02/27/1999: Nikon Japan Posts Sample E950 Pictures
If my page of Nikon Coolpix 950 samples aren't enough to whet your appetite then visit the Nikon Japan website and have a looksee at three more 950 sample pictures. I've never fielded as much email as I have regarding the new Nikon 950 camera. This digicam promises to break all past sales records and there's already thousands of them on order from Ingram Micro and other major wholesale distributors. Most dealers are taking pre-orders now and if you want to see one before summer I would suggest you get onto the list at your favorite retailer now....[read more]
02/27/1999: Ulead PhotoImpact Wins MaximumPC's Award for Best Image Editor Two Years Running
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02/26/1999: FlashPoint Technology Introduces World's First In-Camera Software Application
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 1, 1999 --- FlashPoint Technology Inc. today announced the industry's first in-camera software application, Digita FX...[read more]
02/26/1999: New 2 Megapixel D700 Coming Soon? Not!
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02/26/1999: Dimage EX Zoom 1500 Places First in Digital Camera Shoot-Out at PMA '99
RAMSEY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 1999-- Minolta hit the jackpot at the recent Photo Marketing Association (PMA) '99 trade show in Las Vegas winning two prestigious Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA) awards. The Dimage EX Zoom 1500, Minolta's megapixel digital camera, won DIMA's third annual digital camera shoot-out in the high-end consumer point and shoot category. In addition, DIMA selected the Minolta Dimage EX Wide 1500 as one of the top 10 Most Innovative Digital Products on display at PMA '99. Minolta's Dimage EX ZOOM 1500 won the third annual DIMA digital camera shoot-out in the point-and-shoot category -- and above. In total, 36 digital cameras and 18 manufacturers were included in the shoot-out that was held on Wednesday, February 17, the day before the PMA show. Entries were judged by select PMA members during the show based on the following criteria: image/print quality, production and price....[read more]
02/26/1999: Kodak, eBay Plan Online Photo Pact
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co. (NYSE:EK - news), shooting for a bigger share of the online digital imaging market, said Friday it plans to provide Internet photo technology to Web auctioneer eBay Inc. Under the proposed three-year pact, San Jose, Calif.-based eBay would license Kodak technologies to allow people who trade online to add photographs to their auction listings without scanners or additional hardware and software. To add a photograph, eBay members would take their film to a Kodak photo processor and have it scanned and put on the Internet. When eBay sellers create an auction listing, they would be asked if they wanted to look at their images online by entering a personal access code. The seller could view the roll of film and choose an image, which is then automatically attached to their eBay listing....[read more]
02/25/1999: More News from Toshiba
The final pricing for the Toshiba PDR-M4 is and shipping date is likely to be June, not May. Also, Toshiba may be adding some software to enable users to perform simple video tasks. Another new camera, the PDR-M5, should be out in August. It has the same features as the PDR-M4 but with an optical zoom lens....[read more]
02/25/1999: Casio Announces New QV-5500SX
Thanks to the Imaging-Resource for the following: Casio Japan has announced a new digital camera due to ship on March 13 in Japan (initially 15,000 units a month). The QV-5500SX is a 1.3 megapixel camera, with a planned price of 63,000 yen (approx. US). The main feature of the new camera is its 16MB of RAM, which allows it to take photos at 0.5 second intervals at a resolution of 1280 x 960 pixels for the first six photos (when using the optical viewfinder - with the LCD in use, this slows to 1 second per photo). The camera can also create animations in AVI format (10 frames per second) The camera features has a 1/3 inch 1,310,000 pixel CCD, a 1.8 inch 120,000 pixel LCD display, CompactFlash storage, built-in four-mode flash with red-eye reduction, auto and four-mode manual white balance, NTSC and PAL video outputs, switcheable Japanese/English language menus,...[read more]
02/23/1999: JVC Introduces New Digital DualCams
LAS VEGAS--Feb. 23, 1999--JVC, introduces two new digital video cameras, the GR-DVM70 and GR-DVM50. Both are the world's smallest, under 1 pound (approx. 435g), and are equipped with a rich array of special effects, 2.5" color LCD monitor, and DV input/output (i.Link/Firewire, IEEE1394 compliant) for digital multimedia system integration. As if this weren't enough, the GR-DVM70 takes multimedia versatility into the millenium - equipped with removable MultiMedia card (4MB) for digital still shooting. The GR-DVM70 "Digital DualCam" offers the best of both worlds - high resolution DV moving images, and excellent quality digital stills on memory card - plus valuable extras like a built-in Auto Flash with red-eye reduction, all in a pocket-sized, featherweight package. The HG Pro-Snapshot function is able to deliver high resolution still pictures by virtue of a high-speed shutter that captures highly detailed full frame stills that contain approximately twice the visual information of conventional field...[read more]
02/23/1999: Specs on the New Kodak DC265 and DC240 Cameras
