64Mb 4X USB-Enabled CompactFlash And JumpSHOT USB CABLE FREMONT, Calif., Sep. 20, 1999 - Lexar Media today announced a strategic alliance with Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., to market Lexar's 64Megabyte USB-enabled CompactFlash digital film cards and JumpShot USB cables in Japan. Olympus recently announced the 2.5 megapixel Olympus C-2500L, its first digital camera to offer dual CompactFlash and SmartMedia slots. Olympus chose Lexar's USB-enabled CompactFlash for the ease and speed at which images can be downloaded to the desktop computer using the JumpShot USB cable. Lexar's 64MB 4X USB-enabled CompactFlash card and JumpShot USB cable will be co-branded with Olympus and sold in retail channels in Japan, starting in October 1999. With Lexar's USB-enabled CompactFlash digital film, transferring photos to the desktop computer is a quick and simple process. The photographer removes the USB-enabled digital film card from the camera, slips it in to the JumpShot cradle and plugs the other end of the cable into the USB port of the PC or Macintosh computer. The operating system immediately recognizes the digital film card as another drive, and the photo images appear as individual files. The photos can then be transferred by dragging and dropping them into the computer's hard drive or into an image-editing application.

09-16-99

New Mustek Digital Cameras to Feature Kopin Color CyberDisplay TAUNTON, Mass.--Sept. 16, 1999--Kopin Corporation today announced that Mustek, Inc., a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of scanners, digital still cameras (DSC) and other consumer electronic equipment, will use Kopin's innovative, miniature color flat panel display, the CyberDisplay 320C, in several new Mustek DSCs for introduction later this year. The first such camera, scheduled to be on the shelves by Christmas, is the GSmart 350, which produces VGA resolution pictures. A single CyberDisplay is used in these cameras for both the viewfinder mode as well as to display images of pictures previously taken. Targeted at the novice and youth generation segment of the consumer market, the GSmart 350 is Mustek's first DSC using CyberDisplay. Kopin's CyberDisplay is already being used by JVC in two models of its new CyberCam camcorder. The GSmart 350 is expected to have a retail price of less than $200 and to incorporate several new advanced features that have typically been found only on more expensive DSCs priced from $500 to $800. Equipped with Kopin's CyberDisplay, the GSmart 350 can even review and take pictures in direct sunlight - a capability that is difficult to attain with a back mounted, direct view display. Also, the image seen on the CyberDisplay will appear to be several times larger than the images seen on a 1.8" direct view display. The GSmart 350 with CyberDisplay consumes less power than other DSCs, thereby ensuring longer battery life. With only 3 AA batteries, the GSmart 350 can support up to 1,000 shots. No power adapter is needed because of the unique Bus Power design, which requires no battery power when the Universal Serial Bus (USB) is connected to a PC or other monitor.

09-15-99

Fujifilm Introduces New Sub-$300 MX-1200 Digital Camera ELMSFORD, N.Y.--Sept. 15, 1999-- Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled its latest entry in the sub-$300 category, the MX-1200 Digital Camera. Designed with the digital imaging beginner in mind, the easy-to-use MX-1200 sports a 1.3 million-pixel CCD, recording images with brilliant color and detail at resolutions as high as 1280 x 960 pixels. With a comparable 125 ISO speed, the MX-1200 boasts a 38mm, 35mm equivalent Fujinon lens with macro capabilities allowing close-ups from only 3.9-inches away. The MX-1200 has a number of advantages over prior sub-$300 models, including a new, more accurate auto white balance and faster circuitry for quicker booting and less processing time between shots. To frame pictures, the camera is equipped with both a high-precision 1.6-inch color LCD monitor and optical viewfinder. With its built-in automatic flash and ultra-precise wide-range flash control, the MX-1200 is ideal for indoor and outdoor image capture and viewing. In addition, users can take continuous sequence shots; manually adjust the flash (normal, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow sync for night scenes); change the white balance settings to accommodate the lighting situation; and select the exposure compensation to control brightness. The MX-1200 includes a 4MB SmartMedia(TM) removable storage card, which records up to 23 images at the highest resolution. The camera's SmartMedia(TM) card also affords users an easy and simple way to transfer their recorded images, without the need for a computer, to Fujifilm's NX-70 Digital Printer. At the press of a few buttons, the NX-70 produces album quality 3.3 x 5-inch color prints. The MX-1200 uses four AA-size alkaline batteries that can take up to 250 shots when the liquid crystal display is turned off, and 100 shots when it is turned on. It comes bundled with Adobe® Photo Deluxe Home Edition 3.0 image editing software. The MX-1200 weighs 7.1 ounces and features dimensions of 4.3" (w) x 3.0" (h) x 1.3" (d). It will carry a suggested retail price of $299 when it becomes available to consumers in October.

