BRIEF NEWS & SITE UPDATES (04/26/03)
We have added a number of news stories from the past few weeks which we were unable to post as we usually do on the same or next day they become available.
We have a substantial number of Canon 10D sample images and some pretty informed impressions which we are working on posting over the next few days. We have been able to get some great results from the Canon 10D, however there are a few issues we will discuss that are the topic of discussions around the Internet. For a preview of one of the several series of shots we will be posting here is a link to our Canon 10D Desert Shots Index Page. These shots are all unedited except for resizing and normal post resizing sharpening. These shots were taken with the Canon 28-105, and 70-200 L lens. We think these shots show some of the outstanding capabilities of this camera as well as the great colors the 10D Camera and the Spring California Desert 60 miles from the Arizona border have to offer. We will have some more test shots from places such as California Adventure and Northern California soon, which we feel will further help to really demonstrate the great results the Canon 10D can obtain! Stay tuned!!
We have been testing over 6 new digital cameras and several major digital camera software titles over the past few weeks and we will be posting a number of reviews and test photos very soon!
OLYMPUS PARTNERS WITH AMERICA 24-7, THE LARGEST PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IN HISTORY
Olympus Reunites with Originators of Best-Selling "Day in the Life" Book Series to Produce Epic Digital Capsule - America 24-7
Melville, New York, April 25, 2003 - Today Olympus America announced that it will reunite with photo visionaries Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen, original creators of the highly acclaimed Day in the Life series of photography books, for America 24-7, the largest collaborative photography event in history.
The project will center around an epic one-week digital photo shoot May 12th-18th involving 1,000 of the world's most talented photojournalists and an army of participating amateurs from the American public. All will vie for the chance to be published by capturing the most compelling digital images representing their views of American life. Dispatched by America 24-7, this huge corps of digital photographers extending from coast to coast will be asked to shoot images for a digital time capsule representing life in America over the course of one week.
"Olympus is demonstrating its commitment to digital photography and all that it envelops by helping to bring the 'digital experience' to life in accessible and experiential ways," said Mark Gumz, President & COO, Olympus America Inc. "We hope to empower thousands of Americans to take part in the digital revolution by participating in America 24-7. Introducing Americans from coast-to-coast to the thrill, excitement and possibilities of digital photography is what this project is all about."
Every image shot for this project by professional photographers and the public alike will be electronically submitted to www.america24-7.com where they will be compiled, judged and edited. America 24-7 will use this unprecedented wealth of imagery to create:
* A spectacular national volume, America 24-7, a 320-page large format book scheduled for publication by Dorling Kindersley in November 2003.
* 52 large-format illustrated volumes to be published in November 2004, celebrating each individual U.S. State, with special volumes devoted to New York City and Washington, D.C.
* A website ( www.america24-7.com ) enabling photo enthusiasts nationwide to submit up to seven of their best digital images to the America 24-7 website powered by Snapfish. In preparation for their shoots, amateur photographers can hotlink to the Olympus website (www.olympusamerica.com) for digital photography product information, as well as advice from Olympus pros on shooting tips and techniques.
* Customized home pages will be developed allowing both the professional and amateur photographers to showcase their personal images to family and friends. Every participant will be "published" on the project's personalized home page.
* Traveling national exhibits of selected imagery will be presented and customized for individual states and regions.
In the weeks leading up to the shoot, millions of digital photography enthusiasts will be directed to visit the America 24-7 website, www.america24-7.com, to learn more about the project and how to participate, including simple instructions on how to submit pictures to the project. The site will suggest assignments and provide examples of images chosen for publication in previous Smolan-Cohen projects. Digital photographers nationwide can use these examples to develop similar stories and assignments in their own communities.
In addition to public participation, America 24/7 has hired 1,000 top photojournalists from across the country, equipping them with Olympus C-5050 Zoom 5.0 megapixel digital cameras. Designed for advanced photographic control, the C-5050 Zoom is a state-of-the-art, all-purpose tool designed to create the most realistic digital images possible for a
broad range of users. Smolan and Cohen believe that the images captured with these Olympus cameras will reveal the best digital photojournalists in America, as well as undiscovered photographic talent.Seventeen years ago Smolan and Cohen collaborated to create A Day in the Life of America, which captured the country's imagination and became the best-selling photo book ever. America 24-7 will use this new medium of digital photography to document American life in the new millennium.
"America 24-7 is designed to be a landmark series in documentary photography and the watershed event of the new digital photography age," commented Rick Smolan, a former Time and National Geographic photographer. "Since the book will use digital images exclusively, it was important for us to partner with a company who shared our vision about the importance of digital photography in all of our futures. Having worked with Olympus before, we knew they were
the camera company that most closely aligned with our vision for this book: that digital photography is changing the photographic experience, and that the technology is now accessible enough for everyone to use," explained
Smolan."The America 24-7 project is about igniting creativity and inspiring imagination," remarked Martin Lee, Vice President of Marketing, Olympus America. "We hope millions of images are submitted for the books, and that through our partnership with America 24-7 we can contribute to ushering in the digital revolution."
Lexar Media Sponsors America 24/7; Largest Collaborative Digital Photography Book in U.S. History
1,000 Professional Photographers Will Use Lexar Media High-Speed CompactFlash to Photograph 50 States in One Week
FREMONT, Calif., April 22, 2003 -- Lexar Media, the world leader in high-performance USB enabled digital media, announces today that the company will be a primary sponsor of America 24/7, the largest collaborative photo project in U.S. history. For one week, beginning May 12, 2003, America 24/7 will dispatch 1,000 professional photojournalists in all 50 states, armed with digital cameras and Lexar Media High-Speed Series CompactFlash, with the goal of creating a digital time capsule of American life.
