Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
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Yahoo News has an interview with Casio President John Clough who answers the question about whether they will be developing a DSLR by saying:
'“We are not trying to invade the Digital SLR space and we are not trying to be the lowest price out there with the highest number of megapixels. We are trying to go after the consumer value -- value not defined as lowest price, but benefits we bring that are real benefits given the price.”
In fact, while Casio plans to continue innovating the digital camera market, the company is looking beyond the camera and planning for what they believe will be the next big consumer product.
“We are excited about digital video -- this so-called convergence product, said Clough. ”We think we can do it in a way that doesn't just replicate what's being done but brings new dimensions of usage to the consumer.“'
The Digital-Picture.com reviews the Canon EOS 350D and writes - 'Who are the potential Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT owners? P&S owners looking to move up to: focus that can keep up with a moving subject, near instant shutter release, low noise high ISO performance and DSLR performance/features in a compact body. Other 350D owner candidates include ... Film SLR users moving to digital format. Pro and enthusiast photographers who need a compact and affodable backup body. EOS 300D Digital Rebel users looking for more megapixels, better high ISO performance, faster startup/performance and smaller size. Pro photographers who don't need more than the Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT provides. And anyone who wants their spouse to have their own Digital SLR.'
Read more about the Canon EOS 350
Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 350D - Digital Rebel XT
PC Mag reviews the Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom and writes - 'The 7.1-megapixel Olympus C-7070 is a solid, sturdy, metal-bodied camera that provides enthusiasts with a number of powerful features. Images have lively colors and moderate sharpness, but the price might give some photographers pause.
Pros: Wide-angle lens. Multiple histogram modes. Solid construction. Good overall image quality.
Cons: LCD swivels vertically up above the optical viewfinder, which feels a bit awkward. The lens (4X) should have a longer zoom. Slow boot time.'
Read more about the Olympus Camedia C-7070 digital camera
Buy the “Olympus Camedia C7070 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Wide Zoom”
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Fujifilm Finepix F810and writes - 'The Fujifilm FinePix F810 is a very intuitive and well designed compact digital camera that will please both beginners and more advanced photographers alike. The The Fujifilm FinePix F810 has a full range of creative photographic options that will allow you take more control as your experience increases - its refreshing to see this on a compact digicam. In addition the Fujifilm FinePix F810 is one of the most responsive digital cameras that I have reviewed, outdoors and indoors, and is well-suited to capturing both static subjects and more fast-moving subjects such as your children or sports photography.'
PC Magazine reviews the Canon PowerShot SD500 Digital Elph and writes - 'The SD500 is a versatile, accurate, fun 7MP compact camera that performed very well on our tests and will appeal to a broad section of shooters. We like it so much, we've awarded it our Editors' Choice.
Pros: Quick performer. Excellent image quality. Unique My Color feature. Good ergonomics. Sleek and attractive.
Cons: Macro mode did not produce good results. Flash had some problems in backlit situations.'
Read more about the Canon PowerShot SD500
Buy the Canon Powershot SD700/IXUS 700
PC Mag reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F450 and writes: 'The 5.2MP F450 is a well-built ultracompact model that looks and feels better than it performs. Its very basic controls may be limiting for savvy shutterbugs, and image quality and performance speed could be better, but if all you're looking for is something small and cool-looking to take snapshots with on vacation, this could be the camera for you.
Pros: Very small. Longer optical zoom range (3.4x) than competitors.
Cons: Somewhat slow boot and recycle times. Lens doesn't start at a wide enough angle. Image quality isn't as good as that of other models. Video capabilities are dismal.'
Read more about the Fujifilm FinePix F450
Get the Latest Price on the Fujifilm FinePix F450
Toshiba today have announced a new battery development that will make those overnight battery charging sessions that we all do a thing of the past - instead you could have your batter charged in minutes!
'Toshiba Corporation today announced a breakthrough in lithium-ion batteries that makes long recharge times a thing of the past. The company's new battery can recharge 80% of a battery's energy capacity in only one minute, approximately 60 times faster than the typical lithium-ion batteries in wide use today, and combines this fast recharge time with performance-boosting improvements in energy density.
The new battery fuses Toshiba's latest advances in nano-material technology for the electric devices sector with cumulative know-how in manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells. A breakthrough technology applied to the negative electrode uses new nano-particles to prevent organic liquid electrolytes from reducing during battery recharging. The nano-particles quickly absorb and store vast amount of lithium ions, without causing any deterioration in the electrode.
The excellent recharging characteristics of new battery are not its only performance advantages. The battery has a long life cycle, losing only 1% of capacity after 1,000 cycles of discharging and recharging, and can operate at very low temperatures. At minus 40 degrees centigrade, the battery can discharge 80% of its capacity, against 100% in an ambient temperature of 25 degree centigrade).'