We recv'd an anonymous email from one of our "deep throat" sources that sent a chart with the new specs for the Kodak DC240 and DC265 cameras. Here's the important info on each of them: Kodak DC240 1.3 megapixel with 1280x960 and 640x480 resolution modes, JPG file format, three compression levels (good, better, best), 3X optical zoom (39-117mm) with 2X digital zoom, 8MB CompactFlash card, 1.8" TFT LCD, 4-mode flash (auto, red-eye, fill, off), autofocus with single and multi-spot, 0.25cm macro mode, f/2.8-f/16 in wideangle, f/4.5-f/25.7 in telephoto, 1/2 to 1/755 sec shutter speeds, autoexposure with center-weighted or intelligent multi-pattern modes, +/- 2EV override in 0.5 steps, auto white balance with daylight, tungsten and flourescent settings, ISO 140 rating, captures 2 images within 0.2 seconds, serial and USB connectivity, Video out in NTSC, PAL, power-up time 2 secs, less than 1 sec to autofocus, LCD review in 0.6 sec and...[read more]
02/22/1999: PMA '99 Winds Down - New Camera Shipping Dates & Rumors
The dust settles, the vendors pack their bags and displays and grab a taxi to the airport ... PMA 1999 is over. And what a show it was! Lots of new digital goodies everywhere - most we knew about before the show but some, we didn't. Konica slipped in their new Q-M200 right at the bell or else they really can keep a secret. Olympus and Nikon battled to be recognized as the first 2 megapixel camera on the market. As far as the press releases go - they both claimed to be the "first." The Nikon 950 and Olympus C-2000 cameras look great and fnally offer us real camera controls - to which I say - it's about time! Special thanks to Olympus for including a remote control, I was beginning to wonder if anybody was listening to my desperate cries for reason. OK, now the rest of you...[read more]
02/22/1999: ThumbsPlus v4.0 Now Available
My favorite image thumbnailer/viewer/converter/adjuster program has finally reached its next level. ThumbsPlus v4.0 is now official and available for immediate download from Cerious Software's web site. I would be absolutely lost in a sea of image files if not for ThumbsPlus and use it so many times a day it's rediculous. To me it's the Windows Explorer for image files. I use it to "visually" browse my image folders and then launch other apps like PhotoShop, PhotoImpact and GIF Construction Set from a custom button created on Thumbs' toolbar. Here's a rundown of most of the new features in version 4.0: Database and Thumbnail Organization ODBC database (MS Access JET by default). Find similar and duplicate images. User-defined fields for categorizing and searching. Multiple customizable thumbnail views (small, large, custom, list and report). Additional sort options (similarity, orientation, image size). Image Viewing and Editing: Step-based batch processing. Image stamping (overlay...[read more]
02/21/1999: Konica Shows New 2.11 Megapixel Q-M200
This comes in from the Imaging Resource Konica releases 2.11 megapixel digital camera! Konica announced the release of a new 2.11 megapixel digital camera, the Konica Q-M200 Digital Still Camera. The Q-M200 sports a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, CompactFlash storage, a Hexanon 38mm equivalent lens, and an aluminum alloy case weighing only 9.5 ounces. It can autofocus down to 4 inches, shutter speeds 1/8th to 1/1000th of a second, built-in flash with red-eye reduction, digital 2x zoom (4x for playback only), 1.8-inch LCD, RS-232 and NTSC/PAL outputs and 3 AA alkaline batteries as the power source. A continuous shooting mode allows the camera to take four photos with one press of the shutter release, and the camera can also take black & white photos when in "Text mode". No pictures are available on Konica's website, however the excellent PC Watch website in Japan has five photos of...[read more]
02/20/1999: Cable Release Adapter
This very interesting info from Ed Schulman via our Message Board. The Cable Release Adapter is available from Porter's Camera Store in Cedar Falls, Iowa (1-800-553-2001) and can be ordered online for .95. Their part number is: 10-0754K and you'll also need the 20" cable release 10-7113 for .99. It's not cheap but so far it's the ONLY solution for shooting a macro shot with the Nikon 900/900s/950 cameras without pressing the shutter button. You can see some self-shot pictures of this adapter on Ed's web page and see it in action. A big THANKS for finding this thing - I just ordered mine. By the way, nice undershirt Ed!...[read more]
02/20/1999: New Version of Cameraid for Mac Available
Cameraid 1.1.2. is primarily a maintenance release, making the program work better with Keyspan serial ports and adapters and some minor tweaks for System 8.5.1. Now that most Apple machines no longer have built-in serial ports, USB and PCI serial port adapters are becoming more important. The revised Cameraid manual also has a section on memory card readers. With a memory card reader, Cameraid can be used with nearly any camera that supports removable media. Cameraid 1.1.2 (shareware, ) is the all in one digital photography utility program for the Macintosh. Cameraid downloads images from Agfa, Apple (QT-200), Epson, Fuji, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Sanyo and Toshiba digital cameras. Use any serial port, including third party solutions such as the Keyspan SX Serial Card or their USB adapter (iMac and PowerMac G3BW compatible) http://www.keyspan.com. The viewer is the most convenient way to find out what exposure time and aperture was used...[read more]
02/19/1999: First of the PMA "Sneak Peeks"
The PC Watch website in Japan has posted some new camera pics from the PMA Show. Includes the new Agfa CL-50, Toshiba PDR-M4, Minolta/Meta Creations 3D version of the Dimage 1500EX Zoom and the Minolta RD-3000 (prosumer). And a nice little photo of the new IBM Microdrive being slipped into the backside of the RD-3000. PC Watch PMA Friday 2/19/99 coverage. Includes Konica Q-M200, Toshiba PDR-M4, Nikon Coolpix 700 and the "unamed" Nikon SLR, Kodak DCS 620 (aka digital Nikon F5) and one pic showing a disassembled DCS 620. According to the latest numbers for the PMA 99 Annual Convention and Trade Show, Feb. 18-21, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, more than 240 of the PMA 99 exhibitors will feature digital products. This, in itself, makes PMA 99 a showcase for the best in digital imaging. Add to it the exciting events sponsored by the Digital Imaging Marketing Association...[read more]