"America 24/7 marks a milestone in photographic and publishing history and Lexar Media is proud to be selected to help make this project possible," said Eric Stang, president and CEO, Lexar Media. "Lexar Media High-Speed CompactFlash cards will allow participating photographers to take full advantage of their camera's speed capability and are extremely durable for the harsh conditions some might encounter during the week-long shoot."
"I've worked with many of the top photojournalists throughout the world on projects including 'Day in the Life,' and it has become clear to me that the digital media choice of professional photographers is Lexar Media," said David Cohen, 24/7 America project director. "We are pleased to have such a well respected brand to be part of our historic project and we know our photographers won't have to worry about card performance - which is a comfort in a very busy week."
"I am very pleased that Lexar is providing the CompactFlash for this project," said Doug Menuez, America 24/7 professional photographer. I've relied on Lexar Media CompactFlash since I began shooting digital and it has always delivered. Lexar is known as the brand that allows you to capture shots that you otherwise might have missed."
Lexar Media will also provide the photojournalists with Jumpshot USB readers and Image Rescue software - a revolutionary software product that recovers deleted or seemingly lost digital images in the event photographers inadvertently lose images in the digital workflow.
The result of this unprecedented photo shoot will be 53 illustrated books, including one published in November 2003, titled America 24/7. In 2004, 52 additional books will follow, each showcasing each American state, plus Washington DC and New York City.
Digital Camera Penetration Reaches 20% of U.S. Households (04/22/03)
BOSTON - April 22, 2003--InfoTrends Research Group's latest study of digital camera users confirms that 20% of U.S. households now own a digital camera. Digital camera penetration is rising rapidly and is expected to reach 30% by the end of 2003. InfoTrends' study of U.S. Internet-connected households revealed that 45% of respondents own a digital camera and that 24% of Internet-connected households plan to purchase their first digital camera this year. The results of InfoTrends' surveys and forecasts are used to calculate household penetration.
Rising digital camera penetration brings waves of change for the photo industry, including changes for preferred digital photo print locations and services. Currently, 82% of digital camera users print digital photos at home and 81% of those who plan to purchase a digital camera in the future expect to print their digital photos primarily at home. Nevertheless, retail locations could become the leading digital photo print location in the future. 64% of female respondents who own a digital camera or who are planning to purchase a digital camera believe that retail locations will become their preferred digital photo printing location, if it is priced competitively with film processing.
Another topic coming to the forefront for the photo industry is digital photo management and archiving. "Digital camera users are accumulating large collections of digital photos, but few users are concerned about taking steps to archive their digital photos for the long term," says Michelle Slaughter, Director of Digital Photography Trends at InfoTrends. "The study shows that 78% of digital camera users are not proactively taking steps to manage and archive their digital photos for the long term. Consumers are not concerned about archiving because most are not aware of how easily they could lose their digital photos to viruses, obsolete storage media, or hard drive crashes. Industry players need to offer solutions that help consumers preserve their digital photos for the long term."
InfoTrends' new forecast report entitled 2003 Digital Camera Survey: End-User and Non-User Analysis is available immediately. The 119-page study with 133 figures and two sets of tabulations reveals in-depth trends in digital camera features and brand preferences, printing, storage, applications, pricing, purchase channels, demographics, user segments, and more.
About InfoTrends Research Group
InfoTrends Research Group, Inc. (www.infotrends-rgi.com) is the leading market research and consulting firm for digital imaging technologies and markets.
Interactive Publisher Releases Digital Photography DVD (04/22/03)
HOOD RIVER, Ore., April 22 - KnowledgeTrek(TM), publisher of instructional interactive video content, today announced the release of Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1, which explores the exciting new world of digital cameras and digital photography. Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1 is presented in an entertaining, interactive format including 60 minutes of easy-to-follow instruction that will help consumers become better digital photographers... fast!
Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1 covers everything from purchasing a digital camera to optimizing its features and capabilities. It addresses the needs of both first-time digital photographers and seasoned enthusiasts wishing to hone their skills. Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1 allows users to learn quickly, easily, and at their own pace."We are excited to deliver a new and easy way of learning to anyone enthusiastic about pursuing digital photography," said Robert Bauld, principal of KnowledgeTrek. "We believe that by exploiting the interactive potential of DVD technology, we are able to present this complex subject in a simpler and yet more dynamic way. Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1 will take users' photography to the next level."
Users can learn the concepts of digital photography through concise presentations, beautifully illustrated demonstrations and exclusive interviews with professional photographers. Thanks to interactive DVD technology, viewers can select topics in any order they choose, stop to make notes, and repeat sections whenever they like.
Digital Photography Captured, Volume 1 also includes a valuable collection of free digital imaging software: the full tryout version of Adobe Photoshop® Elements and the high-quality Dreamy and Mosaic plug-ins from AutoFX Software. In addition, the companion Web site, www.knowledgetrek.com, provides valuable product information, tips and special offers on quality digital photography accessories and supplies.
Digital Photography Captured, Volume I is available now and can be ordered directly from www.knowledgetrek.com at a suggested retail price of $34.95. Volume 2, available later this year, will cover more advanced topics such as publishing, sharing and advanced imaging options.
KnowledgeTrek is a subsidiary of GorgeMedia, Inc., an interactive media company founded in 1991 by Robert Bauld, award-winning graphic designer and multimedia developer.
Ulead Digital Image Slideshow Software Now Available for Mac (04/22/03)
DVD PictureShow for Mac Gives Mac Users New Option to Create Digital Photo Slideshows to View on TV
TORRANCE, Calif. - April 22, 2003--Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of image and video editing, 3D animation, and DVD authoring software, today introduced DVD PictureShow for Mac, digital image slideshow creation software for the Macintosh platform.
