May 25: Samsung Digimax i5

Looks like the Samsung Digimaz i5 (which some say is the same camera under a different name as the new Samsung Digimax #1) is nearing release. The Digimax i5 is a 5 megapixel camera with a 3x Optical (internal) and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

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Samsung Digimax i5 Reviews

DCRP reviews the Samsung Digimax i5 and writes - 'The Samsung Digimax i5 is a stylish, ultra thin camera that can go just about anywhere. Save for the memory card/battery compartment, the i5's construction is solid. The camera fits well in the hand, and the important controls are well placed. The camera comes in three colors, ranging from silver to professional-looking black to eye-catching red.'

Cameratown reviews the Samsung Digimax i5 and writes - 'The stainless steal body, sleek compact design, internal 3x optical zoom lens, layout and overall feel, docking station, rechargeable battery, 50MB of internal memory, integrated lens/flash cover, large 2.5" TFT color LCD display, easy-to-navigate menu system, and 30 fps MPEG-4 video mode with audio and zoom are reasons to consider the Samsung i5. The camera also features a superb super macro mode which should be considered if you often take pictures of small objects (think ebay auctions). Long exposures (night mode) seem to be one of the high points of the Samsung i5. A 12-second exposure taken in a dimly lit room yielded bright, sharp, clean results. This was very unexpected especially considering the camera lacks a tripod mount - a necessity when shooting with long exposures. To get around the lack of a tripod mount, use a bean bag or table along with the self-timer to keep the camera steady when shooting.'

CNET Reviews has a review of the Samsung Digimax i5 digital camera where they give it a rating of 5.6 out of 10 (Average) and write - 'There's no doubt that 5-megapixel resolution currently defines the sweet spot of point-and-shoot digital cameras. Samsung's 5-megapixel ultracompact entry, the Digimax i5, offers a competitive snapshot feature set housed in a nondescript but slender metal body. Interesting features, a bright 2.5-inch LCD, and a VGA movie mode, however, don't compensate for listless performance and just so-so image quality.'

Samsung Digimax i5 News Release

Samsung Camera releases the slim digital camera – Digimax i5 Samsung Camera has recently announced the launch of a new 5 mega-pixel, 3x Optical Zoom digital camera with Internal Zoom technology adopted for the first time in Samsung digital cameras (model name: Digimax i5). With enhanced design and multimedia capabilities, the Digimax i5 will accelerate Samsung's penetration into both the domestic and international slim digital camera market, where demand is surging among the young population.

The newly-released Digimax i5, to which the company has devoted a strong R&D team and invested millions of dollars, is the digital camera that brings internal zoom capability to Samsung Camera. Its cool stylish stainless body means it will not scratch or tarnish. Moreover, the product provides enhanced capabilities in a portable package to satisfy those whose focus is on function and style.

The Digimax i5 allows an additional 5x digital zoom function with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 39-117 mm in 35 mm format), for a total of 15x zoom. The i5 dimensions are 89.6 mm(L) x 59.8 mm(H) x 17.3 mm(W) and it only weighs 130.0 g. It also comes in four different colours: silver, black, red and grey. The Digimax i5 achieves clearer image quality by integrating the 3x optical zoom capability to Samsung Camera's exclusive SHD lens technology, recognized throughout the world. With a 5 mega-pixel CCD that utilizes primary colour filtering technology, it provides excellent sensitivity and colour reproduction, and can be used great pictures as well as for shooting text for printing.

The Digimax i5 has a 2.5“ 230k-pixel high resolution LCD for improved contrast and colour reproduction, allowing you to enjoy a wider and clearer image.

The Digimax i5 is equipped with the unique SF (Safety Flash) capability that has been even further improved. The SF (Safety Flash) function gives enhanced image clarity and colour in places without a sufficient light source, when the use of a flash is not desirable. This unique technology uses proprietary algorithms to interpret sharpness and colour information to deliver an image that looks like it has been taken with the flash. As the flash is disabled red eye will be prevented. Furthermore, a separate SF (Safety Flash) button makes it easy for the user to access the feature.

The Digimax i5 supports MPEG-4, the high-compression high-quality video format, for an enhanced video shooting experience. When used with a 256 MB memory, the user can record up to 2 hours 10 minutes of movie with sound, and i5 can be used like a camcorder due to its 3x optical zoom capability, while recording (mute mode). With the Digimax i5, the user can record a high quality movie of up to 30 frames per second at VGA resolution and then play it on TV without any loss of quality, or enjoy it on a PC screen at twice the size of conventional clips.

The Digimax i5 also has a movie stabilizer function, maintaining steady recording of a subject by means of automatic detection and correction of minor lateral and vertical camera movement. The product also provides a continuous video recording function that allows the user to pause and resume video recording at any time. Add to this the built-in movie editing function, allowing movie clips to be edited within the camera itself and this cameras movie function can be really powerful.

The new Digimax i5 flexible charging system allows the user to perform charging and data transfer at any time and in any place. Since it employs the same 24-pin charging system as a cellular phone (depends on region), the same charger can be used for both camera and cellular phone, eliminating the need to have separate chargers in the office or while traveling. The Digimax i5 comes with a cradle to enable even easier charging and image transfer.

The Digimax i5 provides an M button for even quicker mode switching. The user can switch between Auto, Manual and Scene Modes more quickly and easily. When it is set to Auto Mode, the Digimax i5 automatically adjusts the shooting distance and focus from between 5 cm to infinity, helping the picture taker to get better pictures. The user does not need to activate the macro function separately in order to take pictures as close as 5cm. Furthermore, the super macro function enables subjects to be photographed up to as close as 1 cm.

The other features of the Digimax i5 are the various photographic effects it provides. Digimax i5 has four different special effects: Colour, Photo Frame, highlight and Composite. The Colour effect includes Red, Blue and Green in addition to Sepia, Negative and B/W. Highlight, enables the user to emphasize a subject by putting its surroundings into soft focus. Photo Frame lets the user choose from various frames and add them to a picture, which can then be uploaded to a website, or personal blog. With Composite, the user can divide the shooting scene into 2-4 segments and save them into a single file.

Digimax i5 has various scene modes to obtain the best picture result in a variety of settings. The scene modes provided are Night Scene, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Text Recognition, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach and Snow. In particular, Text mode extends the camera's application potential. The user can shoot documents such as books, papers and magazines and then extract text from the images taken using the ”Digimax Viewer“ text recognition software included.

In addition to the successful launch earlier this year of advanced models including the 7 Mega Pixel Digimax V700, leading camera manufacturer Samsung Camera is now releasing the Digimax i5, with enhanced design and portability, to lead the trend of a young population, introducing a revolutionary change in applications for a digital camera.

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May 25: Nikon Coolpix S1 Review - PC Magazine

PC Mag reviews the Nikon Coolpix S1 and writes - 'In our daylight shot, we found little noise and good saturation and color matching, but we did notice some fringing. We also thought the image was underexposed, even though it had good contrast. In the flash image, the S1 didn't lose details in the highlights, though flash coverage could have been better. There was very little noise, excellent color matching, vibrant colors, and hardly any fringing. We found 1,275 average lines of resolution, which is a bit low for a 5MP camera. The S1 got respectable scores on our performance tests, though, with a 3-second boot-up time, a 2.8-second recycle time, and virtually no shutter lag.'

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May 25: Fujifilm Finepix F810 Review - Trusted Reviews

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Fujifilm Finepix F810 digital camera and writes - 'With a street price of around £250 the F810 is far from cheap, but it does offer a few unique features to justify the price. First is that big widescreen monitor and image format, which you’ll either love or hate, and then there’s the 12.3 megapixel straight-out-of-camera image size, which beats all but the top few digital SLRs. However image quality isn’t all that you might hope from the numbers and the short battery life can also be a problem.'

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May 25: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W7 Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W7 and writes - 'Sony's 7.2-megapixel Cyber Shot DSC-W7 has the same great 2.5-inch LCD, metal-alloy body, and 3X Carl Zeiss zoom lens as those of its predecessor, last year's DSC-W1, but the W7 improves on it with 2 more megapixels and plenty of extra speed. This compact digital camera shoots and processes its bigger images in less time, making it easier to get that fleeting shot of baby's first step or your boss taking a spill after too much eggnog at the holiday office party. Keen-eyed photographers might find the photos a bit too flawed, and enthusiasts will miss the manual controls, but it's a fairly quick and responsive camera with very solid automatic settings and respectable image quality, making it perfect for mainstream users looking to point, shoot, and make large prints with minimum fuss.'

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May 25: Kodak delays release of EasyShare camera

'Eastman Kodak will delay shipment of its highly anticipated EasyShare One digital camera to October, a newspaper report said Tuesday.

The camera features a large liquid-crystal-display screen and the unique ability to wirelessly transmit pictures to WiFi local area networks, the Wall Street Journal reported.

According to the newspaper, it was introduced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show where it won awards for innovation.

A Kodak (down $0.47 to $26.73, Research) spokesman would not tell the paper why the company chose not to start sales in June as planned

“This represents a significant technological advance in the digital camera marketplace. We're taking the time to do it right,” the report quoted him as saying.'

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May 25: Lens five times thinner than paper developed

Scientists from Université Laval’s Faculty of Sciences and Engineering have invented a lens five times thinner than a sheet of paper that is able to zoom in and out without mechanical parts. Tigran Galstian and Vladimir Presnyakov present this amazing piece of optical instrumentation in the latest issue of the Journal of Applied Physics.

“There are several possible applications for such a lens. We believe one of its most promising developments could be in camera-embedded cell phones,” says Galstian. “Our opto-electrical zoom lens would be of much higher quality than the ones that currently equip these phones.”

The digital zooms now used in camera phones only enlarge part of a picture without enhancing its quality, giving sometimes disappointing results. Other than its size, the greatest advantage of the lens invented by the two Université Laval researchers is that it allows for the movement of the focal point – as with a real camera – thus increasing the clarity, detail, and overall quality of an enlarged picture.

Such a technology could help boost a market that seems to be losing its snap. According to a recent market study by one of the major camera makers, a significant number of camera phone owners find their devices less than satisfying, mentioning among other problems the poor picture quality.

The lens is made by adding a small quantity of photosensitive material to a liquid crystal cell. When the material is exposed to laser light, it forms a network of stable polymers varying in density according to the intensity of exposure. “The network is like a spiderweb, with its center denser than its periphery,” explains Galstian. “When we apply a weak electrical current to it, the crystals in the center realign differently from those in the periphery and thus take on the shape and behavior of a lens.”

The curve of the lens – its focal point – can be modified by changing the intensity and frequency of the electrical current. The researchers have thus been able to modify the lens’ focal distance from 1.6 to 8 meters in a few milliseconds by increasing the voltage from 1.5 to 4.5 volts. “The reaction is very fast and doesn’t involve any mobile parts or mechanical movements.” The focal point of the lens can go from 60 centimeters to infinity.

Source: News Release

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May 25: Samsung Digimax V700 Review - DP Review

DP Review has reviewed the Samsung Digimax V700 and writes - 'In many respects the V700 can hold its own when compared to significantly more expensive models such as the Canon S70 or Olympus C-7000Z. It has a very comprehensive set of photographic controls (which aren't hidden away in menus), a good lens producing superb resolution and a well-rounded feature set that combines user-friendly 'point and shoot' ease with proper enthusiast control. It also produces bright, sharp results that make very appealing prints, though purists will find that even after tweaking the various parameters the images are a little too 'over processed' (and a little noisy) for their liking.'

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May 25: Samsung Digimax #1

Samsung have released a teaser site for their new Samsung Digimax #1 digital camera.

The Samsung Digimax #1 is an ultra slim camera (17.3mm) with a large 2.5inch LCD and 5 megapixels.

This looks to be the same camera as one that has been released in Germany already under the name of the Samsung Digimax i5 (pictured below).

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May 24: Nikon Coolpix 8400 Review - PhotographyBLOG

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.'

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May 24: Rollei Prego dp5500

The Rollei Prego dp5500 is a 5 megapixel (1.8inch CCD Sensor) digital camera with 3x Optical Zoom. It shoots video at 320x240 pixels, takes an SD Card and has a 1.8inch TFT LCD monitor.

Rollei Prego dp5500

High performance and compact 5 megapixels digital camera with metal housing. 3x zoom lens with 4x digital zoom, video and voice-recording as well as built-in speaker and microphone.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: 1/1,8“ CCD, 5 M pixels CCD
• Image resolution: 2560 x 1920 pixels, 2048 x 1536 pixels, 1280 x 960 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels
• Video Clip: 320 x 240 pixels
• Film speed setting: auto, equivalent to ISO 50,100, 200
• Image quality: fine, standard, economy
• Image storage: SD-Card up to 512 MB
• LC monitor: 1.8” TFT colour monitor
• Built-in microphone and loudspeaker
• Recording format: JPEG (EXIF 2.2), AVI, DCF, DPOF,PC-Cam,Pictbridge
• Lens: 3x zoom lens 5.4 – 16.2 mm f/2.8 – 4.8 HFT (equivalent to 32 – 98 mm in 35mm format)
• Zoom: 3x optical, 4x digital
• Focus range: autofocus 0.5 m to ∞
• Macro range: 6 cm to 50 cm
• Shutter speed: automatically, 1/1000 s
• Optical real-image zoom viewfinder
• Exposure: single and continuous shooting
• Exposure compensation: auto, manual, +/-2,0 EV in 1/3 increments
• White balance: auto, manual, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, sunset
• Flash: auto, forced, off, red-eye reduction
• Self timer: 2 s, 10 s delay
• Interface: USB, video (NTSC, PAL), AC/DC
• Power Source: 2 x AA alkaline battery, AC adapter
• Dimensions (w x h x d)/weight: 91 x 61 x 27 mm/130 g (without SD-card and batteries)
• Contents: Rollei Prego dp5500, USB and video-cable, 2 x AA alkaline battery, strap, pouch,
software CD with Photo Explorer 8.0 and Photo Express 5.0 and drivers, printed instruction manual

System requirements

• PC: Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP, CD ROM-drive, USB-interface
• Apple Macintosh: version 9 or higher, CD ROM-drive, USB-interface

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May 24: Rollei Prego dp6000

The Rollei Prego dp6000 is a 6.36 megapixel (CCD sensor) digital camera with 3x optical zoom lens, video and voice recording, 2.5 inch TFT LCD monitor and a variety of scene modes.

Rollei Prego dp6000 News Release excerpt

High performance and compact 6.36 megapixels digital camera with metal housing. 3x zoom lens with 4.4x digital zoom, video and voice-recording as well as built-in speaker and microphone.

Technical Specifications

• Sensor: 1/1,8“ CCD, 6,36 Megapixel
• Image resolution: 2816x2112 pixels, 2272x1704 pixels, 1600x1200 pixels, 640x480 pixels
• Video-Clip: 320 x 240 pixels
• Film speed setting: auto, equivalent to ISO 50, 100, 200
• Image quality: fine, standard, economy, TIFF (only adjustable with 2816x2112 pixels)
• Image storage: SD-Card up to 512 MB
• LC-Monitor: 2,5” TFT-colour monitor
• Built-in loudspeaker and microphone
• Recording formats: JPEG (EXIF 2.2), AVI, DCF 1.0, DPOF 1.1, TIFF
• Lens: 3x zoom lens 7.2 - 21.6 mm 1:2.8 - 4.7 HFT (equivalent to approx. 35 - 105 mm in 35mm format )
• Zoom: 3x optical, 4,4x digital
• Focus range: autofocus 0,80 m to infinity
• Macro range: 9 cm to 80 cm
• Shutter speed: auto, 8 bis 1/1500 s
• Exposure: Single and continuous shooting (5 pictures), bracketing (-0.67 EV, 0 EV, +0.67 EV)
• Viewfinder: optical real image zoom viewfinder with diopter adjustment
• Exposure compensation: auto, manual; max. +/- 2.0 EV in 1/3 increments
• White balance: auto, manual, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent 1+2
• Exposure modes: program AE, AV, TV, manual, portrait, sport, night
• Flash: auto, forced, off, red-eye reduction
• Flash range: 0.6 - 3.0 m (Wide/ISO200)
• Self timer: 2 s / 10 s delay
• Interface: USB 1.1, Video (NTSC, PAL), AC/DC
• Power Source: Li-Ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter
• Dimensions (wxhxd) / Weight: 94x63x35 mm / 180 g
• Contents: Rollei Prego dp6000, USB- and video-cabel, 1x Li-Ion rechargeable battery, 64 MB SD Card, strap, pouch, AC adapter, Software MrPhoto, Image Folio, CD with drivers, instruction manual

System requirements

• PC: Windows 98/SE/2000/ME/XP, CD-ROM drive, USB-interface
• Apple Macintosh: Version 8.6 or higher, CD-ROM drive, USB-interface
• Technical specifications are subject to change without notice'

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May 23: Olympus C-480 Review - Cameras.co.uk

Cameras.co.uk reviews the Olympus C-480 (also known as the D-545) and writes - 'I must admit that the C-480 has its limitations. Weighed against that is the fact that it relatively cheap for a four megapixel camera. Like just about every one of its competitors in this price bracket this camera struggles indoors, but produces decent shots if you are out and about, taking pictures in good light. Like many other cheaper models it also suffers from a sizeable shutter lag and you could find yourself missing that all important picture.'

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May 23: Olympus E-300 EVOLT Review - Shutterbug

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.'

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May 23: Canon Powershot SD200 Review - 'Digital Camera Review'

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.'

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May 22: Exposure Adjustment in Photoshop CS2 Tips

Earthbound Light has a good tips tutorial on Exposure Adjustment in Photoshop CS2:

'With Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, and Shadow/Highlight, there's no shortage of ways to make an image brighter or darker in Photoshop. If you are in the process of migrating to the new CS2 release, you may have noticed that there's now one more way. The Image >> Adjustments menu now sports a new “Exposure” option that may well become your first choice for significant shifts in exposure.

If you shoot with a digital camera and are used to processing raw files with Adobe Camera Raw, you will find yourself right at home with the new Exposure adjustment dialog. Apart from a somewhat bizarre change in terminology, it functions exactly the same way. Adjustments are made in a linear (gamma 1.0) color space so as to retain the most detail possible throughout the tonal spectrum.

