Sep 27: Olympus E-300

The Olympus E-300 is an 8 megapixel DSLR with a TTL Optical Porro Finder.

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Olympus Evolt E-300 Press Release

OLYMPUS EVOLT E-300 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA REVOLTS AGAINST TRADITION AND REDEFINES WHAT AN SLR CAN BE

100% “Designed-for-Digital” SLR for All Consumers Packs Dust Protection and an 8-Megapixel Imaging Sensor into Innovative Compact, Low-Profile “Flat-Top” Body for World-Class Image Quality

Melville, New York, September 27, 2004 – The Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera has remained essentially the same in both form and function for decades, becoming the high-performance workhorse of choice for both amateur and professional photographers worldwide. But much has changed since the first film SLR debuted all those years ago. Today, the pervasiveness of digital technology has forever altered photography, freeing Olympus from the limitations of traditional film SLR camera designs to be more innovative when building the next generation SLR for the digital age.

The result is the Olympus EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR, the first 100 percent “digital-from-the-ground-up” consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses. Incorporating a newly design compact body featuring the Dust Reduction system pioneered on the professional E-1 SLR body, the EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and reliable performance of an SLR that isn't just for the pros – now it's for photographers of all skill levels at a price they can afford.

Designed To Break the Mold
The EVOLT looks like no other digital SLR. Because it is not bound by the conventions of traditional SLR film camera designs that have remained static for more than 30 years, the EVOLT has a radical new body shape that reduces height by eliminating the bulky pentaprism commonly found on the top of traditional SLR cameras. In place of the pentaprism design, the camera incorporates the new, exclusive Olympus TTL Optical Porro Finder coupled with an exclusive side swing mirror box, that gives the camera its unique “flat-top” appearance and makes it more compact for greater portability.

Subjects framed within the EVOLT optical viewfinder are 94% centered for accurate composition. And because it's an SLR, when you look through the viewfinder you're seeing through the lens itself what will be photographed.

A new built-in flash mechanism that slides the EVOLT flash forward as it pops up also contributes to the camera's low overall height and makes it possible to achieve both an adequate angle of illumination and a low profile body design. In addition, because the flash slides to the front of the camera body, it offers broad, even flash coverage without the shadow vignette from the lens when shooting close up.

A Digital Lens For The Digital Age
Most other digital SLR cameras use traditional 35mm film lenses on digital bodies. But since those lenses are based on designs from the beginning of the last century for film and not for pixels, they deliver insufficient light at the edges of a digital camera's image sensor. This can result in reduced sharpness and color definition, particularly when shooting with wide-angle lenses . The EVOLT does not have this problem, because it accommodates the full line of interchangeable Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses™ designed specifically for digital capture with smart technology that allows the lenses to communicate with the camera to ensure the best possible image quality.

Olympus dedicated digital optics paired with the 100% digital EVOLT E-300 render sharpness and contrast more consistently at any given f-stop. The lenses are matched to the Four Thirds System standard image sensor for the optimal balance between image quality, camera and lens size, and expandability. With an array of digital specific lenses to choose from that are smaller and lighter than comparable 35mm film lenses, it's easy to select the ideal instruments to bring along when you don't want to lug a lot of heavy, bulky gear.

The EVOLT E-300 outfit includes a compact, Zuiko Digital 14 – 45mm f3.5 – f5.6 Lens (equivalent to 28mm – 90mm in 35mm photography) that perfectly matches the imager so light strikes the sensor directly to ensure rich, accurate colors and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its 3.2x zoom covers the range most frequently used in ordinary photography and weighs just 10 ounces (285 grams) offering users an extremely dynamic, portable everyday-use zoom. Close-ups as near as 15 inches (38cm) are possible throughout the zoom range.

Supersonic Wave Filter Leaves Other Digital SLR Cameras In the Dust
A common problem with interchangeable lens digital SLR cameras is dust settling on the image sensor. The EVOLT features an Olympus exclusive patented ultrasonic technology, the Supersonic Wave Filter™, to reduce the effects of micro dust settling on the image sensor and impacting the image quality. Located between the shutter and the CCD, the Supersonic Wave Filter uses high-speed ultrasonic vibration to cause most types of dust to fall away from the image sensor so it will not appear in photographs. The filter vibrates at 350,000 times per second and is activated every time the camera powers on, or manually via a menu selection , to instantly remove the dust from in front of the image sensor. The CCD assembly is isolated from the Supersonic Wave Filter by an airtight seal to protect it even more. This unique Olympus feature gives photographers the confidence to shoot photos and change lenses in the field, just as they've always done, without the worry of images being damaged or ruined by dust on the imager.

Designed for Durability
An SLR should feel rugged enough to go out into the wilderness and even be propped up against a tree to get that perfect nature shot when a tripod isn't available. It should be strong enough to attach your largest lens without giving the impression that it could snap off at any moment. The EVOLT has an aluminum top cover on the top of the camera for extra-added protection, and a die-cast aluminum chassis inside to assure durability. The lens mount is steel and is designed for rugged use, so you can have confidence in your camera no matter where you take it or what lens you use.

Designed for The Best Image Quality
Olympus knows that image excellence relies on the combination of a high quality digital specific lens matched to the image sensor. Of equal importance is a camera exposure mode system that's easy and automatic for the first time user and customizable to ensure the optimum results for the experienced photographer. Matched to the TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor for more realistic color, low noise, and lightning-fast startup and shot-to-shot times – you won't miss a photo opportunity. With the EVOLT, photographers will feel confident that their SLR delivers world-class images.

New 8 Megapixel FTT-CCD Offers More Photographic Choices
Loaded with an impressive 8 million pixels resolution, the EVOLT grants photographers the flexibility to blow up their prints to the large sizes supported by today's printers, or crop into an image to print only a section without losing clarity in the final result. Moreover, the image sensor in the EVOLT is a high-performance Full Frame Transfer KODAK KAF-8300CE CCD™ that delivers improved dynamic range, low system noise to capture fine image details in the highlight and shadow areas, as well as excellent color fidelity for brilliant colors.

Basic Interline CCD sensors are designed with a path or “highway” to move data. This highway takes up valuable real estate that could be used for image capture and reduces the size of the photodiode in each pixel. But the EVOLT Full Frame Transfer CCD transfers image data via a Vertical Charge Register that is a fraction of the size of an Interline highway. In fact, the active pixel area of the Full Frame Transfer CCD is 1.5 times larger than a common Interline CCD of equal size. Because each pixel uses more space to capture image data, a broader range of tonal values can be rendered in the final image.

Anti-blooming technology on each pixel, along with the exclusive Olympus TruePic TURBO Image Processor, helps to eliminate undesirable “artifacts”, “stepping”, “purple fringing” or “moiré” in an image.

Designed for Straight Out-of-the-Box Operation
Creating a digital SLR that most anyone can pick up and start to use isn't just about making it more affordable for the masses so they'll purchase it; it's about making it easier to operate. That means embedding menus that make sense and arraying buttons on the body that are intuitive to operate; adding automatic settings for every imaginable situation; making the LCD big and bright enough so you can review a shot without squinting; and making it less of a chore to get images out of the camera and into your computer or printer.

You don't need a degree in photography to shoot like a pro with the EVOLT. Just take it home, charge the Li-ion battery with the included BCM-2 charger, and begin taking photos without even opening a manual. Instead of working to find the right settings for the subject, select from one of the camera's 5 quick-access Scene Program Modes on the dial, or get creative with 15 Select Scene Program modes within the menu that make it easy to get the results you want, whenever and wherever you want them.

Simply turn the mode dial on the top of the camera to “Scene” and choose from a range of pre-programmed Scene Select modes to achieve the optimal results for: Fireworks, Sunsets, Beach and Snow, Candle (for photography by candlelight), Landscape, Documents, and more. A new “High-Key” Scene Select mode enhances the darks and whites in an image for striking results.

Every Scene Program and Scene Select mode on the EVOLT provides a sample image and a description of what is happening to achieve the desired result. For example, choosing the Landscape setting reveals a sample of a landscape photo, and describes the appropriate f-stop, shutter speed and other settings needed to take that picture. The EVOLT could replace a library full of digital photography “how-to” instruction books.

Programmed Auto Mode on the mode dial lets the EVOLT do all the thinking for you and selects just the right settings for any given situation. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Modes allow you to take control of the EVOLT to customize the camera for the ultimate in artistic expression.

Direct Button operation enables EVOLT users to get to the settings they want without wading through endless menus or pushing arrow buttons excessively. Instead, most custom settings can be set by pressing one of the cameras 8 direct key buttons for White Balance, Exposure Compensation, ISO, Flash Mode, Metering Mode, Auto Focus Mode, Auto Focus Frame and Recording Mode, and then turning a dial by thumb to customize the setting as desired. All settings are viewable at once on the camera's “Super Control Panel” displayed on the LCD.

Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the Auto-Connect USB that does not require software drivers (for most computers/operating systems) for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television using the video cable.

When it comes time to print images, the EVOLT connects via the included USB cable to a computer. Or, for fast and easy PC-free printing, the EVOLT connects to any PictBridge-enabled printer via USB, and users select the images displayed on the camera's LCD that they wish to print.

Designed for Speed
Olympus' TruePic TURBO Image Processor enhances processing speed for more responsive camera operation. More than just speeding up image data processing for the large image files generated by this 8.0-megapixel digital camera, TruePic TURBO also improves overall camera responsiveness and operating ease. It closely integrates the image processor's engine and hardware elements to eliminate unnecessary processing tasks, accelerating the time it takes for the camera to start up, to engage the shutter release so that an image is captured, for the image processing to occur, for the image to be recorded to the media card, and for the image to play back.

The EVOLT has an image memory buffer of 64MB and separate working memory for the camera control. And the EVOLT can capture fast-paced action, shooting at 2.5 frames per second up to 4 frames in either TIFF or RAW at full resolution. JPEG resolutions are also available when more shots are required.

Images Designed to Be Viewed and Shared with a New HyperCyrstal™ LCD Monitor
A new HyperCrystal LCD monitor with 134,000 pixels offers three times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors (in-house comparison) so captured images can be beautifully displayed in vivid color on the screen with exceptional clarity. Because photos are for sharing, the EVOLT LCD features a wide, 160° viewing angle on both the vertical and horizontal axis, ensuring excellent visibility and beautiful image quality even when everyone huddles around the camera to see what you've created.

Designed to Do More
Once one feature is mastered, there are a seemingly endless number of other features just waiting to be explored. Because the EVOLT is designed for the ultimate user-friendly experience, you can choose to let the camera make all the decisions, or take control for a new level of customization and performance.
• AF: The EVOLT dedicated auto focus system uses three AF points (Left, Center, Right) that can all be active automatically or individually with manual frame selection. When automatic target zone selection is active, a superimposed display confirms the relevant target zone. Focus modes are set via a manual switch on the camera body for Single AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus operation. To ensure successful focusing in the darkest environments, the EVOLT utilizes an AF illuminator built into the flash.
• Three Metering Systems : Users are offered a choice of Digital ESP (Electro Selective Pattern) metering, center-weighted average metering, or spot metering. Olympus' widely acclaimed proprietary Digital ESP metering calculates the best light values under complex lighting conditions.
• Simultaneous RAW and JPEG Image Data Recording : A choice of three data recording formats is offered: RAW, TIFF, and JPEG. If desired, image data can be simultaneously recorded in RAW and JPEG with the RAW+JPEG format.
• Contrast, Sharpness and Tone Curve Controls : Contrast can be set to any of five levels, and sharpness can be set to any of seven levels. So whether users want pro-quality tonal fidelity or sharp vibrant colors, they can customize each image to suit their preference.
• A Choice of Two Color Space Settings: Users can choose from two color space settings according to their needs: sRGB, which is the standard for Windows ® environments and inkjet printer output, and Adobe ® RGB, which is widely used for commercial applications.
• White Balance : White balance settings from 3000K to 7000K can be set in 12 steps using button and dial controls, with ±7-step fine-tuning available for all settings. A one-touch white balance function allows users to store and retrieve up to four frequently used white balance settings at the touch of a button. By initially reading the light separately for the CCD, the camera can see a dramatic increase in speed without loss of accuracy.
• Noise Reduction : The noise reduction function uses a proprietary Olympus algorithm to detect and eliminate the fixed noise that can appear on long-exposure images.
• High-Precision Flash Control: A wide range of flash modes is provided, including Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Synchro (front and rear curtain), and Fill-In.
• Histogram Information Display: Identify overexposed or underexposed areas.
• Support for High-Capacity Memory Media : CompactFlash™ Type I and II cards and MicroDrive memory media are supported. The EVOLT also supports 32-bit formatting allowing the use of 4 gigabyte and larger cards.
• Self-timer and Remote Control: The built-in self-timer offers a choice of 12-second or 2-second delay. An optional RM-1 remote control unit is available and can be used with the 2-second delay setting or for immediate shutter release. An optional RM-CB1 remote cable is also offered.

Optional Accessories

HLD-3 Battery Holder
The EVOLT can accommodate the HLD-3 Battery Holder that holds one or two BLM-1 Li-Ion batteries. With two batteries, the EVOLT can capture almost double the number of images possible with only one battery. The HLD-3 has a shutter release button located at its base to enable vertical shooting, a remote socket for use with the RM-CB1 Cable Release, and a standard tripod socket.

FL-36 Flash
Compact, lightweight and designed specifically for digital photography, the FL-36 achieves higher guide numbers than comparable SLR film cameras even while maintaining wide-angle light distribution. The Guide Number is 117 feet (36 meters) at ISO 100. You'll notice the difference when using it in combination with a wide-angle lens on the EVOLT. Accurate, 1/8-step illumination control provides the precision required by digital cameras, while minimizing illumination reduction near the screen. The newly designed energy-saving circuit improves recharge rates and enables the flash to operate on just 2 AA batteries.

The FL 36 features the FP mode for syncro at shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec. In both FP-TTL Auto and FP-Manual modes. Standard TTL-Auto, Auto and Manual flash modes are also available.

CS-3SH Semi-Hard Case
Protect the EVOLT and its lens in style with a dedicated semi-hard leather case.

PT-E01 Underwater Housing
An underwater housing for the EVOLT that will enable users to enjoy SLR shooting underwater, is planned for release in 2005. Easy to set up, it will offer waterproof protection up to a depth of over 131 feet (40 meters).

Availability
The Olympus EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR will be available in December 2004. It includes: EVOLT E-300 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master Editing Software, CD-ROM, Manuals, Warranty card, and System chart.

Olympus Evolt E-300 Reviews

Steve's Digicams reviews the Olympus E-300 and writes - 'The EVOLT E-300 is the first 100% �digital-from-the-ground-up� consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses. It features a high resolution 8-megapixel Kodak image sensor and employs the Olympus-exclusive Ultrasonic Dust Reduction system created for the professional E-1 SLR body. The EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and performance of professional dSLRs but it's priced within the budget of consumer photgraphers.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-300 Digital Camera and writes - 'We were impressed with the rugged construction of the new Olympus E-300, and its solid feature list. It offers good image quality, with high resolution and smooth tonality, and as of this writing is the lowest-priced 8 megapixel digital SLR on the market. (The just-announced Canon Digital Rebel XT will carry the same retail price, but Olympus has given notice of its pricing intentions, in the form of a $100 rebate that went into effect just as we were updating this review to full production status, dropping the E-300's price well below that of the new Rebel.) '

PC World has a Test Drive of New Olympus E-300 Digital SLR Camera and writes - 'This is one of the most interesting single-lens-reflex cameras to come out in a long time. It doesn�t look like an SLR because it�s missing the familiar penta-prism hump on top of the camera. It gives the E-300 significantly less height than other digital SLRs, which makes it easier to pack away.'

Photo Tidbits reviews the Olympus E-300 and writes - 'The dynamic denoising algorithms are also set, I believe, too aggressively. This can be seen in some grass areas, where denoising is also removing image detail, leading to a fuzzy effect. Again, the market is to blame for this (along with the camera maker), more willing to accept these artifacts than any noise in large, smooth areas of the image, like, for example, sky. Unfortunately, the aggressiveness of the noise filter cannot be controlled in camera or in rare image processing in the Olympus Master. (It is, however, adjustable in the Olympus Studio, if you have a $150 to spare.) I believe this problem can (and should be) addressed in a firmware update.

The above aside, the image quality seems to be very good. I will be able to say more after a month or so of using the camera under various conditions.'

DP Review reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-300 and writes - 'on the positive side the camera demonstrates good resolution (really pretty close to the EOS 20D), can produce some excellent results especially when shooting RAW, has nice punchy color and tone balance, has a wide range of image processing parameters (so you can get what you prefer). Most importantly it works well as a photographic tool and doesn't hinder your progress in actually capturing a moment. All things taken into consideration, especially factoring value for money this camera deserves our Recommended rating. If you're a real stickler for image quality however you may wish to consider other cameras.'

DCRP reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-300 and writes - 'The Olympus EVOLT E-300 is a very good digital SLR whose most impressive feature is its price. Okay, maybe the dust removal feature is up there too. Anyhow, the E-300 gives you more resolution than any of the low cost D-SLRs out there, though the photos seem softer and fuzzier than I would expect from a D-SLR. Also, high ISO performance isn't quite as good as those cameras. But for $999 (with the lens) you get a heck of a camera. Camera performance is what you'd expect from a D-SLR, with pretty fast focusing, no shutter lag, and fast shot-to-shot times. The Nikon D70 does beat the EVOLT in terms of startup and continuous shooting performance, though. In terms of features, the EVOLT has plenty, from full manual controls to custom white balance to support for RAW and TIFF images. While the camera doesn't have a dedicated AF-assist lamp, it will use the built-in flash for that purpose, and the flash does its job well. Being a D-SLR, the E-300 is totally expandable, with several lenses, flashes, filters, and more available. As you'd expect from a totally new system (FourThirds), there aren't as many accessories out there as you'd find for the Canon, Nikon, or Pentax cameras.'

DC Views reviews the Olympus E-300 digital camera and writes - 'Although it looks radically different from other digital SLRs, the Olympus E-300 is an excellent photographic tool with comfortable handling, nice controls and superb built quality. It provides you with comprehensive image info at all times through the convenient LCD monitor on the back, which remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight. It possesses a unique supersonic wave filter to solve the problem of dust settling on the image sensor, one of the common problems of DSLRs with exposed CCDs.'

PC Mag reviews the Olympus E-300 and writes - 'A good affordable choice for serious amateurs who want high-resolution images, lots of control, and access to a growing assortment of Four Thirds lenses. But be prepared for slightly slower-than-average performance and darker through-the-lens viewing than with other D-SLRs we've seen.

Evolt's porroflex optical viewing system isn't as bright as a traditional pentaprism. AF Assist consists of annoying preflashes rather than a separate light. Image quality, while good, should be better for an 8MP camera. USB 1.1 is too slow for the large images that the Evolt creates.'

CNET Reviews has a review of the Olympus Evolt E-300 and writes - 'The uniquely styled 8-megapixel Evolt E-300 from Olympus enters the expanding field of entry-level, sub-$1,000 digital SLR (dSLR) cameras. As with the more pro-oriented Olympus E-1, the E-300 conforms to the Four-Thirds standard for interchangeable-lens dSLRs, which in theory guarantees interoperability between cameras and lenses from any manufacturer that adopts it in the future. With the E-300 kit, Olympus starts you out with a 14mm-to-45mm, f/3.5-to-f/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-to-90mm in 35mm-equivalent terms), and the camera offers a satisfactory feature set, crisp performance, and good build quality for the price.'

Photographic reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-300 DSLR and writes - 'The EVOLT is very easy to learn and use for a digital SLR. Many settings can be made merely by pressing the appropriate button and rotating the control dial until the desired icon appears on the LCD monitor, rather than having to scroll through LCD monitor menus using up/down and left/right arrow keys. While the buttons are on the smallish side, we were able to operate them all while wearing leather gloves during cold-morning outings at a local wildlife area.

AF performance was excellent in good light, but poor in dim light (the camera flat wouldn�t autofocus in pre-dawn light when other digital SLRs we tested recently did). With only the center AF area active, the AF system handled tricky birds-in-flight shots as well as any under-$2000 digital SLR we�ve used.'

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Olympus E-300 and writes - 'The Olympus E-300 achieves the difficult feat of offering a wealth of features, great ease of use and good image quality at a price point that would have been difficult to believe only a couple of years ago. �600 / $900 / �800 for an 8 megapixel digital SLR with a fairly reasonable standard zoom lens is a real bargain, being more capable than the Canon EOS 300D and cheaper than the Nikon D70, Pentax *ist DS and the new Canon EOS 350D. The Olympus E-300 is also an attractive proposition for anyone who is currently looking at a high-end prosumer compact digicam, and may tempt even more people to join the DSLR revolution that seems to be happening right now. '

Macworld reviews the Olympus Evolt E-300 and writes - 'The Olympus Evolt E-300 is a very good camera. It�s well-built and yields excellent images. However, you�ll get better high-ISO image quality from Canon and Nikon cameras (as well as better JPEG shooting) and a better lens selection from just about any other camera manufacturer.'

Pocket Lint reviews the Olympus E-300 and writes - 'The metering issue notwithstanding, image quality is very good, the kit lens is neat and lightweight and the camera packs in so much kit (+/-5 steps of exposure compensation is a very good example) it opens up rich tapestry of photography for those moving from compact digital cameras or over from film. '

Shutterbug has a review of the Olympus? E-300 EVOLT and writes - 'The Olympus E-300 EVOLT may not be the prettiest camera in the world, but it�s compact, convenient to use, quite fast, and reliable in most circumstances. In my estimation, it should appeal to first-time SLR buyers who appreciate its many Program modes. But this well-equipped model is even more suitable for the experienced digital photographer who does not already own autofocus lenses of some other brand. At a street price of $995, including the 14-45mm zoom, it�s definitely a bargain, especially when compared to the $1299 street price of the 5-megapixel E-1 kit.'

Photoxels reviews the Olympus EVOLT E-300 and writes - 'The Olympus EVOLT E-300 will appeal to two groups of photographers: the professional photographer looking for a backup digital SLR, and the advanced amateur photographer ready to graduate to a digital SLR offering full control and exposure flexibility. The Olympus EVOLT E-300 has full exposure flexibility and provides a degree of fine control in its settings that professional photographers will appreciate. Or, just set it to Programmed Auto (or one of the 14 Scene Modes), and first-time dSLR users can shoot away and still obtain great results.'

Digital Camera Info review the Olympus EVOLT E-300 and write - "While there are significant design flaws and performance issues painfully apparent on the E-300, there is still a lot to value in a sub-$900 Digital SLR. Foremost, the EVOLT E-300 is an inexpensive 8 megapixel camera with a solid build and durable casing. Additionally, Olympus has worked hard to create an impressive range of lenses and other accessories for it, and more than one manufacturer has also committed to making compatible lenses and camera bodies for the system. The E-300 also offers dust-removal technology that�s moderately effective, while its competitors don�t approach the issue in the same manor."

Digital Reviews has posted their review of the Olympus E-300 Evolt DSLR where they write - 'The two weeks with the Evolt was not enough for an in-depth review but enough to realize that Olympus has a winner in the E-300. If they had a lens that covered the 28-200mm range it would absolutely be the camera of choice for my aerial photography work. This is just a personal requirement though and most folks would be happy to change lenses on occasion. The 8MP resolution gives brilliant enlargements and the price of US$1000 seems to be just right for what’s offered: a camera that does not disappoint the discerning pro.'

Compare prices on the Olympus Evolt E-300 and get the latest Price on the the E-300 at Amazon

Sep 27: Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software

Ulead Press Release
Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software
TORRANCE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 PhotoImpact 10 Brings Image Editing Software up to the Level of Today's Digital Cameras with Novice-Friendly Professional Quality Tools

Ulead Systems, Inc., a 15-year, industry-leader in digital media software development, announces Ulead(R) PhotoImpact(R) 10, the newest version of PhotoImpact, Ulead's flagship PC image editing software. PhotoImpact 10 continues to be the most comprehensive software product under $100 for digital photography, graphic design and Web graphic/page creation. This latest version offers new tools and layouts to make it easier for novices and casual users to navigate the rich feature set within PhotoImpact, while still providing imaging aficionados with sophisticated creative design tools and effects for professional results. Over the years PhotoImpact has garnered notable reviews and awards in a variety of publications including BusinessWeek, CNET, Entrepreneur, PCPhoto, and Technology & Learning.

“Ulead always takes tremendous pride in the sophistication and power of the features we include in our new releases,” says Lewis Liaw, president of Ulead Systems, North America. “We love to deliver plenty of get-up-and-go under the hood. What's special about PhotoImpact 10 is that we have made equal or even greater strides in making the product easier and more intuitive to use. Digital cameras today are capable of producing images only pros could have just last year. We are very excited to be able to deliver software that lets hobbyists, casual and business users take full advantage of their cameras and achieve professional quality results without having to spend a lot of time or learn complex software.”

Novice-Friendly Tools and Layouts

For beginning and casual users, PhotoImpact 10 now provides a welcome screen to give quick access to key tasks such as scanning, getting photos from a digital camera, browsing an image collection or making photo corrections. A new, novice-friendly Basic Mode dramatically simplifies the program interface with larger, easily recognizable icons and just the right mix of tools to repair and enhance digital photos.

PhotoImpact 10's revamped menu system presents commands in easier to understand categories to make navigating the program more intuitive. Innovative tool panel management with dockable and groupable panels enables users to manage screen real estate effectively for more efficient workflow. Users can now access Ulead's powerful Digital Camera Wizard directly from within the PhotoImpact image editor. A significantly more robust Browse Manager makes browsing photos and processing groups of images faster and more convenient.

Advanced Creative Design Tools

For more advanced users, PhotoImpact 10 now offers new creative design tools such as an enhanced Lasso tool and an Object Extraction Wizard for precise selection of complex objects against low contrast backgrounds. At the same time, a powerful new Touch up tool lets users easily remove undesirable image details, while a new live Histogram Panel displays updated tone distribution information for photos as they are edited.

The enhanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) Engine is unique to PhotoImpact and allows even casual photographers to explore this exciting but previously complex frontier in imaging. By combining bracketed exposures of the same scene, users can extend the perceivable range of light in an image to achieve a level of realism well beyond the capability of traditional photography. The enhanced HDR feature now lets users create photos under a wider range of conditions by painting out unwanted elements from individual photos such as people walking through the scene, moving cars or wind effects.

PhotoImpact 10 also offers a host of new painting and artistic effects including halftone, etching, engraving and contour drawing. Split View, a remarkable new preview mode, lets users interact with effect previews to make finding the right settings significantly easier.

Pricing and Availability

The box and electronic download of PhotoImpact 10 are currently available at http://www.ulead.com for $89.99. Registered PhotoImpact users can upgrade for $49.99.

About PhotoImpact 10

PhotoImpact 10 is a complete image editing suite that lets users enhance digital photos, create stunning graphics and produce high-impact Web pages. The software makes it easy to acquire, enhance digital photos and apply professional digital photography filters and effects. There's no need to purchase additional media management software, PhotoImpact 10 includes Photo Explorer 8.5 to organize and manage images with useful new features such as an Easy Access Window to help beginners access popular tasks, album creation to centralize photo, audio and video files, as well as a convenient Calendar View that allows users to browse photos based on the date they were taken.

At the same time, PhotoImpact provides a wide-range of graphic design options such as painting, drawing and cloning tools, as well as particle, texture and lighting effects, and unique tools to create 2D/3D vector graphics. New multiple node editing gives users more control over their vector-based graphic design. Text and vector graphics may also now include borders for greater design flexibility as well as multiple levels of anti-aliasing.

Of equal importance, PhotoImpact 10 delivers a full set of Web tools for creating Web graphics such as buttons, background and banners as well as interactive JavaScript effects, Web slideshows, and animation. The software can even output completely functional Web pages. To complement the software's Web tools, PhotoImpact 10 comes with GIF Animator 5 for creating Web animation and COOL 360 for generating wide angle and 360 degree panoramas. An extensive ten chapter video tutorial, project lessons and a digital photography handbook complete this product suite.

About Ulead Systems

Ulead Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of innovative video, imaging and graphics software for desktop, server, mobile and Internet platforms. As more people use digital technologies at home, school and the workplace, Ulead software empowers users of all levels with the tools to easily and affordably personalize, manage and share digital content. For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead's Web site at http://www.ulead.com or call 800-85-ULEAD (800-858-5323).

Sep 27: Olympus FL-36 Flash

Olympus Press Release
COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT OLYMPUS FL-36 FLASH IS DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE AND PORTABILITY

Latest Electronic Flash Rounds Out “Designed For Digital” Product Offerings and Provides Impressive and Cost-Effective Performance

Melville, New York, Sept 27, 2004 – Olympus America Inc. today introduced the FL-36 Electronic Flash, an external flash unit that joins the existing members of the Olympus electronic flash family. Designed specifically for use with digital cameras, the FL-36 rounds out the comprehensive lineup of “designed for digital” accessories for the E-System Digital SLR cameras and other prosumer models from Olympus. The FL-36 flash offers the robust and full-featured functionality of the larger FL-50 combined with cost effectiveness.

“The FL-36 provides photographers with an additional option from the existing suite of electronic flashes Olympus offers for our E-System Digital SLR cameras and prosumer models like the C-8080 Wide Zoom and C-5060,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Olympus America. “As a result of its completely digital framework, the FL-36 achieves a higher level of exposure accuracy than flash units designed for film based cameras.”

The FL-36 Electronic Flash is specifically designed for digital with an accurate 1/8 step illumination control to provide the precision required by digital cameras, while minimizing illumination reduction. The built-in wide-angle diffuser panel will allow the flash to provide even illumination with wide angle lenses like the new Zuiko Digital 14mm-45mm zoom. The inclusion of a lockable bounce and swivel mechanism offers a variety of bounce photography options including left-right, as well as top-bottom in addition to a compact zoom head to accommodate lenses from wide angle to telephoto.

The FL-36 also features a newly designed energy circuit that improves recharge rates and enables the flash to operate on just two AA batteries or one CR-3 Volt lithium. In addition, the FL-36 incorporates an ultra-precision mounting technology communicating with the E-1 and new EVOLT E-300 for control. The FL-36 is compact, lightweight and extremely portable, and is approximately 25% shorter and 35% lighter than the larger FL-50 flash, a significant space and weight savings.

Availability: The FL-36 External Flash will be available in November 2004.

Sep 27: Kodak Delivers on Digital Strategy at Photokina 2004

Kodak Press ReleaseKodak Delivers on Digital Strategy at Photokina 2004
COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 World's Picture Leader Unveils a Broad Array of Innovative Partnerships and Products That Enable Anytime, Anywhere Picture Sharing

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK), continuing to execute its digitally oriented growth strategy, today announced a broad array of innovative partnerships, products and services that will transform the way people share their lives through pictures -- anytime, anywhere.

Kodak is presenting at Photokina 2004 (Hall 4) a complete digital imaging system that connects picture taking with storing, organizing, sharing and printing. The innovations include an agreement with many of the world's leading digital camera manufacturers, who will design future cameras that fit onto KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Docks. This unprecedented partnership will give more consumers the ability to enjoy prints from the world's fastest-growing seller of snapshot photo printers.

Other Kodak highlights to be found at Photokina, the world's largest imaging fair, include photo-printing enhancements, new digital cameras, wireless printers for the home and at retail, as well as partnerships to improve image quality on digital cameras and other photo capture devices.

"Kodak is committed to providing products and services that allow customers to more easily share their lives through photography, and to providing our retail partners with new ways to increase their business," said Daniel A. Carp, Kodak's chairman and chief executive officer. "The products and partnerships we are introducing at Photokina are another demonstration of Kodak's innovation and strong commitment to extending its leadership into the digital century."

Simplifying At-Home Picture Printing

Building upon the global success of KODAK EASYSHARE printer docks, Kodak -- along with a group of other major consumer digital camera manufacturers -- announced a new specification designed to simplify at-home picture printing. Millions of consumer digital cameras from Kodak, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Ricoh, and Sanyo will use the IMAGELINK print system to provide effortless, one-touch printing from KODAK EASYSHARE printer docks.

Using the IMAGELINK print system, people will be able to dock their cameras and then press a single button to make snapshot-sized (4x6-inch, or 3.5 x 5-inch) pictures in as little as 60 seconds. The first cameras and printer docks supporting the IMAGELINK print system -- all of which will incorporate a new, small 26-pin connector -- are expected to be available worldwide beginning in the first quarter of 2005.

Anytime, Anywhere Photo Printing Solutions

Kodak is offering a complete range of new and enhanced products and services that provide new image sharing and printing experiences to the increasing number of camera phone owners. At home, on the street, at work, at retail or on holidays anywhere around the world, camera phone owners can instantly and wirelessly give and get access to their images by choosing the most appropriate Kodak solution.

At home, the new KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus quickly and effortlessly makes real KODAK 4x6-inch pictures from nearly any digital source at just the touch of a button, in as little as 60 seconds each. People can wirelessly transmit pictures from their camera phones to the Printer Dock Plus, which also prints directly from digital cameras and memory cards - all without the need for a computer. Thanks to KODAK Color Science technology, the Printer Dock Plus delivers pictures with vibrant, accurate colors--including hard-to-reproduce skin tones. In addition, a new auto enhance button instantly corrects for underexposed (dark) shots, a common occurrence in low-light situations with phone cams and when using digital cameras beyond their flash ranges.

Outside their home, camera phone users can easily enjoy instant printing at retail locations throughout the world with the new KODAK Picture Maker G3 kiosks. Through KODAK Mobile Service (http://www.kodakmobile.com) Kodak offers camera phone users anytime, anywhere access to all their digital photos and phone-captured video.

Improving Image Quality

A critical component in any digital imaging device, the image sensor acts as the "eye" of a digital camera by converting light into electric charges to begin the capture process. Kodak and IBM recently announced a multi-year agreement that will leverage Kodak's broad portfolio of image sensor technology and IBM's leading-edge complementary metal oxide sensor (CMOS) processing expertise to allow Kodak to commercialize a new family of CMOS image sensor (CIS) devices. This powerful combination, another milestone in Kodak's effort to accelerate the growth of its digital business, will enable Kodak to supply sensors that offer higher performance, improved image quality and more innovative features than current CIS devices.

Professional Quality Output

Kodak introduced two new output options for professional and advanced amateur photographers to produce high-quality pictures at home and through a professional lab.

The new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer is an affordable system for professional and advanced amateur photographers that delivers outstanding quality and durability of KODAK prints immediately at home, in studio or on location. Part of the venerable family of KODAK PROFESSIONAL thermal printers, the new Kodak printer features 90-second print time, gloss and matte finish output capabilities and carries a suggested list price of $499 U.S.

To help photographers and professional labs worldwide reach the highest print quality possible, Kodak and Durst Phototechnik AG announced an agreement to work more closely in the field of photographic output devices and media.

New Kodak EasyShare Digital Cameras

In addition to the EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus, Kodak presented several other products, including extensions of the popular EASYSHARE digital camera line with the new DX7590 (10X optical zoom, 5 megapixels) camera.

Continued Commitment to Traditional Photography

Kodak also underscored its commitment to traditional photography with the introduction of new 35 mm cameras designed for emerging markets and improved professional films for the advanced amateur market.

The new KODAK EC100 35 and KODAK EC300 35 cameras provide the millions of people in emerging markets with an easy, affordable entry into traditional photography. At the same time, Kodak is also introducing a stylish and affordable range of CAMEO 35 mm cameras. CAMEO cameras are sophisticated, sleek and include Kodak's unique flip flash that efficiently reduces red-eye by separating the flash from the lens.

Kodak also introduced an improved line of KODAK PROFESSIONAL ELITE Color Films for the advanced amateur market. The ELITE Color films, now available in 200 and 400-speeds, offer vibrant color saturation and exceptional skin tones, making them the ideal choice for a range of applications including landscape, nature, wildlife and family/lifestyle.

"Our products and services demonstrate that Kodak has a strategic, comprehensive plan to continue to support traditional photographers and to lead consumers and retailers into the exciting world of digital imaging so people can enjoy photography anytime, anywhere," Carp said.

About Eastman Kodak Company and infoimaging

Kodak is the leader in helping people take, share, print and view images -- for memories, for information, for entertainment. The company is a major participant in infoimaging, a $385 billion industry composed of devices (digital cameras and flat-panel displays), infrastructure (online networks and delivery systems for images) and services & media (software, film and paper enabling people to access, analyze and print images). With sales of $13.3 billion in 2003, the company comprises several businesses: Health, supplying the healthcare industry with traditional and digital image capture and output products and services; Graphic Communications Group, offering on-demand color printing and networking publishing systems consisting of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Encad, Inc., NexPress Solutions, and Kodak Versamark; Commercial Imaging, offering image capture, output and storage products and services to businesses and government; Display & Components, which designs and manufactures state-of-the-art organic light-emitting diode displays as well as other specialty materials, and delivers imaging sensors to original equipment manufacturers; and Digital & Film Imaging Systems, providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services. For more information visit: http://www.kodak.com.

Kodak, Kodak Professional, ImageLink, EasyShare, Elite and Cameo are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

Sep 27: Renesas releases World's Fastest 4-Gigabit AG-AND Type Flash Memory

Renesas Technology Releases World's Fastest 4-Gigabit AG-AND Type Flash Memory for Multimedia Products That Require Large Storage Capacity and Fast Recording Speeds
SAN JOSE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Renesas Technology America, Inc. (NYSE:HIT)--

-- The device -- the first Renesas Technology chip built with a 90-nanometer process -- attains a programming speed of 10 Megabytes/second, fast enough to record a 2-hour movie in about two minutes using MPEG-4 coding.

Renesas Technology America, Inc. today announced two 4-Gigabit (4Gbit) AG-AND type flash memories that deliver the world's fastest programming speed: 10 Megabytes/sec. The R1FV04G13R (512Mbit x 8-bit) and R1FV04G14R (256Mbit x 16-bit) devices enable users to record large volumes of data faster, including movies, moving pictures and similar multimedia content, as well as computer data files. For example, in approximately two minutes, one of these flash chips can store an entire two-hour movie, formatted using MPEG-4 coding.

Renesas Technology expects that the devices' capacity and speed will prove invaluable for large-capacity storage media for familiar high-end digital still cameras and silicon movie devices. Beyond those applications, the new memory devices will greatly expand the range of products that employ flash memory as a storage medium. They will make it possible to use mobile terminals and digital home appliances for activities and applications that previously had to be performed on systems such as PCs. For mobile terminals, for instance, they make storage capacities of several Gigabytes conveniently accessible via a high-speed interface such as USB2.0 to products such as silicon audio recorders/players.

“These new 4-Gbit flash memory ICs showcase the substantial benefits of our advanced design and process capabilities,” said Sudeep Sharma, vice president, geographic account business unit at Renesas Technology America, Inc. “They're the first chips to use our 90nm fabrication process. That process, combined with an improved AG-AND flash memory cell that uses assist gates (AGs) to prevent inter-cell interference, results in the world's smallest die size among currently commercially developed 4-Gbit flash memory devices. Compared to our 1-Gbit flash memory device, the total chip area of the new 4-Gbit flash chips is nearly two-thirds smaller on a per-Gbit basis. That's a significant achievement.”

Meeting market needs for higher flash capacities, faster speeds

High-density flash memory is beginning to permeate our lives as a bridge to digital storage medium, especially in mobile applications, and the new 4Gbit flash chips are ideal for flash cards and the USB storage devices. They will enable next-generation flash-based products that can store large multimedia files and have the higher programming speeds necessary for handling data downloads. One chip can accommodate about 160 minutes of MPEG-4 moving picture data, approximately 130 tracks of MP3 music data, or nearly 500 4-Megapixel digital camera photographs.

Besides fast speed and high capacity, the 4Gbit flash memory devices have several other features that aid system designers. A power-on read function allows up to 2Kbytes of data to be read when the system is powered on, just by controlling two pins: /CE and /RE. This eliminates the need for the CPU to generate a command or address input. They include a cache programming function for the next 2Kbytes of data, a maximum of two times (4Kbytes), while the device is being programmed. This makes it easier for the system to allocate bus operation to another task. Another built-in function performs a one-time input of up to the next 2Kbytes of data while the device is being erased. Also, the R1FV04G13R and R1FV04G14R devices are compatible with NAND-type flash memory at the command levels. Thus, they can be used in systems currently employing NAND-type flash memory, with minimum software modification.

Sep 27: Kodak Professional 1400 Digital Photo Printer

Lets Go Digital have just posted about the release of a new digital photo printer from Kodak - the Kodak Professional 1400.

The Kodak Professional 1400 features:
'• 90 seconds per print
• Gloss and matte finish output available for professional portrait applications
• 50-sheet paper capacity in / out
• Accepts A4, 22 x 36 cm and 22 x 30 cm paper sizes (full size A4)
• Maximum Image size - 21 x 30 cm
• USB 2.0 interfaces
• APPLE and WINDOWS printer drivers'

Sep 27: Konica Minolta, Fuji and Kodak form Picture ARchiving and Sharing Standard - PASS

Press Release
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and Eastman Kodak Company, Form Picture Archiving and Sharing Standard (PASS) Group

Defines Picture and Video Storage Parameters to Optimize Future Consumer Use; Input Sought on Version 1.0 Specification

COLOGNE, Germany, September 27 — Konica Minolta Photo Imaging Inc. Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., and Eastman Kodak Company, today announced an agreement to jointly develop a set of open storage standards for the consumer imaging and electronics industries, aimed at the preservation of digital photos and motion images on CDs, DVDs or other media. As information storage technologies advance, the Picture Archiving and Sharing Standard (PASS) group’s intention is to enable digital file compatibility with future playback devices, preserving the satisfying ‘photo experience’ that consumers have enjoyed for decades.

  The group intends that the new standard will:
- Define the requirements of digital media authoring/archival, playback, and print enablement for a new generation of products and services;
- Provide interoperability for pictures, motion images, audio and related content among such future systems;
- And utilize and unify multiple existing standards, to better meet the consumers desire to easily store, organize, print and share for generations to come.

Konica Minolta, Fujifilm, and Kodak have previously worked together on standards to make traditional photofinishing ubiquitous. In much the same way that today's consumer can get nearly any brand of film processed at any location, the PASS group wants to ensure that digital images can be retrieved from any digital device or storage medium.

“The standard created by the PASS group will not only satisfy consumers by simplifying picture and video experiences through device interoperability, but will also benefit the entire digital imaging industry. ” stated Tsuyoshi Miyachi, President and Chief Executive Officer Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc.

“For instance, retail photofinishers and consumer electronics companies, such as manufacturers of DVD players, will be able to utilize the standard for expanded business opportunities. ”

“We’re looking at this from a consumer’s perspective,” stated Hisatoyo Kato, Director, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Business Development Division, Fuji Photo Film Co, Ltd. “People need to be confident that their pictures and videos will be readily available to enjoy and share in future decades. With all the different devices and systems that touch those digital files, and with the speed of technological change, creating a standard focused on such future interoperability is critical.”

“It’s really quite simple — we want to make it easy for people to enjoy their pictures not only today, but also in the future,” said Ben Gibson, chief technical officer, Digital & Film Imaging Systems, Eastman Kodak Company. “With the incredible growth of consumer digital photography; the intersection of the imaging, consumer electronics and computer industries; and myriad existing specifications, a more clear-cut storage standards pathway is needed to ensure long-term customer satisfaction.”

The companies encourage industry input, and currently developing a formal process to solicit feedback from interested parties. Version 1.0 of the specification and the software development kit are expected to be available early next year. For additional information, contact Yutaka Ueda of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging,Inc.(ytk.kmpi@konicaminolta.jp), Tatsuo Heki of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (thfpf@tokyo.fujifilm.co.jp), Mike Graham of Eastman Kodak Company (michael.graham@kodak.com).

Sep 27: Lexar Revolutionizes Professional Digital Photography Workflow with New ActiveMemory System

Lexar Press ReleaseLexar Revolutionizes Professional Digital Photography Workflow with New ActiveMemory System
COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today at Photokina (Hall 1.2, Booth-058) introduced the ActiveMemory(TM) System, a technology designed to optimize digital photography workflow to achieve enhanced productivity in and out of the photo studio. The first products to support the ActiveMemory System are certain Professional CompactFlash(TM) cards, new Lexar Professional FireWire and USB 2.0 card readers, and Photo Mechanic(TM) 4.5 professional image browsing software.

At the center of the ActiveMemory System are ActiveMemory-enabled Professional CompactFlash cards that can store user preferences and host device settings in a protected area on the card. These settings can only be modified by the host application that created them and can be used to auto-configure multiple ActiveMemory-enabled products within the system. These settings are preserved even when the card is formatted or other data files on the card are deleted, because the ActiveMemory data is stored outside the standard DOS file structure on the card.

“Imagine a card that contains its owner's name and image preferences,” said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. “Images downloaded from the card can be automatically appended with the photographer's copyright information, search keywords and caption information. In the future, photographers can also have confidence knowing that the camera is configured the way they expect, because their preferred settings are automatically loaded when the card is inserted in an ActiveMemory-enabled camera.”

While many cameras and software applications already allow users to save favorite settings, storing this information on a memory card is unique because it allows for the immediate transfer of established information and improves multi-user or multi-device working environments.

ActiveMemory Software Applications

Photo Mechanic 4.5, an upcoming version of Photo Mechanic professional image browsing software, will feature ActiveMemory technology that allows users to store download preferences and IPTC captioning, including copyright information and database keywords. When an ActiveMemory-enabled card is inserted in the new Lexar Professional CompactFlash reader, Photo Mechanic automatically launches and begins to download the images on the card. During the download process the IPTC information is automatically appended to each image.

ActiveMemory will enable photographers to change the sequence of traditional workflow by eliminating redundant and repetitive manual tasks like captioning, adding search keywords and copyright information from the post-processing stage.

ActiveMemory Camera Applications

Digital cameras can also use the ActiveMemory technology to store user preferences and other camera-specific set-up parameters, such as CSM settings, on the card. This information can be used to quickly configure a camera to a known and trusted state, or for specific shooting conditions.

Today's professional digital SLR cameras are feature-rich with multiple pages of menu and set-up options. While this provides professionals with maximum flexibility, it can also increase the possibility for user error. This is particularly true when cameras are shared among multiple photographers or with rental equipment. Users of ActiveMemory-enabled cameras will be able to plug in the card and be confident that the camera is ready to go the way they expect it.

“For professional photographers, there is nothing worse than losing a shot,” said Kevin Gilbert, professional photojournalist and president of Blue Pixel. “But it is even more frustrating when it could have been avoided because the photographer or his editor was unaware that critical settings were changed on the camera. ActiveMemory-enabled cameras will give all photographers peace of mind, knowing that their preferred settings are stored on their cards and established on their camera. It will help us so much in the field.”

The Future of ActiveMemory

ActiveMemory technology will have other applications beyond professional digital photography. Any software or host application that uses flash memory and can benefit from automating or configuring tasks, based on reading software settings or user preferences that reside in a protected area on a memory card, could benefit from this technology.

ActiveMemory-enabled CompactFlash cards, card readers and Photo Mechanic 4.5, will be available in Q4 2004. For more information, specifications and a white paper, please visit http://www.lexar.com/activememory.

About Lexar Media, Inc.

Lexar is a leading marketer and manufacturer of flash memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers and ATA controller technology for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial and communications markets. The company holds over 76 issued or allowed controller and system patents, and licenses its technology to companies including Olympus, Samsung Electronics, SanDisk Corporation and Sony. For more information, please call 1-800-789-9418 or visit http://www.lexar.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements related to the benefits of and consumer demand for Lexar Media's products and the growth opportunities available to Lexar Media. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include that the growth and success of our business depends on our ability to achieve and maintain technology leadership, and sell and market products that are commercially accepted. Readers should also refer to the risk factors described in our filings with the SEC, including our most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update the information in this release.

Lexar and the Lexar logo are trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. Lexar Media, Inc. is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash trademark. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Sep 27: Lexar's Multi-Card Readers Enhanced to Include Newest Digital Media Card Formats

Lexar Press Release
Lexar's Multi-Card Readers Enhanced to Include Newest Digital Media Card Formats
COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Consumers Can Capitalize on Wide Compatibility That Now Includes Consumer-Friendly Reduced-Size MMC, Mini Secure Digital and Memory Stick Duo

Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today at Photokina (Hall 1.2, B-058), announced the expanding compatibility of its line of USB 2.0 multi-card readers to include Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), Mini Secure Digital (miniSD) and Memory Stick Duo flash memory card formats to address the demand of consumers looking for readers compatible with the widest range of media cards. By adding a new multi-card reader to its line, and updating its single slot card reader, Lexar delivers valuable functionality to consumers who store important images, music and other data on a variety of media card formats.

Sep 27: Adobe Unifies Raw Photo Formats with Introduction of Digital Negative Specification

Adobe Press Release
Adobe Unifies Raw Photo Formats with Introduction of Digital Negative Specification
SAN JOSE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Free Converter Tool Kick Starts New Digital Negative File Format by Translating Raw Formats into Easy-to-Use, Archive-Ready Files

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the Digital Negative Specification, a new unified public format for raw digital camera files. The company also launched a free software tool, Adobe DNG Converter, which translates many of today's popular raw photo formats into the new .DNG file format, compliant with the Digital Negative Specification.

Adobe Press Release continued below...

==================================

Luminous Landscapes has a good article on the Adobe Digital Negative Converter (announced below by Adobe in press release following).

Phototalk has a good introduction to the new .DNG format

=========================

Raw files, which contain the original information captured by a camera sensor prior to any in-camera processing, have become popular due to their promise of greater flexibility and image quality. Until today there has been no standard format for these files, which vary between manufacturers and individual cameras. The Digital Negative Specification solves this problem by introducing a single format that can store information from a diverse range of cameras. Technology leaders, major customers, and professional photographers today also endorsed the new specification (see separate quote sheet).

“Professional photographers and other creative professionals are moving to raw camera workflows because of the outstanding creative control they get over digital images,” said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video products at Adobe. “However, clients and publishers have difficulty working with disparate raw file formats and nobody can be sure that today's raw formats will be supported ten years from now. Adobe customers asked us to work on a unified, public format for raw files and that's what we've delivered with the new Digital Negative Specification.”

Serious photographers want to store raw files in long-term image archives, because -- unlike standard JPEG's and TIFF's -- these files represent the pure, unaltered capture. Current raw formats are unsuitable for archiving because they are generally undocumented and tied to specific camera models, introducing the risk that the format will not be supported over time. The unified and publicly documented Digital Negative Specification ensures that digital photographs can be preserved in original form for future generations. The new .DNG file format also simplifies digital imaging workflows for creative professionals who today have to juggle multiple file formats as they bring raw images, from different cameras, into print and cross-media publishing projects.

New Specification Built on Existing Standards

The Digital Negative Specification is based on the TIFF EP format, an accepted standard, and already the basis of many proprietary raw formats. The power of .DNG format lies in a set of metadata that must be included in the file to describe key details about the camera and settings. .DNG-compliant software and hardware can adapt on the fly to handle new cameras as they are introduced. The new file format unifies conflicting raw formats, enabling the preservation of a pristine version of the original raw image and the metadata associated with it. .DNG is also flexible enough to allow camera manufacturers to continue to add their own “private” metadata fields.

The Digital Negative Specification is being posted to the Adobe Web site free of any legal restrictions or royalties, enabling integration of the .DNG file format into digital cameras, printers, and software products. By adopting .DNG, camera manufacturers eliminate the need to develop new formats, simplify product testing and ensure new cameras have a raw format immediately compatible with tools such as Adobe Photoshop CS and Adobe Creative Suite. The .DNG format is immediately supported in Adobe Photoshop CS as part of an updated Camera Raw Plug-in, also introduced today (see separate release). Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 also supports .DNG files.

DNG Converter Available Today

Kick-starting the adoption of .DNG, Adobe DNG Converter is available today as a free download at: http://www.adobe.com/dng. This translates raw formats from more than 65 cameras, including recent models such as Canon PowerShot S60, Epson RD-1, Fujifilm FinePix S20 Pro, and Nikon Coolpix 5400, into the new .DNG file format.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe helps people and businesses communicate better through its world-leading digital imaging, design and document technology platforms for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises. Adobe's revenue in its last fiscal year exceeded $1.2 billion. For more information about Adobe, http://www.adobe.com.

(C) 2004 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sep 27: Adobe Photoshop Services Introduced

Adobe Press Release
Adobe Photoshop Services Introduced; Integrates Ofoto Picture Sharing and Printing in Consumer Software Products

SAN JOSE, Calif. & COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Tight Integration With Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 Provides Simple Way to Share Pictures and Order Prints and Specialty Photo Products

Two of the world's leading imaging companies, Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) and Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Services provided by Ofoto, Inc. -- Kodak's online photo service subsidiary. Adobe Photoshop Services are now integrated into Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 software for Windows(R) and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 software for Windows -- bringing consumers high-quality KODAK prints, online sharing and photo merchandise directly from the software.

With Adobe Photoshop Services people can save time by placing online orders with Ofoto from within their image editing and organization applications, with just a few clicks. Customers also can create beautiful professionally bound, archival-quality Photo Books within Photoshop Elements 3.0 and Photoshop Album 2.0, and then send the entire project to Ofoto to be printed and delivered to their door, or sent as a gift directly to friends and family.

Announced earlier this month and available this fall, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows is a milestone upgrade to the No.1 best selling image editing software* for consumers worldwide. Available immediately, Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 is Adobe's award-winning software product for snap-shooters who want a fast and easy way to share a lifetime of photos. Current Photoshop Album 2.0 customers will be automatically upgraded to Adobe Photoshop Services via an online software update available in October in the U.S.

“We are thrilled about this alliance with Adobe given its leadership in imaging software and its recognition among photo hobbyists,” said Lisa Gansky, general manager, Digital Imaging Services, Eastman Kodak Company. “The elegant integration of Ofoto into the Photoshop family of products makes it even easier for millions of Adobe's customers to effortlessly experience Kodak's outstanding products and services, share their favorite photos, order KODAK prints and make beautiful photo gifts.”

“We chose Ofoto because we wanted our Photoshop Elements and Photoshop Album customers to have access to world-class online print services that do justice to their most precious pictures,” said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video products at Adobe. “Adobe Photoshop is the trusted software brand for millions of digital photographers worldwide and by partnering with Kodak and Ofoto we are certain that reputation will now extend to our new online services business, Adobe Photoshop Services.”

Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Services will be available first in the U.S. in mid-October from within Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows and Photoshop Album 2.0, followed by services delivered in Europe by the end of 2004. Customers can purchase high-quality prints at low prices: 4x6 prints for US$0.29, 5x7 prints for US$0.99 and 8x10 prints for US$3.99. Poster size and wallet sheet prints are also available. Professionally bound photo books make great affordable keepsakes and holiday gifts starting at US$29.99.

Shipping in October, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows XP (Home, Professional with Service Pack 1 or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4) has an estimated street price of US$99.99 and is available for pre-order today at http://www.adobe.com and http://www.amazon.com.

About Eastman Kodak Company and infoimaging

Kodak is the leader in helping people take, share, print and view images -- for memories, for information, for entertainment. The company is a major participant in infoimaging, a $385 billion industry composed of devices (digital cameras and flat-panel displays), infrastructure (online networks and delivery systems for images) and services & media (software, film and paper enabling people to access, analyze and print images). With sales of $13.3 billion in 2003, the company comprises several businesses: Health, supplying the healthcare industry with traditional and digital image capture and output products and services; Graphic Communications Group, offering on-demand color printing and networking publishing systems consisting of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Encad, Inc., NexPress Solutions, and Kodak Versamark; Commercial Imaging, offering image capture, output and storage products and services to businesses and government; Display & Components, which designs and manufactures state-of-the-art organic light-emitting diode displays as well as other specialty materials, and delivers imaging sensors to original equipment manufacturers; and Digital & Film Imaging Systems, providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe helps people and businesses communicate better through its world-leading digital imaging, design and document technology platforms for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises. Adobe's revenue in its last fiscal year exceeded $1.2 billion. For more information about Adobe, visit http://www.adobe.com.