09-14-99

Casio Introduces A New Digital Camera Card For The Cassiopeia E-100 And E-105 Palm-Size PCs DOVER, N.J., September 14, 1999 -- Casio, Inc. announced today the introduction of a Digital Camera Card – Model JK-710DC – that can be used with the Windows CE Palm-size PC, CASSIOPEIA E-100 and E-105. This new Digital Camera Card will be available in the fourth quarter at the suggested retail price of $299. "The Digital Camera Card allows Cassiopeia users to take still or movie images and send them to their home or office instantly," said John Clough, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Casio’s Consumer Products Division. The JK-710DC incorporates a CCD with 350,000 pixels and a fixed focal point lens with macro position F2.8. The focal range in the normal setting is 0.78m and in the macro mode it is 10cm. Other features include a shutter speed of 1/30 – 1/1000 second and a recording mode with a single image or a continuous image/movie. The E-100 and E-105 have a battery life of 45 minutes of continuous recording when using the Digital Camera Card. The Digital Camera Card weighs only 1.6 oz. Still images are in JPEG file format while the movie images are in CMF file (Casio Movie File) format. (CMF file format has been developed based on MPEG1, a Casio original file format developed to play a movie on the Cassiopeia E-100.) A movie can be played on a PC by using the "Mobile Video Player for PC" which comes with the Digital Camera Card. Specifications CCD: 350,000 pixels Lens: Fixed focal point with macro position F2.8 Focus range: Normal 0.78m – Macro 10cm Shutter speed: 1/30 – 1/1000 second Recording mode: Single image/Continuous image/Movie Battery life: 45 minutes continuous recording Weight: 1.6 oz Still Image: JPEG file format (640 X 480, 3 compression levels) Movie: CMF file format CMF file format: Developed based on MPEG1, Casio original file format to playmovie conformably on the E-100. (You can play the movie on the PC by using "Mobile Video Player for PC" which comes with the JK-710DC CCD rotates: 180 degrees Interface: Compact Flash slot on E-100/E-105

09-14-99

Drive Makers Look To Steal Wind From IBM In Microdrive Segment By Mark Hachman Electronic Buyers' News (09/10/99, 05:11:35 PM EDT) Shrinking margins in the desktop disk-drive industry are spurring at least three companies to eye the 1-inch market pioneered by IBM Corp.'s microdrive, analysts said this week. Start-up Halo Data Devices confirmed plans to do IBM one better and ship its 1-inch drive inside a smaller package. Seagate Technology Inc. has demonstrated similar 1-inch prototypes, according to an analyst. And executives at Kyocera International Ltd. have also reportedly discussed plans to enter the market. In any case, the microdrive has attracted attention for one reason: healthy profit margins. As a drive's form factor decreases, so does a company's sales costs. While that has worked to the advantage of companies such as IBM, Fujitsu, and Toshiba, the price of the IBM microdrive-$499 for a 340-Mbyte version-has also left analysts to reconsider the microdrive's appeal compared with cheaper alternatives. In response, Halo Data, San Jose, has designed a 1-inch 265-Mbyte drive that executives believe could be priced at less than $100 given the appropriate volumes-a critical assumption, analysts noted. An announcement of the company's first product is scheduled for the first half of next year, months behind IBM, but not late enough to miss the emerging market, they said. Halo also calls its drive the “MicroDrive,” a similarity that may provoke a future trademark battle. A spokeswoman for IBM's Storage Systems Division in San Jose confirmed that Halo has trademarked the microdrive name, but that IBM refers to a “microdrive” as a generic product category. Halo's O'Sullivan said no legal discussions have taken place between the two companies. Halo's MicroDrive uses the more popular CompactFlash Type I form factor, while IBM's drive uses the thicker Type II version. This makes Halo's drive a direct drop-in replacement for standard CompactFlash (CF) cards. Each of Halo's MicroDrives will use magnetic-based media and a single giant magnetoresistive head supplied by Read-Rite Corp. The drive will spin at 5,400 RPM and transfer 37.5 to 75 Mbits/s. Halo's product will dissipate less than 250 mA at 3.3 V, and resist up to 750 Gs of non-operating shock. (I have only reprinted part of the article here, click on the Electronic Buyer's News link above to read the entire article.)