DVD PictureShow fills a niche in the Mac consumer software market for a digital photo slideshow product solely designed to easily and quickly create slideshows on both CD and DVD media. DVD PictureShow for Mac follows the success of Ulead's existing PC-based DVD PictureShow, which has received notable reviews in CNET, PC Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. With the high adoption rate of digital cameras, the increasing growth rate of DVD burners, yet the ubiquitous use of CD burners, Ulead is uniquely positioned to offer consumers and OEM partners a cross platform solution for digital image slideshow creation with support for both CD and DVD media.DVD PictureShow for Mac lets consumers easily assemble digital images, create sophisticated DVD navigation and polished menus using templates such as holiday, vacation, and romantic. Adding text, background music and importing images for menu backgrounds give slideshows a personal touch. The software burns to either CD or DVD discs for playback on a TV using a standard DVD player or on a computer using a CD or DVD drive.
"Due to the overwhelming success of DVD PictureShow for the PC platform, DVD PictureShow for Mac was a natural step for Ulead," says Colwin Chan, image editing product manager at Ulead Systems, Inc. "While Apple's iDVD and iPhoto give Mac users a variety of options for working with their digital media, DVD PictureShow for Mac offers a complementary, streamlined approach to easily and quickly transform digital photos into entertaining digital slideshows. The software is also unique because it works with both CD and DVD burners, giving the majority of consumers who do not have a DVD burner the option of burning their final slideshow to inexpensive CD media that they can still watch on TV using a standard DVD player."
DVD PictureShow for Mac also complements Ulead's existing Mac-based digital image media management software, Photo Explorer for Mac (available at www.ulead.com). The two products combined give Mac users a complete photo management and slideshow creation package that helps them download, edit, manage, archive, and share their images on CD and DVD media.
About DVD PictureShow for Mac
With an intuitive step-by-step workflow, DVD PictureShow for Mac lets anyone easily create high-quality, digital image slideshows to watch on TV or a computer. Within each slideshow, it's easy to assemble, arrange, rotate and set the interval time between photos. Jazz up slideshows by adding text, background music and even import images for menu backgrounds. A variety of theme-based menu templates such as holiday, vacation, romantic, and business help consumers quickly create slick looking CDs or DVDs with professional menu navigation. Once the slideshow is created, consumers can preview a project with the software's DVD remote control emulation. When it's time to burn the slideshow, the software will automatically detect the recording device on the computer (CD-R, CD-RW or DVD-R) and burn as requested.
Pricing and Availability
Ulead DVD PictureShow for Mac is available online at www.ulead.com for $29.95 for a downloadable version. OEM versions will be available in early May in multiple languages including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese. For OEM sales information, contact Colin Stiles, director of OEM sales for Ulead Systems, North America, at: 770/416-1225.
Paessler Announces PhotoMeister 2.0: A Creative And Easy-to-Use Digital Photo Management Tool (04/22/03)
Single CD Format Allows Photo Presentation on DVD/VCD Players and Any Computer SystemFUERTH, Germany -A pril 22, 2003-- Paessler today announced the immediate availability of PhotoMeister version 2.0, an easy-to-use digital photography management tool for Windows systems. This comprehensive software allows digital photographers to manage, edit and publish their digital media. New technology allows pictures to be saved onto a single CD that can be displayed on any computer system as well most VCD/DVD players -- making viewing on your television set as easy as on your computer.
The Consumer Electronics Association predicts digital camera sales will total more than 11 million units in 2003, a 26 percent increase from 2002, on dollar sales of $2.9 billion. As the digital photography market continues to grow, users are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Professional and amateur digital camera users want an easy-to-use and comprehensive interface to help them organize, store and share their photographs across multiple media without learning several complex photo software programs.
"Technology advances are enabling a new generation of experiences for the digital photographer," said Dirk Paessler, CEO of Paessler GmbH. "With PhotoMeister, we're continuing to push the envelope, giving users a single, easy-to-use tool offering all available major presentation technologies to publish their photos -- and stun their viewers. The innovations we are making will truly enhance the way people present their photographs."
Using PhotoMeister v2.0's photo book function the user can create and display photo albums using professionally designed templates and then print or export them as a .pdf document. Flash technology templates are also available for photographers to take their presentations to a new level of display on the web without using complicated Flash authoring tools. With the single CD format, photographers can now send a CD to their friends and family for easy viewing -- regardless of whether they have a PC, Mac or VCD/DVD player.
About PhotoMeister
PhotoMeister allows photographers to easily manage, edit, and publish their photos in one single tool. Built upon a simple, three-step process -- Import, Improve, and Impress -- users easily keep track of photographs, make changes, and package them for distribution all from a single software program. PhotoMeister makes this process simple and efficient through an intuitive interface and wizards.
PhotoMeister is available at http://www.photomeister.com in two editions: Standard (US$19.95) and Professional (US$39.95). PhotoMeister v1.x customers receive free upgrades. PhotoMeister is available online in a free 30-day trial.
Epson Announces the EPSON Stylus Photo 900: The First Photo Printer Under $200 to Print Directly Onto CDs and DVDs (04/16/03)
New Printer Offers a Complete Printing Solution for Digital LifestylesLONG BEACH, Calif. - April 16, 2003--Epson America Inc. is introducing the first photo printer under $200 that has the capability to print directly onto CDs and DVDs without adhesive labels. The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 is Epson's latest addition to its award-winning photo printer line and is the second printer in the line to include the technology for printing directly onto ink-jet printable CDs and DVDs. At this remarkably low price, this technology is now more affordable and convenient than ever before.
CDs and DVDs have become the preferred media for storing digital data, digital photos, digital music, and digital video. As the demand for these storage media has grown, a need has emerged for a technology that enables digital enthusiasts to safely and creatively label their growing collection of CDs and DVDs. The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 is the perfect solution for these digital enthusiasts because it allows them to print directly onto ink-jet printable CD-R or DVD-R media right at home with personalized text, graphics and photos. The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 is also ideal for amateur photographers due to its incredible photo printing capabilities on Epson papers."With the introduction of the EPSON Stylus Photo 900, Epson continues to lead the ink-jet printing industry with affordable printers that have innovative technology," said Parker Plaisted, product manager, photo imaging. "Whether you print customized CDs, print photos, or print everyday documents, the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 offers a complete printing solution for your digital lifestyle."