02/19/1999: Thumber Updated for Multi-Megapixel Digicams
TabaWare has just released an updated version of the free Thumber program for Windows. As you can see from this screenshot I took, it now displays all of the embedded JPG info from even the newest (Nikon 950, Olympus 2000, and Fuji 2700) multi-megapixel cameras. Here's a list of Thumber's features: Thumber extracts thumbnails from JPG files that contain an embedded thumnail (usually 80x60 or 160x120 pixels). Thumber can process single images, multiple images, or multiple directories. Thumber can create "contact-sheet" style web pages with thumbnails linked to the full-sized originals. It can also extract and include information it finds a thumbnail (time, date, file size, flash, shutter, focus, picture number, resolution and more). Thumber performs batch renaming of image files using the information contained within. Files can be renamed with their date, time, size, flash settings, etc.... Thumber can create a text report containing the information contained within...[read more]
02/19/1999: HP Announces S20 35mm Photo Scanner
PALO ALTO, Calif.--Hewlett-Packard Company, today announced the HP PhotoSmart S20 photo scanner, a new product designed for photo and PC enthusiasts who want to scan 35mm photographic images to personal computers. Expected to sell for a U.S. est street price of , the S20 has features comparable to competitive units costing up to three times as much. The scanner, which provides an optical scanning resolution of up to 2400 dots per inch (dpi) at a color depth of 36 bits, is designed to capture the finest details, from rich colors to deep shadows. Exposure, color and sharpness controls in the new scanning software enable accurate adjustments to and greater precision control over the final image....[read more]
LAS VEGAS--Feb. 18, 1999-- The leading manufacturer of Photographic VR solutions for the Internet, Kaidan Incorporated, today announced the KiWi(tm) 900 Panoramic Tripod Head. Scheduled to ship in Q2-1999, the KiWi 900 will retail for .95. Designed to work with Nikon's popular Coolpix 900/900S digital cameras, the KiWi 900 offers an ideal, cost-effective way to create high-quality, professional photographic VR panoramas. Aimed at photographers, multimedia developers and webpage designers, the KiWi 900 is ideal for real estate, travel, education, and e-commerce applications. The KiWi 900 comes with a twin-axis bubble level, a camera slider/positioner, a captive camera attachment knob and two detent discs for the proper angular indexing for the standard and optional Nikon wide-angle lenses. The KiWi 900 also has two discrete mounting locations to accommodate the nodal points (optical centers) of the Nikon standard and wide-angle lenses, thus, there's no need to make measurements or tests in order...[read more]
02/18/1999: Epson's PhotoPC 750Z Megapixel Zoom Digital Camera Now Shipping
TORRANCE, Calif.--Feb. 18, 1999-- Epson, the creator of high quality, award-winning imaging products, today announced the shipping of the PhotoPC 750Z, its first megapixel, 6X zoom digital camera with Epson's HyPict(TM) image enhancement technology for an estimated street price of . It comes with 4MB internal memory and an 8MB CompactFlash card from Lexar Media(TM). In addition, the PhotoPC 750Z employs a new Solar Assist(TM) Panel to illuminate the 2" LCD monitor in direct sunlight and save battery power. The PhotoPC 750Z has a 3X optical zoom (34mm to 102mm) plus a 2X digital zoom. Included are four AA size NiMH batteries and charger. The PhotoPC 750Z allows users to increase the resolution from its true 1280 x 960 pixel resolution to an interpolated 1600 x 1200 or 1.92 million pixels with Epson's HyPict image enhancement technology. It also features Epson's Quick Shot picture taking mode, allowing users to snap...[read more]
02/18/1999: Lexar Media Announces 32MB SmartMedia, 128MB CompactFlash and 320MB PC Cards
LAS VEGAS--Feb. 18, 1999-- Lexar Media, a leading supplier of High Performance Digital Film(TM), today announced plans to add to its family of high performance digital film: a 32MB SmartMedia card; a 128MB CompactFlash card and a 320MB PC Card. With these new additions, Lexar leads the digital film industry with the largest capacity and highest speed digital film in each category of industry-standard digital film formats. The Pro Series 128MB CompactFlash and Pro Series 320MB PC Card are specifically designed for professional and "prosumer" digital photographers who demand the fastest 'click-to-click' time in order to capture fast action photography or increase workflow. The new cards are CompactFlash and Type II PC Card flash memory devices respectively, that offer extremely fast 8X performance (1.2MB/sec. sustained write speed)--up to five times as fast as the generic digital film currently available. Production shipments of Lexar's 32MB SmartMedia and 128MB CompactFlash digital film...[read more]
02/18/1999: Sony Announces Memory Stick Product Line
LAS VEGAS--Feb. 18, 1999--Sony announced today a number of Memory Stick(tm) IC (integrated circuit) recording media-based products designed to facilitate the capturing, storing and sharing of digital data, text, and images between electronics products. Memory Stick media is Sony's small integrated circuit digital storage media that is designed to provide consumers with a powerful tool for moving data, text, graphics or digital images from one product to another quickly and easily. The small size, yet high storage capacity of the Memory Stick media makes it ideal for compact digital imaging products. Sony's Memory Stick product introductions include the Cyber-shot(tm) digital camera (DSC-F55), Digital Photo Frame (PHD-A55), Digital Photo Printer (DPP-MS300), Digital Handycam® camcorder (DCR-TRV10), VAIO Slimtop(tm) LCD computers, and 16MB and 32MB storage capacity Memory Stick media....[read more]
