08/31/2001: Light & Motion Announces New Wetmate Lens System for its Tetra Housing
Our friend David Breitigam who runs the WetPixel.com web site for digital divers reports: Light & Motion is proud to announce a new line of underwater digital photography systems, built around their highly successful Tetra Digital Photo Housing. The Tetra housing supports most of the Olympus 2000, 3000 and 4000 series Digital Cameras including the recently released Olympus 4040. Drop the Olympus 4040 into the Tetra housing, don your scuba gear and get ready to reproduce beautiful color images at a whopping 4.1 MEGAPIXELS. The Tetra underwater housing can be purchased as a solo housing or as part of a complete photo system called a Travel Package. Tetra Travel Packages are complete systems that include the Tetra housing, one or two strobes, one or two strobe arms and flash connectors and a variety of lens options that are packed neatly in the included carrying case. Light & Motion is also...[read more]
08/30/2001: Canon Debuts Chic and Stylish Elura 20MC DV Camcorder
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2001-- With its latest digital video camera, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to push the limits of electronic miniaturization, mastering this art by meeting a variety of still, motion and multimedia image capture needs. The Canon Elura 20MC rates high for functionality and durability, is easy to carry and use, and is elegant for those who wish to make the latest electronics fashion statement. The Canon Elura 20MC is recognized for its full set of features housed in a tiny and light package. It boasts multiple shooting modes and connectivity options that make it highly versatile to complement DV-ready computers, televisions and VCRs for video editing, printing and sharing images in the family room, classroom, boardroom and over the Internet. The size of a cell phone, the Canon Elura 20MC measures approximately two inches wide by four inches high....[read more]
08/29/2001: Thumber and PixelZap Updated
Max Lyons emailed to let me know that he has updated two of his digital camera programs for Windows users, Thumber and PixelZap... New features in Thumber include JavaScript-enabled web page creation, color-coding for comments, focal-length conversion for several new cameras (including the Minolta DiMage 7 and the Sony F707), and several bug fixes. To cost register Thumber is . New features in PixelZap include the ability to use a dark-frame image to correct hot pixels, file time-stamp transfer, and the ability to correct dead pixels (this can be used to correct black pixels that remain in long exposure images after after in-camera noise reduction in cameras like the new Sony F707). The cost to register PixeZap is . Check out these fine alternatives to the more expensive commercial software programs, in many cases they're more powerful and designed for today's digicam users. Max is always happy to hear your...[read more]
08/29/2001: Digital Outback Celebrates First Birthday
Our good friends at Digital Outback Photo are celebrating their first year online and recently passed the 250,000 visitor mark. Stop on by and see how folks are using their digital cameras to capture the beauty of the great outdoors. You'll find all sorts of tutorials on taking better pictures and printing better pictures. These folks know the Nikon D1, D1X, Kodak DCS 720 and other "pro" digitals. If for nothing else, stop by to peruse the many online portfolios of nature photographs available....[read more]
08/28/2001: LetsGoDigital & DP Review Covers the IFA 2001 Show
If you want to know what's going on at the IFA 2001 show in Berlin just check into the LetsGoDigital.nl IFA 2001 News pages. So far they have reports on new cameras from Sanyo, Fuji and Grundig. Be aware that there will be European models of cameras and other things that may never make it to retail in N. America. Phil from DP Review also has lots of news and pictures from the show floor on his IFA 2001 Show Report beginning on this page....[read more]
ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 28 - Kodak Professional is setting a whole new standard for combined print speed and image quality with its introduction of a new wide-format inkjet printer for high-production and professional service provider environments. The Kodak Professional 5260 Inkjet Printer debuts today at a company-sponsored event in Singapore - kicking off a worldwide introductory tour that leads to product availability in the fourth quarter of the year. The 5260 printer is the first in a new line of high-speed, wide-format inkjet printers from Kodak Professional that employs piezo inkjet print head technology, six colors and DYNAMIC CONTONE printing - the ability to deliver five distinct drop sizes over an extended range (8pl to 67pl) on an individual pixel-by-pixel basis. The result is a unique combination of image quality and productivity unmatched by any wide-format inkjet printer available today - quality output at up to 500 square feet per...[read more]
BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2001 - SanDisk Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) reported today that it has significantly expanded its retail presence in Europe and opened a large logistics distribution center in Europe to speed product deliveries to its retail distribution network. SanDisk officials made their comments at the Internationals Funk Ausstellung (IFA) trade show in Berlin where SanDisk is demonstrating products for the first time at the major consumer electronics event. (hall 3, second floor, booth 03-B). The number of retail outlets in Europe that carry SanDisk-branded flash memory cards and accessory products has increased from 6,000 in January 2000 to approximately 10,000 today. During the same time frame, the number of European countries where SanDisk products are sold has grown from 18 to 30 and includes additions such as Russia, Greece, Turkey, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Croatia and the Ukraine. The SanDisk EMEA retail head office, located in the Netherlands, is further supported...[read more]
08/27/2001: Fujifilm FinePix A201 Review Posted
New camera review postamania continues, this time it's Fuji's entry-level FinePix A201, an inexpensive 2-megapixel model with surprisingly good image quality in a small, compact and lightweight body....[read more]
08/26/2001: Kodak DX3900 Zoom Review Posted
I just posted our full review of the Kodak DX3900 Zoom. It's another member of Kodak?s new line of EasyShare compatible digital cameras. It has 3.1 megapixel resolution with image resolution of 2160 x 1440, 2X (35-70mm 35mm equivalent) zoom, burst capture, macro mode, metering options and some manual settings....[read more]
08/26/2001: Retinex Imaging Processing Technology - Help and Hope for Digicam Users
Reader Ray Mickevicius sent me an email and told me to check out a Science Daily Magazine news story about a new imaging technology co-developed by the rocket scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center and Science and Technology Corp. (STC), both in Hampton, VA. TruView Imaging Company, an affiliate of STC, has licensed the technology from NASA and plans to market it in the form of a software product for home, professional and industrial use by the end of the year. To quote the article: "What distinguishes this technology from existing image-enhancement technologies is that it makes corrections automatically, yet allows the end-user to manipulate the image as desired. As a result, the average photographer is more likely to use the technology and use it successfully. It won't correct every image, but was impressive enough to win a NASA Space Act Award as one of the space agency's top inventions...[read more]
08/25/2001: Minolta DiMAGE S304 First Look Posted
Here's our First Look at a pre-production Minolta DiMAGE S304. This camera has a nice feel to it as it is housed in an aluminum body with a large fingergrip. Three-megapixel resolution with a 4x optical zoom and a variety of exposure modes, flex-point focusing and fast image processing times will make this one a good seller....[read more]
08/24/2001: Nikon D1 Series Raincovers
Thanks to a news item on Rob Galbraith's site we have discovered a very useful item for anyone that has to take their expensive Nikon D1, D1X or D1H cameras out into the wet world. ickiewarez.com has a line of custom made raincovers for the Nikon professional digital cameras and they're reasonably priced too. To quote the Scott Iskowitz: "It all began with a quest for the perfect rain cover, followed by countless, disappointing hours searching the Internet and trade magazines. Frustrated, I set out to design my own. It took months of creating and recreating covers to fit a variety of professional lenses. The result is a high-quality, handcrafted product that can stand up to the elements. The best part may be that pros also won?t get soaked by the cost."...[read more]
08/24/2001: Ritz Camera buys Wolf Camera for .7 Million
The Wolf Camera Inc. sale to Ritz Camera Centers Inc. is a done deal. Wolf Camera is selling its assets to Ritz Camera in a deal worth .7 million, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported. The new company will be based in Ritz's home territory in Beltsville, Md., USA. The pending sale must still get the approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Ritz Camera, owned by David Ritz, operates more than 900 stores nationwide, including eight stores in Wolf's headquarters in the Atlanta, Ga., area. "I really evaluated all our options, and this is really the best option," said Wolf Camera founder and CEO Chuck Wolf. "I really just had to think what's best for the company." Wolf Camera filed for bankruptcy June 21, listing assets of million and liabilities of million, according to the filing. Wolf paid Eastman Kodak Co. .5 million for the Fox Photo chain in 1998, a...[read more]
08/24/2001: Japanese Digicam Makers Agree To Advertise Only The Number of 'Effective Pixels'