Read more at Toshiba's 'NanoBattery' Recharges In Only One Minute
Trusted Reviews has a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700 digital camera and writes - 'f you’re looking for a little more than a basic snapshot camera without spending a fortune then the Z700 is worth considering. It is well made, easy to use and has enough versatility for creative photography, albeit on a fairly limited scale. The 5x optical zoom lens is a good compromise between a pocket compact and a full-scale super-zoom. Picture quality is reasonable in good conditions, and the optional Kodak Printer Dock should make printing your pictures child’s play.'
Read more about the Kodak EasyShare Z700
Get the Latest Price on the Kodak EasyShare Z700ABC News has a good article examining how Digital Camera are changing the photographic industry:
'Photo labs used to have a few main business categories — film processing, selling cameras and accessories, and selling consumables such as film, Delios said. Processing typically comprised 40 percent to 50 percent of their sales, he said, but digital cameras have drastically cut the demand.
Combined with increased competition from large retailers like Wal-Mart and Walgreens, the advent of digital cameras and their continued improving quality and falling prices have posed a new challenge. Digital camera sales grew 40 percent in 2004 to 18.2 million units, the PMAI report found. For 2005, that number is expected to grow to 20.5 million, accounting for 82 percent of all camera sales, up from 73 percent in 2004.
At the same time, the overall film market declined by 19 percent in 2004 to 656 million units and is expected to fall to 532 million in 2005, according to the report.'
'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.'
Get the Latest Price on the Nikon Coolpix 8400
Konica Minolta USA Press Release
KONICA MINOLTA ANNOUNCES CONSUMER MAIL-IN REBATES
Rebates available for DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 and Maxxum 7D digital cameras
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces new consumer mail-in rebates for the purchase of a DiMAGE Z2, DiMAGE Z3 or Maxxum 7D digital camera. Available now until June 30, 2005, consumers that purchase a Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 digital camera are eligible for a $50 rebate. In addition, consumers that purchase a DiMAGE Z2 or DiMAGE Z3 together with a qualifying Epson printer are eligible for an additional rebate from Epson (total up to $100 in rebates from Konica Minolta and Epson). There is also a $200 mail-in rebate available for consumers who purchase a new Maxxum 7D digital SLR camera.
“These new consumer rebates put the power of digital photography within everyone’s reach,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “Whether a consumer is making their first digital camera purchase, or they’re upgrading to the top-of-the-line digital SLR, there’s a rebate available to make their purchasing decision much easier.”
These Konica Minolta digital camera rebate offers are good only in the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, on DiMAGE Z2 and DiMAGE Z3 purchases made from March 1, 2005 and Maxxum 7D purchases made from March 14, 2005 until June 30, 2005. Claims must be postmarked no later than July 15, 2005. Additional information about these cameras and rebate forms can be found on Konica Minolta’s Web site at: http://www.kmpi.konicaminolta.us
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer and writes - 'The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer has done what few products that I have reviewed here on PhotographyBLOG have ever done - made their way into my camera bag! The Epson P-2000 has impressed me so much that I plan to buy one just as soon as Amazon have it in stock. The Epson P-2000 represents the best compromise between having a laptop computer or one of the other portable storage devices on the market. I envisage using the Epson P-2000 both out in the field where speed, battery life and successful data transfers are key, and later for showing my work to clients, friends and family. The Epson P-2000 satisfies all of these requirements in an easy to use and very stylish way. '
Read more about the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer
Get the Latest Price on the Epson P-2000
Pocket Lint reviews the Panasonic DMC-FX7 and writes - 'Given the manufacturers pedigree; until two years ago it did not really have one for digicams, the FX7 is testament to the companies back room boffins, which have consistently produced stingingly good cameras since Panasonic got serious about digital imaging. The FX7 is a joy to use and given the few foibles evident, it deserves to be a winner and should certainly be on your list if you’re in the market for such a camera.'
Read more reviews of the Panasonic DMC-FX7
Get the Latest Price on the Panasonic DMC-FX7
'CNET Reviews' has a review of the Casio Exilim EX-S100 and writes - 'Image quality was fair to good. Most of our test shots weren't extraordinarily sharp, and there was visible noise even at ISO 50, rising to abundant at ISO 400. Chromatic aberration also reared its ugly head, with purple fringing quite evident around backlit subjects. Colors were good, if a little muted, although highlights were easily washed out. The red-eye-prevention preflash seemed to have little effect.'
Read more about the Casio Exilim EX-S100
Steves Digicams reviews the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D and writes - 'The Digital Rebel XT's 12 exposure modes are easily selected by a turn of the top-mounted Mode dial. These exposure modes cover virtually all the shooting conditions you'll ever encounter and are: Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program AE, Shutter speed-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Manual and Auto Depth-of-Field AE. The camera's ISO sensitivty range is 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600, Canon raised the Auto ISO setting to include ISO 400 in order to help improve image quality, reduce camera shake and brighten the scene behind the subject when taking a flash photo.'