09-13-99

Videoguys 4th Annual Video Capture Card Round Up The VideoGuys have posted their 4th annual roundup of video capture cards and cover both the older analog and the newer Digital Video FireWire type of cards. This is very good information if you're into editing your own videos on the computer. It not only tells you how each card works and what software comes with it but it can saves you from making a very expen$ive mistake by buying the wrong card for your particular needs. And check out their Desk Top Video Handbook OnLine, if you are looking for information about how to use your PC to edit, produce and create AWESOME looking video, this is the place!!   Their well-organized handbook has all the info you need about the latest video capture cards, non linear editing, video storage solutions, and digital video.

09-13-99

Casio QV-2000UX Review Posted Click to see a big picture of the front I have now finished my Casio QV-2000UX user review. The sample pictures page was generated by the camera itself. This is a nifty feature and allows you to use your Internet browser (Netscape or IE) as your picture browser too. This definitely ain't your father's Casio! They have come a long way since the first "toy" digital cameras they used to make and I'm happy to report that the QV-2000UX is loaded with real manual controls as well as a 2.11 megapixel imager. Check it out! I have added more info to the first page of the review to show how to access the QV-2000UX's extended shutter speed mode which goes all the way out to 16 seconds. Not only that but you also have full control of the aperture when in this mode and can dial in any desired value from F2 to F11. I have also added a "normal" sample pictures page in case you have problems with the one that the camera generated itself. Some folks have said that the pictures looked "jaggy" and this is due to the way the Java scripting shrunk them into smaller windows. And if you have problems playing the AVI movie, I can't help you, it doesn't require any special Codec but your Media Player or whatever has to be set up right or your browser needs a newer Plugin.

09-11-99

Jasc Software Announces Paint Shop Pro 6 and Animation Shop 2 Eden Prairie, Minnesota (August 9, 1999) - Jasc Software today announced the release of Paint Shop Pro 6, the complete solution for creating Web graphics and enhancing digital images. Paint Shop Pro 6 also features a new version of Jasc's popular animation program, Animation Shop 2. Specifically designed to meet the needs of both Web designers and advanced consumers, Jasc's award winning Paint Shop Pro continues to provide advanced functionality at a low price. Paint Shop Pro 6 includes many new, powerful design and editing tools for creating Web sites and enhancing digital images. Key features include: Direct support for over 120 digital cameras Enhanced Browser for more powerful image management Digital watermarking for embedding copyright information Vector tools and layers for enhanced drawing capabilities Editable text and ability to place text on a path Multicolor Gradient tool for creating and saving custom gradients Interface enhancements, including roll-up palettes and a recent colors picker Enhanced integration between Paint Shop Pro 6 and Animation Shop 2 Adjustment layers for applying color corrections to multiple layers Print Multiple Images function for printing several images on a page Improved Layer and Tool Options palettes for added flexibility and control An OLE Screen Capture for grabbing screen shots directly from a host application New special effects, including Bevel, Weave, Blinds, and more Paint Shop Pro 6 will be available in September at a suggested list price of $109.00 from Jasc Software, or through popular retail, Internet and mail order sales channels. Upgrades for registered users of previous versions are available for $49.00 through Jasc Software. In addition, certain users are eligible for corporate site licenses and educational discounts. Upon release of the full product, an evaluation copy of Paint Shop Pro 6 may be downloaded from the Jasc Software Web site. Free, unlimited technical support is available to registered users directly from Jasc Software.