02/18/1999: Canon Introduces the CanoScan FS2710, A High-Speed Film Scanner For 35mm and APS Films
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 17 -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., introduces a new, high-speed desktop film scanner for use with 35mm and Advanced Photo System films. The CanoScan FS2710 offers several advanced features including a maximum scanning speed of 13 seconds per frame(1), 2,720 dots-per-inch (dpi) optical resolution, 12-bit RGB input and output, and the ability to accept slides or negatives in color or black-and-white, in either the 35mm or APS format. The CanoScan FS2710 provides 36-bit scanning capability which supports recognition of more than 68 billion different colors, as well as a broad dynamic range of 3.2 density units. The result is extremely accurate color rendition compared to the original film, which retains subtle details in the highlight and shadow areas of the scanned image. In addition, the new scanner features optical resolution up to 2,720 dpi as well as an improved color tone algorithm for more accurate color reproductions from...[read more]
02/17/1999: Toshiba Launches 2.14-Megapixel PDR-M4 Digital Camera At PMA
LAS VEGAS, NV, February 18, 1999 -- Toshiba Imaging Systems today introduced an ultra-high resolution, Super-Megapixel digital camera with Universal Serial Bus (USB) at this year?s Photo Marketing Association Show (Booth #517) in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 18-21. The sleek, full-featured camera, dubbed the PDR-M4?, is slated for release in May, 1999. The PDR-M4 incorporates the latest advances in component and computer technology developed exclusively by Toshiba, such as a 2.14 million pixel CCD sensor that delivers resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The camera incorporates USB connectivity in addition to serial output and is compatible with Windows® (98, 95) and Macintosh® computers, plus supports the Apple iMac? and all USB-compliant notebook or desktop PCs. The camera is equipped with 16MB of internal memory and uses SmartMedia? cards up to 32MB. Upgradable firmware permits the PDR-M4 to accept SmartMedia cards up to 128MB. The PDR-M4 uses a newly-developed Digital...[read more]
02/17/1999: Canon to Ship Pro70 and PowerShot A5 Zoom Cameras in March
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 17 -- Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in optical and digital imaging technology, announced today that it will begin shipping its award-winning digital still camera, the PowerShot Pro70, in March. Canon also announced the introduction of its PowerShot A5 Zoom, an easy-to-use, ultra-compact digital model. The high-performance, 1.68 million pixel Canon PowerShot Pro70, with its high-speed 2.5x zoom lens incorporates a host of advanced features that offer tremendous flexibility for the most demanding photographer. The 1,024 x 768 pixel Canon PowerShot A5 Zoom has a sharp, all-glass 4-10mm (equivalent to 28-70mm in the 35mm film format) f2.6-4.0 power zoom lens The Pro70 and A5 Zoom will be available in March and have estimated street prices of ,199 and , respectively....[read more]
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02/16/1999: Nikon's New "Un-Named" Pro SLR Digicam
Prototype (w / AI AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f3.5-4.5D IF)) Tokyo, Japan(Nippon), February 15, 1999 --- Nikon today announced that in response to the professional photography market's requirements, Nikon has been developing a new professional class, high-quality digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. Nikon has employed its long-time experience in designing professional cameras with newly developed digital imaging technology ; the result will be a unique, new camera. The new camera will be smaller, lighter, will have higher performance for improved picture quality, and will have faster image signal processing and faster continuous picture taking. Other key features include compatibility with Nikon's Interchangeable lens Nikkor System and enhanced durability. Nikon is confident that this new digital SLR will offer a significant enhancement to the Nikon System, and the wide ranging needs of professional photographers. The price objective for this new digital camera will make it accessible to a full range of professional...[read more]
02/16/1999: iView Multimedia 3.5 for the Mac Now Has Professional Digital Camera File Support
The newest version of iView Multimedia for the Mac is now available freely for download from Script Software. iView Multimedia can now catalog images for Kodak pro digital cameras like: Kodak DCS 1, 3, 5, 315, 410, 420, 460, 520, 560 and the upcoming DCS 620 Canon EOS D2000, EOD D6000 AP/Kodak NC2000e. iView Multimedia gives the incredibly useful ability to see the preview image inside AP Viewer/Photo Mechanic-processed files. iView Multimedia now supports various annotation protocols, both in read and write form, including: Finder¹s "file info" comments, including pure comments or URL's. IPTC annotation, also known as the "file info" ANPA resource, introduced by Adobe Photoshop to hold information such as captions, keywords, authors etc., Image tags for JPEG, TIFF and DCBa images, A selection of the digital camera annotation set, also known as EXIF. which contains info like image capture information shutter speed, aperture, etc. iView can read...[read more]
02/16/1999: New 2.11 Megapixel Digicams From Nikon:The Coolpix 950 and Coolpix 700