Read more reviews of the Canon Digital Rebel XT
Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 350D - Digital Rebel XT
'CNET Reviews' has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F440 digital camera and writes - 'Picture quality was less than thrilling and not as sharp as most of the recent 4-megapixel crop. While exposures were generally good with sufficient detail in the shadows, highlights tended to wash out, and noise was apparent even at ISO 80. By ISO 250, multicolored noise speckles were prominent enough to provide a texture of their own to most pictures. The Fujifilm FinePix F440's red-eye mode seemed to produce little more than an impressive preflash light show but very little in the way of red-eye reduction.'
Read more reviews of the Fujifilm FinePix F440 digital camera
Get the Latest Price on the Fujifilm Finepix F440
Digital Camera Info reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 and writes - 'The Panasonic DMC-FZ5 makes some marked improvements over the earlier Lumix FZ3. The most notable is the larger 1/2.5-inch CCD with 5 effective megapixels and a Venus Engine imaging processor. The FZ5 still keeps the best features from its little sibling: the Leica 12x optical zoom lens, two modes of image stabilization, a full range of automatic and manual modes, and the same body size and shape. The FZ5 includes a lithium ion battery with a charger, a lens hood, a full suite of software, and other accessories. There are a few drawbacks, such as the small 1.8-inch LCD and loud zooming function, but Panasonic keeps this digital camera in consideration with a $499 retail price tag and flashy features like flip animation and sleep mode.'
Read more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5
Compare prices on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 and get the latest price on it from Amazon.
CNET reviews the Leica Digilux 2 and writes - 'Remember these relics: shutter-speed dials; metering-mode switches; and mechanical rings for aperture, zoom, and focus control? Stone Age technology, sure, but here's an amusing factoid: they work a whole lot better than the motorized, menu-ized, electro-fantabulous cybercontrols that dominate new digital camera design. Enter Leica and its 5-megapixel, 3.2X zoom Digilux 2, which boasts all of those Stone Age controls. It thereby outclasses nearly every other consumer digital model, but alas, it ends up falling far short of being the old-school enthusiast's dream digital camera. Plus, it costs as much as a higher-resolution, entry-level digital SLR with a couple of lenses, which will rightly be a tempting alternative for many. If you're willing to give up that swanky, red Leica badge, you can find the nearly identical Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 for about $250 less.'
Read more about the Leica Digilux 2
Steve's Digicams reviews the Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505 and writes - 'The EX-P505 is a robust performer - power up to first image captured measured only 1.8 seconds, confirming Casio's claims of “ultra-fast startup.” The all important shutter lag (the time from depressing the shutter release to actually capturing the image) measured less than 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and just 3/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot-to-shot time averaged 2.1 seconds without the flash and 3.1 seconds using the flash. Unfortunately it doesn't offer a continuous shooting mode. The camera is very robust when reviewing images too. By holding down either the Left or Right buttons on the 4-way selector, you can zip through your images at lightning speed. Our tests were done using a Lexar 1GB SD card, Large/Fine quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default unless otherwise noted. Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, media, camera settings, etc.'
Read more about the Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505
Get the Latest Price on the Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505
Imaging Resource has a good user review of the Canon Digital Rebel XT and writes - 'There's no question that the Canon Digital Rebel XT is a leap ahead, offering a quality SLR in a very small package. I think it'll be ideally suited for its target market, which is the family shooter who wants to catch the kids at play. It'll give you more of what you need to catch action at sporting events and is a good size for the traditional keeper of family photographs, the mom. Those who think the smaller size will be a burden can still choose the original Digital Rebel, now available in a kit that includes the lens for around $800. You can also buy the new BG-E3 battery grip, which you can load with less expensive AA batteries if you like. Since humans are vertical, shooting vertical is a great way to eliminate clutter in the background, so buying and using this grip by default would immediately improve your people photography. For travelers wanting a powerful digital camera with a spectacular imager, and the option of a few different lenses, you'll not find a more portable SLR, and certainly not a more capable one anywhere near its size or price range.'
Photo.net also has a good user review of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and writes - 'It looks very much like the image quality of the Digital Rebel XT is up to that of the EOS 20D. It's also evident from using the Digital Rebel, that it's a Rebel, i.e. a camera aimed at the consumer entry level, while the 20D is clearly aimed at the more experienced and serious photographer. Ultimately in many respects the cameras will be capable of yielding almost identical results, it's just that doing it with the 20D will be a little easier. Of course there are things the Digital Rebel doesn't do as well. It has a slower frame rate, a smaller JPEG image buffer, a lower capacity battery, the AF system is different and, as mentioned, the viewfinder is smaller. However for many people saving $400-$500 will make up for all those things. Personally, I'd buy the 20D, but that's just me. Many people will buy the Digital Rebel XT and be very happy with it.'