* Source: The NPD Group/NPD Techworld, September 2003 - May 2004

(C) 2004 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Kodak is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sep 27: Prevtec DV6430

Prevtec Press Release
Pretec DV6403: World's Lightest 4mp MPEG4 Digital Camcorder
COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Pretec Electronics Corp. (Hall 14.1, Booth #C-046), the leading digital imaging and memory card provider, demonstrates DV6403, a new generation of VGA MPEG4 digital camcorder with 4 mega pixel digital still camera here at Photokina 2004, Cologne, Germany.

Pretec has been pioneering the world's 1st 2 MegaPixel DSC & MPEG4 tapeless digital camcorder with 30 fps VHS TV quality, available in the market since early 2003; and now further increasing the resolution up to 400% better, making the moving picture quality DVD-like as appeared to the consumer's eyes. Pretec DV6403, a CCD 4 mega-pixel digital still camera and 30fps VGA quality MPEG4 digital camcorder with 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom, weighs only 200 grams, is the world's lightest and most compact high performance digital camcorder in its class. Not only using compressed video format of SP (Simple Profile), DV6403 can also adopt ASP (Advanced Simple Profile), enabling high quality and high-definition video experience to even savvy users.

With bundled or optional Pretec SD/MMC card, users can enjoy more than 2 hours of high quality video. Pretec 1GB SD/MMC is the largest capacity SD/MMC in the market today and with write speed of 18MB/s (rated 120X), Pretec MMC 4.0 card is the fastest flash memory card on earth. Priced at $399, Pretec DV6403 will start delivery by Q4/2004.

About Pretec

Pretec(TM) Electronics Corp. (http://www.pretec.com) is a pioneer of flash memory card and digital imaging products since 1993. Pretec offers a complete spectrum of small form factor memory cards and card readers such as ATA/CF card, IDE & Mini-IDE Flash Drive (MIDE(TM)), SmartMedia(TM), MultiMedia Card(TM), and SD Card for the digital imaging, mobile computing, and Military/Industrial Control markets. Pretec has consistently demonstrated the highest capacity CF cards in the world; such as 80MB, 128MB, 160MB, 320MB, 640MB, 1.5GB, 2GB, 3GB, 6GB and 12GB CF card at various locations around the world for the past six years.

CompactI/O(TM) card invented by Pretec in 1997 makes the expansion of IA devices (DSC, PDA, etc.) beyond storage and extend to communication and multimedia. After years of providing volume digital cameras and services to major OEM partners, Pretec launched the world's 1st "Personal Digital Appliance" DC-530, a multifunction of DSC, USB PC Camera, MP3 Player and Voice Recorder in 1999. The tapeless MPEG4 digital camcorder with VHS TV quality at 30fps from Pretec in 2003 is a revolutionary product in the industry, another world's #1 from Pretec.

-- Note: MIDE(TM), CompactI/O(TM), CompactModem(TM), and CompactLAN(TM) are trademarks of Pretec Electronics Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned herein are recognized as the property of their respective holders.

Sep 27: Lexar's New ActiveMemory System

Lexar Press Release
Lexar Revolutionizes Professional Digital Photography Workflow with New ActiveMemory System
COLOGNE, Germany --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 27, 2004 Lexar Media, Inc. , a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today at Photokina (Hall 1.2, Booth-058) introduced the ActiveMemory(TM) System, a technology designed to optimize digital photography workflow to achieve enhanced productivity in and out of the photo studio. The first products to support the ActiveMemory System are certain Professional CompactFlash(TM) cards, new Lexar Professional FireWire and USB 2.0 card readers, and Photo Mechanic(TM) 4.5 professional image browsing software.

At the center of the ActiveMemory System are ActiveMemory-enabled Professional CompactFlash cards that can store user preferences and host device settings in a protected area on the card. These settings can only be modified by the host application that created them and can be used to auto-configure multiple ActiveMemory-enabled products within the system. These settings are preserved even when the card is formatted or other data files on the card are deleted, because the ActiveMemory data is stored outside the standard DOS file structure on the card.

"Imagine a card that contains its owner's name and image preferences," said John Omvik, director of professional product marketing, Lexar. "Images downloaded from the card can be automatically appended with the photographer's copyright information, search keywords and caption information. In the future, photographers can also have confidence knowing that the camera is configured the way they expect, because their preferred settings are automatically loaded when the card is inserted in an ActiveMemory-enabled camera."

While many cameras and software applications already allow users to save favorite settings, storing this information on a memory card is unique because it allows for the immediate transfer of established information and improves multi-user or multi-device working environments.

ActiveMemory Software Applications

Photo Mechanic 4.5, an upcoming version of Photo Mechanic professional image browsing software, will feature ActiveMemory technology that allows users to store download preferences and IPTC captioning, including copyright information and database keywords. When an ActiveMemory-enabled card is inserted in the new Lexar Professional CompactFlash reader, Photo Mechanic automatically launches and begins to download the images on the card. During the download process the IPTC information is automatically appended to each image.

ActiveMemory will enable photographers to change the sequence of traditional workflow by eliminating redundant and repetitive manual tasks like captioning, adding search keywords and copyright information from the post-processing stage.

ActiveMemory Camera Applications

Digital cameras can also use the ActiveMemory technology to store user preferences and other camera-specific set-up parameters, such as CSM settings, on the card. This information can be used to quickly configure a camera to a known and trusted state, or for specific shooting conditions.

Today's professional digital SLR cameras are feature-rich with multiple pages of menu and set-up options. While this provides professionals with maximum flexibility, it can also increase the possibility for user error. This is particularly true when cameras are shared among multiple photographers or with rental equipment. Users of ActiveMemory-enabled cameras will be able to plug in the card and be confident that the camera is ready to go the way they expect it.

"For professional photographers, there is nothing worse than losing a shot," said Kevin Gilbert, professional photojournalist and president of Blue Pixel. "But it is even more frustrating when it could have been avoided because the photographer or his editor was unaware that critical settings were changed on the camera. ActiveMemory-enabled cameras will give all photographers peace of mind, knowing that their preferred settings are stored on their cards and established on their camera. It will help us so much in the field."

The Future of ActiveMemory

ActiveMemory technology will have other applications beyond professional digital photography. Any software or host application that uses flash memory and can benefit from automating or configuring tasks, based on reading software settings or user preferences that reside in a protected area on a memory card, could benefit from this technology.

ActiveMemory-enabled CompactFlash cards, card readers and Photo Mechanic 4.5, will be available in Q4 2004. For more information, specifications and a white paper, please visit http://www.lexar.com/activememory.

About Lexar Media, Inc.

Lexar is a leading marketer and manufacturer of flash memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers and ATA controller technology for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial and communications markets. The company holds over 76 issued or allowed controller and system patents, and licenses its technology to companies including Olympus, Samsung Electronics, SanDisk Corporation and Sony. For more information, please call 1-800-789-9418 or visit http://www.lexar.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements related to the benefits of and consumer demand for Lexar Media's products and the growth opportunities available to Lexar Media. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include that the growth and success of our business depends on our ability to achieve and maintain technology leadership, and sell and market products that are commercially accepted. Readers should also refer to the risk factors described in our filings with the SEC, including our most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update the information in this release.

Lexar and the Lexar logo are trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. Lexar Media, Inc. is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash trademark. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Sep 27: Fujifilm 1 GByte xD-Picture Card Announced

Fujifilm Press Release
Product Range of Memory Cards expanded: Now also available as MMC Card
1 GByte xD-Picture Card announced

The Fujifilm company product range of memory cards now includes the MMC-card. With capacities from 64 MByte up to 1 GByte the new storage media is especially used in cell phones and PDAs. More and more manufacturers of cell phones like Siemens and Nokia go for the reliable and versatile Multimedia Card. The MM-cards of Fujifilm are fully compatible with these new cell phones.There will be another xD-Picture Card added to this series, too: During the first quarter of 2005 the xD-Picture Card is said to be available with a capacity of 1 GByte. Further memory sizes: 64, 128, 256 and 512 MByte. In addition to the MMC- and xD-Picture Card series Fujifilm offers the following storage media: Compact Flash, Microdrive, Smart Media as well as the SD-Card. All Fujifilm memory cards are trend setters with regard to stability, speed and energy efficiency.

A survey on the product range of memory cards:xD-Picture Card: 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 MByteMMC-Karte: 64, 128, 256, 512 MByte, 1 GByteCompact Flash: 64, 128, 256, 512 MByte, 1 GByte, 2 GByte, 4 GByteMicrodrive: 2, 4 GByteSD-Karte: 64, 128, 256, 512 MByte, 1 GByteSmart Media: 64, 128 MByteD¸sseldorf, September 27th, 2004

For further information contact: www.fujifilm.de/presse.html

Sep 26: Carl Zeiss predicts 10 megapixel camera phones

"Camera lens company Carl Zeiss has partnered with Dialog Semiconductor to built what they claim is the next generation of miniature cameras for mobile phones. Their first joint project is a camera module for phones that measures smaller than a pea, yet, they claim, delivers "a very high image quality". The companies plan to start selling the modules to phone manufacturers soon."

Read more at infoSync World : Carl Zeiss predicts 10 megapixel camera phones

Sep 25: Best Digital Cameras for Real Estate Interior Shots

Photoxels has a good feature on the best digital cameras for Real Estate interior shots. They write:

"Taking interior shots of houses and commercial buildings for real estate purposes poses a number of challenges:

- Most consumer digital cameras have a lens with focal lengths starting at 35mm, which does not cover a wide enough angle to show off an interior properly
- The interior may not be lighted well enough
- These two challenges can be addressed a number of ways:
- Take a number of panoramic shots and later stitch them together
- Add professional studio lights

The above solutions are not very practical for the majority of real estate sales agents and interior designers who need an easier and less time consuming alternative...."

Read more at Best Digital Cameras for Real Estate Interior Shots

Sep 24: Delkin High Capacity CompactFlash Memory Cards

Delkin Press Release
DELKIN LAUNCHES HIGH CAPACITY 2GB & 4 GB PRO MEMORY CARDS

Delkin Devices Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm memory cards and other innovative products for camera stores worldwide, today announced some major new additions to its high-speed eFilm PRO Card line. The new eFilm CompactFlash (CF) PRO Cards for high-end SLR digital cameras.

High-capacities of 2 & 4 Gigabytes now join the existing PRO Card capacities of 128MB, 256MB, 320MB, 512MB & 1GB.

Delkin PRO cards are Delkin's premium series of memory cards designed to quench the professional photographer's thirst for speed. The Delkin eFilm CF PRO Cards are solid-state, and designed to be fast and durable for extensive shooting in the most extreme conditions.

To achieve this standard in quality, Delkin developed an innovative new technology called DQD (patent pending). The eFilm PRO cards are the only product on the market currently with DQD technology. DQD is a design and quality verification process that improves the performance of CF cards and is a Delkin exclusive. Innovative ideas like DQD enable Delkin to offer the best warranty in the business.

All Delkin PRO cards, as well as Delkin's consumer line of Digital Memory Cards, are backed with a lifetime warranty.

With prices on the street expected to be significantly lower, the eFilm PRO cards are among the most affordable professional grade memory cards available.

The SRP for the Delkin Compact Flash PRO:

- 1GB at £139.99

- 2GB is £ 239.99

- 4GB is £479.99

Delkin's eFilm PRO cards have become the memory card of choice for many of today's most well-known and respected professional photographers such as Douglas Kirkland, Monte Zucker, John Paul Caponigro and Arthur Morris.

The company continues to be one of the leading US manufacturers for memory upgrades whose success has been the result of providing a broad range of products with premium quality, innovative designs and an ongoing dedication to superior customer service.

Sep 23: Nokia Remote Camera

The Nokia Remote Camera helps you keep an eye - and an ear - on things. Install it indoors or outdoors, in your home or cottage, warehouse or office. When it detects motion, it snaps a photo (megapixel resolution) and sends it as an MMS to your phone or to an email address. It's peace of mind in a compact device.

 Remote Camera:
- Sends images and video clips on request, at set times, or automatically on detecting motion
- Megapixel (1152x864) camera also takes night pictures using its infrared light source
- Integrated motion and temperature detector
- Captures video clips with sound
- One-way audio connection: call in and listen
- Wireless connection to mobile phone or email
- Remote control with a compatible mobile phone
- Transceiver operates on GSM 900/1800 networks
- Built-in back-up battery

Available: Planned availability in the 4th quarter of 2004

Sep 23: Apacer Share Steno CD211

Apacer Press Release
Apacer introduces Share Steno CD211 - the world's first stand-alone 2-way portable USB storage device with USB2.0 OTG and LCD panel

(Taipei) The world's first two-way portable USB storage device equipped with USB2.0 on-the-go interface, and LCD panel will be available from your local Apacer dealer this September. The Share Steno CD211 is specially designed for travelers, professional photographers, users of USB storage devices, and users who need an external hard drive.

“Users don't want to worry about the capacity of their digital camera's memory card when on a trip, especially if they don't want to carry a laptop computer all the time,” says Lawrence Lo, vice president of Apacer, “the Share Steno CD211 is a stand-alone, two-way portable USB storage device that uses a standard 2.5” hard disk, and allows users to connect directly to a digital camera, MP3 player, flash drive, card reader or other USB devices, and quickly and easily save their pictures, music, or other files.“

According to Lawrence Lo, vice president at Apacer, the Share Steno CD211 allows users to copy data from and to various USB storage devices without connecting to a PC. For example, from the memory card on a digital camera to the Share Steno CD211, or users can transfer music files from the Share Steno CD211 to an MP3 player, as if it was an MP3 library with super capacity!

The USB2.0 OTG (on-the-go) interface allows the Share Steno CD211 to detect USB devices automatically and users to copy data to and from the device, copy or delete selected files, create new folders and file management without connecting to a PC, thanks to the golden-backlit LCD panel that allows users to view the number and size of files. When connected to a PC, the Share Steno CD211 acts as a general external hard drive.

The Share Steno CD211 is slim and modern in design and available in high-tech blue and pearl-white colors. At just 220g, the Share Steno CD211 is extremely lightweight, even when connected to a hard disk. The supplied Li-ion battery gives up to 1 hour of continuous use, without needing an external power supply. An anti-slip pad is attached to the cover to secure the Share Steno CD211 to whichever surface you`re working on. Apacer`s attention to the design details ensures users can enjoy a modern digital lifestyle, and the USB cable and the device bag make data transfer more convenient.

Apacer has equipped the Share Steno CD211 with a user-friendly interface and various functions, such as icon-based display of the various functions and data copying status, one-button copy, automatic power-saving shutdown, driver-free automatic detection of USB devices, etc. Moreover, users can update the latest software and firmware anytime from Apacer`s official website at www.apacer.com.

About Apacer Technology Inc.
Apacer Technology Inc. was founded in 1997, as part of the Acer Group. It has marketing and sales offices and operations across the globe. The company`s mission is to be the “innovator of digital storage applications” and is dedicated to digital storage applications and services. Apacer is the only company in Taiwan with capabilities covering both the memory module and the multimedia digital domains, in addition to integrating both hardware and software research and development. The company is ranked globally as the fourth largest memory module manufacturer and the ninth largest flash storage product supplier. Its products include various types of memory modules and many innovative, fun and convenient digital storage products, such as portable digital photo burners, USB flash drives, memory cards, card readers.

Additionally, the company also operates the year-round “Apacer Digital Experience Hall” in Taipei providing consumers the most direct and personalized service. It is hoped that through Apacer`s digital storage technology and service, everyone is easily able to enjoy a modern digital lifestyle.

If you want to know more about Share Steno CD211 and other Apacer products, please visit our site at www.apacer.com.

Sep 23: Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro

Shortcut Press Release
As of September 28th the start of a fruitful cooperation between Shortcut and Canon Germany is a fact. As a science company Shortcut develops and publishes high-grade graphic software technology. The multiple award winning Shortcut PhotoZoom with its S-Spline technology will be bundled with Canon’s large format printers.

Canon has recently update there line of Large Format, and very determined to become one of the leading players.

Canon will bundle Shortcut's PhotoZoom Pro with every large format printer W2200 and W6200 sold. PhotoZoom is a revolutionary, patented and awarded technology (including CeBIT award) that offers the best tools available for the enlargement of digital images.

Among professionals quality loss caused by digital image magnification is a very common problem. PhotoZoom Pro is able to render true to life image magnifications, without the serrated edges, yet perfectly focused, without any loss of quality! The software is perfectly suited for image magnification in DTP, large printing and industrial image processing (such as space technology, medical applications, security e.g. police), but also the Internet and digital photography!

Because Shortcut PhotoZoom Pro is so perfectly suited for large printing, it is ideal for large format printers of Canon. High printing speed and professional quality will be combined with enlarged high-grade color prints.

For more information visit: www.TrulyPhotoMagic.com or
contact us at: media@trulyphotomagic.com
or by phone: +31 26 446 44 52

Sep 23: ColorVision Spyder2

Bios Magazine reviews the ColorVision Spyder2 and writes - 'If you work with digital images on a regular basis, a calibrated monitor is essential in order to produce prints that resemble their on-screen counterparts. ColorVision's Spyder2Pro is a monitor calibrator that works well with both PCs and Macs and will help you to achieve consistent and neutral grey values as well as exceptionally smooth tonal response on CRTs, LCD and laptop displays. New optimised hardware that's easier to attach to monitors, and new photo sensors that are around five times more sensitive during calibration than the previous model, help you to improve your display's colour uniformity more effectively on different monitors relatively quickly and easily. Spyder2Pro Studio is one of the most effective and attractively priced products for professionals, although its results on a laptop screen were less impressive.'

Northlight reviews the ColorVision Spyder 2 and writes - 'A solid, easy to use bit of kit. Just when advances in monitor technology were beginning to show up some of the deficiencies in my old Spyder, along comes one that is both easier to use and more accurate. The grey scale improvements are particularly welcome, given the amount of black and white photography I do.'

ColorVision-Pantone Press Release
Datacolor and Pantone Debut COLORVISION Spyder2; New Color-Management Technology Provides Unparalleled Accuracy and Ease-of-Use

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. & CARLSTADT, N.J. - (Business Wire) - Sept. 22, 2004 ColorVision, the digital imaging unit of Datacolor, and Pantone Inc., the global authority on color, will unveil COLORVISION(R) Spyder2(TM), the next generation of affordable color-management technology, at the Photokina International Trade Show in Cologne, Germany, on Sept. 28, 2004, and at GRAPH EXPO in Chicago on Oct. 10, 2004.

The Spyder2(TM) colorimeter, the latest addition to the PANTONE COLORVISION product line, delivers a new level of on-screen color accuracy. The sleek, redesigned, dual-phase hardware features precise calibration and highly accurate ICC profiles for CRT, LCD and laptop displays. The new software and graphical user-interface provide ease-of-use previously unavailable in professional-level monitor calibration products.

Based on the research and development work of ColorVision's physicists, the Spyder2 state-of-the-art optical science and new light detectors deliver a five-fold increase in sensitivity. Additionally, the new filter pack system and patent-protected light baffle further increase the accuracy of on-screen color measurement. Improvements to the calibration software utilize sophisticated gray-balance and tonal-response algorithms to produce superior color images, including exceptionally smooth gradient steps, life-like flesh tones and neutral grays.

The original Spyder system leveraged the first screen-calibration software to implement integration with ICC-compliant applications such as Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) - and did it at an affordable price-point. Now, Spyder2 makes the process easier and more accurate while maintaining cost effectiveness.

"Monitor calibration doesn't have to be expensive and complicated and a process mastered only by color experts," stated Richard Herbert, president of Pantone. "Continuing our tradition of providing the best technology at the best price, the improved Spyder2 and its software's enhanced wizard walks the user through the calibration process for superior results."

"The new engineering and technology we employed in Spyder2 anticipates the rise in technical expectations and is designed to meet the continuing acceleration of growth in the photo and imaging markets with affordable, precise, color monitor calibration," remarked Brian Levey, vice president of ColorVision. "Spyder2 shows that ColorVision and Pantone listen to our customers and are once again first-to-market with the latest technology. As always, our products are based on design excellence and backed by superior customer support."

For power users, Spyder2PRO(TM) software delivers a wide range of advanced features such as improved white-point correction routines, automated black and white luminance adjustments, and an improved methodology for loading calibration data at start-up. A Profile Chooser makes it easy to select and change profiles. Additionally, multiple monitor calibration support can be achieved for both Macintosh and Windows(R) systems.

Spyder2 will debut at Photokina in Cologne, Germany, Sept. 28 to Oct. 3, 2004 at the ColorVision booth in the Professional Imaging Hall #14.2, Aisle L, booth No. 040. It will also be available at GRAPH EXPO in Chicago, Oct. 10 to Oct. 13 at the Pantone booth, No. 5431. Spyder2 can be purchased from Pantone and ColorVision at http://www.pantone.com and http://www.colorvision.com, respectively.

About PANTONE COLORVISION
Established in 2001, the PANTONE COLORVISION marketing alliance created a unique partnership of unmatched expertise in color management. Together, the two companies combine the best analog and digital solutions to provide color professionals, color enthusiasts, professional photographers, photo hobbyists and consumers with affordable solutions to specify color, calibrate displays, profile printers and confirm color accuracy. The PANTONE COLORVISION product line simplifies color creativity.

ColorVision/Pantone
Pantone Inc., developer of the globally accepted PANTONE Color Systems, is the leading source of traditional and electronic products for the selection and accurate communication of color. With over 40 years of experience, Pantone is recognized as the worldwide market leader in color communication and color technology for the graphic design, printing, publishing, textile and plastics industries.

About Datacolor
Because color matters, leading businesses, creative professionals, and consumers worldwide choose Datacolor's innovative technology and solutions to consistently achieve the right color. The company's strengths are in understanding how to manage color in many different industries and processes, and using technology to provide efficient color management solutions. A Swiss-held company, Datacolor's strong global presence encompasses an international strategic network of sales and support offices, supported by worldwide manufacturing and operational facilities.

PANTONE(R) and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. COLORVISION(R) and other ColorVision Inc. trademarks are the property of ColorVision Inc. Adobe and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. (C) Pantone, Inc., 2004. All rights reserved.

Sep 23: Jenoptik Eyelike eMotion22 Digital Back

Jenoptik Press Release
Freedom without compromise.

JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH is setting standards in portable digital medium format photography with its new Eyelike eMotion22.

The Eyelike eMotion22 from JENOPTIK is the high quality digital back for untethered and tethered operation.

Fast, high resolution, lightweight and elegant are the key words describing the new Eyelike eMotion22. JENOPTIK presents its latest digital camera back for medium-format and high-end view camera. Fully designed for untethered use, it sets new standards. Low power consumption, a lightweight, yet stable design together with a completely revised housing and board design guarantee images of outstanding quality. They also allow photographers to fully concentrate on their work when taking pictures.

Consequently Mobile
The Eyelike eMotion22 has been specifically designed for portable use.
It features a built-in 2.2 inch display, a lithium-ion battery which is rated for up to 2.5 operating hours, and an internal memory with a maximum storage capacity of 140 images.

The camera back is immediately ready for use without requiring any additional memory cards. For extended memory space, the Eyelike eMotion22 provides an option to save data on type I and II Compact Flash cards. Storage capacity can thus be increased up to 520 images, without having to rely on a heavy, mechanically susceptible harddrive. The display and all other components have been selected with special focus on low power consumption for superior battery lifetime performance. A secondary benefit of this design package is that camera heating effects are reduced to a minimum level, which allows for noise-free images of highest quality.

Perfect for Fashion and Portrait
Eyelike™ eMotion²² design efforts primarily focused on achieving image sequences at a constantly high rate. A system has thus been created, which is capable of shooting up to 50 high-resolution pictures per minute. As opposed to other systems where capture rates are changing after a few shots, this performance remains consistently stable. This makes work easier for the photographer and the model, because they can adjust to a regular rhythm and concentrate more on the perfection of scenic setups. In addition to continiously shooting rate, the Eyelike™ eMotion²² also features an extremely fast capture rate. With approximately one image per second, the Eyelike eMotion²² ranks among the fastest digital camera backs in the market, thus guaranteeing to be ready for shooting in the right moment.

Ideal for “On Location“ and in Studios
As the Eyelike™ precision line before it, the Eyelike eMotion²² is equipped with a live video function. Consequently, no sliding adapter is required to select and exactly focus a desired image frame on a view camera. In addition to this feature, the Eyelike eMotion²² will also include a remote control option for Schneider shutter systems and Rollei LensControl via Eyelike™ capture pro software, thus making a perfect tool for photographers who work with view cameras and in studio environments.

For operation in studios, the Eyelike™ eMotion²² can be directly connected to a computer via Firewire cable. In this operating mode, which is automatically detected by the camera software if the Firewire cable is plugged, the camera will directly store all image data on the harddrive in the same way as already known from the Eyelike™ precision family.

On Location, the 2.2“ display allows you to directly control your images. You are able to view a given image frame or check for proper focusing in 1:1 view. Apart from that, the photographer also may navigate through the various images, delete images, superimpose a histogram for easier assessment of the exposure setting or turn on an exposure control function. To influence the quality of images, the current sensitivity and a white balance setting can be adjusted as necessary.

Digital Camera Backs for all purposes
The Eyelike eMotion²² extends the existing range of Eyelike™ camera backs for untethered use. JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH is thus providing a system designed to cover all areas of professional digital photography.

Designed as a 1-shot camera, the Eyelike™ eMotion²² makes a perfect tool for any photographer who is not restricted to studio work alone and cannot afford to renounce the convenience of medium-format quality in on-location jobs. The Eyelike™ precision product line includes microscan technology, an ideal feature for operation in studio environments where finest structures and smallest details have to be photographed.

Both the Eyelike™ precision and the Eyelike™ eMotion²² come with the sophisticated identical Eyelike™ capture pro or Eyelike™ capture basic software. Each of the two software versions is available for OS X Apple operating systems.

An additional Windows XP version of the Eyelike™ capture basic software is available for Eyelike™ eMotion²².

Sep 23: Microsoft to Showcase New Imaging Solutions at Photokina 2004

'Microsoft Corp. today announced that together with imaging industry leaders at Photokina 2004 in Cologne, Germany, it will unveil new technologies that use the capabilities of Windows® XP to make digital photography easier for all users, from hobbyists to professionals. These new technologies will include the new Microsoft® Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), which Canon will support in its future digital camera offerings....

Microsoft announced it is working with leading digital camera manufacturers that are supporting two new technologies, MTP and Windows Connect Now (WCN), to simplify and enhance the connectivity of digital still cameras to Windows-based PCs.

MTP solves many of the problems inherent to both wireless and wired transfer of digital media such as digital photos, eliminating much of the complexity for photographers and reducing the difficulty for manufacturers of developing device drivers. Implementation of MTP in digital still cameras improves the user experience for digital camera owners and enthusiasts by enabling easier image acquisition to a PC with native support for the technology.'

Read more at Microsoft to Showcase New Imaging Solutions at Photokina 2004

Sep 23: Kodak, Sony, Canon Please Digital-Camera Customers

'Canon Inc., Eastman Kodak Co. and Sony Corp. led other digital-camera companies in customer satisfaction, a study released Wednesday by J.D. Power and Associates showed.

The study measured customer satisfaction in each of four price segments. Kodak led the pack in two price segments, which included cameras selling from $200 to $599. Canon topped the list of companies selling cameras for $600 or more, and Sony was No. 1 in brands $199 or less.

Kodak scored particularly well in regard to the initial camera setup and ease of use, J.D. Power said. Canon scored well in camera features and functions, and Sony topped competitors in performance, connectivity to other devices and appearance.'

Read more at TechWeb | Kodak, Sony, Canon Please Digital-Camera Customers

Sep 23: Kodak Expects Jump in Digital Sales

'A year after Eastman Kodak Co. unveiled an ambitious new strategy to accelerate its foray into digital imaging, the photography company said Wednesday it expects filmless products and services to comprise more than half of its sales by 2005.

At a meeting with investors in New York, Kodak said it remained on course to boost revenues from $13.3 billion last year to $16 billion in 2006.

But it now anticipates digital sales to jump 36 percent a year between 2003 and 2007, compared with a year-ago projection of 26 percent annual growth between 2002 and 2006.

"We continue to generate faster growth in digital markets by executing on the strategy that we presented a year ago," said chief executive Daniel Carp. "Our digital sales are increasing so steadily that we expect, by next year, that more than half of our total sales will be digital, and that the company's profits will be higher than in 2004."'

Read more at Yahoo! News - Kodak Expects Jump in Digital Sales

Sep 22: FotoWare FotoStation Classic

FotoWare Press Release
FotoWare Launch FotoStation Classic, professional media database for Mac OS X.

At Photokina in Cologne, FotoWare a.s celebrate their 10th anniversary by releasing FotoStation Classic, the completely new media database for Mac OS X. FotoStation Classic is the standard edition in the FotoStation product family, and offers a wealth of solutions for problems created by the ever-increasing flow of digital images. Version 5.1 Classic for the Mac OS X operating system provides many new features and a unique flexibility which enables the adaptation of the software to the needs of a single user as well as in a corporate environment.

"It was our goal to make FotoStation even more adaptable to the individual needs of a photographer, an editor, or any user who on a daily basis is working with digital images", commented Norman Milne, Managing Director Fotoware UK.

"The considerable volume of pictures which are taken today by digital cameras can cause great organisational problems for smaller companies. We have done everything to help the users overcome these problems with a minimum of effort", Milne continues.

The new Mac OS X version has been developed with the aim of meeting the demands of professional users. Many of the current Mac users have participated in the beta test program and given their vital input to FotoWare. “A single user will now benefit from the automated functions which used to be reserved for Client-Server solutions. Additionally, all users will benefit from an improved user interface with incomparable flexibility with regards to browsing and sorting, as well as the support of different file formats”, added Milne.

New archiving features facilitate the import of pictures from any kind of digital camera, and Actions such as resize and crop can be activated to automate repetitive processes. The interface and the new functions supply all the necessary tools to integrate FotoStation in any production environment.

The first version of FotoStation was launched in 1995. Today more than two million licenses have been sold worldwide. Professional photographers, newspapers, press and photo agencies were the initial users, but over the years many other businesses have discovered the versatility of FotoStation. As the standard solution for Digital Asset Management systems the market share of FotoStation is growing proportionally with the number of digital cameras sold worldwide.

FotoWare offers a suite of products, which further enhance the functionality of FotoStation Classic. For example, Index Manager works as an additional server application to manage enormous archives with an unlimited numbers of objects. The combination of FotoStation and Index Manager is the number one choice among thousands of users worldwide.

Sep 22: New Digital Cameras - Photokina 2004

Anyone who regularly follows the latest Digital Camera news will know that the last two months have seen an incredible array of new digital cameras released onto the market in the lead up to the upcoming Photokina show in Germany. Below are the newest digital cameras to be announced over the past two months - arranged by manufacturer. This page will continue to be updated as new cameras are announced.

update - we're now up to 60 new digital cameras that have been announced in the past 7 weeks - we're sure there are more to come also!

Canon
- Canon EOS 20D - An 8.2 Megapixel DSLR.
- Canon Powershot A400 - A 3.2 Megapixel, 2.2x Optical Zoom digicam that comes in four colours.
- Canon Powershot S70 - A 7.1 Megapixel compact with 3.6 optical Zoom.
- Canon Powershot A95 - With 5.0 megapixels and 3x Optical Zoom.
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm Lens - New macro lenses from Canon
- Canon EOS 1D2 Mark II - 16.7 Megapixels DSLR.
- Canon Powershot SD200/IXUS 30 - 3.2 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Canon Powershot SD300/IXUS 40 - 4.0 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Canon Powershot SD20/IXUS i5 - 5 Megapixels - single focal length.

Casio
- Casio Exilim Pro EX-P700 - 7.2 Megapixels and 4x Optical Zoom (heaps of features).
- Casio Exilim Card EX-S100 - Super slim 3.2Megapixels - 2.8x Optical Zoom.
- Casio Exilim EX-Z55 - 5 megapixels with a 3x optical zoom and 2.5 inch LCD.
- Casio Exilim EX-Z50 - 5 megapixels with a 3x optical zoom and 2.0 inch LCD.
- Casio Exilim QV-R61 - 6 megapixles with a 3x optical zoom and 2.0 inch LCD.

Fujifilm
- Fujifilm S3 Pro - 12.34 million effective pixels - DSLR.
- Fujifilm Finepix 455 - 5.2 megapixels with a 3.4x Optical Zoom.

HP
- HP Photosmart R607 - 4.1 Megapixels and a 3x Optical Zoom.
- HP Photosmart M407 - 4.1 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom.
- HP Photosmart M307 - 3.2 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- HP Photosmart M-Series Dock

Jenoptik
- Jenoptik JD 6.0 z3 and JD 6.0 z3 MPEG4 - 6 Megapixels with 3x Optical Zooms.

Kodak
- Kodak EasyShare CX7525 - 5 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Kodak EasyShare DX7590 - 5 Megapixels with a 10x Optical Zoom.
- Kodak EasyShare LS755 - 5 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.

Konica Minolta
- Konica Minolta Dimage A200 - 8 Megapixels with a 7x Optical Zoom.
- Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7D - 6.1 Megapixel DSLR.

Minox
- Minox DC 4211 - 4.2 Megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Minox DC 6311 - 6 megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.

Nikon
- Nikon Coolpix 4800 - 4 Megapixels, 8.3x Optical Zoom.
- Nikon Coolpix 8400 - 8 Megapixels, 3.5x Optical Zoom (wide angle).
- Nikon Coolpix 8800 - 8 Megapixels, 10x Optical Zoom.
- Nikon D2x - 12.4 Megapixel DSLR.

Olympus
- Olympus C370/D535z - 3.2 Megapixels and 3x Optical Zoom.
- Olympus C7000/C70 - 7.1 Megapixels with a 5x Optical Zoom.
- Olympus mju mini/stylus verve - 4.0 Megapixels with a 2x Optical Zoom.

Panasonic
- Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS3 - 3.2 Megapixels - super slim.
- Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS30 - 3.2 Megapixels - super slim.

Pentax
- Pentax Optio 750Z - a 7.0 megapixel digital camera with a 5x Optical Zoom.
- Pentax Optio S50 - a 5 megapixel, 3x optical zoom digital camera.
- Pentax Optio S5i - another 5 megapixel digicam with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Penax Optio X - a new swivel designed 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Pentax Optio MX4 - 4 Megapixels with a 10x Optical Zoom
- Pentax Optio SV - 5.36 Megapixels with a 5x Optical Zoom.
- Pentax *istDS - 6.1 Megapixel DSLR.

Ricoh
- Ricoh Caplio RZ1 - a 4.0 megapixel digicam with a 3x optical Zoom.
- Vivitar DVR 390H - 3.1 Megapixels - 6-in-one device.

Rollei
- Rollei Prego da4 - with a 4.1 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom.
- Rollei Prego da 3 - 3.2 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom.

Samsung
- Samsung Digimax V70 - 7 megapixels with a 3x Optical Zoom.
- Samsung Digimax UC-A505 - 5 Megapixels with a fixed focal length lens.
- Samsung Digimax UC-A501 - 5 Megapixels with a fixed focal length lens.
- Samsung Digimax A6 - 6 Megapixels.
- Samsung Digimax A5 - 5 Megapixels.
- Samsung Digimax A400 - 4 Megapixels with a 2.8x Optical Zoom.

Sanyo
- Sanyo Xacti C4 - Dual video/still digital camera. 4.0 megapixels.
- Sanyo Xacti VPC A5 - 5 Megapixels with a 2.8x Optical Zoom.

Sony
- Sony Cybershot T3 - 5.1 megapixels, 3x Optical Zoom, 2.5inch LCD, slimline.
- Sony Cybershot DSC-L1 - 4.1 megapixels, 3x Optical zoom.
- Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 - 7.2 megapixels, 4x Optical Zoom.
- Sony Cybershot DSC M1 - 5 Megapixels, 3x Optical Zoom.

Yakumo
- Yakumo Mega-Image VII - 3.1 Megapixles with an 8x digital zoom.
- Yakumo Mega-Image 84D - 4 Megapixels with an 8x Optical Zoom.

Sep 22: Samsung Digimax V70

The Samsung Digimax V70 is a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 2 inch LCD screen (rotatable 270 degrees). It has the capability of shooting movies in MPEG4 at 30fps.

“For more advanced users, the Digimax V70 also has manual picture-taking functions. The camera has detailed focus control with Manual Focusing. It also enables manual control of exposure using Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and fully manual options. Exposure may be controlled by the easy to use Jog Dial in conjunction with an AE Lock function.

The user can also choose from 10 preset types of Scene modes (Portrait / Children / Landscape / Close-up / Sunset / Dawn / Backlight / Fireworks / Beach&Snow / Text). Text mode is a new feature setting the Digimax V70 to shoot documents like books, magazines, and newspapers. Users can save the image file that is captured in Text mode, as a text or .doc file using the Digimax Reader software, also included.

The Digimax V70 can use 9 kinds of power supply using the unique technology of Samsung. These various types of power supply means that the user never has to worry about running out of power. The exclusive 1400mAh Li-ion battery enables users to take up to 440 images on one charge. This feature provides greater flexibility for photographers who use the continuous or burst modes.”

Read more at LetsGoDigital | Samsung introduces new 7 Megapixel Digimax V70

We will post more information and pictures of the Samsung Digimax V70 as they come to hand from Samsung.

Sep 22: Samsung Digimax U-CA 501

The sleekly designed Samsung Digimax U-CA 501 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 2 inch LCD screen and fixed focal length (5.8mm) lens. It measures just 97 x 52 x 25mm.

“The Digimax U-CA 501/505 offers Super Fine, Fine and Normal JPEG compression modes and features resolution settings of for still images. The Digimax U-CA 501/505 can also shoot movie clips with sound at resolutions up to 640 x 480 (VGA) at a maximum rate of 24fps for as long as the capacity of the memory card will allow.

Sound can be recorded for up to 1 hour with the cameras' built-in microphone and sound clips can be attached to individual still images during playback. These images can be stored on the camera's 16.0 MB of internal memory, or on an external SD/MMC card. The camera also features video out and USB ports, supported by 2 different power sources, the Li-Ion battery SLB-1137 and CP1.”

Read more at LetsGoDigital | Samsung unveils new Digimax U-CA 501 and 505

More pictures and specifications of the Samsung Digimax U-CA 501/505 to follow

Sep 22: Samsung Digimax A5

The Samsung Digimax A5 is a 5 megapixel (CCD) digital camera. It has a 1.8inch LCD and allows the shooting of video at 30fps.

“In keeping with the theme of flexibility and control, Samsung has provided users with a myriad of options for capturing, storing and sharing images with the Digimax A6 and A5. The 32MB(16MB on the A5) of internal memory facilitates ample storage right on the cameras themselves, while the SD/MMC slot allows for an additional 512MB of capacity. Users can choose from six different image sizes, ranging from 640x480 to 2816x2112, as well as three different resolution settings - Superfine, Fine and Normal. This results in 18 different image size / resolution combinations, enabling the user to select the perfect setting for virtually any situation. Once the images are captured and stored, PictBridge technology allows foreasy output directly to a printer via a USB connection. Of course, the A6 and A5 come with comprehensive software suites including ArcSoft Photo Impression, Digimax Viewer and Digimax Reader to enable storage, editing and output via a PC.” Read more at LetsGoDigital | Samsung introduces Digimax A5 and A6 cameras

We will be posting pictures and further specifications as they come to hand from Samsung.

Sep 22: Kodak EasyShare LS755

The Kodak Easyshare LS755 is a 5 megapixel digi cam with a 3x Optical Zoom. It stands out from other Kodak cameras in that it uses an xD-Picture Card for memory (previously Kodak have used SC/MMC cards in these cameras). It also has a large 2.5inch LCD. The sleek design is quite appealing - however don't hold your breath at getting one for a while as it will initially only be available in Japan.

Kodak Press Release
New KODAK EASYSHARE LS755 Digital Camera Combines Sleek Design with High-End Features

TOKYO, September 21 ― Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the EASYSHARE LS755 zoom digital camera, a sleek, Japanese-designed model created for the person with impeccable style and taste. It pairs high tech features and outstanding image quality.

The camera will be available in Japan beginning in Q4.

“We developed the LS755 camera to meet the discerning eye of Japanese consumers, who relentlessly seek the best combination of form and function,” said Yusuke Kojima, general manager of worldwide digital camera and system development, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company.

The size of a deck of playing cards, the EASYSHARE LS755 camera’s aluminum body houses exclusive, high-powered components and technologies to deliver and share stunning pictures.

A professional-grade SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X (36 – 108 mm equivalent) zoom lens and 5.0 megapixel CCD sensor work in conjunction to maximize picture quality. With each press of the shutter button, the camera rapidly analyzes lighting conditions and color balance to deliver sharp, color-accurate, properly exposed pictures. To help keep the camera body very thin while still using a barrel lens for optimal picture quality, Kodak developed an innovative, first-of-its-kind solution — the lens retracts behind the shutter when the camera is turned off.

The large 2.5-inch, high-resolution (207,000 pixels) LCD screen displays pictures in full detail with vibrant color, with magnification up to 8X. The LS755 camera also includes Kodak’s new favorites feature, which places memorable pictures in an on-camera digital photo album for viewing and sharing anytime, anywhere. The optional KODAK EASYSHARE Photo Frame Dock, which provides one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer while keeping the camera’s lithium-ion battery charged and ready to go — can play customizable photo slideshows on the camera LCD, providing an additional degree of fun and satisfaction to EASYSHARE LS755 camera users.

Kodak has equipped the LS755 camera with multiple levels of control, giving owners the ability to customize their photography experience. For instance, it includes 20 scene and color modes for various shooting situations, including unique settings for photographing merchandise for online auction sites (auction mode), and for shooting objects moving across the field of view (Nagashidori/panning shot mode). Owners can also take advantage of options such as a histogram in preview and review modes, multiple white balance choices, and even the ability to adjust the reflectance ratio to capture greater subject detail while outdoors.

The camera’s VGA and QVGA video functionality benefits from full 3X optical zoom with image stabilization and continuous autofocus capacities. A time-lapse video option stitches together up to 10,000 separate frames (based on available memory) taken over hours, days or even months. Video length, which can reach up to 80 minutes depending on total memory capacity (16 MB internal memory; memory card expansion slot), can also be trimmed from the front or back-end using in-camera controls.

As with every KODAK EASYSHARE camera, the LS755 model includes the exclusive Share button. A press allows the user to select a picture for printing once the camera is docked, or for e-mail sharing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored on the camera itself.

KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock
LS755 camera owners can print real, borderless KODAK L-size (89 x 127 mm) pictures in as little as 90 seconds, using the new KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock. Its continuous tone thermal dye transfer system generates vivid color with instant drying, while exclusive KODAK Color Science technology produces outstanding skin tone reproduction, plus color optimization for ideal photo viewing. In addition, the printing process automatically adds a special XTRALIFE™ laminate coating, which helps ensure that prints are durable, waterproof and will last a lifetime under typical home storage conditions. The device also prints from PICTBRIDGE-enabled cameras and memory cards (optional KODAK 8-in-1 card reader required).

The LS755 camera includes new KODAK EASYSHARE software version 4.0 for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing. The exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak to help users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from inkjet printers. Version 4.0 — also available for free download from www.kodak.com — now includes the ability to edit pictures in third-party applications and optional Video CD and DVD burning.

Sep 22: Acer to join digital camera market

"If there wasn’t enough digital camera announcements at the moment, Acer, the laptop manufacturer has announced it to will be joining the market. In was seems to be an attempt to keep up with its self proclaimed main competitor, BenQ, Acer will to be joining the digital camera sector.

Launching in December, specific details are still very sketchy, however what is confirmed is that the company will be launching three models to start with ranging from £250 - £350.

On the cards are a 5 megapixel 3x optical zoom credit card sized model, a 6 megapixel 3x optical in black and another 5 megapixel 3x optical zoom model in silver."

Read more at Acer to join digital camera market - Pocket Lint

Sep 21: Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS3

The Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS3 is a new 3.2 megapixel digital camera that will go on sale in Japan at the end of November this year. It comes in four bright colors and is a super slim design.

Camborg writes: 'The SV-AS3 measures 52.5x88.7x21.2mm and weighs 75.1g. As with the SV-AS30 the SV-AS3 can record MPEG4 video with 30 frames/sec. The new D-Snap can play also AAC/WMA/MP3 music with a play-time of 36 hours. The DSnap SV-AS3 has an HDTV 16:9 image resolution mode (1920x1080) meant for photo viewing on HDTV Televisions.'

Found via Gizmodo

Sep 21: Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS30

Camborg have just picked up the story that Panasonic have just announced their new Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS30 which will go on sale in Japan at the end of October. The D-Snap SV-AS30 is a 3.2 megapixel super slim (just 9mm at its thinnest and 14mm at its maximum) digital camera. As pictured it comes in black, brown and silver.

Camorg writes - 'The SV-AS30 can record MPEG4 video with 30 frames/sec. The new D-Snap can play also AAC/WMA/MP3 music with a play-time of 36 hours. The SV-AS30 measures 53.2x103x14mm and weighs 58.5g.

The DSnap SV-AS30 has an HDTV 16:9 image resolution mode (1920x1080) meant for photo viewing on HDTV Televisions. Panasonic says the D-Snap SV-AS30 can also be used to watch MPEG video recorded on a SD-Card while traveling.'

Found via Gizmodo

Sep 21: Fujifilm S3100

Steve's Digicams reviews the Fujifilm S3100 and writes - 'The FinePix S3100 offers beginner digital photographers 4.0 million pixels of resolution with a 6x optical zoom lens, which enables users to capture crisp, clear images of distant subjects. It can also record QVGA (320x240) video clips at a rate of 10 frames/second without sound. This model updates the popular FinePix S3000.

The S3100's 4.0 megapixel resolution produces images of up to 2272 x 1704 for photo-quality prints up to 8 x 10 inches in size. Its 6x optical zoom will bring distance subjects closer with a 39-234mm (35mm equivalent) focal range. This is a stylish point-n-shoot that offers fully automatic operation with creative scene modes. It also features Manual mode, which allows you to select aperture settings (F2.8, F5, F8), sharpness control (Soft, Normal, Hard) and white balance (Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light, Fluorescent light, Fluorescent light, Incandescent light.)....

Bottom line - the FinePix S3100 will make a good choice for those who want a very affordable "Big Zoom" camera. It's great for users who are just getting into digital photography and plan on shooting mostly outdoor photos; we can't recommend it for indoor shooting due to its inability to focus in low ambient light. With a street price of around $299, it offers good overall value. '

Imaging Resource reviews the Fuji Finepix S3100 and writes - 'The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras turned out to be exceptional values for the money, and the updated FinePix S3100 offers the same great value with the addtion of a 4.0-megapixel CCD. The S3100's higher resolution is a welcome improvement, providing great image quality for a budget-priced digicam, and its 6x optical zoom is excellent for distant subjects. Though it lacks "enthusiast" features such as full manual exposure options, the S3100 does feature an adjustable aperture setting, adjustable flash intensity, and a selection of preset "scene" modes. For everyday outdoor shooting, the S3100 does very well and really sets a benchmark for an affordable long-zoom digicam.'

Sep 21: FujiFilm's Press Releases - Leaked

Fujifilm Germany's Press Release Section seems to have been a little eager to release information about its new DSLR, the S3 Pro, and a number of printers and services. The press releases are all dated 28 September 2004 and so it seems they have been accidentally posted a few days early. They may not remain their long - but we've posted the pictures and releases below at:

- Fuji film S3 Pro DSLR
- MP100 Digital Mobile Printer
- Printpix CX550 - Digital Photo Printer
- Fujifilm to showcase advances in Image Intelligence
- Fujifilm Announces Expanded Line of Digital Cameras
- FujiFilm Picture the Future

Sep 21: FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Announced

Fujifilm Germany's Website has released press releases and details of a number of new Fujifilm digital imaging products including the Fujifilm S3Pro DSLR. Press Releases are dated 28 September 2004 so we're not sure if they are supposed to be up yet - but here are the details (apologies for the formatting - the press release on the site wasn't formatted well).

Get the Latest Price on the Fujifilm Finepix S3

FujiFilm Press Release
FinePix S3 Pro
An Innovative Digital SLR for Professionals with No-Compromise Image Quality and Intuitive Operation

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 - Fuji Photo FilmCo., Ltd. is proud to announce the debut of the FinePix S3 Pro - successor to Fujifilm's critically-acclaimed FinePix S2 Pro digital SLR. This model has been conceived as the camera of choice for photographers who wish to achieve image quality worthy of Fujifilm's professional film heritage.The FinePix S3 Pro incorporates the newly developed 4th Generation Super CCD SR II, with 12.34 million effective pixels (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels).

Maximum image size is an ultra-high resolution of 12.1 million recording pixels, resulting in noticeable improvements in picture quality. The Super CCD SR II sensor's unique dual size pixel design produces expanded dynamic range. This dramatically broadens tonal capability, and guarantees exceptionalrendition from bright highlights to deep shadows. It delivers greater sensitivity, improved signal-to-noise ratio and consistently natural color reproduction.

The FinePixS3 Pro's new state-of-art image processor is also one of the keys to enhanced image quality and exceptional speed.The FinePix S3 Pro is the optimum digital for studio and wedding photographers, or for anyone who wants the highest possible resolution from their digital SLR. The FinePixS3 Pro sets a new standard, raising the bar on image quality.

A selection of entirely new features widens the possibilities for expressive photography. A unique “Film Simulation Mode” allows selection from two modes:

Film Simulation F1 mode, specially optimized for studio portrait photography, yields smooth tonalityand natural looking skin tones, while Film Simulation F2 mode, ideal for nature photography, simulates highly saturated color (especially in blue and green) and high contrast.

A Dynamic Range Customizing function allows you to select optimum dynamic range from four settings. The camera is designed around the long-established Nikon F-mount, and will have two shutter release buttons to ensure comfortable shooting in both landscape and portrait orientations.

Power is provided by four AA size Ni-MH batteries, a further improvementon the S2 Pro. The FinePix S3 Pro's Intelligent Flash with D-TTL full-aperture exposure metering will enable photographers to achieve outstanding results with compatible Nikon DX type Speed lights.

Appearing for the first time in a Fujifilm digital camera, this allows a new level of creative lighting options for FinePix S3 Pro users. What's more, the synchro terminal allows strobes or other external flash systems to be connected for ultimate studio flexibility.The camera will accept both xD-Picture Cards and Microdrive media for moreflexible storage. It incorporates a newly developed, bright 2-inch, 235000-pixel LCD monitor (with approximately 100% frame coverage) alongside a second LCD data display for information on settings. And to ensure improved data transfer speeds, the camera offers both high-speed IEEE1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces.

For further flexibility, the FinePix S3 Pro has a variety of controls, including a highly accurate, high-speed five point Dynamic Area AF system, 3D Matrix Metering, four shooting modes (single frame, continuous, preview, and multiple exposure), and four exposure modes (Auto-Multi program, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto,Manual). In addition, the FinePix S3 Pro offers nine modes for white balance (auto, fine, shade, incandescent light, two custom settings and three for fluorescent light). The camera also allows you select a dynamic range of AUTO, Wide (230%, 400%) or Standard (100%).

The FinePix S3 Pro can record images in two file formats (CCD-RAW and JPEG). The CCD-RAW file format is the 14-bit “lossless” image file format that effectively stores images exactly as they come from the CCD array before processing by the camera's internal algorithms. Conversion software converts the CCD-RAW data to 8-bit TIFF RGB files, and an optional “Hyper Utility Software” can process the CCD-RAW data tofull 16-bit TIFF RGB files without any loss of the original tonality.

Features and benefits:
- 12.34 million effective pixels (6.17 million S-pixels + 6.17 million R-pixels)
- 23.0 x 15.5mm-size Super CCD SR II
- 4256 x 2848 (12.1 million) recording pixels
- Image sizes: 4256 x 2848, 3024 x 2016, 2304 x 1536, 1440 x 960 pixels
- JPEG (Fine / Normal), CCD-RAW (14-bit)
- SLR digital camera with Nikon F-mount
- Convenient Dual shutter release buttons in both horizontal and vertical orientations
- Dual LCD monitors
- New 2.0-inch, 235,000-pixel LCD monitor
- Larger buttons, redesigned control layout on rear of camera
- Redesigned storage compartment door
- Sensitivity: ISO 100, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600
- Shutter speed: Bulb, 30 to 1/4000 sec
- Flash X-Sync max 1/180 sec
- Dual media slots: xD-Picture Card, CF/Microdrive (Compatibility is listed onFujifilm web site : http://home.fujifilm.com/products/digital/)
- Dual interfaces: USB 2.0 (High speed), IEEE 1394
- DC-IN, Video Out, PC Sync terminal
- Power source: 4 x AA size Ni-MH batteries
- D-TTL Flash metering
- Dimensions: 147.8 x 135.3 x 78.5 mm (5.8 x 5.3 x 3.1 in)
- Weight (without batteries/lens): 815 g (28.7 oz)DI-2 3/3.

Technical Specifications
Camera type digital SLR camera with exchangeable lens
CCD 23.0 x 15.5 mm Super-CCD SR/ 12.3 million effective pixels (6.17 million S-pixels, 6.17 million R-pixels)
Picture format 4256 x 2848 pixels, 3024 x 2016 pixels, 2304 x 1536 pixels, 1440 x 960 pixels
File format DPOF-compatible CCD-Raw (14Bit), JPEG (Exif version 2.2)
Storage medium xD-Picture Cards (16 - 512 MB), Microdrive
Lens mounting Nikon F-bayonet
focal length of lens exchangeable lens
extension of focal length equivalent to factor 1.5
focus setting Automatic/manual/C-AF
Shutter 30s to 1/4000s, B-setting, max. 1/180 sec. X-contact
Viewfinder Optical actual picture viewfinder, picture coverage approx: 100%
Exposure control P: automatic programme, S: automatic timing, A: automatic, M: manual
Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 100/160/200/400/800/1600
LCD monitor 2.0 inch low temperature poly-silicon TFT (approx. 235,000 pixels)
Interfaces USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, AV-Out (Pal/NTSC)
Power supply 4 x AA batteries
Dimensions (WxHxD) 147.8 x 135.3 x 80.0 mm
Weight approx. 835g not incl. batteries and memory card
Other D-TTL lighting measurement, portrait format release
Technical features and included accessories may change without advance notice.

Sep 21: Fujifilm MP-100 Digital Mobile Printer

Fujifilm Press Release

Fujifilm Digital Mobile Printer MP-100

New wireless mobile printer for sharing real photos from camera-phones

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. is proud to announce the Digital Mobile Printer MP-100, a wireless mobile printer for use with camera-phones. Using infrared transmission, MP-100 enables users to get real photos from their camera-phones anytime, anywhere. The MP-100 is expected to be commercially available in this autumn.

Worldwide unit sales of camera-phones are expected to reach nearly 150 million in 2004, or just over a quarter of all mobile-phone sales (source: Info Trends Research Group). With the rapid expansion of the camera-phone market and the introduction of high-spec models with image resolution of 1 megapixel or higher, demand has been increasing for printing of pictures taken with camera-phones. To meet this demand, Fujifilm unveils a new concept printer, the Digital Mobile Printer MP-100, designed specifically for use with camera-phones. Some of the attractive features of the MP-100 are ease of use, the convenience of infrared transmission, the mobility of its compact & stylish body, and high quality prints. Not in the same category as other home printers (inkjet printers) or retail print services, the MP-100 creates a new market category of ´´anytime, any place printing´´ for camera-phones.