Here they are folks, the new Nikon Coolpix cameras! Seems as if Nikon Japan snuck one over on Nikon USA by releasing the new Coolpix cameras in Asia on the 15th. After many phone calls I have finally been given the go ahead to post my info. I've had the new Coolpix 950 in my hands for the last two weeks and have been "secretly" testing it out. All I can say is - it's awesome! See my pages: Coolpix 950 Sample PicturesCoolpix 950 FeaturesCoolpix 950 SpecificationsCoolpix 700 SpecificationsMy friends at Imaging-Resource have posted a "First Look" review of the Coolpix 950 and I agree with just about everything they said. I'll be posting my own user review soon but would rather base it on a production model than the pre-production unit I have been using for the last couple of weeks. The production firmware is substantially different so in...[read more]
02/16/1999: Polaroid Announces the Fastest, Highest Resolution Slide Scanner On the Market
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 16, 1999--Polaroid Corporation today introduced the world's first 4000 dots per inch (dpi) film scanner that produces scanned images in under one minute. As an addition to Polaroid's award winning SprintScan line, the SprintScan 4000 is a high-performance scanner that scans professional quality 35-millimeter slides, filmstrips and Advanced Photo System (APS) film formats without compromise. The SprintScan 4000 produces high quality output with a true optical resolution of 4000 dpi and an optical density of 3.4, making it the highest resolution and most productive scanner on the market. While competing products deliver a 2700 dpi image with a 3.2 optical density in under a minute, the SprintScan 4000 will deliver a 4000 dpi image with a 3.4 optical density in under a minute -- twice as much information without compromising the speed. The SprintScan 4000 will be available in the US in March through authorized Polaroid dealers...[read more]
02/16/1999: Olympus Announces New C-2000Z2.11 Megapixel
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus America Inc., Digital & Imaging Systems Group, today announced the C-2000 Zoom 2.1 megapixel zoom lens filmless digital camera. The C-2000 Zoom boasts a resolution (1600 x 1200), 3X optical zoom lens, infrared remote with fully automatic controls for novice users and powerful manual controls any photo enthusiast would appreciate. All this is packaged in a compact ergonomically designed point & shoot body. The C-2000 Zoom has an all-glass aspherical 3X zoom assembly. Featuring both fully automatic and manual modes of most all selections. It even offers the choice of 100, 200 or 400 ISO film speed equivalency. Its new colorful menu structure further enhances the end user experience. Beautifully designed with the consumer in mind, the camera is lightweight at 10.7 ounces and very compact with dimensions of 4.2" wide x 2.9" high x 2.6" deep. The shutter speed is determined in...[read more]
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Committed to making the best better, Nikon USA today announced the next generation of Coolpix digital cameras: the breakthrough two-megapixel Coolpix(R) 950 and Coolpix(R) 700 cameras. Building on the unprecedented success and award-winning excellence of Nikon's Coolpix(R) 900 and Coolpix 900s -- rated the number one digital camera of 1998 by a leading, independent product testing organization -- the new Coolpix 950 and Coolpix 700 shatter the two-megapixel resolution standard and create vastly superior images, taking digital enlargements beyond the realm of 8"x10". Faster, more responsive, technologically innovative, simpler to use and even smaller than their predecessors, both the Coolpix 950 and Coolpix 700 models feature world renowned Nikkor lenses. Priced at under ,000 and under respectively, these megapixel miracles will be on retail store shelves in early April 1999. Images captured on the newly designed 2.11-megapixel, 1/2 inch CCD can now be saved...[read more]
02/16/1999: Panasonic Introduces World's First Camcorders Using CompactFlash Memory Cards
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 1999--A major new application area for SanDisk Corporation's CompactFlash(TM) (CF(TM)) memory card has been opened with the introduction of the Panasonic PV-L759 and PV-L859, the industry's first camcorders with built-in digital still camera to use the removable cards to capture and store still images. Andrew Nelkin, general manager of Panasonic's camcorder and digital still camera department, said, "The PV-L759 and PV-L859 Palmcorders are two new top-of-the-line PhotoShot(TM) models from Panasonic. The CompactFlash cards allow us to add a valuable new feature to the camcorders that we believe will become a standard feature on future Panasonic camcorders. Panasonic fully supports the CompactFlash format and is using Compactflash cards in these new Palmcorders because they are portable, high performance, compact and durable." Every Panasonic PV-L759 and PV-L859 sold will include a 2MB CompactFlash card. Individual images can be downloaded from the camcorders on CF cards and then moved...[read more]
02/15/1999: Samsung SDC-007 Mini-Megapixel
Here is a futuristic digital camera that folds up like a Star Trek tricorder. When open, the 1.08 million pixel Samsung SDC-007, being modeled by company PR rep Jonathan Heit, has a swivel LCD screen at the top, a 2x digital zoom, a 4MB SmartMedia card, and runs on NiMH batteries. It'll be available during the summer for . Would one of my PMA spies please get some hi-res closeup pics and the full specs of this digicam from the Samsung Booth D-91. Thanks! Thanks to reader Doug Warner for the photo on the right and also pointing out this new (and unknown to me) megapixel digicam....[read more]
02/15/1999: New Vivitar VGA Digicam
From the Photo/Image News Network comes this tidbit: Vivitar Vivicam 2750 Digital Camera features VGA (640 x480) resolution. Yes, we thought VGA cameras would be dead at this time, but look how much Vivitar is packing into a camera with a street price right around the mark: 1.8" color LCD, 2 MB built-in memory and the ability to use up to 32MB CompactFlash Cards, shutter speeds 1/30 to 1/10,000th. Focus-free with Macro....[read more]
02/14/1999: Qimage Pro v3.0 Now Available