The Exposure Adjustment dialog has three controls: Exposure, Offset, and Gamma. The appropriately named Exposure slider will be the main one you are likely to use and works as you would expect it to. Calibrated in stops, it increases brightness throughout the image but affects the shadow areas far less than the highlights. Increase the Exposure sufficiently though and the image will turn solid white. Set it low enough and you will end up with solid black.'

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May 22: Nikon D50 Digital Camera Review - Imaging Resource

Imaging Resource has a preview/review of the Nikon D50 Digital Camera and writes - 'The latest result of this process is the new Nikon D50 digital SLR, delivering most of the features that made the D70 such an exceptional product, but at a lower price point and with the camera's size and user interface retooled somewhat to better match the needs of the “family photographer.” - Or anyone else who wants a feature-rich, easy-to-use, compact (but not too much so) digital SLR for a bargain price. Final judgement will have to wait until we can get our hands on a production sample, but if the Nikon D50's image quality is on par with the rest of the camera, this should be another big winner for Nikon. There's just an awful lot to like here, from the just-right grip size that will feel comfortable across a wide range of hand sizes, to its excellent ease of use in “green zone,” to its a complete feature bound to appeal to more advanced users. If its image quality measures up, this is going to be a very, very popular camera.'

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May 22: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS1 Review - Megapixel

Megapixel reveiws the Panasonic DMC-LS1 and writes - 'Photos captured with the DMC-LS1 reveal that while the zoom may not offer a very bright aperture at the telephoto end, the lens is a good performer overall. Barrel distortion is extremely light at the wide end, and there is no noticeable pincushion distortion at the telephoto end. Likewise, chromatic aberration is quite well-controlled, and is normally undetectable unless a photo is magnified considerably on a monitor.

The LS1 provides a sensitivity range of 64 to 400 ISO.'

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May 22: Casio Exilim EX-S100 Review - Ken Rockwell

Ken Rockwell reviews the Casio Exilim EX-S100 and writes - 'The S100 provides fantastic flexibility for those who know how to use it. For a non-photographer the Olympus Verve is also a great choice. The Verve offers tiny size and ease of use, but lacks the adjustability of the S100.

For a serious photographer who wants to take this as a primary camera I'd suggest the newer, higher resolution and even more flexible Casio EX-Z750 which I hope to review soon.'

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May 22: Fujifilm FinePix F10 Review - Lets Go Digital

Lets Go Digital reviews the FujiFilm FinePix F10 digital camera and writes - 'The Fujifilm FinePix is a digital camera with the emphasis on fully automatic photographing. Besides that the camera contains features like high speed mode and the excellent Super CCD HR technology in combination with the Real Photo Technology, which make this model interesting for everybody who wants to shoot digitally in a simple yet high quality way. The settings are easily accessible and there are only useful functionalities on board.'

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May 21: Canon Powershot SD400 Digital ELPH Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams has a review of the Canon Powershot SD400 Digital ELPH and writes - 'The SD400's image quality is excellent. It produced well saturated and accurate colors, and consistently good exposures. The ISO sensitivity is adjustable from 50, 100, 200, 400 or the camera can control it Automatically. Noise is absent from ISO 50 shots. At ISO 100, noise is detectable in shadow areas, and at ISO 200 noise becomes noticeable throughout the image. At ISO 400 noise becomes more prominent in highlight areas, but the images are usable. If you shoot night pictures you'll appreciate the “Long Shutter” option that gives you access to shutter speeds ranging from 1 to 15 seconds. To insure the best possible image, Noise Reduction is automatically applied when the shutter speed is 1.3 second or longer. In addition to an excellent automatic white balance there are presets for sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent, fluorescent H (daylight temperature) and a one-push custom setting for use with a white or grey card.'

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May 21: Minox DM1

Kevin at Digital Camera Info has news of a new multifunction digital camera from Minox - the DM1:

'German camera maker Minox has created a jack-of-all-trades device called the DM1. What is it exactly? Well, the DM1 is a 3.2 megapixel camera, 2-inch LCD, MP3 player, digital video camera, and digital webcam, all complemented with 128 MB of internal memory and packed tight into a case measuring just 4.1 x 2.5 x 0.6 inches and weighing 3.3 oz.

The DM1’s digital camera includes a 3.2 megapixel CMOS chip that can be interpolated to create 6 megapixel still images. Since the DM1 features a fixed focal length lens, the camera contains 4x digital zoom for an alternative view. The lens unit, with an aperture of f/3.5, rotates a full 360º and is protected within the camera body. Shutter performance for the DM1 ranges between 1/8-1/2000 sec in auto/manual or between 1/2-1/200 sec in digital video mode....'

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May 20: Olympus C-180

The Olympus C-180 (also known as the Olympus C-435) is a 5.1 megapixel digital camera that is being marketed as one of the most simple digital cameras to use going around. It has a 'one button, one function' design, 14 megabytes internal memory, 1.5 inch LCD screen, 7 scene programs, PictBridge compatibility and movie recording function.

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Olympus C-180 Reviews

Trusted Reviews review the Olympus C-180 and write - "It’s hard to imagine a greater contrast to the C-7070 than this little camera. The C-180 is small, light, and so simple a child could use it. In fact it wouldn’t surprise me if a lot of these cameras end up in the hands of children, as birthday presents or as a toy to take on holiday. The sub £110 price means that if it gets dropped in a rock pool or smothered in ice cream then it’s no crippling loss. It is one of the cheapest 5.1 megapixel cameras on the market, but it still offers the reassurance of the prestigious Olympus name and a build quality that sets it comfortably apart from the majority of cheap budget cameras."

DigiCam Review has reviewed the Olympus Camedia C-180 D-435 and writes - 'The Olympus Camedia C-180 D-435 scores very highly on ease of use, but unfortunately falls short on image quality, with soft images, and slow speed in use. The lack of optical zoom is a real shame as well - especially considering Olympus offer the 4 megapixel, 3x optical zoom C-480 for around the same price as the C-180, you'd be better off buying a camera with an optical zoom lens. Images do have good colour and this camera may suite those looking for an extremely easy to use point and shoot camera.'

Pocket-lint reviews the Olympus Camedia C-180 and gives it a rating of 8 out of 10. They write - 'The C-180 would make an ideal child’s gift or a camera ideal for anyone with a penchant for panicking as soon as they see a camera with more than a few buttons. The camera is complete with a built in flash, though it’s not particularly powerful; a macro setting that gets you to within a modest 20cm of your subject. The small LCD screen is exactly that but helps keep the price low and while basic it is usable in all but the brightest of direct sunlight.'

Olympus C-180 News Release

The extremely compact Olympus C-180 makes taking photos a breeze. Featuring a “one button, one function” design and choice of seven scene programmes, the C-180 is easy-to-use and delivers perfect results every time. Utilising Olympus’ TruePic TURBO image processor and featuring an accurate autofocus, the C-180 never fails to produce consistently high-quality images. Pictures are stored in the internal 14MB memory or onto an optional xD-Picture Card and a movie recording function rounds off the impressive range of features.

Supplied with the Olympus Master software, which enables easy file management, this easy-to-use 5.1 million pixel camera will be available from June 2005 and will have an estimated street price of £130

The new C-180 includes a whole host of functions designed to make taking high-quality photos exceedingly straightforward. The “one button, one function” design principle ensures remarkably easy operation, while the combination of 5.1 million pixel resolution, a bright autofocus lens and TruePic TURBO advanced image processor guarantee first-class picture results. Close-ups are also possible thanks to the 4x digital zoom.

Even complete beginners will have no problems producing stunning results. The C-180 offers a wide range of scene programmes and provides a virtual help function to take the guesswork out of operating the camera. A comprehensible six-language menu further enhances ease of use and additional languages are available as downloads from the Internet.

This model boasts a 1.5“ (3.8cm) LCD monitor, enabling the easy framing and reviewing of photos and movies. Results are saved to the 14MB internal memory or onto optional xD-Picture Cards, which are available in capacities of up to 1GB – enough for hundreds of photos. And as you would expect from such a user-friendly camera, printing images is a simple one-step procedure. Thanks to PictBridge support, the need for a computer has become a thing of the past. To enjoy high-quality printouts, you need only connect the camera directly to a compatible printer, such as the Olympus P-10.

To power the C-180, you have the choice between one CRV-3 cell or two AA batteries, so there’s no need to worry about running out of power in places where specialised batteries or a recharging unit are not available.

The Olympus C-180 – main features:

• 5.1 million pixels
• Autofocus lens with 6.11mm focal length (equivalent to 36.7mm on a 35mm camera)
• 4x digital zoom
• 14MB internal memory plus xD-Picture Card slot
• 3.8cm / 1.5 inch LCD monitor
• 7 scene programmes (incl. Night Scene, Sports and Beach&Snow)
• Movie recording function
• TruePic TURBO image processor
• PictBridge compatible
• Uses two AA-size batteries or one CRV-3 cell
• Supplied with Olympus Master Software
• Multi-language menu (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian) plus possibility to download further languages from the internet

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May 20: Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM Lens

Sigma Press Release

50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM

High Magnification Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens, with a 10x zoom ratio from 50mm to 500mm, optimized for digital SLR cameras.

• Most effective coating for minimizing flare and ghost with digital SLR cameras.
• Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range.
• Uses four SLD (the special low dispersion) glass elements for superior optical performance.
• Accepts both 1.4X and 2X APO EX Tele-Converters, the lens can be used as a 1000mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 50-500 F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM lens.

This high zoom ratio lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto. This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range.

The new lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.

This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of color aberration. A zoom lock switch eliminates ‘zoom creep’ during transportation, a convenient addition when traveling. The HSM（Hyper Sonic Motor） models provide quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full-time manual focus capability., The rear focus mechanism produces a non-rotating front lens element which accepts a bayonet “Petal-type Hood”, which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality.

By adding an APO teleconverter (sold separately), you can use this lens as a 140-700mm F7.3-8.8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 200-1000mm F10.4-12.6 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2X teleconverter.（Teleconverters can be used in 100mm – 500mm focal length range）

THE SPECIFICATIONS

• Focal Length :50-500mm
• Minimum Aperture :F22
• Lens Construction :20 Elements in 16 Groups
• Angle of View :46.8°- 5°
• Number of Diaphragm Blades :9pcs
• Minimum Focusing Distance :100cm –300cm(39.3“-118.1”)
• Maximum Magnification :1:5.2
• Filter Size :86mm
• Lens Hood : Petal Hood
• Dimensions :Diameter 95mm (3.7“) x Length 218.5mm (8.6”)
• Weight :1842gr/64.9oz
• SRP :£899.99
• Fittings :Sigma, Canon and Nikon-D,
• (Konica/Minolta and Pentax TBA)

The appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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May 20: Rollei 6008 AF Bundle

Get the Latest Price on the Rollei 6008AF 6008 AF Kit with 80mm F2.8 Lens, Back, Charger..

Rollei 6008 AF Press Release

Rollei Announces Camera, Software and Lens Bundle to Give Professional Photographers Everything in One Medium Format

New 6008 AF “Bundle” Includes Single-Lens Reflex Camera in 6x6 Medium Format, Digital Back, Editing Software, and Top-of-The-Line Lens

Rollei, manufacturer of the classic twin-lens 6x6 Rolleiflex, today announced the availability of the 6008 AF “Bundle,” which will be the top-of-the-line offering in a family of products Rollei is rolling out in the U.S.

The bundle includes the Rollei 6008 AF camera, the world’s first auto focus single lens reflex camera in a 6 x 6 medium format; C1 Pro software for precise workflow that supports all phases of image editing and intuitive operation; and the PhaseOne db20p digital back, which gives photographers film and digital picture taking capability in one package. The interchangeable film packs allow a photographer to shoot film, Polaroid-type shots as well as digital shots.

The db20p has resolution of 16 mega pixels, 16 bits per RGB or CMYK color, and offers the option of saving RAW files in addition to TIFF and JPEG files. The unit handles studio or location shoots with ease, thanks to high performance rechargeable batteries that provide 250 shots (four working hours) and 45 frames per minute without AC power. The data is stored in the IIQ RAW format on CompactFlash cards. Processed images can be stored in the form of IIQ RAW, TIFF-RGB, TIFF-CMYK or JPEG files. File sizes are between 48 MB and 128 MB. ICC profiles can be embedded for optimum color management.

The 6008 AF is targeted to studio and on-location professionals—from portrait, fashion and landscape photographers, to photojournalists, and corporate/ government photographers involved in “workflow” photography. Pricing is expected to be in the $14,999 range.

Rollei’s new bundle, which includes lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach and Carl Zeiss, retains full compatibility with the Rollei 6000 system. This makes it compatible with more than 20 current 6000 system lenses. Three new AF lenses have been developed for the auto focus modes of the 6008 AF.

With the auto focus technology, all the camera’s main functions – such as focusing, exposure and flash control—can be carried out fully automatically or controlled manually. It’s also possible to individually program the camera’s functions via a PC or Mac computer’s Firewire port, which allows you to program virtually everything in the camera and operate it by remote control.

Rollei is famous for its square view finder. The 6008 AF continues that tradition, but features a newly developed illuminated LC control centre in the finder that provides photographers with all the camera data they need.

The new auto focus system features TTL exposure metering and high-focusing precision with image sharpness never before seen in 6 x 6 medium-format photography.

The 6008 AF also features a new TTL flash-control system. The TTL sensor is integrated into the camera and measures the amount of flash light reaching the film – parallax-free and at the exact viewing angle. All available shutter speeds are flash-synchronized, which give pros a considerable advantage when working in daylight and or for filling in shadows and strong subject contrasts

The Rollei 6008 AF weighs 1500 grams and is 143 x 139 x 124 mm without lens.

The new bundle represents Rollei’s integration strategy for its product family, This means that photographers can benefit from new developments without having to outsource for lenses and accessories. This integration not only saves photographers valuable time in selecting and ordering products, but it also prevents product obsolescence.

For more information, contact: www. Rollei.com

Get the Latest Price on the Rollei 6008AF 6008 AF Kit with 80mm F2.8 Lens, Back, Charger..

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May 19: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-S90 Review - Digital Photography Review

DP Review has reviewed the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-S90 and writes - 'Ultimately though, although I found the S90 a much more rewarding camera to use than I ever expected, and I was impressed with the results (given the target market), it simply doesn't tick enough boxes, even though it's a very good all-round performer. It's neither the cheapest, nor is it the most capable camera in its class (and it's certainly not the cutest), and though it does everything it should without any problems it simply doesn't offer anything to make it stand out from the crowd (with the possible exception of that big screen).'

Read more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-S90

Get the Latest Price on the Sony Cybershot DSCS90 4.1 MP Digital Camera

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May 19: HP Photosmart R717 Review - PhotographyBLOG

PhotographyBLOG reviews the HP Photosmart R717 and writes - 'The HP Photosmart R717 continues a recent trend in the digital camera industry of taking an existing successful design, upgrading the megapixel count and releasing it as a brand new model. There really is very little difference between the R717 and its award-winning predecessor, the R707. The main change is the upgrade from 5 to 6 megapixels. While this allows for marginally bigger prints, it does result in slightly noisier images at ISO 200 and faster, plus there's slightly more evidence of chromatic aberrations in the form of purple fringing in high-contrast areas. The LCD screen is the other main change, now being 1.8 inches in size rather than 1.5 inches. In an age of 2.5 inch screens, this change just about keeps the R717 competitive in this aspect of design, but only just.' Read more about the HP Photosmart R717

Get the Latest Price on the HP Photosmart R717

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May 19: Casio EX-P700 Exilim Pro Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Casio EX-P700 Exilim Pro and writes - 'The Casio EX-P700 Exilim Pro follows in the midrange enthusiast footsteps of the company's well-received P600, sporting a new black chassis and a seventh megapixel. Otherwise, and to the P700's credit, the two cameras are largely similar; they have the same extensive feature set, they capture equally pleasing images, and both feature the surprisingly pocketable design that made the P600 a joy to tote around. However, though its performance is quite comparable to that of other 7-megapixel models in its class, the P700 doesn't quite match the sprightly response of its predecessor. In addition, Casio still hasn't addressed the P600's subpar video capabilities.'

Read more about the Casio EX-P700 digital camera

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May 18: Nikon Coolpix S2

The Nikon Coolpix S2 is a 5.1 megapixel splash proof digital camera. It has a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 5 mode flash, USB connectivity and 3x Optical Zoom Nikkor ED Glass lens.

The Nikon Coolpix S2 will retail for $449.95 ($US) and be available in the spring (northern hemisphere).

Get the Latest Price on the Nikon Coolpix S2

Nikon Coolpix S2 Reviews

Pocket Lint reviews the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix S2 digital camera and gives it a rating of 8 out of 10. They write - 'Given my grumbles you’d be forgiven for thinking I don’t like this camera, not so. It’s a gem, if a little flawed around the edges. Anyone making standard sized prints from its images will be more than happy with its results and it is so nice to look at you’ll be hard pressed not to flaunt it wherever you go, just be careful you don’t wear it out by over-polishing that shiny face plate. '

Digital Camera Info reviews the Nikon Coolpix S2 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix S2 is built with style in mind, as well as ease of use for the fashion-conscious point-and-shooter. The 5 megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD comes packed in a splash-proof metal body with a 3x optical zoom lens that remains flush with the camera body at all times. The stylish design includes a sliding lens door that protects the lens and flash while providing a nice mirror for your own fashion purposes.'

CNET Reviews the Nikon Coolpix S2 and give it a rating of 5.8 out of 10 (Average). They write - 'Tiny size, acceptable but not outstanding image quality, and a lack of manual controls make the ultracompact Nikon Coolpix S2 a fine choice for snapshot photographers who want a good selection of fun features but don't want to make many decisions on their own. This Nikon's strong points are abundant scene modes, a 3X zoom lens that doesn't protrude during use, a postshot fix that automatically brightens dark backgrounds, and a clever Face Priority focus mode that ensures that the closest person to the camera will come out sharp and clear. But given the Coolpix S2's limited shutter-speed range of 2 seconds to 1/350 second, you won't be using it for long exposures or very fast action.'