Excerpt from "The resolution trio" by Arthur H. Bleich (8/21/01) Camera resolution is a huge part of the decision-making process when you're buying this equipment. Now, prepare to change how you measure that resolution. Starting next month, the Japan Camera Industry Association (JCIA) is being a little more honest with what cameras can do. JCIA members, including most of the leading digital-camera manufacturers, will advertise only the number of "effective" pixels that their digicams capture. Some 10 to 20 percent of the total number of pixels on a CCD perform color calibration and image processing functions and will, therefore, be excluded from the final count. Although the lower numbers may make the average digital camera appear slightly less powerful on the store shelf, ultimately, you'll get a more accurate gauge of what you get for your money. But none of this megapixel discussion adds up to much unless you have...[read more]
Guilford, CT - August 22, 2001 - SCM Microsystems, Inc. announced today that it now offers a Memory Stick PC Card adapter for users of Sony digital cameras. By offering this new adapter, SCM allows consumers of the number one consumer brand of digital cameras to experience the quickest and easiest solution for transferring images from a Sony digital camera to a notebook computer. The MS adapter enables consumers to read and write to and from a Memory Stick using the standard PCMCIA slot already built into laptop PCs. Users simply insert the Memory Stick into the adapter to download images, without the hassle of connecting cables and without using precious camera battery life. Measuring 85.6mm x 54mm x 5mm, the PC Card adapter is easily stored in a camera bag or pocket. Consumers of Sony digital cameras can also benefit from the Microtech SmartFloppy portable USB floppy drive. The...[read more]
08/23/2001: Fujifilm Introduces Three Affordable Point-And-Shoot Digital Cameras
ELMSFORD, NY, August 23, 2001 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today reaches out to first- time digital photographers with the unveiling of the FinePix A101, FinePix A201 and the FinePix 2600 Zoom digital cameras - its largest entry-level category introduction to date. True to the Fujifilm FinePix brand, these pocket-size, go-anywhere cameras are stylish and easy-to-use while offering the color, sharpness and overall picture-quality typically associated with more expensive models. The introduction of the new FinePix A101 and A201 models also signifies the birth of a new series of Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras, the A-Series. Designed specifically for picture-takers looking to take their first steps into the world of digital photography, the A-Series offers simple, streamlined functions, sure to make a beginner's digital experience fun and pleasant. In addition, the new FinePix 2600 Zoom expands Fujifilm's existing mid-range line up by offering the same streamlined operation as the A-series...[read more]
08/23/2001: Nikon Introduces New Coolpix 885
Read our Nikon 885 reviewMELVILLE, NY, August 23, 2001 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the Coolpix 885, the newest digital camera in the Coolpix line to include a Transfer button on the camera for directly uploading digital photos quickly and easily to the desktop or the Internet. The Coolpix 885's One-Touch Upload to the Web? feature takes the guesswork out of digital photography for creating personalized photo albums online, adding special effects and e-mailing photos to friends and family. Featuring a 3-megapixel CCD and 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, the 885 offers users a digital camera that is as technologically advanced as it is fun and easy to use. The Coolpix 885 can be used with Nikon Telephoto, Wide-angle and Fisheye Converter Lenses and features a movie mode for capturing 40 seconds of 15 fps video. "Nikon designed the Coolpix 885 for people who want high...[read more]
08/23/2001: Minolta DiMAGE 5 First Look Posted
I just posted our Minolta DiMAGE 5 First Look review. Same great features as the DiMAGE 7 but with a 3-megapixel image sensor and a lower MSRP....[read more]
08/22/2001: Minolta Maxxum 7 SLR Review Posted
Gregg, our resident film guru, has just posted his latest review of popular film SLR cameras. This month it's the Minolta Maxxum 7, a truly state of the art 35mm SLR. This camera is loaded with features including an advanced multi-point AF system, automatic "Eye Start" and a large monochrome LCD on the back with as much information as a the manual. If you're still into film then be sure to check this one out....[read more]
08/22/2001: Sony Unveils World's Smallest, Lightest Dye-Sublimation Digital Photo Printer
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2001 - Combining the art of miniaturization with the practical benefit of outstanding printing technology, Sony Electronics has introduced the diminutive DPP-MP1 digital photo printer. With this new device, beautiful, borderless, full-color photos can be made anywhere in less than two minutes. Weighing in at less than one pound, including battery and paper tray, the miniature dye- sublimation printer can be used with either the supplied AC adapter or an optional battery pack. The printer and battery pack will be available in November for about and , respectively. "Not only can this printer provide long lasting memories of social gatherings, it can also be a helpful tool for professionals in real estate, insurance and law enforcement who need to print their pictures right on the spot," said Mark Viken, senior vice president of Sony's Information Technology Products Division. The new DPP-MP1 printer can be driven by...[read more]