US Readers can get $500 off the price of the Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens at Amazon at the time of writing this bringing the price down to $999.88
Read more about the Canon Digital Rebel XT
DP Review has reviewed the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 digital camera and writes - 'Like the other DiMAGE Z series cameras before it, the Z5 is a rewarding and responsive camera with well-designed and implemented feature set. There are other 5MP cameras offering a similar zoom range (and image stabililzation) at a similar price point, but none that also sport a flash shoe, 30 fps VGA movies and lightning fast focus. It's not perfect (and if it weren't for the Panasonic Lumix range it would be a real contender), but the DiMAGE Z5 certainly has plenty to recommend it.'
Read more about the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5
Get the Latest Price on the Konica Minolta DiMage Z5
PRESS RELEASE: California Jury Orders Toshiba to Pay an Additional $84 Million in Punitive Damages to Lexar Media, Inc.
Total Damages of $465 Million, The Largest IP Verdict in California History
Fremont, CA, March 24, 2005 -- The day after finding Toshiba Corporation (JP:6502) and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. liable for $381.4 million in damages for breach of fiduciary duty and theft of trade secrets in Lexar Media, Inc. v. Toshiba Corporation, a San Jose jury awarded Lexar Media, Inc. (Nasdaq:LEXR) an additional $84 million in punitive damages. The total awarded to Lexar in the case now totals $465.4 million, which is believed to be the largest IP verdict in California history and the third largest IP verdict in the United States.
The additional award for punitive damages resulted when the jury found that Toshiba Corporation's actions were oppressive, fraudulent or malicious.
“This verdict sends a clear message that protects all the other companies that don't have the will or means to take on a giant like Toshiba for their fraudulent or abusive business practices. This is a huge victory not just for Lexar, but for innovative companies everywhere,” said Eric Whitaker, executive vice president and general counsel, Lexar. “The value of Lexar's inventions has always been and will continue to be at the core of Lexar's business model. Toshiba's main defense attempted to challenge the value of Lexar's IP. The jury's clear reaffirmation of the value of our technology and IP sends a very important signal to our future business partners and licensees.”
The trial took place in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Santa Clara.
Lexar's claim for unfair competition, based on California Business and Professions Code Section 17200 was not given to the jury and will be decided by the Court. Lexar expects that the Court will rule on that claim as well as on anticipated post-trial motions shortly after a hearing currently scheduled for April 13, 2005.
Based on the jury's verdict and findings, Lexar intends to ask the Court for an injunction that bars the sale of Toshiba's products in the United States. Lexar will ask that the injunction include products that have been found to incorporate Lexar's trade secrets, including Toshiba's large and small block NAND flash chips, its CompactFlash, Secure Digital and xD Picture Card products. Though the length of the injunction will be determined by the Court, during the trial, there was testimony that it could take as long as eighteen months to implement the types of features Lexar disclosed to Toshiba. Lexar expects that the Court will hold a hearing on Lexar's request for an injunction on April 13, 2005.
Lexar's case for patent infringement against Toshiba on more than ten of its patents remains pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco.
'Apple's support site briefly hosted documents early Wednesday morning that offered details on using an iPod photo with the company's new iPod Camera Connector. The support documents, which are no longer available, provided information on photo importing formats, tips on using the USB port on the device and deleting pictures, and linked to a complete list of supported digital cameras (which is still available here).
Apple said that most cameras with USB connectivity can be used with the iPod Camera Connector, and must support either the PTP, Type 4 (Normal), or Mass Storage protocol....'
Read more at Apple provides further iPod Camera Connector info
CNET reviews the Casio Exilim EX-P600 and writes - 'As the first of Casio's Exilim digital cameras to carry the Pro designation, the 6-megapixel, 4X-zooming Casio Exilim Pro EX-P600 faces stiff competition from an increasingly crowded field of prosumer models. Luckily, the P600 combines a mile-long list of features with an excellent user manual and built-in guidance system, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts and enthusiastic newcomers alike. The camera lacks a raw-capture mode, and its distracting live histogram takes some getting used to; in addition, the P600's 320x240 movie mode can't match the 640x480 resolutions offered on newer cameras. But the P600 offers solid image quality and very good battery life, which, combined with its versatility and accessibility, help to distinguish this model from its higher-resolution competitors.'
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.'
Read more about the Olympus EVOLT E300
Compare prices on the Olympus Evolt E-300 and get the latest Price on the the E-300 at Amazon
Imaging Resource Page reviews the Canon PowerShot A520 Digital Camera and writes - 'Featuring a 4.0-megapixel CCD, automatic, partial, or fully manual exposure control, and a wide range of preset shooting modes, the PowerShot A520 is another fine addition to Canon's A-series of digital cameras. Built on the same long-tested design as many A-series predecessors, the Canon A520 offers a lot in its compact package. Its combination of automatic and manual features make it very approachable for novices, but interesting for experienced users, the net result being a camera that will satisfy a broad range of interests and provide a good path for novice users to expand their photographic horizons as their experience grows. I'd like to see it equipped with a more accurate optical viewfinder, and its image noise at ISO 400 was on the high side, but the bottom line is that this is a camera that will meet the needs of the average consumer very well.'