Printing Photos with the EPSON Stylus Photo 900
The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 provides a great deal of functionality, without sacrificing image quality. Epson's superior 6-color Photo Ink system, with up to 5760 x 720 optimized dpi and ultra-fine 4 picoliter ink droplets, delivers prints that look like traditional photos. With the EPSON Stylus Photo 900, customers can print high-quality photos at home without expensive photo lab fees or reprint charges. Users also are able to make more prints per cartridge with the printer's large capacity color ink cartridge.
This printer also offers PRINT Image Matching (P.I.M.) II and Exif Print support, making it easy to get great prints automatically from P.I.M. and Exif 2.2 enabled digital cameras. For more information about PRINT Image Matching visit www.printimagematching.com.
Utilizing innovations such as PRINT Image Matching technology and Epson's patented BorderFree(TM) photo printing technology, the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 produces outstanding photographic prints in a variety of frame-ready photo paper sizes. Customers can effortlessly print their photos on Epson's Borderless 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 8" x 10" and letter-size photo papers with no borders to trim and no perforations to tear.
The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 has fast photo print speeds delivering a 4" x 6" photo within 50 seconds on EPSON Glossy Photo Paper. The printer is also capable of handling everyday printing tasks, such as printing sharp text documents and web pages.
Printing Directly on Ink-Jet Printable CD-R and DVD-R Recordable Media
With the EPSON Stylus Photo 900, customers can print directly onto the surface of ink-jet printable CD-R and DVD-R media, thus eliminating the expense, inconvenience, and risk of using adhesive labels. This is a significant benefit to customers for three reasons. First of all, manufacturers of CD and DVD drives warn customers against using adhesive labels on CDs or DVDs because the adhesive label could delaminate and damage the drive. Second, the cost of ink-jet printable CD-R and DVD-R media is considerably less expensive than the combined cost of adhesive labels and regular CD-R or DVD-R media. Finally, printing directly onto ink-jet printable CD-R or DVD-R media is much easier than printing on adhesive labels and applying them to regular CD-R or DVD-R media.
With the included CD printing software, customers can design and print professional looking CDs and DVDs with customized text and colorful backgrounds and images. When the user is ready to print, the ink-jet printable CD or DVD is placed in a tray that protects the CD or DVD during the printing process as the tray passes through the printer's straight-through paper path.
Only ink-jet printable CD-R and DVD-R media are compatible with the EPSON Stylus Photo 900. Ink-jet printable CD-R media are produced by several major media brands including Imation, Maxell, Memorex, Mitsui, TDK and Verbatim. The ink-jet printable CD-R media can be purchased from a variety of online retailers including www.cdw.com, www.macconnection.com, www.pcconnection.com, www.warehouse.com, and www.zones.com.
Media Flexibility with the EPSON Stylus Photo 900
Epson offers a wide variety of papers for use with the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 including EPSON Glossy Photo Paper, EPSON Premium Glossy Photo Paper, EPSON Premium Semigloss Photo Paper, EPSON Premium Luster Photo Paper, EPSON Matte Paper Heavyweight and EPSON ColorLife Photo Paper. The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 can print on cut-sheet media sizes from 3.5" to 8.5" wide. Additionally, the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 offers the convenience of two separate paper paths including the standard paper path for most media and a straight-through paper path for thicker media. The straight paper path supports a variety of media up to 1.3 mm thick and also supports the CD/DVD tray.
For printing continuous photos, the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 comes with Epson's unique roll paper holder accessory for printing multiple borderless 4" x 6" snapshots and panoramas on 4" glossy paper rolls. Larger images can be produced on the printer with a maximum printable area of 8.3" x 44" on 8.3" wide roll paper.
Using Epson's optimized combination of quick-drying EPSON Photo Inks and certain Epson papers, the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 produces water-resistant, fade-resistant photos which can resist fading up to 27 years(a).
Included Software and Connectivity
The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 offers built-in parallel and USB ports and includes the following software applications: CD design and printing software, EPSON Software Film Factory(TM) and PRINT Image Matching Plug-in (for Adobe® Photoshop® 6.0, 7.0 and Elements 1.0 and 2.0). The printer and all of the included software are Windows and Macintosh compatible. Optional accessories for the EPSON Stylus Photo 900 include the Bluetooth Print Adapter from Epson and the external EpsonNet 802.11b Wireless Print Server.
Pricing, Support and Availability
The EPSON Stylus Photo 900 will be available at the end of April for an estimated street price of $199 through consumer electronics stores, office supply stores, computer superstores, specialty camera stores, mail order and Epson's retail Web site (www.epsonstore.com). The printer is backed by the one-year EPSON Exchange Warranty and is supported by the EPSON Connection, a customer support technical assistance line. More information about Epson and its products is available by calling 1-800-GO EPSON or visiting the company Web site at www.epson.com.
ACD Systems Launches ACD AutoShare - Image Database Sharing Solution for the Corporate Market (04/14/03)New image sharing database saves corporations time and money
Victoria, British Columbia – April 14, 2002 - ACD Systems International Inc., the digital imaging company, today announced the availability of ACD AutoShare™, an image database sharing solution for the corporate market that integrates with the company’s ACDSee 5.0™ and ACD mPower Tools™ products. The development of ACD AutoShare is in line with other ACD Systems specialized corporate initiatives such as ACD Floating License System and ACD Corporate Site License, and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to offering corporations innovative and cost-saving solutions to meet their evolving needs.
ACD AutoShare allows multiple users to work together by sharing images and related information over a local area network. ACD AutoShare effectively allows users within an organization to search and sort images in one or more shared databases using keywords, descriptions, notes, date and time, author and categories. ACD AutoShare saves corporations time and money by featuring a user-friendly interface that runs on standard office computers without equiring server hardware or the assistance of specialized information systems professionals commonly required by other database sharing solutions.
