NIKON CP 5400 PRODUCTION SAMPLE SHOTS POSTED (06/30/03)
We have just started testing a full production Nikon Coolpix 5400 which is starting to ship already. We have not had a chance to get out with it much or to go to some of our usual shooting locations such as Disneyland, however its nice and sunny so hopefully we will have more samples posted within the next few days. Due to the fact that many readers may be interested in the 5400 immediately for summer plans, and it is starting to show up in stores and on the Internet, we are posting some quick initial test shots on an index page. We have the full unaltered 5 Meg shots and then the same shots resized to 1024 by 768, and only slightly sharpened available. There are a few ISO 200 and 400 indoor shots in this set as well as a fill flash shot in shade and several bright outdoor shots which show the skies to be relatively noise free. We will have lots more this week. So far the CP 5400 is shooting very well, it seems to handle highlights a bit better than a few past Coolpix cameras, and the colors seem very neutral and natural. For more details on the Nikon CP5400 see our initial news item regarding its announcement in May 2003.
NIKON COOLPIX 5400 ORIGIANL FILES - SAMPLE SHOTS INDEX PAGE NIKON COOLPIX 5400 THUMBNAIL PAGE - LINKS TO 1024 by 768 VIEW NIKON ANNOUNCES NEW 5 MEGAPIXEL COOLPIX 5400 (05/28/03)
OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES NEW 4/3 SYSTEM E-1 DSLR (06/24/03)
Olympus is announcing today full details of their first 4/3 System DSLR camera, known as the 5.1 megapixel E-1 professional camera. The camera will begin shipping in October of this year at a MSRP of $2199. Along with the new camera there will be four ZUIKO 4/3 System lenses which will use the new lens mount designed to work with the 4/3 inch CCD image sensors (the image size is about 1/2 the area of a 35mm film frame, thus there is a 2X lens conversion factor), 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 (28mm - 108mm equiv. for 35mm) at $599.00 MSRP, 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 (100mm - 400mm equiv. for 35mm) at $1199.00 MSRP, 50mm f2.0 1:2 Macro (100mm Macro equiv. for 35mm) at $599.00 MSRP, 300mm f2.8 Super Telephoto (600mm equiv. for 35mm) at $7,999.00 MSRP. Olympus is also announcing today several flash units and other accessories specifically desinged for use with the new E-1. The Olympus 4/3 System DSLR cameras are specifically designed to optimize digital technology, with the new lens mount aimed at providing lighter/smaller lenses and allowing the image light to reach the CCD in a preferred way to maximize image results and avoid some of the problems current 35mm DSLR systems face. In addition, image files are recorded in a 4/3 aspect ratio, which is similar to most consumer digital cameras, and unlike 35mm film and most current DSLRs, which use a 2/3 aspect ratio.
This first 4/3 System DSLR offering by Olympus has some very impressive features, including a fast 3 shot per second burst mode up to 12 shots, an innovative wave filter which is designed to keep the CCD dust free, a magnesium-alloy body with sealings for environmental protection (water/dust resistant), USB 2.0 and firewire connectivity, a very high quality 3 phase auto-focus system, RAW data storage and RAW plus JPEG storage, hot-shoe (no built-in flash), and a long list of high-end features. While this first 4/3 System DSLR is aimed at the Professional Market, its price is not far from current prosumer cameras such as the Nikon D100, with the actual market price expected to be somewhat lower than the just announced MSRP of $2199. Olympus does indicate that a less expensive consumer level 4/3 System DSLR camera is currently being designed and is expected to be released in 2004. Olympus is having a major press event in New York City today to introduce the new 4/3 System DSLR products, and thus there is a lot of coverage to be found, especially at the other digital camera web sites (see our list of best digicam web sites above). Here are key aspects from the Olympus America press release.
New York, New York, June 24, 2003 - Olympus America Inc. will introduce the world's first 100% all-digital interchangeable lens SLR system at a press event in New York City today. The Olympus Digital SLR System with Digital Specific Lenses™ is an uncompromising realization of the full benefits of pure digital technology with body and lenses designed to perfectly match the image sensor.