Equipped with an infrared interface, the MP-100 can print out camera-phone images easily without any cable connection or media link up. Operation is simple: just press the printer´s ´´POWER´´ button, select the image data to be printed, and send it via infrared from camera-phone to the printer. A new high-speed digital photo pack achieves speedy printing in 21 seconds with low energy consumption (approx. 130 prints from two CR2 lithium batteries). Additionally, Fujifilm´s Image Intelligence™ (an original system of image-processing software technologies used in Fujifilm Frontier digital minilabs) provides auto exposure compensation for images taken with insufficient light.

The Fujifilm Digital Mobile Printer MP-100 is a new concept life style printer, developed to enable users of camera-phones to print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere, quickly and easily.

NOTES

1. Product name: Fujifilm Digital Mobile Printer MP-100/Digital Mobile Printer Photo Pack 2. Availability: November, 2004 3. Main Features (1) Mobile & Compact Compact size: 29.5mm thick and weighing only 205g (batteries and photo pack not included). Printer fits easily in a pouch or a handbag. (2) High speed prints Each image can be printed out in 21 seconds* after image data transmission is completed. Prints from camera-phones can be enjoyed instantly. *Picture begins to appear about 10 seconds after print processing at 25 degrees C. (3) Wireless printing, no AC cable connection • Effortless printing is possible via infrared transmission function of camera-phones, doing away with the need for cable connections or media link ups. • Approx. 130 prints can be printed with 2x CR2 lithium batteries. No need to charge batteries. (4) Sharp, high quality prints • Employs newly developed exposure system that enables exposure and printing to be done simultaneously with a fixed LCD shutter. This creates sharper image. • Incorporates Image Intelligence™, Fujifilm´s original system of image-processing software technologies, to automatically correct over/under exposed images.

4. Compatible camera-phone models Camera-phones that can transfer image data via infrared to MP-100. Please see http://home.fujifilm.com/products/dmp/index.html for details.

Sep 21: Plustek OpticFilm 7200 Pro Film Scanner

Plustek Press Release
Plustek Launches Pro Film Scanner; Professional resolution and fast scans -- the OpticFilm 7200 is Plustek's powerful pro film scanner for slides and negatives

Plustek Inc, a leading manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional scanners, today launched the OpticFilm 7200 professional-grade film scanner, offering the market's highest film-scan resolution (7200 x 7200 dpi) in a consumer device. Until now, due to the high cost, film scanners with professional resolution were nearly exclusively purchased by service companies, high-profile photographers, and ambitious amateurs/prosumers.

This era has passed with the introduction of the OpticFilm 7200, the first consumer-priced high-resolution 35mm film and negative scanner. User-friendly and affordable, the OpticFilm 7200 is ideal for organizations or individuals who wish to scan their work and share it on the Web with fellow photographers or anyone wanting to digitize and archive their slides and negatives onto CD - to create their own photo albums or digital slide shows. Users can easily preserve their work and valuable memories onto compact disc for easy access and retouching in the future. Launched earlier in the year in Germany, the OpticFilm is already the winner of the coveted "foto MAGAZIN GUT award" and the "PC Direkt Budget Kauftipp! award." Priced at $199, the OpticFilm 7200 will begin shipping in the U.S. in September.

Uncompromising Power
The OpticFilm 7200 offers a physical resolution of 7200x7200 dpi and true 48-Bit color depth. At this resolution even the smallest slide details are scanned with brilliant quality. The scanner is able to generate an uncompressed picture file (24-bit color depth) that is 200 MB or larger or equal to about a 75-megapixel resolution digital camera.

Despite this enormous amount of data, the OpticFilm 7200 is phenomenally fast. A preview scan takes about ten-seconds, a slide scan at 7200-dpi takes just under 130-seconds, and a negative scan takes less than two minutes. For jobs where 3600 dpi is more than sufficient, a slide scan takes about 70-seconds and the digitizing of a negative under 50-seconds. These high scan speeds are achieved by the OpticFilm 7200's USB 2.0 high-speed interface that transfers data much faster than USB 1.1.

The picture quality of the OpticFilm 7200 is designed for professional results. With an advanced proprietary lens system and two displaced CCD sensors, pictures show even the finest details that previously were achievable only on large format machines used by the best laboratories.

Quick Success, Simple Use

Scanning with the Plustek OpticFilm 7200 is easy to master; simply place the slide or filmstrip in the holder and manually insert sideways into the unit -- that's it. For scanning, users can choose to use either Plustek's QuickScan software or use the bundled software, SilverFast SE 6 from LaserSoft Imaging. Either way, extensive assistance guides users through the scan, ensuring that even beginners are able to achieve impressive results.

The OpticFilm 7200 is equipped with a mini-light table (Illuminated Slide Viewer) on top for the quick preview and evaluation of slides and negatives. On the front, there is an IntelliScan and a QuickScan button to further automate the scanning process. This is especially valuable for photographers who hold an extensive picture archive that requires quick digitizing.

Fully Loaded

In addition to the power supply unit, cable set, and slide/film holders, the OpticFilm 7200 also includes a black cushioned nylon bag. It was designed especially to accommodate easy and safe transport of the unit during on-the-road jobs. In addition, a complete software package is offered:

-- LaserSoft SilverFast SE 6

World class professional scan software, containing Photoshop, TWAIN plug-in and stand-alone application, supplying novice users and professionals with a powerful tool for scanning and color reproduction.

-- NewSoft Presto! PageManager

Award-winning photo/image management software supports over 100 popular applications, including color OCR and full-text indexing functions.

-- NewSoft Presto! ImageFolio

The complete multimedia image-processing program with sophisticated image-editing tools lets you quickly create new images or enhance old ones.

-- NewSoft Presto! Mr. Photo

Web photo software makes your photos come alive! You can create personalized greeting cards, postcards, calendars and more.

-- Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF file reading program)

-- QuickScan (one-click utility software)

Sales
The OpticFilm 7200 begins shipping in September and will be available online (http://www.shipitforyou.com/plustek) and at select retail locations. Stores and other vendors interested in carrying Plustek's award-winning line-up of products may contact Plustek directly at sales@plustek.com.

ABOUT PLUSTEK
A Leader in Scanner Technology - Plustek Inc is a leading manufacturer of sheet fed and multifunction scanners for the professional, home and mobile markets. In business since 1986, Plustek continues a tradition of innovative design, superior quality, and world-class support. Plustek, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, sells scanners worldwide.

Sep 21: Fujifilm Printpix Digital Photo Printer CX-550

Bios previews the Fujifilm CX-550 and writes - 'Fujifilm has revealed its latest high-end digital photo printer for home and business use. Succeeding the Printpix CX-400, the Printpix CX-550 (250x180x336mm, 5kg) is based on a thermal printing process and its targeted at photo enthusiasts. Key features of the printer include a 3-colour print resolution of 310dpi (12.2 dots/mm), maximum paper size of up to 4x6in. (with or without borders), built-in 2.5in. LCD monitor (1.8in. on Printpix CX-400), and six preset ID photo frame templates with an option for creating customised templates. The printer supports the PictBridge standard for printing directly from your digital camera, and also comes with built-in xD-Picture Card and PC Card slots. The printer should output images at a rate of up to 99 seconds-per-page, according to Fujifilm, which is slow compared to an inkjet printer. Pros: 2.5in LCD monitor; supports PictBridge; improved software Cons: Maximum print size of 4x6in.; just one memory card slot'
Fujifilm Press Release

Fujifilm Printpix Digital Camera Printing Solutions

New additions to the innovative Printpix line

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. is proud to exhibit new additions to the Printpix line. In the two years since the announcement and demonstration of Printpix products at Photokina 2002, photo retailers throughout the world have shown enthusiastic support for these innovative products as ideal solutions for digital camera print services as well as a cost effective ID photo services. Responding to expanding market needs, Fujifilm is introducing new Printpix products.

Digital Photo Center + Printpix Digital Photo Printer NC-400D, NC-471D By adding connectivity to Printpix Digital Photo Printer NC-400D or NC-471D, the Digital Photo Center in-store kiosk now has the ability to output regular prints as well as sticker prints from digital cameras instantly via a variety of digital media, including xDPicture Card™, SmartMedia™, Compact Flash™, Secure Digital (SD) Card, MemoryStick®, ZIP™ disk, PC Card and CD-R. In addition, retailers can capture growing demand for prints from camera-phones via wireless Bluetooth data transfer as well as Memory Stick Duo™ and mini SD Card.

Retailers can now choose this system as a low cost startup facility to meet digital camera printing demand, even with limited space. When demand for digital printing services grows to levels justifying investment in the Digital Minilab Frontier, retailers can still use the system in different ways. While prints from negatives or large volumes of digital camera prints can be ready in just one hour with the Digital Minilab Frontier, the Printpix Digital Photo Printer NC-400D or 471D meets needs for immediate finishing of small volumes of digital camera prints, camera-phone prints or added-value multiple sticker prints. The Digital Photo Center can also collect orders from digital cameras or camera-phones for printing with either Frontier or the NC-400D/ NC-471D, due to connectivity with the Frontier. The system will be available in early 2005.

Printpix Digital Photo Printer CX-550 The Printpix Digital Photo Printer CX-550 has been installed by photo retailers worldwide as an ID photo system that offers the dual advantages of minimum investment cost and space-saving design. The CX-550 incorporates improved features, enabling it to serve as an advanced ID photo system. With the addition of the ID Photo Kit for the CX-550, images stored on a digital camera can be transferred via USB cable to the CX-550, for immediate printing without a PC. This eliminates the need to remove and insert media, facilitating ease of use from shooting to output. This new addition will be available from October 2004.

Princiao system This all-in-one kiosk layout adds a coin kit function to a digital camera print order terminal, making it possible for a single unit to handle every step: orders, printing, and payment. This convenient system can be a welcome addition not only to photo retailers, but also to locations where people gather such as electronics stores, supermarkets, stations, and airports. A simple order flow produces borderless regular prints from a digital camera immediately, making this system an exceptionally practical businesssolution.

Fujifilm´s Printpix system is an eco-friendly solution that generates colors in a special coated paper, needing no inks, toners or ribbons, keeping maintenance to a minimum. These quality digital camera printing systems are easy-to-use, space-saving and costeffective. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Sep 21: Fujifilm to showcase advances in Image Intelligence

Fujifilm Press Release

Fujifilm to showcase advances in Image Intelligence™

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. will be presenting Image Intelligence™, an original system of imageprocessing software technologies featured in a wide range of Fujifilm´s digital imaging products. The culmination of 70 years of photographic expertise, Fujifilm´s Image Intelligence™ has vastly increased the convenience and potential applications of digital imaging. At Photokina 2004, Fujifilm will showcase a variety of products already equipped with Image Intelligence™ and also present features under development for future products, including the company´s sophisticated Face Detection and FaceRecognition functions.

The pursuit of human vision and intentions Fujifilm has been developing digital imaging products for fields as diverse as photography, graphic arts and medical imaging since the 1970s. Despite the huge differences in their final applications, all Fujifilm digital imaging products aim to reproduce images exactly as they originally appear to the human eye. Building on this base, Fujiflm further aims to enhance images exactly as intended. Fujifilm has spent decades researching digital image processing technologies in pursuit of these ideals. The cumulative results of these efforts were first announced to the world at Photokina 2002 in the form of an integrated system of image processing software technologies known as Fujifilm Image Intelligence™.

Creating new businesses By combining leading-edge technologies in the computer vision field with the company´s own accumulated technologies and know-how, Fujifilm has recently achieved a number of important innovations. These innovations have of course brought added value to current digital image processing systems, such as the Digital Minilab Frontier. They have also found their way into an ever-expanding spectrum of products and services, thus helping to create new types of businesses.

The following is a partial list of recently developed Image Intelligence™ technologies and functions.

• Scene Classification A technology for high-precision recognition and classification of images of human figures, daytime landscapes, evening landscapes and nightscapes, as well as high-contrast photos when the object is exposed by flash, among other photos and enables optimization of all images, regardless of subject matter.

• Face Detection - Automatically crops facial images and adjusts skin tone to optimize images for ID photos and other applications. - Automatically extracts facial data from images and inserts it into other images or templates. Ideal for creating original photos set at theme parks and other fun locations. - Automatically eliminates red eye when used together with red eye detection technology.

• Face Recognition - Automatically detects and identifies human faces and sorts photos accordingly. Extremely useful for organizing the ever-increasing volume of digital photos of family and friends. - Supports applications in the fast-growing market for biometric security systems.

Enhanced competitiveness These and other Image Intelligence™ technologies have attracted keen attention from third-party vendors looking to apply Fujifilm´s digital image processing systems to further enhance the competitiveness of their products and services. Fujifilm will continue to develop Image Intelligence™ to achieve ever higher levels of customer satisfaction with products and services that ensure images ´´just the way you see them, and just as you intended them.´´

Sep 21: Fujifilm Picture the Future

Fujifilm Press Release (another pre released one from fujifilm?)
Fujifilm. Picture the Future

Dedicated to providing quality solutions for the future of imaging

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 – Under the slogan ´´Fujifilm. Picture the Future,´´ the Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. exhibit at Photokina 2004 features a wide variety of new products and services. Conveying Fujifilm´s determination to accurately ´´picture´´ customer needs and the future of the imaging market in the midst of today´s rapidly evolving digital environment, the ´´Picture the Future´´ slogan emphasizes Fujifilm´s dedication to maintaining a strong position as a leader in the photo-imaging world.

In January 2004, Fujfilm celebrated its 70th anniversary. Throughout those 70 years the company has consistently aimed to forge a reputation for quality imaging technology, from photographic films and printing materials to sophisticated services in a host of imaging fields. Among the first to become aware of the potential of digital technology to expand the world of imaging, Fujifilm has devoted significant effort to research and development of digital imaging products. Aiming to consistently contribute to the photo-imaging industry as a pioneer of imaging frontiers, the results of Fujifilm´s ongoing efforts are on display at Photokina 2004.

With the rise of digital technology, the imaging world is undergoing rapid change. Apace with the growing popularity of digital cameras, the total number of shots has increased significantly, and in addition to conventional photographic prints, pictures can now be enjoyed in a variety of new ways – shared over the Internet, manipulated onscreen – the possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Fujifilm recognizes this expansion of the photographic market based on the rapid progress of digitalization as an important business opportunity.

In the midst of upheavals in the imaging world, people´s expectations of pictures remain unchanged. The ability to capture and preserve those important moments, loved ones, and memorable occasions is treasured – a culture of photography that Fujifilm and Photokina seek to preserve. Fujifilm will continue to play a leading role as we Picture the Future, dedicated to preserving the culture of photography for generations to come.

• Fujifilm at Photokina: An Overview At Photokina 2004, two of the main areas of interest in the imaging industry – digital cameras and retail printing – are also the main focus of the Fujifilm presence. The digital camera area will spotlight the comprehensive FinePix lineup of high-quality cameras, while the ´´Print at Retail´´ area will feature a host of new Fujifilm in-store print services based on delivering digital camera and camera-phone prints with the Digital Minilab Frontier combined with ordering terminals.

Fujifilm is placing strong emphasis on its ´´Print at Retail´´ services, based on maximizing the combined advantages of the ultra high-quality image input and output capabilities of FinePix and Frontier.

To illustrate Fujifilm´s commitment to the future of imaging, a concept shop and digital camera design prototypes will also be on display, enabling visitors to experience the expanding pleasures and convenience of imaging for themselves. Main exhibits will be as follows:

1. Digital cameras – Four series to meet varied consumer needs As the number of digital camera users and the range of applications continue to expand, user needs are becoming increasingly diversified, and Fujifilm has developed numerous products to meet these needs. At Photokina 2004, in addition to the emphasis on total image quality, Fujifilm´s FinePix digital camera series has been expanded to meet a variety of lifestyle and budget needs.

The Fujifilm FinePix series comprises four different product lines: the ´´S´´ Series (FinePix S3 Pro/S20 Pro/S7000/S5500/S3500), conceived to satisfy professional requirements for photographic expression; the ´´F´´ Series (FinePix F810/F450 /F440/F455), emphasizing style and high-performance; the ´´A´´ Series (FinePix A340/A330 /A120), designed to make digital photography as easy as possible; and the new ´´E´´ Series (FinePix E550/E510/E500), tailored to maximize the pleasure of taking photographs.

The debut of the FinePix F455 is one of the highlights of the FinePix display. This ultra-compact camera boasts 5.2 million effective pixels and a 2-inch LCD monitor. Incorporating Fujifilm´s innovative Super CCD and high-quality Fujinon lenses, high-performance sensor modules for camera-phones will also be displayed.

FinePix S3 Pro Ideal for studio or wedding photography, the FinePix S3 Pro is a professionaluse model that incorporates Fujifilm´s newly developed Super CCD SRII (12.34- million effective-pixel [6.17 million S-pixels + 6.17 million R-pixels]). The resulting expanded dynamic range produces exceptionally high-quality images. An extensive selection of sensitivities and advanced image processing technology give this camera consistently high quality, while a dynamic range customizing function and film simulation mode permit a wide range of photographic expression. Connected to the Digital Photographic Printer Pictrography 4500N, boasting sophisticated network functions, the FinePix S3 Pro makes it easy to produce A3 size prints of exceptionally high quality.

2. ´´Print at Retail´´ – Varied retail print solutions with a focus on Frontier Photokina provides a showcase for Fujifilm´s approach to digital printing in the retail environment. Fujifilm´s ´´Print at Retail´´ services are based on output of digital camera images with Digital Minilab Frontier, a remarkable fusion of digital and silver halide technology.

At Photokina 2004, the combination of the Digital Minilab Frontier 570, Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type II and CP-49E chemical processing makes possible a new dimension in easy, speedy, beautiful, long-lasting digital camera prints. This year´s exhibit will also introduce the Digital Photo Center and Order-it terminals for prints from digital cameras and camera-phones as ´´Kiosk @ Retail´´ solutions, as well as Internet-based print services. The addition of the Printpix series of on-the-spot output options further expands Fujifilm´s extensive range of ´´Print at Retail´´ services.

An exhibit of Frontier System Solutions will be aimed at retailers offering a variety of digital imaging services. Among the solutions for enhanced print processing capabilities are the ´´Prints in Minutes´´ service, Full Automatic Red-eye Correction function, and the My Fujicolor Printer service for simplified orders via the Internet. In addition to the high-performance, high- productivity Frontier series, these solutions provide powerful business support for minilab shops.

Frontier 570 The Frontier 570 is the newest addition to the acclaimed Digital Minilab Frontier series. Despite its compact size, the high-speed Frontier 570 can produce 1,800 prints (4R size) per hour. The combination of Frontier 570 with Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Type II and CP-49E chemical processing achieves the kind of ultra high-speed, high-quality printing services that only Fujifilm, a total imaging company with the capability to integrate development of the hardware, the paper, and the chemistry, can offer. In addition to compatibility for 12-inch prints, the Frontier 570 is also equipped with Fujifilm´s proprietary Image Intelligence™ with new Full Automatic Red-eye Correction function.

3. Mobile Printer-MP-100 Apace with the popularity of digital cameras, camera-phones are also enjoying rapid growth as simple picture-taking devices. As camera-phones become increasingly high resolution, the demand for prints from camera-phones is growing. With this market in mind, Fujifilm is introducing the newly developed MP-100 mobile printer. The MP-100 receives data from a camera- phone via wireless infrared transmission, eliminating the need for connector cables or media cards. This wireless battery-operated printer produces high- quality prints, instantly and effortlessly.

4. Film, cameras & one-time-use cameras Fujifilm is constantly aware of the great potential and demand for silver halide photographic products, and remains fully committed to the continued development of new and innovative products for this market.

Among the range of new film camera models exhibited is the stylish C1 Zoom 56 (two models). Also on display will be the QuickSnap Smart Flash, with a unique dual flash that produces improved photo quality for night scenes and indoor photography. On display as a reference exhibit is the Natural Photo System which combines ISO 1600 film, a newly developed compact camera with a bright F1.9 lens and a unique exposure program that automatically controls optimum exposure. This system maximizes the advantages of silver halide technology, making it possible to shoot non-flash photos with available light to produce natural-looking images as they appear to the human eye. Initially, the Natural Photo System will be available in the Japanese market only.

5. Professional products Two medium-speed color negative films for professional use will be introduced. Representing the leading edge of Fujifilm´s color negative film technology, Fujicolor PRO 160S combines smooth, gentle tonality with superbly natural color reproduction, while Fujicolor PRO 160C offers high contrast and vivid color. Both of these new films have been optimized for digital scanning.

6. Inkjet paper On display will be Fujifilm´s new Premium Plus Photo Paper Professional (narrow format), the highest quality paper in Fujifilm´s series of inkjet paper. This top quality high-gloss paper for inkjet printers offers a luxurious premium-quality feel and features a heavyweight resin-coated photo paper substrate.

7. Theme exhibit – concept shop & concept products Fujifilm is constantly developing products and services for the imaging world of the future. Providing products and services that deliver enhanced pleasure and convenience is Fujifilm´s mission. On display at Photokina, digital camera prototype models, a portable-type image viewer and a home-use image server provide a glimpse of the future of digital imaging, while a ´´Concept Shop´´ introduces the kind of services that the photo shop of the future will be able to provide. In addition, new applications for Fujifilm´s proprietary Image Intelligence™ technology, based on face detection and face recognition functions, will be introduced.

Sep 21: Fujifilm Announces Expanded Line of Digital Cameras

(Another Fuji Film Press Release)

Innovative Products Meet the Needs of a Variety of Users

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. is proud to announce an expanded and enhanced line of Fujifilm digital cameras designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of users worldwide. The product range now encompasses 15 models, all of which are on display and demonstration at the Fujifilm booth at Photokina 2004.

With digital cameras finding both greater numbers of users and a wider range of applications, both demand and production continue to rise around the world. Global shipments in 2004 are now expected to reach 60.9 million units. Reflecting widespread demand for higher pixel counts, roughly half of the shipments will have at least 4 megapixels, with 4-megapixel models accounting for approximately 25% of sales, and units with 5 megapixels or more another 25%.

The newly expanded range of Fujifilm digital cameras is intended to offer a full spectrum of products to meet the lifestyle and budget needs of a variety of users, from beginners to demanding enthusiasts and professionals. It now comprises four different product lines: the ´´S´´ Series, built as serious tools for photographic expression; the ´´F´´ Series, emphasizing stylish performance; the ´´A´´ Series, designed to make digital photography as easy as possible; and the new ´´E´´ Series, tailored to maximize the pleasure of taking photographs.

With more than 70 years of experience in conventional silver-halide photography, Fujifilm has developed proprietary imaging technology addressing every aspect of imaging, from picture taking to picture making. Fujifilm digital cameras have a unique advantage over their competitors in the digital camera field. As a total imaging company, Fujifilm is committed to in-house development of every essential aspect of digital photography, from CCD sensors and lenses to image processors, storage media, and print services. The result is a line of digital cameras that offer superior image quality, ease-of-use, and pleasure – in short, products that bring more added value to consumers, earning Fujifilm its leadership role in this market.

The Fujifilm Digital Camera Advantage The single most important advantage of Fujifilm´s digital cameras over competitors is their total image quality, made possible by a number of proprietary technologies. Key among these is the unique Super CCD sensor, renowned for its imaging performance and accuracy. The newest generation of Super CCDs includes both the Super CCD SR, designed for expanded dynamic range based on photographic principles, and the Super CCD HR, optimized for maximum resolution.

Fujifilm´s comprehensive knowledge of photography has similarly benefited the development of its new generation of image processor. These combine natural color and low noise with unparalleled processing speed. Joined with Fujinon lenses, long highly regarded by professional photographers, these sensor and processor technologies assuretotal image quality in a class of its own.

Equally outstanding are ease-of-use features such as Fujifilm´s world-leading large, clear, bright LCD monitors, particularly the new widescreen display models. The unique FinePix Photo Mode control, based on photographic principles, makes it easy for anyone to adjust image quality settings, and the PictureCradle and FinePixViewer software provide a convenient way to download images to a PC while simultaneously recharging the camera´s battery. Finally is Fujifilm´s FDi digital print service, offering users beautifully true-to-life, long-lasting photo prints from their digital image files.

FinePix ´´S´´ Series The FinePix ´´S´´ Series encompasses both interchangeable-lens SLR and high-zoomratio SLR-style models, aimed at users who demand full creative control over their photography. Flagship of the ´´S´´ Series is the FinePix S3 Pro, a professional-use model that incorporates Fujifilm´s newly developed Super CCD SR II (12.34 million effective pixels [6.17 million S-pixels + 6.17 million R-pixels]). The four SLR-style models are the FinePix S20 Pro (Super CCD SR, 6.2 million effective pixels [3.1 million S-pixels + 3.1 million R-pixels], 6X optical zoom); the FinePix S7000 (Super CCD HR, 6.3 million effective pixels, 6X optical zoom); the FinePix S5500 (4.0 million effective pixels, 10X optical zoom); and the FinePix S3500 (4.0 million effective pixels, 6X optical zoom).

FinePix ´´F´´ Series Designed for users who demand both style and performance, the FinePix ´´F´´ Series is led by the FinePix F810 (Super CCD HR, 6.3 million effective pixels, 4X optical zoom), boasting superb image quality and luxurious styling with the additional benefits of a widescreen LCD monitor and a rich feature set. Other models include the minisquare design FinePix F450 (5.2 million effective pixels, 3.4X optical zoom) and FinePix F440 (4.1 million effective pixels, 3.4X optical zoom); and the newest in Fujifilm´s stylish horizontal compact designs, the FinePix F455 (5.2 million effective pixels, 3.4X optical zoom).

FinePix ´´E´´ Series Combining a full range of features with simple operation and take-it-anywhere convenience, Fujifilm´s newest series of digital cameras make high-quality digital photography easy for everyone. Top model is the FinePix E550 (Super CCD HR, 6.3 million effective pixels, 4X optical zoom), offering excellent image quality and highspeed continuous shooting. It is joined by the FinePix E510 (5.2 million effective pixels, 3.2X optical zoom) and the FinePix E500 (4.1 million effective pixels, 3.2X optical zoom).

FinePix ´´A´´ Series Digital photography has never been easier than with the entry-level FinePix ´´A´´ Series. There are three models: the FinePix A340 (4.0 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom), the FinePix A330 (3.2 million effective pixels, 3X optical zoom), and the FinePix A120 (3.1 million effective pixels, 3.1X digital zoom).

Sep 21: FujiFilm Digital Imaging Printing Services

FujiFilm Press Release

The New Addition To Fujifilm Digital Imaging Services

Innovative Digital Camera Printing Services

PHOTOKINA 2004, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 28, 2004 – Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. has supplied Fujifilm Digital Imaging Services (FDi services) to global photo retailers, and introduced various digital services such as the Fujicolor CD, Print@FUJICOLOR, Digital Photo Center etc., since the introduction of the Digital Minilab Frontier. Responding to both growing demand for print services and global expansion of digital camera sales, retailers have adapted the Digital Minilab Frontier to offer FDi services under the name of Fujifilm Digital Imaging shop (FDi shop). The following are the new FDi services on display at Photokina 2004.

My Fujicolor Printer A new Internet printing service will be added to Print@FUJICOLOR. In this new system, the FDi shop sells or gives away the My Fujicolor Printer ordering software to their customers. By installing the software onto their PCs, customers can place their digital camera print orders via the Internet directly to the FDi shop that provided the software. Customers can then either pick up their prints at their FDi shop or have them delivered to their homes. Because customers place orders to their local FDi shop using a CD, and not a web browser, operations are easy, particularly for those who are not familiar with using a PC.

FDi shops can benefit from the My Fujicolor Printer ordering software by building up their own customer base, as customers who use the software are expected to repeatedly order prints from the same FDi shops that provided it. Furthermore, as all orders are routed to Fujifilm´s central server, the FDi shops will not need their own server and can easily start their own Internet printing business without creating their own websites. This system will be available in spring 2005 in Europe, and early 2005 in the rest of the world.

New Digital Photo Center Customers bringing their digital print orders to FDi shops are initially offered a variety of ordering options, including the Digital Photo Center, the Printpix Digital Print Station and Princiao. They are free to personally select the print service and quantity that best suit their needs. At Photokina 2004, Fujifilm proudly announces the introduction of a new type of the Digital Photo Center that provides solutions for printing from digital cameras as well as from camera-phones. The new Digital Photo Center handles Bluetooth data as well as mini SD Cards, Memory Stick DuoTM, while offering outputs from the Printpix Digital Color Printer NC-400D for prints on regular paper or NC-471D for prints on sticker paper. In addition, the new Digital Photo Center incorporates the new GUI, allowing customers to place orders with easier operation. The new Digital Photo Center will be available from early 2005.

The Digital Photo Center can be an ideal solution for digital camera printing services not only at the FDi shop but also at various other locations. Print orders from the Digital Photo Center can be transferred via portable media or the Internet to the FDi shop to print with the Frontier. For example, retailers who have installed the Frontier at their main store can offer digital camera printing services at their branch stores even without installing the Frontier into each store. In addition, Frontier shops located in a shopping mall can place Digital Photo Center terminals in various locations within the mall, allowing customers to drop off their orders at the nearest terminal and pick them up at the Frontier shop at their convenience. The ´´Hub and Spoke´´ solution makes it possible for retailers to increase opportunities of digital camera printing services with minimal investment, and will be available from early 2005.

´´Kiosk@Home, Kiosk@Retail´´ My Fujicolor Printer, Digital Photo Center and Hub and Spoke solutions exhibited at the Photokina 2004 in total realize user-friendly digital photo print order environment. Thanks to this environment, digital photo print orders would become more convenient and yet affordable at anywhere, any time. Microsoft Corporation and Fujifilm together pursue such digital photo print order environment, under catch phrases ´´Kiosk@Home´´, and ´´Kiosk@Retail´´. Seamless access toward easy to use print order screen makes interactive collaboration between ´´Kiosk@Home´´ and ´´Kiosk@Retail´´. Visitors to Photokina 2004 can experience at-home digital camera printing at both the Fujifilm and Microsoft booths. Image files can be uploaded at the Microsoft booth and the finished photo prints made by Digital Minilab Frontier can be picked up at the Fujifilm booth.

Sep 21: My Canon

Canon Press Release
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of My Canon: an online customer relationship management (eCRM) portal at http://my.canon-europe.com. My Canon consolidates a range of existing and new online services, including the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and Your Print.

Launched in 2003, Canon's online CANON iMAGE GATEWAY offers owners of selected Canon digital imaging products the facility to upload images and video clips to create and share their own personal online photo galleries. The launch of the My Canon portal adds new options such as an online digital imaging desktop and an information centre, where users can obtain latest Canon product information, plus tips and tools designed to help realise their visual expression.

About - My Canon
Membership to the My Canon portal is open to all, while the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY remains exclusive to owners of select Canon products.

Existing members of the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY will log on to the site using their current user name and password, while first time visitors are invited to register by providing personal details and preferences.

Members are invited to update their personal profile, which is taken into account by the eCRM system when tailoring information to meet the needs and preferences of each individual user. Members will also be able to subscribe to Canon’s personalised online e-news magazine ‘You Connect’, delivered in any one of nine preferred languages.

After logging on to My Canon, members can download software, access 3D Paper Art (a library of paper model craft projects for all ages that utilises colour printing) and Clip Art libraries, and access the Canon Europe Web Self Service (CEWSS) and online manuals for assistance with product instruction. Users can also view and compare Canon’s range of consumer imaging products such as cameras, printers and scanners.

About - Your Print
‘Your Print’ is an online ‘try before you buy’ service for people interested in Canon printers. Users upload their favourite photo or image and request a print sample from the Ink Jet printer model or models of their choice. Samples are then mailed out free of charge.

About - CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY is an existing service providing members with 100MB of online storage for uploading images and video clips. It is free and available to purchasers of Canon digital still cameras, digital video cameras and CP Printers . Users can invite anyone to login and share personal selections of images. Photos can be uploaded directly to the secure site from the user’s camera, along with individual sounds and comments, to create personalised albums themed around special events such as weddings, holidays and birthdays.

From October 2004, members will be able to access the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY and browse their online photo albums via their mobile phone . In the future, Canon plans to provide connectivity to the Gateway via PDA or digital television.

Access to the ‘My Camera’ feature on the site allows members to download software containing themed sounds and images – ranging from abstract art to nature shots – to customise their digital camera’s start-up image and sounds, operation sounds, shutter sounds and self-timer sounds.

Members can also share images by creating a personalised screensaver, which allows friends to enjoy a slide show of the member’s latest pictures. Streaming video can also be uploaded, and the facility exists to create and send electronic greeting cards (e–cards) incorporating personalised text.

Where to see My Canon
The My Canon portal has been launched in local languages throughout 16 European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

Sep 21: Digital Depth of Field

Bob Atkins Photography has a good tutorial on Digital Depth of Field that is very informative and will help you get some excellent results.

'Let's try to define depth of field. The usual definition runs something like this:

"The region over which objects in an image appear sharp".

While there is some truth in this, there's also some confusion - and some untruth too! Let's try a more accurate definition:

"The depth of field is the range of distances reproduced in a print over which the image is not unacceptably less sharp than the sharpest part of the image".'

For more Depth of Field Tutorials and Tips check out our tips collection on the topic.

Photoxels has a good tutorial on Depth of Field.

Also check out Digital Photography School for more free Digital Camera Tips on All Topics.

Sep 21: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II DSLR

The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II (catchy name) has finally been made official. We've just received word from Canon of this 16.7 megapixel DSLR which is sure to get Canon DSLR fans around the world salivating. The Canon EOS 1Ds DSLR has one of the longest list of features you'll ever see in a camera. We've included the news release announcing the 1Ds Mark II below which outlines what it includes.

Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Reviews

DP Now has some initial thoughts about the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and writes - 'Without doubt, comparisons will be drawn between the Canon EOS 1D Mark II and Nikon's newly-announced D2X. 12.4 megapixels sounded a lot last week!

We've listed some specifications below to compare these two high-end professional offerings. In a nut shell, the Nikon D2X is cheaper, faster, lighter and has some interesting colour processing innovations. The Canon 1Ds Mark II is much more expensive, heavier and slower. Nikon has much more of a general purpose camera and is probably better compared with Canon's EOS 1D Mark II.'

Canon have also released some very large image samples from the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II. Also see image samples at DP Review's Canon EOS 1Ds II image sample page.

Luminous Landscape reviews the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II DSLR and writes - 'The noise levels on the IDs Mark II are very low; comparable with those from the Canon 20D and 1D MKII, the best cameras over their entire range that I've yet tested or used. The surprise here is that ISO 50 (Low) is as poor as it is, about the same as ISO 800. Since the camera's native ISO is 100, 50 ISO should therefore be regarded as a special purpose setting that really only should be used when an extra low shutter speed or wide aperture can't be accomplished any other way.'

DP Review has a review of the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II where they give it a 'highly recommended' rating. They write - 'Performance is another area which impresses, of course we all expect a professional digital SLR (especially one with this price tag) to operate quickly and be instantly responsive to our every request. But when you consider that this camera wasn't designed for the fast-shooting sports market it's equally amazing to use it and realize that in many ways it is just as capable at continuous shooting as it is at delivering superb resolution. Four sixteen megapixel frames per second for 41 frames without stopping is something mighty.'

CNET reviews the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II and writes - 'Canon maintains its industry-leading position with the 16.7-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark II, the highest-resolution small-format digital SLR. Intended for studio and landscape photographers who prefer the size and flexibility of 35mm-style cameras, the 1Ds Mark II sets a new benchmark for performance and image quality. With a wealth of upgrades, this camera succeeds and surpasses Canon's original EOS 1Ds, introduced two years earlier.'

They give the 1Ds Mark II a rating of 'excellent' (8.9 out of 10).

Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

Learn more about the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II DSLR from the following press release from Canon announcing the camera.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Press Release

16.7 Megapixels of Righteous Resolution: In The Studio Or On The Road Canon's New EOS-1Ds MARK II SLR Takes Pro Digital To The Next Level Of Imaging Excellence

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 21, 2004 With the Highest Resolution, Lowest Noise, Truest Color And Fastest Burst Rate In Its Class, The EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR Is The One Pro Digital Even Medium-Format Film Holdouts Will Love

At long last, catalog and commercial photographers, stock photographers, studio portrait specialists and other professional photographers of every stripe and specialty can capture brilliant high impact images and enjoy the speed, economy, flexibility, increased workflow and productivity that only digital offers with Canon's new 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II SLR.

The EOS-1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera establishes a new benchmark of innovation and excellence not only for Canon but for our industry as a whole and particularly for the community of professional photographers who are our most demanding and discerning customers,” stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc (NYSE:CAJ). “Up to now, many professional and commercial photographers have been wedded to their medium format film cameras in order to ensure the excellence of their images and the ability to make dramatic enlargements with virtually no reduction in quality. With this remarkable new pro digital SLR, we are sending a message to those medium format fans: your digital dream has been fulfilled.”

For those wishing to get a first glimpse of that dream, production models of the new EOS-1Ds Mark II camera will be on display at the Canon booth at the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany starting on Sept. 28th and at New York City's Photo Plus show starting on Oct. 21st at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The EOS-1Ds Mark II camera body carries an estimated street price of $7,999 and is scheduled to begin shipping in November.

The successor to Canon's 11.1-megapixel EOS-1Ds SLR introduced in 2002, the new 16.7-megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II camera utilizes a full-size 24x36mm CMOS sensor that eliminates focal length conversion factors, and features dramatically improved image quality made possible by the combination of new image sensor technology together with Canon's exclusive DIGIC II image processor.

The new CMOS sensor features larger microlenses over each photosite compared to the EOS-1Ds resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio. On-chip noise reduction has also been improved to produce a cleaner signal before the image data is transferred to the DIGIC II image processor. The DIGIC II processor in turn produces rich, high-chroma color gradations for more naturally rendered images. Indeed, it is the combination of Canon's proprietary CMOS sensor and DIGIC II technology that permits the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera to provide what was once considered near impossible: high definition at high resolution with extremely low levels of false color artifacts. DIGIC II also permits faster processing of large files and is twice as fast as the image processor used in the EOS-1Ds.

Color Space...

The EOS-1Ds Mark II camera provides five preset color matrix settings plus two custom settings (as compared with the five presets provided on the original EOS-1Ds camera). In addition, the support for the Adobe RGB color space is improved through the use of DCF 2.0 and Exif 2.21 file formats.

...And White Balance

Inherited from the EOS-1D Mark II model is the new camera's white balance correction feature that permits nine +/-adjustments in full step increments; compensation for blue/amber bias or magenta/green bias; white balance bracketing in three +/- full stop increments and auto white balance derived exclusively from image sensor data. The camera features a total of ten white balance settings:Auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten light, fluorescent light, flash, manual, custom and personal.

Fast, Fast, Fast

The EOS-1Ds Mark II pro digital SLR is ready for action just 0.3 seconds after its power switch is clicked on and fires a fast four frames per second at full resolution for bursts of up to 32 JPEG or 11 RAW images (compared with 3 fps for up to 10 frames on the original EOS-1Ds camera). In a commercial studio environment, the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera will actually shoot faster than the time it takes for most studio strobes to recycle. The camera also offers users ISO options from 100 to 1600 in 1/3-stop increments with the flexibility to expand the range to ISO 50 or ISO 3200 by utilizing the camera's custom functions.

While the new 1Ds Mark II camera occupies the prestigious flagship position of Canon's professional digital line, it incorporates or surpasses many of the new technological advances introduced earlier this year on the 8.2 megapixel EOS-1D Mark II pro digital SLR, which has become a favorite of photojournalists, sports shooters and wedding photographers.

Like its 8.2 megapixel SLR sibling, responsiveness and user-directed adaptability are again clearly evident in the range of the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera's shutter speeds - from 1/8000 to 30 seconds and bulb (with user-set adjustments of 1/3, 1/2 or full stops). The camera's shutter lag time is just 55ms and focus is achieved in a virtual instant thanks to a 45-point AF system. Precision also extends to the EOS IDs Mark II camera's 21-zone metering sensor, which, as one would expect, works seamlessly with the E-TTL-II flash metering technology. Adding to the camera's versatility and ability to reflect the individuality of the photographer using it, the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera features 20 built-in Custom Functions with 65 settings and 27 personal function settings that can be uploaded to the camera with the use of dedicated software.

Recognizing that such customization can be time consuming, all of the camera's settings can now be saved to a memory card and shared with multiple cameras. Should the camera need servicing, the settings can be stored and reloaded after the work is done.

With 16.7 effective megapixels (out of a total of 17.2 megapixels) packed on to a 36.0 x 24.0 mm CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera offers the world's highest pixel count in a 35mm, full-size digital AF SLR camera. In the JPEG Large and RAW modes, the 4992 x 3328 recorded pixels are easily capable of making 16 x 24 inch enlargements. What's more, the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera has sufficient resolution to generate a full double page spread at 300 DPI, considered the 'Holy Grail“ of catalog photography.

Unlike the original 1Ds camera that featured only two image quality settings, the new EOS-1Ds Mark II model places greater control and discretion in the photographer's hands and offers a choice of five image quality settings: RAW (16.6 megapixels); Large JPEG (16.6 megapixels); Medium 1 JPEG (8.6 megapixels), Medium 2 JPEG (6.3 megapixels), and Small JPEG (4.2 megapixels). RAW files and JPEGS can be shot separately or simultaneously, for maximum flexibility according to the desired workflow.

E-TTL II Flash Exposure Control

The EOS-1Ds Mark II Pro Digital SLR camera incorporates the E-TTL II Flash control system first introduced on the EOS-1D Mark II model earlier this year. Though it remains compatible with all EX-series Speedlites as well as the E-TTL wireless autoflash system, the smarter E- TTL II flashmetering algorithm evaluates the subject as a ”plane “ rather than a simply a point and ensures that images containing various colors and levels of reflection are captured accurately and optimally. The system compares the ambient light with pre-flash data reflected off the subject and recorded by the central 17 metering zones. It then selects the areas with a small difference to be weighted for flash exposure calculation. The system eliminates or under-weights areas with large differences, recognizing them as an extremely reflective object in the background or a highly reflective subject, then smartly ensuring it by considering the distance information data provided from compatible EF lenses. The system similarly prevents over-exposure when photographers lock focus and recompose the shot by considering the flash output level calculated according to the distance. The camera also allows users to select an averaged metering pattern by using its custom function settings.

Pick A Card...

Like the 8.2 megapixel EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR that Canon announced in January, this new 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II model is equipped with two dedicated card slots for Compact Flash (Type I or II) and SD memory cards and allows for either simultaneous backup recording for situations where image capture is critical or individual recording on separate cards for capture of an enormous number of images.

The EOS-1Ds Mark II camera also features a brilliant and easy to read 230,000 pixel high detail color LCD Monitor (compared with a 120,000 pixel display on the original EOS-1Ds), that measures two inches on the diagonal and provides 100% coverage. Image playback can be automatic after an image has been captured and is also reviewable by simply pressing the ”display“ button on the rear of the body. The monitor is equipped with a magnification feature that provides a 1.5 X to 10X scrollable zoom in 15 stops, enabling users to check the focus and exposure of their images with a new level of on-the-spot precision. The monitor also provides five brightness settings, a new and bolder typeface to allow for easier reading of text menus and an auto rotation feature that automatically rotates a vertically shot image to enable easier viewing and downloading. Manual clockwise rotation of the image is also possible by 90, 270 or 0 degrees through the image rotation menu.

RGB Histogram

Contributing to the precision and control afforded to its users, The EOS-1Ds Mark II camera's RGB histogram display enables separate checking of color and brightness information for the red, green and blue channels. The RGB histogram can also be used to check other color information not available in the brightness display such as white balance bias, color balance, color saturation and the compression of color gradations. Available when viewing any recorded image in the Single (Info.) image playback mode, the RGB histogram is displayed as an alternate to the luminance histogram, which draws attention to overexposed portions of the picture that lack image information.

Improved Interface

In addition to the professional-standard four pin IEEE1394 (Firewire) port that enables high speed computer interface at 100 megabits per second, the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera features a new video output terminal which supports TV connection, facilitating the viewing of images on a television screen, as well as a USB port for connection to a computer or Direct Printing with BJ Direct, Canon's Compact Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers.

Able to stand up to real world conditions - from environmental portraiture, nature, travel or ”annual report“ type images to high-volume catalog photography, family portrait studios or event imaging applications - this fast and fine thoroughbred SLR is also a rugged, lightweight, weather resistant magnesium alloy workhorse, with a shutter durability-tested to 200,000 exposures (50,000 more than on the original 1Ds camera). The camera's EF lens mount is made of stainless steel and is fully compatible with all Canon EF lenses (except EF-S lenses), as well as TS-E and MP-E lenses. Adding to its allure, the new EOS-1Ds Mark II camera fairly sips power from its battery, executing approximately 1200 shots per charge, double that of its original (and recent) EOS-1Ds ancestor.

Bundled Software

The EOS-1Ds Mark II camera is bundled with two software CD-ROMs: the EOS Digital Solution Disk (ver. 9.0) which includes Windows and Macintosh versions of the EOS Viewer Utility (ver. 1.2) which allows image downloading, RAW image adjustment and camera setting specifications; EOS Capture (ver 1.2) and PhotoStitch as well Twain and WIA Drivers (Windows only). The second disk, Digital Photo Professional (ver. 1.5) includes a newly updated RAW image processing application to handle the workflow demands of professional photographers. It enables high-speed RAW image processing and preview, support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces and is Color Management System (CMS) compatible. The EOS Capture software supports tethered shooting with Digital Photo Professional as well as EOS Viewer Utility to provide a powerful performance combination for studio photographers. As with the EOS-1D Mark II model, no third party image retouching software is included.

Remotely Possible

New for the EOS-1Ds Mark II camera is the optional Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E1A)(A). Given the enormous popularity of LAN-based image transmission systems and the demands for higher speed image distribution in the reporting fields, Canon developed this new accessory that allows photographers to transmit images from their cameras directly to a computer over a wired or wireless local area network (LAN). The WFT-E1 transmitter includes a mini antenna, a long and short IEE1394 cable, a case and camera mounting screw. The transmitter will also be compatible with the EOS-1D Mark II and the EOS 20D digital SLR cameras via a firmware upgrade. Pricing for the WFT-E1 has not been finalized, but will be announced prior to initial dealer shipments in November.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of ”Top 100 Brands.“ Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II

Sep 21: Fujifilm Finepix 455

The Fujifilm Finepix 455 is a new 5.2 megapixel digital camera (CCD sensor) from Fujifilm that has a 3.4x Optical Zoom lens and 2inch LCD - all packaged up in a tiny package (deck of cards sized). Learn more about the Fujifilm Finepix 455 from Fuji's press release announcing it.

Fujifilm Press Release
Fujifilm’s FinePix F455 Zoom: sharp looks and even sharper pictures

New five megapixel addition to Fujifilm's ultra-smart ‘F’ range of digital cameras

21 September 2004, Fujifilm today announced the FinePix F455 Zoom, a sleek new model that increases Fujifilm’s already powerful presence in ultra-compact digital cameras. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a powerful sensor delivering five megapixel resolution and a 3.4 x times optical zoom lens, balancing strength and style in a diminutive package exactly the same size as a standard deck of cards.

The FinePix F455 Zoom also boasts a high resolution, two-inch LCD screen, making it ideal for checking the five megapixel detail of your best shots.

Capable of low sensitivity settings of ISO 80, the FinePix F455 Zoom allows users to capture images of exceptional clarity, even in bright conditions. The five megapixel sensor also means that images can be enlarged without loss of quality or detail.

Furthermore, Fujifilm has developed a new battery system with reduced energy consumption, giving the FinePix F455 Zoom greater staying power. And with its xD-Picture Card™ memory (currently available in capacities up to 512MB), the FinePix F455 Zoom can store and download multiple images quickly and easily. This versatile camera also comes with a USB PictureCradle, useful for recharging batteries and parking your camera when not in use. PictBridge™ compatibility means that images can also be printed directly without the need for a PC or a Mac.

FinePix F455 Zoom features at a glance:
- CCD sensor delivering 5.2 million pixels
- High resolution 2“ LCD monitor for the best clarity and detail
- 3.4x optical zoom lens
- Low sensitivity settings of ISO 80 for photography in bright conditions with low noise
- Movie capture of 10 frames per second with sound
- xD-Picture Card™ providing large storage capacity, lower power consumption and fast write speeds (16MB to 512 MB capacities currently available)
- USB PictureCradle for fuss-free image downloading and battery recharge
- PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm’s Director of Consumer Products, said, ”Making a small camera is not the exciting part. The exciting part is making a camera that is both small and does justice to what people would expect from Fujifilm in terms of image quality. We feel we’ve reached that point with the F455 Zoom – I’ve seen batteries that are bigger than this camera!“

Availability & pricing
The FinePix F455 Zoom will be available from UK retailers in November 2004. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch.*

Sep 21: Canon Powershot SD200

The Canon Powershot SD200 (also known as the IXUS 30 in Europe) is a 3.2 megapixel digital camera that has a 2.0inch LCD, 3x Optical Zoom, optical viewfinder and 13 shooting modes. It is sleekly designed and all fits into a 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch bundle of technology.

Get the Latest Price on the Canon Powershot SD200

Canon Powershot SD200 Reviews

Steve's Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot SD200 and writes - 'With a street price of around $299, the SD200 offers excellent value. Its Large SuperFine images have enough resolution to create photo-quality 5x7-inch and larger prints. We feel it will make a good choice for those who want an ultra-compact and durable camera that's fast and can be carried in any size pants pocket or purse. '

DCRP reviews the Canon Powershot SD200 and writes - 'Overall the PowerShot SD200 is a very ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera. Photo quality is very good, though the occasional dark or blurry corner and purple fringing are a step down from the old S410/S500. Still, this camera will do a great job for its target audience: namely, web photos and smaller-sized prints. The SD200 features a stylish, ultra-thin metal body that will go anywhere. It's well-built for the most part, save for the incredibly cheap plastic door over the memory card / battery compartment on the bottom of the camera. The SD200 has a larger-than-average 2.0" LCD display. Outdoors you can see it fairly well, indoors in low light it's just so-so. Performance on the camera is first-rate, and a high speed SD card will really make it fly. The continuous shooting and movie modes are superb, and they're at their best with the fast card.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot SD200 and writes - 'Good image quality and user-friendly design has become synonymous with the ELPH name, and is the reason why the line is so popular with a wide range of consumers. Extending the brand name's excellent reputation in the film world, members of the digital ELPH series have always impressed me with their quality and versatility. The SD200 is the 3-megapixel �little brother� to the 4-megapixel Canon SD300 that we reviewed before it. The slimmer design of these two models relative to that of earlier digital ELPHs is a definite plus, and their range of features gives them an edge over many other subcompact point-and-shoot digicams in the marketplace. Although actual exposure control remains automatic, the ability to adjust ISO, White Balance, and access longer shutter times significantly increases the camera's capabilities. Thanks to its high-speed DIGIC-II processing chip, it's also very responsive for a subcompact digicam, and its movie capability goes far beyond what I'm accustomed to seeing from subcompact digicam models.'

Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Canon Powershot SD200 and writes - 'The SD200 is not just an excellent ultracompact camera; it's an excellent camera that just happens to be ultracompact. There are enough features here to satisfy photographers of any category except perhaps enthusiasts or professionals; if it had full manual controls it might. Image quality is very good but not excellent, an understandable tradeoff for its minuscule size. It's a fine choice for an individual or family (with training) as a general-purpose camera, or as a take-anywhere second camera for a pro or enthusiast.'

Bob Atkins has a review of the Canon Powershot SD200 and write - 'Despite the lack of full manual control, I still like the SD200. In fact I bought one myself so I'd have a camera that I can basically take anywhere! Image quality is good and you do have manual control over almost everything except for exposure (and even there you do have exposure compensation). You also get some remarkably good video modes (with audio) including 640x480 at 30fps. The 3.2MP is enough for excellent 4x6 and 5x7 prints and even 8x10 looks pretty good. The price (currently around $180) is pretty good too! If you want more pixels, the SD300 has 4MP (around $250) and the SD400 has 5MP (around $265) in essentially the same camera body with the same camera features.'

Buy the Canon Powershot SD200

Canon Powershot SD200 Press Release

Canon's Sophisticated, Stylish and Slender New PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Big Screen Viewing in Pocket-Sized Packages
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 21, 2004 Canon's New Ultra Slim, Ultra Compact PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Image Excellence, Large LCD Screens and Small Size to Today's Consumers

Canon makes shooting and viewing brilliant high-quality digital pictures simple with two fast, sleek and slender new digital cameras. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH and 4.0-megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras combine large 2.0-inch LCD screens, cutting edge technology with UA Lens and Canon's exclusive DIGIC II image processing technology into ultra compact 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch packages.

“Since the introduction of the first Digital ELPH model in May of 2000, Canon has gained an outstanding reputation for small, stylish compact cameras with excellent image quality,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models embody the basic principles of the ELPH line - ultra compact, lightweight and highly elegant - while striving to produce the best image quality possible.”

Canon pioneered the stylish camera concept in 1996 with the first ELPH camera, an APS film model designed to take great pictures and fit stylishly into the consumer lifestyle. With each PowerShot Digital ELPH Canon introduces, the company continues to focus on style, fashion and the distinctive look and feel of the Digital ELPH line, a look that many competitors have subsequently tried to copy. Canon's new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras honor the ELPH heritage of ultimate style while incorporating the latest imaging technologies, like the DIGIC II image processor.

Features and Functionality

Available in October for an estimated street price of $299.99*, the new ultra sleek, 3.2 megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH features a 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical/3.2x Digital/10x combined zoom lens and an elegant aluminum frame.

Canon's new ultra slim 4.0 megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH camera features a 35 - 105mm 3x optical/3.6x digital/11x combined zoom lens and a striking high-gloss stainless steel frame that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand with simplified controls that make it easy to operate. The slim new camera will be available in November for an estimated street price of $399.99*.

The PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPHs are the industry's first digital cameras to feature the new Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode, which records movies at 60 frames-per-second (fps). At 320 x 240 pixels, users can record up to one minute of fast action or sports clips, allowing consumers to analyze their golf or tennis swing in slow motion. The cameras also feature additional movie modes, including 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels at either 30 or 15 fps for the full capacity of the memory card and a compact movie setting of 160 x 120 pixels at 15 fps for a maximum of three minutes recording.

Both cameras include an optical viewfinder, enabling the photographer to get the shot even in sunny situations. The SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras also feature a through the lens (TTL) 9-point AiAF autofocus and an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that provides the user with a horizontal image during playback, even if the picture was taken vertically. The autofocus system utilizes an AF-assist beam, which can be turned on and off in the menu settings.

Both models offer 13 shooting modes, including: Auto, Manual, Stitch Assist, Movie Mode including Fast Frame Rate, Digital Macro, and Special Scene Modes including Portrait, Night Snapshot, Photo Effect, Kids and Pets, Indoor, and Underwater. These digital cameras allow users to shoot single frames or continuously at a rate of 2.4 fps until the SD card is full. The shutter speeds (mechanical and electronic) range from 15 seconds to 1/1500th of a second and the built-in flash features six modes: Auto/Auto with red-eye reduction/ flash on with red-eye reduction/flash on/flash off/ and slow synchro. Canon strategically placed the lenses on these two models away from the flash units to help prevent red-eye from occurring.