08/21/2001: Reviews Posted for New Sony DSC-F707 and DSC-P5 Cameras
We have been using pre-production models of the new Sony DSC-F707 and DSC-P5 for a while now and have posted our Sony F707 First Look and our Sony P5 review online. The weather has been "off and on" here lately so I haven't gotten all of the sample photos that I want yet but there's a good starter set posted. All photos will be re-shot when we review the final production model cameras later. Other sites' Sony Reviews: Imaging-Resource's F707 review P5 reviewDC Resource's F707 reviewDP Review's F707 review P5 review...[read more]
08/21/2001: New Sony DSC-P5 and DSC-P3 Models Allow Consumers to Capture Great Photos Anywhere
August 21, 2001 -- The best camera is the one that is actually on-hand when a photo opportunity arises, and Sony has unveiled two super slender Cyber-shot® digital still cameras that fit the bill. Created to expand the company's successful P-series, the new DSC-P5 and DSC-P3 models are not only Sony's smallest cameras to date - they also pack a powerful picture-taking punch. "We have maximized miniaturization and the available technologies in these two models to refine the idea behind our P-series cameras," said Takashi Kondo, senior vice president of Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Product Division. "We listened to consumers who encouraged us to make cameras that are more slender, yet maintain the comfortable shape and size that make Sony's pocket-size cameras so easy to handle." Though small in size, these cameras bring new features to the P series, such as an AF Illuminator for focusing in the dark, in...[read more]
08/21/2001: Minolta's 2.3-Megapixel DiMAGE E201
Ramsey, New Jersey (August 20, 2001) - Minolta Corporation expands its digital camera line-up into the popular-price segment with the introduction of the new Minolta DiMAGE E201, a superb quality entry-level model based on the highly-regarded DiMAGE 2300. While retaining the ease-of-use and stylish design of its predecessor, the DiMAGE E201 includes a new movie recording feature, a responsive new microprocessor, and simplified computer connectivity. "We're pleased to offer a high quality, high resolution DiMAGE digital camera at a very affordable price," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of digital imaging products for Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "The DiMAGE E201 offers great styling, fast operation, and excellent imaging quality - everything a consumer would expect from a Minolta camera." Simply press the shutter button, and the Minolta DiMAGE E201 will deliver impressive, crisp, detailed images. The camera boasts a 2.3 million-pixel CCD*, and quality optics with aspheric elements. A new...[read more]
08/21/2001: Sony Introduces Five-Megapixel Cyber-Shot DSC-F707 Camera
August 21, 2001 -- Now all digital photographers can achieve professional results with the introduction of Sony's Cyber-shot® DSC-F707 digital still camera, featuring new technologies that make previously difficult pictures a whole lot easier to shoot. Priced at about ,000, the five-megapixel (MP) camera is the first of its kind to be aimed at, and priced for, the broad consumer market. This new Cyber-shot model offers numerous options for both manual and automatic controls, so photographers can do as much, or as little, as they want to achieve extraordinary images. Built-in photo quality comes with a 5.24 MP CCD (5.02 MP effective), Carl Zeiss...[read more]
August 17, 2001 - - Burnsville, MN - - Pictographics International Corporation, a leading provider of digital color technology, announces that it will soon be releasing the new enhanced Version 3.0 of its widely acclaimed iCorrect? Professional color correction plug-in for Adobe Photoshop® and other popular photo editing software. The new capabilities, which will be released on September 10, 2001, add to an already impressive array of features that have been highly praised by professional imagers, digital photography enthusiasts, and independent experts alike. Since its release last April, iCorrect Professional has been described by reviewers as having "remarkable capabilities" packaged in a "simple interface" which, with just "a couple of clicks, can "improve an already good image" or "transform a 'so-so' image into an excellent one." "iCorrect puts the power of breakthrough digital color technology in the hands of the user to quickly and easily solve a major problem of...[read more]