Nikon Coolpix S2 News Release

NIKON ANNOUNCES NEW SPLASH-PROOF COOLPIX S2
Nikon Inc. today announced the introduction of the new Nikon Coolpix S2 ultra-slim digital camera (www.nikondigital.com) as a complement to the Coolpix S1, already available nationwide. The Coolpix S2 is a splash-proof 5.1 megapixel, ultra-slim digital camera with a full range of exclusive in-camera solutions. Coupled with its incredible, bright 2.5“ LCD screen, the durable and capable Coolpix S2 will please consumers who require compact size, splash-proof protection and the ability to quickly and easily capture top-quality images in a number of shooting situations.

The Coolpix S2 benefits from Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System made available through its Coolpix line of products and even incorporates a 16th Scene Mode – Voice Recording Scene Mode - to its arsenal of on-board technology. These features include Nikon’s exclusive Face Priority Auto Focus, which ensures that faces remain in focus when shooting portraits by automatically sensing the presence of a human face within the frame and setting accurate focus points accordingly. The result is a sharp portrait with the press of a button. The S2 also boasts Nikon’s renowned In-Camera Red-Eye Fix technology, which detects and corrects red eyes in most typical situations without the need to press buttons or select and highlight the eyes in playback. The D-Lighting feature can be selected in Playback mode — automatically compensating for insufficient flash or excessive back lighting in order to obtain balanced exposure throughout the frame.

More Features in a Sleek, Splash-Proof Design

• 5.1 effective megapixels
• 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 35-105mm lens in 35mm format
• Compact dimensions of (W x H x D – 3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches)
• Light weight of approx 4.9 oz. (without battery and memory card)
• COOLSTATION MV-12 cradle included for easy downloading of images and recharging the battery in the camera
• AF-assist illuminator can be switched on and off
• 256-segment Matrix Metering with Center-weighted, Spot, or Spot AF metering
• 7 manual white balance settings and White Balance Bracketing
• Direct printing with PictBridge compatibility
• 4 of the 16 Scene Modes offer Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape)
• World Time function allows local time to be set easily anywhere
• USB compatibility enables swift transfer of image data to computers
• Voice memo function records up to 20 seconds of sound that can then be attached to an image
• 4x digital zoom capability
• Choice of Single AF and Continuous AF
• Options for playback: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow, 10x magnification
• Built-in Speedlight: features settings for Auto, Red-eye Reduction by pre-flash, Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.

The Nikon Coolpix S2 will be available this spring at select retailers nationwide, at an MSRP of $449.95. For a detailed listing of product specifications and a description of Nikon exclusive technology, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

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May 18: Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Review - DCRP

DCRP reviews the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 and writes - 'The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 is a very nice 7 Megapixel ultra-compact camera with a few annoying flaws. First, the good points. The Z750 is compact, made of metal, and is well constructed. It fits easily in your pocket and can go anywhere you do.

The camera has a large 2.5“ LCD display and a tiny optical viewfinder. While the screen is big, the resolution is not, and low light visibility is not very good either. Camera performance is excellent. The Z750 starts up in just one second and focusing, shutter lag, and shot-to-shot speeds are all very good. The camera's AF-assist lamp helped it focus well in low light situations. Battery life is superb compared to most other ultra-compacts.'

Read more about the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 digital camera

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May 17: Kodak EasyShare V530

The Kodak Easyshare V530 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical Zoom and 2 inch LCD Screen. With TV quality video this is a camera being marketed as a camera with both quality video and still photography.

Compare prices on the Kodak Easyshare V530 and get the Latest Price on the Kodak Easyshare V530 5MP Digital Camera at Amazon.

Kodak Easyshare V530 Press Release

Kodak Pairs Style with Substance in KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 Zoom Digital Cameras; Leave the Camcorder Behind with Built-In Video Capabilities Fresh for the summer season, KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras were unveiled today in cities around the globe. Two models -- each smaller than a deck of playing cards -- are designed for trendsetters who seek high-style, compact personal electronics that combine phenomenal quality, performance and simplicity.

The KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 zoom digital cameras break new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still pictures perfect for printing and sharing. Record longer, TV-quality videos with sound -- up to 80 continuous minutes -- while using less memory storage.* Avoid on-screen shaking with built-in image stabilization technology, and zoom in on video subjects in real time using the professional-caliber SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lens. Then watch the videos with friends on the cameras' big, bright, crisp LCD screens, viewable from nearly any angle.

In addition, EASYSHARE Software version 5.0 -- available as a free download next month from kodak.com -- makes combining, rotating, and adding music to video clips a breeze.

Crafted to capture every pose, the V550 and V530 cameras are equipped with 5-megapixel (MP) resolution for breathtaking prints up to 20 x 30 inches. The included KODAK EASYSHARE Photo Frame Dock 2 -- which provides one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer while keeping the cameras' high-capacity battery charged and ready to go -- can play video and photo 'slideshows' on the cameras' high-resolution LCD screens, providing an additional degree of elevated design and innovation to EASYSHARE V-Series camera owners.

"With women buying more than half of the electronic items sold in the United States, Kodak is designing new products that particularly appeal not only to women's sense of style, but also a desire to simplify their lives," said Mary-Irene Marek, worldwide marketing manager at Kodak. "The new EASYSHARE V-Series cameras make it incredibly simple to take and share videos and pictures, while being chic, fashionable and small enough to slip into the newest designer handbag."

KODAK EASYSHARE V550 zoom digital camera
Like the little black dress or classic button-down shirt, the KODAK EASYSHARE V550 digital camera is perfect for nearly every social occasion. In addition to its high-end video performance, the V550 model captures all moments with 5MP resolution and its pro-caliber, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens. Nineteen scene modes such as beach, snow, sunset and party help you get the best possible shot with the least possible effort.

The black and silver metal camera bodies, paired with luminescent blue indicator lights, beg to be shown off. A brilliant 2.5-inch, very high-resolution LCD screen (230,000 pixels) is viewable from almost any angle (170 degrees) and can be used to preview a shot -- as can the optical viewfinder -- before instantly sharing the snapped picture with friends.

The EASYSHARE V550 camera will be available worldwide beginning this June for US$399 (MSRP).

KODAK EASYSHARE V530 zoom digital camera
Dressed in the season's hottest colors -- Absolute Pink, Red Shimmer, Midnight Black and Silver Essence -- the V530 camera is small enough to fit in this summer's most trendy clutch. Women can take and share high-quality videos and pictures in style, thanks to this model benefiting from the same performance characteristics -- 5 MP resolution and a pro-level 3X optical zoom lens -- as the V550 camera. A 2-inch, high-resolution, brilliant LCD helps show off pictures to friends, and also doubles as the camera's viewfinder.

The EASYSHARE V530 camera will be available worldwide beginning in July 2005 for US$349 (MSRP).

EASYSHARE Software
V-series cameras include KODAK EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing -- and even CD and DVD burning. 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 5.0 -- available as a free download from http://www.kodak.com beginning this summer -- will feature new video editing tools that allow people to quickly and simply trim, splice, rotate and add music to videos.

KODAK EASYSHARE Software is now among the most widely used picture software titles in the world, with more than 22 million consumers enjoying its features.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Kodak makes it easy to accessorize the new V-series cameras, with a range of products that help show off your pictures. For instance, the popular KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Series 3 (US$149 MSRP) makes it one-touch simple to print real KODAK pictures at home in just seconds -- with or without a computer. Browse more accessories at http://www.kodak.com.

In the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study(SM) evaluating performance, connectivity, cost and appearance, KODAK EASYSHARE cameras in the US$200-399 and US$400-599 price ranges ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction. Digital cameras in these segments comprise more than 60 percent of the U.S. market, according to data from The NPD Group.

According to IDC, Kodak is the leading shipper of digital cameras and snapshot printers in the United States, based on 2004 full-year reporting. It is also the fastest growing brand of digital cameras in the world.

The innovative, award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system -- consisting of cameras, printer docks and camera docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories -- makes taking, organizing, sharing, and printing high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at http://www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare.

Kodak EasyShare V530

Digital Camera Info has posted a review of the Kodak EasyShare V530 Digital Camera where they write - 'The Kodak EasyShare V530 was released at a retail price of $349 and then modified to a more affordable $299 price tag. The V530 is cheaper than most of its other competitors and has very similar features: 5 megapixels, a skinny body that can fit in a pocket, and automatic functionality. So while this camera can be tough to handle and has quirks like the eerie green light, it is still a bargain.'

Megapixel reviews the Kodak EasyShare V530 and writes - 'The V530 is compact, light, and simple to use. It is designed to be easily carried around and be available at a moment's notice. Its controls and features avoid complexity, making it an ideal entry-level camera for those who prefer point and shoot type cameras. And, when its photos are printed, especially at standard sizes such as 4x6 and 5x7, the V530's images stand out as well-saturated and bright.'

Compare prices on the Kodak Easyshare V530 and get the Latest Price on the Kodak Easyshare V530 5MP Digital Camera at Amazon.

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May 17: Kodak Easyshare V550

The Kodak Easyshare V550 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Kodak are marketing this and its sibling (the V530) as cameras that blur the distinction between video and still photography.

Coompare Prices on the Kodak Easyshare V550 and get the latest price on the Kodak EasyShare V550 5MP Digital Camera at Amazon.

Kodak Easyshare V550 Press Release

Kodak Pairs Style with Substance in KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 Zoom Digital Cameras; Leave the Camcorder Behind with Built-In Video Capabilities
Fresh for the summer season, KODAK EASYSHARE V-series digital cameras were unveiled today in cities around the globe. Two models -- each smaller than a deck of playing cards -- are designed for trendsetters who seek high-style, compact personal electronics that combine phenomenal quality, performance and simplicity.

The KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 zoom digital cameras break new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still pictures perfect for printing and sharing. Record longer, TV-quality videos with sound -- up to 80 continuous minutes -- while using less memory storage.* Avoid on-screen shaking with built-in image stabilization technology, and zoom in on video subjects in real time using the professional-caliber SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lens. Then watch the videos with friends on the cameras' big, bright, crisp LCD screens, viewable from nearly any angle.

In addition, EASYSHARE Software version 5.0 -- available as a free download next month from kodak.com -- makes combining, rotating, and adding music to video clips a breeze.

Crafted to capture every pose, the V550 and V530 cameras are equipped with 5-megapixel (MP) resolution for breathtaking prints up to 20 x 30 inches. The included KODAK EASYSHARE Photo Frame Dock 2 -- which provides one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer while keeping the cameras' high-capacity battery charged and ready to go -- can play video and photo 'slideshows' on the cameras' high-resolution LCD screens, providing an additional degree of elevated design and innovation to EASYSHARE V-Series camera owners.

"With women buying more than half of the electronic items sold in the United States, Kodak is designing new products that particularly appeal not only to women's sense of style, but also a desire to simplify their lives," said Mary-Irene Marek, worldwide marketing manager at Kodak. "The new EASYSHARE V-Series cameras make it incredibly simple to take and share videos and pictures, while being chic, fashionable and small enough to slip into the newest designer handbag."

KODAK EASYSHARE V550 zoom digital camera
Like the little black dress or classic button-down shirt, the KODAK EASYSHARE V550 digital camera is perfect for nearly every social occasion. In addition to its high-end video performance, the V550 model captures all moments with 5MP resolution and its pro-caliber, SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens. Nineteen scene modes such as beach, snow, sunset and party help you get the best possible shot with the least possible effort.

The black and silver metal camera bodies, paired with luminescent blue indicator lights, beg to be shown off. A brilliant 2.5-inch, very high-resolution LCD screen (230,000 pixels) is viewable from almost any angle (170 degrees) and can be used to preview a shot -- as can the optical viewfinder -- before instantly sharing the snapped picture with friends.

The EASYSHARE V550 camera will be available worldwide beginning this June for US$399 (MSRP).

KODAK EASYSHARE V530 zoom digital camera
Dressed in the season's hottest colors -- Absolute Pink, Red Shimmer, Midnight Black and Silver Essence -- the V530 camera is small enough to fit in this summer's most trendy clutch. Women can take and share high-quality videos and pictures in style, thanks to this model benefiting from the same performance characteristics -- 5 MP resolution and a pro-level 3X optical zoom lens -- as the V550 camera. A 2-inch, high-resolution, brilliant LCD helps show off pictures to friends, and also doubles as the camera's viewfinder.

The EASYSHARE V530 camera will be available worldwide beginning in July 2005 for US$349 (MSRP).

EASYSHARE Software
V-series cameras include KODAK EASYSHARE software for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing -- and even CD and DVD burning. 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 5.0 -- available as a free download from http://www.kodak.com beginning this summer -- will feature new video editing tools that allow people to quickly and simply trim, splice, rotate and add music to videos.

KODAK EASYSHARE Software is now among the most widely used picture software titles in the world, with more than 22 million consumers enjoying its features.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Kodak makes it easy to accessorize the new V-series cameras, with a range of products that help show off your pictures. For instance, the popular KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Series 3 (US$149 MSRP) makes it one-touch simple to print real KODAK pictures at home in just seconds -- with or without a computer. Browse more accessories at http://www.kodak.com.

In the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study(SM) evaluating performance, connectivity, cost and appearance, KODAK EASYSHARE cameras in the US$200-399 and US$400-599 price ranges ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction. Digital cameras in these segments comprise more than 60 percent of the U.S. market, according to data from The NPD Group.

According to IDC, Kodak is the leading shipper of digital cameras and snapshot printers in the United States, based on 2004 full-year reporting. It is also the fastest growing brand of digital cameras in the world.

The innovative, award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system -- consisting of cameras, printer docks and camera docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories -- makes taking, organizing, sharing, and printing high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at http://www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare.

Kodak EasyShare V550 Reviews

Australian blog - DP Expert - reviews the Kodak Easyshare V550 and writes - 'The Kodak V550 and its little sibling the V530 [�dressed in the season's hottest colours�Absolute Pink, Red Shimmer, Midnight Black and Silver Essence�lets women take and share high quality videos and pictures in style�] are worthy additions to Kodak's bewildering range of compact digital cameras. The 4.9 rating indicates how difficult it is to distinguish between different cameras from different makers these days. If a camera performs its intended function perfectly then there is not much point in rating it comparatively with a 14mp full frame single lens reflex.

We like the Kodak V550 and recommend it to anyone looking for a compact camera in the $700 price range.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Kodak Easyshare V550 and writes - 'The Kodak EasyShare system is a tempting solution for families wanting point-n-shoot simplicity and ease of home printing. The V550's automatic and scene modes produce pleasing 5-megapixel images without any fuss, while complementing your personal image with its stylishness. Combine it with the EasyShare Printer Dock, and you'll produce photo lab-quality 4x6 prints, and do it without using an image editor or photo printing application. The V550 is a bit pricey at an MSRP of $400, but if style matters to you as much as simplicity and image quality, the V550 is a reasonable value. Combined with Kodak's Printer Dock Series 3, it will produce a lot in terms of quality and fun for under $550.'

Megapixel reviews the Kodak EasyShare V550 and writes - 'Probably the single biggest regret we have about the V550 is that there is absolutely no user control over the compression applied to the images. With the V550, Kodak, just as a few other manufacturers have, follows the regrettable trend of tying image size to compression permanently. At the 5-megapixel image size, the highest image quality available with the V550, this compression can vary, depending on the subject, from a ratio of 9:1 for most subjects, to on occasion a compression as strong as 25:1. And with some subjects, the compression can lead to a loss of sharpness, noticeable when the image is looked at 100% scale on a monitor.

Generally the V550 turns out bright and vibrant images, and is clearly designed to fit the needs of users that want a simple to operate, no-fuss camera. Its Scene programs are quite effective when used to capture their intended subjects, and the Auto shooting mode, while simple to use, offers some control to the user.'

Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Kodak EasyShare V550 Digital Camera and writes - 'The V550's target audience will love this camera. It's an excellent alternative to Canon's nifty little SD400, a good choice for beginning photographers looking for a camera that can grow with them as their image making skills evolve, and a practical selection for family shutterbugs, space/weight conscious travelers, and extreme sports aficionados who value style, compact size, super fast operation, and point & shoot ease of use. More advanced photographers will appreciate the V550's versatility and amazingly well thought out user interface.'

Photoxels reviews the Kodak EasyShare V550 Zoom and writes - 'The Kodak EasyShare V550 Zoom is basically a P&S digital camera that gives well exposed, vivid and sharpened images straight out of the camera. Though it allows some manual adjustments, I wouldn't count on them too much because they are limited. Add the optional Printer Dock Series 3 printer and you have One-Touch facility in printing 4x6 in. prints in the convenience of your home.'

CNET Reviews the Kodak EasyShare V550 and writes - 'With its ice-blue indicator lights and included flying-saucer-shaped dock, the 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare V550 brings some much-needed style to Kodak's line of point-and-shoot cameras. Equipped with friendly features, the V550 will appeal to those who want portability and simplicity wrapped in an attractive package.

This model costs only $50 more than the EasyShare V530, its slightly smaller but technically identical sibling, which is available in red and pink as well as the V550's black and silver. It also offers a larger 2.5-inch LCD (as opposed to the V530's 2-inch display) and an optical viewfinder. Although the viewfinder is too small and crops your view too tightly to be really useful, we think the extra $50 is worth it for the larger LCD.'

Lets Go Digital reviews the Kodak EasyShare V550 Digital Camera and writes - 'The Kodak EasyShare V550 is a good camera offering true value for its money. Excellent image quality, simple operation and easy to carry around with you. The EasyShare V550 is not yet perfect, but which camera is? It's mainly details where the EasyShare V550 drops a stitch. In general it's an attractive digital camera, not only because of its appearance. The users of the EasyShare V550 benefit to the fullest from the EasyShare concept. It's a strong concept, but still leaving room for improvement. We're not overwhelmed and uncritical but the Kodak EasyShare V 550 is definitely an excellent choice for the starting photographer, or it will serve greatly as a second camera added to the rest of your photographic equipment.'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Kodak EasyShare V550 digital camera where they write - 'The Kodak EasyShare V550 is a stylish, well made and technically impressive camera, with excellent performance and exceptionally good image quality. Both the camera and the supplied software are very easy to use, making this a good choice for a demanding first-time buyer, or as a second camera for an experienced user. It is a little more expensive than some of its competition, but hopefully the price will drop over the next few weeks. This could be the camera that gives Kodak the market share it�s been waiting for.'

