12/25/2002: Steve's "Best of 2002" Holiday Picks
The holiday buying season is upon us and so are the daily emails from readers asking me "which camera should I buy." This is a question that we don't answer directly. Buying decisions are personal and based on your wants, needs and experience level. Every year there are more and more models to chose from which further complicates the buying process. To help your buying decisions here's our Top Picks based on performance and "bang for the buck." Listed in no particular order of preference, click to read our review....[read more]
12/18/2002: Reindeer Graphics Announces Optipix 1.1
Reindeer Graphics, Inc., makers of Optipix, announce the release of Optipix 1.1. This free update for all registered users of Optipix adds two new plug-ins to the Optipix suite. Safe Median is a variation on the standard median technique for noise removal that not only is color-safe, but leaves corners intact, providing a powerful tool for removing image artifacts without destroying the fine detail in the image. Power Median is the power-user's dream: a median tool with a completely user-definable neighborhood. This plug-in is designed to remove noise that has an orientation, such as scratches. The Optipix online documentation has also been updated to give examples for these plug-ins. Optipix is available from the Reindeer Graphics online store. The retail price of Optipix is US.95....[read more]
Cambridge, MA (December 17, 2002) - SMaL Camera Technologies, the developer of electronic imaging solutions and the creator of the award-winning Ultra-Pocket digital camera, today announced SMaL-enabled devices by RadioShack, Creative Labs and Oregon Scientific. These companies have each released a digital still camera based on SMaL's Ultra-Pocket digital camera design and technology, now available in retail stores and catalogs. Based on its proprietary CMOS digital imaging technology and patented low power design, SMaL's solution has been heralded for its sleek credit card-sized design, groundbreaking 1/4" thickness, the industry's lowest power consumption and its proprietary AutobriteŽ technology. These technological advances allow consumers to take between 500 and 1000 pictures on a single charge and never worry about the camera's battery running low or needing to be replaced. Additionally, each SMaL-enabled camera automatically recharges itself each time the camera is connected to a computer via the supplied USB cable. SMaL's AutobriteŽ...[read more]
12/17/2002: Canon Releases File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS X
The File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS X allows you to process RAW images into 16-bit TIFF files, 8-bit TIFF files or JPEGs. In addition, the File Viewer Utility can be used for a broad range of RAW file adjustments, including image processing parameters (digital exposure compensation, white balance and color matrix settings, custom tone curves, subject pattern sharpness and edge enhancement), as well as detailed IPTC captioning and even the application of up to 26 different Personal Functions to the EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds. File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 for Mac OS X is compatible with the following digital cameras: EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D, EOS-D60, EOS-D30, PowerShot G3, PowerShot G2, PowerShot G1, PowerShot S45, PowerShot S40, PowerShot S30, PowerShot Pro90 IS File Viewer Utility v1.1.1 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.1 and 10.2 (as of December 2002)....[read more]
LaserSoft Imaging has readied support for all Heidelberg/Linotype desktop scanners, so users can upgrade their current software to SilverFast Ai for Macintosh OS 9-10.2, and Windows OS's. Future operating systems will be supported with SilverFast. SilverFast 6 has new features such as SilverFast SRD providing users with the capability to easily remove dust and scratches from images either during scanning or from scanned raw data files. Other features of SilverFast 6 include Selective Color Correction with Multi-Layers and Masking for handling complex images, ACR, known as Adaptive Color Restoration, to bring back faded or normalize over-saturated colours, SC2G a sophisticated function for converting color images to greyscale, and GANE a tool for eliminating grain and noise while preserving image detail. In addition to these exciting new features, SilverFast has implemented a new help system utilizing Apple QuickTimeŽ movies. The movies let users visualize how corrections can be applied to an...[read more]
12/16/2002: Olympus C-5050 Zoom Review Posted
Just a quick note to let you know that we've posted our full Olympus C-5050 Zoom review. This is currently one of the best 5-megapixel cameras out there and surprise, it's also the least expensive. It's got it all too, every exposure mode, metering mode, multiple types of storage media, fast 3x lens, very ergonomic controls and it's all wrapped up in a professional all-black magnesium body. Check it out, we think it's a winner....[read more]
12/13/2002: BreezeBrowser v2.4 Now Available
BreezeBrowser v2.4 is now available for download. This version includes support for Canon EOS 1Ds, Powershot S45 and Powershot G3 raw conversion. It also includes a revised folder tree display in thumbnail view for easier access to folders on your desktop and in "My Documents". EXIF and IPTC data is now stored in PNG files and a recursive option has been added to the HTML generator. Please see this page full details: Due to some technical issues with Canon's latest SDK which affect Canon EOS 1D raw conversion there is a separate version available for Canon EOS 1D users (both versions are listed on the download page). If you need to convert Canon EOS 1D raw files and 1Ds, G3 or S45 raw files it is recommended that you install both versions in different directories. Please note BreezeBrowser v2.4 will not run on Windows 95 and has not been tested...[read more]
TOKYO--Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the development of the first DX Nikkor lens -- the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm* f/4G IF-ED. (*18-36mm in 35mm (135) format equivalent with Nikon D1-series and D100 digital SLRs). This will be the first truly compact, lightweight AF-S ultra-wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLR cameras, and is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2003. Read the entire Nikon press release. Also see Rob Galbraith's Nikkor 12-24mm article....[read more]
12/12/2002: Sony Memory Stick - Another SmartMedia?