09-11-99

LE-Adapter Allows Sony Mavica and Other Digicams To Microscopes, Spotting Scopes and Other Optical Devices The Stillwater Trading Company is proud to announce the introduction of the LE-Adapter which connects the new Sony Mavica FD Series and other digital cameras directly to the eyepiece of most any Microscope, Spotting Scope, Telescope, or Nightvision Scope. Simply thread the LE-Adapter on to the lenses filter threads, insert the eyepiece, and tighten the three sizing screws. This proven device is being used by Universities for Distance Diagnostics as well as major companies and hobbyists. We offer a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee. Be ready to capture some truly fascinating images. Check out this unique product at: http://www.stillwtr.com/mavica. Does the LE-Adapter fit other Digital Cameras?? The answer is YES if the camera meets the following conditions: It must have filter threads...preferably 37 or 52mm..( Very inexpensive Stepup or Stepdown rings can be purchased from camera shops to accomodate other filter ring sizes. To avoid vignetting the camera must have zoom capabilities and must be capable of having a minimum focal length of 80mm. It can be used with the Nikon Coolpix 950 if you have one of the 28-37mm stepup rings available from CKC Power or another vendor. If you have a digital camera and not sure whether it will accept the LE-Adapter please E-Mail us and provide as much information you can on your particular camera.

09-10-99

digitalkamera.de Looks At The Sony D770 Photos by MediaNord digitalkamera.de puts the Sony DSC-D770 through its paces and compare it against the D700. Here's a few of their comments, follow the link to read the entire article. In August 1999, Sony replaced the DSC-D700 by its slightly modified successor, the Sony DSC-D770. We're talking about a further developed model, not a newly developed model. A technical improvement has been the manual focussing via the optical viewfinder. Although the DSC-D770 doesn't provide optical auxiliary marks either, the technicians have somehow managed to make the difference between "high definition" and "low definition" better visible in its viewfinder than in that of the DSC-D700. An excellent innovation is the option to display a socalled histogram for every shot, in the exposure as well as the reproduction mode. This diagram indicates the brilliance distribution in the picture from dark to light, it enables experienced users to evaluate the quality of the exposure, and it helps discover overexposures as well as underexposures.

09-09-99

New Release of the JPEG Wizard Announcing major improvements to the JPEG WizardTM.   The most advanced JPEG recompression and optimization tool!   New features included in this version are: multi-image browse mode drawing tool for selecting compression 'region of interest' 'save and reopen' 'right mouse click' lossless jpeg crop 'scaled image save' redesigned batch output menus and features EXIF support, and much more There is no other product in the world that can edit jpegs like the JPEG Wizard without damage! Registered Users get a FREE upgrade by downloading and installing the trial version. New users can try it for FREE by downloading the trial version! Reduce your JPEG web image size and download time 20-70%! Create thumbnails, brighten, watermark, crop, regionally compress either individually or use The JPEG Wizard advanced batch processing. To download a new version of the JPEG Wizard please use the following download link or visit the online JPEG Wizard.