The camera features a new, high performance Super Latitude Full Frame Transfer CCD from Kodak, the KAF-5101CE, which delivers the highest dynamic range, lowest noise levels and best color of any camera in its class. This innovative 5 Megapixel CCD outperforms many higher Megapixel count imagers.
In addition, the E-1 utilizes new and existing technologies like the exclusive Olympus TruePic™ Technology to achieve the highest image quality and most realistic digital photographs. Newly developed Noise Compensation technology and the existing Noise Reduction technology produce clear, clean files. A newly developed Supersonic Wave Filter™ significantly reduces the chances of dust settling on the CCD or image and blocking pixels.
Olympus will introduce the E-1 and this initial round of Zuiko Digital Specific Lenses and E-Accessories to the market in October 2003. Over time, Olympus plans to introduce a wide range of bodies, lenses and accessories for its digital SLR system, beginning with an 11-22mm f2.8/3.5 zoom, as well as a Ring Flash and Twin Flash later this year. Olympus has also begun work on a consumer digital SLR camera for 2004.
For more official 4/3 System information see the Olympus America E-Series Web Site or the FOUR/THIRDS web site.
TOSHIBA ANNOUNCES 2 NEW 10X ZOOM CAMERAS (06/17/03)
Toshiba is announcing today in New York two new M Series 10X optical zoom cameras (35 to 350mm), the 2 megapixel PDR-M500 ($349) and the 3.2 megapixel PDR-M700 ($449). Both new cameras feature Canon lenses, ultra-bright & large 2.5 inch color lcd screens with auto brightness adjustment, an unlimited AVI video record mode with audio (up to the capacity of the memory card), fast high-speed shooting up to 9 shots at 4 shots per second for the M500 and up to 6 frames also at 4 fps for the M700, 4X digital zoom for total zooming in at 40X, full manual exposure controls, 6 programmed shooting modes, use of SD cards for memory with support for up to 512MB cards, use of 4 AA batteries, and they both have a 52mm adaptor ring for add-on lenses and filters. Both new cameras come with ACDSee software, a wireless remote, a lens cap, a video cable, and a USB cable for file transfers to your PC. Both cameras are expected to be available here in the USA by July 2003! Toshiba will be displaying the cameras for the first time at the Digital Experience Media event later today in New York. Below is the full press release provided to us last week by Toshiba for release today.
TOSHIBA UNVEILS NEW M SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS, COMPANY'S FIRST 10X OPTICAL ZOOM EQUIPPED CAMERAS FEATURE 2.5 INCH LCD SCREEN, STARTS AT $349
NEW YORK, NY, June 17, 2003 (Digital Experience! 2003 Show) - Toshiba Imaging Systems, a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced its new M Series -- two multi-featured digital cameras boasting 10X optical zoom Canon lenses, ultra-bright 2.5-inch LCDs, blazing high-speed continuous shooting, and a long-running AVI video mode with audio.
Both M Series cameras -- the PDR-M500 2.0 megapixel camera (US $349) and the PDR-M700 3.2 megapixel camera (US $449) -- are designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shutterbugs seeking a variety of high-quality photographic and inventive multimedia requirements. They are expected to ship in early July.
"The PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 represent a number of firsts for Toshiba in digital cameras, including our most powerful telephoto zoom with total 40X zooming capability, our fastest continuous shooting, and our largest LCD screen," said Doug Freck, Vice President and General Manager, Toshiba Imaging Systems. "We are very excited about these cameras as they are a perfect compliment to today's digital lifestyle."
FEATURE SET
Stylish, compact, and feature-rich, the two new cameras are identical in appearance, apart from the color of their housings. The PDR-M500 sports a high-tech silver hue, while the PDR-M700 has a classic Champaign tint. The body design mirrors the traditional look and feel of a 35mm SLR camera while showcasing the impressive digital technology.In the booming category of digital cameras for consumers, M Series cameras are standouts. With their wealth of advanced photographic features and controls, the PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 redefine what a digital camera should be.