Read more reviews of the Canon Powershot A520 digital camera
Buy the “Canon Powershot A520 4MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom”Megapixel reviews the Olympus C-7070 digital camera and writes - 'In our opinion, aside from a large 7.1 megapixel resolution, the C-7070's main point of interest is its lens. The zoom covers a particularly useful range that begins at an unusually wide, wide angle setting equivalent to 27mm, and extends to a useful 110mm: a focal length range that imparts the camera with excellent capabilities for general photography, and will fit the needs of most people.
This very practical focal length is packaged with first, a shutter speed range — from 1/4000 second to at least 15 seconds, and up to 2 minutes when the Bulb mode is used — that makes the camera useable for most subjects; and second, all the basic shooting modes, plus a good selection of Scene modes that can be applied to typical compositions.'
Read more about the Olympus C-7070 digital camera
Get the Latest Price on the Olympus Camedia C-7070
Steve's Digicams reviews the Olympus C-5500 digital camera and writes - 'Shooting performance was average for a camera in this class. From power up to first image captured measured approx. 2.8 seconds. Shutter lag (the delay from depressing the shutter to actually capturing an image) measured 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and only 3/10 of a second including autofocus. When shooting in single drive mode, the shot-to-shot delay averaged 3 seconds without the flash, and 4.2 seconds with the flash. Using the sequential (burst) mode, I was able to capture 7 frames in approx. 5 seconds. The LCD “freezes” during sequential shooting so it is good that the camera is equipped with an optical viewfinder as well. Our tests were done using a 512MB xD memory card, SHQ quality, preview off, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'
Read more about the Olympus C-5500 digital camera
Get the Latest Price on the Olympus Camedia C-5500
Kris Krug writes a good post on Digital Vs. Film Photography - Top 10 Digital Photography Myths here's his first one:
'“Myth 1: A digital photo is inferior to film.
Reality: Many of the first digital cameras, even the professional models, produced grainy, off-color images. Now, the better digital cameras, in all price ranges, offer photo quality that is at least on par with film. The best digital cameras often exceed the capabilities of film. Color, sharpness, lack of grain—today’s digital cameras produce great-looking photos, even when shown at large print sizes. Film is good—and improving too—but digital easily keeps pace.'
Read the rest of Kris's Myths
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Lensbabies Press Release: Lensbabies Launches Lensbaby 2.0 for Brighter, Sharper, Faster Selective Focus Photography
Today at the WPPI trade show, Lensbabies launched Lensbaby 2.0, a second-generation selective focus SLR camera lens, bringing brighter, sharper, and faster selective focus photography to professional and avid amateur photographers.
“Lensbaby 2.0 has proven to be a wonderful creative tool for demanding photographic assignments. Compared to The Original Lensbaby, Lensbaby 2.0 has a greater range of aperture settings, a much sharper ‘sweet spot’ of focus, and a new levitating magnetic aperture system, which makes it a snap to change apertures,” said Craig Strong, the inventor of the Lensbaby and Co-CEO of Lensbabies, LLC.
Lensbaby 2.0 and The Original Lensbaby bring one area of a photo into sharp focus, with that ‘sweet spot’ surrounded by graduated blur, glowing highlights, and subtle prismatic color distortions. Photographers can fluidly move the sharp area around the photo by bending the flexible lens tubing.
Lensbaby 2.0 features an f2.0 aperture setting in addition to The Original Lensbaby’s f2.8, f4.0, f5.6 and f8.0. With Lensbaby 2.0, a photographer can control the size of the sweet spot of sharp focus by changing the apertures. The brighter the aperture, the smaller the sweet spot of focus and the greater the amount of graduated blurring in the photo’s surrounding area.
Lensbaby 2.0 also features a coated, high refractive index, low dispersion optical glass doublet instead of the singled uncoated optical glass element in The Original Lensbaby.
“In the year since we launched The Original Lensbaby, we learned many photographers wanted to create Lensbaby images that had an even sharper sweet spot. Lensbaby 2.0’s optic creates a much sweeter sweet spot of focus, which allows photographers to print large photos and see fine details like eye lashes or individual threads of fabric in the sharp area. Photographers will also find that Lensbaby 2.0 has minimal diffusion even at the f2.0 aperture setting,” said Strong
“We now have two products that will appeal to a broader range of photographers. Many photographers will want to have both versions of Lensbabies in their camera bags; others will naturally find a favorite. We expect those who love soft focus, diffused images will gravitate towards The Original Lensbaby, while photographers who want a brighter lens with a very sharp sweet spot of focus and minimal diffusion will favor Lensbaby 2.0.”
Kevin Kubota, a professional photographer who used a prototype Lensbaby 2.0, was thrilled. “The optic is bright and crisp. The images have beautiful mix of clarity and dreaminess. I love using it with my wedding work and find it perfectly suited to feminine portraits like pregnancy and high school seniors. My customers love the ‘new’ look,” said Kubota.