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SimpleTech, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEC), a technology solutions provider offering products based on DRAM, SRAM and flash memory technologies, today announced first-to-market availability of Type I CompactFlash(TM) cards in capacities up to 640MB and Type II cards in industry-leading capacities of 850MB and 1GB. The cards are designed to meet the expanding needs of commercial and industrial embedded applications professionals looking for the highest possible storage capacity in the most popular standard Types I and II CompactFlash cards. "This is a prime example of the technical synergy inherent in our recently announced alliance with Hitachi Semiconductor (America)," said SimpleTech's Chief Technical Officer Mark Moshayedi. "We can take Hitachi's leading edge flash memory silicon, double its density with SimpleTech's patented IC Tower(TM) stacking technology, and offer the world's highest capacity CompactFlash cards." According to Mark D'Arcangelo, Hitachi Semiconductor America's system memory product marketing manager, "These new product offerings from...[read more]
08/17/2001: Sony Europe Announces New Generation of Digital Camcorders
The folks over at LetsGoDigital.nl have posted a Sony Europe press release with information about the next generation of Sony digital camcorders. As expected, they're smaller and loaded with all sorts of networking features, especially the DCR-IP7 which includes BlueTooth for wireless connectivity. No word from Sony America on these new camcorders so they may only be available in Europe. Follow the link above for pictures and more information about them. 08-19-01 addition: LetsGoDigital has now posted information about two more new Sony digital camcorders - see their news page for the DCR-PC120 and DCR-PC115 camcorders....[read more]
LAKE SUCCESS, NEW YORK, August 17, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), is once again providing consumers with greater ease of use with the introduction of a new, high-speed desktop film scanner for use with 35mm and Advanced Photo System films. The new scanner, which incorporates a USB interface for easy connection to a PC, helps "bridge the gap" between analog and digital imaging by providing a means of downloading conventional photographs into a computer for the purposes of creating prints via computer output devices, email and the creation of personal Web sites. The new CanoScan FS2720U will be available at authorized Canon dealers nationwide in September at a suggested list price of . The CanoScan FS2720U offers several advanced features including a maximum scanning speed of 13 / 10 seconds per frame (35mm / APS) , 2,720 dots-per-inch (dpi) optical resolution, 12-bit RGB...[read more]
Click here for our Canon G2 First Look report.LAKE SUCCESS, NEW YORK, August 17, 2001 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to strengthen its position in the highly competitive consumer digital camera market with the introduction of its most advanced product to date: the new Canon PowerShot G2, the company's first 4-megapixel model. The Canon PowerShot G2 Kit will be available through authorized Canon dealers in September at a suggested list price of . The Canon PowerShot G2 joins a family of Canon PowerShot-series cameras including the high-end Pro90 IS, the mid-range S300 and S110 Digital ELPHs, and the entry-level PowerShot A20 and A10. Collectively, the Canon PowerShot digital camera line-up offers consumers the widest range of features in the industry. From 1.3-megapixel to 4- megapixel models, Canon provides digital imaging solutions to fit nearly every need and price point. "The new Canon PowerShot...[read more]
08/16/2001: SmartDisk Introduces MVP (Music, Videos, Pictures) CD Creating Software
SmartDisk, Naples, Fla., introduced SmartDisk MVP, a multimedia CD creation software for music, video and pictures. The program enables consumers to organize, manage and combine a multitude of digital files including music, video, photos and data into personalized presentations viewable on PCs and TVs. It is available in retail stores throughout the United States and Europe on Aug. 30. Users can keep a visual inventory of their digital files and combine them into personalized, interactive slide shows and music compilations. The program also lets consumers print digital pictures individually or as entire albums, and FotoCanvas photo editor allows users to enhance their images. The suggested price is US.95....[read more]
08/15/2001: Canon Introduces New XL1S Digital Camcorder
Canon U.S.A. Inc., Lake Success, N.Y., unveiled their new 3 CCD XL1S digital video (DV) camcorder, it contains 27 more features than the Canon XL1. Canon said the XL1S model has improved picture quality and is the only DV camcorder that can be customized to the needs of the videographer and to specific shooting applications, by changing lenses, viewfinders and shoulder mounts. The new Canon XL1S kit, which includes a 16x IS II zoom lens and color viewfinder, will be available this month for a suggested ,699. Follow the link above to visit the CanonDV.com web site for full XL1S specifications....[read more]
08/14/2001: Kodak Adds Three More Cameras to the EasyShare System
Kodak has added three new digital cameras to their EasyShare system, the Kodak DX3900 (pictured above) is a 3.1-megapixel camera with image resolution of 2160 x 1440 and features a 2x optical zoom (35-70mm 35mm equivalent), settable ISO sensitivity of 100, 200 or 400, white balance options, burst capture, metering options, 8MB CF card and some manual settings. It will be sold both with and without the EasyShare docking station that allows for one-touch automatic downloads to the computer or the Internet. Next up is the Kodak DX3700, also a 3.1-megapixel camera but it lacks an optical zoom and the other manual features of the DX3900. 8MB of internal memory plus a MultiMediaCard / Secure Digital card slot for additional memory. This is a hi-res point-n-shoot camera. On the low end is the Kodak DX3215, a 1.3-megapixel camera with a 2x optical zoom (30-60mm 35mm equivalent), 1280 x 960 image...[read more]