We've all been waiting for higher capacity Memory Sticks but it now looks as if it might suffer the same fate as SmartMedia. Sony is expected to show the new higher capacity Memory Stick - tentatively named "Memory Stick Pro" at the CES show next month. We don't know if it will be compatible with existing devices or not. The new MS Pro cards will be offered in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities and feature higher performance. Read the entire story at c|net's News.com 12/14/02 update: According to Imaging-Resource's news article Sony had the following to say: "The information presented on CNET News.com regarding new Memory Stick Pro media has several inaccuracies which seem based on rumors and conjecture. We urge you and your readers to wait for the official Sony press release."...[read more]
12/11/2002: Kodak Pro 14n Ship Date Pushed Back
Buyers anxious to get their hands on Kodak's new DCS Pro 14n camera will have to wait an extra month before it's available. According to the Kodak DCS Pro 14n Q&A page the new shipping date is mid-January 2003, about a month beyond the scheduled December 16, 2002 date originally announced. Here's part of the text from the Kodak website:...[read more]
12/10/2002: MacWorld 2002 "Eddy" Awards
The editors at MacWorld have announced the winners of The 18th Annual Editors' Choice Awards, better known as the "Eddy's." There are many software and hardware awards given out, follow the link to read about all of them. The ones dealing with digital cameras, printers or imaging software are the ones that we're interested in and are as follows: Digital Camera (more than ) - Canon EOS D60Nikon Coolpix 5700Nikon D100 Digital Camera (less than ) - Canon Powershot G3Nikon Coolpix 4300Sony Cyber-shot F717 Consumer Graphics Software - Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0ImageBuddy 2.6Caffeine Software's PixelNhance 1.5.9 Photo Printer - Epson Stylus Photo 2200Canon S830D Direct PrintEpson Stylus Photo 960...[read more]
Nikon has posted a software update for Nikon Capture 3.5 (Mac/PC) and Nikon Scan 3.1.4 (Mac OS X) and a firmware update for the Coolscan IV (Mac/PC). Go to the Nikon Digital Tech Support Page, click on your product and then download the updated software or firmware for your operating system....[read more]
12/09/2002: Fuji S2 Pro Problem Identified
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12/08/2002: SanDisk ImageMate 6-in-1 USB 2.0 Reader/Writer Review Posted
I just posted our (very positive) review of the SanDisk ImageMate 6-in-1 Reader/Writer. It's hard not to be positive about a very fast USB 2.0 card reader that only costs and handles every type of memory card, except the new xD-Picture Cards, without need of optional adapters. It has four seperate card slots that can be used simultaneously, high speed USB 2.0 interface, desktop docking station and a "shorty" cable for travelling with your notebook. This is a definite winner and will make a great stocking stuffer....[read more]
12/03/2002: Mastering Nikon Compact Digital Cameras v5.0 Released
Version 5.0 of Mastering Nikon Compact Digital Cameras by Peter iNova has been released. This new version upgrades the best selling Nikon eBook with two new chapters covering the sleek and capable Coolpix 4500 and the powerful Coolpix 5700. With these two added chapters, the eBook grows to 451 pages with over 1200 photographs, illustrations and tables covering digital photography as encountered by the top Nikon compact digital cameras. Other chapters document digital camera principles, photographic myths and superstitions, Photoshop in seven lessons, a 22-step photographic self-teaching course, digital printing, digital special effects, a deep "How Do I..." section, vexing FAQs and operation of the more than 300 original iNovaFX Photoshop Action Filters that are included in the package. The Nikon eBook is a Best Seller among photography books and comes on CD for Macintosh and Windows computers. It includes well over 300 original iNovaFX Photoshop Actions that repair,...[read more]
12/03/2002: Canon Announces New Powershot S45
LAKE SUCCESS, NEW YORK, December 3, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to strengthen its position in the digital camera marketplace with the introduction of the new PowerShot S45. The PowerShot S45 is the successor of the award-winning PowerShot S40 and is aimed at the advanced user who wants full photographic control in a compact digital camera. The new model joins one of the largest branded selections of digital cameras in the industry ranging from the economical PowerShot A200 to the feature-packed PowerShot G3. The 4.0 megapixel Canon PowerShot S45 features a high-resolution 3X f/2.8 optical zoom lens and a compact, silver-toned aluminum exterior for a rich and elegant appearance. In addition, the S45 includes Canon's exclusive "DIGIC" Imaging Processor to help improve overall image quality, increased processing speed and enhanced camera features including a 9-Point AiAF autofocus system for faster and easier...[read more]
12/02/2002: New DPS Standard for Direct Printing from Digital Still Cameras
PALO ALTO, Calif., and TOKYO, Dec. 2, 2002 -- Canon Inc., Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., HP, Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation and Sony Corporation today announced a proposal for an industry standard that enables consumers to easily print photos by directly connecting their digital still cameras to their printers -- no PC required. Until now, each company had its own proprietary solution for direct printing -- without a computer -- between their own branded digital still cameras and printers. This situation has proven to be limiting to consumers, as they are unable to achieve the same convenience and ease of use when using a combination of products of different brands. The unified specification, tentatively named "DPS," ensures compatibility across digital cameras and printers, regardless of brand, giving consumers the flexibility and simplicity to create high-quality photos. The specification was originally developed by Canon, HP, Seiko Epson and...[read more]