DC Views has a review of the Kodak V550 where they write - 'With its catching design and compact size the Kodak EasyShare V550 is a true photo companion to take with you at all times. Although its features show that it is designed with the beginner in mind, it provides flawless picture taking possibilities which, even in the hands of the inexperienced, will deliver perfect shots every time. Overall we were pleased with the results we got from this little point-and-shoot camera. The large LCD screen makes framing and reviewing images very convenient even to those with less perfect eye-sight. It is viewable in bright outdoor light as well as in dimly lit rooms. With plenty of scene modes there is ample choice to find a mode that reflects the scene your are capturing and when you subsequently get home it is dead easy to share your pics with friends and family, whether by direct printing or e-mail.'

Cameras.co.uk reviews the Kodak Easyshare C360 digital camera and writes - 'The strength of the colours is especially noticeable in the skies. In fact this camera has produced far bluer skies than the vast majority of digital cameras I have tested recently. Even a cold winter sky is given a degree of warmth. The second scenic shot shows the issue of darker edges to photos. This does occur occasionally with other cameras I test, but it is quite pronounced with the Easyshare C360.... There is a lot to like about the Kodak Easyshare C360. It is very easy to use and the build quality appears to be a bit better than you normally find in digital cameras around this price bracket. The photographs it produces have very strong colours, but it does have a weakness indoors and in lowlight situations.'

XYZ Computing V550 has posted a review of the Kodak EasyShare V550 where they write - 'The V550 was clearly designed to compete with cameras like Canon's PowerShot SD400. Canon has been the leader of the digital camera industry for some time now, so emulating their form factor and specifications was certainly a step in the right direction. Kodak was able to put together a nicer exterior and easier to use interface than any used on the PowerShots. Even so, the Kodak lacks the distinction and tweaking with Canon has been able to work into it models- the V550's image quality, battery life, and macro capilities are all a bit behind. The price of the Kodak gives its a considerable advantage over the Canon models, though it will still be a tough choice considering the brand name and refinement which Canon brings to the table.'

Coompare Prices on the Kodak Easyshare V550 and get the latest price on the Kodak EasyShare V550 5MP Digital Camera at Amazon.

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May 17: Pentax Optio S5n Review - Trusted Reviews

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio S5n and writes - 'The Optio S5n is a third-generation product, building on a very successful line of cameras, and is certainly one of the best ultra-compacts on the market. It is extremely well made, has a long list of useful and entertaining functions, superb handling and image quality, and it even looks nice. It’s not the cheapest in its class, but you’re getting a lot of camera for your money, and in a very small package.'

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May 17: Nikon Coolpix S1 Review - Lets Go Digital

Lets go digital reviews the Nikon Coolpix S1 Digital Camera and writes - 'With the design of the Nikon Coolpix S1, Nikon entered the world of design again. The design is absolutely convincing and a real eye-catcher. And the emphasis on user friendliness and the user's convenience completes it. The Nikon Coolpix S1 is a suitable digital camera for those who want to take pictures in an easy way, and who want to take a camera with them everywhere. The high resolution images of 5 Megapixels ensure excellent prints and the innovative and efficient way of in-camera image editing adds to the impressive end result. I consider the Nikon Coolpix S1 as a successful digital camera that lies at the roots of a new line of Nikon digital cameras as far as I'm concerned!'

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May 16: Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review - PhotographyBLOG

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4600 and writes - 'The Nikon Coolpix 4600 is a compact, stylish and easy-to-use point and shoot digital camera. The scene modes are both numerous and advanced in their implementation and will really help the beginner, and the in-built help system, although limited, will also prove useful. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 has a couple of new features that aim to make the photographer's life easier, both of which work well. D-Lighting was very effective, offering an in-camera solution for revealing detail in the shadow areas of an image without also over-exposing the highlights. The Red-Eye Reduction feature also worked as promised, with little evidence of red-eye.'

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May 14: Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams has a review of the Nikon Coolpix 4600 and writes - 'Shooting performance was good for a camera in this class. Power up to first image captured measured 3.1 seconds. Shutter lag measured 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and 3/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot to shot delay averaged about 1.7 seconds between frames without the use of the flash and between 7 and 10 seconds with the flash. While the flash is recharging the LCD goes blank, which I found quite aggravating. There are two Sequential shooting mode to choose from (Continuous, Multi-shot 16.) With Continuous mode, I was able to capture 5 frames in about 3 seconds. Multi-shot mode captures 16 frames, then makes a single 5M/Fine image out of all 16 frames. Using this mode, I was able to capture 16 frames in under 7 seconds. The LCD viewfinder briefly displays the last image captured in all Continuous modes; you'll prefer to use the optical viewfinder if your subject is moving. All test were done using a SanDisk 256MB Ultra II SD card, using 4M/Fine size/quality, welcome screen off, preview off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'

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May 14: Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams reviews the Nikon Coolpix 5600 and advises - 'The Nikkor 3x optical zoom lens produced sharp results throughout its range, with noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle, with virtually no pin cushioning at the telephoto end of the zoom range. The lens moves smoothly and quietly through its zoom range, but not continuously; I counted 19 steps between wide angle and telephoto, quite adequate for shot composition. Its 35 - 105mm (35mm-equivalent) zoom range is typical for a camera in this class, offering a sufficient field of view for portraits of individuals, small groups, and landscape shots, and enough telephoto magnification to bring your subject closer. The autofocus system complements the lens nicely, producing sharp images in most conditions, however it will fail in low-light situations; this is when an AF-assist lamp would come in handy.'

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May 14: Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams reviews the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 and writes - 'Shooting performance was robust. From power up to first image captured averaged 1.8 seconds, which confirms Casio's claim of extremely fast start-up times. This is pretty amazing when you consider it has to extend the lens and boot up. The all important shutter lag is almost non-existent when pre-focused and only 1/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot-to-shot delay averaged just under 1.6 seconds without the use of the flash and 2.0 seconds with the flash. The camera has three Continuous modes (Normal, Multi, and Zoom). In Normal mode I was able to capture 5 frames in approx. 4.8 seconds. Multi continuous mode captured 25 frames in 1.3 seconds and saved them as a single 1600x1200 image. The Zoom mode isn't really a sequential capture mode, rather it displays a framing guide on the LCD and when you press the shutter, it records the image inside of the guide, digitally zoomed to twice the normal size. Our tests were done using a high-speed 512MB 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.'

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May 14: Konica Minolta DiMage Z5 Review - Lets Go Digital

Lets Go Digital Reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 and writes - 'All in all the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 is an excellent digital camera that is versatile applicable. Certainly an ideal camera to take on holiday with you. The camera is compact and can be used on many occasions. And with a budget friendly price to it, it makes the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 a very attractive camera.'

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May 14: Fujifilm FinePix F10 Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Fujifilm FinePix F10 and writes - 'Usable high-ISO sensitivities, good photo quality, and a brawny battery highlight the appeal of the 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F10. It's a compact point-and-shoot package that includes a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD that's usable under a variety of difficult lighting conditions. Photo enthusiasts might be disappointed by the lack of manual controls for exposure and focus and by the image quality, which is long on latitude but suffers from fringing that pulls it up short. Snapshooters who like lots of scene modes will find only five to choose from, but fans of this camera's special features will find its shortcomings merely minor annoyances.'

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May 14: Kodak EasyShare Z700 Review - Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z700 and writes - 'The Z700's color is very good, which isn't surprising since Kodak's Color Science processor has a reputation for producing accurate color. Here's what I did find surprising, the Z700 has the most neutral color balance of any P&S digicam I've used to date. Reds are a bit warm and blues are a little bright, but neither is garish or over the top. Consumer grade digicams typically punch up red & blue a bit because casual photographers like bright colors, especially red and blue. ISO 80 and ISO 100 images are virtually noise free, but ISO 200 images show some very minor pattern noise. ISO 400 images show above average pattern noise. The Z700 has a slight tendency toward overexposure (outdoors in auto mode) and there is some minor chromatic aberration (in high contrast color transition areas, especially at maximum aperture), but overall the Z700's image quality is excellent. I didn't shoot any night/low light images with the Z700, so I can't comment on the Z700's low light capabilities.'

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May 13: Kodak Easyshare Z740 Review - Megapixel

Megapixel reviews the Kodak Easyshare Z740 and writes - 'The most notable feature of this lens is its power, as the 10X focal length makes it possible to take photos of distant subjects (see the photo above and below). Still, the caveat that applies to all long zooms that do not have the advantage of a built-in stabilization system remains valid: at its maximum power, the lens will emphasize the slightest camera movements which in turn can cause blurred images. Therefore, to obtain the best results, either a high shutter speed must be available, or the camera should be stabilized.

With this camera, the autofocus shows clear improvement over the previous model. The Z740 focuses faster and more reliably, which makes the camera quicker to use. As well, the Z740 benefits from the addition of a powerful green light which assists the auto focus system when the ambient light is too soft, making it possible to capture well-focused shots under low light.'

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May 12: Casio Aims to Boost World Digital Camera Shipments 20%

'Casio Computer Co. plans to increase world shipments of digital cameras roughly 20 per cent in fiscal 2005 to about 5 million units.

The company plans to cultivate foreign markets, including those in Asia and the U.S.

Casio will aim for consolidated sales from digital camera operations of 115 billion yen (US$1.1 billion) for a 15 per cent increase from fiscal 2004. The company plans to introduce about nine new camera models in fiscal 2005, in line with the number introduced in fiscal 2004....'

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May 12: Pentax Optio SVi

The Pentax Optio SVi is a 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 5x Optical Zoom and 1.8 inch LCD screen. It looks like being a European release initially - based on the Optio SV released elsewhere.

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio SVi and writes - 'An excellent photographer’s camera at a very reasonable price – the SVi has a lot of creative versatility and the image quality to back it up. Superb build quality, nice handling and an attractive design make it an outstanding all-round camera, especially for the more ambitious photographer or newcomer who wants a camera that will let them learn. Very slow start-up, sluggish performance and slow autofocus system are handicaps however.'

Penatx Optio SVi Press Release

The PENTAX OptioSVi — a Compact Digital Camera with the Power of 5.0 Effective Megapixels, the Versatility of 5X Optical zoom and an Exciting New Design

PENTAX introduces the new OptioSVi — a compact, lightweight digital camera designed specially for the utmost in portability. With 5X optical zoom capability, it gives you the freedom to compose as you like. And with a new design featuring an improved grip, it delivers comfortable handling that adds to shooting confidence.

Major features
1. New design with an enhanced grip
The body of the OptioSVi is crafted from a high-quality aluminum alloy with a fine spindle-pattern surface that is pleasant to the touch and catches the light in an attractive manner. And on the right hand side of the front, the OptioSVi features a transparent resin element that contributes to holding comfort and further complements the overall design.

2. Versatile shooting, from telephoto to macro composition
Equipped with an smc PENTAX lens with a high optical zoom ratio of 5X and a focal length of 5.8-29mm (covering angles of view equivalent to those of a 36-180mm lens in 35mm format), the OptioSVi enables the user to zoom in for portraits or zoom out to capture beautiful landscapes. Such zooming power can also be combined with 4X digital zoom to achieve a total of 20X zoom capability, while Super Macro mode allows shooting from as close as 3cm from the subject.

3. Excellent image quality
A 1/2.5-inch, primary color CCD with a total of 5.36 megapixels ensures high-quality imaging, while the renowned smc PENTAX lens achieves excellent compensation for aberrations and delivers clear, high-contrast images with minimized ghost and flare. Imaging quality also extends beyond such advantages too, with a higher performance ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that
succeeds in achieving more natural gradations and more faithful color compensation.

4. Compact, lightweight body
Despite incorporating an impressive 5X optical zoom lens, the OptioSVi boasts compact dimensions of just 91.5mm (W) x 56mm (H) x 28mm (D) — an achievement made possible thanks to the unique PENTAX Sliding Lens System, which offsets the central lens groups from the optical axis and divides the lens elements into two groups for storage. Not only does this advance lead to reduced
lens barrel length, but it also brings about a reduction in body depth too. Furthermore, such design success is also complemented by PENTAX expertise in the strategic, space-efficient mounting of parts for reduced weight and size overall.

5. Simple shooting mode selection
The OptioSVi offers the ample range of Program, Picture, Night Scene, Movie, Voice Recording, USER and M (manual selection of Aperture-priority AE and Shutter-priority AE settings) shooting modes — all of which can be selected with just a turn of the mode dial. Once in Picture mode, all the user has to do is select the icon that best matches the scene at hand from a choice of 12 on the Mode
Palette on the LCD monitor, then point and shoot for pleasing results.

6. Function settings tailored to individual user tastes
A handy shortcut function lets users gain swift access to settings such as recording image size, white balance, sensitivity and other frequently used functions, while the M (Manual) position on the mode dial can be altered to activate Tv (Shutter-priority AE) or Av (Aperture-priority AE) shooting according to user preferences. All of these settings, can be accessed through use of the Fn (Function)
button and the four-way controller, and such customization capability contributes to a more comfortable, personalized and enjoyable shooting experience.

7. Battery stand charges batteries still in the camera and a set of spares too — wherever you are in the world
Not only is the battery stand capable of recharging batteries without them having to be removed from the camera, but it can also house a spare set too that begin charging automatically as soon as the ones in the camera are full. This handy charger is also compatible with currents ranging from 100V to 240V (50/60Hz) too, which makes it ideal to take when traveling around the world for use with the appropriate adapters.

8. Other features
1) Movie shooting with sound, voice recording function
2) AV cable connects the OptioSVi to a TV
3) Choice of 5 kinds of auto bracketing
4) Simple Menu allows the user to hide a portion of the menu display as desired
5) SD memory card compatibility
6) USB 2.0 (High-speed) compatibility
7) Actual-image optical viewfinder
8) World time function (covers 68 cities worldwide)
9) Standard image viewer, ACDSee for PENTAX software
10) PictBridge direct print compatibility
11) DPOF function, Exif Print, PRINT Image Matching compatibility

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May 12: Contax U4R Review - PHOTOgraphic Magazine

PHOTOgraphic Magazine reviews the Contax U4R Digicam and writes - 'The U4R features an Enhanced Continuous AF mode that delivers precise results, even when shooting moving subjects. Also contributing to the camera’s focusing accuracy is a sophisticated multi-AF system in which the U4R automatically selects one of nine focusing points. We used this system almost exclusively, with very consistent results. It worked particularly well when photographing off-center subjects, enabling us to avoid the time-consuming extra step of pre-focusing on the main subject and recomposing before taking the shot.'

Read more about the Contax U4R digital camera

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May 12: Leica Delays Digital-Modul-R Release

Leica have posted a letter (pdf) on their website informing the public that the Digital-Modul-R will be delayed. The Digital-Modul-R was expected to be released in the next week but Leica writes:

'In producing the high standards of quality our customers expect of us, we make no
compromises. However, this forces us to further postpone the first deliveries of series-
produced models which were scheduled for May. The new delivery date will be communicated
at the end of May.

Under the management of the new CEO of Leica Camera AG, Dr. Josef Spichtig, we are
working hard to solve a few last software problems. Although these do not impair the basic
function of the module, they have to be remedied before it is fully ready for production.

We are sorry for the delay, particularly because we know that many customers have already
placed firm orders and are waiting desperately for the new product. Despite all the delays,
however, we urge our customers not to overreact. We are more than ever convinced that the
wait for the Digital-Modul-R will be worthwhile.'

Found via dpreview

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May 12: Kodak to enter consumer inkjet printers market 2006

'Photography company Eastman Kodak Co. is expected to introduce consumer inkjet printers next year and could challenge entrenched makers such as Lexmark International Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co.(HPQ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , industry analysts said on Tuesday.
Kodak executives have offered few details about inkjet printers since it mentioned the devices when it announced in September 2003 dramatic plans to shift its focus to digital photography and imaging services and away from traditional cameras and film.

Photo-quality consumer inkjet printers will be announced in mid-2006 by Kodak, which believes its technology is superior to that in current models, Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross said following a briefing with the Rochester, New York, company.'

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May 12: Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Review - CNET Reviews

CNET reviews the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 digital camera and writes - 'You usually have to choose between two types of digital cameras: slim-line beauties with large LCD screens or bulky enthusiast cameras capable of heavy lifting. The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 scores a coup by integrating these two schools of camera design--or rather, squeezing the benefits of the latter into the tight-fitting pants of the former. The 7.2-megapixel Z750 is the impressive spiritual successor to the handsome Exilim EX-Z55, a camera with admirable looks but disappointing image quality and a dearth of manual features. It offers the same 2.5-inch screen and trendy sub-inch-thick jeans-pocketable design as its forbearer but brings a host of new features to the table, as well as solid performance and very good image quality. Though it still lacks some of the advanced manual features found in Casio's larger but similarly priced EX-P700, we're willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. If you're a photographer who craves style but also has a creative itch, the EX-Z750 is one of the few cameras we've seen that adequately addresses both.'

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May 12: Olympus Stylus 800

The Olympus Stylus 800 is a digital camera with an 8 megapixel CCD image sensor (1/1.8 inches) and a 3x Optical Zoom lens. It has an all weather metal casing, a large 2.5inch LCD screen and USB 2.0 full speed connectivity.

The Olympus Stylus 800 will retail at $449.99 ($US) and should hit stores in July 2005.

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Olympus Stylus 800 Reviews

Steves Digicams reviews the Olympus Stylus Digital 800 and writes - 'I was pleased with the image quality of the 8-megapixel SHQ mode. Outdoors it produced sharp images that showed good overall exposure and color balance. The Auto white balance setting was very accurate, even when shooting in very mixed lighting conditions. You can also manually choose one of six white balance presets. Our ISO 64 to 400 images showed average amounts of noise, but you can only see this when viewing an image at 100% and it's very unlikely that you will see it in your prints. When using ISO 800, 1600, or 2500 (Blur reduction Mode only) the image size is reduced to SQ1 (approx. 4-megapixels.) Noise levels do increase, but the usefulness of the higher ISO speeds and the ability to capture handheld images at slower than normal shutter speeds, outweighs the image quality issues by far. Like most Olympus models, The Stylus 800 excels at portrait photography. Our indoor and outdoor portraits were sharp and skin tones were very natural. Although the autofocus system does not feature an AF-assist lamp, we found it worked quite well in low-ambient lighting, and even though it sometimes would not show a lock, the image came out sharp and in focus. Macro mode also produced pleasing results. You can focus on a subject 8 inches away with Macro mode or use the Super Macro mode and get as close as 1.2 inches. The camera did an excellent job of controlling the flash when using either of these modes, "throttling down" so the subject wasn't overexposed.'