09-09-99

Panasonic Intros New 1.3-Megapixel Digicam That Uses 120MB SuperDisk Diskette SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 9 -- The new Panasonic PV-SD4090 PalmCam SuperDisk digital camera, the first in the new SuperDisk line, is an advanced model that takes the PalmCam digital camera line further into the computer age. The PV-SD4090 saves its images on a 120 megabyte (MB) SuperDisk diskette, which can hold up to 1,500 images. The camera is also compatible with traditional 1.44MB floppy disks, which will hold up to 17 images. 1.3 million-pixel CCD 2.5-inch color LCD monitor 3:1 optical zoom (34-102mm) plus 2x digital zoom Aperture can be set at F2.8 or F8 Shutter speed is automatically adjusted from 1/4th to 1/750th of a second. Reusable, removable 120MB SuperDisk diskette or 1.44MB floppy disk USB-compatible Lithium ion battery with charger Motion Image Recording with Audio -- record a ten-second mini movie with audio in 320x240 resolution Burst Recording -- 16 images taken approximately every 0.5 seconds in 640 x 480 resolution Still Image Recording with up to 5 secs of audio Time Lapse Recording The PV-SD4090 includes one 120MB SuperDisk diskette, AC adapter charger, DC cable, lithium ion battery, driver software, a video cable for viewing pictures on a standard television set, a USB cable for connection to USB- compatible PCs and MACs, shoulder strap, and Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 3.0 software. The new PV-SD4090 PalmCam will be available in November 1999, with a suggested retail price of $899. $899 for a 1.3 megapixel floppy camera?   I don't think so, let's hope the street retail is a lot less than that.  OK Mr Sony, now it's your turn to add 120MB floppy drives on the next generation of Mavicas.

09-09-99

Yashica Announces the Kyocera Samurai 2100DG, World's First 2.14 Megapixel Digital Camera With 4X Optical Zoom Lens SOMERSET, N.J.--Sept. 9, 1999--Yashica's new Samurai 2100DG digital camera is the first 2.14 Megapixel digital camera in the world to feature a 4X (35mm equivalent of 35mm to 140mm) Optical Zoom Lens. The camera boasts a full line-up of functions, including automatic exposure control, automatic white balance, various shooting modes and versatile playback functions. All settings are fully automatic for the ultimate in picture taking ease. Each essential control, including the shutter button, zoom control, and selectors for photography mode and image quality, can be operated easily while holding the camera and using only the right hand. The camera boasts both a built-in optical Real Time Zoom Viewfinder and a 1.8" high definition TFT color LCD monitor. The 4x Optical Zoom lens can be combined with a 4X digital zoom function when displaying images, resulting in a maximum zoom magnification of 16x. The Real Time Optical Viewfinder zooms along with the lens to provide concise, accurate framing. The Samurai 2100DG includes a high capacity, environmentally friendly, rechargeable, lithium-ion battery and AC Adapter/Battery Charger. An 8MB CompactFlash card, also included with the camera, can store up to 84 images in normal mode, 20 in Fine mode, and 6 in Super Fine mode. The Samurai 2100DG also offers an optional accessory kit which includes Lexar's JumpShot USB cable and 8MB USB enabled CompactFlash card, for high- speed downloading of image files via the popular USB port found on most personal computers. Both Microsoft Windows 98 and Macintosh platforms are supported.

09-08-99

PC Watch Covers World PC Expo 99 Photo courtesy of PC Watch That new Sony DSC-F505 is bigger than I thought it would be. If this picture isn't big enough just click on it to see an even larger picture of the camera! The Japanese web site PC Watch covers World PC Expo 99 and I guess you could say that the Sony booth will be a BIG hit with its 40:1 sized CyberShot camera. Sony was also showing their new Viao PCG-C1XE PictureBook laptop computer with a built-in digital camera. Nikon is showing their D1, Olympus the new C-2500L and Fujifilm shows the FinePix 1700 which we have reviewed as the MX-1700 and there's rumours that they might also finally reveal the digital camera with the builtin printer that we covered a long time ago in our Photokina '98 Report. 09/10/99 update   PC Watch continued their coverage of the World PC Expo 99 show and posted their day 2 report. Covering the new Kodak DC290 and DC215Zoom, the new Casio QV-8000SX and QV-2000UX (the latter is in my hands now, expect a full user review and sample pics next week), Ricoh RDC-5300, Canon A50, Epson CP800 and Print-On printer, Toshiba PDR-M4 and Matsushita's new Coolshot II Mega (aka Panasonic PV-DC2590).

09-08-99

Canon Japan BeBit Site Posts PowerShot S10 Sample Pics The Canon Japan BeBit site has posted two PowerShot S10 sample pics from a "beta" camera. The one that is thumbnailed here and another (even bigger) one of a convertible with the top down. Even though they are from a "beta" S10, they look very good! digitalkamera.de looks at the new Canon PowerShot S10 and gives us a rundown of its features.