10X OPTICAL ZOOM LENS: Both cameras provide for a range of shooting possibilities thanks to a Canon 10X optical zoom lens equivalent to a 35-350mm lens on a 35 mm camera. This up-close feel is greatly enhanced by a 4X digital telephoto mode that, when used in conjunction with the optical zoom, produces a jaw-dropping 40X zooming capability without compromising image clarity from any distance.
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: For action sequences, M Series cameras have a continuous shooting mode that captures up to 4 high-resolution images per second for up to 9 frames (PDR-M500) or 6 frames (PDR-M700) when the shutter button is held down. In addition, the photographer can capture one shot per second for up to 16 seconds (PDR-M500) or 14 seconds (PDR-M700). Unlike other cameras in its class that are troubled by slow shutter response time, M Series cameras achieve optimal speed with their vastly-improved TTL method auto-focus featuring a more sensitive contrast detection system. On the other end of the photographic spectrum, the shutter can be manually set to remain open for up to 16 seconds (0.7, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 seconds) for extended exposure photography, excellent for night-time shooting and fireworks.
2.5 INCH LCD SCREEN: M Series cameras give shutterbugs the really big picture thanks to a 2.5 inch low-temperature poly silicon LCD. The 118K-pixel screen is 60% larger than the LCDs found on most other digital cameras. Moreover, the Toshiba LCD automatically adjusts to ambient lighting conditions for maximum visibility to aid the user in framing and shooting.
MANUAL CONTROLS: In addition to its point-and-shoot automatic features, M Series cameras offer a full array of manual controls, empowering the advanced shooter to select ISO sensitivity, exposure control method (Program AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE), exposure compensation (±2.0 EV in 1/3 increments), aperture (F2.8-F8), shutter speeds, white balance, Macro mode, plus flash settings (auto, red eye, forced, suppressed, off and slow sync) for greater personal expression.
AEB FUNCTION: As any experienced photographer knows, it may be difficult at times to settle on the exact exposure value while shooting in manual mode. For that reason, M Series cameras have AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) to make several bracket shots of the same subject with different exposure points, and then choose the best exposed shot for saving.
VARIABLE RECORDING MODES: Ideal exposure in standard shooting situations is assured with the M Series' six programmed recording modes: portrait, macro, landscape, night mode, sepia, and black and white.
MULTIMEDIA: Adding to the camera's appeal is an extended play movie mode with audio that records uninterrupted based on the capacity of the SD™ card, rather than pause each 15 seconds as is the case with lesser-quality cameras. Like digital photos, the AVI videos (320x240, 15 fps) can be stored on an SD memory card, viewed on a TV, burned onto CDs or DVDs, e-mailed to friends or colleagues, posted on a website, or used in multimedia authoring. The cameras are equipped with a terminal so that users can also connect an external microphone for higher audio quality.
ADAPTER RING: For the first time in a Toshiba digital camera, an adapter ring will be included standard with the PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras. This 52mm ring allows conversion lens and filters to fit onto the camera lens barrel to enhance versatility.
SD MEMORY CARDS: PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras ship with a 16MB SD card capable of holding up to 268 JPEG images. Both cameras support SD card up to 512MB. Exceptionally compact, SD cards do not need a power source to store information and permit fast downloads of images. Individual storage folders can be created inside the SD card to better organize pictures.
SOFTWARE: ACD Systems Ltd. ACDSee™ software is a comprehensive solution for downloading, editing, printing and e-mailing photos. The cameras are compatible with Windows® (98/2000/ME/XP) and Apple Macintosh (OS 9.0, OS 10.1.3-10.1.5, 10.2) operating systems.
ACCESSORIES: Other accessories included with PDR-M500 and PDR-M700 cameras are: a wireless remote control, a soft case, a wrist strap, a protective lens cap, an instruction manual, ACDSee™ software on a CD, a USB cable, a Video cable (PAL/NTSC), and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
For more information, U.S. customers can call 1-800-288-1354. Fax, 1-800-640-8674. Or visit Toshiba on the Web at www.dsc.toshiba.com. Consumers are encouraged to visit www.shoptoshiba.com for on-line shopping.