CNET Reviews has a review of the Olympus Stylus 800 digital camera where they give it a rating of 'Good' (6.6) and write - 'With 8 megapixels, aperture- and shutter-priority exposure controls, and a top-notch built-in help guide, the compact, 3X-zoom Stylus 800 sits solidly at the top of Olympus's weather-resistant-camera lineup. It's also one of the smallest and most affordable 8-megapixel cameras on the market. But if you are opting for a high-resolution model because you have poster-making aspirations, you'll need to save some money and step up to a more advanced 8-megapixel model; the Olympus Stylus 800's photos are generally good enough for 8x10 prints, but we wouldn't suggest blowing them up.'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Olympus µ [mju] Digital 800 (also known as the Olympus Stylus 800) and writes - 'It may be questionable whether anyone really needs an 8MP compact, but there’s no denying that the Olympus mju 800 is an extremely good camera. Build quality, ease of use and performance are as good as ever. The Bright Capture technology makes low-light photography much easier, and the image quality in SHQ mode is superb. If you simply must have A3-size holiday snaps then it’s ideal.'

DCRP reviews the Olympus Stylus 800 and sums up by writing - 'Photo quality on the Stylus 800 is a mixed bag. Images are very sharp -- perhaps too much so -- and there's no way to adjust that. Noise levels are above average, which shouldn't be too surprising as this camera has a lot of pixels crammed on a tiny sensor. The camera can shoot as high as ISO 1600, though the resolution is lowered to 3 Megapixels and noise levels are pretty high. Otherwise photos were well-exposed with accurate colors and low purple fringing levels. Redeye was a problem, as it is on most cameras in this class.'

DigiCam Review has reviewed the Olympus Mju Digital 800/Stylus 800 and writes - 'The 8 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 800 is a very good all round digital camera, it's large clear 2.5" screen, compact all-weather body and high resolution will appeal to many. The easy to use camera is capable of very good results. The camera gives you a lot of options, scene modes, aperture / shutter priority, etc, and would be suited to all levels. The "Anti-Shake" mode is good, but the quality of picture limits the print size. The super macro mode is very good. The camera is good value for money for a weatherproof compact 8 megapixel camera at around £279 | $409 . I would quite happily recommend this camera to someone looking for a compact, weatherproof, high resolution digital camera, with speedy operation, a clear high resolution screen, manual controls, and excellent low-light performance in both focusing and screen visibility. Have a look at the sample photos and see what you think of them. I can imagine a lot of people being happy with this camera thanks to Olympus addressing some of the major problems with digital cameras such as slow focusing time / shutter response, poor low-light performance, and poor screen visibility.'

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Olympus Stylus 800 Digital Camera and writes - 'The stylish little Stylus 800 does everything very well, but it doesn't do anything exceptionally well. Image quality, operational speed, and usability are all about average, but that's not a bad thing -- average is actually pretty good these days. Still not convinced? The Stylus 800 is built like a tank, it's weatherproof, it's compact and lightweight, and it makes an excellent "take it along everywhere" photographic tool for family shooters, active folks, outdoorsmen (and women), and travelers.'

DP Review has reviewed the Olympus Stylus 800 and gives it a rating of 'above average'. They write - 'So, if you're looking for a nice, weatherproof camera capable - with careful exposure - of very sharp, very colorful results (providing you use the best quality setting) the Stylus 800 is well worth a look. If you're a pixel-peeper, purist or post-processing junkie I'd have to advise you give this one a fairly wide berth and look at one of the 7.2MP cameras still on the market.'

Olympus Stylus 800 News Release

NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS 800 CAPTURES IMAGES THAT ARE ALWAYS BRIGHT IN DARKNESS OR LIGHT
Improved Image Viewing and Capture in Low Light and Bright Light Situations

Olympus once again demonstrates that digital camera design is about more than just the number of pixels and the size of the LCD – it’s about functionality. The Stylus 800 delivers power, performance and enhanced usability with an array of innovative technologies: Bright Capture Technology for low-light photography; a HyperCrystal LCD for high-contrast viewing; metal, all-weather construction for protection against the elements; manual exposure and aperture settings for creative control and versatility; as well as an 8.0-megapixel image sensor for stunningly high-resolution prints.

“All-weather durability and stylish ergonomic design made the Stylus film cameras the best selling point-and-shoot camera series in history,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The Stylus digital cameras carry on this tradition, and in the latest iteration – the Stylus 800 – new technology such as Bright Capture and manual exposure control make it uniquely powerful and versatile in its category.”

Designed to Do More
There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash – such as when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner, or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Olympus’ new Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose subjects on the LCD, and with high sensitivity options (up to ISO 1600) and an enhanced auto-focus, even action photos can be captured in low levels of ambient light.

Viewing images under the glare of sunlight is also improved thanks to Olympus’ exclusive HyperCrystal LCD technology. The HyperCrystal technology enables clear, high-contrast images – even when composing subjects with the sun at your back. Images are viewable on the 2.5-inch LCD from 160-degrees, so photos can be composed from a range of angles and viewed by several people at once.

Power, Performance and Creative Control
The Stylus 800 combines an 8.0-megapixel CCD image sensor with Olympus’ exclusive image processor, TruePic TURBO, which significantly enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid startup, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBO enables the Stylus 800 to capture information from all 8.0 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos, even at lower resolutions. The result is superb high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even in large-format prints. The fast startup of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so you are always ready to take great pictures.

The addition of manual Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes, combined with 19 fully automatic pre-set scene modes, gives users versatility and control for optimal performance in any situation. Users can express their creative vision – adjusting the f-stop for detailed portraits with softened backgrounds, or slowing the exposure speed to create the blurred effect of motion – or simply select the appropriate scene mode from 19 choices for point-and-shoot simplicity. In-camera editing features such as Red-Eye Fix, Sepia and Black & White give users the ability to edit photos on the fly.

Delivering Style & Durability
The Stylus 800 is defined by high-performance, durability and style. In addition to the all-weather construction that made the Stylus famous, the Stylus 800 features a glossy finish, clean lines and smooth, rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold and easy to handle. At a compact size of 4.1“ (W) x 2.3” (H) x 1.3“ (D) the camera fits snugly into a pocket and won’t crowd a backpack. The circular lens barrier tucks away inside the camera body with a snap when powered on, and protects the lens with an impenetrable seal when closed, leaving the camera face smooth and flat.

The compact, all-weather Stylus 800 can go virtually anywhere you can. The body is constructed of durable, lightweight metal with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, sleet, snow won’t get in the way of great photos. And with its new optimized battery design, the Stylus 800 can take hundreds of shots between charges.

Intelligent Design
Olympus photos are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as Olympus’ new high-refractive-index aspherical lens elements, designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens provides the equivalent of 38 to 114mm focal length, f2.8 – f4.9 in 35mm photography, with 15x combined total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital) to bring the action closer, and a Super Macro Mode that captures details as nuanced as the iridescent petals of a flower, from as close as 1.2 inches.

The Stylus 800 also features an all-weather speaker and microphone, enabling users to narrate images with personalized audio captions. With its QuickTime® Movie Mode, the Stylus 800 can record movies of any length, limited only by the size of the internal memory or xD Picture Card in the camera.

Designed to be Approachable
With a new Help GUIDE function, the Stylus 800 makes every last one of its features accessible, even to novice users. By simply pressing the GUIDE button on the back of the camera, users can access images and brief descriptions of each of the camera’s functions and scene modes. And the new Shooting Guide serves as a quick reference, walking users through the camera settings with explanations of which features should be used for the situation, along with instructions for how to make the necessary adjustments.

Connecting the Stylus 800 to a computer is easy with the USB Auto Connect feature, which connects directly via USB 2.0 cable and requires no software. Or, if you prefer, forget the computer altogether. The power of PictBridge technology enables photos to be printed directly from the Stylus 800 to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. Printing and sharing images has never been easier.

OLYMPUS Master software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. And with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye reduction, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Availability
The Stylus 800 will be available in July 2005. It includes: Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video cable, Li-12B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera Advanced manual.

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 800 Estimated Street Price: $449.99 (U.S.)

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples lives every day. These include:

• Digital and film cameras
• Professional SLR Imaging Systems
• Digital and Microcassette recorders
• Digital Music Players
• Personal Photo Printers
• Digital Print Kiosks
• Digital Video Projectors
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder . ©2005 Olympus America Inc.

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May 11: HP Scanjet 7650 Scanner

PC Mag reviews the HP Scanjet 7650 scanner and writes - 'The advantage the 7650 has over sheet-fed document scanners like the ScanSnap is versatility, since it can also scan photos and slides. The scan quality for both is good enough to reprint at snapshot quality, or even to use in something like a newsletter—but don't expect much more than that, particularly for slides. Slide scans had a soft-focus effect in our tests even at the maximum optical and mechanical resolution, 2,400 by 2,400 pixels per inch (ppi). Also notably absent are features for removing dust or scratches, and a batch-scan feature for scanning multiple images to separate files—something that would be particularly useful for slides, since the transparency adapter holds three at once.

If you need to scan photos at high quality, look elsewhere, but if you want a business-oriented scanner that also does photos and slides, you won't be disappointed. The wide range of features and capable software make the HP Scanjet 7650 a particularly good fit for a home or small office.'

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May 11: Pentax Optio S45

The Pentax Optio S45 is a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD. It will sell for $230 ($US) and will only be released for 'limited distribution'.

Pentax Optio S45 Reviews

DigiCam Reivew has reviewed the Pentax Optio S45 and S55 and writes - 'The Pentax Optio S45 and S55 are both good all round digital cameras - easy to fit into pockets, full of features to suit all level of photographer. The cameras take AA batteries, and have a metal body so would make a great travel camera. The easy to use camera is capable of good results, although there is some purple fringing and images are slightly soft. The super macro mode is good. Both cameras are very good value for money at around £110 for the S45, and £165 for the S55. I would recommend this camera to someone looking for a versatile, highly pocketable digital camera. If you were to choose between the two, my preference would be towards the 4 megapixel Optio S45 which will produce photos capable of being printed at upto A4 and offers excellent value for money - for slightly more detail then I'd recommend the Optio S55.'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio S45 and writes - 'A nicely designed and well-made budget compact camera with excellent handling and a number of useful and novel features. Shot-to-shot performance is a bit slow, but the major problem seems to be bad lens distortion, which if not corrected cripples an otherwise good camera.'

CNET reviews the Pentax Optio S45 and writes - 'The 4-megapixel sibling of Pentax's 5-megapixel Optio S55, the Pentax Optio S45 offers the same ultracompact body, large LCD, 3X optical zoom, and streamlined feature set as its predecessor. It also has a number of helpful and fun features that aren't as easy to find as they could be, so you'll need to read the manual to acquaint yourself with everything this camera can do. But for out-of-the-box use, the Optio S45 is snapshot simple.'

Pentax Optio S45 News Release:

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THREE NEW OPTIO DIGITAL CAMERAS
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three new digital camera additions to its popular Optio digital camera lines. The PENTAX Optio S5z, the Optio S55 and the Optio S45 as well as the manufacturer’s sixth DA lens will ship to dealers in June 2005.

The PENTAX Optio S5z is the fifth iteration in the most popular compact and lightweight PENTAX digital camera series. Like its predecessors, the Optio S5z is loaded with features and boasts a 2.5 inch monitor to optimize image composition and playback. With a 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels, the Optio S5z features an aluminum alloy exterior and a rounded corner design and rubber grip. Measuring just 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches and weighing only 3.7 ounces (without battery), the small size of the Optio S5z is made possible through the innovative PENTAX Sliding Lens system that moves the powerful lens up and away as it retracts into the camera.

“This S series of Optio digital cameras that are as small as an Altoids® tin continues to be one of our most popular digital cameras,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Stylish, compact and full-featured, this series is the benchmark for the go everywhere digital user.” The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available for under $350 US.

Two more PENTAX digital cameras have been announced that follow in the no experience required tradition that makes digital a little less daunting for newcomers. The PENTAX Optio S55 delivers powerful 5.0 megapixel resolution, a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Easy to understand and use, the Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations to reduce operating manual dependency. The Optio S55 will be available for under $300 US.

The third PENTAX digital is the Optio S45, a compact digital camera featuring 4.0 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor. With the large monitor that simplifies composition and playback, the Optio S45 is well suited to any user. The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US.

PENTAX also will ship the latest compact, lightweight 4X telephoto zoom DA lens for use with digital SLR cameras. First announced at the Photo Manufacturers Association (PMA) trade show in February 2005, the smc PENTAX-DA 50mm-200mm F4-F5.6 ED is developed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras for both mid-range telephoto applications and serious long-range applications. Mounted on the PENTAX *ist D or PENTAX *ist DS, this lens offers focal lengths equivalent from 76.5mm to 306mm (in the 35mm format). This wide coverage is ideal for a variety of telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports and scenery. The lens will be available at $300 US.

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May 11: Kodak 1st, Canon 2nd and Sony 3rd - US Digital Camera Market

'Eastman Kodak Co., which shipped more digital cameras in the United States in 2004 than any of its Japanese rivals, retained its edge in the first quarter, a market research firm said Monday.

Kodak shipped 900,000 point-shoot digital cameras to domestic retailers in the January-to-March quarter - 41 per cent more than in the first quarter of 2004 - and its market share rose to 20.4 per cent from 18.1 per cent a year ago, according to IDC, based in Framingham, Mass.

Canon Inc. strengthened to a second-place ranking with 850,000 shipments, up 72 per cent from a year ago. Its slice of the U.S. market surged from 14 per cent to 19.3 per cent, IDC said.

Sony Corp., the perennial front-runner, dropped down to third spot with 800,000 shipments, or 18.1 per cent.'

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May 11: Olympus to cut 4,000 camera jobs, most in China

'Japan's Olympus Corp. said on Tuesday it will cut 4,000 jobs, or about 30 percent of the work force in its loss-making camera division, as part of a restructuring aimed at returning the world's fourth-biggest digital camera maker to profitability.

Olympus, which on Monday recorded its first ever consolidated net loss after struggling with intense price competition in the digital camera market, said most of the job losses would be at two camera factories in China.

It expects the job cuts to save 3 billion yen ($28.38 million) in the business year to next March.

It also aims to lower production costs by 5 billion yen and shave selling and general administrative expenses by 5 billion yen, for a total restructuring benefit of 13 billion yen, or less than 2 percent of group revenues of 814 billion yen.'

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May 11: Pentax Optio S5z

The Pentax Optio S5z is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens, 9 megabytes internal memory, PictBridge compatability, Text mode, AF light, USB 2.0 and 2.5inch LCD.

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Pentax Optio S5Z Reviews

Lets Go Digital Previews the Pentax Optio S5z digital camera and writes - 'The attractive exterior of the Optio S5z also houses a number of innovative Pentax technologies such as the unique Sliding Lens System, resulting in a minimized weight of only 105 grams (Without battery and SD memory card) and ultra-compact dimensions of just 83 (W) x 55 (H) x 21.5 (D)mm that empower the user to take great pictures wherever they go.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Pentax Optio S5z and writes - 'The S5Z's shooting performance was good. Power up to first image captured measured approx. 3 seconds. Shutter lag when pre-focused was approx. 1/10 second, and about 4/10 second including autofocus time; both times include about 1/10 second delay in the LCD's live image presentation. The shot to shot time in normal, single exposure mode averaged about 1.8 seconds without flash, and between 3 and 7 seconds with flash, depending on subject distance. When shooting in Continuous mode, the S5Z captured images at 1.5 second intervals, the number of shots limited only by the amount of remaining memory on the SD card. This performance was measured using a SanDisk Ultra II 512MB SD memory card with the image size/quality set a 2560x1920/ , and includes viewfinder delay, photographer response time, and image capture. All times may vary depending on lighting, camera settings, media, etc.'

Cameras.co.uk reviews the Pentax Optio S5z and writes - 'Pentax have clearly put a lot of thought into the design of the Optio S5z. All the key features such as flash and zoom are controlled by buttons on the back of the camera. There is a separate mode button that allows you to select automatic mode, movie mode or a particular scene mode easily. The remaining settings are all listing within the menu. Everything is in one list that you scroll through until you find the setting you wish to amend. This way it is easy to find the option you are looking for. The large 2.5" LCD screen makes it easy to read the menu options as well.'

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio S5Z and writes - 'It’s debateable whether the addition of a 2.5in monitor to an already perfectly good camera really contributes anything useful, but Pentax apparently thinks so. The range of interesting features on offer is impressive, while the easy-to-use controls, attractive compact style and superb build quality make this a very good general snapshot camera. Despite some lens distortion image quality is good, and the S5z represents excellent value for money.'

CNET Reviews the Pentax Optio S5z and writes - 'Pentax seems to be taking the penta in its name to heart these days. With no fewer than six 5-megapixel models on the market, the company contributes even more than most manufacturers to this burgeoning group of digital cameras. The lead entry is the Pentax Optio S5z, a pocket-size camera offering a 3X optical zoom, high-resolution movies, and a large LCD. The Pentax's feature set goes a step beyond point-and-shoot but lacks the manual exposure controls that would take the Optio S5z to the next level.'

Pentax Optio S5z News Release

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THREE NEW OPTIO DIGITAL CAMERAS
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three new digital camera additions to its popular Optio digital camera lines. The PENTAX Optio S5z, the Optio S55 and the Optio S45 as well as the manufacturer’s sixth DA lens will ship to dealers in June 2005.

The PENTAX Optio S5z is the fifth iteration in the most popular compact and lightweight PENTAX digital camera series. Like its predecessors, the Optio S5z is loaded with features and boasts a 2.5 inch monitor to optimize image composition and playback. With a 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels, the Optio S5z features an aluminum alloy exterior and a rounded corner design and rubber grip. Measuring just 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches and weighing only 3.7 ounces (without battery), the small size of the Optio S5z is made possible through the innovative PENTAX Sliding Lens system that moves the powerful lens up and away as it retracts into the camera.

“This S series of Optio digital cameras that are as small as an Altoids® tin continues to be one of our most popular digital cameras,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Stylish, compact and full-featured, this series is the benchmark for the go everywhere digital user.” The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available for under $350 US.