ACD AutoShare is a stand-alone application that can be licensed through either of the company’s licensing models - ACD Floating License System or ACD Corporate Site License. ACD Floating License System allows corporations to purchase licenses for only the maximum number of people that will use ACDSee at the same time, while still giving all employees
in the organization access to ACDSee and other ACD products and plug-ins. In contrast, ACD Corporate Site License allows corporations to install ACDSee and other ACD products and plug-ins on all workstations with no restriction on the maximum number of simultaneous users.“The development of ACD AutoShare was in response to our corporate clients requesting a cost-effective image database sharing solution that works over local area networks, “ said Mike Zelen, president and chief executive officer of ACD Systems. “ACD Systems continues to offer value to the corporate marketplace by tailoring our products to meet particular corporate needs.”
Price and Availability
ACD AutoShare is $199.95 USD and $9.95 USD per user and is now available through the company’s Web site at www.ACDSYSTEMS.com.
CANON EOS-10D DISNEYLAND SAMPLE IMAGES POSTED (04/05/03)
We are posting our first Canon EOS-10D DSLR sample images from a final production level camera. The Canon 10D was announced on February 27, 2003 at a price of $1499 and began arriving in stores on about March 12, 2003. The 10D has been in huge demand since it was announced, and is now arriving in stores in fairly good quantities. We have been testing the camera for a short period now and finally had the chance to get out to Disneyland to post our usual sample shots as part of our process of testing how the camera performs. The samples are also helpful in allowing us to formulate many of the opinions that will become part of our review and hopefully you will find them interesting in your search for a digital camera. Check them out and see what a $1499 state of the art DSLR digital can do!
DOWNTOWN DISNEY SAMPLES DISNEYLAND GALLERY I DISNEYLAND GALLERY II
MINOLTA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF DiMAGE MESSENGER VERSION 1.01
Enhanced version of new PC software program available now as a free upgrade to current users of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger v1.0
Ramsey, NJ (April 2, 2003) - Minolta Corporation announces today the availability of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger v1.0.1. Current users of DiMAGE Messenger v1.0 who have purchased the program can upgrade their version for free at www.dimagemessenger.com. Additionally, a free trial copy of the full version, which is good for 14 days, is available at www.dimagemessenger.com. This enhanced version of the original DiMAGE Messenger has been programmed to consume less operating system resources than the original. If an image couldn't be opened or didn't print completely before when using Windows 98 second Edition or Windows Me, DiMAGE Messenger v1.01 will resolve the problem.
This exciting new digital imaging software product allows users to connect written text to specific portions of digital images, share the combination with others via e-mail or printed copy, and invite related comments to be added from the receiver - all in just a few, simple steps. Minolta's new DiMAGE Messenger program is ideal for sellers and buyers on auction Web sites, law enforcement agencies, real estate agents, educators and other applications that benefit from clear communications based on digital images.
With Minolta's DiMAGE Messenger software program, users who need to communicate with words and pictures can, for the first time, easily share images, ideas, comments, etc., with the time, date, and name of person making the comment displayed and linked to the corresponding marked portion of a digital image. Priced at under $30* for a downloadable version available at www.dimagemessenger.com, Minolta DiMAGE Messenger is easily within reach of all PC owners.
"People say that 'a picture is worth 1,000 words.' But we say, 'we give you both'," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing for Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "Getting pictures into computers is now easy for most consumers. For the first time, Minolta DiMAGE Messenger software makes it just as easy to share those images for both personal and business applications."
The GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the DiMAGE Messenger software program opens into three panes. An image is loaded at top, left. Text is entered in the pane below the image. When the user draws a box to isolate the specific image portion that corresponds to the text and clicks "add", the text automatically reappears in the right-hand pane. By dragging the mouse cursor over the text, the box that was drawn onto the image reappears. By placing a checkmark in front of the text, the image inside the drawn box is enlarged to fill the image pane, showing details clearly.
The DiMAGE Messenger files can be printed to show the original image with the detailed image sections arranged in up to three columns and the corresponding text beneath each. The boxes drawn by the user to identify the image sections are color-coded. Color matching is available for accurate monitor and printer reproduction.
These annotated images can be sent to others via e-mail from within the application by selecting the "mail" button from the command program's menu. A trial version of DiMAGE Messenger can be attached to the e-mail automatically, if desired. The recipient can enjoy all functions of the software during the 14-day trial period and obtain a software license key to register a fully active version. After 14 days the trial version reverts to become a reader if it has not been validated. The reader will allow the user to open and read images and comments, but it does not allow additional comments to be added or edited.
Minolta DiMAGE Messenger software is an ideal communication tool. Home users will enjoy adding linked text to family albums, documenting personal possessions and organizing many details of their daily lives such as creating their own digital recipe files. The application is ideal for all persons who need to communicate by looking at and working with images and exchanging written words about the elemental contents of those images - and is especially useful when significant distances separate two or more people. Other examples of highly suitable applications include identifying individuals in group photos, communicating with designers and consultants, and documentation for technical devices or real estate and insurance appraisals.
* Under $40 for CD-ROM version.
Minimum System Requirements
Computers IBM PC/AT compatible computers
CPU Pentium 133MHz or faster processor
Operating systems Windows 98 Second Edition, 2000 Professional, Me, or XP
RAM Minimum 64 MB of RAM (128MB with Windows XP)
Hard-disk space 100 MB of free hard-disk space
Monitor 800x600 monitor capable of displaying 24-bit color quality. (1024x768 or greater recommended)Compatible Image Formats
JPEG (Exif 2.1 and 2.2, 24-bit JFIF)
BMP (8, 16, and 24 bit)
TIFF (Exif 2.1 and 2.2, non-compressed 24-bit RGB)Compatible E-mail Applications
MAPI-compatible e-mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook Express.