08/13/2001: Microsoft, Kodak Agree on Windows XP List Link
WASHINGTON (AP) - Microsoft Corp. (MSFT - news) has agreed to change its new Windows XP (news - web sites) operating system to make it easier for users to access the Eastman Kodak digital camera software and services they have installed on their computers. The change also would make it easier to launch any other third-party photo editing software on a computer. Windows XP is set for release in October. Rochester, N.Y.-based Kodak complained that an early version failed to automatically direct Kodak camera owners to a list where they could easily access Kodak's photo printing services when they plug their digital camera into their computers. Under an agreement to be announced Monday, Microsoft will change the presentation of options on a digital camera connection from a drop-down menu to a list of third-party digital photo applications. Windows XP also will clearly identify its own Scanner and Camera Wizard as...[read more]
08/13/2001: Olympus Has "Unofficial" Firmware Update for E-10 To Battle Dead or Bad Pixels
According to a news article at digitalkamera.de Olympus has an unofficial firmware update with version number 42-0130 for the semi-professional digital camera Olympus E-10 should do for "dead" and "hot" pixels. To get this, though, you have to send the camera back to Olympus. The firmware update with version number 42-0130 introduces a technique called "pixel mapping" by Olympus which detects and "computes out" defective pixels. On cameras provided with the appropriate firmware update, a special menu entry activates the pixel mapping function. All E-10s shipped from August onwards should ? according to Olympus ? already be provided with the new firmware version. If in doubt, the firmware can be checked by reading out and displaying the so-called meta data contained in the EXIF header of the individual pictures with a suitable program (e.g. ACDSee 3.1, Thumber, Irfanview). Cameras not yet provided with the new firmware version can be sent...[read more]
08/12/2001: Aunt Abigail Makes Your Digital Photos a Real Pleasure to See
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MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon is calling all photo lovers to submit their ultimate funny summer photos for the Coolpix 775, Zoom in on the Fun: "Search for Summer's Ultimate Funny Photo" Contest. One grand prize photo contest winner will spend two nights in New York City and win a private party with Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress, Kim Cattrall, of "Sex and the City." The contest will be promoted for the next month on Nikon's Coolpix 775 Summer Fun Tour to bring consumers closer to easy digital photography. The Coolpix 775 is the first digital camera to feature a One-Touch Upload to the Web(TM) button allowing users to upload digital images directly to their desktop or the Web. To enter, participants submit their photo to www.nikonusa.com/coolpix775. The photo contest will run for four consecutive weeks, officially beginning today, and ending on September 10, 2001. Photos will...[read more]
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08/07/2001: Qimage Pro 2001 v2.6 Released
To quote the author: "This latest version of Qimage Pro incorporates the list of enhancements and fixes listed below. Considering the amount of confusion we've seen lately regarding how to use some of the latest monitor calibration hardware (colorimeters) and how to utilize them properly in a workflow, the added help section under "Contents, "Listing of major functions, "Color Management" in Qimage Pro is worth the download by itself. That section now has details on how to properly use profiles created by profiler software, how profiles are connected via the Windows operating system, what the monitor bootup "autoloaders" really do and how these relate to the profiles that profiling software programs generate, the steps for activating these profiles in Qimage Pro, etc. We're hoping that the information in this section will help people get the most out of the latest color management tools and technology." Read about all of the...[read more]
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the growing consumer demand for greater storage capacity for data, video and audio files, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) today announced the introduction of a 128 megabyte (MB) Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card. The new SD Memory Card complements Toshiba Corp.'s (Toshiba) comprehensive line of solid state storage solutions which also include the CompactFlash and SmartMedia form factors, bringing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers a range of solutions to meet their removable storage requirements. Designated the SD-M1280, the 128MB SD Memory Card includes two of Toshiba's 512 megabit (Mb) NAND flash memory devices, manufactured using Toshiba's 0.16-micron process technology. Designed for use in wireless and portable communications devices including personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, handheld PCs, digital still and video cameras, MP3 players, car navigation systems, and electronic books, the 128MB SD Memory Card stores up to four hours of...[read more]