Two more PENTAX digital cameras have been announced that follow in the no experience required tradition that makes digital a little less daunting for newcomers. The PENTAX Optio S55 delivers powerful 5.0 megapixel resolution, a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Easy to understand and use, the Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations to reduce operating manual dependency. The Optio S55 will be available for under $300 US.

The third PENTAX digital is the Optio S45, a compact digital camera featuring 4.0 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor. With the large monitor that simplifies composition and playback, the Optio S45 is well suited to any user. The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US.

PENTAX also will ship the latest compact, lightweight 4X telephoto zoom DA lens for use with digital SLR cameras. First announced at the Photo Manufacturers Association (PMA) trade show in February 2005, the smc PENTAX-DA 50mm-200mm F4-F5.6 ED is developed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras for both mid-range telephoto applications and serious long-range applications. Mounted on the PENTAX *ist D or PENTAX *ist DS, this lens offers focal lengths equivalent from 76.5mm to 306mm (in the 35mm format). This wide coverage is ideal for a variety of telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports and scenery. The lens will be available at $300 US.

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May 11: Pentax Optio S55

'The Pentax Optio S55 is a 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom lens. It has a 2.5inch LCD display, 11 megabytes of internal memory, SD Card memory expansion, PictBridge compatability, in camera digital filters and a macro mode that allows shooting as close as 6cm.

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Pentax Optio S55 Reviews

Lets Go Digital Previews the Pentax Optio S55 digital camera and writes - 'The Pentax S55 Easy mode makes photography a cinch for those not used to taking pictures. Selectable from the mode dial, it gives users access to the Auto Select function that automatically selects the best shooting mode for the scene at hand from a choice of Program, Portrait, Landscape and Night Scene. Furthermore, it also provides optimal settings for white balance, AF area, exposure metering, sensitivity and more. And promoting even easier operation still, the Pentax Optio S55 features a handy Help function that displays explanations of button functions on the screen for shooting and playback too, making it easy to understand and operate the camera even without the manual.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Pentax Optio S55 and writes - 'The Pentax Optio S55 offers a good value with its under-$300 MSRP, 5-megapixel resolution, ease of fully-automatic operation, useful scene modes, durable compact design, built-in help screens, 2.5-inch LCD monitor and good image quality. It trails the competition, however, with its relatively sluggish performance, low resolution movie mode and the lack of both a focus-assist lamp and an optical viewfinder. '

Digital Camera Info reviews the Pentax Optio S55 and writes - 'Many fundamental aspects of the Optio S55 – its size, 5 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, 115,000-pixel LCD, $250-or-so street price – are decidedly middle-of-the-road. There are loads of cameras with those specs, because many, many snapshooters will get the results they want with cameras like that. The camera is easy to use in automatic mode and built well enough to survive rough handling – if you forget about it in the bottom of your backpack for a while, it will probably emerge okay. The on-screen help features should be useful to casual users as well. Unfortunately, the S55 also contains some glaring flaws that will frustrate even the most complacent snapshooter. Pentax heavily markets the camera’s large LCD screen, omitting the fact that its quality is extremely substandard, making it difficult to accurately perceive the frame and review images. There is also no manual mode included, forcing those beginner users looking to grow into the medium to look elsewhere or buy multiple cameras. Furthermore, the S55 eats through batteries faster than any other camera that we have reviewed, and for those who like the freedom of AAs, the seemingly affordable point-and-shoot will soon become a constant cash-consumer. Therefore, those users looking to learn more about photography should look at other cameras that offer more manual control, but for the snapshooter on a tight budget, with a slight decrease in price (below $200), the S55 would be a reasonable choice. '

DigiCam Reivew has reviewed the Pentax Optio S45 and S55 and writes - 'The Pentax Optio S45 and S55 are both good all round digital cameras - easy to fit into pockets, full of features to suit all level of photographer. The cameras take AA batteries, and have a metal body so would make a great travel camera. The easy to use camera is capable of good results, although there is some purple fringing and images are slightly soft. The super macro mode is good. Both cameras are very good value for money at around £110 for the S45, and £165 for the S55. I would recommend this camera to someone looking for a versatile, highly pocketable digital camera. If you were to choose between the two, my preference would be towards the 4 megapixel Optio S45 which will produce photos capable of being printed at upto A4 and offers excellent value for money - for slightly more detail then I'd recommend the Optio S55.'

Trusted Reviews has posted a review of the Pentax Optio S55 digital camera and writes - 'As a budget compact, the Optio S55 has a lot going for it, but unfortunately it is let down by image noise problems and a very confusing list of modes and options. It is rugged and well made though, so you could do worse for your winter holidays.'

CNET Reviews has a review of the Pentax Optio S55 digital camera and writes - 'Pentax currently has a slew of 5-megapixel cameras on the shelves. Among them is the Pentax Optio S55, an ultracompact model with a 3X zoom, tailored slightly more toward the novice than the company's S5z. Though remarkably similar to that model, the Pentax Optio S55 is a smidge larger and touts a help function to better explain its various modes and buttons without sending you to the operating manual. Like the S5z, the Optio S55 offers a large 2.5-inch LCD, point-and-shoot simplicity, and a 30 frames-per-second (fps) movie mode limited only by the capacity of your camera's memory card. Some features--a maximum movie resolution of only 320x240, for instance--are less impressive than the S5z's, and the S55 retails for about $50 less. This Optio offers slightly more than point-and-shoot control, and while its image quality won't wow most judges, it usually produces pleasing photos.'

Pentax Optio S55 News Release:

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THREE NEW OPTIO DIGITAL CAMERAS
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced three new digital camera additions to its popular Optio digital camera lines. The PENTAX Optio S5z, the Optio S55 and the Optio S45 as well as the manufacturer’s sixth DA lens will ship to dealers in June 2005.

The PENTAX Optio S5z is the fifth iteration in the most popular compact and lightweight PENTAX digital camera series. Like its predecessors, the Optio S5z is loaded with features and boasts a 2.5 inch monitor to optimize image composition and playback. With a 3X optical zoom and the power of 5.0 effective megapixels, the Optio S5z features an aluminum alloy exterior and a rounded corner design and rubber grip. Measuring just 3.3 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches and weighing only 3.7 ounces (without battery), the small size of the Optio S5z is made possible through the innovative PENTAX Sliding Lens system that moves the powerful lens up and away as it retracts into the camera.

“This S series of Optio digital cameras that are as small as an Altoids® tin continues to be one of our most popular digital cameras,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Stylish, compact and full-featured, this series is the benchmark for the go everywhere digital user.” The PENTAX Optio S5z will be available for under $350 US.

Two more PENTAX digital cameras have been announced that follow in the no experience required tradition that makes digital a little less daunting for newcomers. The PENTAX Optio S55 delivers powerful 5.0 megapixel resolution, a 3X optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Easy to understand and use, the Optio S55 features a Help mode that displays function explanations to reduce operating manual dependency. The Optio S55 will be available for under $300 US.

The third PENTAX digital is the Optio S45, a compact digital camera featuring 4.0 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor. With the large monitor that simplifies composition and playback, the Optio S45 is well suited to any user. The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US.

PENTAX also will ship the latest compact, lightweight 4X telephoto zoom DA lens for use with digital SLR cameras. First announced at the Photo Manufacturers Association (PMA) trade show in February 2005, the smc PENTAX-DA 50mm-200mm F4-F5.6 ED is developed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras for both mid-range telephoto applications and serious long-range applications. Mounted on the PENTAX *ist D or PENTAX *ist DS, this lens offers focal lengths equivalent from 76.5mm to 306mm (in the 35mm format). This wide coverage is ideal for a variety of telephoto applications, including portraiture, sports and scenery. The lens will be available at $300 US.

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May 10: Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom Review - Photoxels

Photoxels reviews the Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom and writes - 'The Olympus Camedia C-7070 Wide Zoom is a beauty in its all-black magnesium body, with a distinctive tall shape. It has a rubberized handgrip that molds well in your right hand. It looks rugged, feels quite hefty (especially if you are only used to the compacts and ultra compacts), and does require two hands to operate. There are lots of angles, curves and indentations, but it's all well designed and ergonomic. The major attraction is the 27mm wide-angle lens which allows you to include more in your landscape and group shots. The Olympus C-7070 has without doubt been designed with the advanced amateur/professional photographer in mind, with more features than you'd probably ever use.'

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May 10: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams Reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 and writes - 'The overall image quality when using 2560/Fine mode was only average. The majority or our outdoor test shots were sharp and properly exposed, but noise was present in shadow areas even at the camera's lowest sensitivity, ISO 80. In addition, the LZ2 applies more sharpening than I care for, compounding the effects of noise. Image noise is quite noticeable at ISO 100, and objectionable at ISO 200 and 400. While users of the camera's Normal exposure mode can limit noise by selecting ISO 80, beginners who use Simple and Scene modes will be disappointed when the camera selects ISO 200 or higher. Outdoor portraits were well exposed with natural skin tones; indoor flash portraits were largely without red eyes when red eye reduction flash mode was used. Although not equipped with a focus-assist lamp, the LZ2's autofocus system performed reasonably well in average room lighting at wide angle; zooming into the telephoto range reduces the lens aperture and autofocus fails more frequently. The flash range is limited at low ISO settings (under 7 feet at ISO 80 and 100); the range increases at ISO 200 and 400, but so does image noise. The flash does “throttle down” when using Macro mode, ensuring that it will not over-expose the subject.'

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May 10: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ1 and writes - 'While its size is not ultra-compact, the LZ1 can easily be carried in a pocket or purse, its 6x optical zoom lens neatly retracting into the body. The back of the camera is dominated by its large 2-inch LCD monitor, the only viewfinder. It was effective for menu navigation, image review and as a viewfinder in the bright Florida sun, but it fails to “gain-up” in marginal lighting, sometimes limiting its effectiveness indoors. The LZ1's controls are well-placed, being easy to use and not subject to accidental activation. The menu system was simple to use, providing ample control over the camera's limited functions.'

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May 10: Sony Cybershot DSC-S90 Review - DCRP

DCRP reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-S90 and writes - 'The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 is a very nice midrange camera that compares nicely with the Canon PowerShot A520, a camera which I consider the best-in-class. The S90 features a 4.1 Megapixel CCD which takes good quality pictures, with accurate color and reasonable noise and purple fringing levels. Images are slightly grainy, but this did not concern me. Camera performance is very good, though not quite as good as the DSC-W7 which I just reviewed. Most people will find the camera responsive and easy-to-use. Battery life is exceptional, especially given the fact that the S90 only uses two AA batteries.'

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May 10: An Introduction to Portable Printers

PCWorld has a helpful primer on portable printers that will be useful for anyone wanting to buy themselves a printer of the transportable variety:

'The digital realm is great; but some things just need to be put on paper to seem legitimate. With a lightweight portable printer, you can print contracts for clients or photos for family wherever there's an electrical socket. And for supreme portability, some mobile printers come with a rechargeable battery pack or offer one as an option.

There are also optional power adapters and wireless connections that make printing possible almost anywhere (except underwater). A car power adapter enables you to plug the printer in to an automobile's power outlet so you can print while on the highway--but please keep your eyes on the road. With a Bluetooth or infrared connection, you can print wirelessly from a compatible device like a camera phone or over a wireless network. However, look carefully before you buy; not all portable printers offer all these accessories....'

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May 10: Nikon Coolpix S1 Review - Pocket Lint

Pocket Lint reviews the Nikon S1 and writes - 'Overall, a nicely designed, nicely engineered and nicely priced camera. It’s clear to see Nikon have been studying the compact market carefully before launching the S1 and the features developed have been well thought out. The balance of aesthetics and the practical photographical functions will attract audiences from both ends of the market and at £230 it may not be ‘stocking-filler’ cheap but this would be an ideal ‘starter camera’ thanks to the ease of operations, the ‘plug n’ play’ charge and share, and the framing assist modes.'

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May 10: Canon EOS Digital Rebel 350D Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and writes - 'The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (known as the EOS 350D outside the United States) represents a leap forward from its predecessor, the original Digital Rebel, offering more than one might expect from the addition of a couple consonants to the name. The XT is a zippy performer. It offers more creative control than its predecessor and boasts an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's Digic II processing engine. Canon touts its smaller, lighter body as well; it's nearly as small as you can get in a digital SLR. But while that might appeal to the small handed and nimble, the XT's compressed, lightweight, and slightly chintzy-feeling frame will be a hindrance to others who prefer a solid grip and a balanced camera body--particularly if they're using a lens any heavier than the mediocre 18mm-to-55mm f/3.5-to-f/5.6 unit included in the kit. In terms of image quality, the Rebel XT is a bargain, delivering wonderfully detailed and colorful images for a competitive price. While the Rebel XT lacks some features found on the more solid and slightly pricier Nikon D70, the XT is the clear winner when it comes to resolution and dynamic range.'

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May 10: Lens Blur in PhotoShop Tip

DPexpert posts a helpful tip on Lens Blur in PhotoShop:

'With the old 35mm film camera it was easy -- put on a lens longer than 100mm in focal length, choose a wide aperture, focus on the subject and the background will be all soft blur and dancing points of light.

Why doesn’t it work that way on digital cameras? To oversimplify the matter, it is because the sensor in a compact digital camera is only a fraction of the size of a 35mm frame and when sensor size and lens diameter work together in a digicam there is greater inherent depth of field and therefore the background is more nearly in focus even with the zoom at the long end and the aperture wide open.'

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May 10: The Engadget Interview with Steve Heiner

Check out the interview just published at Engadget with head of Nikon's DSLR systems - Steve Heiner. In the interview they ask about how Nikon 'is faring in the transition to a digital world, its new line of D70S and D50 cameras, and the hullabaloo about Nikon’s encrypting white balance metadata in RAW image files in some of its cameras. Or at least he tried. Heiner, an accomplished photographer, spoke from Nikon’s headquarters in Melville, NY, with two media representatives listening in.'

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May 10: Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500

Digital Camera Info noticed that buried in the press release announcing the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 was the announcement on another new digital camera from the manufacturer - the Konica Minolta DiMAGE E500. This is another 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 2 inch LCD, 3x Optical Zoom and 12MB of internal memory. Digital Camera Info write:

Konica Minolta bills the DiMAGE E500 as a "very affordable, very uncomplicated 5 megapixel camera." The E500 measures 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches with an empty weight of 4.6 ounces and accepts two AA batteries, as well as SD memory cards. The two-inch color LCD of the E500 has an approximate resolution of 130,000 pixels. Start-up time, from the second the camera is switched on to when the image is displayed, is three seconds. Shutter release time lag is stated as .05 seconds and autofocus takes approximately 1.5 seconds, according to Konica Minolta.'

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News Release Exerpt: Konica Minolta introduces the affordable new 5 Megapixel DiMAGE E500 digital camera. Featuring a 5 Megapixel CCD, large 2-inch LCD, and 3x optical zoom lens, the compact and lightweight DiMAGE E500 is small enough for photographers to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone.
This very affordable and very uncomplicated DiMAGE E500 provides photographers with unparalleled value in a 5 Megapixel digital camera featuring a 3x optical zoom lens. Its point-and-shoot simplicity makes it easy enough for the whole family to use.
For greater ease of operation the thin and lightweight DiMAGE E500 reveals easy-toview menus thanks to its large 2-inch LCD. Additional features include five Digital Subject Program modes (Program, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night modes), 12 MB built-in memory for image storage, PictBridge support, remote camera function, QVGA movie, and AV out (NTSC/PAL The camera utilises Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and runs on easily accessible AA batteries.

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May 10: Yashica EZ5030

Lets Go Digital Announces the launch of the Yashica EZ5030 digital camera and writes - 'Somewhere out there Yashica is still releasing digital cameras. According to some information circling around Yashica is going to release a new 5 Megapixel digital camera, Yashica EZ5030. This new digital camera is equipped with a 5 Megapixel CCD sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens. The compact digital camera is mainly designed for entry-level user, so called point-and-shoot photographers. Due to its small dimensions, measuring only 95 x 65 x 34mm and a weight of 165 grams (without Secure Digital card and batteries), the Yashica EZ5030 is small enough to take it with you where ever you go. The price tag for this new Yashica digital camera is $399.'

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May 10: HP PhotoSmart M22 Review - Steves Digicams

Steves Digicams reviews the HP PhotoSmart M22 and writes - 'The M22's shooting performance was average for a camera in this class. From power up to first image captured averaged about 3.6 seconds. Shutter lag (the time from pressing the shutter release to actually capturing the image) measured about 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and 5/10 of a second including autofocus. The shot-to-shot delay measured about 2 seconds between frames without the use of the flash and about 2.5 - 3.5 seconds with the flash. Unfortunately the M22 does not offer any type of continuous or burst capture mode. All test were done using a Lexar High-Speed 512MB SD card, using 4MP Best size/quality, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless otherwise noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'

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May 10: Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review - PhotographyBLOG

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Nikon Coolpix 5600 and writes -'The Nikon Coolpix 5600 is a compact, stylish and easy-to-use point and shoot digital camera. The scene modes are both numerous and advanced in their implementation and will really help the beginner, and the in-built help system, although limited, will also prove useful. The Nikon Coolpix 5600 has a couple of new features that aim to make the photographer's life easier, both of which work well. D-Lighting was very effective, offering an in-camera solution for revealing detail in the shadow areas of an image without also over-exposing the highlights. The Red-Eye Reduction feature also worked as promised, with no evidence of red-eye.'

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May 10: Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom Review - Digital Photography Review

DP Review has reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix F10 Zoom and writes - 'It may not look it, but the FinePix F10 is something of a revolution, and is probably the first time a compact camera has really shown the potential offered by Super CCD for high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise. I cannot emphasize enough the value of usable high ISO settings in a compact camera - from reducing camera shake to more natural low light portraits (without flash) to extended flash range and all the other advantages DSLR users take for granted and most compact users - stuck to ISO 200 (or 400 at a push) can only dream of.'

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May 10: Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60

The Konica Minolta Dimage X60 is a 5 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical Zoom lens. The Dimage X60 is an upgrade of the Dimage X50 and features a 2.5inch LCD, 15 megabytes of internal memory, sliding lens cover, 5cm macro mode, 0.5 second start up time, Automatic Digital Subject Program selection and a brushed metal casing.