UA Lens Technology

Both the PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models are equipped with uniquely designed optical zoom lenses. These new lenses feature Canon's exclusive Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical technology, called UA Lens technology for short, which produces outstanding sharpness and clarity. At the same time, it allows the camera body to be even thinner and more compact than previous models with smaller zoom ratios. The UA technology produces crystal clear image quality at all focal lengths.

Double The Difference With DIGIC II Technology

The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPHs are the first in the PowerShot line of digital cameras to utilize DIGIC II Technology. Canon's DIGIC II image processor is without question, the most powerful imaging processor that the company has ever put into a digital camera. It boasts improved color reproduction of high-saturation, bright subjects, improved auto white balance precision, and wider dynamic range in highlight areas. In addition to its image quality improvements, the DIGIC II chip is also responsible for speeding up camera performance in areas such as start-up time, autofocus calculation, card-writing speed, continuous shooting and movie recording.

Print/Share...At the Touch of a Button

The new PowerShot SD200 and PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras offer Direct Printing functionality, making it easy, quick and convenient for anyone to produce high-quality photos without the need for a computer. The Print/Share button, found on most of Canon's new PowerShot models and most current Canon compact digital cameras, also speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers. The Print/Share feature enables one-touch Direct Transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000 and 98 computers, for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet or emailing. Once connected, the Print/Share button will light up blue, indicating that it is ready to print.

In about 85 seconds, consumers can easily print high-quality 4 x 6 inch or 4 x 8 inch pictures with Canon's Compact Photo Printers to share with friends and family.

Other printing enhancements found in each new model include:

-- An ID Photo Print feature that allows the user to make ID photo size prints by cropping the image to the required ID size (up to 28 sizes); and

-- Movie Print mode enables the consumer to print a series of still images from a recorded movie.

The PowerShot SD200 and PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH camera kits include USB cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AV-DC300, Battery Charger CB-2LV, rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack NB-4L, Wrist Strap WS-600 and a 16MB SD Memory Card together with the latest versions of Canon Digital Solutions Software and the ArcSoft Camera Suite.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

* Estimated Selling Price: Actual prices set by dealer are subject to change.

Sep 21: Canon Powershot SD20

The Canon Powershot SD20 (also known as the IXUS i5 in Europe) is being billed as a fashionable camera and comes in four 'fall colors'. Underneath the fresh design is a single focal length camera with a 5 megapixel sensor. It comes with a full array of shooting modes and settings including an 'underwater' mode.

Steve's Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot SD20 and writes - 'the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH will make a great choice for anyone who wants an ultra-compact camera that's stylish, durable, and can be worn around your neck or slipped in a pocket or purse. Its 5-megapixel Superfine images have plenty of resolution to create photo-quality 8x10-inch or larger prints. With a street price of around $349, its a little expensive. But, if you're one who just has to have one of the smallest digicams available, the SD20 will surely please.'

DCRP reviews the Canon Powershot SD20 and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH is what I call a "secondary camera". It's the go-anywhere camera that's always on hand to capture the moment. For more serious endeavors, that's where you bring out your primary camera -- the PowerShot G6, Coolpix 8700, whatever. With that in mind, the SD20 is a very nice ultra-compact camera that can fit in your pocket, ready for action at any time. It takes very good 5 Megapixel photos without major delays like shutter lag. The camera is mostly point-and-shoot, though I appreciate the manual white balance and long shutter speed controls. The camera has an AF-assist lamp for focusing in low light, though I found it hard to see anything on the LCD in those conditions.'

PC Magazine reviews the Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital Elph digital camera and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital Elph is a sleek, attractive, and durable 5MP ultracompact that takes very good daylight pictures. Flash shots aren't as impressive, though, and there's no optical zoom. Still, this smaller-than-pocket-size beauty takes a lovely, high-resolution picture and offers lots of extra features for its size; it's a fine “companion” camera. '

Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH and writes - 'Good image quality and user-friendly design are synonymous with the ELPH name, and are the reasons why the line is so popular with a wide range of consumers. Extending the brand name's excellent reputation in the film world, members of the digital ELPH series have always impressed me with their quality and versatility. The Canon SD20 updates last year's SD10 model, with higher resolution and a minor revamp of the feature set. It retains the SD10's ultra-sleek styling and subcompact size, but there are tradeoffs, such as a fixed focal length lens (no zoom), shorter battery life, and no optical viewfinder. If you don't mind the lack of a zoom lens though (and can live with an LCD-only viewfinder), the SD20 makes an excellent traveling companion, one that'll let you bring back big, sharp, good-looking photos.'

Learn more about the Canon Powershot SD20 from the following Canon press release.

Canon Press Release
Canon's Fashion Focused PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH Cameras Feature Imaging Excellence in Four Elegant New Colors

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 21, 2004 Form Meets Function With Canon's New Five-Megapixel Beauties That Feature Fashionable Fall Colors in Garnet, Midnight Blue, Zen Gray and Silver

Whether accentuating the hottest new attire during a memorable night on the town, or a fun day of shopping with friends, style enthusiasts are sure to zoom in on the most picturesque fashion accessory this fall - Canon's five-megapixel PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras. The new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras combine excellent image quality with sultry sizzle - all the while keeping their slim, (3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches) modelesque figure.

A Fashionista Must-Have
Designed for the fashion conscious trendsetter, the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH comes in four new, exclusive colors that are ready to snap up plenty of attention this season. No matter if it's the glamorous look of Silver for a night of dancing, an elegant deep Midnight Blue during an evening under the stars, the rich, sophisticated tone of Garnet, or the tranquility of Zen Gray that will please anyone's inner chi, there is a PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH camera to suit any occasion.

Canon's new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras exude style. These new models replace last year's superbly successful PowerShot SD10 Digital ELPH cameras, which debuted as the fall season's sizzling new fashion accessory when mega-hot fashion designer and star costumer Patricia Field paired the SD10 Digital ELPH cameras with her latest line and her models wore the cameras down her 2003 “House of Field” Fashion Week catwalk.

“With the introduction of these four new aesthetically designed PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras, consumers on the cutting edge of fashion can match their best fall looks with a digital camera that provides uncompromising quality and style,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras offer upgraded features and enhanced image quality from their predecessors, in a compact package that is sure to be the must-have accessory this fall.”

Distinctive Design
Through extreme dedication, Canon has achieved a design that actively contributes to peak performance and is yet exceptionally pleasing to the eye. Featuring the power of an all-glass Canon lens and the precision of DIGIC technology, the new PowerShot SD20 DIGITAL ELPH cameras elegantly combine function and fashion. These slender, lightweight digital cameras are surprisingly robust. The four luxurious color iterations of the new Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras' innovative exterior construction are made up of a combination of metals including high-grade stainless steel and aluminum alloys with a variety of textures. Each color-variation is built using a unique process that accentuates its individual color.

Full Functionality
The PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras incorporate a full range of high-performance features including a high-quality four-element 6.4mm (equivalent to 39mm in 35mm format) f /2.8 single focal length lens and a 6.5x digital zoom. The camera also features an easy to read 1.5-inch (diagonally measured) color LCD Screen, through the lens (TTL) 9-point AiAF autofocus and an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that provides the user with a horizontal image during playback, even if the picture was taken vertically. The camera's shutter speeds (mechanical and electronic) range from 15 seconds to 1/1500th of a second and there are 6 white balance modes including Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent and Fluorescent H settings.

Settings on the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras include: five new scene modes, including portrait, landscape, night snapshot, indoor and underwater; Super Macro mode which supports auto-focusing on subjects as close as 1.2 inches from the tip of the lens, resulting in impressive close-ups; and Quick Shot mode, which reduces the time lag between pressing the shutter button and starting the exposure, thus improving the SD20 Digital ELPH cameras' ability to capture spontaneous moments and Photo Effect Mode.

The SD20 Digital ELPH cameras' built-in flash features auto/on/off/slow sync operation modes and covers a span of one to six feet in normal shooting mode when ISO sensitivity is set to Auto. Maximum distance can be increased to approx. 13 feet at ISO 400. Red-eye reduction is also available in Auto mode.

The digital cameras offer Super Fine, Fine and Normal JPEG compression modes and features resolution settings of 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200 and 640 x 480 (VGA) for still images. The SD20 Digital ELPH cameras can also shoot AVI movie clips with sound up to three minutes apiece at resolutions of 640 x 480, 320 x 240 or 160 x 120. The PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH camera kit includes an ultra-compact 32MB SD memory card and features video out and USB cables.

Print/Share...At the Touch of a Button
The Print/Share button, found on most of Canon's new PowerShot models makes it easy, quick and convenient for anyone to produce high-quality photos without the need for a computer. Direct printing also speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge-enabled printers. The Print/Share feature also enables one-touch Direct Transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000 and 98 computers, uploading to the Internet or emailing. Once connected, the Print/Share button will light up blue, indicating that it is ready to print. When used with Canon's portable Compact Photo Printers, consumers can make 4 x 6 inch photos in 85 seconds from virtually anywhere.

The DIGIC(TM) Difference
Canon's new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH digital cameras include Canon's DIGIC technology. Canon developed the proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) Image Processor specifically for use with its line of digital cameras. The technology combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. Because it was specifically designed for use in digital cameras, it is also capable of handling JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera. The result is a product that offers faster and more powerful auto focus than ever before, faster image processing, better image quality and longer battery life.

Dedicated accessories will include Battery Pack NB-3L, Battery Charger CB-2LU as well as a matching soft leather case with the purchase of a SD20 Digital ELPH a different color to match each camera and an optional, attractive All-Weather Housing AW-DC10 that is designed for popular outdoor activities such as snowboarding, snow skiing, water skiing, and boating as well as underwater photography at depths up to 9.8 feet. The Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras will be available through authorized dealers in October for estimated street prices of $349.99*.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

* Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

Sep 21: Canon Selphy DS700 Photo Printer

Canon Press Release

Canon's New SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer Can Connect to TV Allowing Consumers to View and Print Their Digital Photos

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 21, 2004 Canon's new SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer expands the possibilities of digital imaging by allowing consumers to both view and print their pictures using the biggest screen in the house - the television. This inkjet-based compact photo printer lets people take their digital photo printing out of the computer room and into the comfort of their living room with the ability to view slide shows, make basic photo edits and print their images from their television screen.

"As digital imaging evolves and becomes more integrated into the consumer's lifestyle, people are looking for simple and convenient solutions to share their images in a way that the whole family can enjoy and participate in," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). "The new Compact Photo Printer SELPHY DS700 provides consumers with a solution that lets them view their images in large sizes on a TV screen and navigate through photos easily with a remote control, making it a personal and fun experience where memories can be printed directly on the spot."

The SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer allows users to display photos directly on the TV screen and easily select images to print via a remote control. Two separate modes for printing include a slide show mode, which enable users to pause and instantly print the images they like, and the photo print mode where users can select the images they want to print and how many of each image with the click of the remote.

Canon designed the photo print mode to duplicate the easy user interface of its popular Easy-PhotoPrint software. The SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer features media card slots, which are compatible with a wide range of digital media, including Compact Flash, Microdrive, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, SD Card and Multimedia Card. Additional media cards, which can be used with an adapter (sold separately), include xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Duo Pro, miniSD Card.

The new SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer features PictBridge technology for direct photo printing. Users simply connect their PictBridge compatible digital camera or camcorder to the printer with the USB cable that is included with their camera.

In addition to printing in the living room using the TV and included remote, photos can be printed on the SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer direct from camera-equipped mobile phones wirelessly through infrared transmission (IrDA)(c) as well as PC printing with a USB connection.

The FINE (Full-photolithographic Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) print head of the printer ejects ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters at resolutions up to 4800 x 1200 dpi(d) achieving stunning photographic results when matched with special Canon photo media. The newly developed image processing platform enables printing of 4 x 6 inch borderless photos in approximately 85 seconds(e) from both Card Direct and Camera Direct functions. From a computer, users can print 4 x 6 inch borderless photos in approximately 52 seconds(f).

The SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer was designed to maximize performance with a small dimensions of only 8.5" (W) x 8.5" (D) x 3.1" (H). Paper loading, feeding and ejection are all done at the front of the printer allowing it to fit in tight spaces. A variety of printing projects can be completed with paper choices of 4 x 6 inch or credit card sizes and multiple layouts, where several pictures can be placed on one page from card direct and PC printing.

The Easy PhotoPrint software bundled with the SELPHY DS700 model makes batch printing, printing large numbers of photos, index printing, and layout printing easy. With Canon's Easy-PhotoPrint software, consumers can print photos quickly using simple menu choices to locate digital images, pick paper size and type, and choose the layout and print. Other features that help produce realistic digital images include Vivid Photo to print life-like vibrant colors and Photo Noise Reduction to decrease noise from digital images. New tools added include Face Sharpening for out-of-focus face correction and Face Brightener to help correct for less-than perfect lighting conditions.

Canon's new SELPHY DS700 Compact Photo Printer will be available this fall for an estimated selling price of $199.99(a).

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.usa.canon.com.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

(a) Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

(b) PPM print speed based on highest speed printer driver setting. Photo print speed based on maximum print speed using Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy. Print speeds will vary depending on system configuration, software, document complexity, print mode and page coverage.

(c) JPEG files 3Mb or smaller only. Requires mobile phone with IrDA port and support for IR MC version 1.1 protocol with phone positioned no more than 7.9 inches from printer.

(d) Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/4800 inch at minimum.

(e) Approximately 85 second print time when printing a 5 megapixel image direct from a memory card or digital camera on Canon photo paper plus glossy. Actual print speed may vary based on file size, image data, print mode and device that the printer is connected to.

(f) 52-second Photo print speed based from computer on maximum print speed using Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy. Print speeds will vary depending on system configuration, software and print mode.

Sep 21: Canon Powershot SD300

The Canon Powershot SD300 (also known as the IXUS 40 in Europe) is a 4.0 megapixel digital camera that has a 2.0inch LCD, 3x Optical Zoom, optical viewfinder and 13 shooting modes. It is sleekly designed and all fits into a 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch bundle of technology.

Get the Latest Price on the Canon PowerShot SD300

Learn more about the Canon Powershot SD300 from the following Canon Press Release announcing it and its little brother the SD200.

DCRP reviews the Canon Powershot SD 300 and writes - 'Despite its flaws, I do like the SD300 -- quite a lot in fact. It seems to have the same image quality problems as the PowerShot S60 and S70, which use the same UA lens technology. For those folks printing photos smaller than 8 x 10, I don't think the blurry edges or purple fringing are a big deal. And I think those are just the kind of people who will be buying the SD300.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Canon Powershot SD300 and writes - 'The Canon ELPH series of digicams continues to be a popular option for many consumers, given its tiny size and reputation for great quality. The PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH updates the line with special features designed to ease printing direct from the camera, and sports a 4.0-megapixel CCD for high resolution images. Although exposure control is mainly automatic, the availability of exposure times as long as 15 seconds and adjustable ISO increases the camera's exposure versatility a great deal. Plus, the uncomplicated user interface helps novices and more advanced amateurs alike feel at home, with enough variable exposure control to make both happy. The Canon SD300 makes a great "all around" camera for anyone, and would make a good "second camera" for enthusiasts for those times when they don't want to lug along their full-size all-the-bells-and-whistles camera.'

Steve's Digicams reviews the Canon Powershot SD300 and writes - 'with a street price of around $399, the SD300 offers good value. Its Large SuperFine images have plenty of resolution to create photo-quality 8x10-inch or larger prints. We feel it will make a good choice for those who want an ultra compact and durable camera that can be easily carried in any size pants pocket or purse. It's stylish and incredibly durable so even your kids can use it, just be forewarned that you might not get it back.'

DP Review reviews the Canon Powershot SD300 and writes - 'In an ideal world buying an ultra compact camera would not involve any compromise at all. But this ain't a perfect world, and if you want a camera you really can carry with you anytime, anywhere then you have to accept there will be some trade-off in terms of absolute image quality. The SD300 is, fortunately, more than just a slim, cool, stylish camera with enough silly names (ELPH, IXY, IXUS) for an entire episode of Monty Python. It's a fast, easy to use, well-specified camera that can genuinely claim to be pocket-sized, and it produces images that - whist by no means perfect - are sharp, clean and colorful, and it does so with the minimum fuss. It's so small, and is so enjoyable to handle and use that you cannot help but take it with you wherever you go, something you might hesitate to do with a larger camera.'

PC Magazine reviews the Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital Elph digital camera and writes - 'The Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital Elph takes great pictures, despite its tiny size. It's stylish, built like a very small tank, and fun to use.

Pros: Excellent daylight images and very good flash shots. Good menus. Tiny and tough,

Cons: Mediocre recycle times. Smallish LCD, Optical viewfinder placement could be better.'

CNET reviews the Canon PowerShot SD300 and writes - 'Image quality was good for a 4-megapixel snapshot camera, with an adequately wide range of detail in highlights and shadows, nice color saturation, and only a slight tendency to produce yellow flesh tones. However, images were not exceptionally sharp, and JPEG artifacts were noticeable when we enlarged the images. Chromatic aberration in the form of purple fringing showed up prominently around backlit subjects. Noise wasn't visible in our images at the lower ISO settings, but it appeared in modest amounts at ISO 400. The automatic noise reduction applied to exposures of 1.3 seconds or longer helped a bit.'

Get the Latest Price on the Canon PowerShot SD300

Canon Press Release
Canon's Sophisticated, Stylish and Slender New PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Big Screen Viewing in Pocket-Sized Packages
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 21, 2004 Canon's New Ultra Slim, Ultra Compact PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Image Excellence, Large LCD Screens and Small Size to Today's Consumers

Canon makes shooting and viewing brilliant high-quality digital pictures simple with two fast, sleek and slender new digital cameras. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH and 4.0-megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras combine large 2.0-inch LCD screens, cutting edge technology with UA Lens and Canon's exclusive DIGIC II image processing technology into ultra compact 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch packages.

“Since the introduction of the first Digital ELPH model in May of 2000, Canon has gained an outstanding reputation for small, stylish compact cameras with excellent image quality,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models embody the basic principles of the ELPH line - ultra compact, lightweight and highly elegant - while striving to produce the best image quality possible.”

Canon pioneered the stylish camera concept in 1996 with the first ELPH camera, an APS film model designed to take great pictures and fit stylishly into the consumer lifestyle. With each PowerShot Digital ELPH Canon introduces, the company continues to focus on style, fashion and the distinctive look and feel of the Digital ELPH line, a look that many competitors have subsequently tried to copy. Canon's new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras honor the ELPH heritage of ultimate style while incorporating the latest imaging technologies, like the DIGIC II image processor.

Features and Functionality

Available in October for an estimated street price of $299.99*, the new ultra sleek, 3.2 megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH features a 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical/3.2x Digital/10x combined zoom lens and an elegant aluminum frame.

Canon's new ultra slim 4.0 megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH camera features a 35 - 105mm 3x optical/3.6x digital/11x combined zoom lens and a striking high-gloss stainless steel frame that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand with simplified controls that make it easy to operate. The slim new camera will be available in November for an estimated street price of $399.99*.

The PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPHs are the industry's first digital cameras to feature the new Fast Frame Rate Movie Mode, which records movies at 60 frames-per-second (fps). At 320 x 240 pixels, users can record up to one minute of fast action or sports clips, allowing consumers to analyze their golf or tennis swing in slow motion. The cameras also feature additional movie modes, including 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels at either 30 or 15 fps for the full capacity of the memory card and a compact movie setting of 160 x 120 pixels at 15 fps for a maximum of three minutes recording.

Both cameras include an optical viewfinder, enabling the photographer to get the shot even in sunny situations. The SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras also feature a through the lens (TTL) 9-point AiAF autofocus and an Intelligent Orientation Sensor that provides the user with a horizontal image during playback, even if the picture was taken vertically. The autofocus system utilizes an AF-assist beam, which can be turned on and off in the menu settings.

Both models offer 13 shooting modes, including: Auto, Manual, Stitch Assist, Movie Mode including Fast Frame Rate, Digital Macro, and Special Scene Modes including Portrait, Night Snapshot, Photo Effect, Kids and Pets, Indoor, and Underwater. These digital cameras allow users to shoot single frames or continuously at a rate of 2.4 fps until the SD card is full. The shutter speeds (mechanical and electronic) range from 15 seconds to 1/1500th of a second and the built-in flash features six modes: Auto/Auto with red-eye reduction/ flash on with red-eye reduction/flash on/flash off/ and slow synchro. Canon strategically placed the lenses on these two models away from the flash units to help prevent red-eye from occurring.

UA Lens Technology

Both the PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models are equipped with uniquely designed optical zoom lenses. These new lenses feature Canon's exclusive Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical technology, called UA Lens technology for short, which produces outstanding sharpness and clarity. At the same time, it allows the camera body to be even thinner and more compact than previous models with smaller zoom ratios. The UA technology produces crystal clear image quality at all focal lengths.

Double The Difference With DIGIC II Technology

The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPHs are the first in the PowerShot line of digital cameras to utilize DIGIC II Technology. Canon's DIGIC II image processor is without question, the most powerful imaging processor that the company has ever put into a digital camera. It boasts improved color reproduction of high-saturation, bright subjects, improved auto white balance precision, and wider dynamic range in highlight areas. In addition to its image quality improvements, the DIGIC II chip is also responsible for speeding up camera performance in areas such as start-up time, autofocus calculation, card-writing speed, continuous shooting and movie recording.

Print/Share...At the Touch of a Button

The new PowerShot SD200 and PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras offer Direct Printing functionality, making it easy, quick and convenient for anyone to produce high-quality photos without the need for a computer. The Print/Share button, found on most of Canon's new PowerShot models and most current Canon compact digital cameras, also speeds and simplifies printing to compatible Canon and PictBridge enabled printers. The Print/Share feature enables one-touch Direct Transfer to Windows XP, Me, 2000 and 98 computers, for use with image processing programs, uploading to the Internet or emailing. Once connected, the Print/Share button will light up blue, indicating that it is ready to print.

In about 85 seconds, consumers can easily print high-quality 4 x 6 inch or 4 x 8 inch pictures with Canon's Compact Photo Printers to share with friends and family.

Other printing enhancements found in each new model include:

-- An ID Photo Print feature that allows the user to make ID photo size prints by cropping the image to the required ID size (up to 28 sizes); and

-- Movie Print mode enables the consumer to print a series of still images from a recorded movie.

The PowerShot SD200 and PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH camera kits include USB cable IFC-400PCU, AV Cable AV-DC300, Battery Charger CB-2LV, rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack NB-4L, Wrist Strap WS-600 and a 16MB SD Memory Card together with the latest versions of Canon Digital Solutions Software and the ArcSoft Camera Suite.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.usa.canon.com.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

* Estimated Selling Price: Actual prices set by dealer are subject to change.

Buy the Canon PowerShot SD300

Sep 21: Lens does away with blurry snaps

'A specially shaped camera lens and processing method to ensure images are always in focus has been developed.

Physicist Dr Andy Harvey said it was a "simple system with a simple lens" which uses an optical encoder so that no information in images is lost.

Developed primarily for military night vision cameras, the technology could find its way into camera phones.

The quality of picture phone images is fast improving, with more models now capable of 1.3 mega pixels per image.

Dr Harvey, an optics expert from Heriot Watt University and chair of the Optics and Photonics Division of the Institute of Physics (IOP), was presenting the research at the IOP's Photon 04 optics conference.' Read more at Lens does away with blurry snaps

Sep 21: Concord Demonstrates Wireless Technology for Digital Cameras

Concord Press Release
CONCORD CAMERA CORP. DEMONSTRATES REVOLUTIONARY WIRELESS WI-FI TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS

Fast Wi-Fi Photo Transmission at 1/10th of a second for a 4 Megapixel Image

Hollywood, FL September 20, 2004 -- Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably  priced digital cameras, announced today that it will demonstrate its clever new wireless image transfer technology for digital cameras called WIT™ (Wireless Image Transfer) at Photokina next week in Cologne, Germany.  

Concord will showcase the new WIT™ technology through a standalone prototype, a pocket-sized 2” x 2” WIT™-enabled Wi-Fi device which plugs into a camera’s USB port allowing photos to be transmitted wirelessly over the Internet from Concord digital cameras, as well as other cameras utilizing mass storage technology.  WIT™ technology transmits using the 802.11b standard for compatibility with all Wi-Fi hot spots and base stations, as well as using the 802.11g standard to take advantage of the latest and fastest Wi-Fi transmission technology.  It is about 1500 times faster than traditional GSM (GPRS) networks today, and will be 20 times faster than mobile 3G networks.  WIT™ enables users to transmit a high quality 4 Megapixel image at 1/10th of a second, and video clips at up to 54Mb per second.  WIT transmits images by e-mail or FTP with the help of a WI-FI access point or Hotspot. 

 “As Wi-Fi explodes globally, we believe this type of wireless imaging technology has great potential for standalone camera accessories, as well as, being integrated into digital cameras,” said Jeff Mandell, VP Worldwide Marketing.  

With the new WIT™ Technology, Concord continues a long history of cutting-edge innovation in wireless imaging.  Last year, Concord introduced a Bluetooth-enabled digital camera available for under $200, the Concord Go Wireless.  The Go Wireless went on to win many industry awards and accolades, including Popular Mechanics “Editor’s Choice Award” at CES 2003.  Concord was also one of the first camera companies to develop mass-market consumer digital cameras that could interface with cell phones via infrared signals with the Concord Eye-Q Ir, which was sold by Nokia with their 9210 Communicator.    

Concord is presently evaluating WIT™ technology as both a standalone device, as well as an integrated module in select digital cameras.  For more information, see the Concord web site at: www.concord-camera.com.

 

About Concord Camera Corp.

Concord Camera Corp. is a global developer, designer, manufacturer and marketer of high quality, popularly priced, digital, instant, Advanced Photo System (APS) and 35mm cameras.   Concord markets its cameras worldwide under the trademarks POLAROID, JENOPTIK, CONCORD and CONCORD EYE Q through direct sales offices in the United States, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, France and Japan and through independent sales agents. Products manufactured by Concord are manufactured in its vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in the People’s Republic of China.  The POLAROID trademark is owned by Polaroid Corporation and is used by Concord under license from Polaroid.  The JENOPTIK trademark is owned by Jenoptik AG and is used by Concord under license from Jenoptik AG.  CONCORD and CONCORD EYE Q are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Concord Camera Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. 

Except for the historical matters contained herein, statements in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements, including the statements regarding anticipated or expected results and the future introduction of new products, involve risks and uncertainties which may affect the Company's business and prospects, including the risks discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2003 and subsequently filed reports.  Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our estimates only as of the date hereof, or as of such earlier dates as are indicated, and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date.  While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

Sep 21: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II Picture?

Engadget has this picture of the new Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II (or at least they think it might be a real picture of it). The rumor is that we might see such this new camera at Photokina. This is one DSL that I can't wait to test - very exciting times.

Bring it on!

Source - Canon EOS 1Ds

Sep 21: Kingston Introduces Two and Four Gigabyte CompactFlash Cards

Kingston Press Release
Kingston Introduces Two and Four Gigabyte CompactFlash Cards

CompactFlash Product Line Expands to Provide Faster, Higher Capacity Media Storage for Advanced Amateur and Professional Photographers.

Fountain Valley, CA -- (September 20, 2004), Kingston ® Technology Company, Inc., the world's leading independent memory manufacturer, today announced the immediate availability of 2GB and 4GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards featuring the latest in high-density Flash components to optimize performance and storage capabilities.

As technological advancements produce more sophisticated digital devices, demand for higher-performing CompactFlash is continuing to grow. "Expanding our Elite Pro line to include the 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards is essential to support imaging professionals with the best digital storage for their high-end cameras and devices," said Mike Kuppinger, digital media product manager, Kingston.

The new 2-GB and 4-GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards provide a low-price-per-megabyte solution of reliable, high-speed media. With ultra-fast transfer rates, users will enjoy more efficient workflow than ever before. The 2-GB cards work in virtually any digital device. The new 2-GB CF cards work in just about any digital device but advancements in technology may prevent some cameras, MP3 players, PDAs or other digital devices from fully utilizing the 4-GB CF cards.

The new 2-GB and 4-GB CF cards enhance performance of power-hungry imaging applications used by both advanced amateur and professional photographers. When used in conjunction with matching high-performance digital devices, Kingston's CF Elite Pro cards provide ultra-fast transfer times with read speeds up to 10 MB/sec. and write speeds up to 8 MB/sec.

Product Highlights:

▪ Standardized: Complies with CompactFlash Association specification and standards.
▪ Fast: Supports data transfer rates up to 10 MB/sec. read and 8 MB/sec. write.
▪ Small: One-third the size of a traditional PC Card.
▪ Easy to use: Plug and play.
▪ Versatile: Use with available PC Card Type II adapter for quick and easy data transfer.
▪ Economical: Autosleep mode preserves system battery life.
▪ Dual Voltage: 3.3 V and 5.0 V dual voltage support.
▪ Compatible: Supports Macintosh OS and Windows applications 98 and above.
▪ Guaranteed: Lifetime warranty

Kingston's 2-GB Type I CompactFlash Elite Pro card, part number: CF/2GB-S has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $219.00* and the 4-GB card, part number: CF/4GB-S has an MSRP of $500.00*. All Kingston CompactFlash products come with a lifetime warranty and free technical support.

Sep 20: HP Photosmart 8450 Photo Printer

Steve's Digicams reviews the HP Photosmart 8450 Photo Printer and writes - 'The 8450 also functions as a general-purpose color and black-text printer as well as a high-speed USB 2.0 multi-format card reader when it's connected to your computer. You can make prints anywhere there's an AC power outlet without a computer by directly reading the camera's flash card and using the printer's big 2.5-inch color LCD. With a suggested retail price of $299, the HP Photosmart 8450 is an excellent value for today's digi-photographers.'


HP Press Release

New 8-ink HP Photosmart 8450 Photo Printer Provides Complete 'Digital Darkroom' Solution

Advanced colour and b/w photo printing with built-in network capability

UK/European Readers buy the HP Photosmart 8450

LONDON, UK, 20 September 2004. HP today announced the launch of its new, top of the range photo printer, the HP Photosmart 8450. A high performance device developed for serious amateur and professional photographers, this advanced printer provides a complete digital darkroom solution with a range of advanced features and all the convenience of personal digital processing.

In addition, a new printhead architecture with double the previous nozzle density significantly improves photo print speed in high quality modes. The HP Photosmart 8450 therefore offers an unrivalled combination of no-compromise quality, fade resistance and speed.

The 8-ink HP Photosmart 8450 enables studio-quality printing in both colour and black and white, with specially-formulated greyscale inks at the heart of the system. The use of dye-based light grey, medium grey and photo-optimised black inks - developed to reduce metamerism and thereby provide neutral tones regardless of lighting conditions - results in black & white photos comparable with the best studio-developed prints. In addition, they combine with the five colour inks (cyan, magenta, yellow , light cyan and light magenta ) to build luminance, dramatically reduce hue shifts and produce far more accurate colours. Such is the quality of output that professional photographers can use the HP Photosmart 8450 to print photos for press books or galleries. These results are produced through a combination of the HP No. 344 tri-colour inkjet print cartridge, the HP No. 348 photo inkjet print cartridge and the HP No. 100 grey photo inkjet print cartridge, which come with the HP Photosmart 8450.

As a purpose-designed photo printer, its built-in card slots ensure compatibility with all major memory cards – Compact Flash I and II, SecureDigital, MultiMedia, SmartMedia, xD and Sony Memory Stick – and it can also be connected directly to any PictBridge-enabled camera. The built-in, large colour display and intuitive in-printer menu enables easy photo selection, editing and choice of layout. Among the tools and controls provided are red-eye removal, brightness adjustment, colour effects (5 new ones including solarise and metallic), zoom, rotate, crop, index or proofsheet print, passport mode, video playback, video freeze and print, automatic paper-type detection and dual format photo tray. Preset output options include borderless printing in, 13 x 18 cm large snapshot size, 10 x 30 cm panorama (launching 1 September), A4 and 10 x 15 cm.

Serious amateur and professional photographers often use advanced photo software such as Adobe Photoshop so, in addition to automatic sRGB and Adobe RGB colour calibration, the HP Photosmart 8450 driver allows easy management of ICC profiles, with several already provided for key HP media types. This enables better control of colour workflow for advanced users. A new 4800-optimised dpi mode is also available in the driver, with advanced colour mapping for extreme detail rendering and more accurate colour. For standard use, HP Image Zone software offers a complete suite for organising, correcting, applying creative effects and laying out photos, including a new and easy-to-use Panorama creator which allows printing on pre-cut Panorama-size paper (10 x 30 cm) and which HP introduces in the HP Premium Plus Photo Paper range in packs of 20 sheets.

The versatility of the HP Photosmart 8450 is reflected in advanced connectivity options including USB and PictBridge ports plus a built-in network port to enable sharing by multiple users across a LAN such as a photo studio with multiple workstations and central archival. It can also be connected to a wireless router for wireless access. When connected to the network, all functions are supported, including upload from memory card. Also available are a Bluetooth adapter (separate purchase) for camera phones and other Bluetooth enabled devices, as well as wireless print servers from the HP JetDirect range.

The HP Photosmart 8450 also uses HP’s next generation inkjet print cartridges to deliver levels of fade resistance even greater than HP’s current best (as indicated by preliminary HP tests). These optimum results are achieved using the specially designed HP Premium Plus Photo Paper, a 280g/m2 stock with the look and feel of traditional photos, available in high-gloss and satin-matt finishes and a range of sizes.

The optional high capacity HP No. 339 black inkjet print cartridge can be installed in place of the included HP No. 100 grey photo inkjet print cartridge to temporarily turn the HP Photosmart 8450 into a high speed, high productivity everyday printer capable of printing at up to 30 pages per minute. Further optional accessories include an automatic two-sided printing module with small paper tray (100-sheet capacity), and a second paper tray for 250 sheets of plain paper.

The HP Photosmart 8450 will be available from November 2004 at a recommended street price of £299.

About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $76.8 billion. More information about HP is available at www.hp.com/uk

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development and performance of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time in HP’s Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2002, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 21, 2003, and subsequently filed reports. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, HP’s results could differ materially from HP’s expectations in these statements. HP assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements

© 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Sep 20: Sharp Develops 2-Megapixel CCD Camera Module

Sharp Press Release

Sharp Develops 2-Megapixel CCD Camera Module for Full-Fledged Digital Camera Functionality in Mobile Phones

New 2X Optical Inner Zoom Lens Design Provides Dramatically Improved Functionality for Camera-Equipped Mobile Phones

Sharp Corporation has developed a new 2-megapixel CCD camera module featuring a 2X optical inner zoom lens. Intended for use in high-end camera-equipped mobile phones, the new LZ0P3738 will be available in quantity beginning in October 2004.

Cameras designed to be embedded in mobile phones have been moving toward ever higher pixel counts beyond the megapixel range in response to user demands for greater functionality and higher image quality on a par with ordinary digital cameras. At the same time, there are demands for more compact and thinner camera modules to provide this greater functionality and higher image quality without altering the form factor of mobile phone handsets.

Sharp is already marketing the LZ0P3731 2-Megapixel CCD Camera Module with auto-focus function, but to provide even greater functionality, Sharp has successfully equipped this new module with an optical zoom lens that is switchable between normal and 2X zoom. In addition, the use of an inner zoom type in which the lens section does not protrude from the module body achieves a compact module size that can be incorporated into folding “clamshell” style mobile phone handset designs.

Model name: LZ0P3738
Sample price: 26,250 yen (25,000 yen before tax)
Start of volume shipments: October 2004
Monthly production: 400,000 units

Major Features
1. 2-Megapixel CCD camera module with 2X optical inner zoom and auto-focus function.
2. High image quality thanks to 2-megapixel FIT*1 CCD and high-performance lens.
3. Compact size ideal for mobile phones.

*1 Frame Interline Transfer (FIT) type: Based on the interline transfer type commonly used in CCDs, the FIT process represents an improvement in the architecture designed to prevent the “smear” phenomenon typical of CCDs (for example, when headlights or light from the sun causes vertical streaks of light to appear on the image). The FIT type is used in professional-quality broadcast video cameras and makes it possible to shoot optimal images, whether at night or under the light of the midday sun.

1. 2-Megapixel CCD camera module with 2X optical inner zoom and auto-focus function
This 2-megapixel CCD camera module for mobile phones is equipped with an optical inner zoom function that is switchable between normal and 2X zoom, an industry first*2. Plus, an auto-focus function makes it possible to capture images with the subject in perfect focus—from close-ups to portraits and landscapes. Because focusing is instant, there’s never a missed opportunity for a shot.
This innovative module enables full-fledged digital camera functionality to be added to mobile phones.

*2 As of September 16, 2004, for 2-megapixel CCD camera modules for mobile phones with inner zoom type (based on Sharp research).

2. High image quality thanks to 2-megapixel FIT CCD and high-performance lens
The high-resolution 2-megapixel FIT CCD and high-performance lens make it possible to take high-quality images with minimal distortion. Printing with a 300-dpi camera printer yields beautiful postcard-size(105 x 148 mm) prints.

3. Compact size ideal for mobile phones (volume: 3.34 cc)
By taking full advantage of camera module design technology and expertise nurtured over many years, Sharp has achieved a compact module size (18.9 x 9.2 x 19.2 mm; volume 3.34 cc) by adopting a compact 1/3-inch optical system and 2-megapixel CCD, and by developing a new optical zoom and auto-focus mechanism

Sharp Corporation has developed a new 2-megapixel CCD camera module featuring a 2X optical inner zoom lens. Intended for use in high-end camera-equipped mobile phones, the new LZ0P3738 will be available in quantity beginning in October 2004.

Cameras designed to be embedded in mobile phones have been moving toward ever higher pixel counts beyond the megapixel range in response to user demands for greater functionality and higher image quality on a par with ordinary digital cameras. At the same time, there are demands for more compact and thinner camera modules to provide this greater functionality and higher image quality without altering the form factor of mobile phone handsets.

Sharp is already marketing the LZ0P3731 2-Megapixel CCD Camera Module with auto-focus function, but to provide even greater functionality, Sharp has successfully equipped this new module with an optical zoom lens that is switchable between normal and 2X zoom. In addition, the use of an inner zoom type in which the lens section does not protrude from the module body achieves a compact module size that can be incorporated into folding “clamshell” style mobile phone handset designs.

Model name
LZ0P3738
Sample price 26,250 yen (25,000 yen before tax)
Start of volume shipments October 2004
Monthly production 400,000 units

Major Features

1. 2-Megapixel CCD camera module with 2X optical inner zoom and auto-focus function.
2. High image quality thanks to 2-megapixel FIT*1 CCD and high-performance lens.
3. Compact size ideal for mobile phones.

*1 Frame Interline Transfer (FIT) type: Based on the interline transfer type commonly used in CCDs, the FIT process represents an improvement in the architecture designed to prevent the “smear” phenomenon typical of CCDs (for example, when headlights or light from the sun causes vertical streaks of light to appear on the image). The FIT type is used in professional-quality broadcast video cameras and makes it possible to shoot optimal images, whether at night or under the light of the midday sun.

1. 2-Megapixel CCD camera module with 2X optical inner zoom and auto-focus function
This 2-megapixel CCD camera module for mobile phones is equipped with an optical inner zoom function that is switchable between normal and 2X zoom, an industry first*2. Plus, an auto-focus function makes it possible to capture images with the subject in perfect focus—from close-ups to portraits and landscapes. Because focusing is instant, there’s never a missed opportunity for a shot.
This innovative module enables full-fledged digital camera functionality to be added to mobile phones.

*2 As of September 16, 2004, for 2-megapixel CCD camera modules for mobile phones with inner zoom type (based on Sharp research).

2. High image quality thanks to 2-megapixel FIT CCD and high-performance lens
The high-resolution 2-megapixel FIT CCD and high-performance lens make it possible to take high-quality images with minimal distortion. Printing with a 300-dpi camera printer yields beautiful postcard-size(105 x 148 mm) prints.

3. Compact size ideal for mobile phones (volume: 3.34 cc)
By taking full advantage of camera module design technology and expertise nurtured over many years, Sharp has achieved a compact module size (18.9 x 9.2 x 19.2 mm; volume 3.34 cc) by adopting a compact 1/3-inch optical system and 2-megapixel CCD, and by developing a new optical zoom and auto-focus mechanism

Specifications
Model
LZ0P3738
Image sensor 1/3-inch, 2-megapixel CCD
[Frame Interline Transfer (FIT) type]
Number of output pixels 1,632 (H) x 1,224 (V)
Module size 18.9 x 9.2 x 19.2 mm thick (volume: 3.34 cc)
Optical zoom function Switchable between normal and 2X zoom
(inner zoom type)
Auto-focus function Yes (stepping motor type)
Frame rate 15 fps (when shooting VGA-resolution video)
Image output interface UYVY, 8-bit
Lens F value Wide: F3.3; Tele: F4.9

The following information is true and accurate at the time of publication. Manufacture, sale, price and specifications of products may be subjected to change.

Sep 19: Minolta Dimage Xt

Silver Orange Stuff reviews the Minolta Dimage Xt writing:

'The real selling point of this camera (at least to me) was its incredible industrial design. The size of the DiMAGE is not the absolute smallest camera, but it is quite slim and easily and comfortably fits into your pocket making it easy to whip out. Despite its small size, the camera is still very easy to hold firmly in your hand with the aid of the little silver tab on the side which helps you grip it. The most eye-opening design feature of the camera is its telescoping zoom lens. Using angled mirrors that slide up and down within the body of the camera, the 3x optical zoom lens doesn't protrude outside the camera; very slick. One shortcoming of the design is the viewfinder which is almost useless because of the distortion of what you can see; though you'll usually find yourself using the screen anyway.

The user-interface of the camera is also very good. First of all, it's very fast. Switching menus and flipping between photos never stops for loading times. The menus and buttons are also quite intuitive. You can program the left-right buttons during photo taking to custom control white-balance or contrast, delete photos immediately without having to play with menus, and control the camera's settings all very quickly. Quickly reviewing images right after you take them and referencing your photo settings are all done with easy-to-read fonts and well designed hierarchal menus.'

UK/European Readers buy the Minolta Dimage Xt

Sep 18: Instant Replay - Digital Camera Binoculars

“The idea behind Bushnell Corp.'s Instant Replay sounds great: high-quality binoculars equipped to shoot digital photos or streaming video.

Who wouldn't want to grab solid footage of great athletes -- be they Barry Bonds or little Johnny on the soccer field -- without having to lay out the dough for field-level seats or wrestle with a zoom lens?

And one day, sports fans, we will find the easy solution.

But the Instant Replay is not it.

The binoculars feature eight-fold magnification and, at a pound and a half, are relatively easy to hold, although the hand strap is uncomfortably loose on all but the most ham-handed of users. Unlike regular binoculars, the unit doesn't bend to fit the user's face. It can be adjusted horizontally, however, and is comfortable.” Read more at Camera-equipped binoculars require a lot of practice

Found via Gizmodo

Sep 18: How to Choose a Digital Camera - PC Mag

PC Mag has a good article on Choosing your Digital Camera.

'Shopping for a digital camera is stressful. Most stores carry a fraction of the 200-plus cameras on the market, and except at specialty stores, salespeople aren't much help. You can ask friends for recommendations, but even if they love their camera, it might be discontinued, given short product cycles. Don't throw up your hands and give up. A little information, some strategizing, and our reviews can make the process less traumatic.

Like PCs, cell phones, and cars, digital cameras come in many sizes, shapes, and configurations. And your buying decision is likewise one you'll have to live with for a while. So break the decision down into a series of factors, then compare cameras based on how well they meet your needs, factor by factor. To determine which camera is best for you, consider image quality, performance, ergonomics, and style, your level (current or hoped for) of photographic skills, and price.'

Sep 17: Wonderful Shot - Dog Digital Camera

The Wonderful Shot digital camera is a 3.5 megapixel digicam designed for dogs to wear to give their owners an insight into the life from the perspective of man's best friend.

'The “Wonderful Shot” is a 3.5MP digital camera that is attached to the collar of your four-legged friend, and allows you to see what he sees.'

Its specs are:
Lense: F2.8 f6.8mm
Size: 55mmx52mmx12mm
Weight: 38gr et 20gr
USB1.1
OS: Windows 98SE; Windows 2000; Windows ME; Windows XP

Found via Engadget

Sep 17: Kodak and IBM Shoot for Sharper Vision

'Eastman Kodak Company and IBM have banded together to sharpen the vision of image sensors designed for use in digital still cameras and camera phones. The collaboration marries Sony's complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processing with Kodak's existing image sensor technologies in an attempt to sow a new breed of CMOS image sensor (CIS) devices that are capable of matching the image quality of charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Kodak and IBM will work together to develop as well as manufacture the sensors.' Read more at Kodak and IBM Shoot for Sharper Vision

Sep 17: Photokina 2004 Report

DP Review has a good preview of Photokina. Photokina is a German Photographics show (and the reason for the recent spate of digital cameras announced in the past month.

It will be a good page to keep an eye on for the lastest digital imaging news.

You might also want to follow the latest Photokina news at Lets Go Digital's Photokina report page which has translations into a variety of languages or at Steve's Digicams Photokina pages.

Sep 16: Olympus C-370/D535Z

Digital Camera Resource Page reviews the Olympus D-535 Zoom and writes -'The D-535 is a point-and-shoot camera -- perhaps too much so. The menus are stripped down with nearly no options. The biggest omission is white balance controls; indoor photos will not turn out well since the auto white balance doesn't do a great job. Outdoors, the photo quality is decent but not spectacular. Photos are a little soft, with some muddy details. Redeye was also a bit of a problem.'

Pocket Lint reviews the Olympus Camedia C-370 Zoom and writes - ''The C-370 is about as basic as a digital camera get without being so automated it even takes the shots for you. The little brother to Olympus’ 4MP, C-470 it is however styled completely differently, sharing not a jot with the bigger cameras design and styling.

A combination of ease of use, simple specification, nice handling and a super price make this camera good value for its target audience. Problems with image quality will unlikely be an issue considering the price and sheer pocketability of the C-370.'

Olympus Press Release
The unbeatable Olympus C-370 ZOOM

Anyone can get great results with the Olympus C-370 ZOOM. Compact and lightweight, this camera is simple and fun to use. It is based on a ‘one button, one function’ design principle, which makes navigating menus and features easy. However, this camera should not be underestimated. With 3.2 million pixels and a 3x optical zoom lens, delivering crisp photos is a snap, whilst the Super Macro mode allows dramatic close-up shots of extremely small subjects.

The Olympus C-370 ZOOM will be available from October 2004, priced £119.99 (approx $175). It comes with the new Olympus Master 1.0 software and incorporates a range of features including:
- Easy to use, ‘one button, one function’ operation
- 3.2 million pixels
- 3x optical zoom
- 1.5 inch LCD
- Endless recording with movie function (limited only by the size of the available memory)
- PictBridge compatibility

The Olympus C-370 ZOOM is a marvel of simple design. Stylish but functional, it gets the job done with an absolute minimum of fuss with easy-to-use controls offering straightforward point and shoot photography. Using this camera could not be easier, even the four programme modes are supported by a special help function, which describes the selected mode on the LCD monitor.

With 3.2 million pixels, the Olympus C-370 ZOOM doesn’t stint on performance. Definition and image clarity is further enhanced by a 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38–114mm on a 35mm camera), which incorporates three aspherical elements. A 4x digital zoom provides additional magnification power.

The C-370 ZOOM delivers great versatility. A Super Macro mode means subjects as little as 2cm away can be captured easily. Meanwhile video sequences are limited in length only by available memory. Image data is saved to the 12MB internal memory or on xD-Picture Cards of up to 512MB.

The Olympus C-370 ZOOM – main features:
- 3.2 million pixels
- 3x optical zoom (equiv. 38 – 114mm on 35mm cameras) f2.9-5.0
- 1.5 inch LCD, 130,000 pixels
- 12MB internal memory
- One button per function concept, reset button
- New user interface with useful descriptions of programme modes
- Four scene programmes (Portrait, Self-Portrait, Night Scene, Landscape)
- Endless recording with movie function (limited only by the size of the available memory)
- PictBridge support
- Super Macro, from as close as 2 cm
- Accepts standard (rechargeable) AA batteries

Sep 16: Nikon Telephoto Converter TC-E3PF for Coolpix 8400

Nikon Press Release
Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the TC-E3PF, an advanced new 3x telephoto converter born of unique Nikon technology for use with the new 8-megapixel Coolpix 8400. Smaller and lighter, the TC-E3PF illustrates how Nikon is taking existing lenses and redesigning them for "go anywhere" convenience.

In conventional telephoto converters, a lens with a pronounced convex shape is used to refract the light received through the first element to a greater degree. This results in the desired reproduction ratio, however chromatic aberration can occur. In the event that a convex ED lens is used, such chromatic aberration is corrected; however the refractive limitations of such a lens make it difficult to reduce overall dimensions.

Through its superior understanding of optical technology, Nikon has succeeded in innovating a new kind of lens with a design that enables lower prices through more efficient mass production. Based on the Phase Fresnel lens (pronounced Fray-nell) — a lens which appears to have a series of concentric circles engraved onto it and which has a jagged surface in cross section — the new TC-E3PF is made possible by fusing two such lenses together, and succeeds in correcting any chromatic aberration to the same high degree as an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens while simultaneously achieving a reduction in overall body length. As a result, the lens is made smaller and carrying becomes significantly more convenient.

The PF lens also offers additional advantages arising from the nature of its construction. Indeed as it is created by fusing a single precision glass molded (PGM) Fresnel lens with another made from high-quality resin, accuracy is maximized through eliminating any air gap, perfect alignment is maintained due to the bonding of both elements and the cost of production is significantly reduced.

Presently the Coolpix 8400 and various other cameras of the Coolpix lineup offer the advantage of compatibility with the TC-E3PF, and Nikon is already considering the application of PF technology to other lenses in the Nikkor range. Indeed as this unique production process is refined even further, Nikon aims to one day make all lenses smaller, lighter, and more affordable.

The TC-E3PF is scheduled for release in December 2004

TC-E3PF Specifications

Lens construction 6 elements in 3 groups
Magnification x3
Dimensions (diameter x length) Approx. ?61 x 64.3mm (?2.4 x 2.5 in.) (length measured mount to end)
Weight Approx. 175g (6.2 oz.)

Sep 16: AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon Press Release

Features Nikon Vibration Reduction , focus preset , exclusive new Nikon Nano –Crystal AR(Anti Reflective) technology and newly developed Meniscus front element

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, a new high speed super-telephoto professional lens for Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras now with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, focus preset functions, Meniscus front element and the first Nikkor lens to feature Nikon’s Nano-Crystal anti-reflective coating, all to deliver professional quality sports and action photography.

The new lens begins with Nikon technology that was incorporated into the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED II. With Silent Wave Motor Autofocus Performance, Internal Focusing, Nikon ED Glass for extra-low dispersion, and G design for use with Nikon SLR models that feature Command Dial and Sub-Command Dial control, the lens has been extremely popular among professional photographers.

The lens features optimum performance among Nikon’s selection of compatible SLR models, including the newest selection of 35mm SLR models and the new Nikon F6 and all of Nikon’s D-Series Digital SLR cameras – D1, D1H, D1X, D2H, D100 and D70 as well as the newly announced D2X.

The first addition to this already fast and powerful lens is the benefit of VR (Vibration Reduction), an innovation that makes it possible to take sharper handheld shots especially when limited to shooting at slower shutter speeds than normally thought possible. This provides the advantage of being able to shoot more effectively at indoor locations and outdoor under dimmer lighting. With a 300mm lens, most photographers would limit their choice of slow shutter speed to 1/300 second. With the VR advantage, one could expect to shoot with the slowest speed that is up to about 3 speeds slower – as low as about 1/30second! Nikon’s VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match more shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

Complimenting the adoption of VR technology is the addition of an easy access row of controls on the side of the barrel. The Focus Mode switch enables instant switching between M/A (Manual-Priority Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus) modes; the Focus Limiter switch restricts AF-servo movement to a selected shooting distance range; the AF-L switch makes it possible to lock onto a chosen focus point from the lens; AF-ON engages autofocus from the lens, (in addition to the switch on the camera body); and Focus Preset instantly recalls a preset focus distance, an important feature to aid when shooting sports and you wish to instantly return to a specific distance setting such as home plate in baseball or the team's goal in soccer.

The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED also benefits from the application of Nano-Crystal Coating to selected elements, which provides superior anti-reflective properties that virtually eliminate ghost and flare and provide clear and vivid images when shooting under powerful sunlight or indoors under spotlights. Created and honed in the process of developing Nikon’s advanced NSR (Nikon Step and Repeat) semiconductor manufacturing device, this marks the technology's first introduction in a photographic lens and in a consumer product.

Also new is a meniscus protective glass element. Nikkor lenses have traditionally incorporated optical and mechanical designs carefully implemented to prevent internal reflection, and the meniscus element succeeds in minimizing ghosting that can occur when light reflected off a digital camera’s image sensor goes back up the lens barrel and reflects off an ordinary flat protective glass element.

The features already incorporated in the lens' predecessor are carried over as well. This includes Nikon's exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) that combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, ED glass elements that compensate for magnification and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, Internal Focusing (IF) for smoother focusing and a better balanced handling, as well as a rubber ring on the lens mount that delivers resistance to dust and drops of water penetration at the lens mount point.

Compatibility with Nikon's TC-14EII (1.4x), new TC-17EII (1.7x), and TC-20EII (2.0x) teleconverters extends the flexibility and total reach of the lens to as long as 600mm when mounted on a 35mm film SLR, and the same angle of view as a 900mm when mounted on a Nikon D-SLR cameras.

AF-S VR Nikkor 300 f/2.8G IF-ED Major Features

- Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
Compensates for camera shake to help ensure sharper pictures in low light and at shutter speeds up to three stops slower, this technology advances the opportunity to extend hand-held telephoto photography into lower light level conditions.
- Normal mode primarily compensates for camera shake, even when panning
- Active mode effectively reduces the effect of vibrations that are experienced when shooting from a moving vehicle.
- Remains effective even when used with a tripod
- Automatically adjust when panning with a subject.
- Nikon's exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) combines fast and precise autofocusing operation with super-quiet operation
- Exceptionally high optical performance, compatible with both 35mm and digital SLR models.
- 3 ED glass elements effectively compensate for magnification and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration
- Nano-Crystal Coating overcomes ghost and flare to provide clearer and more vivid images when shooting under powerful sunlight or spotlights
- Meniscus protective glass element to overcome internal reflections from digital imaging sensor
- The Focus Mode switch on the side of the lens enables quick response to changing situations with quick - switching between M/A (Manual-Priority Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus) modes.
- AF operation switch enables easy selection of settings:
- AF-L makes it possible to lock onto a chosen focal point from the lens
- AF-ON engages autofocus from the lens
- Focus Preset function instantly recalls a preset focal point
- Focus Limiter switch limits AF-servo movement to a selected shooting distance range
- Lens mount fitted with rubber ring that is resistant to dust and drops of water

Sep 16: Olympus C-7000/C-70 Zoom

The Olympus C-7000/C-70 Zoom is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 5x Optical Zoom lens that is sure to be popular with serious digital photographers not wanting to pay for a DSLR. It features a 2cm Macro Mode, RAW, 2inch LCD and PictBridge-compatibility. It will be available in October 2004.

Steve's Digicams reviews the Olympus C-7000 and writes - ' the C-7000 will make a great choice for anyone who wants a high-performance point-n-shoot with a "better than average" zoom range and great image quality. Its 7-megapixel SHQ images have plenty of resolution to create photo-quality 13x19-inch prints. With a street price of around $599, it offers a good overall value.'