08/07/2001: Lexar Media Ships 512MB Pro Series 12x CompactFlash Memory Card
Fremont, California, August 7, 2001- Lexar Media, Inc., a leading designer, developer and marketer of high-performance digital film and connectivity products for the digital photography market, today announced the availability of its new high-speed, high-capacity 512MB 12x USB-enabled Type I CompactFlash digital film. Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding photographer, this is Lexar Media's fastest and highest capacity memory card. Lexar Media 512MB 12x memory cards can be purchased through camera dealers, distributors and the Company's Web site, www.digitalfilm.com. "The demand for high-speed, high-capacity digital film continues to rise as digital photographers invest in the latest professional digital cameras and camera backs that generate file sizes up to 48 megabytes per image," said Eric Stang, president and CEO of Lexar Media. "The 512MB 12x is perfect for today's professional digital photographers, as it is capable of a sustained write speed of 1.8MB/sec. which greatly reduces file write...[read more]
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 2001 - Epson America Inc. announced today that it has reduced the price of the EPSON Stylus Photo 780 ink jet printer. With a new estimated street price of , this incredibly affordable printer gives customers the ability to print true BorderFree photos without "dots" in popular frame-ready sizes, in addition to everyday documents. It is also equipped with Epson's latest technology breakthrough, PRINT Image Matching. The EPSON Stylus Photo 780, which was originally available for is now selling for less than its introductory price, making it the lowest-priced six-color photo printer available today. The EPSON Stylus Photo 780 is one of the first printers to offer support for PRINT Image Matching-enabled digital cameras, which ensures digital cameras and printers work together to automatically produce optimized prints. PRINT Image Matching is supported by leading manufacturers such as Casio, Epson, Konica, Kyocera, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, PENTAX,...[read more]
08/06/2001: Minox Announces Their First Digital Camera
The folks at LetsGoDigital.nl have posted news about a new digital camera from the German company Minox, best known for their micro-sized "spy" film cameras of the 50's and 60's. Minox's first digicam is the model DC 1311 which appears to be an OEM'd Pentax EI-100. Follow the link above to see a picture of it and check out the specs for yourself....[read more]
08/06/2001: Panasonic Announces New Dual-Use NV-EX21 MiniDV Camcorder
TOKYO (Reuters) - Trying to pick between a digital still camera and a digital video camera? For ,657, you can have both, says Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd, best known for its Panasonic brand of consumer electronics. On Monday, the company unveiled the Panasonic NV-EX21, the world's first DV format digital camcorder with a detachable network-ready digital still camera. The product will go on sale on September 1, with the company aiming for monthly output of 5,000 cameras and a North American launch by the spring. Analysts say Matsushita, the world's biggest consumer electronics firm, is looking to capture market share in the high-growth area of digital video cameras. The company said half of the 12 million video cameras sold around the world last year were digital -- a relatively small ratio considering the Japanese market is more than 90 percent dominated by the digital format. Matsushita, which holds...[read more]
08/03/2001: Pixami Launches Next Generation Online Digital Imaging Products
PLEASANTON, CA - August 3, 2001 - Pixami, the leading provider of digital imaging infrastructure technology to online photo sites, today announced a major product upgrade. Called Pixami 2.0, this significant addition to Pixami's product line reinforces their emphasis on promoting the advantages of online digital photography and creating new revenue streams for online photo sites. Highlights of Pixami 2.0 include a new Photo Calendar product, new Photo Album features such as Clip Art and 'Thought Balloons,' new Photo Enhancement features, a completely new User Interface and workflow, and a variety of architecture improvements. Pixami 2.0 also includes a complete set of new content, including Greeting Cards, FunFrames, Calendars, Collages and much more, in a variety of standard print sizes. In addition, Pixami 2.0 includes a complete Shopping Cart and back-end administration system, providing Pixami partners with the option for a totally turnkey solution. The features developed for Pixami 2.0...[read more]