09-07-99

PC Watch Posts Comparison Pictures Thanks for the Digital Photography Review pointing me to the page full of digicam comparison pictures over at PC Watch in Japan. They have images from the following cameras: Olympus: C-2500L, C-2000Z and C-21, Nikon: Coolpix 950, Coolpix 700, Fuji: MX1700Z, MX2900Z, MX2700 and MX1500, Ricoh: RDC-5000, Casio: QV-2000UX and QV-5500SX, Canon: PowerShot A50, Samurai (Kyocera): 2100DG, Kodak: DC280J, D215Zoom and DC240, Sony: DSC-D770, DSC-F505 and DSC-F55, Epson: CP-800, Konica: Q-M200. Phil also posted some interesting news about Sony announcing several new 3+ megapixel CCD sensors so I guess we'll start seeing those showing up in new cameras later next year.

09-06-99

Delkins Intros New 128MB CF Cards SAN DIEGO--Sept. 6, 1999-- Delkin Devices, the leading innovator of eFilm(TM) flash memory upgrades and memory related products, today unveiled their new 128MB CompactFlash(TM). This announcement of the new addition to the eFilm(TM) line distinguishes Delkin as the only digital camera memory manufacturer to offer the highest capacity fOR every type of flash memory card on the market. Delkin's new 128MB CompactFlash(TM) will supply the industry's growing demand for larger storage capacity. This 128MB CF(TM) card can be used with newly arrived products like the Handheld PC's with Windows® CE Pro Edition, audio MP3 players, and megapixel digital cameras, which require ample storage for larger data files and higher-resolution pictures. The first application tested with the new 128MB CompactFlash(TM) card in the Delkin labs was the new Nikon Coolpix 950 camera. This 2.11 megapixel digital camera has a resolution of 1600 x 1200. The tests resulted in 3,221 pictures in VGA Basic mode, 258 Normal mode, 129 Fine mode, and 22 pictures in Uncompressed mode. These results are double (in some instances triple) the current storage capacity of most CompactFlash(TM) cards on the market. Delkin's eFilm(TM) line of digital camera upgrades include CompactFlash(TM) up to 128MB, CompactFlash(TM) type II up to 224MB, SmartMedia(TM) up to 32MB, PC Cards and Minicard upgrades. The eFilm(TM) line also includes card readers, accessory kits, adapters and battery packs.

09-04-99

ImageK's EFS-1 Returns As SiliconFilm Once again the much-touted ImageK product has surfaced, this time it looks much closer to release and is now a complete and very portable field system called SiliconFilm.   As you can see from the picture, they now have the 35mm camera eFilm device, a PCMCIA ePort adapter and an optional eBox image storage unit to offload the pictures into. They claim it has the capability to hold 24-1.3 megapixel (1280x1024) images and can shoot up to 300 images per battery. The ePort has the ability to download to computer via a PCMCIA slot or through a USB port. The ePort can also be plugged into the eBox to let you transfer your images into it and then re-use the eFilm again quickly while out in the field. The eBox can also be used with CompactFlash and Type I and II PCMCIA cards. According to the site FAQs the eFilm and ePort will sell for less than $800 and be available in "late Fall 99." It will initially be available direct from the SiliconFilm site.  First shipments of the EFS-1 will be compatible with the following camera bodies: Canon EOS 1N, Canon EOS A2/5; Nikon F-5, Nikon N-90/F90, Nikon F-3.   Additional model compatibility will be posted on their website as they become available. Only time will tell if it actually makes it to market or not this time. We've been "teased" by this thing before ...

09-03-99

Welcome Our Newest Sponsor - Red River Paper I'd like to invite all of our readers to check out the products offered by our newest site supporter Red River Paper. They have 53# Glossy, Matte, Canvas for Epson printers including an 11-7/8x19" size especially for Photo EX printers. I really like their 2-sided 63# glossy paper for outstanding looking sales brochures. Try their sampler pack, two 8.5x11" sheets of all of Red River's products for only $9.99 plus shipping. Red River also sells Epson printers and has the Stylus 740, 900, 3000 as well as the Photo 750, Photo EX and Photo 1200 in their catalog. Ink cartridges for all Epson printers including the Lysonic inks for the 3000 series.