DCRP reviews the Olympus C-7000/C70 and writes - 'I very much enjoyed using the Olympus C-7000 Zoom, and it gets my recommendation. Photo quality was very good, though I'd definitely crank the sharpness and especially the saturation up a notch or two. The C-7000Z has a 5X zoom lens packed into a midsized body, though the lens starts at 38 mm, making it a bad choice for wide-angle lovers. Camera performance is excellent, with the exception of saving or viewing RAW and TIFF files. The C-7000 is nicely-designed for the most part, with the exception of the clumsy door over the memory card / battery compartment. The camera has a larger-than-average 2.0 inch LCD display which works well in most situations, save for dimly lit rooms. The camera offers full manual controls and then some. The macro mode on the camera is excellent, allowing you to get as close to your subject as 2 cm. I also appreciate the My Mode feature, which lets you store 4 sets of camera settings, and the customizable menus and buttons are a nice touch. The RAW data edit feature lets you adjust the properties of your RAW images without touching your PC. The C-7000Z has an impressive VGA movie mode, though it's crippled with a 20 second recording limit at the highest quality setting.'

UK Readers Buy the “Olympus C-70Z Digital Camera ”

US Readers Buy the “Olympus C7000 Digital Camera”

Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus C-7000 (also known as the C-70) digital camera and writes - 'The C-7000 Zoom carries on the "high value" tradition established by the previous "C" series models, offering a very strong feature set at a very affordable price. The C-7000 Zoom offers all the features most "enthusiast" users crave (with the sole possible exception of an external flash sync connector), including a full range of exposure control, extensive creative controls for tweaking image parameters like contrast and saturation, and fine-tuning for white balance and flash power. The camera is small, and has a quality feel, with tight controls and a nice heft.'

Digital Eye reviews the Olympus C-7000 and writes - 'Image quality of C-7000 is very good. Most images are well exposed and very sharp. Colors look very natural and well saturated, thanks to Olympus’ TruePic TURBO image processing. At ISO 200 and below, noise is well controlled. At ISO 400, like most compact cameras, noise could get distracting, but images are certainly usable.' DP Review reviews the Olympus C-7000 and writes - 'The C-7000 is so unlike C-xxxx cameras of old it's almost worth Olympus using a new notation to distinguish it. It's considerably smaller and lighter, much thinner and yet no lighter on features. Despite its compact proportions it's probably the most comfortable of the compact seven megapixel digital cameras thanks to its stubby rubber front grip.' CNET reviews the Olympus C-7000z and writes - 'Packed with more than three-quarters of a million pixels per ounce, this Olympus C-7000Z is typical of the breed of compact alternatives to a digital SLR or an EVF-equipped camera. Full manual controls; your choice of JPEG, TIFF, or raw file formats; versatile movie features; and a 5X zoom lens that takes you out to 190mm (35mm equivalent) as well as focuses to less than one inch in macro mode are among this camera's more interesting assets. The only extras a serious photographer could wish for would be support for add-on lenses and an external flash connection; this camera is otherwise ready for just about anything you can throw at it.' Megapixel reviews the Olympus C-7000 and writes - 'The body of the C-7000 is a totally new design. Though, to anyone familiar with Olympus cameras, the C-7000 contains a number of design cues that are recognizable as originating from previous Olympus models.

The camera is relatively thin and its finishing, a mix of metal and plastic in matching tones, is flawless. On the front a thick rubber piece serves as a grip with, to its right, a transparent red piece that covers the self-timer lamp and and the IR receiver for the remote control.'

Photoexels reviews the Olympus Camedia C-7000 Zoom and writes - 'The Olympus Camedia C-7000 Zoom is a full-featured digital camera with very good image quality, very low noise and f-a-s-t operation with no practical shutter lag -- all in a compact and very light body.

The Olympus C-7000 has a large and high resolution 2 in. LCD monitor with a fast refresh rate giving a clear and smooth display. Other professional features are a live histogram (with a unique “direct” feature), AF Area selection anywhere on the screen, and the possibility to record in RAW file format.

The Olympus C-7000 will please serious amateur photographers looking for a compact and full-featured digital camera. Most of these features are accessed through a redesigned and clearer Menu structure.'

Get more information on the Olympus C-7000/C-70 Zoom from the following Olympus Press Release.

Olympus Press Release

A 7.1 million pixel marvel, full of creative potential

Compact and light, the Olympus C-70 ZOOM is a real performer. By combining 7.1 million pixel print quality images with a 5x optical zoom, the camera delivers stunning pictures - even from a distance. With a 6x digital zoom too, the C-70 ZOOM can deliver an impressive 30x magnification.

The C-70 ZOOM is planned for release in October 2004, priced £419.99. (Approx $615).

Geared to quality

The compact C-70 ZOOM has much to tempt the enthusiastic hobby photographer. The combination of 7.1 million pixels with a bright 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38-190mm on a 35mm camera, f2.8-4.8) delivers stunning performance. The camera’s high resolution ensures great image clarity even when using the 6x digital zoom. The TruePic TURBO image processor further enhances picture quality - boosting contrast and colours for even more lifelike results. Moreover, it significantly increases processing speed.

Enabling creative expression

The C-70 ZOOM offers photographers immense creative freedom. For example, manual control of the aperture and shutter speed allows users to personalise their pictures. Many other settings, such as white balance and auto-bracketing are also adjustable, while a host of precision metering systems guarantee amazing results with the minimum of fuss.

The camera is also very versatile. Recording short movie sequences is easy and movies are saved at 25 fps in VGA or QVGA resolution (TV quality). Meanwhile the Super Macro mode allows shots on objects an incredible 2cm away. The model comes with the powerful new 1230mAh rechargeable battery pack LI-12B.

Providing a clear view

The large 2.0 inch sunshine LCD* with 206,000 pixels, guarantees a clear view of all pictures, even in bright sunlight. With re-size, red-eye reduction, trimming and rotation editing functions all making the most of the large LCD, images can be adjusted on screen, ready for displaying on the monitor or a TV.

The Olympus C-70 ZOOM – main features

- 7.1 million pixels
- Metal body in a titanium colour
- 5x optical zoom (equiv. 38 – 190mm on 35mm camera), f2.8-4.8
- 6x digital zoom
- Super macro shooting from 2cm
- 2.0 inch sunshine LCD monitor with 206,000 pixels
- TruePic TURBO image processor
- Recording in TIFF, JPEG and RAW file formats possible
- Programme, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority & Full Manual modes
- Five scene programmes (Portrait, Night Scene, Sports, Landscape, Landscape with Portrait)
- Movie recording at 25 fps with sound in VGA and QVGA
- Time-lapse interval shooting
- Slideshow function
- Rotation, Re-size, Trimming and Red-eye reduction editing modes
- USB 2.0 and PictBridge compatible
- Olympus Master 1.0 software provided

* Innovative sunshine LCD technology uses semi-transparent layers that allow light to penetrate a few layers into the panel before it is reflected back. This, along with ’back light’, preserves contrast to ensure the LCD presents dazzling images in all conditions.

Sep 16: Nikon Coolpix 4800

The Nikon Coolpix 4800 is a 4 megapixel camera with a 8.3x Optical Zoom lens, 1cm Macro lens, 15 scene modes and Nikon's 'Best Shot Selector'. It will retail for around $399 (US) and be available in stores in the next few months.

DCRP reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4800 and writes 'The CP4800 takes sharp, colorful, and well-exposed images. Nikon has also kept redeye and purple fringing levels down. The 4800 is compact and fairly well built for a plastic camera. It has a great selection of scene modes for the beginner and everything is easy-to-use. The CP4800 has an AF-assist lamp and the LCD and EVF "gain up" in low light conditions -- both of which are valuable features. The camera has one of the best macro modes on any camera -- ultra zoom or not. Battery life is pretty good as well, and I like how you can use "regular" lithium batteries in addition to the proprietary one.'

DP Review reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4800 and writes - 'Ultimately it's hard to see what the 4800's unique selling point is. Sure, it's got 4MP (its main competitors are 3MP), but the shorter zoom and lack of IS negate this if you're interested in long tele shots (though it does a great job at the wide and of the zoom). It's a little too easy to see where Nikon has cut corners in the design of the 4800 to make sure it hits its price point, and I think I'd find it easier to recommend if it were a little cheaper still.'

Pocket Lint reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital camera writing - 'Overall the 4800 is a good option for the beginner since the outfit can be operated without need of a additional SD card. The basic menus are easy to understand although the deeper submenus may need the perusal of the manual. Plenty of Mega pixels for your present buying pound, and the Nikon seal of quality are also good indicators of pedigree.' Rating: 8.0

US Readers buy the "Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera"
UK Readers Buy the "Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera"

PC Mag reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4800 and writes - 'The 4800 scored moderately well on resolution tests, getting an average of 1,150 lines of resolution, within the range of what we'd expect to from a 4MP camera, and just 100 fewer than the 5MP Coolpix 5200. The 4800 received a 2.4 percent pixel transition score, which is good, though it doesn't indicate razor sharpness....

The Nikon Coolpix 4800 may get only average scores on our tests, but it's hard not to like its powerful zoom. If you're shopping for a superzoom, consider this camera as well.'

Digi Cam Review has a review of the Nikon Coolpix 4800 Review and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 4800 with a 4 megapixel sensor, and an 8.3x optical zoom lens, produces good images, with good colour and saturation, and low purple fringing. The 8.3x optical zoom lens lets you get close to your subject, and has an excellent macro mode. Another bonus is that the camera will just about fit into trouser pockets - something quite rare for ultra zoom cameras. The Nikon is average value for money, as a lot of the competition is cheaper than this camera. I would personally prefer an ultra zoom with image stabilisation, whilst not essential, it's definitely useful. Despite the lack of image stabilisation I would recommend this camera, especially for someone looking for an easy to use ultra zoom digital camera that will fit in your pocket.'

Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix 4800 from the following press release from Nikon or from:
- DP Review
- Lets Go Digital - Nikon D2x
- Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 4800 Preview
- Steve's Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 4800 Preview

NEW NIKON COOLPIX 4800 IS THE SMALLEST 8.3x ZOOM CAMERA IN ITS CLASS

New Coolpix Camera Gives Eager Digital Photographers More for Less

MELVILLE, NY, September 16, 2004 – Travelers and family photographers can rest assured – Nikon will get you closer to the action. Nikon today announced the new Nikon Coolpix 4800 (www.nikondigitalusa.com), a fast 4.0-megapixel digital camera with a powerful and extremely compact 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens that provides its user with a zoom range of 36-300mm (35mm equivalent). What's more, the Coolpix 4800 weighs in at only 9 oz. making the Coolpix 4800 the most compact 8.3x zoom camera in its class.

The Nikon Coolpix 4800 is a snap-shooter's true companion enabling all types of compositions ranging from true wide-angle scenes to long telephoto shots. Beyond wide and telephoto, the Coolpix 4800 also takes its users extremely close to small subjects with unmatched Macro shooting capabilities at distances less than 1/2 inch. The Coolpix 4800 is a great choice for the sidelines of a soccer game, the top pocket of a travel bag, or for any situation that calls for great pictures and lasting memories.

“Nikon is seeing a rise in the popularity of long-zoom cameras among consumers who love to get right in close to the action. The Coolpix 4800 is designed with exactly that person in mind,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, Marketing, for Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 4800 is an ideal choice for families or travel enthusiasts who want simplicity and compact size without sacrificing the performance they've come to expect from their digital camera.”

Fun and Flexible
For a product packed with so many outstanding features, the Coolpix 4800 truly simplifies the picture-taking experience. The Coolpix 4800 offers 15 Scene Modes that adjust the camera to any environmental and lighting situation to give the user the best possible image without the guesswork. In addition, four of these Scene Modes even come with Scene Assist, a feature that places guidelines directly on the LCD screen, to help users frame their subjects for an ideal image.

The camera also features Nikon's innovative Best Shot Selector (BSS) and Auto-Exposure BSS (AE-BSS) functions, which come in handy during tricky shooting situations. BSS takes up to ten images then selects only the sharpest for recording to memory. AE-BSS automatically selects one from five shots with the best relative exposure.

The Coolpix 4800 is designed to keep the key functions readily available and easy to access. Mode dials and controls are located on the back of the camera body to enable more intuitive control and each button has one function to eliminate confusion. The camera has a well-designed grip that adds a natural, familiar feel to casual shooting. A high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) adds compositional accuracy with a 97% field of view during shooting, and coupled with a large 1.8-inch LCD monitor, is ideal for shooting and viewing of images. All mode dials and controls have been carefully placed to offer easier and more intuitive control.

Shooting is not the only thing kept simple with the Coolpix 4800. The camera also offers direct printing capability using PictBridge technology. Simply connect the camera with any PictBridge-compatible printer and it's easy to get great prints straight out of the camera.

A Portable Powerhouse
Don't let the simplicity of the Coolpix 4800 deceive you. The camera packs considerable power for a compact camera in its class and presents the total package to photographers, all at an affordable price. The camera provides continuous shooting capability for up to 8 images at up to 1.5 frames per second ensuring that users can capture high-speed action sequences. It also offers a convenient three shot buffer function and the innovative Multi-shot function, to snap 16 shots in rapid succession, which are then combined into a single image. The camera also offers the ability to capture movies with the simultaneous recording of sound – recording TV-size movies at the rate of 15 frames per second. The Voice Memo function allows up to 20 seconds of sound to be added to still images.

For convenience in terms of storage, the Coolpix 4800 uses popular SD memory cards in addition to 13.5 MB of internal memory, which means you're always ready and able to shoot — even when you're not using a memory card. The Coolpix 4800 also allows you to shoot up to 240 images on a single of the camera's rechargeable EN-EL1 Li-ion Battery, or up to 360 images when using an optional disposable 2CR5/DL245 lithium battery.

The Camera Is Only Half the Fun – Sharing Matters
The Nikon Coolpix 4800 incorporates PictureProject ® , a completely new software package aimed at creating a simple, intuitive and seamless photographic experience for digital photographers of all skill levels. The software automatically and transparently searches for images on the computer and creates a virtual map, or directory, to provide instant access to all stored images without having to search through hard disk directories. Users can search for images using their own keywords or attributes based on personal preference making the search process painless.

PictureProject delivers powerful tools that will make the process of transferring, organizing, editing, and sharing digital images easy, productive, and fun.

All Nikon Coolpix cameras include a host of exciting programs from ArcSoft ® including VideoImpression™ to edit and share QuickTime™ movies taken with the camera and Panorama Maker™, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images captured using the Panorama Assist Scene Mode, to create beautiful panoramic photos. Those interested can pick up helpful tips and techniques on how to maximize the experience with a digital camera at www.coolpix101.com .

The Nikon Coolpix 4800 provides users with all the equipment they need to get started including the new PictureProject photo management software, neck strap, USB cable, video cable, Li-ion rechargeable battery and quick charger.

The Nikon Coolpix 4800 will have an MSRP of $399.95 when available nationwide in Fall 2004. For information about this and other exciting new Nikon products, please visit www.nikondigitalusa.com .

About Nikon
Nikon ...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital and 35mm film SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix ® compact digital cameras; Coolscan ® digital film scanners; 35mm compact cameras; Nikonos ® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, t he company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops . For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com , which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Sep 16: Nikon Coolpix 8400

The Nikon Coolpix 8400 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3.5x Optical Zoom wide angle lens. DP Review previews the Nikon D2x and writes - 'The eight megapixel wide angle zoom Coolpix 8400 was announced along with the Coolpix 8800 and Coolpix 4800 on 16th September in the run-up to Photokina 2004. By it's name it's clear that the Coolpix 8400 is intended as the direct successor to the 2003 five megapixel Coolpix 5400 which also featured a wide angle zoom lens, although not as wide as the 8400's impressive 24 mm equiv. On paper then the 8400 appears to be a highly capable eight megapixel prosumer digital camera with a new (and unique) 24 - 85 mm equiv. (3.5x) zoom lens. It's probably worth noting that other than the body design and lens system the 8400 and 8800 are virtually identical in specification and features.'

Get the Latest Price on the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Nikon Coolpix 8400 Reviews

Steve's Digicams reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 8400 enters the prosumer digicam market with a unique combination of 8-megapixel resolution, super wide angle zoom and excellent image quality. Its rich set of exposure controls will please the advanced shooter, while its easy to use automatic and scene modes will help even the neophyte capture great images. The 8400 is at its best shooting outdoor scenics. Its indoor results are also terrific if there is sufficient available light for autofocus, but in dim lighting the limited range of the AF-assist lamp was a disappointment.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 Digital Camera and writes - 'Now that we've had a chance to fully test a final production model, our earlier impressions of the Nikon Coolpix 8400 have been pretty well borne out. Image quality was generally excellent, with loads of resolution, in-camera sharpening that struck a good balance between perceived sharpness and minimal artifacts, good (if somewhat bright) color, and a lens that kept chromatic aberration largely in check yet maintained good sharpness in the corners of the frame. The two standout features of the Nikon 8400 are its fast shutter response (among the best we've seen in a prosumer camera), and its super-wide 24-85mm equivalent zoom lens.'

DP Review reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 and writes - 'The Coolpix 8400's unique lens makes it an interesting beast, it offers a slightly wider field of view (about 10° more; 72° horizontally at 24 mm equiv.) than other prosumer eight megapixel digital cameras which start at 28 mm equiv. That extra 10° can be especially useful if you shoot a lot of architecture, landscapes, real estate etc. At the other end of zoom however it has the least telephoto of any current eight megapixel, its nearest competitor, the Olympus C-8080 WZ offers 28 - 140 mm equiv. (compared to the 8400's 24 - 85 mm equiv.)'

DCRP reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 and writes - 'If you want an ultra wide-angle camera, the Nikon Coolpix 8400 is the only game in town. And thankfully, it plays a pretty good game. While it could be faster in terms of performance, the bottom line is that the 8400 takes good quality pictures with a larger field-of-view than any other fixed-lens digital camera on the market. As expected, a lens that wide will result in some distortion, most notably when you take pictures of buildings or interiors. While its 8 Megapixel images are noisier than what some are used to, they're competitive with other cameras using this sensor. Be warned that at high ISOs, the noise levels may be unacceptable, especially compared to a digital SLR. Nikon has done a good job keeping purple fringing levels low on the 8400, and redeye was not a problem.'

AnandTech reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 digital camera and writes - 'Despite the shortcomings of the Coolpix 8400, we are impressed with its overall performance. All of our sample images taken with the camera were evenly exposed with high detail and accurate color reproduction. For someone looking for a high-quality wide angle solution to meet their photography needs, the 8400 will most likely fill the position so long as speed is not the largest factor.'

CNET Reviews has a review of the Nikon Coolpix 8400 and writes - 'With a wide-angle view that equals the perspective of a 35mm-film camera's 24mm lens, or 18mm with optional converter, the Nikon Coolpix 8400 is perfect for shooting indoors in tight quarters or for grabbing shots outdoors of an exquisite 18th-century monument when you're backed up against a 21st-century fruit stand. Add the optional 0.75X converter attachment, and you're in 18mm (35mm equivalent) bliss. Yet, the 3.5X optical zoom also extends out to 85mm--perfect for portraits and some sports. Priced $100 less than its bigger (literally) sibling, the Coolpix 8800, this model incorporates most of the best features, missing only Nikon's built-in vibration reduction system, which, unfortunately, would be perfect for those shooting wide-angle pictures indoors at slow shutter speeds without a tripod. Other downers are pronounced barrel distortion at the widest zoom settings and a viewfinder that tends to freeze and blank out during use. If you need a wide-angle shooter and want a smaller package than you'll find in the most petite dSLR, the Coolpix 8400 may fill the bill.'

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8400 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 8400 is a fantastic digital camera in most respects, but frustratingly poor in a few crucial areas. As I said when I started this review, it is the only digicam to feature a 24mm wide angle lens. Other cameras offer 27mm and 28mm lenses, and whilst 4mm doesn't sound like much, it does make quite a big difference at this field of view. Lovers of wide-angle photography should obviously strongly consider the Nikon Coolpix 8400. It is also a very capable digital camera in terms of build quality and features - this is a camera that will withstand a lot of abuse and also one which rivals digital SLRs in terms of being feature-rich. Despite that level of complexity the Nikon Coolpix 8400 is still fairly easy to use, with the rotating LCD screen adding an extra creative element and the EVF being very useable. Image quality is also very good, with chromatic aberrations only noticeable by their absence, true-to-life colour and little distortion even at the wide end of the zoom.'

Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix 8400 from the following Nikon press release and from:
- Lets Go Digital - Nikon D2x
- Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Preview
- Steve's Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 8400 Preview
- DC Resource - Nikon Coolpix 8400 First Look
- DP Review - Nikon Coolpix Preview

Buy the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Nikon Coolpix 8400 Press Release

NEW NIKON COOLPIX 8400 APPEALS TO SERIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH A 24-85 MM ULTRA-WIDE ZOOM LENS - THE WIDEST COVERAGE AVAILABLE FROM A COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA

New Coolpix Digital Camera Answers the Call For High-Powered Wide-Angle Photography

MELVILLE, NY, September 16, 2004 – In a time when long zoom cameras rule, many serious photographers have been waiting for a wide-angle solution for their photography needs. As of today, there is wide, wide world of digital creativity awaiting digital photographers as Nikon announced its new Nikon Coolpix 8400 digital camera (www.nikondigitalusa.com). The Coolpix 8400 has the widest angle of coverage available in a compact digital camera today, and the first to offer photo purists and creative photographers an answer to their search for true wide-angle photography from a compact digital camera. The Coolpix 8400 provides users with extremely high 8.0 effective megapixel performance and a versatile 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) zoom Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens for high quality images and the ability to capture expansive scenes in a single frame. And as a direct result of Nikon's advanced technology, the Coolpix 8400 also offers extremely fast autofocus, with the all new ranging AF feature, an advantage that makes it easy to capture unexpected moments with clarity.

The Nikon Coolpix 8400 is the ideal compact camera for serious digital photographers who want to maintain maximum control of their picture-taking experience. Appealing to traditional SLR photographers, the capabilities and design of this new camera will expand the user's creativity while greatly expanding their field of view.

“Nikon sees the 8-megapixel digital camera category as one of the potential growth sectors in the business mainly because of the scores of advanced photographers who are better educated about their cameras and, in the process, becoming more experienced shooters,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, Marketing, for Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 8400 is the answer to photographers' call for a compact camera with a wider lens that allows for a more traditional style of photography, such as landscapes and portraits. The camera boasts a feature set that will surely guide photographers into a creative new approach to their own photography.”

Nikon has grabbed the lead in the popular and powerful 8-megapixel camera category with the announcement of the new Coolpix 8400, and the Vibration Reduction (VR) enabled Coolpix 8800, which at 350mm is the longest compact digital camera with VR available today. These remarkable new products combine 8.0-megapixel resolution with high quality Nikkor ED optics and framing and zooming options that complement today's digital photographers.

Nikon Coolpix 8400 – The Ideal Tool for Creative Photographers
The Nikon Coolpix 8400 is the ideal camera for serious photographers who consider the lens's quality and coverage as a critical factor in their regular shooting. The camera will also satisfy photographers that demand high level of quality and control from their compact digital camera.

The camera incorporates new features to help produce outstanding images straight out of the camera. The Nikon Coolpix 8400, and its counterpart Coolpix 8800, are the first digital cameras to offer Nikon's D-lighting option. In Playback, D-lighting compensates for an underexposed or backlit area of an image while maintaining the properly exposed area of the same image. The result resembles a “digital fill flash” and salvages dark silhouettes into well-balanced album-worthy memories.

Another new feature, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, automatically corrects red-eye inside the camera in most instances when using the Red-Eye Reduction mode of the built-in flash. With Nikon's In-Camera Red-Eye™ Fix activated, photographers will witness most common red-eye photos rapidly diminishing or disappearing entirely. With the red-eye reduction flash and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, you may never see red eye again. The combination of these new features alone addresses two of the most commonly experienced problems in photography and corrects them with ease.

Serious digital photographers demand a great deal from their equipment. The Nikon Coolpix 8400 is well prepared to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. The camera is constructed with a compact, lightweight magnesium alloy body that has been designed for durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting. Nikon has employed a high resolution (238,000 pixel) electronic viewfinder (EVF) for extremely sharp, through-the-lens viewing. In addition, users can use the large 1.8“ vari-angle LCD panel to review shots on the go.

Legendary Nikkor Optics – The Lens Matters
No matter the type or size of a camera, great pictures begin with great lenses. More professionals choose Nikkor lenses, including the overwhelming majority of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers. That very same quality is built into the Nikkor lens of every Nikon Coolpix digital camera, including the Nikon Coolpix 8400. The Nikon Coolpix 8400 has a zoom range of 24-85 mm (35mm equivalent) and its lens incorporates two ED glass elements to produce clear, sharp, colorful images. The design and precision of the Coolpix 8400's Nikkor ED lens allows for incredible versatility, including Macro shooting from as close as 1.2 inches.

‘Broaden Your View' – Accessories Push the Limits Of Compact Digital Photography

The Coolpix 8400 is a true system camera, which supports a complete series of affordable accessory lens converters, to greatly expand the camera's zoom range, from an ultra-wide 7mm Fisheye to a sharp 255mm at full telephoto.

The Coolpix 8400 is compatible with Coolpix accessory lenses including the new TC-E3PF, an advanced and exclusive new 3x Phase Fresnel telephoto converter. Considerably shorter and lighter than any previous teleconverter, the TC-E3PF illustrates how Nikon is taking existing lenses and redesigning them for ”on-the-go“ convenience. Furthermore, the widely-acclaimed TC-E3ED is also compatible with the Coolpix 8400.

Additionally, the Coolpix 8400 benefits from the 0.75x Wide Angle Adapter (WC-E75) (18mm) and the Fisheye converter lens (FC-E9) (7mm) to vastly expand creative shooting options and perspective.

In addition to accessory lenses, the Coolpix 8400's accessory hot shoe now enables i-TTL flash operation using the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600, including complete control of the flash unit's zoom head. This combination of available additions makes the Coolpix 8400 and its accessories a complete and viable compact system.

Multiple Shooting Options
The Nikon Coolpix 8400 digital camera incorporates four exposure modes to give the photographer ultimate creative control over their image capture. These modes include Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M]. The camera also offers an automatic mode, which makes the Coolpix 8400 an ideal tool in situations where operation needs to be ‘point-and-shoot simple.' For added convenience, the camera incorporates 15 preset Scene Modes that allow for striking images in practically any shooting situation. The camera has the ability to capture images in RAW recording mode (NEF format) for maximum image control and manipulation after the picture is taken using Nikon's new Capture 4.2 software available for download at www.nikontechusa.com . The camera also supports the newly adopted JPEG EXTRA file format, which offers higher image quality with less compression (compression rate: 1/2) in addition to its Basic, Normal, Fine, TIFF and NEF/RAW settings.

Nikon Coolpix 8400 Key Features:

- 8.0 effective megapixels (3,264 x 2,448-pixels)

- 3.5x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a zoom ratio of 24-85 mm (35mm [135] format)

- 238,000-pixel high resolution through-the-lens EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), enhances user experience with backlight LED illumination

- Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] exposure control modes

- RAW data image mode - NEF

- Fast, accurate Nine-Area Multi Autofocus

- Macro shooting capability as close as 1.2-inches supported by Best Shot Selector (BSS) function

- AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-BSS) for automatic selection of the best relative exposure — highlight, shadow or histogram

- Quick response - instant startup, reduced shutter release time lag and fast image processing

- 15 preset Scene Modes, including the new Panorama Assist Mode

- Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size images at 2.3 frames per second (fps)

- Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering, complemented by Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot AF area metering

- Noise Reduction Mode for timed exposures slower than ¼ of a second

- In-camera color control - Saturation control (5 steps and B&W)

- Movie — TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, or Sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps) with audio, or Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) without audio

- Large vari-angle highly transmissible advanced TFT-LCD backlit monitor for greater visibility – even in bright sunlight

Software and Equipment – Value Matters
The Nikon Coolpix 8400 incorporates PictureProject™, the company's next generation of photo software designed to be a management and activity center for all of your digital images. This new software package is aimed at creating a simple, intuitive and seamless photographic experience for digital photographers of all skill levels. PictureProject takes everything and puts it onto one screen helping people using the software to feel comfortable with its features within minutes.

Nikon also includes a software suite from ArcSoft ® including VideoImpression™ to edit and share QuickTime™ movies taken with the camera and Panorama Maker™, which takes advantage of the Coolpix 8400's wide-angle lens and Panorama Assist Mode to seamlessly stitch together multiple horizontal or vertical images to create beautiful panoramic photos.

The Nikon Coolpix 8400 provides users with all the equipment they need to begin shooting, which includes PictureProject image management software, USB cable, video cable, neck strap, the powerful new EN-EL7 rechargeable battery (up to 260 shots), and quick charger.

The Nikon Coolpix 8400 will be available at retail in September 2004 at an MSRP of $899.95. For more information about this and other Nikon Coolpix cameras, please visit www.nikondigitalusa.com .

About Nikon
Nikon ...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix ® compact digital cameras; Coolscan ® digital film scanners; Nikonos ® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, t he company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops . For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com , which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Get the Latest Price on the Nikon Coolpix 8400

Sep 16: Nikon Coolpix 8800

The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 10x Optical Zoom lens. This is a camera that breaks new ground with an 8MP sensor and a 10x Zoom in the same camera for the same time. It also comes with a 1.8inch LCD flip and twist screen USB 2.0 and high capacity battery. DP Review previews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'It's the first ten times optical zoom eight megapixel digital camera and it's also Nikon's first consumer digital camera with Vibration Reduction technology. The 8800 takes the 8700's design and engine and builds on it, on top of the new lens and Vibration Reduction there are a whole raft of new features and improvements which are also shared by the Coolpix 8400 (the two cameras are virtually identical apart from their lens and body design).'

Imaging Resource reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'Based on our initial review of a prototype sample of the Coolpix 8800, we concluded that it was one of the best prosumer cameras Nikon has created to date. Now having had the opportunity to fully test a production-level sample of the 8800, that conclusion still largely holds, although we did find the usual minor limitations to be expected in any camera. In working with it, we found the Coolpix 8800 to be a very appealing camera to use. Apart from a few minor niggles, its controls and ergonomics were really just right, its long-ratio zoom lens was impressive, and its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology seemed unusually effective at reducing the effects of camera shake. Image quality was generally excellent, with loads of resolution, in-camera sharpening that struck a good balance between perceived sharpness and minimal artifacts, good (if somewhat bright) color, and a lens that kept chromatic aberration largely in check yet maintained good sharpness in the corners of the frame.'

DP Review reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'The Coolpix 8800 is out to prove that it's a credible alternative to the new cheaper digital SLR's and a set of lenses. From a practicality stand point it certainly delivers, in a package not much bigger than the smallest D-SLR you get eight megapixels and a 35 - 350 mm equiv. lens with Vibration Reduction. Next you consider the price, which may seem high but when you take into account how much a D-SLR and matching set of lenses would cost it does start to make sense. Where the 8800 can't compete however is noise at higher sensitivities and the 'SLR shooting experience' (camera feel, manual zoom, AF speed, shutter lag and processing / write speed).'

US Readers Buy the “Nikon Coolpix 8800 8MP Digital Camera” UK Readers Buy the “Nikon Coolpix 8800 Digital Camera”

Megapixel Reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'The Coolpix 8800 is capable of capturing extremely detailed images, especially when used in RAW or TIFF (HI) formats, which use no compression, and thereby completely avoid the potential artefacts that might be caused by the lossy JPEG process.

Regrettable however, is the fact that the software included with the camera, Picture Project, is still not sufficiently developed to support the RAW format thoroughly, and remains confused and overly complicated.'

Steve's Digicams reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'The Coolpix 8800's combination of image quality, resolution, zoom range and Vibration Reduction are unmatched at the time of this review (December 2004). With an MSRP of about $1,000, the Coolpix 8800 competes with consumer-class dSLR's like the D70 and Canon Digital Rebel. If it's digicam features you crave, the family-friendly 8800 is your answer; you'll not find a dSLR that captures smooth VGA-sized 30fps movies, built-in macro capability, Best Shot Selector, or flexible vari-angle LCD viewfinder. On the other hand if you need the versatility of interchangeable lenses, shooting performance, optical TTL viewfinder and superior image quality (especially at higher ISOs) then you'll want a digital SLR. '

Pocket Lint reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 reviews and writes - 'Overall the 8800 has a lot more plus points than minuses. The huge zoom and additional lenses makes it ideal for the serious photographer who still wants the easy of a more compact frame. The functions are generally easy to use although some diligence and instruction scrutiny will be needed to get all the finer nuisances down on pat. The sub £650 price tag will also go a long way towards to securing it as one of the most attractive camera this Christmas, even if it won’t quite fit in your stocking.'

DCRP Reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is a high resolution ultra zoom camera that I can recommend to everyone except action shooters. That's because I found the 8800's performance to be, shall we say, a little lacking. This is especially noticeable in terms of focus speed (average at best), shot-to-shot delays, and image playback speed. Continuing shooting was frustrating due to LCD blackouts between shots. If these things aren't critical, then the 8800 is a heck of a camera. It features a 10X optical zoom lens with VR image stabilization technology that works very well. Photo quality is good, with fairly sharp photos, accurate color, and nearly no purple fringing. As is the case with other 8MP cameras, noise levels are above average, especially at higher ISO sensitivities. And, just like with other Nikon cameras, macro performance on the 8800 is very good. The movie mode is nice too, but it would be a lot better without the time limit at the highest quality setting.'

Lets Go Digital reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'That brings us to the final conclusion that the owner of a Nikon Coolpix 8800 digital camera can call himself lucky to be in possession of a high quality versatile digital camera. A camera that makes it possible to shoot images just like you had them in mind. The user's skills will finally determine the level of the Coolpix 8800. The starter and advanced user have a perfect tool at their disposal at which features like the VR (Vibration Reduction), the high quality zoom lens and the vary-angle monitor are at the base of it. There are no marginal notes to mention of a camera with so many possibilities. The Coolpix 8800 is a true power monster and in that respect also a competitor for cameras like the Nikon D70, Nikon's entry-level digital reflex camera. In short, a high resolution digital camera which is worth every penny, a real winner!'

CNET reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'Vibration reduction headlines the feature set for this 8-megapixel Coolpix 8700 replacement, which also includes a longer zoom lens (10X vs. 8X), support for Nikon's i-TTL SB600 and SB800 external flash units, improved design, and a higher-quality JPEG mode (at a 1:2 compression ratio). Throw in the Nikon Coolpix 8800's extended flash range, faster USB 2.0 camera-to-computer transfer, a beefier battery, a handful of new scene modes, and an included infrared remote control, and you'll see why it's attracting the attention of photo enthusiasts. There are trade-offs, however. Nikon reduced the top sensitivity setting from ISO 800 to ISO 400, its shutter speeds now top out at 1/3,000 second instead of 1/4,000 second, and its picture quality could be better. Overall, however, this Coolpix improves upon its predecessor, and remains a decent 8-megapixel option.'

PC Mag reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'We define superzooms as cameras with a 10x or greater zoom. We define the enthusiast models as the all-in-one cameras at the high end of the price scale that can create very large images and give the shooter a lot of control. Until recently, these two segments were very cleanly delineated. But not anymore, thanks to Nikon's 8-megapixel Coolpix 8800, an enthusiast camera with a superzoom lens.'

Learn more about the Nikon Coolpix 8800 from the following Nikon press release and from:
- Lets Go Digital - Nikon Coolpix 8800
- Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Preview
- Steve's Digicams - Nikon Coolpix 8800
- DC Resource - Nikon Coolpix 8800
- DP Review - Nikon Coolpix 8800

DP Expert reviews the Nikon Coolpix 8800 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is pitched against the lower priced digital SLRs. It has obvious appeal to those who have an aversion to the apparent (more than real) complexity and bulk (real enough) of Nikon’s own outstanding D70 SLR. The D70 is $100 cheaper than the 8800. The look and feel of the 8800 are seductive, and for many would-be digital snappers that will be enough.'

Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Nikon CoolPix 8800 and writes - 'The CoolPix 8800 is an awesome camera for any enthusiast with deep enough pockets. Thanks to the big sensor and superb Nikkor ED lens its image quality is among the best available, while the exceptionally versatile exposure and AF systems provide plenty of creative controls and ensure accurate results under a wide range of circumstances. It’s not without its problems, such as high-ISO noise and sluggish focusing, but it is one of the few a real alternatives to a digital SLR.'

Nikon Coolpix 8800 Press Release

NEW NIKON COOLPIX 8800 PAIRS VIBRATION REDUCTION SYSTEM WITH 10X OPTICAL-ZOOM LENS FOR ROCK-STEADY PHOTOS FROM 35-350MM

Newest Coolpix Digital Camera Introduces New Technology Previously Unavailable In 8-Megapixel Compact Consumer Cameras

MELVILLE, NY, September 16, 2004 – Nikon has taken the consumer compact camera industry further than it has ever gone before with today's announcement of the new Nikon Coolpix 8800 digital camera (www.nikondigitalusa.com). Nikon's flagship model for the 8-megapixel category, the Coolpix 8800 is an incredible photography tool for serious photographers. The Coolpix 8800 is the most powerful compact digital camera available to consumers, boasting a high-powered 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens, which opens the shooter to an unmatched 35-350mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range, the longest zoom range available in the 8-megapixel category, and delivers razor sharp images.

To complement this versatile and precise lens, Nikon has incorporated its Vibration Reduction (VR) System – a version of the system used in Nikkor professional SLR lenses – into the Coolpix 8800. The benefits of VR are further evident with the Coolpix 8800 digital camera system, when enhanced with a series of dedicated lens accessories that broaden the range of lens performance from Fisheye (7mm) to a 600mm telephoto. The incorporation of VR into the Coolpix 8800 represents a milestone first for Nikon and the Coolpix series as state of the art technology is now being applied to consumer compact cameras.

“With the tremendous success of consumer-level digital SLR cameras, there remains a very large population of advanced photographers looking for a high-powered, compact, all-in-one solution. The Nikon Coolpix 8800 addresses these consumers head-on,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, Marketing, for Nikon Inc. “The Coolpix 8800 brings a completely new dimension to compact digital photography with its applications of new technology adapted and applied from Nikon's professional products. This is truly a market leader.”

Nikon has grabbed the lead in the popular and powerful 8-megapixel camera category with the announcement of the new Coolpix 8800 and the wide-angle Coolpix 8400, which at 24mm is the widest compact digital camera available today. These remarkable new products combine 8.0-megapixel resolution with pro-quality Nikkor ED optics and framing and zooming options that complement today's digital photographers.

Nikon Coolpix 8800 – The Flagship of Compact Digital Cameras
The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is the ideal camera for serious photographers who consider the lens a critical factor in their regular shooting. The camera will also satisfy photographers that demand the highest level of quality and control from their compact digital camera. The camera incorporates new features to help produce outstanding images straight out of the camera.

The Coolpix 8800, and its counterpart Coolpix 8400, are the first digital cameras to offer Nikon's D-lighting option. In Playback, D-lighting compensates for an underexposed area of an image while maintaining the properly exposed area of the same image. The result resembles a “digital fill flash” and salvages dark silhouettes into well-balanced album-worthy memories. Another new feature, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, automatically corrects red-eye inside the camera in most instances when using the Red-Eye Reduction mode of the built-in flash. With In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ activated, photographers will see most common red-eye photos rapidly diminishing or disappearing entirely from their pictures. In fact, they may never see red-eye again. The combination of these new features alone addresses two of the most commonly experienced problem in photography and corrects them with ease.

Serious digital photographers demand a great deal from their equipment. The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is well prepared to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use. The camera is constructed with a compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body that has been designed for durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting. Nikon has employed the high resolution (238,000 pixel) electronic viewfinder (EVF) for extremely sharp, through-the-lens viewing. In addition, users can use the large 1.8“ vari-angle LCD panel to review shots on the go.

The Nikon Coolpix 8800 digital camera incorporates four exposure modes to give the photographer ultimate creative control over their image capture. These modes include Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M]. The camera also offers an automatic mode, which makes the Coolpix 8800 an ideal tool in situations where operation needs to be ‘point-and-shoot simple.' For added convenience, the camera incorporates 15 preset Scene Modes that allow for striking images in practically any shooting situation. The camera has the ability to capture images in RAW recording mode (NEF format) for maximum image control and manipulation after the picture is taken using Nikon's new Capture 4.2 software available for download at www.nikontechusa.com . The camera also supports the newly adopted JPEG EXTRA file format, which offers higher image quality with less compression (compression rate: 1/2) in addition to its Basic, Normal, Fine, TIFF and NEF/RAW settings.

‘Rock-Steady' – Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) System
The lens of the Coolpix 8800 incorporates Nikon's Vibration Reduction System. VR automatically detects and compensates for the small camera movements that cause image blur. This offers the user the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower without the risk of camera vibrations blurring the image. Along with Normal Mode, which enables remarkably clear handheld shots, Active Mode helps to ensure a smoother view in shaky conditions like a moving vehicle. VR gives Coolpix 8800 photographers the tool they need to achieve sharp, clear images when shooting in low light or when taking handheld telephoto and macro shots.

Legendary Nikkor Optics – The Lens Matters
No matter the type or size of a camera, great pictures begin with great lenses. More professionals choose Nikkor lenses than all other brands combined. That very same quality is built into the Nikkor lens of every Nikon Coolpix digital camera, including the Nikon Coolpix 8800. The Nikon Coolpix 8800 has a zoom range of 35-350 mm (35mm equivalent). The lens incorporates ED glass elements to produce clear, sharp, colorful images.

‘Broaden Your View' – Accessories Push the Limits Of Compact Digital Photography

The Nikon Coolpix 8800 supports a complete series of affordable accessory lenses, which expand the camera's zoom range from 7mm-600mm, previously unimaginable in the consumer compact digital category. The Coolpix 8800 is compatible with Coolpix accessory lenses including the all new 1.7x ED glass teleconverter (TC-E17ED) (600mm), the new 0.8x Wide Angle Adapter (WM-E80) (28mm) and the Fisheye converter lens (FC-E9) (7mm). That translates to a whopping 86x optical zoom capability…a figure that is unparalleled throughout the photo industry. The Coolpix 8800's VR system even works with the accessory telephoto converter lens at 600mm. In addition, lighting enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Coolpix 8800's accessory hot shoe now enables i-TTL flash operation using the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600, including complete control of the zoom head. This combination of available additions makes the Coolpix 8800 and its accessories a complete and viable compact system.

Nikon Coolpix 8800 Key Features:

- 8.0 effective megapixels (3,264 x 2,448-pixels)

- 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a zoom ratio of 35-350 mm (35mm [135] format)

- Vibration Reduction (VR) system shoots up to 3 stops slower

- 238,000-pixel high resolution through-the-lens EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), enhances user experience with backlight LED illumination

- Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] exposure control modes

- RAW data image mode - NEF

- Fast, accurate Nine-Area Multi Autofocus

- Macro shooting capability as close as 1.2-inches supported by Best Shot Selector (BSS) function and VR function

- AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-BSS) for automatic selection of the best relative exposure — highlight, shadow or histogram

- Quick response - instant startup, reduced shutter release time lag and fast image processing

- 15 preset Scene Modes, including the new Panorama Assist Mode

- Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size images at 2.3 frames per second (fps)

- Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering, complemented by Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot AF area metering

- Noise Reduction Mode for timed exposures slower than ¼ of a second

- In-camera color control - Saturation control (5 steps and B&W)

- Movie — TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, or Sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps) with audio, or Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) without audio

- Large vari-angle highly transmissible advanced TFT-LCD backlit monitor for greater visibility – even in bright sunlight

Software and Equipment – Value Matters
The Nikon Coolpix 8800 incorporates PictureProject™, the company's next generation of photo software designed to be a management and activity center for all of your digital images. This new software package is aimed at creating a simple, intuitive and seamless photographic experience for digital photographers of all skill levels. PictureProject takes everything and puts it onto one screen helping people using the software to feel comfortable with its features within minutes.

Nikon also includes a software suite from ArcSoft ® including VideoImpression™ to edit and share QuickTime™ movies taken with the camera and Panorama Maker™, which takes advantage of the Coolpix 8800's Panorama Assist Mode and seamlessly stitches together multiple horizontal or vertical images to create beautiful panoramic photos.

The Nikon Coolpix 8800 provides users with all the equipment they need to begin shooting, which includes PictureProject image management software, USB cable, video cable, neck strap, the new EN-EL7 rechargeable battery and quick charger.

The Nikon Coolpix 8800 will be available at retail in Fall 2004 at an MSRP of $999.95. For more information about this and other Nikon Coolpix cameras, please visit www.nikondigitalusa.com .

About Nikon
Nikon ...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix ® compact digital cameras; Coolscan ® digital film scanners; Nikonos ® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, t he company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops . For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit . HYPERLINK ”http://www.nikonusa.com/“ . www.nikonusa.com ., which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Sep 16: Kodak workers victims to digital age

'At least 600 Kodak workers in Australia have become victims of the digital age when the company announced it would close its only local manufacturing plant because of the decline of film-based photography.

After 40 years, production of paper, film and processing chemicals will cease at the Melbourne factory, in suburban Coburg, by November 26.

The wholesale photo processing lab at the site will also close on October 22.

The company said 600 jobs would be lost, with about 400 people left at the plant to service the local market and customers.

However, unions believe the final number of job losses could be closer to 650, with some administrative and distribution staff likely to be sacked.

It follows January's announcement by parent company Eastman Kodak that it would slash 12,000 to 15,000 jobs and reduce its presence by one-third worldwide.' Read more at Kodak workers victims to digital age

Sep 16: Lexar Announces Professional Series Memory Cards With Encryption Technology

Lexar Press Release
Lexar Announces Professional Series Memory Cards With Encryption Technology to Provide a Highly Secure Digital Media Solution

FREMONT, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 16, 2004 Nikon Includes Security Feature in Nikon D2X Digital Camera

Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR), a leading marketer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and accessories, today revealed plans to incorporate encryption technology into its Professional CompactFlash(TM) and, in conjunction with technology-compatible digital cameras, will provide users with a secure digital media solution. Professional photographers and other security conscious users worldwide will have added confidence knowing that access to stored images and information is protected by a high-end encryption code technology.

Central to this unique security solution is an easy-to-use software tool for establishing security settings on the memory card and corresponding digital camera. Digital content stored on the memory card can only be accessed via the digital camera(s) with the corresponding encryption key or via a PC with a valid username and password. This unique security system utilizing the memory card and the camera offers a secure digital imaging solution.

“This is an excellent solution for keeping stored images and information secure,” said John Omvik, Director of Professional Product Marketing. “Professional photographers working with highly secure or classified content can confidently take pictures knowing that they are protected from unauthorized access. This is appealing to those in industries such as insurance, law enforcement, medicine, security and government, as well as many others who want their valuable and confidential data protected well beyond what is offered today.”

Eager to provide their customers with a way to safeguard their images, Nikon will be the first camera company to incorporate Lexar's technology into a digital camera. Nikon is incorporating the new security technology into the Nikon D2X.

“The most valuable asset of our customers is the content they capture at each and every photo-shoot,” said Kazuyuki Kazami, General Manager of Marketing, Nikon Corporation. “Incorporating Lexar's technology into our new digital camera is an easy way for us to help professionals concentrate on doing what they do best -- taking pictures. They needn't worry about having exclusive images fall into unwanted hands or unwillingly allowing others to access their images before the appropriate time,” he added.

The system's administrative tool will enable the highest level of security, without sacrificing any camera performance. Developed by Lexar, the new security solution is based on a 160 bit encryption technology and uses SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm), a standard approved by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology.) 160-bit encryption technology is among the most effective and widely accepted security solutions available.

Available to photo-specialty stores and through value added resellers, the technology will be available in the fourth quarter of 2004.

About Lexar Media, Inc.
Lexar is a leading marketer and manufacturer of flash memory cards, USB flash drives, card readers and ATA controller technology for the digital photography, consumer electronics, industrial and communications markets. The company holds over 76 issued or allowed controller and system patents, and licenses its technology to companies including Olympus, Samsung Electronics, SanDisk Corporation and Sony. For more information, please call 800-789-9418 or visit http://www.lexar.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements related to the benefits of and consumer demand for Lexar Media's products and the growth opportunities available to Lexar Media. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include that the growth and success of our business depends on our ability to achieve and maintain technology leadership, and sell and market products that are commercially accepted. Readers should also refer to the risk factors described in our filings with the SEC, including our most recently filed Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update the information in this release.

Lexar and the Lexar logo are trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Read more about this story at Lexar Introduces Digital Security

Sep 16: Digital Photography Clicking with Consumers

"At-home printing of digital photos should become nearly a $10 billion business worldwide by 2008, reports Lyra Research.

Digital cameras are everywhere these days, and though one of the advantages of digital photography over film is that all the shots don't have to be developed into prints, thus saving money, many of them are. A whole lot of them.

According to a new report from Lyra Research, "Consumer Photo-Printing Market: Where Digital Photos Will Be Printed," worldwide revenues from at-home printing of photos captured by digital cameras will grow from $7.1 billion in 2003 to $9.9 billion in 2008. That's a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%." Read more at Digital Photography Clicking with Consumers

Sep 16: Photo and Video Sharing

"The beauty of digital photography isn't only that you can instantly view the pictures you've just taken. You can also share them with friends and fam-ily in a matter of seconds. Dozens of Web sites and applications now provide photo-sharing services, and a couple will even distribute your digital videos.

Granted, you've been able to share images via dial-up for quite some time. But with broadband, you'll need only a few minutes, rather than hours, to upload a large batch of high-resolution files. And broadband opens up all sorts of new image-sharing possibilities, including peer-to-peer services that seamlessly shuttle photos and videos between PCs.

The photo-sharing craze began on sites designed for photo printing. For as little as 22 cents per photo, plus shipping and handling, sites like Ofoto, Shutterfly, and Snapfish will print your pictures on high-quality photo paper and mail them to you. But the real attraction is that these services let you share your photos with friends and family free of charge.

Once you upload your photos, they remain on a private Web site, and you can easily send the link to whomever you like. "These sites are primarily used for sharing," says Robert Palmer, director of digital photography research at Lyra Research. "Printing is used to generate revenue, but it accounts for a much smaller portion of activity."

The catch is that these sites let you share only a limited number of photos. With sites, such as Sacko and smugmug, designed specifically for photo sharing, you can pay to share an endless number of snapshots.

Recently, the market has been flooded with a range of applications that offer new and different ways of sharing images. Apps like Microsoft's MSN Photo Swap and Picasa's Hello let you exchange pictures through instant-messaging clients. With How2Share's PiXPO and OurPictures, you set up a peer-to-peer network among friends and family, seamlessly sending pictures from desktop to desktop." Read more at  
Photo & Video Sharing

Sep 15: Giving Your Photos A Glow - Adding A Diffuse Glow To Your Images

Luminous Landscape has a great article that covers the topic of Adding A Diffuse Glow To Your Images.

'Giving your images a diffuse glow with Photoshop is a combination of blurs, layer blend modes, and blending techniques. Rather than blurring the entire image, we instead add a halo to a desired range of tones. We can add richness and shape the tones in an image in this way without sacrificing a lot of image details.'

Sep 15: Konica Minolta Dimage A200

The Konica Minolta Dimage A200 is an 8 megapixel 'SLR-type' digital camera that continues the 'A' line of popular for Minolta. It is similar to the Dimage A2 but is a little smaller and sleeker with a flip out rotating LCD. Learn more about the Konica Minolta Dimage A200 from the following Konica Minolta press release.

Compare prices on the Konica Minolta Dimage A200

Megapixel reviews the Konica Minolta Dimage A200 and writes - 'The DiMAGE A200 has a very good ergonomic design, and an excellent in-hand feel. Rubberized sections are used judiciously in the most critical places, around the lens barrel to control the zoom, on the grip and the thumb rest, and very importantly around the exit pupil of the viewfinder which prevents damage to eyeglasses....

the A200 offers much the same image quality as the A2, but at a lower price. In comparison, its drawbacks are limited to an AF that is probably a bit slower at the longer focal lengths, and a lower resolution EVF. What it retains is a superb lens, an Anti-Shake system that works well and allows shooting at speeds that would otherwise cause a blurred image, an 8-megapixel image size, and one of the most comfortable ergonomic designs.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 Digital Camera and writes - 'The Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 was easily a Dave's Pick, capitalizing on fast shutter-lag, excellent exposure and creative control options, and an excellent image stabilization system. Though the Konica Minolta A200 is a slightly pared-down version of the A2, I see many of the same excellent features that I praised on the A2, such as fine-tuned creative adjustments for contrast, saturation, and hue; a full range of exposure control modes for any experience level; a high-resolution 8.0-megapixel CCD; and a sharp 7x optical zoom lens. The result is a camera with a really compelling set of features and capabilities, but at a �street� price fully $150-200 less than that of the A2. You do give up the super-high resolution EVF of the A2, along with a noticeable amount of shooting speed and the top end of the A2's shutter speed range, but the bottom line is that the Konica Minolta A200 is an 8-megapixel, 7x zoom, anti-shake-equipped digital camera that sells for a lot less than any competing model with the same attributes. All in all, a fine digital camera, and another Dave's Pick for Konica Minolta.'

DCRP reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 and writes - 'The A200 is well put-together, not it's not quite as �tank-like� as its main competition, the Nikon Coolpix 8800. It's easy to hold, and the controls aren't nearly as intimidating as they were on the A2. I love the manual zoom and focus rings, too. The flip-out LCD is sharp and motion is fluid, and it is visible in low light conditions. The same goes for the electronic viewfinder, but I do miss the high resolution, tiltable screen from the A2. Other nice features on the A200 include its movie mode and support for add-on lenses and an external flash. And finally, the camera supports RAW and RAW+JPEG recording, with very little delay between shots. Konica Minolta includes software that takes full advantage of the RAW format.'

A Digital Eye reviews the Konica-Minolta A200 Digital Camera and writes - 'Aimed at advanced amateurs and photographic enthusiasts, Konica-Minolta DiMAGE A200 offers an attractive combination of features at an attractive price. Incorporating Anti-Shake mechanism, a 7x optical manual zoom lens, full manual controls, and a flexible LCD screen, A200 is an extremely versatile camera that delivers extremely high image quality. It has some regrets here and there but overall it's a package hard to beat.'

DP Review has a good review of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 and writes - 'The DiMAGE A200 takes much of what is appealing about the A2 and repackages it in a more affordable, friendlier and slightly more compact format. There's much to like here - the useful 28-200mm zoom range, the superb mechanical zoom, the wealth of photographic feature, the effective Anti-Shake system and the excellent handling, all at a much more attractive price point than the A2. The obvious conclusion to be drawn from the launch of this camera is that a major upgrade to the A2 must be waiting in the wings - I think this will be the last time we see this lens (originally used around four years ago in the DiMAGE 7) used on a high-end Konica Minolta camera; it simply can't cut the mustard with today's high resolution sensors and high consumer expectations.'

Konica Minolta Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA ADDS TO THE AWARD-WINNING LINE OF DiMAGE A DIGITAL CAMERAS

The new high performance 8.0 megapixel SLR-Type DiMAGE A200 provides superb image quality and features Konica Minolta�s Anti-Shake Technology, unique new Vari-Angle LCD monitor, and built-in 7x optical zoom lens

Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004) � Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces today the new DiMAGE A200 8.0-megapixel Single Lens Reflex (SLR)-type high-performance digital camera that is perfect for all levels of photographic experience from advanced amateur to creative beginner. Equipped with Konica Minolta�s Anti-Shake technology featuring a unique CCD-shift mechanism that offsets handheld shaking, it is easy to capture sharp images with the DiMAGE A200, even in low lighting and without the use of a tripod.

In addition, the camera�s rotating 1.8-inch TFT Vari-angle LCD monitor allows photographers to get a clear viewpoint for shooting artistic angles or taking flawless self-portraits. And, the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200�s simplified operation means that all photographers can benefit from its advanced specifications, thus maximizing their photography experience.