Lensbaby 2.0 also features a levitating magnetic aperture system that makes changing apertures faster than with The Original Lensbaby, which uses a rubber gasket to hold aperture disks in place. Lensbaby 2.0 uses three shielded magnets embedded inside the optics cup to suspend metallicized plastic aperture disks just above the coated optical glass doublet. When a photographer drops an aperture disk into Lensbaby 2.0, it quickly snaps into position. Removal is also very easy: Lensbabies provides a complimentary Cell-Klear Lenspen that the photographer inserts through the center hole in the aperture disk to lift it out.
Lensbaby 2.0 is available for sale now at http://www.lensbabies.com for $150, in camera mounts for virtually all SLR camera bodies. It will be rolled out to specialty photographic supply stores starting in mid-April. Lensbabies continues to offer The Original Lensbaby for $96.
Both Lensbaby 2.0 and The Original Lensbaby combine several vintage camera technologies in a novel, patent-pending combination. The shooter focuses a Lensbaby using the same general principle used with a bellows camera, by moving the focusing collar in and out with his or her fingertips. The photographer moves the ‘sweet spot’ of focus around the picture by bending the glass optic out of a parallel position to the image capture plane, like a tilt-shift lens.
Lensbabies, LLC is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer and marketer of selective focus SLR camera lenses. Lensbabies was launched in February 2004 by Craig Strong, a professional photographer and the inventor of the patent pending Lensbaby selective focus SLR lens. Lensbabies sells to photographers all over the world through its website, http://www.lensbabies.com, at tradeshows, and through specialty photographic equipment retailers.
Lensbaby 2.0 Product Specs:
Brighter, Sharper, Faster selective focus photography
· Available in mounts for Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Olympus E1, Minolta Maxxum, Olympus OM, Canon FD, Leica R, Minolta Manual, Sigma, Contax/Yashica, and Screw mounts
· Focal Length: right around 50 mm
· Focus Type: Manual, fingertip, actually
· Optical element: coated, high refractive index, low dispersion optical glass doublet
· Aperture Type: Interchangeable levitating magnetic apertures
· Apertures: f2.0, f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8
· Nominal Focus: approximately 18 inches
· Maximum Focus: infinity and beyond
· Minimum Focus: approximately 10 inches (achieved by pushing on the back of the focusing collar)
· Size: 2.25“ high x 2.5” wide
· Weight: ~3.6 oz.
· Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $150
The Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0 Compared
Lensbaby 2.0 is brighter, sharper, and faster
Lensbaby 2.0 The Original Lensbaby
Aperture settings f/2.0, f/2.8. f/4.0, f/5.6, f/8.0 f/2.8. f/4.0, f/5.6, f/8.0
Optical glass element Coated, high refractive index, low dispersion optical glass doublet Uncoated single optical glass element
Aperture system Levitating magnetically receptive aperture discs that float above the optic Aperture discs held in place with a friction fit rubber gasket
Lensbaby 2.0 aperture system
Lensbaby 2.0 utilizes a system of levitating magnetically receptive discs that float above the optic. When the aperture discs are dropped into the Lensbaby, they snap into place, held just above the optic by magnetic attraction from the three shielded rare earth magnets embedded in the optics cup. Removal is also easy, and Lensbabies provides a complimentary Cell-Klear Lenspen that the photographer can insert through the center hole in the aperture disk to lift it out.
DCRP reviews the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom and writes - 'There's a whole lot to like about the Olympus C-7070 Wide Zoom, and only a few things that you won't care for. The C-7070WZ isn't just another 7 Megapixel camera; this one features an ultra wide-angle lens starting at 27 mm. Unlike the Coolpix 8400 (which starts a little wider, at 24 mm), the C-7070 has some decent telephoto power, with a top end of 110 mm. If that's not enough for you, Olympus offers your choice of conversion lenses, which can reduce the focal length to 18.9, or increase it to a whopping 330 mm. The expandability doesn't stop there, though. The camera also supports 40.5 mm filters (without the need for a conversion lens adapter), an external flash, a power battery grip, and an underwater case.'
Read more reviews of the Olympus C-7070 Digital Camera
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Zoran Press Release
Zoran Corporation announced that its COACH 7 digital camera processor is powering Samsung's new Digimax V700 and Digimax U-CA 5 high quality, high performance digital camera models displayed recently at the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow in Orlando, Florida.
The new Digimax V700 delivers 7.1 megapixel high resolution images with enough high quality detail to print poster size. It comes with a 30x (3x optical, 10x digital) zoom with world renowned Schneider lens, high-speed shot capture and is equipped with a 2.0-inch LCD screen. The V700 supports MPEG-4 video recording of movie clips in VGA at 30 frames per second that can be played back on a television or PC. The movie capture feature supports Zoran's proprietary jitter stabilization technology, suppressing unwanted camera jitters. Additional features include manual shooting, scene selection, special effects, and a voice recording function among others.