The Konica Minolta Dimage X60 will retail for $349.99 ($US) and should be in stores by the end of May 2005.

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Konica Minolta DiMage X60 Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Konica Minolta Dimage X60 where they give it a rating of 'good' and a score of 6.0 out of 10. They write - 'The 5-megapixel Konica Minolta Dimage X60 will appeal to snapshot photographers who want a no-fuss, no-muss camera that looks good and can be carried everywhere. This model updates the earlier X50 with a new internal 3X zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a burst mode. It won't overwhelm anyone with its list of features and doesn't offer much in the way of manual controls, but it gives casual shooters all the tools they're likely to need.'

DCRP reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 and writes - 'The X60's photo quality was a mixed bag. Most of the time it was good, but some others times there was a noticeable color cast, which is not something I see very often. There was always blurring in the corners and around the edges of photos, which is something that comes along with the folding lens design used by the X60. Purple fringing and noise levels were okay, though. The camera's movie mode was disappointing compared to the competition. A few years ago a 320 x 240 / 30 fps movie mode would be okay, but now most cameras offer VGA movie recording so the X60 isn't so hot anymore.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 and writes - 'The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is a worthy competitor in the 5-megapixel ultra-compact and durable class. It should make a good choice for anyone who wants a simple point-n-shoot, with good image quality, speedy performance and can be carried in any size pocket or purse. Its Large/Fine images have plenty of resolution to create high-quality 8x10-inch or larger prints. With a street price of around $300 it offers a good value.'

Digital Camera Info reviews the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 and writes - 'The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is a decent camera - if it�s found at the right price, and if all you want out of it is its ability to take snapshots. It has a rugged stylish frame, very easy to use functions, and has the perfect button layout and ergonomics to facilitate one-handed use. Unfortunately, the camera also has poor battery life and below average performance in color accuracy and noise. Its slow start-up and shot to shot speed may hinder shooting situations with lots of activity. The screen is prone to washing out and its low pixel count doesn�t help either. The camera however is perfectly sized for unburdened pocket portability. Novices looking for a simple on-the-go point-and-shoot that is easy to handle and has a great feel have found their match. Unfortunately, those more intent on performance and features will have to keep up their search.'

Cameras.co.uk reviews the Konica Minolta Dimage X60 and writes - 'Putting to one side my view on colours the set of images produced by the camera are fairly typical of this type of digital camera. The landscape type shots show a greater level of detail in dark areas than I normally see though. This is especially noticeable in shady areas under trees. This is a plus point. Set against this I felt the images tended to become soft towards the edges. This is likely to be more of an issue if you are planning to make large prints of your photos. '

Konica Minolta Dimage X60 News Release

KONICA MINOLTA INTRODUCES THE NEW 5 MEGAPIXEL DiMAGE X60 DIGITAL CAMERA
Slim, stylish and speedy digital camera features a large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, non-protruding 3x optical zoom lens, and 15MB internal memory

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. introduces the latest incarnation of its popular X-series digital cameras – the new DiMAGE X60. This slim, stylish and fast 5 megapixel digital camera features a large 2.5-inch LCD monitor, fastest-in-class*1 startup time, 3x optical and 4x digital zoom capability, automatic Macro and Super Macro capability, Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection, and 15MB internal memory.

“The stylish and very easy-to-use new DiMAGE X60 digital camera has been designed so today’s snap shooters won’t miss a single photographic opportunity,” said Todd Schrader, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “This camera is so lightweight and slim, it can be easily carried every day in a shirt pocket or a purse.”

With its non-protruding zoom lens, the compact Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 is ready in an instant—thanks to the approximately 0.5-second startup time—to take those spur-of-the-moment shots and ensure that users never miss a desired photo. And the camera’s sliding cover protects the lens, so there’s no need to worry about putting the camera inside a pocket or purse. The camera’s Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection automatically selects the optimum-shooting mode for the subject at hand, allowing photographers to take beautiful photos that match the needs of the particular photographic scene.

The DiMAGE X60’s 5-megapixel CCD and proprietary Konica Minolta CxProcess III image processing technology combine to provide photographers with high quality images— pictures that reproduce the natural colors as faithfully as they see them with their own eyes. The camera’s zoom lens range covers everything from wide-angle shots to close-ups that are clearly focused as near as 4 inches from the subject, without the need to switch to macro mode. If a photographer needs to get even closer, the DiMAGE X60 also features a Super Macro mode to take extreme close-ups as near as 2 inches.

More Features:

Large 2.5-inch LCD
The DiMAGE X60 boasts a larger high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor than its predecessor, the DiMAGE X50, allowing for excellent viewing of picture compositions during shooting, utilizing the camera’s menu options, or playing back already recorded images. Plus, with just one touch of the independent playback button, users can see recorded images instantly and more clearly than ever. The large anti-reflective LCD provides excellent clarity for on-the-spot playback, or for sharing images with others, even under bright lights or the sunny outdoors.

Fastest-in-class 0.5-Second Startup
The DiMAGE X60 offers an amazingly fast and smooth startup. Just slide the lens cover fully open, and it’s ready to go in approximately 0.5 seconds. What’s more, coupled with its approximate 0.08 shutter-release time lag, photographers won’t miss a fleeting photo opportunity.
*1 As of April 2005 for 3x optical zoom cameras.

5.0 megapixels / CxProcessIII
The camera’s 5.0 megapixels create detailed, high-resolution images, while Konica Minolta’s exclusive CxProcess III imaging technology produces natural colors as faithfully as photographers see them with their own eyes. In addition, photos turn out beautifully when printed on ordinary home printers. And, Konica Minolta’s unique noise-reduction enables truly unforgettable shots, even when using a slow shutter speed (up to 4 seconds) and in darkened conditions.

15MB Internal Memory
As the first-of-its-kind in the DiMAGE X series, the DiMAGE X60 is equipped with 15MB of internal memory, so users can shoot photos without an SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard, or continue shooting even after your memory card is full. This internal memory system also lets users keep and carry their favorite images with them anytime, anywhere.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Without the hassle of changing modes, this convenient function automatically selects the best recording mode. You can also manually choose an ideal subject program from Super Macro Mode, Portrait, Sports action, Landscape, Sunset, Night portrait* and Text mode*.
*Activates via manual selection only

5-Point AF / Multi-Segment Exposure Metering
Konica Minolta’s wide and precise 5-Point autofocus (AF) enables flexible framing, which catches the action and composes the shot. Also, manual selection of Spot focus mode gives users more accuracy with the ability to focus on a specific point within the frame.

In addition, the camera’s Multi-segment (256) metering system automatically measures light over the entire image area and selects the best exposure for the subject. And Spot Metering measures light in the center of the frame, allowing users to measure the brightness of a particular spot on their subject.

Image Pasting
And it's easy to personalize pictures with the DiMAGE X60’s Image Pasting feature. On any chosen photo, users can just overlay parts of an image in one of the nine frames.

Direct Camera-to-Printer Prints
Connect the DiMAGE X60 directly to any PictBridge* compatible printer using a USB cable for easy, on-the-spot digital printing without using a PC. Users simply check which images they want on the DiMAGE X60’s LCD monitor and they’ve got fast and fun printouts instantly.
* PictBridge is an industry standard established by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA).

Applications for more imaging enjoyment
The Digital Camera Software CD-ROM supplied with the DiMAGE X60 includes the following imaging applications.

Kodak EasyShare software
Konica Minolta DiMAGE Master Lite
QuickTime Version 6 (Windows only)
Optional Marine Case
Perfect for active lifestyles, there is also an optional Marine Case available for use with the DiMAGE X60. This case is waterproof up to approximately 131 feet, as well as dustproof.

The DiMAGE X60 will ship at the end of May. Street price is $349.99.

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May 10: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX8

The Panasonic DMC-FX8 is a 5 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens. It is an update of the popular Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7. In addition to the FX7's features the FX8 has extended battery life (they claim 162% increase), a faster Autofocus, VGA movie recording, MEGA OIS (image stabilization) and three new shooting modes.

It is available in silver, blue, pink and black. Release price has not been announced - it will hit stores in Japan from 4 June 2005.

Panasonic Press Release:

Affording More Than Double-Extended* Battery Life

Panasonic is introducing the incoming LUMIX model DMC-FX8, a true heir to the world-renowned 5.0-megapixel 3x optical zoom DMC-FX7 with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), with substantially enhanced battery life. The DMC-FX8 boasts high picture quality, large LCD, compactness and stylish design, all those desired for a compact camera. Not only that, FX8 also incorporates the highly commended MEGA O.I.S. while extending the battery life over two times as long as that of the previous FX7, by increasing the included lithium-ion battery capacity by 162% and adopting the power-saving Venus Engine PLUS. In addition, bright and clear VGA moving picture is recordable at 30 fps thanks to the 9-pixel mixed readout method of new CCD and you can enjoy playing back it with audio on the large LCD. Also, quickened AF speed and the addition of scene mode help screen and three new modes help upgrade the model allowing every user to enjoy taking high quality picture more easily and more comfortably. Like FX7, FX8 also has its color variation in silver, black, blue and pink, each with a specially coated texture pleasing to touch. DMC-FX8 is the alluring stylish and compact model that carries all the favored advantages while overcoming the weakness of FX7 to meet customers’ demands.

1. Compact and stylish model with 3x Leica DC lens and 2.5“ large LCD

The 5-megapixel LUMIX DMC-FX8 is the slim and stylish model that incorporates 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 105mm on a 35mm film camera) LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and bright 2.5” LCD monitor. The combination of three aspherical lenses generates high optical performance while preserving the compactness of the unit. Power LCD mode offers 140% brighter backlighting to assure clear view even when sunny outdoors.

2. MEGA O.I.S. offers clear, sharp images in difficult situations

MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) that Panasonic thinks it indispensable for all digital cameras, especially for compact models that lack stability, is incorporated in the entire LUMIX line-up*. Every slight hand-shake movement is detected accurately with the sampling frequency at 4,000 times per second and will be compensated to render clear, sharp images.

MEGA O.I.S. is equipped with 2 selectable modes. In “Mode 1”, the O.I.S. lens continuously compensates for vibration and in “Mode 2”, the O.I.S. lens suppresses hand-shake only at the moment the shutter button is pressed. In this mode, the lens can move in all directions at the moment to maximize its effect, and higher-resolution images can be taken by capturing the image as being close as to the center of the lens. Consequently, since MEGA O.I.S. enables a beautiful picture shot without blurring at slower shutter speeds of more than three steps compared to the conventional models without O.I.S., you can enjoy shooting clear and beautiful pictures easily even in situations using slow shutter speeds, like indoor shots for portraits and nighttime scenery for illuminated objects, as well as in shootings using macro mode.
*Except for LC1.

3. More than double-extended battery life

By adopting the newly developed lithium-ion battery that increased its capacity by 162% and the Venus Engine PLUS that consumes only 70% of the power Venus Engine II does, FX8 realizes more than two times longer, compared with the previous FX7, battery life to take approx.300 pictures*.
*Based on the CIPA standard.

4. Higher quality moving images

Newly developed CCD that adopts 9-pixel mixed readout method makes it possible to record beautiful full-size movie in VGA size at 30 fps while FX7 recorded in the size of QVGA. The new CCD enhances the picture quality not only in the resolution but also in the brightness level of the image as it gains much luminous signals. On the sound front, new built-in speaker lets you enjoy playing back movies with audio on the 2.5“ large LCD anytime, anywhere.

5. Faster AF and enhanced options

An AF method can be selected according to the shooting situation: 5-point, 3-point high-speed, 1 point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed and Spot. In the newly incorporated 1 point high-speed AF, the AF time has been dramatically reduced to approx. half the level* of the previous DMC-FX7.

Although screen-freeze in high-speed AF is now minimized, if you take the picture of subject with fast movement, you can select 1-point normal-speed AF which does not have any screen-freeze while focusing.

In addition, AF assist lamp is equipped for expanding the AF ability even at night or under the low-light conditions.
* Panasonic in-house comparison with DMC-FX7 at the wide-end

6. Easy-to-use scene modes for wider-ranging situations

LUMIX FX series has a mode dial that shortcuts the selection of the scene mode that best matches the situation quickly and easily. DMC-FX8 contains three new modes added over the FX7. ”Soft Skin“ detects only skin tones and softens detail to produce smoother and more beautiful skin. ”Food“ catches the natural color of food regardless of the light condition in macro closeup. ”Baby“ allows easy growth record in which the baby’s time of age according to preset birthday would be automatically recorded onto the image, as well as maximizing the baby’s purity by giving a shade of soft focus on the subject. This information can be displayed when you playback the images taken in this mode on the camera LCD, and when reviewed or printed via the included LUMIX Simple Viewer. Now FX8 offers a total of twelve* scene modes, still it is easy to select the one out of them thanks to the newly installed Scene Mode Help Screen, that shows the description and the knack for shooting of each scene. This functions shows the description of each mode on the LCD monitor, helps you to select the mode that best fits the shooting condition.

On the other hand, it also offers easy shooting even to the entry-level users by providing the Simple Mode, in which most settings are made automatically. You just aim at the subject, zoom in or out, and press the shutter button. Light is automatically compensated with a single press of the Exposure Compensation button when the subject is backlit.
*Not including Macro Mode directly selectable with the Mode Dial.

7. High consecutive shooting performance and responsiveness

Last but not least, the DMC-FX8 boasts high consecutive shooting performance as well as the previous FX7 did, realizing the shooting at 3 frames per second at full resolution. You can start it the moment you want thanks to the independent button**, allowing you to record consecutive images and select the best one afterward. And the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function* allows limit-free consecutive shooting up to the capacity of the SD memory card. The industry-leading release time lag of approx. 0.008 sec minimum does not let you miss the shooting chance and help you to capture the spur-of-the-moment.

*The speed of the unlimited consecutive shooting varies depending on the SD memory card.
**The button also works for ”delete“ in playback mode.

8. Other Features

In addition to the ArcSoft PhotoImpression/PanoramaMaker/PhotoBase, another application software LUMIX Simple Viewer for Windows is included. This software is good especially for the beginners to store, playback, print or attach to E-mail the images via PC readily. Images will be automatically transferred just by inserting the SD Memory Card or by connecting the camera to PC, and they will also be sorted by the date of shooting to streamline bothersome process as simple as possible.

Auto angle detection records whether an image was taken horizontally or vertically. This ensures that when playing back on the LCD monitor and displaying images on your TV by connecting your LUMIX with an AV cable, vertical images are automatically displayed vertically and horizontal images are automatically displayed horizontally.

The large LCD monitor will be turned off automatically while the camera is not in use to save the battery and extend the operation time. This is called Economy Mode and adjustable to two levels according to your convenience.

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May 8: Canon IXUS 50 Review Lets Go Digital

Lets Go Digital has a good review of the Canon IXUS 50 and writes - 'The user friendliness stands out, the camera looks beautiful, a great design and a superb finishing touch. The concept of the IXUS series of digital cameras seems to have passed with flying colours. The image quality is excellent and the good thing about it is that it happens automatically. Although the exposure is automatic it is still possible to adjust ISO sensitivity and white balance to your own desires. Besides that, the Canon Digital IXUS 50 lets you set the shutter speed manually. '

Read more about the Canon IXUS 50 digital camera

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May 8: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 Review - Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Info Reviews the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 and writes - 'The Sony W7 aims to be the everyman's camera by offering manual and automatic modes and selling the camera in black and silver-colored bodies. Indeed, these features - coupled with the 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens and 32 MB of internal memory - should attract a wide audience. There are many strong elements and features included on the Cyber-shot W7, such as the 1/1.8-inch CCD and Real Image Processor that contribute to the clear, virtually noise-free images. The menus are easy to navigate and make choosing options easier with the live views that accompany nearly every function. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W7 also outperformed other compact digital cameras with its 1.3-second startup time.'

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May 8: HP PhotoSmart R717 Review - Steves Digicams

Steve's Digicams reviews the HP PhotoSmart R717 and advises - 'Shooting performance was quite good for a camera in this class. From power up to first image captured averaged about 3 seconds. Shutter lag (time from pressing the shutter release to actually capturing the image) measured about 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and 6/10 of a second including autofocus. Using single exposure mode, the shot-to-shot time averaged about 1.5 seconds between frames without the use of the flash and about 2.1 seconds with the flash. When shooting in Burst mode, I was able to capture 3 frames in only 8/10 of a second. After filling the buffer, it takes about 12 seconds to fully store the images. All test were done using a Sandisk Ultra II 512MB SD card, using 6MP size/quality, flash off, and all other settings at default (unless noted.) Times may vary depending on lighting conditions, camera settings, media, etc.'

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May 8: Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review - PC Magazine

PC Magazine reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'Our test shots revealed the Z740's image quality to be unsatisfactory overall. Both our simulated-daylight and flash test images showed good dynamic range, very strong contrast, and very good color saturation, but beyond that, the images had serious problems. The first thing we noticed in both shots was the noise—more so in the daylight shot (even at ISO 80), but still quite noticeable in the flash shot (ISO 140)—which may be one reason why Kodak included ISO settings up to only 400, even in Manual mode. Both images also had a bluish cast. Another major flaw was that both images showed significant purple fringing and a disturbing amount of artifacting—unwanted visual data most likely caused by digital processing and compression. One plus for the camera is that flash coverage was very good and even, and no highlights were blown out.'

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May 6: Sony Cyber Shot DSC-M1 Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews 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.'

Read more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-M1

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May 5: Olympus C-500 Zoom Review - PhotographyBLOG

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Olympus C-500 Zoom and writes - 'The Olympus C-500 Zoom is an easy-to-use, well-made entry level digital camera that ultimately is difficult to get too excited about. With the exception of the Manual exposure mode, which gives you some control over aperture and shutter speed, it doesn't offer anything to set it apart from the competition. It's not particularly compact or stylish, doesn't offer a wide-angle or ultra-zoom lens, has an average movie mode, and only has a 1.8 inch LCD screen. Having said all that, it is well-suited to the entry-level market that it is aimed at. The scene modes are numerous and will definitely help the beginner and there is even an in-built help system (although it is pretty limited). The Olympus C-500 Zoom is not very well-suited to capturing fast-moving subjects, with limited continuous shooting modes and no continuous auto-focusing option, but it does consistently achieve focus indoors despite the lack of an auto-focus assist lamp.'