�The new DiMAGE A200 digital camera is designed to meet the needs of even the most discriminating photographers,� said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. �Thanks to the built-in Anti-Shake technology and other innovations, this versatile new model allows even novice photographers to transform ordinary snapshots into professional looking photographs that they�ll treasure for years.�

The camera�s 2/3-inch CCD with 8.0 million effective pixels and the high-performance Konica Minolta GT APO lens combine to produce incredibly faithful smooth-toned colors. With its proprietary new advanced LSI engine and CxProcess� III image-processing technology, the DiMAGE A200 provides high-speed and stress-free image processing with low power consumption. And, its ability to suppress noise and provide exceptionally accurate color reproduction means that users get high-quality images every time.

And, thanks to Konica Minolta�s proprietary Anti-Shake technology that employs a unique CCD-shift mechanism, even entry-level photographers can avoid blurry pictures. This internal stabilizing system is connected directly to a CCD sensor that quickly responds to camera shake, thus rendering sharper images in dim lighting as well as hand-held telephoto shots. Especially helpful when using the 4x digital zoom (28 to 800mm) and high-performance built-in 7x optical zoom (28 to 200mm) for landscapes, close-ups, and at sporting events, the DiMAGE A200�s Anti-Shake technology is activated with the simple touch of a button. Combined with its three focusing areas � wide focus area, 11-point selectable AF area, and flex focus point � the DiMAGE A200 ensures that photographic subjects are always in perfect focus.

The camera�s newly employed vari-angle, TFT color LCD monitor can be rotated up to 270� vertically and 180� horizontally, allowing photographers unrestricted shooting at high and low angles. The included multi-functional wireless remote control makes it easier to take self-portraits and movies whenever and wherever. And, because the LCD provides high-speed, real-time viewing at 60 frames per second, there is minimal lag time between the on-screen display of moving images and the press of the shutter release, so there�s no need to worry about missing a photo opportunity.

The new DiMAGE A200 enables users to record movies in VGA mode (640 x 480 pixels at 30 frames per second) for smooth, true-color playback that rivals TV quality, and SVGA mode (800 x 600 pixels at 15 frames per second), which is ideal for viewing movies or movie stills on large PC screens. This gives users the freedom to choose the screen size and frame rate that suits their needs. Recording high-quality movies is even easier when the camera�s Anti-Shake technology is enabled to minimize image blurring.

Compare prices on the Konica Minolta Dimage A200

Sep 15: Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7D

Fans of Minolta cameras waiting for a DSLR will be happy to know that full details of the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D DSLR (also known in some parts of the world as the Dynax 7D Digital) have finally been released after months of hints, partial previews and teasers from Minolta. Read the full press release announcing the camera from Minolta below.

The Maxxum 7D has a 6.1 megapixel CCD, A-type bayonet lens mount, Anti Shake, 2.5inch LCD, RAW, RAW+JPEG, sRGB/Adobe RGB, Pentaprism view finder, and storage is CF type I/II.

Official Konica Minolta Dynax 7 site.

Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D image samples

See more image samples from the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D.

Pantip has a hands on preview of the Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7.

Popular Photography has a first look at the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'The 23.7x15.6mm CCD sensor has 6.11 million effective pixels that capture a 6MP (3008x2000-pixel) file. JPEG compressions are standard, fine, and extrafine. There's also a RAW and RAW+JPEG mode, but no TIFF format. Burst capacity planned is 3 fps with nine frames total. Image controls for color space are sRGB, vivid color RGB, and Adobe RGB. The 7D features five levels of correction for sharpness, contrast compensation, and color saturation. It's also PictBridge enabled.'

eDigitalPhoto reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'Of course, image quality is where it’s at, and the Kyocera M410R delivers some of the most pleasing colors and sharpest images we’ve seen in the 4-megapixel class. Kyocera rightly and modestly claims that you can get great 8x10 prints out of this camera (at full res, Fine) and our tests verify that. Frankly, we’ve grown weary of other 4-megapixel camera makers claiming you can get 16x20 prints, or bigger, from their models. Being PictBridge compatible, you can just plug the camera or the SecureDigital card from the camera into a printer and get very good results right off the bat. Particular attention seems to have been paid to rendering excellent skin tones, and portraits made with the camera are very, very pleasing.'

Luminous Landscapes reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'The Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D has come late to the party, but, if I may be allowed to torture the analogy a bit, it is one of the most attractive dates to show up. It is priced just slightly above its competitors, and even this is likely to smooth out as the pipeline gets filled, and the initial feeding frenzy settles down.

In terms of features, the Maxxum 7D is loaded. Just about every control and gizmo that one could want is included, and even some that no other manufacturer offers, such as Anti-Shake in the body, and a truly huge rear LCD screen.

Build quality appears to be very fine, and image quality is comparable to that of any other comparably equipped and priced camera to be found on dealers shelves.

Photographers who appreciate mechanical controls as opposed to buttons and menus will thrill to the Maxxum 7D.'

Digital Photography Now has posted a first look review of the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Steve's Digicams reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'With a price and feature set aimed at the prosumer dSLR market, the 7D falls a bit short of current competitive benchmarks. Shooting performance, image resolution, and image quality at high ISO are more comparable to last years models, such as the Canon 10D, than to current industry leaders, like the Canon 20D. Its body-integral CCD-shift Anti-Shake feature is a first among dSLR's, but is no more effective than the lens-based image stabilization or vibration reduction features of its competitors. Lens cost should be considered when comparing systems; the 7D's Anti-Shake feature may provide a cost advantage versus purchasing multiple IS or VR lenses of competing systems.'

DP Review reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'In use the 7D proved to be an excellent 'photographic tool', it feels good to hold, it's easy to change settings (thanks to the fact that almost all the major settings have external buttons / levers) and the camera feels responsive in use. The 7D is one of those cameras which I enjoyed using and encourages you to shoot more and experiment more (the availability and access to manual controls achieves this).'

Pocket Lint reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 and writes - 'The overall balance between a point and shoot camera and one that offers high resolution and manual control is about right here. The downside to the package is that you’ll have to deal with an overly sensitive shutter button and sluggish Auto Focus.

The DiMAGE A200 is easy to use yet packed with tools for the more advanced user. Picture quality is superb with noise controlled and colour well rendered; highlights are retained in all but the most challenging situations, there’s little noise to speak of until you get beyond ISO 400 in low light and handling is great too. Overall the A200 is another superb package from Konica Minolta.'

DCRP reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'There's a lot to like about the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, and I'm not quite sure where to begin, so I'll start with its design. The 7D is extremely well-built and offers plenty of dials and switches, as well as a large 2.5“ LCD display. At first all those knobs seem a little intimidating, but I like how easy it is to change things in this way. At the same time, I wish some of them had locks, as I screwed up the metering on more than one occasion. The 7D is sturdy and easy to hold, thanks to a large, rubberized right hand grip. The camera enjoys full compatibility with all Maxxum AF lenses. But the real bonus here is the Anti-shake system: almost any lens you attach to the camera will have image stabilization, since it's the CCD that's stabilized and not the lens. And this system will help reduce the effects of camera shake when you're taking pictures indoors without the flash, or outdoors with a telephoto lens (though I didn't get the chance to test the latter).'

PC Mag reviews the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D and writes - 'Although the 6-megapixel Maxxum 7D is pricey relative to the competition, its excellent construction, outstanding ergonomics and handling characteristics, and built-in image stabilization will have most users agreeing that it was well worth the wait and money. We wish its built-in flash performed more consistently and that Konica Minolta offered a more appropriate standard zoom lens, but apart from this there is a lot to like about this new D-SLR.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Konica Minolta Dynax Maxxum 7D Digital Camera and writes - 'the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D is easily one of the most eagerly-awaited digital cameras in the last year or so. Many thousands (millions?) of Minolta film SLR owners have been waiting and hoping for a digital SLR to use with their extensive collections of (typically excellent) Minolta optics. Now that the Maxxum 7D has arrived, their wait is over, and the obvious quality and features of the new model appear to justify the long wait. While it has the usual "Green zone" full-auto mode for pure "point & shoot" photography, the 7D has an absolute wealth of controls and modes, that could make for a longer learning curve before you become familiar with all its capabilities. That said though, once you do learn its ins and outs, the 7D's user interface is one of the most powerful and fluid we've seen to date. The 7D's "bristling" (Shawn's word, and a good one) collection of controls makes for very easy, intuitive operation once you learn where they all are and what they all do.'

Luminous Landscapes has a good first impression review of the Konica Minolta 7D and seems pretty impressed - 'What pleases and amazes me most about the 7D is when I think back in my mind to the thousands upon thousands of pictures I've taken in my life using too wide an aperture, or too fast a film, or struggling with camera-holding techniques, making attempt after attempt to steal a clean shot in low light. And also, of course, thinking of all the shots that got away because of camera movement. The more such examples you can recall in your own experience, the more you will love the Konica-Minolta 7D. Personally, it has convinced me that spending any less for a DSLR would have been a golden opportunity tragically missed.'

Outback Photo also has a good user review/diary of the 7D.

Also read the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7 User Manual.

Learn more about the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D/Maxxum 7D from the following press release announcing the camera.

Konica Minolta Press Release KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE MAXXUM 7D – WORLD’S FIRST*1 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA WITH REVOLUTIONARY BODY-INTEGRAL, ANTI-SHAKE TECHNOLOGY/ New 6.1 megapixel interchangeable lens digital camera represents the culmination of the optical and photo-imaging expertise of two of the most respected names in photography

Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. today unveils the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera. This groundbreaking new 6.1-million-pixel resolution, interchangeable lens digital camera is the world’s first digital SLR featuring a body-integral CCD-shift, Anti-Shake (camera-shake compensation) technology that combines enhanced picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics. This new digital SLR also features a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and is compatible with virtually any Maxxum AF lens.

“Drawing on the tradition of technical expertise that gave birth to the Maxxum 7000, the world's first body-integral autofocus 35mm SLR camera, the RD-175, one of the world's first consumer-use digital SLR's, and the world's first washless photofinishing system, the NPS-1 Mini Lab, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D draws on more than a century of optical and photo-imaging expertise of two of the most respected names in photography,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “In addition, the new Maxxum 7D also inherits the intuitive operating ease of the award-winning Maxxum 7 35mm SLR, and maintains full compatibility with Maxxum system lenses and accessories which is sure to please loyal Maxxum photographers around the world.”

Specifically designed to match the performance requirements of the camera’s large 6-megapixel CCD, the Maxxum 7D’s unique, built-in exclusive CCD shift-type Anti-Shake technology makes this new camera the first digital SLR to feature a body-integral Anti-Shake function. This system instantly and precisely shifts the CCD to compensate for camera motion. And it’s so effective photographers can shoot at shutter speeds up to three steps slower than what they could use without it. So even in low light, photographers can keep their images clean and sharp, free of the image-degrading noise that creeps in when they boost ISO sensitivity. And because the mechanism is integrated directly into the Maxxum 7D’s cameras body, it works with virtually any Maxxum AF lens – a major advantage for photographers when compared to bulky and expensive lens-based optical stabilization systems and software-based “digital correction systems” that can degrade image quality.

Konica Minolta’s award-winning Anti-Shake technology provides images with reduced blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.

The Maxxum 7D offers effective Anti-Shake protection with every lens*2 in the Maxxum AF line. Whether using telephoto, wide-angle, zoom, macro or standard, the system analyzes data on focal length, current aperture setting, and focusing distance so that it can optimize Anti-Shake performance to offer the highest level of protection.

In addition, the camera also features a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor housed on its back-plate. The large screen handles the tasks of menu navigation and image display, also providing shooting information and camera setting displays.

The New Maxxum 7D also features Konica Minolta’s proprietary, CxProcess™ III image processing technology that delivers high-definition, natural-looking images. High speed image processing is achieved using the all-new Advanced LSI engine designed to help provide fast data handling for improved camera responsiveness and control.

In keeping with its acclaimed Maxxum film SLR counterpart, the Maxxum 7D inherits a similar, simple-to-use dial and lever operation system. Enhancing handling further, the new model also features a superbly-bright, easy-to-view, high-performance viewfinder designed to be comfortable and easy to use.

The new digital SLR also offers a comprehensive function set, designed to meet a diverse range of photographic challenges and user needs, complemented by a broad range of Maxxum accessories that give photographers a complete system back-up.

*1 As a lens-changeable digital SLR camera
*2 Except AF16mm Fish Eye and Macro Zoom 3x – 1x

Sep 15: Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Press Release
Adobe Enters Home Video Editing Market with All-New Adobe Premiere Elements

New Addition to Adobe Product Family Gives Home Videos the Professional Touch with Reliable Video Capture, Automated Editing Tasks and Integrated DVD Burning

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 15, 2004 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe Premiere Elements, a brand new Windows-based product for customers who want creative control and reliability when editing their home videos. Leveraging the award-winning professional functionality found in Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Premiere Elements automates tedious tasks so video hobbyists are free to experiment with effects, transitions, text and audio. Using Adobe Premiere Elements, footage can easily be captured from a DV camcorder directly to the video timeline, edited with professional-level effects and delivered as stunning custom DVDs, complete with menus and scene indexes to share with family and friends.

Also today, Adobe introduced Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0, a milestone upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo editing software* (see separate release). Available as separate products, Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements 3.0 also can be purchased together in a single retail package. Combined in one affordable solution, these products deliver the powerful software customers need to easily blend still photos with video clips. Consumers can then create dynamic slideshows and photo-rich video projects - that can be burned to DVD and easily viewed by friends and family on the TV screen.

"The cost of DV camcorders, PCs powerful enough to edit video and DVDs have dropped significantly, making it much easier for consumers to get professional quality results with their home videos," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video products at Adobe. "Photoshop Elements has been a hit with photo hobbyists worldwide as they explored the creative freedom and power of digital photography. We felt the time was right to leverage our award-winning digital video technology and offer Adobe Premiere Elements, which brings a new level of quality and sophistication to the amateur and home video market."

Editing Made Easy
Essential features in Adobe Premiere Elements include: reliable transfer of footage from DV camcorders to the video timeline with no interruptions; automatic shifting of video clips to fill in any gaps whenever scenes are trimmed or rearranged; and integrated DVD burning which makes it simple to create DVDs that are fun to share and convenient to watch. Consumers can experiment with a wide range of easy-to-use special effects, like warping, twirls and pans, as well as broadcast-quality scene transitions and titles. Adobe Premiere Elements customers can easily add sound effects and music - up to 99 audio tracks at a time - to set the mood for their home movies.

"Digital video tools have typically been reserved for the pros and are often too difficult to use for amateurs. They typically require a lot of extra time and expertise," said Joshua Duhl, Research Director, for Content Management and Rich Media at IDC. "A unique opportunity exists for user-friendly, affordable, yet powerful software that brings a little taste of Hollywood to home movies. Everyone has these devices. The next step is connecting them with products to help them turn what they capture into something they can be proud of. Enthusiasts really need an end-to-end solution like this that will guide them through the process from start to finish, without stifling their creativity or requiring any additional software."

Pricing and Availability
Shipping later this fall, Adobe Premiere Elements for Windows® XP (Home, Professional, Media Center with Service Pack 1) is available for pre-order today in the United States and Canada for an estimated street price of US $99.99 on www.adobe.com and www.amazon.com. Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 Plus Adobe Premiere Elements will be available as a bundle in the United States and Canada and can be pre-ordered for an estimated street price of US $149.99. Adobe's complete digital photo and video hobbyist product line is also being made available on online sites and in select retail stores.

Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade, and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com. For more information, customers can call 1-800-492-3623.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe helps people and businesses communicate better through its world-leading digital imaging, design and document technology platforms for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises. Adobe's revenue in its last fiscal year exceeded $1.2 billion. For more information about Adobe, visit www.adobe.com.

Sep 15: Konica Minolta DiMAGE Master Software

Konica Minolta Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES NEW IMAGE EDITING AND ENHANCING SOFTWARE

Konica Minolta’s DiMAGE Master software further enhances the creative opportunities for photographers using DiMAGE digital cameras

Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. introduces the new image editing and enhancing software DiMAGE Master to coincide with the launching of the world’s first digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera with body-integral anti-shake technology, the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D. DiMAGE Master is optional software designed to improve creative workflow for professional and advanced digital camera users. The software’s newly developed 3D Lookup Table technology for RAW processing enables more accurate color reproduction, and can process any RAW images taken by Konica Minolta digital cameras. Diverse image management operations, such as viewing, classifying, correcting, printing and more, can be performed in the three main operating windows.

“Serious digital photographers will especially appreciate the ease-of-use and enhanced workflow that DiMAGE Master software permits,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Konica Minolta software engineers recognize that efficient image management is a vital tool for today’s’ digital workflow. We are pleased to make this powerful software application available to photographers using our digital cameras.

Enhanced work efficiency
Organizer Window – Users can browse images quickly by viewing the instant thumbnail display. Focus checker quickly enlarges a small portion of an image with just a click - just like checking film slides on a light box with a magnifier to confirm focusing results. Images can be classified into four customizable categories with just the click of a button.

Examiner Window – Advanced and unique tools are available for accurate and effective comparisons that help to select the best shot from several images taken under the same shooting conditions. Images can be interactively displayed and examined in detail on the basis of quantitative analysis of exposure, histogram, white balance and focus.

Photofinisher Window – DiMAGE Master software provides a sophisticated platform for image retouching with professional and user-friendly functions in the Photofinisher Window. Each editing screen for white balance adjustment or tone-curve tuning can be opened from the tool menu in the Photofinisher window. The variation palette allows an image to be corrected by comparing it to other slightly corrected images that are automatically displayed surrounding it.

High-quality images
3D Lookup Table (3D-LUT) color conversion technology and the advanced automatic white balance algorithm with precise analysis of image data enable accurate color reproduction. The new DiMAGE Master supports various color spaces and color management using ICC profiles, allowing users to print images as they expected or viewed on PC monitors. It also features the print function that converts color space directly from RAW to printer’s color space for the best performance of printers.

Main features
3D-LUT color conversion - Enables more accurate color reproduction by converting RAW image data precisely in individual color with a newly developed algorithm.
 
Customizable classification - Image files can be easily organized into four customizable categories just by clicking a button or dragging and dropping.
 
Focus checker - Enlarges a selected portion of an image to confirm focusing results with just a mouse-click.
 
Image comparison - Tools are available for comparing images side-by-side and interactively in details on the basis of objective analysis of histogram, white balance, etc.
 
Color management - The color management system using ICC profiles is built for color matching. For instance, the ICC profile for Konica Minolta inkjet photo paper renders the best color reproduction for use with Konica Minolta inkjet photo paper.

Image correction jobs - Helps to save image correction settings for easy application to other images.
 
Advanced sharpness correction - Sharpness can be appropriately enhanced by the precise and flexible adjustment of spatial frequency response.
 
Snapshot -Image corrections can be stored temporarily as a thumbnail next to the displayed image.
 
Apply processing function - Allows batch processing of multiple corrected images and then saves them at one time.

Sep 15: Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Macintosh

Adobe Press Release
New Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Macintosh Brings Pro Features to Digital Photo Hobbyists

New Generation of Advanced Image Editing Features Make Photoshop Elements 3.0 the Perfect Complement to iPhoto

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sept. 15, 2004 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Macintosh, a major upgrade to its must-have digital imaging software for photo hobbyists that makes it easier than ever to enhance images and dramatically transform photos. With the latest advanced editing tools, previously only available in Photoshop CS, Photoshop Elements 3.0 is the perfect companion to Apple's iPhoto, allowing aspiring photographers more creative control over their digital images for outstanding photographic results.

"A new set of powerful editing tools, such as the Healing Brush, makes this a milestone release for Photoshop Elements on the Mac," said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video at Adobe. "For consumers who love iPhoto but want to advance to sophisticated image editing, Photoshop Elements 3.0 is the best choice, providing them with incredible creative control over their photos."

Adobe offers a complete family of Photoshop products that meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of digital photographers - from the casual snapshooter to the professional user.

Enhanced Editing Tools
Photoshop Elements 3.0 software provides consumers with one-click fixes, in addition to more sophisticated techniques when users require more advanced creative control. Updated editing tools instantly click away imperfections, transform photos with effects and filters, and correct color and lighting. With improved red eye removal, a simple click in the vicinity of the eye makes red-eye quickly disappear. Hit-features from Photoshop CS, including the powerful Healing Brush and the new Spot Healing Brush, fix blemishes and imperfections or even remove whole objects from photos with one click. Photoshop Elements 3.0 also supports Camera Raw functionality for the processing of raw data and 16-bit images for the brightest and most lifelike color.

"Photoshop Elements 3.0 is a great companion for our ground-breaking iPhoto software and delivers advanced editing capabilities that bring Photoshop's legendary quality into the hands of photo hobbyists," said Ron Okamoto, vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple. "The combination of iPhoto, Photoshop Elements and our stunning new iMac G5 delivers the ultimate home digital photo studio."

Search For and Share Digital Images
A new and improved file browser allows Photoshop Elements 3.0 customers to find their photos more quickly by searching for photos based on a wide range of criteria, including the date and time the photo was taken, the type of camera that was used and the name of the person who shot the photo. With Photoshop Elements 3.0 customers can share their photos with family and friends in a variety of ways including, stunning Adobe PDF slideshows with music and transitions. Users also can print out their work using custom print packages in the sizes and shapes they require, choosing from a wide variety of borders and frame templates.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Mac OS X, 10.2.8 or 10.3 has an estimated street price of US $89.99. Shipping later this fall, Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Macintosh is available for pre-order today at www.adobe.com and www.amazon.com. At shipment the product will also be available at online sites and select retail stores.

Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade, and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com. For more information, customers can call 1-800-492-3623.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe helps people and businesses communicate better through its world-leading digital imaging, design and document technology platforms for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises. Adobe's revenue in its last fiscal year exceeded $1.2 billion. For more information about Adobe, visit www.adobe.com.

Sep 15: Konica Minolta AF 17-35 mm F2.8 - F4.0 (D) and 28-75 F2.8 (D) lenses

To coincide with the release of Konica Minolta's Maxxum 7D DSLR they have also release two new DSLR lenses for the camera. Below is the press release from Konica Minolta announcing the AF 17-35 mm F2.8 - F4.0 (D) and 28-75 F2.8 (D) lenses.

Konica Minolta Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES TWO NEW ZOOM LENSES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE WITH THE NEW MAXXUM 7D DIGITAL CAMERA

Mahwah, NJ (September 15, 2004) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces today two new interchangeable zoom lenses, each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with Konica Minolta’s new digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera – the Maxxum 7D. The new Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 – 35mm F/2.8 – 4 (D) lens and the new Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 – 75mm F/2.8 (D) lens offer superior handling characteristics making them ideal in a diverse range of shooting situations.

“Although the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera is fully compatible with the existing line of Maxxum autofocusing lenses – nearly 40 in all – these two new lenses have been designed specifically with the Maxxum 7D in mind,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “With these two digital lenses in the Maxxum photographer’s camera bag, a wide range of shooting situations are covered while providing superior image quality.”

These new auto focus lenses are designed to produce high quality digital images especially when used in combination with the new Maxxum 7D and its body-integral Anti-Shake technology. In addition, these lenses provide unparalleled creative control because of their circular apertures. Using a round aperture enhances the defocused areas of an image with smoother, more natural looking gradations of tone.

These lenses also incorporate Konica Minolta’s Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) flash metering. When attached to the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, these new lenses provide the camera with additional information on focusing distance to further enhance the electronic flash lighting performance and exposure accuracy when using either the built-in flash or the external flash units such as the Konica Minolta Maxxum Flash 5600HS(D), Konica Minolta Maxxum Flash 3600HS(D), or the Konica Minolta Maxxum 2500(D) Flash units.

Sep 15: JVC Evirio GZ-MC200

Engadget has some good information on the JVC Everio GZ-MC200 (and its twin the GZ-MC100 - see last post - they are virtually the same but in terms of specs with a different format) which is primarily a camcorder but is capable of 2.1MP still images. It uses a 4GB Compact Flash microdrive and has an SD slot and a 10x Optical Zoom.

'Each uses a 1/3.6-inch 2.12 megapixel CCD to record up to 60 minutes of almost-DVD-quality MPEG-2 video in Ultra Fine mode (8.88 Mbps including Dolby AC 3 audio, just shy of the 9Mbps of DVD), or about 5,500 2.1 megapixel still shots. It has 10x optical zoom and 200x digital zoom, supports data transfer via USB 2.0/1.1, and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format).'

The JVC Everio GZ-MC200 is expected to sell for around $1,300 ($US).

Sep 15: Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows

DP Review reviews the Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and writes - 'If you are on a tight budget and/or are a beginner, Photoshop Elements 3 will go a long way and is an excellent starting point on the Adobe Photoshop learning curve. It gives you the benefit that most of what you learn in Elements 3 can be used again in Photoshop CS, should you decide to upgrade in the future because most of the commands and shortcuts are the same.'

Adobe Press Release
Adobe Delivers Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows with New Ways to Share and Organise Photos

New Generation of Editing Tools Round Out Milestone Upgrade to No. 1 Selling Consumer Photo Editing Software*

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 15, 2004 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 3.0, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo editing software*. Photoshop Elements 3.0 software delivers impressive new ways to share, organise and edit photos, allowing people to easily review, compare and enhance photos and create dynamic slideshows and personalised creations. Photoshop Elements 3.0 is the software consumers can use for quick, one-click fixes, in addition to more sophisticated editing techniques when they require more advanced creative control.

Also today, Adobe announced the availability of Adobe Premiere® Elements, a complete home video editing solution. Available as separate products, Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements 3.0 also can be purchased together in a single retail package. Combined in one affordable solution, these products deliver the powerful software customers need to easily blend still photos with video clips. Consumers can then create dynamic slideshows and photo-rich video projects - that can be burned to DVD and easily viewed by friends and family on the TV screen.

“Photoshop Elements remains the top-selling consumer photo editing product, leveraging our powerful Photoshop technology and its expert editing tools,” said Bryan Lamkin, senior vice president of Digital Imaging and Digital Video products at Adobe. “However, people want to do more than edit their photos - they want to share them in fun and interesting ways with family and friends, as well as organise their rapidly growing photo collection. We have responded by creating one product that addresses these needs without compromising the quality editing Photoshop Elements is well-known for.”

Adobe offers a complete family of Photoshop products that meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of digital photographers - from the casual snapshooter to the professional user.

Enhanced Editing Tools
Photoshop Elements 3.0 adds new ways to organise and share photos, to the award-winning photo editing functionality that has long been a hallmark of the product. The new Smart Fix analyzes a photo and with one-click, applies sophisticated enhancements to automatically improve photo quality. With improved red eye removal, a simple click in the vicinity of the eye makes red-eye disappear. Previously only available in Photoshop CS software – the professional image editing standard -- the powerful Healing Brush and the new Spot Healing Brush are now included in Photoshop Elements 3.0, allowing customers to fix blemishes and imperfections with one-click. Photoshop Elements 3.0 also supports Camera Raw functionality for the processing of raw data and 16-Bit images for the brightest and most lifelike colour.

Personalised Organisation
Photoshop Elements 3.0 helps users conveniently manage photos with simple search options and intuitive tagging. Photos can be arranged in any number of categories and sub-categories, freeing enthusiasts from time-intensive searches. Using the new Photo Compare mode, consumers can view two photos side-by-side, with the ability to lock one of the two photos down while scrolling through others -- ensuring that subtle differences, within a batch of similar images, can be detected by the user.

Showcasing and Sharing Photos
With Photoshop Elements 3.0 new sharing options include PhotoMail, which enables users to send framed photos within a themed e-mail, eliminating the need for family and friends to open cumbersome jpeg attachments. Customers also can create dynamic slideshows complete with photo captions, narration, music, special effects and transitions. Photoshop Elements 3.0 makes it simple to order photo prints and customised photo books through easy-to-access, integrated online services.

Pricing and Availability
Shipping later this year, Adobe’s consumer digital imaging and digital video products are available for pre-order today at www.adobe.co.uk . Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 for Windows® XP (Home, Professional with Service Pack 1 or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4) has an estimated street price of £69.99 ($99.99). Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 Plus Adobe Premiere Elements will beavailable as a bundle in the UK and Ireland at an estimated street price of £99.99 ($149.99). Adobe's complete digital photo andvideo consumer product line is being made available on online sites and at select retail stores.

Sep 15: JVC Everio GZ-MC100

Engadget has some good information on the JVC Everio GZ-MC100 (and its twin the GZ-MC200 - see next post) which is primarily a camcorder but is capable of 2.1MP still images. It uses a 4GB Compact Flash microdrive and has an SD slot and a 10x Optical Zoom.

'Each uses a 1/3.6-inch 2.12 megapixel CCD to record up to 60 minutes of almost-DVD-quality MPEG-2 video in Ultra Fine mode (8.88 Mbps including Dolby AC 3 audio, just shy of the 9Mbps of DVD), or about 5,500 2.1 megapixel still shots. It has 10x optical zoom and 200x digital zoom, supports data transfer via USB 2.0/1.1, and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format).'

The JVC Everio GZ-MC100 is expected to sell for around $1,200 ($US).

Sep 15: Kite Aerial Photography - Tips

Engadget is running a series of posts on how to takes pictures from a kite. The first one tackles information on getting your camera ready for such a venture. The second one looks at the kite and the pictures.

Kite Aerial Photography is actually something that more and more people are getting into (as bizarre as it sounds). Some of the results are stunning - giving a unique perspective on everyday objects. To check out Kite Photography you might like to surf over to:
- Kite Aerial Photography
- KiteKam
- Kite Aerial Photography
- Scott Haefner's Kite Aerial Photography Gallery
- Kite Aerial Photography
- Kite Aerial Photograhy E-Resources
- Birds Eye
- Simon Harbord's Kite Aerial Photography
- Kite Aerial Photography - Information on how to do it

Of course there are dangers associated with this kind of hobby - The KiteCam Disaster Fund Appeal which comes complete with video files of a few KiteCam disasters.

Sep 15: SanDisk Supplies miniSD Flash Memory Cards to Samsung for High-Res Camera Phone

SanDisk Press Release
SanDisk Supplies miniSD Flash Memory Cards to Samsung Electronics for New, High-Resolution Camera Phone

Samsung Combines a Mobile Phone with a Zoom Lens in One Device

SanDisk(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:SNDK) today announced that it is supplying Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. with 32-megabyte (MB) miniSD(TM) memory cards that will be sold with a first-of-its-kind Samsung digital camera phone. The SPH-S2300, which has a resolution of 3.2 megapixels, is reportedly the world's first such device with a 3X optical linear zoom. It has started selling in the Korean market.

According to Samsung, the camera phone combines quality imaging and phone functionality. In addition to the high megapixel lens and optical zoom, the device has both automatic and manual settings for ISO and white balance, and the flash has been upgraded from an LED to a full, brightness-adjustable camera flash. Also, said the manufacturer, the device can record more than two hours of videos and can be hooked up to a television set for immediate viewing.

"The S2300 personifies the incredibly rapid transformation of camera phones," said David Guidry, product marketing manager for SanDisk's handset business unit. "These high quality devices demand high-capacity, removable memory. With SanDisk's miniSD card, users will be able to fully leverage the capabilities of the digital camera features while at the same time enjoying the functionality of a mobile phone."

In addition to viewing their images and videos on a TV, users also will be able to see them on a personal computer using a USB cable hookup or one of the low-cost USB readers currently on the market, said Samsung.

Measuring 21.5 mm long by 20 mm wide by 1.4 mm thick, the tiny miniSD was designed by SanDisk in cooperation with Matsushita and Toshiba to specifically meet the small space requirements of the mobile phone market, and is based on the industry-leading SD(TM) card standard. The miniSD card is less than half the size of an SD card but has the same electrical interface and functionality built into it. Currently, SanDisk manufactures versions that range from 16MB to 256MB.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2003 parent company sales of US $36.4 billion. The company's website is www.samsung.com.

SanDisk, the world's largest supplier of flash memory data storage card products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA.

SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.com.

Sep 15: HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmark Scanner

HP Press Release
New HP Scanner to Convert Photos into High Quality Digital Images and Restore them to Full Glory

Users can scan photos easily with the HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner.

UK/European Readers by the HP ScanJet 4070 Photosmart

HP today unveiled the new HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner, a stylish device, with a unique photo door to hold photos in place and make scanning simple.

Specially designed for photo scanning, the HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner has an easy access photo zone with a photo door holding up to 12 10 x 15cm photographs, keeping them in place for the right result the first time. Users can scan multiple photos at the same time and save the images as separate files easily.

A built-in Transparent Materials Adapter (TMA) holds up to four slides and two strips of negatives, helping people to convert a range of materials into digital files. One-touch ‘Scan Photo’ or ‘Scan Negative’ buttons make scanning photos and negatives simple, at the touch of a button. Users can scan large photographs and A4 size documents using the software that is included with the scanner, while a 10 second preview speed helps people scan documents and photos quickly.

The HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner offers outstanding photo quality with 2400-dpi resolution and 48-bit colour for crisp true-to-life images. Built-in CCD technology lets people scan 3D objects such as framed pictures or open books, while the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature converts text into editable documents, saving time.
One-touch ‘Automatic Photo Correction’ restores colours and shades to old, faded photographs, bringing their images back to life for safe storage and easy sharing by email. In addition, people can enhance and organise their digital images using the Image Zone Software included with this scanner.

The HP Scanjet 4070 Photosmart digital flatbed scanner is priced at £99 (actual prices may vary) and will be available from September 2004.

About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $76.8 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

Sep 15: HP Scanjet 3770 Photosmart Scanner

HP Press Release
A Versatile, Ultra-slim Photo Scanner for the Home

Home users can scan photo quality images quickly and easily with the compact HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner

UK/European Readers by the HP Scanjet 3770

HP today unveiled the new HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner, a stylish device with a super-slim scanner lid. Offering versatile scanning of a variety of materials, this scanner has a built-in Transparent Materials Adaptor (TMA), for high quality scans of a range of media.

The HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner offers outstanding photo quality with up to 1200 x 2400-dpi and 48-bit colour, producing crisp, true-to-life images every time. With this scanner people can scan multiple photos at the same time and the digital images can be saved as separate files. For scanning more than just photos, built-in CCD technology allows users to scan materials of all shapes and sizes, including 3D objects such as framed pictures and open books. The scanner can also scan and copy standard documents and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) lets users convert text into editable documents, saving the time and effort of re-typing.

Its sleek industrial design and ultra-slim lid includes a built-in TMA which requires no untidy attachments, making the HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner a completely streamlined device. Holding up to two slides and two strips of negatives at the same time, the TMA converts these materials into digital files, bringing old images back to life and making storage effortless. Using the HP Instant Share software included with this scanner, users can send images to family and friends at the touch of a button.

Designed for maximum convenience, the HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner has one-touch ‘Scan’ and ‘Copy’ buttons for fast and easy scanning of images, documents and negatives. Once an image has been scanned, HP Image Zone software helps people to edit, enhance or resize scanned images for the perfect end result.

The HP Scanjet 3770 digital flatbed scanner is priced at £69 (actual prices may vary) and will be available from September 2004.

About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $76.8 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

Sep 14: Online Photo Printing

Along with the rise of the digital camera, the past year or so has seen a large number of Online Photo Processing and Printing services appear one the web. Its difficult to sort through the different options - especially when many of them seem to have a very similar online presence and special offers.

We've found a few sites that have tested many of them and have collated them below for your convenience. Feel free to add your own experiences of online photo processing and printing services below in our comments section.

Online Photo Processing and Printing Sites Reviewed
- Photography Blog - Reviews: Online Printing - 'So I decided to try out a few of the many online print services to see what kind of quality they could offer. I would order a few 6x4 inch prints first (to keep initial costs down) and then order some larger prints later.'

- Online Photo Printing - This site reviews and test which Online Photo Printing Service is best. They write - 'Which online services are good? Now that I have my digital camera, I decided to find out. I sent a batch of digital photos to three services that seem to get good reviews from users, with the intent of comparing the quality of their prints and the features of their online services.'

- Photography Review - reviews a variety of online photo printing options.

- PC Mag's Photo-Printing Reviews - 'Fortunately, ordering prints online is much cheaper and easier than you might think. And almost any digital camera—whether 2 megapixels or 5—is capable of producing prints that will look just as good as any you've gotten from your old film camera. That said, there is some variation in quality depending on the services you use. Some printing services print more accurately, while some do a better job of enhancing photos. Some offer better editing tools, and some are just easy to use'

Online Photo Printing and Processing
- Shutterfly - Shutterfly seem to get some good reviews as an online photo printing service - 'Transfer your digital pictures to Shutterfly. Get your first 15 prints FREE and mailed right to your door.'

- Photo Printing Services Shootout - another review site that looks at some of the photo printing services available online.

- Ofoto - 'Ofoto, Inc. (www.ofoto.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eastman Kodak Company, is the leading online digital photo developing service. The Ofoto.com site provides consumers with a secure and easy way to view, store and share their photos with friends and family and get real Kodak prints of their pictures. The site also provides free editing and creative tools.'

- Club Photo - 'Today, Club Photo combines the best of both worlds, offering traditional high quality and value with the latest and greatest in photographic technologies. We only use high quality, name-brand paper. We are the only company today to offer a print size optimized for digital camera users. Upload photos from your digital camera to your account so you can share with friends or create personalized prints and gifts.'

- Dot Photo - 'dotPhoto provides the most comprehensive photo printing and image/sound archiving services on the Internet-at prices you'll enjoy. We're the first Web site to accept both image and sound files from digital cameras. And the only site where you can add sound clips to your current and archived digital photos. You can even communicate via "instant voice mail" with friends and family as they view your photo album at dotPhoto. Our goal is to enable both novice and professional photographers to enjoy the full benefits of digital photography.'

- Snap Fish - 'San Francisco-based Snapfish is an independent business unit of District Photo, the world's largest mail-order film processor, with operations in the U.S., U.K. and Canada.'

- EzPrints - 'ez prints is a digital imaging service company that provides individuals and businesses who use digital cameras a family of simple, convenient services for Viewing, Selecting, Ordering and Printing Digital Pictures.'

- Beau Photos - Australian Online Photo Printing Service who also are proud supporters of our site.

- Photo Box - a UK based online photo printing. 'Perfect Pictures Posted Pronto'.

- Blue Yonder - 'Dazzling Fujifilm photo prints from just 15p posted same working day to you or your friends worldwide.'

- Frog Prints - Great photos printed from you digital camera.

Sep 14: Lexmark, Dell and IBM Printers Recalled

'Approximately 40,000 laser printers manufactured by Lexmark International Inc. were recalled last week, according to a statement released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Lexmark laser printers, as well as some models distributed by Dell and IBM, present an electric shock hazard. The printers may short-circuit, causing the possibility of injury to consumers. There have been no reported injuries, and the recall was reported voluntarily by Lexmark, IBM, and Dell in cooperation with the CPSC.

The flaw was noticed during Lexmark's internal reliability testing. The company told PC Magazine that it identified the problem after the equivalent of several years of normal use. Lexmark's testing indicated that the hazard becomes an issue only in the unlikely event of a multiple component failure, particularly when the printer is connected to an ungrounded power source.' Read more at Recall Issued for Laser Printers With Dangerous Electrical Fault.

Lexmark Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Lexmark, Dell and IBM Laser Printers

Units: 39,431

Manufacturer: Lexmark International Inc., of Lexington, Ky.

Hazard: These printers can short-circuit, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibilities of incidents or injury.

Description: The recall includes Lexmark, Dell and IBM brand laser printers. The brand name and model number for the Lexmark and IBM laser printers can be found on the front of the printer. For Dell laser printers, the brand name is on the front of the printer and the model number is inside the front cover. The recall includes the following model numbers: Lexmark E232, E232t, E330, E332n, E332tn; IBM Infoprint 1412, 1412n; Dell 1700 and 1700n.

Sold at: These Lexmark printers were sold directly through distributors, and at electronic, office supply and computer stores. IBM printers were sold directly through authorized distributors and resellers and via IBM’s web site. Dell printers were sold directly through the firm’s Web site. These laser printers were sold from May 2004 through August 2004 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the laser printer, unplug it, and contact their corresponding laser printer company to register their product to receive a free replacement laser printer.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Lexmark Web site at http://recall.lexmark.com or toll-free at (877) 877-6218 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between Noon and 6 p.m. ET on Saturday; Dell Web site at www.1700printer.com or toll-free at Dell (888) 245-3959 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday; or IBM Web site at www.printers.ibm.com or toll-free at (800) 426-7378 anytime.

Media Contacts: Julane Hamon, Lexmark International at (859) 232-1536, or jhamon@lexmark.com. Don Canfield, IBM at (303)924-4644 or doncan@us.ibm.com. Jennifer Richard, Dell, at (512) 723-3309 or Jennifer_Richard@dell.com.

Sep 14: Delkin Portable Burnaway

Delkin Press Release
DELKIN'S PORTABLE BURNAWAY COMBINES A CD BURNER, CARD READER & DVD PLAYER IN ONE DEVICE

Poway CA, September 13, 2004 Delkin Devices Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm memory cards and other innovative digital photography products, is now shipping the BurnAway portable combo media player. The BurnAway is a versatile mobile CD burner that combines a number of today's most popular digital electronic devices in one unit. The BurnAway features a Slim Type DVD/CD-R/RW Drive, and works as a memory card reader, a digital slideshow player that shows photographs on TV and a DVD/MP3/CD player.

The unit operates independently of a computer and can be a lifesaver for traveling photographers looking for a quick and easy way to burn the contents of their memory card to a CD-R. Two built-in memory card slots support CompactFlash (I&II), Microdrives, SD, MMC, SmartMedia, Memory Stick and MS PRO. The BurnAway also supports XD cards with an adapter (not included). New high-resolution cameras need additional memory to accommodate larger file sizes, making the BurnAway a perfect solution for quickly clearing memory cards on the go so you can keep shooting. Connecting the BurnAway to a computer via High-Speed USB 2.0 also enables it to function as a card reader and external DVD/CD-R/RW Drive. You can share photos with family and friends in seconds by directly connecting the BurnAway to any television (NTSC or PAL), and display a slideshow of your images directly from either your memory card or CD-R. The unit's remote control (included) allows you to customize your slideshow presentation with zoom, rotate and interval features. The BurnAway also functions as a DVD-ROM drive, which easily connects to a TV or stereo so you can watch DVDs or listen to MP3s and audio CDs.

The BurnAway's portable DVD player feature is one of many that Delkin believes make it a "must have" device going into the holiday buying season. Delkin's Marketing Director Alan Parry senses a changing tide in the digital imaging marketplace. "There are so many exciting electronic products available to consumers today. We want to offer our base of customers who are passionate about digital photography fun, affordable devices that encompass all that the digital age has to offer. The BurnAway is the perfect all-in-one solution. It transfers memory card and CD files like a card reader to a computer, burns CD-R's on the fly without the need for a computer, connects to a TV and plays DVDs or slideshows of your photo CDs, and allows you to use your headphones and listen to audio CDs. This truly is a self contained little gadget that can do it all".

The BurnAway comes with a stylish protective carrying case, a remote control, a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and DC power cord (100V-240V), a USB 2.0 cable for connecting to a computer and both S-Video and RCA cables for connecting to a TV or projector. You can burn up to six 700MB CD-R discs or play up to 2 ½ hours of a DVD on a single battery charge. Optional accessories include a car charger and rechargeable back-up batteries. A multi-language user manual is included, along with fully functional Nero OEM Suite 2 CD burning software and Adobe Photoshop™ Elements 2.0 photo editing software (an added $99.00 value). The BurnAway comes with a two year warranty and is available at consumer photography and electronic stores worldwide and online at Delkin's website at www.delkin.com. The MSRP is $299.99US (plus VAT in some countries).

The unit combines a wide variety of uses, which makes it ideal for both work and play:

Digital photographers who insist on traveling light can burn their memory cards directly to CD-Rs so they can clear their cards, keep shooting and leave their laptops at home.

PowerPointTM presentations stored on a memory card or CD can be shown on a monitor and then copied from the memory card to a CD-R to leave with clients.

You can enjoy DVD's on the road by hooking the BurnAway up to a TV in your hotel.

The BurnAway can be used with or without a computer. Files are transferred to a computer via high speed USB 2.0 from either the unit's memory card slot or CD. BurnAway works with both Windows (98,ME, 2000 SP3 and XP) and Mac (OS 10.3 and above).

"The BurnAway will be a terrific companion for both consumer and professional digital camera users," says Parry. "Here's a great way to not only save money on memory, but have fun while you save. It is portable, easy to use, and convenient. When you consider the strong two year warranty, the range of functions it offers and the inclusion of a free copy of Adobe's Photoshop Elements, the BurnAway is not only an incredible value, but the best product of its kind on the market".

Delkin Devices, Inc., based in Poway, California, outside of San Diego, has been operating since 1986. Delkin's eFilm digital storage products have become industry leaders in both OEM and consumer markets. Known as the "Camera Store" brand, eFilm is a leading choice among photographers passionate about digital photography. eFilm is available worldwide primarily through a network of independent camera stores and online at Delkin's website at www.delkin.com.

Delkin's success has been the result of providing a broad range of products with premium quality, innovative designs and an ongoing dedication to superior customer service. Delkin's website attracts visitors from over 100 countries, underscoring the company's international success.

Sep 14: Epson Stylus Photo R320

Get more information on the Epson Stylus Photo R320 at Printer Blog as it comes to hand.

Epson Press Release

THE EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R320 OFFERS THE FLEXIBILITY TO PRINT INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AND PRINT DIRECTLY ONTO THE SURFACE OF CDS AND DVDS WITHOUT HAVING TO USE A COMPUTER

New Direct Photo Printer Includes a Built-in Color Monitor for Added Convenience and Costs Less Than $200

LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 13, 2004 - Epson America Inc. has replaced its popular, award-winning EPSON Stylus R300M ink jet printer with the new EPSON Stylus Photo R320. This printer is ideal for digital camera owners who want a flexible and easy to use photo solution without having to spend a lot of money. The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 offers convenient and innovative features such as PC-free printing, 13 supported memory card types, a built-in color monitor for viewing and selecting images before printing them and the ability to print long-lasting photos in a variety of popular borderless sizes. The printer also features Epson’s unique ability to print directly onto the surface of ink jet printable CDs and DVDs.

"The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 is one of our most versatile photo printers to date. It not only prints incredible looking photos with ease and gives customers choices as to the sizes and quantities they want to print without ever having to use a PC, but also prints directly onto CDs and DVDs," said Lowell Wolf, product manager, consumer ink jet printers, Epson. "Whether you want to print out a personalized CD or print out photos for preserving important memories, sharing photo memories with friends and family has never been so simple and fun."

Printing Directly on Ink-Jet Printable CD-R and DVD-R Recordable Media With the EPSON Stylus Photo R320, customers can print directly onto the surface of ink-jet printable CD-R and DVD-R media thus eliminating the expense, inconvenience, and risk of using adhesive labels. Epson was the first and still is the only ink jet printer manufacturer in the U.S. to include this feature on its photo printers.

Customers can easily design professional-looking CDs and DVDs with customized text, colorful backgrounds and images by using the included CD software. Printing out the CDs is quick and simple with a front loading CD tray that comes standard with the printer.

Convenient Photo Printing—With or Without a Computer
The EPSON Stylus Photo 320 is designed for digital camera owners, offering six-color Photo Inks and up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi for creating images with incredible detail, beautiful skin tones, sharper contrast and an ultra-wide color range. Customers can print beautiful, frame-ready, BorderFree™ images in all of the popular sizes, including 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, 8” x 10”, letter, and panoramic size photos.

This printer model makes it easy for anyone to crop, resize, and print photos directly from memory cards or picture CDs without having to use a computer. The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 is equipped with built-in memory card slots that support CompactFlash® Type I and II, MultiMediaCard, IBM Microdrive™, xD-Picture Card, Sony Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, MagicGate™ Memory Stick, SmartMedia®, xD-Picture Card, and Secure Digital™ memory formats (adapters required for some types). Customers can also save images from their memory cards directly onto a CD-R or a Zip® Disk without using a computer by utilizing the printer’s front access host USB port. This port makes it simple to connect the printer to a CD-R drive, Zip drive, thumb drive or PictBridge-enabled digital camera.

For added convenience, the printer has a user-friendly control panel, which provides customers with the flexibility to make selections such as paper type, paper size and number of copies without having to use a computer. The panel gives users the ability to choose from nine paper types and seven different photo layouts plus manual adjustments, filters and frames. The control panel also gives users the ability to save their favorite print settings with a simple “one touch” button.

Ink and Media for the EPSON Stylus Photo R320
The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 utilizes individual ink cartridges, which is an economical and practical solution. With the combination of Epson’s exclusive ink technology and high-quality, value-priced papers, customers can reap the benefits of an affordable home printing solution. Furthermore, Epson’s fast and convenient quick-drying inks produce prints that are immediately dry to the touch and water-resistant on EPSON Premium Photo Papers.

PRINT Image Matching
The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 supports PRINT Image Matching (P.I.M.) technology to create the best possible prints automatically, without complicated color corrections. Currently there are over 180 P.I.M.-enabled products from 24 manufacturers of digital cameras, printers and software. Exif 2.2 (Exif Print) digital camera standard is also supported by these printer models. More information on P.I.M. as well as a complete and current list of P.I.M.-compatible products is available at www.printimagematching.com.

Bluetooth Printing
An optional Bluetooth Photo Print Adapter is available for use with the EPSON Stylus Photo R320. This adapter allows users to print directly from a variety of Bluetooth enabled devices including mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and Windows laptops and desktop PCs. The adapter is currently available for an estimated street price of $69.

Print Speeds and Connectivity
The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 has fast photo print speeds with a 4” x 6” photo printing in approximately 39 seconds. The printer also handles text with ease and can produce a black text document at up to 15 ppm* (pages per minute). The printers are both Macintosh and Windows compatible and offer USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connectivity when using a computer with the printer and a separate USB 1.1 host connection for use with CD-R drives, Zip drives and PictBridge-enabled digital cameras.

Pricing, Availability, Warranty and Support
The EPSON Stylus Photo R320 is available now for an estimated street price of $199 and can be purchased through Epson authorized dealers, mail order, computer superstores, photo specialty stores and on the Epson retail Web site (www.epsonstore.com). The printer carries a one-year warranty and is supported by the EPSON ConnectionSM,a customer support and technical assistance line. For more information on Epson and its products, call 1-800-GO-EPSON or visit www.epson.com.

About Epson
Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) printers and transaction terminals for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America, Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.

Sep 14: Pentax Optio MX4

The Pentax Optio MX4 is a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a 10x Optical Zoom lens that seeks to capture both quality still digital images as well as movies with telephoto capabilities. It uses a palm grip design to help reduce camera shake in using the 10x zoom.

In movie mode the Optio MX4 records at 640x480 pixels at 30fps - recording is in MPEG-4 format. It also has a low reflection 1.8 inch LCD monitor, built in flash, a range of shooting modes and filters and a super macro mode.

Pocket Lint reviews the Pentax Optio MX4 and writes - 'Pentax has taken a standard feature on digital cameras and through the styling of this model made it the main feature. It’s a brave attempt and one that works quite well especially as unlike most digital cameras there isn’t a restriction on the amount of footage you can record. All you are limited by is the SD or MMC Card you put in the unit.

It’s not going to be good enough to make the next blockbuster, however should be able to cope when it comes to making small home movies of the kids. So should you ditch the digital camera? Unless you use the movie feature, probably not. Picture quality was good, but compared to other 4 megapixel cameras dedicated to taking pictures the size just doesn’t compete. '

Trusted Reviews reviews the Pentax Optio MX4 and writes - 'We like the Pentax Optio MX 4 a lot. It’s superbly compact and easy to use, and its abilty to take both MPEG4 video and high resolution stills is a killer combo. However, ultimately reservations about the quality of its output prevent it from garnering an award but if ease of use and portability are more of a concern than out and out quality, then the multi-talented Pentax should definitely be considered, especially as it can be picked up online for as little as £300.'

Steve's Digicams reviews the Pentax Optio MX4 and writes - 'When we first received the MX4 we were hoping Pentax had corrected some of the weaknesses found on its predecessor. While it's capable of producing good quality 4-megapixel images, its promises are largely unfulfilled. Pentax claims it is "Two Great Cameras in One" (still/movie), however its movie results were disappointing. And while its versatile 38-380mm optical zoom lens invites action and wildlife photography, its leisurely autofocus and shooting performance will dampen your fun. However, we did find that the MX4 was at its best doing interior flash photography, especially with the L-WC17 Wide Conversion lens attached. '

PC Mag reviews the Pentax Optio MX4 and writes - 'You may not want to try and take the pistol-grip, raygun-shaped Pentax Optio MX4 through airport security. But otherwise it's a passable, inexpensive 4MP superzoom still camera, and quite a good still/video hybrid as well. If you're looking primarily for a superzoom that shoots great stills, you can do much better, but if you want one camera that's also suitable for shooting a lot of video, the MX4 is well worth considering.'

Learn more about the Pentax Optio MX4 from the following Pentax press release or from:
- DP Review - Pentax Optio MX4

Pentax Press Release - PENTAX Introduces The OptioMX4: Two Cameras In One Now Offers 4 Megapixels

PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the new OptioMX4. A compact digital camera with a powerful 10X optical zoom and 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 design captures both high quality still images and movies with telephoto capability. The OptioMX4 meets consumer demand to capture distant subjects with 10X optical zoom through a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37mm-370mm lens in 35mm format. The optional wide-angle conversion lens steps up the OptioMX4 angle of view to the equivalent of a 27.75mm lens in 35mm format. Comprised of 8 groups of 12 elements, the lens of the OptioMX4 features aspherical lenses and extra-low dispersion glass elements to minimize aberration. With 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 has the power to achieve high-precision, vivid images at all zoom ranges.

Perfect for capturing family activity, the OptioMX4 captures movies in MPEG-4 format and employs a streaming recording system to record up to two hours* of continuous movies directly onto the recording media. OptioMX4 users further enjoy movie recording with 640x480 recording pixels at the rate of 30fps (frames per second) to achieve quality comparable to that of a television. The camera also offers a choice of movie recording sizes, quality and frame rates for maximum shooting flexibility. A stylish, functional palm-grip helps minimize hand shake and reduces fatigue during long-duration shooting.
*When used with an optional AC adapter.

PENTAX will unveil the OptioMX4 and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City. The camera will ship to major camera retailers in October 2004. PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Major Features Of The Optio MX include:
The power of a 10X optical zoom lens
The OptioMX4 incorporates a 5.8mm-58mm 10X optical zoom lens offering a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 37mm-370mm lens in 35mm format. This optical zooming power can also be combined with 10X digital zoom for a combined total zoom ratio of 100X. To make zoom control as smooth and easy as possible, the OptioMX4 also features two-way zoom speed control.

High-precision, sharp and vivid still images
With 4.0 effective megapixels, the OptioMX4 achieves high-precision, vivid images at all zoom ranges. The renowned smc PENTAX lens is comprised of 8 groups of 12 elements that makes use of two aspherical lenses and two extra-low dispersion glass lenses to ensure chromatic and other aberrations minimized.

High-quality, long-duration movie recording
OptioMX4 users enjoy movie recording with 640 x 480 recording pixels at the smooth rate of 30fps (frames per second) to achieve quality comparable to that of a television. Because the OptioMX4 records in MPEG-4 format, it has the ability to record movies of extended duration. The OptioMX4 also employs a streaming recording system, which records directly onto the recording media, thereby allowing the user to record up to two hours* of continuous movies. As with still shooting, users also have a choice of movie recording sizes, quality and frame rates for maximum shooting flexibility.
*When used with an optional AC adapter.