NEWS UPDATES (03/30/03 & 03/31/03)
Jeff Keller, over at Digital Camera Resource Page has posted today his Review of a full Production Level Canon EOS 10D DSLR camera. The Canon 10D was announced just over a month ago at a price of $1499 and by all indications is selling like hotcakes! Jeff points out that he has been a Canon D60 owner for several months and includes many observations on how the 10D compares to last year's model, which it is replacing. Jeff points out mostly very positive findings in his testing of the new Canon 10D, however he notes as have some others on the Internet that the default sharpness settings have been changed from the D60 to be a bit softer (which many consider a good thing as post shot sharpening in a good program is preferred by many). We have looked at many hundreds of sample 10D pictures and would add that our initial impressions are that the 10D produces more neutral images files with sharpness and colors now more similar to the Nikon D100 (saturation levels are a bit lower than the D60 but exposures are brighter/more accurate). The Canon 10D ISO 100 noise levels are just stunning and higher ISO noise levels especially up to ISO 800 are also very impressive (the Nikon D100 also does well at ISO 800 etc....). Most Canon 10D users including Jeff confirm that one of the most noticeable improvements in the 10D is the new AutoFocus system, which works much better then users found on the D60. Canon has also done a much better job in its initial deliveries of the Canon 10D and it appears most will be able to find/get a 10D rather quickly. We can confirm that Ritz has been shipping more cameras this past week to those early buyers who ordered right after we posted the news, so if you are on the list, hang tight its coming soon. We will have samples and the beginnings of our Canon 10D review later this week. In the meantime, check out Jeff Keller's Digital Camera Resource Page Canon EOS 10D Review.
UPDATE 03/31/03
Some Canon 10D users are noting that the initial sharpness of their images appears to improve after performing a Custom Functions/Settings "Reset" in the cameras menu selection. We will try to specifically test for this with our camera over the next few days and will later post before and after shots if we do see a difference. For those who do feel your 10D is very soft, you may want to try this. We understand Jeff Keller did document this improvement, and later may update his review.
UPDATE 03/31/03
Phil Askey at Digital Photography Review has also just posted his final review of a Canon EOS-10D DSLR Production camera very early this morning. Phil provides considerable details on all aspects of the camera, including many specific tests of the camera's performance, comparisons to the D60 which he has owned and used for many months, and for all those interested in DSLR cameras the full review is well worth reading. Phil also notes that the 10D images at the default sharpness setting is slightly softer then the D60 but the difference is very minimal (he suggests that if you want sharper images straight from the camera change the sharpness setting to +2). Phil also points out that in AI Servo, the camera highlights a focus point selection at the moment that you half-press the shutter button, but in this mode the camera can still proceed to have the shutter release if you go on to perform a full button press before optimal focus lock is achieved as indicated by a separate light in the viewfinder. It appears that many are fooled by the focus selection point highlighting before focus lock occurs and are then taking the picture without proper focus achieved. This does not occur in the single shot focus mode as the shutter won't fire until focus lock occurs. There are also some interesting observations that very minimal changes can occur to the focus point (front or back of center) depending on the lens used. This appears to be very minor and only found on Macro shots using very shallow depth of field. Many lens show no issue, but a few did. Interestingly, Phil found this to be more of an issue on the older D60 which no one even noticed until now. Overall, Phil's review confirms the outstanding performance and value of the 10D and he gives it his highest rating. Be sure to read Phil Askey's Digital Photography Review of the Canon EOS 10D.
We have been focusing our time recently on getting some of the new cameras in and getting some samples/reviews going, and also quite frankly the news has been really non-existent. Over the next week or two we will have new camera reviews including the Nikon 3100, the Minolta 414, the Olympus 730, the Sony P72, the Canon EOS-10D, and more arriving every week. We also are working on some Software reviews! Stay tuned, lots of Digital Camera news and reviews are coming up in April!!
PMA 2003 SPECIAL REPORT PAGE POSTED (03/17/03)
We have copied all of our PMA 2003 news stories and links as well as added some press releases and other information related to this year's PMA show to our PMA 2003 Special Report Page. There is a lot of information about the major digital imaging news at this year's show so be sure and check it out!
PMA 2003 SPECIAL REPORT PAGE
FOVEON® ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR AS LICENSEE OF X3 IMAGE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY (03/11/03)
We received a press release from Foveon yesterday announcing a new license agreement with National Semiconductor for the manufacture and distribution of Foveon's X3 image sensor announce one year ago for PMA 2002. Currently the only camera to come out with the Foveon sensor is the Sigma SD9 DSLR camera. This new agreement would appear to be a very positive step forward for Foveon as National Semiconductor should have more resources available to improve the marketing of this very young yet promising new sensor technology. Here is the full press release.
License expands market reach of Foveon X3 technology
Santa Clara, CA (March 10, 2003) - Foveon, Inc., a technology leader in high-quality digital photography, announced today a license agreement for the manufacture and distribution of Foveon's highly acclaimed X3 image sensor technology to National Semiconductor. The agreement expands Foveon's market reach for the Foveon X3 and related technologies.
"Foveon has developed a large portfolio of image sensor products and image capture technologies that we are bringing to market through partners. Through National's worldwide sales and marketing organization we will see the accelerated adoption of X3 based products in key markets," said Jim Lau, president and CEO of Foveon, Inc.
Foveon has gained industry wide recognition in digital photography as a leader in the development of image sensor technologies for digital cameras. The most recent innovation by Foveon is the Foveon X3 image sensor, the world's first full-color image sensor to capture red, green and blue light at every location in the image plane. The image sensor utilizes Foveon X3 Silicon Color Filter technology, which leverages the fact that silicon absorbs different wavelengths of light at different depths. The technology uses the placement of photodetectors at different depths within the silicon to detect blue, green or red light.