The Digimax U-CA 5 is a 5.0 megapixel high resolution digital camera with a 15x (3x optical, 5x digital) zoom and it also supports a movie capture feature in VGA at 30 frames per second. This is the first digital camera to deliver the newly-developed SF (Safety Flash) technology, which enhances image clarity and color where there is an insufficient light source and the photographer does not want to use a flash. This feature disables the flash in low light settings and enhances the exposure for more natural photos in difficult light conditions.
'The new Digimax V700 and U-CA 5 digital cameras offer outstanding image resolution for photographers who want to print their high-quality digital photographs or capture video clips of fast action events,' said Mr. B.D. Nam, Vice President of DSC development center at Samsung Techwin Co., LTD. “Zoran continues to work with us to deliver distinctive digital cameras that produce high quality images and enable the newest technology, such as Safety Flash image clarity, for consumers.�
'This is the fifth generation of Digimax cameras that we have worked with Samsung to deliver to market. We are proud to be able to work with industry leader Samsung to deliver a new generation of high performance digital cameras that help digital photographers improve their photos while also allowing them to capture and preserve their own movie clips' said Ohad Meitav, senior director digital camera product line, Zoran's Mobile division.
Both the Digimax V700 and U-CA 5 digital cameras include USB 2.0 high speed for quick and easy transfers of the captured content and PictBridge for direct camera-printer connection, allowing photographers to print directly from the digital camera without the need for a personal computer.
In addition to the Digimax V700 and U-CA 5 models, Samsung is shipping multiple other new digital camera models based on Zoran's COACH processor.
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.'
Read more reviews of the Olympus Evolt E-300 digital camera.
Compare prices on the Olympus Evolt E-300 and get the latest Price on the the E-300 at Amazon
HP News Release: Acquisition Enables HP to Provide Consumers with More Choice for Sharing, Storing, Printing Photos; Broadens HP's Position in the Digital Photography Market
HP today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Snapfish, a leading online photo service.
Snapfish's expertise in online photo services, coupled with HP's worldwide customer reach, will rapidly enhance HP's ability to capitalize on the growing market for online photo printing.
Snapfish offers high-quality photo products and services. These include free online photo sharing, photo storage and management, free editing tools and software, online print ordering, wireless imaging services for camera phone and color handset users, and more than 70 personalized photo products, such as calendars, mousepads and the like.
Snapfish also provides infrastructure services to leading retailers, internet service providers and wireless carriers, allowing them to offer these same products and services to their own consumers.
“Bringing Snapfish into HP's digital photography portfolio is a strategic move for both companies,” said Larry Lesley, senior vice president, Consumer Imaging and Printing, HP. “By offering a superior online photo service through Snapfish, we will be able to offer the home photographer greater choice when deciding exactly how, when and where they share, store and print their photos.”
Snapfish has more than 13 million registered members and is growing at a rate of more than 500,000 members per month due in part to high customer satisfaction -- 90 percent of Snapfish's customers have recommended the service to others.
“This combination of HP's leadership in digital imaging and home printing with Snapfish's leadership in online photography will provide our customers and partners with an expanded mix of quality, value and choice that we believe no comparable business can provide,” said Ben Nelson, president of Snapfish, who will lead the new division within HP. “Snapfish customers should know that, following the acquisition, the key benefits of our service and their overall digital photography experience will only get better.”
Snapfish customers will enjoy the same benefits they receive today, along with added benefits from HP's digital photography portfolio, including easy access to products and information that will help enhance their digital photography experience. In addition, all of their images and personal information will remain safe and secure.
Whether a consumer wants the immediate gratification of printing photos at home or the simplicity of ordering a large batch of prints or photo merchandise online, HP and Snapfish will provide a more simple, affordable and comprehensive digital photography experience.
The acquisition, which is subject to various standard closing conditions, is expected to close in April 2005.
Trusted Reviews has a review of the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 and writes - 'Despite its odd appearance the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 has fantastic handling, nifty performance and generally good picture quality, so long as the ISO setting is kept low. It is easy to use for the beginner, but has a range of features that will please the enthusiast. While a higher capacity SD memory card could have been included, the image stabilisation does make it one of the few super-zoom cameras that can fully exploit its impressive 420mm reach, and the high quality video mode is just icing on the cake. A fine camera and decent value for money.'
Read more about the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5
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We can't wait til devices like this prototype from IBM go into real production!
'IBM tantalized chip aficionados at CeBit here last week with a storage device that it says can achieve data densities of more than 1 terabit per square inch....
“A single Millipede can hold 600,000 digital camera images on something the size of a postage stamp, which is quite exciting,” said an IBM spokesman. “I think this represents a new and realistic way to store huge amounts of data on a small device.”'