Unique styling to minimize hand shake and fatigue from extended shooting
Enabling the user to take advantage of dynamic telephoto shooting and continuous, long-duration movie shooting, the OptioMX4 employs a unique palm-grip design that is highly effective in reducing hand shake and minimizing fatigue. The OptioMX4 also incorporates an inner-zoom mechanism in the zoom lens enabling the length of the zoom lens to remain unchanged at all zoom ratios. This mechanism ensures improved balance regardless of zoom ratio. Users choose the most comfortable angle by rotating the grip to help eliminate hand share and reduce arm and wrist fatigue.

Compact body dimensions
Aspherical lenses reduce the total number of lenses required and the unique, compact mounting expertise of PENTAX has resulted in the OptioMX4 having compact body dimensions of just 2.9 x 2.3 x 4.1 inches (73 (W) x 59 (H) x 103.5 (D)mm) excluding protrusions, despite its impressive 10X optical zooming.

High-visibility, low-reflection LCD with maximum flexibility
The OptioMX4 incorporates a low-reflection LCD monitor that actually uses externally available light to make it highly visible even in strong sunlight. This clear 1.8 inch monitor allow users to confirm focus, composition, and other factors and ensures high versatility through its ability to rotate through 180 degrees horizontally and 210 degrees vertically for easy low- and high-angle shooting.

Diverse range of shooting modes
Upon selection of PICT (picture mode) on the mode dial, the OptioMX4 displays Landscape, Portrait, and other shooting modes on the LCD monitor. Users simply select the mode that matches the situation at han and the camera automatically adjusts exposure, white balance and other settings to suit the scene. For more creative shooting, the OptioMX4 is equipped with Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto, Metered manual, and other settings.

Digital filters
With a choice of eight filters comprising B&W, sepia, red, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow, the OptioMX4 allows users to add a color filter effect at the time of shooting. Unlike conventional filters, digital filters may be used to change the mood of shots already recorded. When used at the time of image playback for instance, the user can turn full-color images into black and white or sepia images, or emphasize certain colors of the images to create a different tone.

Built-in flash that pops up high
The OptioMX4 features a built-in, pop-up flash that extends as possible beyond the lens to help reduce "red eyes" during telephoto shooting. Even when the optional wide-angle conversion lens is used, the high flash helps eliminate* vignetting.
*When the focus mode is set to normal.

Wide-angle conversion lens (Optional)
The optional wide-angle conversion lens offers an angle of view equivalent to a 27.75mm lens in 35mm format. And with its exterior stylishly finished with aluminum, it also conveys a strong sense of sophistication.

Two carrying cases (Optional)
When the top of the O-CC17 soft case is open, it comfortably holds the OptioMX4, even if the grip is fully open. The case can be worn around the waist on a belt for further convenience. Additionally, there's also an external pocket that can be used to carry spare batteries and other small items. Another optional case is the semi-hard O-CC172, which can house both the camera and the optional wide-angle conversion lens. Two pockets are positioned inside the case to organize small items and the standard strap enables the case to be worn on the shoulder. And, the O-CC172 can also be worn around the waist on a belt.

Other features
- USB2.0 (HI-SPEED)/connectivity to a TV via AV cable
- Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX and ACD Showtime! for PENTAX* movie editing software
- Super macro mode allows the user to shoot subjects from so close that the surface of the filter screw is actually touching the subject!
- Resizing/trimming of recorded images
- DPOF, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility
- PictBridge compatibility
- Voice recording function
*ACD Showtime! for PENTAX is compatible with Windows only.

- PENTAX, smc PENTAX, Optio are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
- All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
- This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.

Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

Sep 14: Pentax Optio SV

The Pentax Optio SV is a 5.36 megapixel digital camera with a 5x Optical Zoom lens that has plenty of features to keep even the more serious digital photographer happy. It has 12 picture modes, a 1.8inch LCD and a aluminum alloy body.

The Pentax Optio SV incorporates a sliding lens system with a sleek design that measures in at only 3.0 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches.

The Pentax Optio SV will be unveiled officially at PEPCOM in New York on 20 September and will ship to retailers in October.

Steve's Digicams reviews the Pentax Optio SV and writes - 'the Optio SV was a mixed bag. It does capture good quality 5- megapixel images, but its performance was not what I expected and really drags it down. However if you don't need to capture fast moving subjects (like kids or animals), this camera will please you. Its 2560x1920/Best images have plenty of resolution to create great looking 13x19-inch prints. With an MSRP of around $499, its a bit expensive. '

DCRP reviews the Pentax Optio SV and writes - 'While on paper the Pentax Optio SV sounds like a real winner, in reality it left me feeling somewhat disappointed. Sure, it's small, stylish, and offers way more zoom than the competition. However, image quality, battery life, and overall performance are below average. First, here's what I liked about the Optio SV. It's a compact metal camera that packs a "big" 5X zoom lens -- way more zoom power than the typical ultra-compact camera. Construction is good for the most part, save for the plastic door over the memory card / battery compartment. The SV offers a full suite of a manual controls, though the longest shutter speed is 4 seconds (which is long enough for most people). Other bells and whistles include a super macro mode that lets you get 3 cm from your subject, a digital filter function (in playback mode), and a 30 frame/second movie mode (albeit at 320 x 240 and with awful sound recording). The included charging stand is a nice bonus, as it can recharge a spare battery along with the one in the camera.'

Trusted Reviews has a good review of the Pentax Optio SV and writes - 'Pentax has created an excellent camera in the form of the Optio SV and although it’s not completely perfect, it’s pretty close. The maximum four second shutter priority could be better and the detail resolution isn’t quite on a par with the Ixus 500, but the long zoom, live histogram and excellent user interface make the Optio SV a winner.'

Get more information on the Pentax Optio SV from the following press release from Pentax or from:
- Imaging Resource - Pentax Optio SV
- DP Review - Pentax Optio SV

Pentax Press Release PENTAX Delivers More Tiny Digital: PENTAX Optio SV Packed With 5 Megapixels, Powerful 5X Zoom And Advanced Features

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the Optio SV digital camera. With 5.0 megapixels, a powerful 5X optical zoom, and tiny dimensions, the Optio SV combines powerful digital with portability.

The unique PENTAX Sliding Lens system in the Optio SV allows the powerful 5X zoom lens to retract and fully recede into the camera housing, flush with the body frame. As result, the Optio SV boasts the ultra-compact body dimensions of 3.0 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches. The novel lens system significantly reduces both the depth and length of the entire camera while it delivers a powerfully high zoom ratio for outstanding image quality. First incorporated in the Optio S digital camera launched last year, this innovative system is featured on select PENTAX digital cameras.

Additional features on the Optio SV enhance image quality, operation and design. A high performance smc PENTAX lens with a newly developed ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) helps ensure quality images. A special dial allows mode selection with a simple turn. The Optio SV features a Picture mode that allows users to select an icon on the LCD monitor that matches the scene at hand. Finally, the sleek design of the Optio SV is housed in a tough aluminum alloy case.

PENTAX will unveil the Optio SV and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.

The camera will ship to major camera retailers in October 2004.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Major features of the Optio SV include:
Compact dimensions with a 5X optical zoom Sliding Lens System
The Optio SV incorporates a 5X optical zoom Sliding Lens system. First introduce in the Optio S in 2003 , the system offsets the central lens groups from the optical axis and houses the groups in two steps in the lens cylinder. The result is a significant reduction in lens length and depth. PENTAX design expertise in mounting assists with space efficiency and minimizes the Optio SV dimensions. As result, the Optio SV boasts the body dimensions of 3.0 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches (91.5 (W) x 56 (H) x 28 (D)mm) and weighs a mere 5.8 ounces.

Excellent image quality
The Optio SV delivers the high-level image quality consumers have learned to expect only from PENTAX. The 1/2.5-inch CCD with 5.36 total megapixels uses a primary color filter. The Optio SV also employs a high-contrast smc PENTAX lens renowned for high-level clarity. Made of 10 elements in 8 groups, it includes two aspherical lenses. The lens is highly effective in compensating for spherical and other forms of aberration, while the unique coating reduces ghost and flare to a bare minimum. Furthermore, the newly developed ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) reinforces image processing performance to deliver more natural gradations and vivid color compensation.

Flexible composition with 5X optical zoom
The Optio SV incorporates a 5.8mm-29mm 5X optical zoom lens offering a focal range covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36mm-180mm lens in 35mm format. With a generous zooming range, the lens offers impressive compositional freedom and offers up to 20X total zoom when combined with 4X digital zoom. The Optio SV features Super macro mode, which allows the user to shoot from as close as 3cm from the subject.

Simple selection of shooting modes
For more intuitive mode selection, the Optio SV employs a mode dial. With a simple turn, users may choose Program, PICT (picture), Night scene, Movie, Voice recording, USER, and M (Manual) modes. Users may select PICT mode to activate the mode palette function, which displays icons for all 12 picture modes at once on the LCD monitor for easier mode selection.

High-quality aluminum alloy body
The attractive exterior of the Optio SV incorporates textured aluminum alloy, and the camera features a rubber grip with a linear design for an appealing yet practical appearance.

User-friendly function settings tailored to individual users
A handy short cut function allows users to gain fast access to settings for recording image size, white balance, sensitivity and other frequently used functions. The M (Manual) position on the mode dial can also be altered to function as Tv (Shutter-priority AE) or Av (Aperture-priority AE). All settings may be accessed through use of the Fn (Function) button and the stick lever.

Large, easy-to-see 1.8-inch LCD monitor
Despite its highly portable and compact dimensions, the Optio SV features a large, 1.8-inch TFT LCD monitor with approximately 118,000 pixels. The monitor easily confirms composition, focusing and viewing of recorded shots anywhere.

USB2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility
The Optio SV delivers smooth image data transfer at high speeds too, with transfer rates that are accelerated further when used with PC's featuring a USB2.0 port.

Battery stand charger
The battery stand charges a battery in the camera as a spare once as battery inside the camera is fully charged. Compatible with 100V to 240V (50/60Hz) current, it also ensures smooth charging for travelers when used with the appropriate adapters.

Other features of the Optio SV
- Movie recording with sound, voice recorder function
- Connectivity to a TV via AV cable
- 5 types of auto bracketing (exposure, white balance, sharpness, color saturation, contrast)
- Built-in auto flash with red-eye reduction function*
- SD memory card compatibility
- Actual-image optical viewfinder
- World time function (for 68 cities around the world)
- ACDSee for PENTAX standard image viewer and ACD Showtime! for PENTAX** movie editing software
- PictBridge compatibility
- DPOF, Exif Print and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility
- *This mode does not eliminate “red-eyes” in all instances.

**ACD Showtime! for PENTAX is compatible with Windows only.

- PENTAX, smc PENTAX, Optio are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
- All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
- This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
- Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
- Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
- The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
- Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

Sep 14: Pentax *ist DS

The Pentax *ist DS is a 6.1 megapixel Digital SLR that aims to compete with Canon's Digital Rebel (300D). It is a smaller and lighter camera than Pentax's previously releases *ist D. The *ist DS has a 2.0inch LCD, generous LCD data panel, Auto picture mode and weighs just 18 ounces. As normal the *ist DS is compatible with a wide range of Pentax SLR lenses. It incorporates 16-segment multi-pattern metering and 11-point AF sensors.

The Pentax *ist DS will be unveiled on 20 September at PEPCOM in New York and will ship to retailers in November 2004.

Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Pentax *ist DS Reviews

Steve's Digicams reviews the Pentax *ist DS and writes - 'PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year's *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, it has a durable stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and delivers superior image quality in a very compact design. Despite its size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.'

DC Views reviews thePentax istDs review

and writes - 'So this is it then, the second digital SLR by Pentax. With strong competition from big names such as Canon and Nikon we can safely say that the *ist Ds can easily hold its own among the other consumer DSLRs. With an array of advanced and user-friendly functions such as a high speed USB 2.0 connection, a large and bright pentaprism viewfinder, PictBridge and Print Image Matching options, 2.0 inch TFT monitor and 18 custom functions, it offers quick and effortless operation and easy portability thanks to its compact size.'

Megapixel reviews the Pentax *ist DS and wrties - 'The *ist DS is a very enjoyable camera to use. Its compact size and light weight make it as practical as many of the larger compacts, but its excellent pentaprism viewfinder and instantaneous response to the shutter release underline the advantage the SLR design offers without the bulk.

In our opinion, Pentax's *ist DS is a clear alternative to either the Canon Rebel/EOS 300, or the Nikon D70 for those looking to purchase an amateur digital SLR, and that choice may well be based on comfort and ease of use, more than image quality.'

DP Review has a review of the Pentax *ist DS and writes - 'The *ist DS is one of those cameras which grows on you, it's certainly compact and well put together but when you first pick it up you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a bit basic. In actual fact it packs more features and controls than most other budget SLR's and has some impressive performance to back that up. In use we found the *ist DS a very nice 'photographic tool', it always does the job, auto focus is reliable, that big viewfinder is a welcome change from some of the 'tunnel like' viewfinders found on other digital SLR's. Put it this way you're never left thinking you bought the second-best Pentax digital SLR.'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Pentax *ist DS and writes - 'If you are considering upgrading your digital camera or buying a big zoom compact, or if you’re an existing Pentax SLR user looking to make the leap to digital, you should definitely take a look at the *ist DS. It is light, compact, well made and as easy to use as a compact, but can produce results comparable with more expensive digital SLRs. For the price it’s a bargain.'

PC Mag reviews the Pentax *ist DS and writes - 'The image quality of our test photos (all shot in RAW mode) was a mixed bag. Our daylight test shot was very good to excellent, exhibiting no fringing, artifacts, or noise. But the photo was about one-quarter of an f-stop underexposed, and a slight color shift to warm made the colors inaccurate (though appealing for portraits). Our flash test shot was similarly clean and free of any artifacts, but it was two full f-stops underexposed, making the colors muddy and unappealing. We should point out that there is something of a disconnect in the *ist DS between shooting in JPEG and RAW mode. We found that shooting in RAW format improved color, made the images crisper and clearer, and significantly boosted resolution. Despite its larger file size and slower recycle time, we suggest shooting in RAW mode whenever possible.'

Photographyblog review the 6 MegaPixel Pentax *ist DS and write - "The Pentax *ist DS offers a wealth of features, great ease of use, speedy operation and good image quality at a price point that would have been difficult to believe only a couple of years ago. The Pentax *ist DS is also an attractive proposition for anyone who is currently looking at a high-end prosumer compact digicam, and may tempt even more people to join the DSLR revolution."

Learn more about the Pentax *ist DS from the following press release from Pentax or from:
- DP Review's Hands On Preview of the Pentax *ist DS

Buy the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Buy the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Pentax *ist DS Press Release

PENTAX Downsizes Digital SLR In Second Compact Camera: *ist DS Delivers Outstanding Image Quality

PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography once again with the introduction of the *ist DS digital SLR. Developed as a second, even smaller, PENTAX compact digital SLR, the *ist DS camera advances the PENTAX commitment to easy-to-use and portable digital.

The *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is designed to be compatible with most PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.

The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families.

PENTAX will unveil the *ist DS and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.

The PENTAX *ist DS will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Major features of *ist DS include:

Compact, Portable Design
Featuring a super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, the *ist DS offers outstanding portability. PENTAX downsized digital SLR technology by including a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and high-density packaging. The result is an extremely portable body, measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces without batteries and SD memory card. The *ist DS is smaller and lighter than the acclaimed *istD.

High-definition, maximum-gradation images with 6.1 effective megapixels
Thanks to its large, high-performance CCD image sensor, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels. Coupled with original image processing technology from PENTAX, the camera produces high-definition images rich in gradation and saturation.

Compatibility with PENTAX interchangeable lenses
The *ist DS offers the outstanding benefit of lens interchangeability that allows users to take advantage of a wide selection of existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.**

**PENTAX K-, K A -, K AF - and K AF2 -mount 35mm-format lenses can be used without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.

Bright, high-magnification pentaprism viewfinder
The *ist DS comes equipped with a glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs. This confirmation of the subject's focus much easier, even in manual-focus mode.

Large color LCD monitor
With a high-precision 2.0 inch color LCD monitor offering approximately 210,000 pixels, the *ist DS makes it quick and effortless to review recorded images and read menus.

Large LCD data panel
The *ist DS features a large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on the top panel to allow easy, at-a-glance confirmation of the camera's operational status and various settings.

User-friendly automatic operations
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations.

Simple, accessible operation system
From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *ist DS 's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control.

High-precision 16-segment multi-pattern metering
The *ist DS incorporates an advanced 16-segment metering system to assure high-precision light measurement, even under complicated lighting conditions. Center-weighted metering and spot metering are also available to meet specialized applications.

High-accuracy 11-point AF sensor
The *ist DS features the sophisticated SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating 11 AF sensors (nine of them constituting a cross-type wide-area sensor grid in the middle). It not only offers accurate, pinpoint autofocusing, but also allows the user to select one of the sensors to accommodate a specific image composition.

Superimposed AF sensor point indication
The selected AF sensor point is highlighted in red in the viewfinder for easy visual confirmation.

1/4000-second high-speed shutter
The *ist DS features a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization speed of 1/180 second to assure greater visual creativity.

High-speed consecutive shooting
The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject's action or movement.

SD memory card compatibility
The *ist DS uses the widely available SD memory card as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording and readout of image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the camera body.

Additional features include:
- 18 user-programmable custom functions to personalize camera operations to the user's preferences
- Noise-reduction system to minimize annoying digital noise during extended exposures
- Dual power source, with a choice of two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries
- Effortless data uploading to a PC using the included USB cable (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Functional playback functions, including 12X zoom display and nine-image thumbnail display
- A choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) or RAW
- Interchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen (AF Frame Matte screen included as standard; AF Split-Image Matte and AF Scale Matte screens available as optional accessories)
- PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0 RAW-data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0 browser software included
- PictBridge compatibility

PENTAX, smc PENTAX, *ist, PENTAX PHOTO Browser and PENTAX PHOTO Labratory are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation

All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant

Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation..
Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Get the Latest Price on the Pentax *ist DS 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Sep 14: Pentax-DA Zoom 18-55mm Lens

Pentax Press Release
PENTAX Introduces a Third Digital Lens: PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 Perfect Fit For New Digital SLR

PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX-DA Zoom 18mm-55mm F3.5-F5.6 AL lens. Exclusively designed for PENTAX digital SLR cameras including the newly announced *ist DS SLR, the PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 lens is portable and affordable to ensure comfortable, well-balanced operations. This compact, lightweight standard zoom lens features an image circle to match the camera's large 23.5mm x 15.7mm image sensor.

PENTAX will unveil the lens and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.

The PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55mm lens will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.

Major features of the PENTAX –DA Zoom 18-55 lens include:
Ideal zoom range for a standard lens
Mounted on the PENTAX *ist DS, this zoom lens provides an angle-of-view equivalent to a 27.5mm-84mm lens in the 35mm format that covers the most frequently used ranges from wide angle to moderate telephoto.

Compact dimensions with minimal aberrations
The aspherical optical elements in this new lens contribute to a reduction in size and weight of the lens and to more effective compensation of unwanted aberrations.

Functional and fashionable design
The aperture ring has been eliminated from this lens to simplify camera operations and improve appearance while aperture-setting operation is performed from the camera body.

Quick-Shift Focus System
Once subjects are captured by the camera's autofocus system, this PENTAX-original system allows photographers to shift the focusing mode instantly to manual without any switching operations.

Specifications
Lens mount
PENTAX K AF mount

Lens construction
12 elements in 9 groups

Angle of view
76° - 29°

Aperture control
Automatic

Number of diaphragm blades
6

Minimum aperture
F22 at 18mm; F38 at 55mm

Metering system
TTL open-aperture metering

Minimum focusing distance
0.25m (0.82 ft.)

Filter size
52mm

Maximum magnification
0.34X

Dimensions (diameter x length)
2.7inches x 2.7inches (68mm x 67.5mm)

Weight
7.9 oz. (225 grams)

- PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
- Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.

Sep 14: Sanyo Xacti VPC A5

Sanyo have announced a new 5 megapixel digital camera - the Sanyo Xacti VPC A5. It has a 2.8x Optical Zoom and 2inch LCD Screen.

DC Views writes - 'Sanyo has announced a new digital camera in their Xacti series, the Sanyo Xacti VPC A5. The new camera comes with a 5 megapixel CCD, an internal 2.8x optical zoom lens and a two inch LCD monitor. Some of you might think that they have seen this camera before and indeed, a closer inspection of the camera and its specification reveal a striking resemblance to the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X50...'

We'll post Sanyo's press release announcing the Xacti VPC A5 as soon as it comes to hand.

Sep 13: The Essential Buying Guide: Photo Printers

'The best photos these days are digital—not because they're better quality, but because they can go everywhere. And once you have e-mailed them around, shared them online, or put them in a slide show, you print them. Whether they end up on your mantelpiece, on your refrigerator, or tucked neatly away in a photo album, you want them to look like the real thing. Now that printers can finally produce true photo quality, you can print your precious memories with confidence.

Nearly all photo printers today can claim true photo quality for most, if not all, output. This means that you can't distinguish their output from photos that were printed from film in the conventional process. You can often get the same quality from a $50 printer as you can from a $500 printer. Within any given manufacturer's line, the difference from one model to the next is almost always in speed or features, not in quality. As we discuss on page 5, "Photo Printer Alternatives," even many standard ink jet printer today—and, more surprisingly, even inexpensive color laser printers—can offer close to true photo quality.

This isn't to say that there is no difference in quality from one printer to another or that you can ignore quality issues altogether. Photo printers, like film developing labs, will give you results that range from minimally acceptable to outstanding. A low-end printer is sufficient for casual snapshots, but if you take your photos seriously, you'll want a high-quality printer.'

Read more at The Essential Buying Guide: Photo Printers

Sep 13: OmniVision's 1.3-Megapixel CameraChip Enhances Functionality of Mobile Phones

Omni Vision Press Release
OmniVision's 1.3-Megapixel CameraChip Enhances Functionality of Mobile Phones

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OVTI) is shipping production volumes of its 1.3-megapixel OV9640 CameraChip(TM) to Siemens Information and Communication Mobile (Siemens mobile). Siemens has selected the OV9640 as the imaging system for its new S65 handset, Siemens' first mobile phone designed for high-performance still and video imaging. In addition to providing high-resolution still images, the OV9640 enables the S65 to generate MPEG4-format video images at up to 120 frames per second.

"We are pleased to be in partnership with a tier-one manufacturer of Siemens' caliber," said Jess Lee, Director of Product Marketing at OmniVision. "OmniVision remains committed to the development of higher-resolution image sensors for mobile applications, and Siemens has a well-deserved reputation for combining state-of-the-art design with exceptional reliability. With the inclusion of our 1.3-megapixel chip," said Lee, "the S65 continues Siemens' tradition of relentless innovation and establishes a new standard in multimedia functionality in a GSM handset."

Launched in February of 2004, the OV9640 CameraChip provides 1.3-megapixel resolution in a small-footprint, 1/4-inch design. It is a complete system-on-a-chip with full image processing, including exposure control, gamma correction, gain control, white balance, sharpness control, color saturation control, hue control, and windowing -- all easily programmable through a standard serial interface. It features OmniVision's proprietary embedded algorithms, which eliminate digital effects such as smearing, fixed-pattern noise and blooming, along with VarioPixel(TM) technology, which provides superior performance in low-light conditions.

About OmniVision

OmniVision Technologies designs and markets high-performance semiconductor image sensors. Its OmniPixel and CameraChip products are highly integrated single-chip CMOS image sensors for mass-market consumer and commercial applications such as mobile phones, digital still cameras, security and surveillance systems, interactive video games, PCs and automotive imaging systems. Additional information is available at http://www.ovt.com.

OmniVision, CameraChip and OmniPixel are trademarks of OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

Safe-Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release, including but not limited to statements regarding the capabilities and benefits of the OV9640 CameraChip and the benefits of OmniVision's ongoing relationship with Siemens, are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties, which could cause the forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual events, include, without limitation, the performance and quality of OmniVision's 1.3-megapixel OV9460 CameraChip, the changing technical requirements for embedded cell phone image sensor products, potential errors, design flaws or other problems or defects associated with the OV9460, our customers' continued adoption of our CameraChip products, Siemens' continued use of our CameraChips in its handsets and the market's acceptance of these products, and other risks detailed from time to time in OmniVision's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, OmniVision's annual report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. OmniVision disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Sep 13: Picture Transfer Protocol over IP

Nikon Press Release - New Protocol “PTP/IP” for Image Data Transfer from a Digital Camera via wireless LAN -- Nikon’s joint development with FotoNation, to be supported by Microsoft Corporation

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation (COO: Teruo Shimamura) is pleased to announce the implementation of PTP/IP (Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol) - developed by FotoNation Inc. - as a new computer interface for more convenient image data transfer from digital cameras. Based on the current ubiquitous PTP technology (ISO 15740), which up until now has been limited to the USB transmission, it enables communication between a digital camera and a PC via wireless LAN.

By implementing PTP/IP in coming products, Nikon is pioneering the way in wireless digital camera connectivity. Nikon is collaborating with FotoNation and Microsoft Corporation on commercialization and enhancement of this technology, whose further refinements for professional use will be released soon. The technology will be also applied to products for general consumers in the near future.

Background for the development

In 2003, Nikon released an accessory for professional digital SLR cameras called the Wireless Transmitter WT-1, which was compliant with the IEEE802.11b standard.

The WT-1 enabled wireless image data transfer when attached a D2H digital SLR camera. It has proved its sefulness under limited network infrastructure, such as in a baseball or athletics fields, by minimizing the equipment required to transfer images from the field-of-play to the photo-editor’s position. Being easy-handling and mobile, it has been highly acclaimed.

The WT-1, however, uses FTP (File Transfer Protocol) as its transmission protocol, and thus requires the user to configure settings on the camera and the PC to be able to transfer data.

What this new technology can achieve

Using this technology, developed as the result of collaboration between Nikon and FotoNation, the configuration of settings in the camera and PC has become both simplified, and much more analogous to USB wired connectivity.

Nikon is planning to announce a wireless transmitter accessory for professional digital cameras with support for PTP/IP very soon. The new product will enable faster transmission than the WT-1 and will also maintain support for FTP.

PTP/IP will also be employed in other future products, as its ease of use will be a desirable feature not only for digital SLRs but also the COOLPIX line of consumer digital cameras.

Should PTP/IP become ubiquitous in consumer devices as planned, it will bring many more possibilities. Support for PTP/IP in a PictBridge-compatible printers would enable wireless printing to become a reality ; remote display of images on a TV screen, camera control via home wireless networks, storing of image files on a DVD with a DVD recorder without wired connections are just a few of the applications possible.

Eran Steinberg, CEO of FotoNation Inc., also serves as the Project Leader for the PTP sub committee of ISO/TC42/WG18, has said: “PTP/IP signifies the advent of digital cameras as wireless devices. FotoNation is confident that PTP/IP will simplify the interoperability between digital cameras, printers and personal computers.”

Michale Nier, Chairman of the Photography Standards arm of ISO (ISO/TC42) said: “Implementation of the ISO-15740 PTP Standard is now being deployed in virtually almost all new digital cameras today. The Standards Committee welcome the fact that the leading imaging technology companies, manufacturers of digital cameras and PCs strive together to offer a standardized means for enhancing the ease of using digital cameras with this latest technology.”

Microsoft is taking the technology a step further, by developing a protocol called MTP (Media Transfer Protocol). MTP, expands PTP/IP to support connectivity with a wide range of portable media devices, and an even broader range of data types – including music files, video files and of course image files.

By implementing PTP/IP, Nikon is taking a bold step towards richer connectivity with both PCs and devices that will support MTP.

“Nikon’s support for Microsoft’s openly licensable Media Transfer Protocol adds an industry leader behind a critical advancement in image transfer and camera control,” said Amir Majidimehr, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Windows Digital Media Division. “The use of MTP for both wireless and wired transfer of digital photos will remove some of the existing complexity for professional level photographers, with eventual applications for all enthusiasts.”

Nikon will support to work with CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) to widen the recognition of PTP/IP as an industrial standard within the Japanese camera and imaging industries.

Sep 11: Vivitar DVR 390H

The Vivitar DVR 390H is a 6-in-one multimedia device from Ricoh that seeks to incorporate a digital still camera, video camera, TV/Video recorder, digital photo frame, MP3 player and voice recorder.

The digital camera component has a 3.1MP sensor and 2x Digital Zoom

To learn more about the Vivitar DVR 390H read the following press release form Ricoh.

Ricoh Press Release
Six-in-one multimedia video device - the ultimate roadtrip entertainment solution

Vivitar takes convergence electronics to a new level with the launch of the world’s first 6-in-1 multimedia recorder/player. Due for release in September, the Vivitar DVR 390H offers outstanding versatility combining a MPEG4 video camera, digital still camera, TV/video recorder, digital photo frame, MP3 player and voice recorder in a compact and stylish device.

Unique to Vivitar, the DVR 390H features massive storage capacity with 20 Gigabytes of onboard memory and SD card compatibility. That’s the equivalent built-in memory of many notebooks and PCs. Coupled with a super long-life lithium-ion battery, it can capture an outstanding 15 hours of VGA movies, 24,000 high quality still images and more than 5000 MP3 music files. The mains cradle unit further expands functionality with AV-in and out, USB and microphone connectivity catered for.

Multifunctional recorder Using the tiny detachable camera/camcorder module (just 40mm wide x 71mm long x 30mm deep), the DVR 390H captures superior MPEG4 video in both VGA and XVGA formats. A 270-degree swivel lens ensures optimum manoeuvrability for capturing those tricky camera angles while the 2x digital zoom enables the user a closer view.

The DVR390H can also record video from virtually any video source including TV, VCR and DVD. Together with its huge storage capacity, users can easily store movies, videos or TV programs and view them when convenient.

The combined digital still camera features 3.1-Megapixels and produces high resolution images. It also offers a macro lens of 0.7m to 1.4m. User friendly features include variable quality settings, a self-timer with 10-second delay, built-in flash with red eye reduction and optional date stamping. The DVR 390H also functions as a voice recorder. Using the microphone input connection it records high quality sound clips and is ideal for recording lecture notes or interviews.

The ultimate player Delivering brilliant LCD playback review is the huge 3.6 inch LPTS TFT LCD screen. With five levels of brightness control the DVR 390H provides excellent viewing clarity in full colour. It is also large enough to play stored movies and videos when on the go, making the DVR 390H a great entertainment solution for road trips.

The large screen enables the DVR 390H to function as a digital photo frame. Simply sit the device in its cradle for continuous AC power and select the slide show format to electronically present those favourite snaps.

In addition, the DVR 390H stores and plays MP3 music files through its built-in speaker or included headphones, with volume adjustable to five different levels. All of this in a compact device that measures just 106mm wide x 71mm long x 32mm deep.

Brilliant functionality The DVR 390H offers superb functionality and is compatible with PCs and MACs. Using the cradle it can connect to a range of other peripherals including TV, PC, notebook or printer. Even its 20GB hard drive can be used to store unrelated data and computer files.

The Vivitar DVR 390H offers excellent value for money including a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, charger and AC adapter and comes with a complete software package that includes Photo Suite, WIN DVD Creator and Muvee Auto Producer.

Available from major retailers, leading photographic and imaging specialists for $999 rrp. Consumer enquiries: 1300 363 741

Media enquires For further information, visuals or product samples please contact: Louise Mezzina or Jody Hammond Write Away Communication + Events Phone: 02 8904 1622 Email:louise@writeaway.com.au , jody@writeaway.com.au

About Vivitar US-based Vivitar Corporation was established in 1936. In 2002, Ricoh Australia formed a strategic alliance with the company to market its comprehensive range of digital and 35mm cameras locally. Vivitar’s high quality and affordable product offering particularly complements Ricoh's high end photographic models, enabling Ricoh to market and support a full range of digital cameras.

Sep 11: Canon CanoScan 4200F

The Canon CanoScan 4200F is a scanner aimed at the home office. It has a maximum resolution of 3200 x 6400 dpi and has 48-bit color depth.

It has four single touch buttons allowing easy, copying, scanning, emailing or creating of pdfs. the 4200F also scans up to four 35mm negatives and two 35mm slides in its film adapter.

For more information on the Canon CanoScan 4200F read the following press release from Canon announcing it and the Canon CanoScan 9950F.

Canon Press Release
Canon's Two New Scanners Deliver Unparalleled Performance and Quality for Professional and Home Use

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2004-- Canon's New CanoScan(R) 4200F and 9950F Color Image Scanners Deliver Fast, Clear Scans With the Ability to Support Film, Negatives and More

Some of the most poignant memories of the past have been captured on film or printed in documents, prompting consumers and professionals alike to preserve slides, printed photos and documents. Canon's new CanoScan 4200F and 9950F scanners produce clear, sharp and exceptional color that provides consumers with a simple and high quality solution for conserving and restoring old images and documents.

"Canon's history as a leading imaging technology provider has been the backbone for our understanding of the products that will meet the needs of today's consumers and professionals," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE CAJ). "Whether scanning old family photos or documents for a presentation, Canon's newest scanners deliver exceptional color and provide ease of use with features such as outstanding speed, advanced Z-Lid(TM) Expansion Top, and an easy one-touch push button design."

New Optical Technology
The CanoScan 9950F includes Canon's Hyper CCD IV, a new optical system that enables super high resolutions of up to 4800 x 9600 dpi, providing improved scan depth and reduced noise. The CanoScan 9950F model also features a new ST Lens (Super Toric Lens) system, making it the first flatbed scanner in Canon's line of products to include an aspherical lens element. When paired with the ST Lens System, the CanoScan 9950F model is able to produce visibly clearer and more accurate results with finer detail by enabling the aspherical element to set curvatures for main and sub-scanning separately. In addition, the new ST Lens System includes a large aperture allowing a greater amount of light to be transmitted through the lens to the sensor for higher quality and faster scans.

CanoScan 4200F Color Image Scanner
The CanoScan 4200F Color Image Scanner is the ideal match for any home or office, providing brilliant scans from a wide range of materials, making preserving documents and old photos simple. A maximum optical resolution of 3200 x 6400 dpi and 48-bit color depth makes it possible to create over 281 trillion colors. Scanning with large or bulky items is manageable with Canon's exclusive Z-Lid Expansion Top, which automatically lifts approximately one inch vertically and lays flat on the item being scanned.

The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed* interface enables incredibly fast image transfers to your computer with previews of scans ready in approximately 2.6 seconds. The CanoScan 4200F Color Image Scanner is equipped with four easy one-touch buttons for scanning, copying, emailing and creating PDF files. With the multi-scan mode users can scan multiple images in one pass and automatically open them into separate image files.

Users can also archive old slides and negatives by placing them in the film adapter included with the scanner, which can handle up to four 35 mm negatives and two 35 mm slides. The automatic retouching and enhancement technology on the CanoScan 4200F Color Image Scanner automatically removes dirt that may appear on originals, providing users with cleaner and more full-bodied scans....

Canon helps manage scanning tasks by including several software titles** on the setup CD-Rom. For the CanoScan 4200F and 9950F scanners ScanGear(R) CS***, CanoScan Toolbox, ArcSoft(R) PhotoStudio(R) and ScanSoft(R) OmniPage(R) SE OCR are included. Additionally, Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 2.0, and Presto! PageManager (Windows based only) is bundled with the CanoScan 9950F scanner.

Both scanners are compatible with Windows XP, 2000, ME or 98++ operating systems. The CanoScan 9950F scanner is also compatible with Mac OS X+ (10.1.3 to 10.3.x) operating systems. A one-year limited warranty with InstantExchange+++ is included with an option to purchase an extended limited warranty (good for up to three years) from Canon for $50.00.++ Available in September, the CanoScan 4200F and CanoScan 9950F scanners carry suggested list prices of $99.99 and $399.99,++++ respectively.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed not compatible with Windows 98.

** System requirements vary by application.

*** Windows only

+ Mac OS X Native Only

++ Systems with Pentium(R) III or higher Celeron(R) (566 MHz or higher), AMD:Athlon(TM), Athlon MP, Athlon XP or Duron are recommended.

+++ InstantExchange warranty program is subject to certain terms and conditions. See the warranty card for details.

++ Price subject to change at any time.

++++ Prices are MSRP at time materials were created. Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Sep 11: Canon CanoScan 9950F

The Canon CanoScan 9950F is a production level scanner which supports a wide range of originals, including photos, documents, transparencies and professional film including negatives and transparencies up to large-format 4x5 inch.

The Canon CanoScan 9950F has an easy to use four button design that allows the four single touch scanning options of 'copy', 'scan', 'email' and 'pdf'.

The 9950F has a maximum resolution of 4800x9600 dpi and 48-bit clolor depth.It has a multi-scan mode that allows automatic scanning of up to thirty 35mm negative frames.

Photo-i reviews the Canon 9950F scanner and writes - 'The 9960F produces exceptional scans of prints and other art work, in operation it is a quiet unit. At the front of the scanner is a set of EZ Buttons, these will allow you to instantly use the scanner for copying, Scanning, Scan to file or Scan to e-mail. The scanner on/off button is hidden away under the buttons. The scanner is built to a very high standard with good quality materials used throughout. I would have liked the power supply unit to have been incorporated in the scanner case, there is enough room in there to put my lunch box too. I liked the sprung Film Adapter Unit, the lid won't crash down if you let go of it. Someone at Canon has put a lot of thought into the film holders, they worked very well and kept the film flat at all times. However, I did have a couple of 120 films which were too tight, the twin strip 120 holder will prove very popular with the professional and serious hobbyist.'

For more information on the Canon CanoScan 9950F read the following press release from Canon announcing it and the CanoScan 4100F.

iphoto reviews the Canon CanoScan 9950f and writes - 'Although at first sight I thought Canon hade made some in-roads with their ScanGear software, looking at it in more detail has proved me wrong. The controls are too basic for such a well specified scanner. I would have liked to seen more colour adjustment controls, sliders that let you adjust Cyan/Red, Magenta/Green, Yellow/Blue, Hue, Saturation and Lightness. Of course all these can be applied in Photoshop or other application, but having them at the scanning stage would be an added bonus.'

Canon Press Release
Canon's Two New Scanners Deliver Unparalleled Performance and Quality for Professional and Home Use

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2004-- Canon's New CanoScan(R) 4200F and 9950F Color Image Scanners Deliver Fast, Clear Scans With the Ability to Support Film, Negatives and More

Some of the most poignant memories of the past have been captured on film or printed in documents, prompting consumers and professionals alike to preserve slides, printed photos and documents. Canon's new CanoScan 4200F and 9950F scanners produce clear, sharp and exceptional color that provides consumers with a simple and high quality solution for conserving and restoring old images and documents.

"Canon's history as a leading imaging technology provider has been the backbone for our understanding of the products that will meet the needs of today's consumers and professionals," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE CAJ). "Whether scanning old family photos or documents for a presentation, Canon's newest scanners deliver exceptional color and provide ease of use with features such as outstanding speed, advanced Z-Lid(TM) Expansion Top, and an easy one-touch push button design."

New Optical Technology
The CanoScan 9950F includes Canon's Hyper CCD IV, a new optical system that enables super high resolutions of up to 4800 x 9600 dpi, providing improved scan depth and reduced noise. The CanoScan 9950F model also features a new ST Lens (Super Toric Lens) system, making it the first flatbed scanner in Canon's line of products to include an aspherical lens element. When paired with the ST Lens System, the CanoScan 9950F model is able to produce visibly clearer and more accurate results with finer detail by enabling the aspherical element to set curvatures for main and sub-scanning separately. In addition, the new ST Lens System includes a large aperture allowing a greater amount of light to be transmitted through the lens to the sensor for higher quality and faster scans....

CanoScan 9950F Color Image Scanner
The CanoScan 9950F scanner is designed for production level scanning with the ability to support a wide range of originals, including photos, documents, transparencies and professional film including negatives and transparencies up to large-format 4x5 inch.

Using Canon's multi-scan mode, the CanoScan 9950F scanner can automatically scan up to thirty 35mm negative frames and import each frame into an individual file. With a maximum hardware resolution of 4800x9600 dpi - the highest in its class - and 48-bit color depth, the CanoScan 9950F scanner produces the quality needed from both film and photograph scans.

New Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement (FARE level 3) found in the CanoScan 9950F scanner is the latest generation of Canon's built-in hardware automatic retouching technology. FARE level 3 technology automatically performs an infrared scan that examines the films surface for dust and scratches and removes the unwanted imperfections from the final scan. Additional features include grain and fading correction for added productivity and also Backlight correction -- a new function that lets users easily adjust the for exposure errors from backlit subjects.

Canon's four-button design on the CanoScan 9950F scanner -- copy, scan, PDF and e-mail -- helps users expedite common scanning tasks with single-touch simplicity. The PDF button converts documents directly into PDF (Portable Document Format) files for easy sharing with others over the Internet or e-mail. In addition to the default settings from Canon, each button can be customized to perform the tasks most often used by the consumer. The unit also scans multi-page documents to a single PDF file. For large files, a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection will assure the highest possible transfer rates with previews available in approximately 3.6 seconds.

Canon helps manage scanning tasks by including several software titles** on the setup CD-Rom. For the CanoScan 4200F and 9950F scanners ScanGear(R) CS***, CanoScan Toolbox, ArcSoft(R) PhotoStudio(R) and ScanSoft(R) OmniPage(R) SE OCR are included. Additionally, Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 2.0, and Presto! PageManager (Windows based only) is bundled with the CanoScan 9950F scanner.

Both scanners are compatible with Windows XP, 2000, ME or 98++ operating systems. The CanoScan 9950F scanner is also compatible with Mac OS X+ (10.1.3 to 10.3.x) operating systems. A one-year limited warranty with InstantExchange+++ is included with an option to purchase an extended limited warranty (good for up to three years) from Canon for $50.00.++ Available in September, the CanoScan 4200F and CanoScan 9950F scanners carry suggested list prices of $99.99 and $399.99,++++ respectively.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2002, with global revenues of $24.5 billion. Canon U.S.A. employs more than 10,000 people at over 30 locations. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed not compatible with Windows 98.

** System requirements vary by application.

*** Windows only

+ Mac OS X Native Only

++ Systems with Pentium(R) III or higher Celeron(R) (566 MHz or higher), AMD:Athlon(TM), Athlon MP, Athlon XP or Duron are recommended.

+++ InstantExchange warranty program is subject to certain terms and conditions. See the warranty card for details.

++ Price subject to change at any time.

++++ Prices are MSRP at time materials were created. Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Sep 11: Digital Cameras with TTL Support Underwater

MVPix.com has just posted an interesting article examining Digital Cameras that have TTL Support Underwater. It examines some of the ways in which manufacturers offer TTL support.

"My wife decided it was time to upgrade her underwater photography equipment. She's been using a Sony P&S with a Sony housing and Ikelite DS-50 for over 2 years, so this upgrade is long overdue. After looking over the features of different housings and cameras, she decided flash TTL was one of her requirements. This article explores the different options available, with flash TTL support, for underwater digital cameras in September 2004....

Before you start shopping for a camera, you should determine the TTL system you prefer (if flash TTL is a requirement for you), and find all the housings that support it. We chose the Hot-Shoe method for 2 reasons: It's realiable (unlike the sensor method), and we already have some underwater substrobes (so housed flashes would be an additional expense). At the moment, I'm only aware of Ikelite housings that offers TTL with a hot-shoe connection. They've decoded the TTL flash protocols for Olympus and the Canon 300D. The Fuji S2 Pro flash TTL is also supported, but it's not clear how - some electronics in the housing may be involved, or it may be completely camera based."

Read more at Digital Cameras with TTL Support Underwater

Sep 10: Sigma 18-125mm Four Thirds System Lens

Sigma Press Release
A new zoom lens for the Four Thirds System (4/3 System) - Digital SLR Camera System.

18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC

- An all-in-one lens providing coverage of a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto.
- The Super Multi Layer coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras.
- A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two aspherical glass elements produce a@top quality optical performance.
- Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC for Four Thirds mount.

This zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and has a 6.9 zoom ratio. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two aspherical glass elements produce a top quality optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.

The Super Multi Layer coating, which is optimized for digital SLR cameras, gives superb color rendition whilst cutting down flare and ghost. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.6in.) at all focal lengths and is equipped with an inner focusing system. As the front of the lens does not rotate, the Petal shaped hood and circular polarizing filters can be easily used. This lens is also equipped with a zoom lock switch that eliminates “Zoom Creep”.

* If Olympus E-1 digital camera is used, the angle of view will be equal to 36-250mm focal length
* Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

THE SPECIFICATIONS
* Focal Length :18-125mm
* Minimum Aperture :F22
* Lens Construction : 15 Elements in 14 Groups
* Angle of View :62.0‹- 9.9‹
* Number of Diaphragm Blades :7pcs
* Minimum Focusing Distance :50cm (19.7in.)
* Maximum Magnification : 1:5.3
* Filter Size :62mm
* Lens Hood :Petal Hood
* Dimensions :Diameter 70mm (2.8in.)X Length 83mm (3.3in.)

* Weight :405gr/ 14.3oz

* The appearance, specifications, and the like of the product are subject to change for improvement without notice.

Sep 10: Sigma High Speed Tele Macro MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens

Sigma Press Release
World's first High Speed Tele-Macro Lens

APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

- Designed to give a superior performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras.
- Super compact and lightweight, large aperture telephoto lens with life-size macro capability.
- Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) with full time manual focus override.
- Floating Focusing System produces excellent optical performance.
- Detachable Tripod Socket.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce of the world's first High Speed Tele Macro MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens.

This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its large F2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras. The new lens power layout provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration to which digital cameras are prone.

Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high image quality.

A floating focusing system moves two different lens groups in the optical system to different positions. This system compensates for astigmatic aberration and spherical aberration.

The HSM models provide ultra quiet high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override.

THE SPECIFICATIONS
* Focal Length :150mm
* Minimum Aperture :F22
* Lens Construction :16 Elements in 12 Groups
* Angle of View :16.4°
* Number of Diaphragm Blades :9pcs
* Minimum Focusing Distance :38cm (15in.)
* Maximum Magnification :1:1
* Filter Size : ö72mm
* Lens Hood :Petal-type hood
* Dimensions :Diameter 79.6mm (3.1in.)X Length 137mm (5.4in.)
* Mounts (AF) :Sigma, Canon, Nikon D, Pentax, Minolta D
* Weight :895gr/31.6ounces

* The appearance, specifications, and the like of the product are subject to change for improvement without notice.

Sep 10: Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG

Sigma Press Release
World's smallest, lightweight, yet Robust, Large Aperture Zoom Lens

28-70mm F2.8 EX DG
- EX DG Lens Series; Designed to give an excellent performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras.
- Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghost and flare.
- Two pieces of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and four aspherical lenses provide high quality images throughout the entire zoom range.
- Minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13 in.) at all focal lengths

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG lens.

This is the world's smallest, large and constant aperture zoom lens and is ideal for digital SLR cameras. The power layout of the lens is specially optimized for digital SLR cameras, and Super Multi Coating gives superb color performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost.

Two SLD elements and four aspherical lenses provide the ultimate correction against distortion as well as all types of aberration, especially spherical aberration. Its advanced optical design ensures high performance throughout the entire zoom range.

The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very small and lightweight lens design. Its compact, yet robust, construction has an overall length of 87.2mm (3.4in.), maximum diameter of 74mm (2.9in.), filter size of ö67mm and weight of 510g(18.0 ounces). It has a minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13 in.) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4 which is very convenient for close-up photography.

The inner focus system allows the lens to be focused without rotating the front element, therefore a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can easily be used.

THE SPECIFICATIONS
* Focal Length :28-70mm
* Minimum Aperture :F22
* Lens Construction :14 Elements in 12 Groups
* Angle of View :75.4°-34.3°
* Number of Diaphragm Blades :9pcs
* Minimum Focusing Distance :33cm (13in.)
* Maximum Magnification :1:4.4
* Filter Size : ö67mm
* Lens Hood :Petal-type hood
* Dimensions :Diameter 74mm (2.9in.)X Length 87.2mm (3.4in.)
* Mounts (AF) :Sigma, Canon, Nikon D, Pentax, Minolta D
* Weight :510gr/18.0ounces

Sep 10: Sigma EM-140 DG Ring Flash

Sigma Press Release

Multifunctional Macro Flash designed to work with new Digital SLR cameras.
ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG
- Ideal for Close-up photography, especially medical and scientific applications.
- Fully dedicated with the latest TTL auto exposure systems.
- Flash tubes can be switched on or off for creative flash control
- Wireless Flash Control
- High Speed Synchro Flash
- Guide Number of 14 w/ISO100

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG.
ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras of all-popular manufactures.

The EM-140 DG Ring Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications.
Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100.

The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture.

A wireless flash function is also available, when the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-500 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details.

High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.

Sep 10: Wacom Intuos 3 tablet

Wacom Press Release

Wacom Announces New Intuos®3 Professional Pen Tablets, First with Built-in ExpressKeys™ and Zoom/Scroll Touch Strips

Other Key Features Include New Industrial Design, Redesigned Grip Pen, Improved Mouse, Doubled Resolution of 5080 Lines per Inch, and a New Software Bundle

VANCOUVER, WA., Sep. 8, 2004 -- Wacom Technology Corporation today introduced its new Intuos3 professional pen tablets offering an array of meaningful improvements that provide higher levels of productivity for digital photographers, designers, and artists.

Intuos3 tablets incorporate ExpressKeys and Touch Strips. An on-board set of customizable ExpressKeys default to keyboard modifiers Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Spacebar and are completely customizable. In addition, new finger-sensitive Touch Strips allow users to zoom or scroll with their non-dominant hand while working with a Wacom battery-free pen or mouse with their dominant hand.

The significance of Intuos3’s new ExpressKeys and Touch Strips is that they greatly speed up workflow in graphics and other applications. The innovative ExpressKeys provide quick access to commonly used modifiers, mouse clicks, keystrokes, and other time-saving operations used by photo editors, graphic designers, and digital artists. Similarly, the Touch Strips bring an even higher level of functionality to tablets. The two-inch Touch Strips can be used to zoom, scroll, or perform a custom keystroke action such as changing brush size in Adobe® Photoshop®, all without having to move to the keyboard.

Other key features of the Intuos3 pen tablets include a new industrial design with a high-gloss transparent surface, a redesigned Grip Pen with a larger rubber barrel for enhanced comfort, an improved ergonomic, battery-free mouse with five programmable buttons and a scroll wheel, doubled resolution of 5080 lines per inch, and a new software bundle composed of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, Corel® Painter™ Essentials 2, and nik Color Efex™ Pro 2 IE.

“Intuos3 is a major step forward in state-of-the-art computer input systems for serious photographers and graphics professionals,” said Mark Mehall, Wacom Sr. Product Manager. “It greatly extends the functionality of Wacom's pen tablets and introduces an exciting new look and ergonomic design to optimize the way users interact with computers and software. Our customers have emphasized the need for short-cut keys and zoom/scroll control along with requests for design enhancements, so we are very pleased to be able to offer these benefits with Intuos3.”

User Comments
“Intuos3 will improve my workflow in all my graphics applications. Being able to assign essential shortcuts to ExpressKeys will be a huge timesaver; having all this power right on the tablet will absolutely change the way I work!”

— Noah Klabunde, Motion Graphics Artist, Vinton Studios

“I've been a Wacom user for many years, and I'm really excited to see the new ground you're breaking with Intuos3.”

— John Nack, Adobe Photoshop Product Manager

Improved Software Bundle
Intuos3 includes industry-leading software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 (NASDAQ: ADBE), Corel Painter Essentials 2, and nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE.

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 comes with over 15 pressure-sensitive tools that are designed to work with the Intuos3 pen. Easily blend one image into another with controlled transparency, sharpen as much or as little as needed by pressing harder or softer on the pen tip. Even modify the color of a photo with pressure-sensitive control. Editing digital images has never been easier.

• Corel Painter Essentials 2 is the exciting limited edition of the industry-leading natural media drawing application Corel Painter. It takes full advantage of Intuos3's functionality (Airbrush wheel, tip pressure, and tilt) and supports multiple layers to give maximum flexibility. Painter Essentials 2 includes more than 50 pressure-sensitive, natural media brushes and a mix of papers, nozzles, and patterns, providing for some serious creative fun.

• nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE is a Photoshop plug-in that simplifies application of filters to selected parts of an image, quickly and easily. The Intuos3 pen precisely controls both the location and the amount of photographic filter effect. With eight free photographic enhancement filters (Brilliance/Warmth, Contrast Only, Graduated Blue, Midnight Blue, Monday Morning Violet, Pastel, Remove Color Cast, and Solarization), Color Efex Pro 2 IE is a great tool for improving digital photos.

Intuos3 Optional Accessories
Optional Intuos3 accessories include the popular Airbrush, an Inking Pen, and a new kit of accessories for customizing the Intuos3 Grip Pen.

Configuration, Price, and Availability
The new Intuos3 tablets (USB-only) will be available by the middle of September. The Intuos3 tablets will be produced in three sizes with active areas of 4x5, 6x8, and 9x12. The previous version, Intuos2, will be continued for customers who require serial connectivity or larger sizes (12x12 and 12x18). Intuos3 supports Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MFST) platforms. Estimated street prices are: Intuos3 4x5 at $199.99, Intuos3 6x8 at $329.99, and Intuos3 9x12 at $449.99.

Sep 10: How About a Gigapixel Digital Camera?

“Bought a digital camera recently? It's probably got anywhere from 3.1 to 6 megapixels of resolution. Well, the European Space Agency is building a 1 gigapixel (a gigapixel is 1024 megapixels) digital camera for its upcoming Gaia space telescope, due for launch in 2010. It's actually not a single camera, but an array of 170. Gaia will be positioned 1.5 million km (930,000 miles) away from Earth, and will be designed to simultaneously photograph 1 billion stars and plenty of other celestial objects like asteroids, comets, galaxies, and nebulae. The goal will be to map the entire Universe down to a resolution one million times fainter than the human eye can see.”

Read more at How About a Gigapixel Digital Camera?:

Sep 10: Transcend, Rectron introduce new 'pocket-sized' digital camera

“Transcend Information and Rectron have introduced the company's new ”lifestyle-enhancing“ JetFlash Digital Still Camera (DSC) with USB flash drive which fits easily into users' pockets (weighing 26g) and allows for pictures to be taken anywhere.

With 640x480 pixel resolution, photos can be e-mailed and shared easily, plus users won't have to worry about finding the USB cable or card reader to download images. Simply plug-in the JetFlash DSC into an available USB port and start downloading.

Allowing for extended usability, the integrated lithium battery is also recharged via the USB port.”

Read more at Transcend, Rectron introduce new 'pocket-sized' digital camera:

Sep 10: Hamrick Software Updates VueScan 8.0

VueScan Press Release
The update adds support for Epson 2480/2580 on Mac OS X and Linux, and includes support for 43 additional models of Hewlett-Packard OfficeJet/PSC multi-function printer/scanner/copiers. This update also adds support for the Plustek OpticFilm 7200 and Microtek i900 scanners, and improves automatic White Balance, making colors in images look more lifelike. Numerous other improvements and bug fixes have also been included in this release.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) September 7, 2004 -- Hamrick Software, a leading developer of scanning software for consumers and professionals, has released VueScan 8.0.14, of its award-winning program that enables users to easily produce better looking digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides, and documents.

The update adds support for Epson 2480/2580 on Mac OS X and Linux, and includes support for 43 additional models of Hewlett-Packard OfficeJet/PSC multi-function printer/scanner/copiers. This update also adds support for the Plustek OpticFilm 7200 and Microtek i900 scanners, and improves automatic White Balance, making colors in images look more lifelike. Numerous other improvements and bug fixes have also been included in this release.