08/03/2001: Canon Introduces Optura100 MC Digital Camcorder with 1.3-Megapixel Stills
LAKE SUCCESS, NEW YORK, August 2, 2001 - By incorporating a state-of-the-art megapixel CDD image sensor with over one million pixels into a digital camcorder, Canon U.S.A., Inc., has introduced a single camera that performs like two cameras in one - a digital camcorder that records high-resolution video and a digital camera capable of high- resolution digital photos. The Canon Optura100 MC has a 1.3M megapixel CCD image sensor to capture outstanding digital video and digital photos at 1280 X 960 resolution, which is four times better than conventional 640 X 480 digital photo resolution found in other digital camcorders. It looks, feels and performs differently than any other preceding Canon Optura model. The change to a vertical design creates a fresh new look styled for single-hand operation, a popular feature with consumers that provides maximum versatility and performance. Among the key features: A 10x zoom lens plus 200x digital...[read more]
08/02/2001: Callisto Announces Update to PhotoParade
Natick, Mass., August 2, 2001 -- Callisto Corporation today announced they have added support for MP3 music files to PhotoParade(R), their innovative software that provides consumers with an effortless way to turn their digital photos into entertaining slideshows and screen savers to share with friends and family. PhotoParade combines high-quality animation, graphics, music, narration and photo titling with a user?s digital photos. Customers are thrilled with the new MP3 feature. "I've been having a great time adding my favorite songs to the PhotoParades I'm making with the pictures from our summer vacation," said Kelly Martin, a digital photo enthusiast who has been using PhotoParade for several years. "It is a great addition to one of my favorite programs." Customers can choose from more than three dozen professionally-designed PhotoParade themes to show off photos from vacations, weddings, the birth of a baby, and other special occasions. Each unique theme has its...[read more]
08/02/2001: Kodak and APEX Digital Bring Digital Photography Into Living Room
ROCHESTER, N.Y., and ONTARIO, Calif., August 2, 2001-Viewing digital photos just moved from the desktop computer to the television. APEX Digital today became the first company certified to manufacture DVD players that allow consumers to view pictures stored on Kodak Picture CDs. The new DVD player-the APEX Digital 5131-will be available in retail outlets in August with a suggested sale price of less than . The agreement between Eastman Kodak and APEX is part of Kodak's continuing effort to make it easier for consumers to view and share digital photographs. The APEX DVD player will utilize a chip from ESS Technology, Inc. Kodak and ESS announced an agreement last month to develop the chips that give DVD players the capability to read Kodak Picture CDs. "Kodak is pleased to be working with APEX and others to develop and market DVD players for consumers who are excited about digital imaging," said...[read more]
08/01/2001: Nikon Launches 775 Hour, 12-City Summer Fun Road Tour With New Coolpix 775
MELVILLE, NY, July 31, 2001 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, is touring America with 775 hours of summer fun to bring consumers closer to the Coolpix 775, the first digital camera to feature One-Touch Upload to the Web for transferring digital photos directly to the desktop or the Internet. The 12-city tour kicks off in New York City and continues its trek in an outfitted van for 775 hours where it will culminate at the end of August in San Francisco. Consumers can track the tour's highlights and view photos of visitors taken in each city by visiting the Coolpix 775 website. "The Coolpix 775 Summer Fun Road Tour will bring digital photography to thousands of consumers across the country," said Deborah Sauer, general manager marketing, Nikon Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras. "We want to dispel the myth that digital photography is complex - in fact,...[read more]
08/01/2001: Sony Cuts Prices on 'Memory Stick'
SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Sony Corp. said on Wednesday that it cut prices on its proprietary flash memory format, which will bring its pricing closer in line with competing standards. Sony's chewing-gum shaped "Memory Stick" now runs from .95 for the 8-megabyte stick to .95 for the 128-megabyte stick. The larger stick had previously sold for as much as . The sticks can be swapped among other Sony products, including digital cameras, laptop computers and handheld devices and used as a way to share files. The Japanese electronics giant has promoted the Memory Stick as a way to win consumer loyalty for its wide-ranging products. The price cut announced on Wednesday comes after a sharp decline in flash memory prices and narrowed the gap between its offering and those of competitors. By comparison, a 128-megabyte card in the leading competing format, Compact Flash, which is more widely supported in similar...[read more]
08/01/2001: Steve's Digicams and Tech Data Corporation Announce Content Partnership
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