"Foveon's X3 technology fundamentally changes the way that image capture devices are designed," said Brian L. Halla, National's chairman, president and CEO. "We look forward to incorporating Foveon's world-class image sensor technology into National Semiconductor's portfolio of imaging products for our customers."
PMA 2003 PHOTO GALLERIES POSTED (03/09/03)
We have posted additional photos from the PMA 2003 show. As we mentioned, over the past few days we have gone through about 1000 shots and we now have most of them posted below using the links below. We will be posting a few more shots by Monday Night and that will complete our PMA 2003 photo galleries. We will also be posting our PMA Summary and putting all of our PMA coverage onto a special PMA Report Page. The majority of the PMA 2003 gallery pictures were shot with the recent 3 megapixel Minolta Xi (Pict# files) and some with the new 3 megapixel Sony P72 Camera (Dsc# files), so those of you who are interested in how these cameras perform, be sure to check out our galleries below. There are over 150 pictures in our galleries, showing many of the most popular booths and many of the top new products just announced at the show, including the new Olympus DSLR as well as the Pentax *ist DSLR, and many more. We hope you enjoy our PMA Photos!!
PMA 2003 TOP 20 NEW PRODUCTS LIST (03/05/03)
The biggest show for the digital imaging market in the USA ended earlier today here in Las Vegas, Nevada after 4 days of having the latest and greatest new products on display to the huge crowds that were in attendance. For the fourth straight year in a row, we spent a considerable amount of our time going to the large booths where many of these products are shown, both in public and privately to see first hand what they have to offer to consumers. We handled/tested the products as well as listened to the featured highlights by company representatives, all in an effort to better evaluate which products we think are really going to be popular this year. Accordingly, we have now completed our annual list of the top 20 products at PMA 2003 which we feel stand out from the rest of the hundreds of new products shown here this year. The products are not necessarily in an exact order of importance, although generally speaking the ones near the top stood out a bit quicker in our opinions compared to the ones towards the bottom. With out any further delay, here is our PMA 2003 Top 20 Products List in Digital Imaging.
- Canon EOS 10D - DSLR 6 megapixel Camera - greatly improved camera, especially Auto Focus at lower US price of $1499
- Olympus 4/3rds System - Pro DSLR Camera & Accessories
- Pentax *ist - DSLR 6 megapixel Camera, very small and lightweight
- Sony Cybershot DSC-V1 - 5 megapixel compact Digital Camera
- Canon Powershot S50 - 5 megapixel compact Digital Camera
- Fuji Finepix F700 - 4th Generation SuperCCD with 6 megapixels used in unique method to improve dynamic range of digital photos
- SmartDisk Flashtrax - 30 gig portable storage and video viewer
- Nixvue Vizor - CD-R with Memory slot for transfer and burning
- Lexar 4GB Compact Flash Memory Cards - Huge capacity cards for many popular cameras including high resolution DSLRs
- Casio Exilim EX-S3 - 3 megapixel slim & tiny consumer Digital Camera
- Kodak 14n - DSLR Camera with a near 14 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon i9100 - 13 inch wide format photo printer with 2 picoliter ink droplets and very fast print speeds at very high quality
- Nikon Coolpix 3100 - tiny 3 megapixel Digital Camera with fast operation speeds and very good image results at a fairly low price
- Adobe Raw/JPEG 2000 Plug-In - A powerful tool for high quality work results
- Kodak Easyshare LS633 - 3 megapixel camera w/OLED display and Easyshare Printer Doc 600 (the two work together for great prints) The OLED display is a promising new display type which can be seen from all angles
- Minolta Xt - 3 megapixel tiny/thin camera with unique 3X optical zoom
- Olympus C-750 - 4 megapixel CCD & 10X zoom Digital Camera
- Fujifilm 20.8 Megapixel Digital Back -Very High Resolution Digital Files for Professionals
- Preclick's Lifetime Photo Organizer - A fast & easy photo organizer with flexible searchable data and editing parameters at just $9.99.
- Sony Cybershot P72 - 3 megapixel, 3X zoom lens, AA batteries, for just over $300, with very impressive results in this price range
Kinko's to Adopt Sony's PictureStation Digital Photo Finishing Systems (03/05/03)
We found this Press Release to be of some added interest after we had the opportunity to print out many prints from Sony Cybershot cameras at the Sony PMA Press event we mentioned earlier. The print results were just fantastic and the PictureStation systems were very easy to use. Here in Southern California we have Kinko's in many locations and they are open 24 hours. The Press Relase below indicates that by the end of 2003 the Sony PictureStations will be in over 800 Kinkos nationwide. We welcome this great news given the fact that the PictureStations are a Sony product and thus they do accept both the Memory Stick and the Memory Stick Pro, along with all the other major formats including Compact Flash and SD Media Cards as well as the fact they provide great picture results at a large number of Kinko stores that will be easy to find and access. Here is the full press release.
LAS VEGAS, March 4 - Photo Marketing Association, Booth #M-30 -- Sony Electronics and Kinko's, Inc. today announced that Sony's PictureStation(TM) systems will soon be installed in 800 Kinko's® locations nationwide.
The adoption of PictureStation systems across the Kinko's network will address pent-up demand for retail-based digital photo finishing services, according to Sue Parks, executive vice president of operations for Kinko's.
"Sony's PictureStation systems present a compelling opportunity to expand Kinko's range of photo services with what we feel is clearly the best retail-based digital photo finishing solution," Parks said. "The systems provide a convenient, cost-effective service for the fast-growing digital camera market. We're excited to add Sony's PictureStation systems to our network of locations and provide our customers access to the widest range of print capabilities and stunning picture quality."