Read more at IBM lets Millipede storage out for a stroll | Tech News on ZDNet
FlickrBlog confirms the rumors that everyone has been talking about recently - Yahoo! has bought Flickr:
'Holy smokes, SOMEBODY out there is bad at keeping secrets!! Yes! We can finally confirm that Yahoo has made a definitive agreement to acquire Flickr and us, Ludicorp. Smack the tattlers and pop the champagne corks!
Woohoo! What does this mean? It means that we'll no longer have to draw straws to see who gets paid, schedule conjugal visits between trips to the colo....wait! That's not what you want to know. This is what you want to know:'
Reuters has a good interview with Canon Europe's Chief of Consumer Imaging - Mogens Jensen on their Digital Camera Strategy with the slowing of the industry.
'Last year saw digital camera sales in Western Europe increase 58 percent to just over 25 million units, but while that growth may slow to 25 to 30 percent amid continued price pressure, the market for more advanced digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras will double by the end of 2006.
“This year there will be something like 25 to 30 percent unit growth for the market. In the worst case there could be no real value increase (due to price pressure). But we still have a positive outlook on Canon's position,” Canon's European chief of Consumer Imaging, Mogens Jensen, told Reuters in an interview.
“We predict the digital SLR market will double in size by the end of 2006,” he said, adding that this would be largely driven by the company's new SLR camera for photo hobbyists.
While those types of cameras only represented one-thirtieth of the total digital camera market last year, according to market research group IDC, it is a much bigger portion in value terms and profits as SLRs devices sell for around 1,000 euros.
The strength in high-end cameras was one of the reasons Canon reinforced its leading position in Western European digital camera sales, capturing a 16.8 percent market share in 2004, up from 16.2 percent in 2003, IDC said.
Sony is No. 2 with 14 percent, Olympus No. 3 with 12.5 percent and Nikon No. 4 with 10.4 percent....'
Continue Reading Canon refocuses as digital camera growth slows
CNET Reviews has a review of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-L1. They write - 'Casual photographers will like the compact design, above-average performance, and long battery life of Sony's Cyber Shot DSC-L1, along with the extrawide view offered by its 32mm-to-96mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3X Carl Zeiss zoom lens. However, mediocre image quality, a tiny 1.5-inch LCD viewfinder that's difficult to use, and a lack of even basic manual-exposure controls (other than exposure compensation) put this pocketable camera securely in the nonenthusiast snapshooting camp.'
Read more reviews and information about the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-L1
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The Praktica Luxmedia 6103 digital camera has a 6.0 Megapixel CCD sensor with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 1.6 inch TFT color monitor.
It features 9.7 megabytes of internal memory, SD Memory Card, built in flash with red eye reduction and a variety of exposure modes.
Get more information on the Praktica Luxmedia 6103 from the specification below from their website.
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Praktica Luxmedia 6103 Technical Data:
• Type: digital camera with 6.0 Mega Pixels CCD, 1.6“ TFT color monitor , 3x optical and 4x digital zoom
• View finder: optical
• Lens: f: 8-24 mm / F:2.8-4.9(wide)-4.9-8.4(tele) (equivalent 35mm camera: 39-117mm)
• Zoom: 3x optical und 4x digital
• Focus system: contrast autofocus (also manual focusing)
• Focus range: normal: 0,60m - infinite, macro: 10 - 70cm, manual: 10cm-infinite (wide) – 60cm-infinite (tele)
• Shutter speed: programmed shutter 1/8 – 1/2000 Sek. – Nightshot 4-1/2000 Sek.
• Image sensor: 1/1.8” CCD, 6.0 Mega pixels
• Resolution: Picture: 2816x2112, 2816x1872 (3:2), 2048x1536,1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480 Video: 320x240
• Sharpness: soft, normal, hard
• Saturation/Contrast: low, normal, high
• Sensitivity: auto, ISO 50, 100, 200, 400
• White balance: auto, 4 mode and manual
• Color effect mode: normal, sepia, black/white, red, green, blue, yellow, pink, purple
• Shooting mode: picture, Niceshot (with 19 scenes), video
• Exposure adjust: auto oder manual +/- 2,0EV in 1/3 EV steps
• Flash: automatik, on, red eye reduction, off
• Self timer: elektronic, 2 or 10 sec. delay
• LC-display: 1,6“ TFT-color monitor, 10 menu languages
• Tripod socket: 1/4”
• Memory: 9,7 MB built-in memory, SD-Card usable
• File format: JPEG, EXIF 2.2, MJPEG, DPOF, DCF 1.0
• Connectors: USB, DC-in
• Power source: 2x AA Alkaline batteries (1.5 Volt) or Ni-Mh batteries, AC adapter (optional)
• Dimensions: 88 x 60,5 x 32,7 mm
• Weight: 160g
• System requirements: Windows 98SE / 2000 / ME / XP
Features:
video-mode, NiceShot, scenemode
Equipment:
USB cable, CD with driver and image software, pouch, strap, 2x AA NiMh batteries (1800 mAh), battery charger
Read more at PRAKTICA - From Germany