09-02-99

Inexpensive Slide Copier for Nikon 950 To quote the folks that make this $40 device: "With the Happenstance slide copier attachment and your Coolpix 950 you can bridge the gap between conventional color slide photography and digital photography. Constructed from machined acrylic and stainless steel, the Happenstance copier is made to complement the quality of your Nikon camera. Using the copier is a lot like taking real-time pictures, except that you can sit comfortably at a desk with your slide collection in front of you. The camera is held normally, but the lens is left pointing upwards (that is, the lens/flash side of the camera is not swiveled). A slide is loaded into the copier and the copier placed onto the camera lens body. The copier mounts onto the lens ring with a precise, smoothly rotatable fit allowing you to get perfect alignment while looking through the LCD viewfinder. The slide is illuminated through the copier's high-quality diffuser using an ordinary desk lamp. With the close-focusing capabilities of the 950, you can zoom into selected portions of your slide, or you can copy the entire image." Follow the link above to read my user review, this is a great product!

09-01-99

Phil Posts Sony DSC-F505 Review Phil had a week to use the new Sony DSC-F505 camera and has posted his user review (all 11 pages of it) online. His conclusion: "The Sony DSC-F505 breaks new ground in digital camera design, shocking at first it soon confirms itself as being well built, ergonomically designed and able to take excellent images. This camera is a serious contender to the Olympus C2000Z and Nikon Coolpix 950 which currently rule the roost. With it's bigger lens, hybrid LCD and InfoLithium batteries you could be forgiven for having it very high on your list." Click to see a BIG picture!

09-01-99

Ricoh Shows New RDC-5300 At The IFA Show In Berlin Photo from PC Watch Thanks to our ever-vigilant reader and message board poster Hiroyuki Yoshikawa, I was pointed to the PC Watch web site to see some pictures of Ricoh's new RDC-5300 camera. I have not yet had the Japanese text translated so I don't know exactly what the specs are yet. If anyone comes up with them please email them in to me and I'll update this news item, thanks. The IFA show in Berlin is a consumer electronics tradeshow similar to our Comdex shows here in the U.S. Thanks to Mike over at Imaging-Resource for doing the translation work on this one: Ricoh, meanwhile, showed its new RDC-5300 digital camera. The unit is essentially Ricoh's existing 2.3 megapixel RDC-5000 model with a 3x optical zoom lens in place of the RDC-5000's 2.3x zoom. Other changes include faster processing speeds, and changes to the user interface. A rubber handgrip has been added, making the camera easier to hold, and the LCD display is now more responsive and better quality. Yamada commented that the LCD display is now equal to those on rival cameras, and that he no longer heard any dissatisfaction aired over the display in the exhibition hall. Ricoh has apparently also added the ability to turn the LCD display off with the main switch on, for users who prefer to use the optical viewfinder and save batteries. An improved buffer brings the shot-shot time down to 2 seconds, and allows a maximum of four full-resolution shots at this speed. Yamada also felt that the picture quality had been improved, although he was unable to confirm this in the exhibition hall.

09-01-99

Registration Now Underway For Fall Session Of Digiphoto 101 Friend and syndicated writer Arthur, author of the Art's PhotoCorner columns that we carry, announces the following: Enrollment is now open for the Fall session of Digiphoto 101, a 10-session interactive web course starting September 21st. Lighting, color, texture, composition, and other photodigital subjects are covered to give both beginning and intermediate students a solid grounding in digital photography. The instructor, Arthur H. Bleich, has taught creative photography courses at universities and art schools worldwide. He is a professional photographer, syndicated columnist, and the Contributing Editor of Digital Camera Magazine. Class members get both technical and creative assignments and have access to the instructor as a mentor throughout the course. Each week their assignments are critiqued online, and they may interact with the instructor and each other at a restricted Discussion Board. Further information may be obtained by emailing Art or by visiting his Digital Photography Corner website where examples of current student work are also posted.

August 99 News

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