"Kinko's is known for introducing new technologies its customers need, and we're thrilled to see them embrace the PictureStation system as part of their nationwide commitment to digital photo finishing," said Steven Blum, vice president of digital photography for Sony Electronics' Business Solutions and Systems Company. "Our easy-to-use, affordable systems will enable Kinko's conveniently located stores to quickly tap into the growing digital photography market, and provide customers with a practical means to create beautiful prints instantly."
Each of the PictureStation systems in Kinko's locations will:
- * Accept all widely used media, including Memory Stick(R) and Memory
Stick Pro(R) media, CompactFlash(TM)cards, SmartMedia(TM)cards, CDs,
SD/MMC cards and floppy disks;
* Offer image scanning capabilities for print-to-print copies;
* Offer the option to burn images to CD;
* Feature two high-speed digital printers capable of quickly producing
3-1/2"x 5"; 4"x 6", 5"x7" and wallet sized photos; and
* Incorporate an additional 8"x10" printer for portraits.
The agreement follows a successful test in which systems were placed in four Kinko's locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. According to Parks, customers appreciated the units' ease-of-use and ability to make instant prints from their digital cameras. Kinko's supported the test with in-store signage and trained each of its team members on how to use the systems. Kinko's and Sony expect to that all systems will be installed by year's end.PictureStation systems are part of Sony's global "Print By Sony" initiative. The program includes a campaign logo that appears on the units, print media and signage, signaling a commitment to quality and consistency with which both retailers and consumers can identify.
PMA 2003 ENDS TODAY (03/05/03)
The Photo Marketing Association Tradeshow/Convention ends today at 1:00 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have been gathering a lot of information and photos from this year's show and we will be posting additional reports ASAP over the next few days. We will be moving all of the key information to a special PMA 2003 Report Page by this weekend which will include our show summary, links to our current galleries and many new ones to be posted, as well as several stories of interest, some important press releases, product photos, and our top 20 new products list. Our coverage from PMA will include our thoughts on the new round of DSLR cameras announced here at PMA 2003 as we have had the opportunity to handle each of the new cameras including getting our hands on both the new Pentax *ist and the new Olympus Four Thirds System DSLR in addition to using the Canon 10D and Kodak 14n at the show. We will offer a few insights from our observations and we will have some commentary on some of the trends we are seeing in digital imaging at this time. Be sure to come back later, we should have lot's more posted by tonight.
We want to give a special thanks to our colleagues and friends at the other digital camera web sites who we have been with at many press functions through out the show over the past 5 days. I can assure you all that we all have been working hard to report the news and many have been working on just a few hours sleep given the tremendous number of events and excitement going on in the industry at this time. Be sure to visit our friends at Steve's Digicams, The Imaging Resource, Digital Photography Review, Digital Camera Resource Page, and Let's Go Digital for extensive coverage of PMA 2003, and come back here soon for lot's more news and info.
PMA 2003 BEGINS IN LAS VEGAS (03/02/03)
The Photo Marketing Association Show in now well underway, with huge crowds in attendance and lots of interesting new digital cameras and imaging products on display! One of the biggest announcements this morning came from Olympus who is exhibiting a prototype of their new Four Thirds Digital SLR System. We met with Olympus first thing this morning to learn more about the progress that has been made since we last heard from them at Photokina and from our Interview last October. Olympus is now announcing that the new system will officially be unveiled at a major New York Press Event on June 24, 2003, with product availability in the Fall.
Olympus indicates that their new system is the first all Digital SLR system, with the lenses specifically designed to match the image sensor. The camera will have an all metal body made of magnesium alloy for added strength and durability. The system will feature interchangeable lenses including at the launch a 300mm f2.8 (600mm equivalent), a 14-54mm f2.8-f3.5 zoom, a 50mm macro lens, and a 50-200mm f2.8-f3.5 zoom. The They are also displaying two external flash units and a battery holder.
We have taken a large number of pictures of the Olympus DSLR products on display and we can tell you it is getting a considerable amount of attention at the show. We also have some pictures from Saturday, the day before the show at a Sony Press event where we had the opportunity to use the new Cybershot V1, an upcoming 5 megapixel camera along with the new HVL-F32X flash. The new flash unit will work on both the V1 and the new CD Mavica 500 as both of these new cameras have addition pins on the cameras' hot shoe. We also had the opportunity to shoot many pictures with the V1 and the flash, and we were obtaining great results! Be sure to check out our Coverage from Day zero photo gallery for our extensive set of pictures showing this brand new accessory as well as the V1 camera itself, which you can see is really quite compact!
Following the Sony Press Event we attended a special press sneak preview at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Among the interesting items on display was a new storage unit by SmartDisk which allows remote transfer of your digital camera pictures onto a small 30 gigabyte hard drive. The unit has a 3.5 inch LCD display to allow review of pictures and a video output and slideshow function so you can preview images on a TV before you delete and reuse your storage card (making sure they all are stored as intended). The unit also has a MP3 player built-in! The SmartDisk FlashTrax 30GB hard drive with USB 2.0 connectivity will have a suggested price of $499. We also got to see the new Rayovac 15 minute AA battery charger, which will no-doubt become a favourite for heavy users of their digital cameras which use AA type batteries. You can see some detailed product shots of this really interesting new product on our Day zero afternoon gallery linked below.
Saturday evening we attended yet another press event prior to the actual PMA show starting called Digital Focus. There we saw many great new items including the new Canon i9100 photo printer which can print on paper up to 13 inches wide, along with the new Canon EOS 10D. We also got to see a new 3.2 megapixel Minolta Xt camera and have some comparison shots to the existing Xi model. We then were pleased to see the new Lexar 2 and 4 Gigabyte Compact Flash Type 1 cards.
We are currently attending meetings and covering the two huge floors, so we will be back later with more details about all the news including some news on new printers. For now we invite you to check out our fairly large number of floor shots, hopefully giving you some glimpse of what is taking place here at this very exciting show for digital imaging. Back with more later tonight!!
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