Used extensively by professional photographers, film processing labs and consumers around the world, VueScan 8.0.14 now offers an enhanced, user-friendly interface, support for raw files for 109 digital cameras, and support for more than 330 scanners. The Standard Edition of VueScan costs $59.95 USD and the Professional Edition costs $79.95 for a single user license. Multi-user licenses are available. A fully functional, trial copy of VueScan can be downloaded from http://www.hamrick.com/ .

VueScan supports over 330 flatbed and film scanners and more than 110 digital camera raw file types, and is available for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. It automatically adjusts images to optimum color balance, which reduces the need to manually do this in Photoshop. VueScan includes built-in color calibration of scanners, producing colors that look true to life. Supporting more than 100 brands of negative film, VueScan offers options for scanning faded slides and prints, batch scanning, IT8 color calibration and other advanced scanning features.

For a detailed listing of VueScan features see:
http://www.hamrick.com/abo.html

Based in Phoenix, AZ, Hamrick Software was founded in 1991. Its first product was VuePrint, an easy to use JPEG viewer for Windows that for many years was the recommended image viewer for AOL, with more than 100,000 users. In 1998, the company first released VueScan, a program for scanning with flatbed and film scanners with more than 50,000 users all over the world.

For more information, contact Hamrick Software, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite
70-F16, Phoenix, AZ 85048. Phone: (480) 282-8032; Fax: (480) 993-2297
E-mail: support@hamrick.com .

Sep 9: Lexmark X7170 All-in-One Printer

Lexmark Press Release

Lexmark All-in-One redefines document management and distribution for SMB professionals

The X7170 All-in-One integrates hardware and software functionality to give SMB professionals a productivity edge --

Lexmark International today introduced the Lexmark X7170 All-in-One featuring exclusive Productivity Suite Software - the latest addition to the company's line of Small &38; Medium Business (SMB) products. Designed to make life easier for busy SMB professionals, the X7170 can dramatically cut administrative time, helping businesses be more productive.

Lexmark's new X7170 All-in-One offers small business owners a one-stop shop for easily faxing, scanning, printing and copying documents, and with the new Lexmark Productivity Suite Software, an easy-to-use method to move information between the paper and digital worlds.

"The Lexmark X7170 All-in-One offers printing, scanning and faxing capabilities together with a complete document management solution," said Giovanni Giusti, Managing Director, Lexmark UK. "Having all of this functionality tied together with our easy to use document management software allows owners to spend less time managing their documents and more time managing their business."

Exclusive Productivity Suite Software
Integrated within the X7170, the Lexmark Productivity Suite Software meets these needs via an intuitive user interface. Users can:
- Create multiple page portable document files (PDFs), from a variety of formats, into a single document for storage and distribution;
- Convert hard copy pages into text files that can be edited and scanned-to-email via Lexmark Optical Character Recognition (OCR) programme;
- Utilise thumbnail images and drag-and-drop functionality to print, fax, email, convert to another format or archive any document with just a few keystrokes;
- Upload images from PictBridge-enabled cameras to edit, organise and print high-definition colour photos;
- View flash tutorials, download templates and receive Lexmark product updates via Web links.

High-resolution Scanner
The X7170 features the industry’s highest resolution flatbed scanner – 1200 x 4800 dots per inch (dpi) resolution – with 48-bit colour depth and CCD technology that can scan photos, reports and even three-dimensional objects.

High-resolution Colour Output
For professionals seeking colour documents and photos, the X7170 boasts borderless printing capabilities, optional six-colour support* and a maximum 4800 x 1200 dpi print resolution. With monochrome print speeds of up to 22 pages-per-minute (ppm), reports are ready when deadlines loom.

Versatile Paper Handling System
The front-loading paper path with a 4”x6” input tray handles a variety of media types including transparencies, heavy card stock, envelopes and labels. Automatic paper sensing technology helps ensure professional print output on all media types.

Easy-to-use LCD Screen
The text LCD screen helps users execute many functions quickly, without the use of a PC. A 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and 150-page input tray help process large copy, scan and fax jobs.

Standalone Capabilities
Standalone colour copy capabilities allow users to reproduce photos and documents with the touch of just one button. The X7170 fax capabilities include 400 x 400 dpi resolution and 33.6 Kbps colour options with convenience features including 100-page memory and 79 speed dials.

Network Support
The Lexmark X7170 offers an optional Ethernet and wireless network adapters so users have the flexibility to position the printer virtually anywhere in the home or office for access by multiple users.

Pricing and availability
The Lexmark X7170 All-in-One is priced at £199.99 and will be available in most high street electrical stores.

For additional information about Lexmark’s SMB offerings, please visit www.lexmark.co.uk

Sep 9: SanDisk Extreme Adventure Series

SanDisk Press Release
SANDISK AND AMERICAN PHOTO MAGAZINE OFFER UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PICTURES WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS IN EXOTIC LOCATIONS

"Extreme Adventure Series" Lets Winning Bidders On eBay Travel to Six Locations Around The World For Hands-On Mentoring With Renowned Photographers; Proceeds To Benefit "Make A Better Place" Charity

Sunnyvale, CA, Sept. 8, 2004 - SanDisk Corporation today announced that SanDisk and American PHOTO magazine will launch the Extreme Adventure Series, a unique opportunity for avid photographers at all skill levels to gain first hand experience by working one-on-one with some of the world's most famous photographers in six 'extreme' locations around the world starting in 2005. Each travel package will be auctioned off with winning bidders traveling to Florida for Super Bowl XXXIX, Indiana for the Indy 500 Auto Race, Botswana for an African safari, France for the Tour de France, Canada for a polar bear expedition and an exploration to India.

The auction can be previewed at (http://www.ebay.com/americanphoto) and bidding will take place from September 10-20, 2004. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Make A Better Place organization, a not-for-profit arts and education organization that promotes youth development and learning through community service and positive social change (http://www.makeabetterplace.org). In addition, each winning bidder will receive a 1 gigabyte (GB) SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash card, which is specifically designed for harsh weather and rapid-fire shooting.

Sep 9: Kodak provides snapshot of its future

"Eastman Kodak Co expects its traditional business and digital business to reach the same level of profitability over the next few years, the company's Chief Financial Officer Robert Brust says.

Speaking at a technology conference in New York, Brust noted that profitability in the digital business is growing while that of the traditional business is falling.

He noted that Kodak has been in a "mad dash to cut costs" in the traditional business as that business becomes less profitable.

The company will provide more details about its expectations during its institutional investor meeting on September 22, he said.

Kodak expects its digital camera business to be profitable by the end of this year, and Brust noted that Kodak has taken the No. 2 position in digital camera sales in the US over the last year-and-a-half. It is second only to Sony Corp.

On a worldwide basis, Kodak holds the No. 4 spot in terms of digital camera sales, he said."

Read more at Kodak provides snapshot of its future

Sep 9: Worldwide Revenue from At-Home Digital Photo Printing Will Near $10 Billion in 2008

Lyra Press Release (click to enlarge diagram)
Lyra's forecast reflects sustained opportunity for ink jet printer and supplies vendors
 
A new report from Lyra Research finds that worldwide revenue from at-home printing of photos captured by digital camera will grow from $7.1 billion in 2003 to $9.9 billion in 2008, a compound annual growth rate of 9 percent. The comprehensive report, Consumer Photo-Printing Market: Where Digital Photos Will Be Printed, examines consumer photo-printing behavior and forecasts where digital camera owners will print the photos they capture--at home, at retail, or online.

"The majority of digital camera photos will continue to be printed at home, which is good news for ink jet printer and supplies vendors: sales of ink cartridges and photo paper will increase," explained Robert Palmer, director of Lyra's Digital Photography Advisory Service. Palmer added, "As the household penetration of digital cameras increases, the choices consumers make about where they conduct photo printing will continue to evolve."

Consumer Photo-Printing Market: Where Digital Photos Will Be Printed is available now. The report provides digital camera shipment and revenue forecasts through 2008 and estimates the size of the photo-printing market for digital cameras with details by world region. The report also outlines the opportunities and challenges for vendors interested in capturing photo-printing revenue and profiles the companies that are emerging as leaders in this market. A complete description of the report can be found on Lyra Research's Web site at www.lyra.com.

About Lyra Research
Founded in 1991, Lyra Research is recognized worldwide as the leading provider of market, product, and technology information and analysis focused on the imaging industry. Lyra Research provides targeted information on printers and copiers, digital photography, and imaging supplies to more than 2,000 clients in more than 40 countries. Lyra's portfolio of services includes leading industry newsletters, special market reports, advisory services, conferences, and custom consulting."

Read more at Worldwide Revenue from At-Home Digital Photo Printing Will Near $10 Billion in 2008:

Sep 9: How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography - Review

Digital Producer reviews How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography.

"How to Wow  is kind of a marriage of the Photoshop Wow! series of books that Jack Davis  has written in the past and adds the complexity of digital photography thanks  to Ben Willmore's previous book releases and his 'Photoshop for Photographers' series of conference sessions that make this a very unique book release.

That's because you're not just learning a lot of Photoshop effect techniques. Lots of books already teach you that. Here you learn how to  take the best digital photos, selecting the right file formats, the ways to calibrate your monitor properly, determining the best exposures for your shots and the best overall workflow in Photoshop. In fact, the first two chapters of this book are written to teach you all sorts of cool tips in Photoshop EXCEPT create cool effects. A lot of books do teach you that, but in a droll way. This book delivers and makes it easy to comprehend...."

Read more at How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography

Sep 9: OurPictures Unveils Single Click Photo Sharing for Mobile Phones, PCs and TVs at DEMOmobile 2004

"OurPictures, the service that makes digital photography simple enough for everyone, today unveiled at the DEMOmobile 2004 conference OurPictures Mobile(TM), an all-new service that enables consumers to share photos with a single click between cell phones, computers, and TVs. The company also demonstrated OurPictures TV(TM), a groundbreaking solution that brings photo-interaction home to the TV.

Available in October 2004 throughout North America and the U.K. for $1.99 per month, OurPictures Mobile(TM) is the first industry-wide solution enabling consumers to automatically transfer photos and video clips from a camera phone to a PC with just one click. Once a picture is snapped with a camera phone, only a single click is needed and the image is instantly delivered to friends and family, as well as the sender's PC desktop where they can organize them with the rest of their digital photos.

"Camera phones are fundamentally changing the world of digital photography because their portability makes them the perfect anytime, anywhere networked camera," said OurPictures CEO John Paul. "And, with 1 megapixel phones now available in the U.S. and 2 and 3 megapixel phones prevalent in Asia, good quality camera phone pictures are now available."

Camera phones are becoming ubiquitous, with some models available to U.S. consumers for as little as $35 with mobile plans. Within two years, photos from mobile handset cameras will become the mainstream source of new photos of vacations, friends and family. According to InfoTrends, worldwide camera phones sales will hit 150 million in 2004 resulting in an additional 29 billion digital images captured. By 2008 sales growth is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 55% and will reach 656 million units."

Read more at OurPictures Unveils Single Click Photo Sharing for Mobile Phones, PCs and TVs at DEMOmobile 2004:

Sep 9: Lexmark P6250 Home Photo Printer

Lexmark Press Release

Lexmark changes the game for photo printing at home

Two new devices bring home the power and simplicity of retail photo kiosks

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today introduced two products that dramatically change the at-home photo printing experience. The result of exhaustive research, focus groups and user testing, every aspect - from innovative industrial design and enhanced performance to unique, value-added bonus features - will simplify the digital photo printing process for busy families.

Kristy Holch, a Group Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures observed, "Consumer photo printing has not quite kept pace with the proliferation of digital cameras. Consumer comments reveal the causes, such as too many steps in the printing process and lack of time."

The Lexmark P915 Home Photo Printer and the Lexmark P6250 Home Photo Center All-in-One are persuasive alternatives to products from other printer manufacturers and challenge the appeal of photo kiosks at large retail outlets.

“Until now, customers who sought quality, fast prints saw home photo printing as a complex sequence of button pushing and program navigation,” said Najib Bahous, Lexmark vice president and president of its Consumer Printer Division. “Those days are over. The P915 and P6250 are so sophisticated yet so easy, it’s like harnessing the power of a large photo kiosk.”

Advanced features, simple photo printing
Lexmark has long been known for its purposeful design, but the Lexmark P915 and P6250 take that development philosophy to new heights. Both products are infused with features that render the photo printing process quick and intuitive.

Both products deliver great results with Evercolor™ inks. Evercolor is a unique six-color hybrid ink system that combines the broad color gamut of dyes with the permanence of pigment inks. Consumers can print brilliant photos that last longer without fading than traditional photos under display conditions and more than 200 years storage in photo albums.*

The hub of both photo printers is located front and center at the LCD display, offering unconventional help to make users’ life easier. The 2.5-inch color LCD features:

Count down timer – busy consumers can multitask while printing their photos, as a timer counts down how long it will take to generate output.

Print preview – when using these products in standalone mode, the color LCD previews how the printed image will appear.

Built-in video instructions – a video demonstration visually walks the user through the steps of replacing cartridges, while he/she is actually changing the cartridge.
Additional features that make the printing experience easier include:

Smart software – designed to work in perfect harmony with Lexmark’s technology, the exclusive Imaging Studio Software helps novice users effortlessly execute photo editing features such as red-eye reduction, cropping and re-sizing, when in PC – attached mode.

Photo Scan Guide – The P6250 offers blue LED lights that serve as a reminder of where the top left corner of your document should be placed when scanning a document, for quick document placement -- every time.

The P915 and P6250 offer on-board camera card readers, support PictBridge technology and feature six-color output with borderless capabilities. Images can be produced with resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dots per inch with inks that last for decades under display conditions.*

The Accu-Feed™ paper handling system allows for easy switching of media, while sensing technology detects the loaded media type and adjusts the driver for the best possible output.

An embedded storage compartment within the P6250, accommodates a replacement cartridge, so the user can always have an extra one close-at-hand.

Continued Bahous, “We assimilated mountains of data about busy families and incorporated our findings to create products with unique features and benefits.”

Pricing and availability
The Lexmark P915 Home Photo Printer and P6250 Home Photo Center All-In-One have estimated retail prices of $149 and $249, respectively.

Both products will begin shipping later this month and will be sold in many retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, OfficeMax &38;38; Staples. Models may vary by retailer. Business customers can also purchase the new products through CDW, Insight, MicroWarehouse, PC Connection, PC Mall and many other solution providers. For more product information, visit lexmark.com.

Sep 9: Lexmark P915 Home Photo Printer

Lexmark Press Release

Lexmark changes the game for photo printing at home

Two new devices bring home the power and simplicity of retail photo kiosks

Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) today introduced two products that dramatically change the at-home photo printing experience. The result of exhaustive research, focus groups and user testing, every aspect - from innovative industrial design and enhanced performance to unique, value-added bonus features - will simplify the digital photo printing process for busy families.

Kristy Holch, a Group Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures observed, "Consumer photo printing has not quite kept pace with the proliferation of digital cameras. Consumer comments reveal the causes, such as too many steps in the printing process and lack of time."

The Lexmark P915 Home Photo Printer and the Lexmark P6250 Home Photo Center All-in-One are persuasive alternatives to products from other printer manufacturers and challenge the appeal of photo kiosks at large retail outlets.

“Until now, customers who sought quality, fast prints saw home photo printing as a complex sequence of button pushing and program navigation,” said Najib Bahous, Lexmark vice president and president of its Consumer Printer Division. “Those days are over. The P915 and P6250 are so sophisticated yet so easy, it’s like harnessing the power of a large photo kiosk.”

Advanced features, simple photo printing
Lexmark has long been known for its purposeful design, but the Lexmark P915 and P6250 take that development philosophy to new heights. Both products are infused with features that render the photo printing process quick and intuitive.

Both products deliver great results with Evercolor™ inks. Evercolor is a unique six-color hybrid ink system that combines the broad color gamut of dyes with the permanence of pigment inks. Consumers can print brilliant photos that last longer without fading than traditional photos under display conditions and more than 200 years storage in photo albums.*

The hub of both photo printers is located front and center at the LCD display, offering unconventional help to make users’ life easier. The 2.5-inch color LCD features:

Count down timer – busy consumers can multitask while printing their photos, as a timer counts down how long it will take to generate output.

Print preview – when using these products in standalone mode, the color LCD previews how the printed image will appear.

Built-in video instructions – a video demonstration visually walks the user through the steps of replacing cartridges, while he/she is actually changing the cartridge.
Additional features that make the printing experience easier include:

Smart software – designed to work in perfect harmony with Lexmark’s technology, the exclusive Imaging Studio Software helps novice users effortlessly execute photo editing features such as red-eye reduction, cropping and re-sizing, when in PC – attached mode.

Photo Scan Guide – The P6250 offers blue LED lights that serve as a reminder of where the top left corner of your document should be placed when scanning a document, for quick document placement -- every time.

The P915 and P6250 offer on-board camera card readers, support PictBridge technology and feature six-color output with borderless capabilities. Images can be produced with resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dots per inch with inks that last for decades under display conditions.*

The Accu-Feed™ paper handling system allows for easy switching of media, while sensing technology detects the loaded media type and adjusts the driver for the best possible output.

An embedded storage compartment within the P6250, accommodates a replacement cartridge, so the user can always have an extra one close-at-hand.

Continued Bahous, “We assimilated mountains of data about busy families and incorporated our findings to create products with unique features and benefits.”

Pricing and availability
The Lexmark P915 Home Photo Printer and P6250 Home Photo Center All-In-One have estimated retail prices of $149 and $249, respectively.

Both products will begin shipping later this month and will be sold in many retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, OfficeMax &38; Staples. Models may vary by retailer. Business customers can also purchase the new products through CDW, Insight, MicroWarehouse, PC Connection, PC Mall and many other solution providers. For more product information, visit lexmark.com.

Sep 9: Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

The Sony Cybershot DSC M1 is a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical zoom lens that takes digital camera design to a new and rather unconventional place. The DSC-M1 is based upon the DSC-T1 but has a design that resembles a vertical camera phone design with an innovative swivel action. Pictures are the best way to get a handle on this unusual new design (click to enlarge the pictures scattered through this article).

Get the Latest Price on the Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 Reviews

Steve's Digicams reviews the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-M1 and writes - 'The Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is a compact 5.1-megapixel digital still camera that features VGA resolution MPEG4 motion video capture at 30fps with stereo audio. The camera, a slim, matte-black device about the size of a deck of cards, is held vertically, and its 2.5-inch articulated LCD swivels upward and rotates a full 270 degrees. This new shooting orientation provides more surface area to access both the menu navigation buttons and two “hot” buttons to for direct access to recording stills and video.'

The Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 is a camera designed to increase the quality of video that digital cameras can offer. It offers MPEG4 (MPEGMOVIE4TV) which means higher quality video (up to 50% more vertical resolution). It also offers not one but two microphones - allowing stereo sound recording.

The innovations don't stop there - this camera has 4 shutter buttons - a capability to set a 5 second limit on video clips - and an interesting hybrid recording mode which allows the recording of a combination of both video and still images with just one press of the shutter button.

This $600 (US ) camera is expected to ship in December 2004.

PC Mag reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 and writes - 'As we said in our preview, the video capabilities and quality of digital still cameras and hybrid cameras still haven't caught up to camcorders, but they've improved so much over the past year that their convenience has us shooting a lot more video with them. Our testing reveals that the M1 is a solid camera, with good capabilities and features, despite a few drawbacks. We think of it as a still camera that consumers will enjoy shooting video on.'

DC Recource has written a hands on preview of the Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 and writes - 'While it looks a heck of a lot like a camera phone, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 ($600) can't make or receive calls. Rather, it's a unique combination of camera and camcorder, though that's not necessarily how Sony wants you to see it. The M1 combines a 5 Megapixel camera (mostly parts from the DSC-T1), enhances its movie recording functionality by using the MPEG4 format, and throwing it into a body unlike anything else on the market. People probably won't buy the M1 for its picture-taking abilities: they can get that elsewhere for less money. Instead, it's for people who want to take higher quality movie clips with less of a hit on their memory cards. Since the M1 uses MPEG4, you don't need a fast Memory Stick Pro card to record video at the highest quality -- any regular Memory Stick Duo card will work. This new movie feature is called MPEGMovie4TV (versus MPEGMovie VX on other recent Sony cameras).'

CNET writes a good review of the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1 and advises - 'At the unveiling of the eye-catching Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1 in the fall of 2004, it promised hybrid still and video performance to accompany its futuristic, quirky design. We found that the M1 delivers on most counts, delivering decent 5-megapixel images, a solid snapshot feature set with some novel additions, and a video mode that's impressive as long as you can afford the high-capacity Memory Stick Duo Pro media. Indeed, the Sony M1 has two major pluses that separate it from the hybrid pack: superior performance for a point-and-shoot camera and MPEG-4 movie quality that tops any we've seen from a competitor. On the minus side, Sony burdens the device with subpar software.'

AnandTech review the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 and write - "We were generally impressed with the M1's speed. It is quick to start up, showed fast cycle times without the flash, and has incredibly fast shutter lag and auto-focus times. With the flash enabled, the shot-to-shot time increases dramatically, making it a bit slower than average. Of course, what makes or breaks a digital camera in the end is image quality. The M1 performed very well on our resolution test chart. Unfortunately, the results that we saw in the studio did not translate well to the real world."

Buy the Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

Learn more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 from the following press release from Sony and the following links:
- Digital Eye - Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 preview
- Steve's Digicams - Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 preview
- Imaging Resource - Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

Sony Press Release
SONY'S CYBER-SHOT M1 CAMERA EXTENDS THE MEMORY TO MORE THAN JUST AN INSTANT IN TIME

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 8 2004 A picture may say a thousand words, but with Sony's futuristic new Cyber-shot DSC-M1 digital camera and its extraordinary video features, it's what happens before and after the picture is taken that says the most.

'Capturing that one special moment in time is, of course, the reason why cameras exist,' said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' Personal Mobile and Imaging Division. 'But what led up to that moment, and what happened just after is an important story to tell too.'

Enter, the Cyber-shot DSC-M1, a 5.1-megapixel digital still camera that also pays particular attention to the role moving images play in preserving memories, and even more attention to making it easy to use. It will be available in December for about $600.

The camera, a slim, matte-black device about the size of a deck of cards, is held vertically, and its 2.5-inch articulated LCD swivels upward and rotates a full 270 degrees. This new shooting orientation provides more surface area to access both the menu navigation buttons and two 'hot' buttons to for direct access to recording stills and video.

The outer edge of the LCD also has buttons serving two functions. While the LCD is extended and the camera is in record mode, the buttons can be used to record, and toggle back and forth between stills and video. When the LCD is facing outward, but flush with the camera's body, the buttons can be used to playback stills and video, turning the camera into a personal media viewer.

A Revolution in Short-Clip Video Capture and Compression

A new hybrid record mode makes the most of the scene being captured by automatically recording five seconds of QVGA video before and three seconds after the still image is snapped, creating a more complete record of the sights and sounds of the moment. The video and still images are stored as two separate files, but played back as one in the camera.

'This hybrid recording mode serves as something of a safety net for unanticipated moments that you'll later be glad you caught,' Haber said. 'Think of what happens immediately before and after the guest of honor walks into a surprise party. A photo may have been taken at just right moment, but the M1 can be a time machine that tells others what it was like to be there.'

The Cyber-shot DSC-M1 camera's enhanced video functions include recording with the new MPEGMovie 4TV feature, the MPEG-4 compression format that significantly increases picture quality and resolution while dramatically reducing file size. Employing a reduced bit rate (from 11Mpbs to 2.5 Mpbs), MPEGMovie 4TV mode enables the recording of up to 27 minutes of VGA-resolution, 30-frames-per-second video with stereo sound on an optional 512 MB Memory Stick PRO Duo media card, or up to 54 minutes with the optional 1GB card, available soon.

The camera uses a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3X optical zoom lens, and the zoom operates even while capturing video. The M1 model also uses Sony's Real Imaging Processor circuit, an ultra-fast processor that enables quick start-up and rapid shot-to-shot times. It also enhances the speed of advanced features that help the user get the picture right the first time, including sophisticated auto-exposure, auto-white balance and five-area, multi-point auto-focus features.

The M1 camera operates using Sony's InfoLithium, rechargeable battery system, displaying approximate to-the-minute remaining battery life on the LCD. It comes bundled with a custom-sized Cyber-shot Station USB cradle for keeping the battery charged and the camera connected to your PC for easy downloading. The Cyber-shot Station also connects to a TV for playing back videos and stills on the big screen.

Bundled software includes the PicturePackage, 1.2 application, which includes a function for converting MPEG-4 video clips into the AVI format, allowing for easy editing.

Sep 8: DxO Optics Pro 1.1 Review

DP Review has just reviewed the DxO Optics Pro 1.1.

'DxO allows for easy automation and can batch process files. It will automatically identify the camera and lens. In the event it is unable to handle a certain camera-lens combination, DxO does not interrupt the batch process, but communicates this via a dialog box at the end of the process. On a 2.6GHz Pentium 4 machine with 756MB RAM and no other applications running, it took about 1 minute to process eight six megapixel JPEG images with all 4 adjustments and output them as 100% quality JPEG images (there is also a TIFF output option which we used for the comparisons in this review).' Read more

Sep 8: M-Systems and SanDisk Sign Strategic Agreement on Next Generation Flash Drives

SanDisk Press Release
M-Systems and SanDisk Sign Strategic Agreement for Next Generation USB Flash Drives

New Jointly Developed Industry Standard Will Enable Third Party Developers to Access Innovative Flash Drive Intelligence and Easily Design Powerful Applications

FREMONT and SUNNYVALE, CA - Sep 7, 2004 - M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (NASDAQ: FLSH) and SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that they have signed a strategic collaboration and patent cross-license agreement to jointly develop and promote the next-generation USB flash drive platform. The collaboration will establish technology standards to enhance the usability and functionality of USB flash drives in a wide range of applications. The collaboration also opens the door to a standardized platform on which third party software application developers can develop powerful new applications for consumer and enterprise use.

Both companies will contribute to the new USB flash drive standard their considerable patents and other intellectual property in removable flash storage-M-Systems as the founding technology developer and driver of the USB flash drive category and SanDisk as the pioneer and worldwide leader of flash cards. Once the new standard is established, the two companies intend to license it to foster industry-wide adoption.

"This collaboration signals the birth of the next generation of USB flash drive technology," said Dov Moran, president and CEO of M-Systems. "Combining SanDisk's marketing and standards-setting expertise with M-Systems' USB flash drive innovation and market position will ensure a feature rich product that will provide true added-value to users and businesses."

"SanDisk and M-Systems share a common vision of a world in which computing revolves around the user and their portable storage needs," said Eli Harari, president and CEO of SanDisk. "We have a great deal of respect for M-Systems' product innovations and are confident that the combined strengths of SanDisk and M-Systems will create a compelling new standard in USB flash drives that should enable exciting new applications and new market segments that will unleash the creative power of independent, third party developers worldwide."

Details of the new standard will be revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2005. Both companies expect the first products based upon the new standard to be introduced through select channels soon after.

"Our collaboration with SanDisk represents an evolution of our current Smart DiskOnKey Platform to a new and much more powerful standard platform that will enable M-Systems to realize its vision on a larger scale," said Arnon Dinur, vice president and general manager of M-Systems' DiskOnKey division. "The new standards will accelerate the already rapid growth of the category by offering unparalleled value through a wealth of exciting applications for the user."

According to Gartner, a research and advisory firm, the market for USB flash drives is expected to grow from $572 million this year to $1.7 billion in 2007.

"The market for USB flash drives has grown dramatically in the last 2 years. With it has come a raft of innovative add-on software applications to improve functionality beyond the floppy disk replacement. Up to now, these software applications have been largely developed as point products-requiring customization for each USB drive design. The new collaboration between M-Systems and SanDisk opens the door for much more powerful and standardized applications to be developed across a wide range of products from multiple vendors and independent third party developers. This is one of the keys to the collaboration and will be a huge driver of the category in the coming years," said Wes Brewer, vice president for consumer product marketing at SanDisk.

About M-Systems
M-Systems designs, develops and markets innovative flash data storage solutions for digital consumer electronics markets. M-Systems primarily targets two fast-growing digital consumer electronics markets: the USB (universal serial bus) flash drive market with its DiskOnKey product and the multimedia mobile handset market with its Mobile DiskOnChip products. For more information, please contact M-Systems at www.m-systems.com.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the world's largest supplier of flash storage card products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, CA. www.sandisk.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including the companies' plans for the next generation USB flash drives that are based on their respective current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate and may significantly and adversely affect their respective business, financial condition and results of operations. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: market demand for next generation USB flash drives may not materialize, or may grow more slowly than each company's expectations or experience a slower adoption rate for these products in new markets that the companies are each targeting, technological difficulties in designing, manufacturing or interoperating the next generation USB flash drives, competition from competing standards, interruptions or delay in supply from any of the semiconductor manufacturing facilities that supply products to each company, future average selling price may be lower than each company's expectations, competition from other device manufacturers, host manufacturers or from operating system vendors, higher than anticipated marketing and product launch costs, adverse global economic and geo-political conditions and the other risks detailed from time-to-time in each company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, M-Systems' Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2003 and its reports on Form 6-K and SanDisk's Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2003 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Future results may differ materially from those previously reported. Neither company undertakes or intends to update the information contained in this release.

Sep 8: Sandisk launches Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive in Mexico

SanDisk Press Release
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, SEPT. 7, 2004 – SanDisk® Corporation today announced that it will start selling its Cruzer® Micro portable USB flash drive, which is capable of storing large numbers of pictures, text files and music, in Mexico. The announcement was made during a series of press briefings in Mexico City.

As one of the world’s smallest USB 2.0 high-speed flash memory storage drives, the Cruzer Micro is roughly half the size of a stick of chewing gum and can be attached to a keychain. Its thin shape makes it easy to plug into a computer USB port without obstructing other USB connections.

The Cruzer Micro will be shipped in three capacities – 128, 256 and 512 megabytes. That’s plenty of space to store large office documents, presentations, images, video files or homework from school.

Oscar Narvaez, sales director of Grupo O’Donnell International, SanDisk’s sales representative for Latin America, said that by early October the Cruzer Micro will be available at large retailers, such as warehouse and membership department stores, throughout Mexico. Distributing the Cruzer line in Mexico are three companies – IMALDI, C &38;38; D Comercial and Brightstar Mexico.

“The versatility of the Cruzer Micro should appeal to both office workers and students,” said Bruce Baird, SanDisk’s national sales manager for Latin America and Canada. SanDisk already sells its highly popular Cruzer Mini USB flash drive in Mexico, and is expanding its retail network to office supply stores.

All Cruzer flash storage drives are “plug and play” compatible with PCs and Apple computers when used with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Mac OS 10.1.2+ and Mac OS9.2.1+. For Windows 98SE, users can install a driver that comes bundled with an included CD-ROM in some markets or can be downloaded from the Internet in other markets. The Cruzer Micro will be shipped with CruzerLock™ software, a file encryption product that protects data so that it cannot be accessed by others if the device is lost or stolen.

SanDisk, the world’s largest supplier of flash memory data storage card products, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid-state data, digital imaging and audio storage products using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is based in Sunnyvale, California.

Sep 8: Xerox 6400 Flatbed Scanner

Xerox Press Release

New Xerox Scanner Helps People Easily Archive Favorite Photos and Restore Heirloom Prints

Xerox 6400 Scanner Offers Image Quality, One Touch Ease-of-Use and Restoration Software Bundle All for $199(US)

PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Xerox 6400 scanner, announced today, is a high-quality flatbed scanner for photo enthusiasts who want a complete archiving solution for photos, negatives and slides in a single piece of hardware.

The desktop scanner delivers outstanding results with its true 3200 x 6400-dpi resolution and built-in slide and filmstrip adapter for conveniently making duplicates or enlargements from 35mm slides and negatives. The scanner also features 48-bit color depth for remarkable color accuracy and a fast Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for scanning photos, text and graphics with ease. The photo restoration software bundle was custom created for the Xerox 6400 and includes automatic photo-enhancement features and powerful text effects. The Xerox 6400 is the first Xerox flatbed scanner designed with the image-driven consumer in mind. It is a premium quality scanner at an affordable price of only $199.99.

The Xerox 6400 features five One Touch buttons that are pre-configured for the most common scanning tasks, so people can get great results within minutes of opening the box. The buttons are set at the optimal settings to scan, copy, OCR, e-mail, and perform a custom task, so first-time users can start scanning immediately with confidence.

Xerox scanners with One Touch technology are designed so that pressing one button takes the user all the way through the scanning task, not just launching the program. Advanced users can quickly learn to customize the buttons for even more power. Simply holding down a One Touch button brings up the scan setting interface, which people can easily change to meet the needs of the task at hand. For example, an avid photographer can easily modify the buttons to automatically scan black-and-white photos or scan directly into their photo editing application.

Complete Software Bundle
The Xerox 6400 comes with ScanSoft's PaperPort 9.0 SE with built-in TextBridge OCR, ArcSoft's Scrapbook Suite and an exclusive version of MyPublisher Bookmaker(TM).

-- ScanSoft's PaperPort software is one of the best-selling document and image management applications that creates thumbnails of everything that people scan, allowing them to easily file items into folders. It also enables users to send scanned documents and photos to multiple applications and devices. ScanSoft's TextBridge OCR allows people to scan printed text into their word processor without having to retype documents.
-- ArcSoft's Scrapbook Suite is a custom-designed photo restoration software bundle for the Xerox 6400 scanner. It is an easy-to-use photo editing and creative design program that allows people to edit and retouch photos, then add special effects or place them in cards, calendars, frames and create personalized scrapbooks.
-- MyPublisher Bookmaker software helps people design, build and order high-quality hardcover books of their digital photos to share with friends. MyPublisher's high quality, linen- or leather-bound books start at only $29.95, but through a special offer for Xerox 6400 customers, books will be available at a discounted price.

The Xerox scanner series also features Scan Manager Pro, an advanced TWAIN driver with tools normally found only in high-end image editing applications.

Price and Availability
The Xerox 6400 is currently available through online retailers, mail order catalogs and from the Xerox Scanner Web site at http://www.xeroxscanners.com/ . The suggested retail price is $199.99. For additional information, consumers can visit the Xerox Scanner site.

Minimum System Requirements
The Xerox 6400 requires a Pentium or equivalent processor or higher and Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition or Windows XP, 128MB RAM (256MB for Windows XP), 200MB available hard disk space, a CD-ROM drive, a color monitor and a USB Port.

NOTE: XEROX(R), The Document Company(R) and the digital X(R) are trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION. All other companies and products mentioned may be trademarks of their respective holdings and are hereby recognized.

Sep 8: Nokia Chooses Kopin Microdisplay for Kaleidoscope I

Kopin Press Release
Nokia Chooses Kopin Microdisplay for 'Kaleidoscope I,' A Breakthrough Accessory for Camera Phone and Digital Still Camera Users

TAUNTON, Mass.--Sept. 7, 2004-- Nokia selects Kopin CyberDisplay 180K, responding to strong customer demand for clear and crisp display of images to open a new dimension of cellular phone market

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, has selected the Kopin Corp.
CyberDisplay(TM) 180K as the color microdisplay for Nokia's new Kaleidoscope I, an innovative picture-viewing and storage accessory for users of digital still cameras and next-generation mobile phone systems. The Kaleidoscope I, just introduced by Nokia, reveals the future of cellular phone technology and is the first major foray by a major cell phone company into high-resolution microdisplays.

The Nokia Kaleidoscope I takes the clarity and image quality of phone-based digital imaging to a new level, thanks to the Kopin CyberDisplay 180K, a color-filter microdisplay that contains 800 x 225 (180,000) pixel dots on a quarter-inch diagonal active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) surface.

The Kaleidoscope I is a stylish device the size of a salt shaker that can be worn as a pendant or tucked in a purse. The Kaleidoscope I uses infrared technology to receive images from a compatible imaging phone or digital camera, for the first time enabling users to create a mobile digital photo album. These images can then be viewed by looking through a viewfinder that contains Kopin's CyberDisplay 180K. The Nokia Kaleidoscope I can store up to 24 high-resolution digital images internally and up to 750 images using an external 64MB memory card in the device's memory card slot.

"How many of us have grown up with pictures of our children, grandchildren or friends in our wallets or pocketbooks?" said Dr. John C.C. Fan, Kopin's president and CEO. "One of the best features of a camera phone or very small digital still cameras available today is their ability to capture spontaneous events worth viewing for a lifetime. The Nokia Kaleidoscope I ties these together. Now you have a device to store and view these moments as large virtual images in their full crisp and colorful glory. The trend-setting Nokia Kaleidoscope marks Kopin's entry into telephone display technology with the world's largest cellular phone manufacturer. We strongly believe the recent developments in advanced features in cell phones bode well for Kopin's microdisplays." Kopin is the largest U.S. manufacturer of microdisplays for consumer, military and industrial applications.

The Nokia Kaleidoscope I is compatible with Nokia products that have both infrared and the Foreground Send and Receive feature, including the Nokia 3200, Nokia 3650, Nokia 6220, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6650, Nokia 7600 and Nokia 7650 phones, the Nokia 9210 and Nokia 9210i Communicators, Nokia Medallions I and II, and other Nokia Kaleidoscope I viewers. The Kaleidoscope I also works with compatible PCs with an infrared connection, or images can be loaded from a compatible MMC card.

About Kopin
Founded in 1984, Kopin is pioneering the use of nanotechnology to manufacture nanosemiconductor products that make mobile electronic devices small, fast, bright, lightweight and power efficient. With an intellectual property portfolio of more than 200 issued and pending patents, Kopin supplies the world's largest electronics manufacturers and government agencies with breakthrough semiconductor products. The Company's liquid-crystal microdisplays, ultra-efficient transistors and high-brightness GaN LEDs enhance the delivery and presentation of voice, video and data. Kopin technology is currently used in nearly one-third of the world's cell phones and camcorders and is the microdisplay standard for the U.S. military. For more information, please visit Kopin's website at www.kopin.com.

Statements in this news release about the CyberDisplay 180K are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect future results. Among these risk factors are: general economic and business conditions and growth in the flat panel display industry; the impact of competitive products and pricing; availability of third-party components; cost and yields associated with production of the Company's CyberDisplay 180K product; loss of significant customers; acceptance of the Company's products; continuation of strategic relationships; availability of integrated circuit fabrication facilities; and other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and Form 10-Q for the period ended June 26, 2004.

Sep 8: Creo Leaf Aptus Digital Back

Creo Press Release

Creo Announces The Leaf Aptus Digital Camera Back

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA-- Creo Inc. announces the latest generation of portable and studio digital camera backs - the Leaf® Aptus. This new product line has the portability and ease-of-use of consumer products, combined with the robustness, resolution and powerful workflow required by professional photographers. The Leaf Aptus product line includes the Leaf Aptus 22 and Leaf Aptus 17 digital camera backs with resolutions of 22 and 17 megapixels respectively.

Easy Operation
The Leaf Aptus digital camera back contains a built-in, large (6 x 7 cm) LCD enabling practical image evaluation, focus confirmation and editing. The integrated compact flash allows for easy shooting. A single rechargeable lithium ion battery can provide power for over 1,000 frames in over four hours of continuous operation.

Robust Shooting with Top Speed
New hardware boosts the 1.2 seconds per frame capture rate to provide a continuous non-stop burst of lossless raw HDR files. Each shot can be stored directly to the 20 GB Leaf Digital Magazine that holds up to 2,000 frames, depending on back configuration, or to an external FireWire® portable drive of 250 GB or larger, allowing for extremely productive shooting.

Efficient Workflow with Touch Screen Control
The Leaf Aptus is the world's first camera back with a touch screen and a graphic user interface (GUI) that provides the ability to easily and quickly prepare custom job setups. Files can be pre-named, job folders created, files flagged and edited on location to speed-up workflow.

Unique wireless display technology is also built into the Aptus. By using the Leaf DP-67, a portable display or digital proof based on the HP iPAQ pocket PC, the client or art director can see instant previews away from the camera. This workflow enhances teamwork on location.

The Leaf Aptus digital camera back also integrates a new compressed raw HDR (CHDR) file format. This format decreases the size of raw HDR files by half with lossless compression that retains 100 percent of the original data. This speeds up shooting, doubles effective storage capacity, and makes archiving and file transmission twice as efficient.

Availability and Upgrade Options
The Leaf Aptus digital camera back will be introduced at Photokina 2004 in Cologne, Germany at the Creo Leaf stand. Commercial shipments will begin in February 2005. Photographers who would like to take advantage of the new Leaf Aptus can start work today with a new Leaf Valeo 22Wi or Leaf Valeo 17Wi digital camera back and upgrade later to the Aptus. Attractive upgrade options for existing digital photographers are also available. For more information, contact Leaf at www.creo.com/leaf.

Photokina: September 28 - October 3, 2004
Visit www.creo.com/leaf and register online for hands-on demonstrations of Leaf digital camera backs at the Leaf stand (Hall 14.2 Stand M-40) during Photokina.

Leaf Aptus specifications

Technology:
Full frame CCD dual sensor readout (DSR) for double capture speed (patent pending)
Bluetooth® wireless technology
Cooling fan for efficient heat removal

Resolution:
Leaf Aptus 22: 4056 x 5356
Leaf Aptus 17: 3576 x 4716

Dynamic range:
12 f-stops

Color depth:
16-bit (65,536 levels per color)

Capture speed:
1.2 sec per frame (50 frames per minute) (both tethered and portable)

LCD screen (built in)
Size: 3.5 in.
Pixels: 211,680
Advanced touch-screen graphic user interface (GUI)

Functionality on LCD:
Pre-shoot file naming, image flags, full browsing and file management, create job folders, preview up to 20 images on one screen, true zoom to verify focus, histogram, exposure alarms, average exposure meter, spot meter (f-stop), custom and preset gray balance, ISO, selectable image-setting tags, metadata, custom file annotations, and more

Wireless display--DP-67 Digital Proof (optional):
Size: 3.5 to 4 in.
Pixels: 230,400
Based on HP iPAQ certified models

Portable storage options:
CF card type II (read/write speed depends on CF from 3 MB per second or higher)
20 GB Digital Magazine (read/write speed--17 MB per second)
Standard high-volume portable FireWire disks are optional

Battery:
Over 1000 frames and over four hours of continuous operation

File size (Leaf Aptus 22/17):
Leaf HDR 16-bit: 126 MB/99 MB
Leaf raw HDR 16-bit: 42 MB/33 MB
Compressed raw HDR 16-bit (cHDR) (approximate size):
Lossless cHDR: ~21 MB/~17 MB
Nearly lossless cHDR: ~11 MB/~9 MB
RGB 8-bit: 63 MB/48 MB
CMYK 8-bit: 84 MB/65 MB

Sensitivity:
ISO 25-400

Lighting:
Compatible with all lighting conditions

Cameras supported:
Hasselblad: H1 and V series
Mamiya: 645AFD, RZ67, RB67
Contax: 645AFD
Fuji GX680
Bronica SQA/ETRS
View cameras: Sinar, Toyo, Cambo, Linhof, Horseman, Rollei X-Act, and others

Sep 7: Photographer captures big dividends in digital

" Commercial photographer John Shoemaker knew switching to digital photography two years ago would change the way he takes and produces photos, but he didn’t realize how much it would improve his marketing efforts.

Shoemaker’s phone number and Web site are on the free wallet-sized sample photos high school seniors give to their friends. Newly-weds circulate free extra copies of CDs filled with their wedding pictures. Businesses display his marketing posters that include photos of customers, staff members or the owner’s family.

“I call it my theory of zero marketing,” said Shoemaker, who no longer needs to advertise in the yellow pages.

Shoemaker, 38, began taking commercial photos as a student at Fraser High School. Saving time and money originally attracted him to digital photography in 2002, and he soon realized it also allowed him to exercise much more creativity.

Shoemaker expects revenues to reach $300,000 this year and $400,000 next year, which would double the size of his business since switching to digital equipment. His assistant, Lisa Marie Lobaito, is starting to do some of the photography, and he anticipates hiring one or two additional employees and moving the business out of his basement."

Read more at Photographer captures big dividends in digital

Sep 7: Paint Shop Pro Studio and Paint Shop Pro 9 Launched

Jasc(R) Press Release
Paint Shop Pro Studio Ideal for Digital Photographers Ready to Do More With Their Photos

Paint Shop Pro 9 Offers More Advanced Functionality for Professional Results

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Jasc(R) Software, Inc. announced today the general availability of Paint Shop(TM) Pro(R) Studio and Paint Shop(TM) Pro(R) 9. The two new products offer digital camera users at all skill levels solutions tailored to their needs.

Paint Shop Pro Studio and Paint Shop Pro 9 are the result of Jasc's market research that clearly defined a 50/50 split among users. Half wanted a Paint Shop Pro that was more powerful and offered even more professional-strength tools for photo editing, graphic design, and digital art. The other half wanted a Paint Shop Pro that was more fun and easier to use, making photo-editing projects a reality for everybody.

Paint Shop Pro Studio is a new Jasc photo editor for consumers who want to do more than novice editing without a steep learning curve. Paint Shop Pro Studio leverages Paint Shop Pro's power and flexibility to provide photo editing and graphic design functionality that is comprehensive yet easy-to-use, making editing photos and creating graphics fun for novice and intermediate users. An Idea Book is included to guide users through some of the most common photo projects such as photo restoration and crafting. And, to help protect, organize, find, and share photos, Paint Shop Pro Studio also includes Paint Shop(TM) Photo Album(TM) 5 - Standard Edition, further extending its power.

Paint Shop Pro 9 is the latest version of the award-winning photo and graphics editor that advances the standard for affordable, professional photo editing, strengthening Paint Shop Pro's legacy for creative innovation. With even more advanced tools for avid and professional digital photographers, graphics hobbyists, and business professionals, Paint Shop Pro 9 integrates digital camera noise removal, a chromatic aberration removal filter, fill flash, Raw image support, and other high-end functionality often sold individually for hundreds of dollars.

Paint Shop Pro 9 also introduces a new set of integrated art media painting tools that advance the ability of digital artists and graphics hobbyists to add realistic wet and dry artwork to their photographs, illustrations, and other images. A new Mixer palette provides artists with an area to add and mix paint into custom colors.

"I've been using Paint Shop Pro for almost 10 years and continue to be amazed by the high-end functionality with a minimal learning curve," said professional photographer Jim Fuglestad. "Paint Shop Pro has everything I need to deliver high quality results for my clients."

"With the emergence of a new breed of digital camera user, expanding the Paint Shop family of digital photography products deepens our commitment to customers and the industry to empower people at all skill levels with creative license to make the most of their images," said Kris Tufto, president and CEO of Jasc Software. "Paint Shop Pro Studio is perfect for the groundswell of users requiring creative power and ease of use. Paint Shop Pro 9 adds features professionals and hobbyists demand, raising the bar for high-end image editing."

Availability
Paint Shop Pro 9 and Paint Shop Pro Studio are available at www.jasc.com and at selected retailers worldwide. MSRP is $129 for Paint Shop Pro 9. MSRP for Paint Shop Pro Studio is $79, which includes a free copy of Paint Shop Photo Album 5 - Standard Edition ($29 value).

About Jasc Software, Inc.
Jasc Software, Inc. is dedicated to providing Windows-based PC users with affordable digital photography software that exceeds their expectations. By delivering superior software, service, and support Jasc enables users to discover their power to create. Jasc Software has been ranked by the Inc. 500, Deloitte &38; Touche's Minnesota Technology Fast 50, and Deloitte &38; Touche's Technology Fast 500. Its products have won numerous awards including: American Photo Editor's Choice Award; PC Magazine Reader's Choice; Web Techniques Web Tools Reader's Choice Award; PC World Class Award; PC World Best Buy; PC Photo Editor's Choice; CNET Editors' Choice; PC Magazine Program of the Year; and Home Office Computing 100 Gold Award. For more information, Jasc Software can be reached at 800-622-2793 or on the Web at http://www.jasc.com

NOTE: All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

Sep 5: Canon EOS 20D to Ship this Month

The brand new and much talked about Canon EOS 20D is expected to ship in mid September in the USA according to Rob Galbraith. It is likely that this will be shortly followed by the rest of the world. Stay tuned for some reviews of this great looking new DSLR.

Sep 3: Olympus mju(µ)-Mini (Stylus Verve)

The Olympus mju(µ)-Mini (known as the Stylus Verve in the US) is an stylishly designed compact 'weather proof' 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a 2x Optical Zoom. It is available in a range of 6 colors, 16 shooting modes, 1.8inch LCD screens and PictBridge support.

Digital Camera Review has a good product preview of the Olympus mju and writes - 'The camera appears to have had the menu system updated / revamped slightly, to include scene modes, fish eye effect, soft focus, and make the camera more easy to use. The screen colour, refresh rate, and clarity is very impressive - due to the small size of the camera, the TFT screen appears larger than it actually is - it seemed like a 2" TFT screen, when in fact it is a 1.8" TFT screen. The speed and responsiveness of the camera seemed very good, with a very quick on/off time - watch a video of the camera being switched off and then on below.'

Time Magazine have named the Olympus Stylus Verve as their gadget of the week. They write - 'What is the Stylus Verve, if not a fashion statement? Olympus paid a lot of money to tout it at New York's Fashion Week this fall, but its looks would have earned it a place on the runway even without the sponsorship: smooth lines, a subtle angularity, multiple colors (silver, white, blue, black, copper and red — collect all six?) and the funky selector wheel that reminds me of a vintage cigarette lighter designed in an era when smoking was cool. Mechanics such as the retracting circular lens hatch and the whoosh start up sound effect add to the flavor.

None of that would mean much if the Verve didn't take good pictures, but it handles its primary function well, particularly in two areas where other point-and-shoot cameras suffer: low-light shots without flash, and up-close shots with flash. The autofocus on previous Stylus models was slow to lock on, but the Verve is quick on the draw, and passed beautifully in most real-life tests.'

Pocket Lint has a review of the Olympus mju and writes - 'Overall the Mju-mini is a pocket full of dynamite. The design looks great and Olympus fans will be delighted by the familiarity of the controls and functions. It's nice to see Olympus getting the bit between their teeth again and developing their mainstay products in intelligent new directions.' Rating: 8

Steve's Digicams reviews the Olympus mini stylus Verve and writes - 'the Verve is a great addition to Olympus' Stylus line. We feel it will make a great vacation or outdoors camera, especially if you plan on getting a little wet! And it's not too expensive with an MSRP of $349. There are just two things you'll want to add to your purchase; A larger xD card and a second LI-30B battery.'

CNET reviews the Olympus Stylus Verve and writes - 'Image quality was acceptable, with detail a bit softer than you'd expect from a 4-megapixel camera and colors that tended to be muted. Flesh tones tended to be a little yellow, and blown-out highlights and moderate purple fringing plagued many images. The red-eye-reduction feature didn't work particularly well, and flash pictures beyond the rated 9 feet were usually badly underexposed. In these situations, the Verve automatically boosted ISO to compensate, but this produced underexposed, noisy photos.'

DigiCamReview reviews the Olympus Mju Mini and writes - 'The Olympus Mju Mini Digital / Olympus Stylus Verve is an ultra compact weatherproof 4mp, 2x optical zoom digital camera with a great 1.8" colour screen. If you want an ultra compact, extremely cool and stylish, weatherproof digital camera, with a quick response time and want high quality photos outside, inside, or for macro photos, then this camera is excellent. The camera can also record unlimited videos with sound. For around £199 (UK) $325 (US) from Amazon this camera offers very good value for money. The camera is available in 6 different colours, so you get to have the camera in a colour that suits you. I love this camera and HIGHLY recommend it - I expect it will be VERY popular, and would make a brilliant Christmas present.'

Imaging Resource reviews the Olympus Stylus Verve and writes - 'The new Olympus Stylus Verve takes the Stylus line into a new direction. With its small dimensions, stylish design, and nice array of features, the Olympus Verve should prove a popular model with novices and most anyone interested in a compact, rugged, and very portable camera. Its all-weather body design means it can go just about anywhere, and its small size makes it feel at home in your shirt pocket. With 2x optical zoom, a 4.0-megapixel CCD, and five preset shooting modes, the Stylus Verve is another in a long line of excellent consumer digicam designs from Olympus. Exposure control is automatic and hassle free, with limited adjustments available for more experienced users. Image quality is high enough to make sharp 8x10-inch prints, while low-resolution image options are ideal for sending photos as email attachments over the Internet. Color and other image-quality characteristics are surprisingly good for such a compact model. The user interface, slightly redesigned with 3-D buttons, is also uncomplicated and easy to follow. The Stylus Verve is perfect for novices making the transition from film to digital, and is also an excellent "take anywhere" snapshot camera for more experienced users. Likewise, the stylish design of the Verve will appeal to anyone who dislikes the boxy "gadgety" appearance of most other digital cameras on the market.'

PC Magazine reviews the Olympus Stylus Verve and writes - 'The Olympus Stylus Verve is certainly one of the cooler-looking ultracompact digital cameras on the market today. And it's full of nice design touches, like a weather-resistant body, and a built-in lens cover that can't accidentally be pushed open. But unfortunately, the fact that it is available in six colors and will impress your style-conscious friends doesn't make up for its muddy, grainy pictures.'

Megapixel reviews the Olympus Stylus Verve and writes - 'Colourful, stylish, compact and weatherproof, the Stylus Verve is an attractive and very pocketable little camera. Its only shortcomings are an image quality that is occasionally affected by noise and a comparatively short zoom. Its advantages, beyond its size and moisture resistance, are its ease of use, versatility and good image quality. The Verve may well provide a perfect and painless introduction to digital photography for many people.'

Digital Camera Info reviews the Olympus Stylus Verve and writes - 'While the Olympus Stylus Verve will draw many of its users based on its appearance, the camera is an average with some strong limitations. The camera offers adequate color and resolution capabilities but is drastically limited by an inability to control noise in restricted lighting and will force the user to rely on the fixed in-camera flash. The Verve’s stylish design contains a smooth 1.8” LCD screen that projects one of the brighter, more visible images I have seen in low light. With an affordable price tag, currently below the $300 USD mark, the camera is designed for the fashion-conscious user who wants something portable and stylized that they can throw in their pocket and carry along on a night on the town. While the camera’s restricted performance elements strongly limits the Verve’s user base, it will fit the needs of the beginner or true point-and-shooter with minimal interest in manual control and a strong preference for style.'

LetsGoDigital reviews the Olympus mju-mini DIGITAL and writes - 'All in all the Mju-mini Digital is a very pleasant camera to work with. This model belongs to the 2e generation of Olympus digital Mju cameras. And it goes without saying: the result is praiseworthy. A waterproof housing, a fantastic design and the user-friendly operation seem the ideal combination to hold a successfully vendible product. The Mju-mini is the perfect camera for someone who loves the design and besides that looks for a camera with an easy operation and a photo-realistic end result. In short, a recommendable camera!'

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Olympus Mju Mini and writes - 'The Olympus Mju Mini Digital seems to be less an attempt at making a great camera and more one at making a great style icon. Unfortunately Olympus haven't paid attention to those all-important small details, and for all the great things about this camera, there seems to be something else that is poorly designed or made. Underneath all that styling is a basic digicam that performs well enough in terms of image quality and ease-of use. The Mju Mini Digital will undoubtedly meet your needs if all you want is a point and shoot camera that produces good images, but beyond that it starts to struggle against the competition in terms of value for money.'

DP Review has a good review of the Oympus Stylus Verve - a stylish digital camera that is sure to be popular. They write - 'As a straightforward point-and-shoot camera the Stylus Verve does a perfectly good job at a competitive price point. The splash proofing alone will be enough to recommend it to some pote