This just in from Mike Chaney: "Introducing Qimage Pro v3.0. In addition to minor bug fixes and incorporation of user suggestions like selectable printer fonts, version 3.0 boasts high quality interpolation featuring both bicubic spline and Mitchell interpolation. Interpolation increases printed image dpi and reduces blockiness which results from printing lower resolution images at large print sizes. Select the minimum dpi for all your printouts and let Qimage Pro do the dirty work by creating incredible prints via interpolation when needed, automatically. Although bicubic spline filters provide the smoothest output, they are not always best because they tend to blur images that have small details. We have found that the Mitchell interpolation often performs better, but we offer both for optimum performance in different situations. Qimage Pro now has full searchable Windows help and can be ordered online via credit card. In most cases, we can deliver the software to...[read more]
02/14/1999: Fuji MX-2700 Samples Posted
The Japanese DreamArts website has a page full of Fuji MX-2700 samples for you to peruse. The MX-2700 is kind of a 2.3 megapixel MX-700 look-alike, same general body design with a fixed focal length lens (sorry, no optical zoom). 1800x1200 resolution makes it one helluva point and shoot camera though! Here's the FujiFilm FujiFilm MX-2700 press release in English....[read more]
02/12/1999: Ricoh Announces New 2.3 Megapixel RDC-5000
Ricoh Consumer Products Group announced the new RDC-5000 2.3 megapixel digital camera. Designed for consumer and business users, the new camera includes powerful features that enable a wide variety of applications such as 2.3x optical zoom, 1.6-inch super macro for close-up shots, continuous shooting capability, time lapse and USB connection. The camera also includes 8MB of on-board memory for storing images, and can be used concurrently with up to 32MB SmartMedia cards. The RDC-5000 will begin shipping in May at a to-be-announced competitive price. The RDC-5000 offers three different JPEG compression ratios for each of the two resolution modes, 1792 x 1200-pixel or 896 x 600-pixel. The images are stored on a SmartMedia memory cards up to 32MB in size. The RDC-5000 has 8MB of internal RAM to speed up CCD image processing. When the camera is turned off, a sliding cover automatically extends to protect the 1.8-inch LCD monitor...[read more]
02/12/1999: Callisto Announces PhotoParade(TM) Product Line
Natick, Mass., -- Callisto Corporation announces the availability of PhotoParade(TM), the first consumer digital photo software that combines high-quality animation, graphics, music, sound effects, and text titling with a consumer's digital photos. PhotoParade allows users to effortlessly package their personal photos in entertaining presentations by combining them with one of the specially designed PhotoParade themes. The software is designed to let users learn about and incrementally add new features to PhotoParade by visiting the PhotoParade web site. In addition to product information, the web site provides inexpensive software add-ons for PhotoParade which users can download and install immediately. This feature enables users to purchase only the individual components of PhotoParade they choose, and to add new components to their PhotoParade software as they become available. PhotoParade is designed to simplify the process of sharing an entire "roll" of digital photos by e-mail. A finished PhotoParade is a single, pre-compressed file...[read more]
FORT WASHINGTON, PA., Beginning today, graphic artists and content developers can use AT&T Labs' DjVu(tm) technology to create higher apparent resolution color images on the World Wide Web, up to 5-10 times smaller than any Web compression technology presently available. Feith Systems & Software, Inc. announced it is making its DjVuer(tm) software available on a free trial basis, via their web site. DjVuer, the only commercially available Windows-based software of its kind, brings the power of AT&T Labs' DjVu technology to the desktop. DjVuer (pronounced day-ja-voo-er) was developed by Feith in cooperation with AT&T Labs, which pioneered the breakthrough DjVu technology that compresses images at ratios as high as 1000:1. Users of Windows 95, 98 and NT can scan high-resolution color pages of books, magazines, catalogs, manuals, historical or ancient documents, and make them available on the Web. For high resolution color document images that contain both text and pictures,...[read more]
02/11/1999: Easytek Updates Photo Assistant 98 Lite
The folks at Easytek informed me that they have just released a new and improved version of their Photo Assistant 98 Light printing program. If you're unfamiliar with Photo Assistant, it's a Windows 95/98 program designed for the easy creation of your photo layouts. You load your pictures from a thumbnail preview, drag&drop and arrange the pictures, add text and then print. The page layouts are stored as template files and can be used again and again with your digital pictures. Photo Assistant shows you how far you can stretch pictures before they become too big to be printed properly. Real-time pixel-to-dpi-conversion tells you the exact measurements and scale factors of image size related to current printer settings. There's professional features like threaded printing, resource managment for high-res pictures, many auto-save features, several interpolation algorithms, and lots more. A Quickset wizard lets you "play" with your pictures and arranges them...[read more]
02/11/1999: Ulead Systems Launches New Easy-to-Use Panorama Photo Creation Tool - Ulead COOL 360
TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ulead® Systems Inc., a leading developer of Windows-based imaging, video and Internet software, today announced the release of Ulead® COOL 360(TM), a tool for creating panoramas from any digitized sequence of photos. COOL 360 will be shown for the first time publicly this week at the DigitalFocus '99 Event at PMA in Las Vegas, NV. Ulead COOL 360 takes a 3-step approach to panorama creation. Users begin by activating the New Project Wizard, which defines the type of panorama (wide-angle or full 360 degrees) and guides them in acquiring images from any TWAIN-compliant scanner or digital camera. COOL 360 lets users interact with and improve their original photos while creating projects. COOL 360 is built upon a powerful algorithm that allows for automatic stitching and intelligent blending and warping of photos. Users can sequence and overlap images automatically or manually, making use of tools...[read more]
02/10/1999: Olympus Announces 32MB SmartMedia and New FlashPath Adapter
Thanks to the Imaging-Resource for news this item: Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. today announced the immediate release in Japan of 32MB SmartMedia cards, as well as the planned release of the corresponding 32MB FlashPath reader at the beginning of March. The 32MB "M-32P" SmartMedia cards are available at a price of 15,000 yen (approx. US), and the 32MB-specific FlashPath reader will retail for 12,000 yen (approx. US). The 32MB SmartMedia can also be read using the existing MA-2 PC Card adaptor, or using the existing MAFP-1/1N FlashPath adaptors and accompanying 32MB driver update. The following equipment from Olympus can accept 32MB SmartMedia cards: Olympus Digital Cameras C-1400XL, C-900ZOOM C-1400L, C-1000L (after US upgrade) C-840L, C-830L and D-340L (after US upgrade) Olympus Digital Color Printer P-330 (after US upgrade) Olympus Digital Photo Editor VS100ST, VS100MO (after US upgrade) There are two cautionary notes from Olympus in the press release. The first...[read more]
02/10/1999: Kodak Recalls Digital Camera AC Adapters
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 10 (Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co. is voluntarily recalling 120,000 AC adapters sold for use with some of its digital cameras, Kodak and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. When the connector plug of the AC adapter is not fully inserted in the camera, the camera batteries can overheat. The batteries could then leak acid and explode, possibly causing thermal and chemical burns or lacerations to consumers, according to Kodak. Kodak said it was aware of three reports involving adapter use, with batteries overheating and discharging its contents, including an incident in which an individual suffered minor injuries. The recalled adapters, model numbers 2534, 2457, MI2008 and M42008, were sold nationwide from March 1996 to August 1998 for between and each. Kodak said it will replace the adapters free of charge, with redesigned Elpac AC adapters....[read more]
02/09/1999: Sanyo Announces New DSC-X110
Sanyo has just recently announced a new XGA resolution digital camera called the DSC-X110. Besides capturing 1024x768 resolution still images it can also capture and create MPEG mini-movies in 320x240 or 160x120 resolution. It's equipped with a 6mm f/2.8 (35mm equivalent 43mm) lens, has a shutter speed range of 1/4 sec to 1/10,000. Comes with a 8MB SmartMedia memory card and can use the new higher capacity 16MB and 32MB cards. An interesting note is that Sanyo has bundled Agfa's patented PhotoGenie software with this camera to further enhance its images. The Japanese PC Watch site has pictures of the DSC-X110 and also has another page with sample pictures too. No word on whether this camera will be sold in the U.S. market yet, stay tuned, we'll let you know later when/if we find out....[read more]
02/08/1999: Imaging Resource Posts Nikon CoolScan III Review
My good friends over at the Imaging Resource have just posted a review of the Nikon CoolScan III (LS-30) film scanner. This is the "little brother" and more consumer-oriented (and priced) version of the CoolScan II scanner. Their conclusion: "the Nikon CoolScan III LS-30 is a world-class scanning instrument. Its excellent "default" performance minimizes the amount of tweaking needed to produce superb scans from common subjects. Yet, when the occasion demands it, there's a powerful set of hardware and software capabilities to let you handle images that would simply be impossible with a lesser machine."...[read more]
02/08/1999: Agfa Introduces ePhoto CL50 Digital Camera
WILMINGTON, Mass.--Feb. 8, 1999--Agfa Desktop Products Group (DTP), a leading provider of award-winning digital cameras and desktop scanners, introduces the ePhoto CL50 - a high-performing digital camera targeted to business professionals and technology enthusiasts who require advanced features, ease-of-use and a photo-quality, mega-pixel image. The CL50 offers an optical resolution of 1.3 million pixels (1280 X 960) and through Agfa's PhotoGenie(TM) image enhancement technology, produces 1600 X 1200 images. The ePhoto CL50 features four resolution settings (1600 X 1200 - Super, 1280 X 960 - High, 1280 X 960 - B/W text, 640 X 480 - VGA) and four flash modes. In addition, the ePhoto CL50 features a 3X optical zoom lens and a 2X digital zoom - in both capture and playback mode. Many advanced features make the ePhoto CL50 unique to the marketplace, including: LCD with SunCatcher(TM) -- To address the issue of battery consumption and an LCD...[read more]
02/07/1999: New Release of DIGIPICS Free Software
With just a few clicks, DIGIPICS v1.964 will have your Mavica files copied from the floppy, organized on your hard drive, and sent to friends, colleagues and relatives. DIGIPICS is geared for new computer users and is completely FREE. It can be used to view and print any digicam images and if you own Sony's Floppy-Disk Camera, Mavica FD-7, 9, 81, 91 then this software is ESPECIALLY for you! (Mavica 81, 91 Users: DIGIPICS Now includes support for MPEG Video!) You can take full advantage of the copy functions. Below is a complete features listing....[read more]
02/07/1999: 500,000 Visitors and Counting!