Read more about the Olympus C-500

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May 5: Kodak EasyShare Z760

Get the Latest Price on the Kodak EasyShare Z760 from Amazon or from around the Web.

Lets Go Digital have news of a new camera from Kodak the new 6.1 megapixel Kodak EasyShare Z760 which comes complete with 3x Optical zoom lens. They write:

'Kodak updated their EasyShare series of digital camera with a new 6.1 Megapixel model: Kodak EasyShare Z760. The new Kodak Z760 digital camera features a professional-quality, all-glass Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 3X optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 39-117mm) and a 4x digital zoom. Additional, the Kodak EasyShare Z760 incorporates the exclusive Kodak Color Science Processing chip. A high-speed digital processor chip with advanced algorithms, and hardware acceleration let the Kodak Z750 become a fast high quality digital camera.'

Kodak have been keeping digital imaging websites on their toes the past few days with their releases - no big announcements - just slipping new models out without much fanfair. Its a rather odd way to promote new cameras - but maybe it reflects that these 'new' cameras are more 'updates' than radically different digital cameras.

Update: For more information on this digital camera check out the Kodak EasyShare Z760 official site who have the following feature list:

. Kodak EasyShare Z760 Features - 6.1 MP for remarkable prints up to 30"x40" (75x100 cm)
- Professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 3X Optical Zoom Lens
- Exclusive KODAK Color Science Chip
- Manual and custom controls
- Continuous shooting and bracketing modes
- 2.2" high-resolution indoor/outdoor display
- 16 scene and 5 color modes
- One-touch sharing with the Z760's Share button, EASYSHARE Software, and more

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May 5: Epson R-D1 review by PC Magazine

PC Mag reviews the Epson R-D1 and advices that - 'The old-style controls are wonderful, with all the information you usually see on an LCD screen presented on analog gauges and dials: white balance settings, capture mode, number of remaining photos, and battery power. The shutter speed dial includes an aperture priority auto-exposure mode as well as exposure compensation settings that range from -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV. Lift the shutter speed dial and rotate it to choose your ISO setting (200, 400, 800, or 1,600). Aside from the aperture priority setting, the R-D1 is a manual camera: You'll need to set both the shutter speed and the aperture, based on either the in-camera meter or a handheld meter.'

Read more reviews of the Epson R-D1 digital camera

Get the Latest Price on the Epson R-D1 6.1MP Digital Rangefinder Camera (Body Only)

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May 5: Pentax *ist DS Review - PC Magazine

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.'

Read more about the Pentax *ist DS

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

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May 5: Kodak Acquisition of Creo Gets Approval

'European Union regulators on Wednesday cleared the proposed acquisition by Eastman Kodak Co. of Canada's Creo Inc., the world's biggest maker of printer software.

The European Commission said the transaction would not significantly impede competition in European markets.

Kodak said in January it would buy Vancouver-based Creo for $980 million.'

Read more at Kodak Acquisition of Creo Gets Approval

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May 5: Kodak EasyShare C360

The Kodak Easyshare C360 is the higher end model of the three new Kodak digital cameras announced today. Like the C330 it features a Kodak Retina 3x Optical zoom - but it also comes packing a larger 5.0 megapixel image sensor, a bigger 2 inch LCD screen, 32 megabytes of internal memory and 17 scene modes.

The C360 also allows easy printing and sharing of photos and includes a mode for capturing VGA quality video (24 frames per second) and audio. Another handy feature is the automatic rotation feature so that pictures taken in the vertical position will appear right way around when viewed on the camera, TV or computer.

The C360 measures in at 3.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 inches and weighs 5.3 ounces. It will be in stores in August of this year and will sell for $279 by itself or $379 with printer dock included ($US).

Compare prices on the Kodak EasyShare C360 and get the Latest Price on the Kodak EasyShare C360 at Amazon.

Kodak EasyShare C360 Reviews

Digital Camera Info Reviews the Kodak EasyShare C360 Digital Camera and writes - 'The C360 is a suitable alternative for the point-and-shoot crowd, particularly when bundled with the Series 3 Printer Dock. The EasyShare C360 is equipped with a 1/2.5 inch 5 megapixel CCD and 3x optical all glass lens that creates sharp images with impressive clarity. The camera offers snapshooters 16 custom image presets, in-menu help options, easily legible bold font face, and 32MB of internal memory. Although the camera has limited manual controls, the interface is designed for the less photographically-engaged user, providing an opportunity to take and print images in just two buttons. Other than the camera�s substandard color reproduction, the $379.95 package is a strong value. Without the printer, there are many other alternatives within the $250 - $300 price bracket that will provide more shooting flexibility and control but can only hope to parallel the camera in simplicity.'

Steves Digicams reviews the Kodak Easyshare C360 and writes - 'I was happy with the C360's image quality. Outdoor shots were consistently well-exposed and richly saturated, and auto white balance reproduced colors accurately. Indoors, the limited flash range will restrict your shots to small rooms or small group portraits. The camera's red eye reduction flash mode was effective on most subjects. Although it has no focus assist lamp, the C360's AF system worked fairly well in low ambient light. The C360 controls its flash well at close range, making it a good choice for producing images of small objects for online auction listings.'

Pocket Lint reviews the Kodak EasyShare C360 and writes - 'Given the (just) sub �200 price and more than adequate specification, not to mention you have 5 million pixels to play with, the C360 is not a bad little camera. Ideal for snaps rather than studied shots, the C360 is a nice model from Kodak, but it is at large in a world populated by many, many, equally as nice (or better) small, digital cameras. It is in for a fight... '

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Kodak EasyShare C360 digital camera and writes - 'With it�s user-friendly appeal, ease of use and excellent performance and results this C360 is a great camera for the first-time digital user. More experienced users will find its limited range of options restricting, and the helpful messages get annoying after a while. Also it earns a big slap on the wrist for the lack of an off-switch for the digital zoom.'

Kodak Press Release Extract

KODAK EASYSHARE C360 Zoom Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3

The EASYSHARE C360 camera with Printer Dock Series 3 combination (US$379 MSRP) offers a full-featured, affordable digital camera system with a touch of style. The elegant, pocket-sized camera design allows people to take the camera everywhere, then capture, print and share both everyday and once-in-a-lifetime moments. The large, two-inch LCD display enables instant picture review and sharing right on the camera. Convenient, intuitive back-of-camera controls provide access to most functions with just a slight thumb movement.

Because getting the shot right is so important, this 5.0-megapixel camera offers KODAK RETINAR 3X optical zoom lens and new advanced features such as digital red-eye reduction, on-camera cropping and a blur warning indicator to help users get great pictures time and time again.

For people looking beyond just still pictures, the C360 model also features TV-quality (VGA) video and audio capture and playback capability. Automatic picture rotation makes pictures taken vertically appear right side up on the camera, television or computer screen.

The KODAK EASYSHARE C360 camera with Printer Dock Series 3 will be available beginning this month. The camera will also be sold separately for US$279 MSRP.

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May 5: Kodak Easyshare C330

The Kodak Easyshare C330 is another of the three new digital cameras today from Kodak. It also has a 4.0 megapixel image sensor but also features a 3x optical zoom Kodak Retinar lens.

This camera also features 13 scene modes, in camera cropping and a 1.5 inch LCD screen. It has 16 megabytes of internal memory.

The Kodak Easyshare C330 digital camera will go on sale in Jule 2005 and will retail for $279 ($US) with the Printer Dock (series 3) or for $179 for the camera alone.

Get the Latest Price on the Kodak Easyshare C330

Kodak Easyshare C330 Reviews

CNET reviews the Kodak EasyShare C330 and writes - 'If all you need is a simple point-and-shoot, the Kodak EasyShare C330 offers surprisingly good photos for a reasonable price. It's essentially the same camera as the Kodak EasyShare C340, except it has fewer pixels (4 vs. 5 megapixels), a slightly smaller LCD (1.5 vs. 1.6 inches), and a less capable video mode. Like the C340, the C330 is easy to use and has a sturdy, though mostly plastic, construction. For those on a tight budget, it may be a better bargain than the C340.'

Kodak Press Release Excerpt

KODAK EASYSHARE C330 Zoom Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3

The EASYSHARE C330 camera and Printer Dock system (US$279 MSRP) is an all-around system for a variety of picture taking and sharing experiences. Ideal for people on the go, the C330 rear-panel controls provide easy access to the camera’s features, including on-camera cropping and red-eye reduction. The camera also boasts 4.0-megapixel resolution and a KODAK RETINAR 3X optical zoom lens for beautiful prints.

The KODAK EASYSHARE C330 and Printer Dock Series 3 combination will be available beginning in July. The camera is also available separately for US$179 MSRP.

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May 5: Kodak EasyShare C310

Kodak today quietly announced the Easyshare C310 digital camera and printer dock series 3. This camera is a camera that fills the gap in the Easyshare lineup between the C330 and the C300. It is a fixed focal length lens (f/4.5)camera with a 4 megapixel image sensor. It has a 5x digital zoom, 1.6 inch LCD, 0.2 second shutter lag and weighs 5.2 ounces.

The Kodak EasyShare C310 is an entry level point and shoot digital camera and should be available in stores in August of 2005. It will retail by itself for $139 ($US) or with the printer dock (series 3) for $239 ($US).

Get the Latest Price on the Kodak EasyShare C310 4MP Digital Camera

Kodak Press Release Excerpt

KODAK EASYSHARE C310 Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3

The EASYSHARE C310 camera with Printer Dock Series 3 (US$239 MSRP) delivers a simple, fixed-focus camera (4 MP resolution) for people interested in exploring digital photography, while at the same time providing high quality pictures at the touch of a button.

The KODAK EASYSHARE C310 digital camera combination will be available beginning in August. The camera will be available separately for US$139 MSRP.

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May 5: Nikon Coolpix 5600 Review - PCWorld.com

PC World reviews the Nikon Coolpix 5600 digital camera and writes - 'The Coolpix 5600 earned high marks in our tests for its accurate reproduction of color and its well-balanced exposures. And though its battery life was shorter than that of some other units we've tested recently, the 5600 outlasted every other new model that uses alkaline batteries, taking photos for 2.5 hours on just two AAs.'

Read more about the Nikon Coolpix 5600

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May 4: Casio QV-R62 Review - CNET Reviews

CNET Reviews has a review of the Casio QV-R62 and writes - 'Taking the resolution lead in Casio's QV series, the 6-megapixel QV-R62 comes outfitted with newbie-friendly features such as Casio's signature Best Shot scene modes and a pop-up help system. This nicely priced camera is easy to use and a good choice for snapshooters who want a little more from their camera than just the basic point-and-shoot. The Casio QV-R62 lags behind the competition in some ways--its Movie mode doesn't record sound and its shot-to-shot time isn't great, but if you're more likely to be shooting a tree than a car race, this won't be a problem.'

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May 4: Use Special Names When Saving Digital Photos

Graphics.com has a good tip on choosing the right name for your saved digital photos - 'Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements give you an impressive list of file formats that you can save to. They then complicate matters by adding a variety of options as to what to include with a file when you save it. If you don’t pay attention to how you name your files when you’re choosing those options, you’ll either needlessly increase the number of duplicate files on your system or you’ll start deleting files that you spent hours editing....'

Read more at Use Special Names When Saving Digital Photos

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May 3: Sanyo Xacti C5 Review - Akihabara News

Akihabara News reviews the Sanyo Xacti C5 and writes - 'An evolution and not a revolution. From an “artistic” point of view, the C5 offers nothing new compared to the C4. The small revolution is on the technical level, which allows the C5 to offer the same performance level as the C4 with 40% less electronics and a considerably thinner body. So, should you get a C5 instead of a C4? Yes, the C5 is an excellent machine, it's a thinner and more transportable machine than the C4.'

Read more about the Sanyo Xacti C5 digital camera

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May 3: Canon PowerShot A510 Review - PC Magazine

PC Magazine reviews the Canon PowerShot A510 and writes - 'The A510's manual controls and low price may make this a solid choice for someone who wants to explore digital photography beyond the basic point-and-shoot functions. Image quality is good, and although 3.2 megapixels is starting to seem quite a small number, it's still sufficient for the average casual shooter's needs.'

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May 3: Canon Powershot SD500 Review - Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Canon Powershot SD500 Digital Camera and writes - 'Canon's little SD500 is a revolutionary imaging tool that pushes the boundaries of product development right to the cutting edge where the upper limits of current resolution technology meet the potential limits of miniaturization. With the introduction of the SD500 Canon has achieved one of the two symbolic holy grails of the digital imaging revolution (the other is an affordable high performance dSLR). Photography has always been about compromises so there will never be a perfect camera, but the new Canon Powershot SD500 comes tantalizingly close. It is (for now) in a class all by itself.'

Read more about the Canon Powershot SD500

Buy the Canon Powershot SD700/IXUS 700

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May 3: Olympus E-300 Review - Pocket Lint

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. '

Read more about the Olympus E-300 digital camera

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

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May 2: Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review - PhotographyBLOG

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review and writes - 'Overall the Nikon Coolpix 7900, with its wealth of different scene modes, will be best suited to the point and shoot photographer. You may find however that you will never use some of the more advanced features on offer. For the photographer who requires more control, the Nikon Coolpix 7900 is not such a good choice, which is a real shame as otherwise it is a very responsive camera that produces very good 7 megapixel images. Hopefully Nikon will release an updated version of the Coolpix 7900 with full manual control over exposure in the near-future.'

Read more about the Nikon Coolpix 7900

Buy the Nikon Coolpix 7900 digital camera

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May 2: Sony DSC-F828 Review - DPexpert

DPexpert reviews the Sony DSC-F828 and writes - 'Some reviewers claim the 8mp 4 colour sensor has too many light receptors on a small chip causing increased noise and optical aberrations. dpexpert didn’t see any problems in our 30 cm by 40 cm prints, so we conclude that for use in the real world, as long as the ISO rating is not pushed too high, you can make superb pictures. Auto focus, exposure and tonal range are as good as we have seen on any digicam. Auto white balance is about the best we have seen in any camera.'

Read more about the Sony Cybershot DSC-F828

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May 2: Panasonic BL-C10 Network Camera

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Panasonic BL-C10 Network Camera and writes - 'Build quality for this palm-sized package is good with a Fast Ethernet port and power socket hidden underneath a detachable panel at the rear. There are also tripod screw fixings on the back and base for mounting on a wall or horizontal surface. A useful feature is a privacy button underneath the lens mounting as pressing this will cause the lens to retreat inside its mounting and the video feed to be switched off. It’s a handy feature for turning surveillance off and on as required but it can be disabled remotely. Underneath the privacy button is the thermal sensor which has a range of approximately five metres over an arc of 85 degrees....

There’s no denying this camera is delivering an impressive range of surveillance features at a very low price. Poor overall picture quality and comparatively low video frame rates are the price you pay for these big savings but as a general purpose network camera with infrared detection capabilities, Panasonic’s little BL-C10 is hard to beat.'

Get the Latest Price on the Panasonic BL-C10

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May 2: Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro Review - PHOTOgraphic Magazine

Photographic Magazine reviews the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro and writes - 'What the Super CCD SR II sensor gives that nobody else offers (at least as I write this) is an adjustable dynamic range that changes the ratios between “S” and “R” pixels. Function Buttons, under the second, smaller LCD screen on the camera’s back, offer four choices: Standard (100 percent); Wide 1 (230 percent) for studio portraits; Wide 2 (400 percent) for outdoor portraits; and Auto, where the camera chooses between 100–400 percent depending on the scene.

While the S3 manual and multiple autoexposure modes produce accurate exposures under average conditions, Fujifilm provides two compensation buttons immediately behind the shutter release that let you apply adjustments to the overall exposure or flash.'

Read more about the Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

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May 2: Eliminating Camera Shake

Ecopix.net has a good post on eliminating camera share and shares a long list of tips that include:

• Use a solid tripod as low to the ground as possible, without centre extension.
• A fluid head, as used by cinematographers, is better that a normal pan and tilt head. The heavy studio style ball and socket heads are good too.
• Try to work long lenses on a tripod at only the fast speeds, down to 1/125th of a second, and one second or bulb. Expect some degradation at 1/125, and plenty of failures at 1/60 and 1/30. Don't even try 1/15 to 1/2 second exposures on a tripod with very long lenses.
• When following wildlife at moderate shutter speeds, it is generally better to handhold the lens while it is fixed to the tripod, rather than using a cable release and not touching the rig. Your face, hands, arms etc will absorb some internal vibration. I tend to lean quite heavily on the focusing ring and eyepiece, often laying my forearm along the lens....

Read more of these tips on eliminating camera shake

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May 2: Fred Miranda's Intellisharpen II Plugin for Photoshop - Review

DPexpert reviews FRED MIRANDA'S Intellisharpen II plugin for Photoshop and writes - 'Intellisharpen II further refines what was already a supremely useful Photoshop add-on. It is an image sharpening routine based on the assumption that the photographer wants edge enhancement, but without adding noise to the picture or making flat surfaces, such as skin, disagreeably hard. To produce the best overall sharpening the process is broken down into several steps rather than doing the job in a single stroke by choosing Filter/Sharpen/Unsharp Mask in Photoshop.'

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May 1: Canon EOS 350D Review - Lets Go Digital

Lets Go Digital Reviews the Canon EOS 350D Digital Camera and writes - 'The Canon EOS 350D overall quality is excellent. Especially the application of the DIGIC II processor gives the camera indeed a surplus-value. This processor is used by Canon on a broad range and it certainly pays off. The Canon 350D's responses under various circumstances are incredibly impressive. Action, portrait, indoors and outdoors images, snapshots or precise macro images, the Canon EOS 350D is a versatile camera with easy access and captures all these images effortlessly. '

Read more about the Canon EOS 350D

Megapixel reviews the Canon EOS 350D - XT and writes - 'Considerably smaller than the original digital Rebel/EOS 300 D, the Rebel XT/EOS 350D should be very attractive to those tempted by the image quality and lens interchangeability of a digital SLR, but who find most of these cameras too bulky. Indeed, to date only Pentax's *ist DS is comparable to the Rebel XT in terms of size, and the new Rebel XT, building on the excellent reputation of the first digital Rebel, could well become the new yardstick for non-professional digital SLR's.'

Get the Latest Price on the Canon EOS 350D - Digital Rebel XT

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