Wow! Half a million visitors and still counting! I'd like to thank all of you who have made Steve's Digicams one of the most popular digital camera info sites on the web today. I don't make a big deal out of site hits but it's hard to ignore the numbers and their rate of increase. If we counted hits the way some sites do our numbers would in the millions per month but I prefer to use more realistic numbers, our counter only tracks unique visitors. It should be interesting to see how much the site traffic increases around the 18th of the month when the PMA show gets going. Everytime we think that all the new cameras to be shown have been spotted already yet another new one turns up. Such is life in the world of digital cameras -- grab the bull by the horns and hang...[read more]
02/05/1999: PC Watch Has Fuji MX-2700 Sample Pics
Thanks to Phil Askey's digicam site for pointing me to this page at the PC Watch site in Japan with the first Fuji MX-2700 sample pics from the new 2.3 megapixel camera. Be sure to scroll sideways with your browser or you'll miss some of the pictures! I see that Phil is expanding his site by covering the professional digicams too. I wish him well, I have enough to do now just keeping up with the consumer (and prosumer) models and will continue my focus on just this segment of the digicam market....[read more]
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in optical and digital imaging technology, today announced the introduction of the Elura MiniDV Camcorder. Functioning as both a digital still camera and video camcorder, the compact Elura distinguishes itself as the ultimate personal imaging companion with features that include three shooting modes: Video, Photo and Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive(TM), a 12X optical zoom and Canon's Optical Image Stabilization System. The Elura's Progressive Scan Digital Motor Drive mode enables users to extract high-resolution full frame stills from fast-paced action sequences. Recording 30 frames per second, the Elura performs three times faster than any professional 35mm SLR camera on the market -- enabling consumers to capture images normally undetectable by the human eye. The Elura's key features include: Records to MiniDV videocasette for picture quality that is at least 25% better than analog formats, including Hi8 and...[read more]
02/03/1999: News On The Kodak DCS 620
This news from Rob Galbraith Online - an excellent source of info from the world of photo journalism and professional digicams. Jeff Snyder of Penn Camera indicates that Kodak has announced the Nikon F5-based DCS 620 and its companion flash the SB-28D. Scheduled to begin shipping in March, the DCS 620 is shaping up to be a near-clone of the Canon-based Kodak DCS 520/EOS D2000. According to an email from Jeff Snyder, which cites Kodak as the source of the information, Kodak DCS 620 features include: Nikon F5 Camera System Metal Frame to complement the Nikon System NEW M15 CCD technology Calibrated exposure and color Calibrated Flash Auto white balance sensor with manual (4 settings) override Custom white balance Full Viewfinder Color LCD for image review on rear of camera Single, 4 up, and 9 up display functions on color LCD Capability to tag images on color LCD for selective...[read more]
02/03/1999: Fujifilm MX-2700: The World's Smallest 2.3 Million-Pixel Digital Camera
ELMSFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--From the company that introduced consumers to the MX-700 - the first pocket-size digital camera featuring more than 1 million pixels -- comes another leap in digital camera performance from Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. Today, Fujifilm introduced its new super-breed of megapixel digital camera, the stylish MX-2700. The MX-2700 sets a new standard for megapixel digital cameras sporting an impressive 2.3 million-pixel CCD sensor with a 35mm-equivalent lens with macro capability. The pocket-sized MX-2700 captures high-resolution 1,800 x 1,200 images, when printed at 300 dpi they produce stunning 4 x 6-inch snapshots, while at 150 dpi it delivers eye-catching 12 x 8-inch enlargements. Sporting a high-grade, high tech-looking aluminum alloy body, the pocket-size MX-2700 is the most stylish camera in its class. Weighing a slight 8.5 ounces and measuring a sleek 3.1 (w) x 3.8 (h) x 1.3 (D) inches, the MX-2700 is the world's...[read more]
02/02/1999: megapixel.net February 1999 Issue Online
The megapixel.net's February issue is now online. This month's camera reviews include the Fujix DS-300, Kodak DC-260, Ricoh RDC-4200 and the Toshiba PDR-M1. The site has been improved with a new navigation system and looks better than ever. In this issue the editors tell us about their criteria for reviewing cameras, a consumer tells us why he bought a digital camera and there's some quick tips for improving your digital images....[read more]
02/01/1999: Lexar Media Ships First 80MB CompactFlash Digital Film Card
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 1999-- Lexar Media, a leading supplier of digital film, today announced it is shipping the Lexar Media Pro Series 80MB CompactFlash(TM) (CF) High Performance Digital Film(TM), the highest capacity and fastest CF digital film card currently available. The new 80MB CF card continues the Lexar tradition of being the first to market with the fastest and highest capacity CompactFlash cards. Lexar's Pro Series family of high performance digital film is specifically designed for professional and "prosumer" digital photographers. The Pro Series 80MB CF digital film is shipping immediately to key digital camera OEMs, and is available from professional camera resellers and the company's website at a price of .00....[read more]