Photo Kiosk and Digital Minilab Growth Strong as Retailers Gear Up for Influx of Digital Camera Users (Press Release by Infotrends 6/17/03)
Here is a press release from Infotrends with some interesting information about Photo Printing at Retail stores!
BOSTON - June 17, 2003--Retail photofinishers are becoming better equipped to service digital camera users, according to a new forecast by InfoTrends Research Group. InfoTrends predicts that digital minilab sales will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% through 2007. About 30% of all minilab installations in North America are already digital.
Photo kiosk sales are expected to demonstrate a CAGR of 16% over the forecast period from 2002 to 2007. InfoTrends' forecast shows that "input terminal" kiosks are beginning to proliferate as a front-end to digital minilabs, and "print station" kiosks are a critical bridge to the digital world where digital minilabs do not yet exist.
"The photo kiosk and digital minilab markets continue to be strong as major retail chains gear up for the influx of digital camera users over the next few years," stated Kerry Flatley, a Senior Research Analyst at InfoTrends Research Group. "Kiosk sales have been unexpectedly spurred by the weak economic climate, as some struggling retailers opt for inexpensive kiosks over minilabs in the short term."
"Digital minilab sales continue to be strong as the market undergoes a massive conversion from analog labs," Flatley continued. "Major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Ritz are working to equip their retailers with the latest digital technology. At the other end of the market, however, some independent retailers have decided to exit due to converging factors such as the weak economy and competition from mass merchants. "
Vendors are jockeying for share in the kiosk market. Kodak remains a leader, although Fujifilm is gaining share as retailers who purchased Frontier minilabs are also purchasing Aladdin and PrintPix kiosks. Sony is making waves as it enters new markets with its PictureStation solution. Fujifilm leads in unit shipments within the digital minilab market, but competition from Noritsu and Kodak is expected to heat up in 2003. Other vendors covered in the forecast include Pixel Magic, Agfa, Olympus, Konica, Lucidiom, Mitsubishi, Digital Portal, Polaroid, Oblo, Whitech Software, and ePoint.
The new 60-page report entitled 2003 Photo Kiosk and Retail Digital Photofinishing Forecast contains forecasts for the photo kiosk and digital minilab markets by subsegment. It also provides information on market share as well as in-depth profiles of the industry's major players and retailers such as Wal-Mart, Ritz Camera, and Walgreens. Worldwide estimates are included as well. The report also details current photofinishing trends such as printing from camera phones, inkjet printing digital minilabs, and home-to-retail connectivity.
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.
NEWS BRIEFS (06/12/03)
AFP has posted a story today indicating that Sony has announced that it will invest 76.5 million dollars in a new type of Organic Light Emitting Diode (ELED) (most call it OLED) display panels which will facilitate smaller, lighter digital cameras and mobile phones. It is reported that Sony will start mass production of Organic Light Emitting Diode display panels starting next spring, using its new Super Top Emission trademark. Sony apparently indicated in its press release in Japan that it would initially produce 300,000 units which will have a display size of aprox. 2 to 2.5 inches. Kodak has already produced a digital camera which we covered at the PMA show which contained a very impressive OLED display, although it is unclear whether the OLED cameras will be introduced in the USA this year. It is claimed by OLED makers that in addition to being brighter, with a much wider angle of viewing, the power consumption is about 50% less, allowing the displays to be somewhat larger without eating up additional battery life.
Speaking of Kodak, according to a Reuters news report today, they have announced that they will be entering the Japan Digital Camera Market within one year! Yuske Kojima, the new general manager of Kodak's consumer digital camera business (he recently left Olympus in April to join Kodak) is quoted stating that the Japanese market for digital cameras accounts for about 25% of the global demand and thus is a market Kodak cannot avoid. Kodak is one of the top 5 digital camera makers in the world at this time despite having no current presence in Japan. The Japan digital camera market is dominated by Sony, Olympus and Fuji, and we are sure that Nikon and Canon have a large share of that market too. Kodak suspended sales in Japan of its digital cameras in the year 2002 after it apparently recognised that its models at that time were not popular with Japanese customers.
Sony Japan announced at the beginning of the week a new tiny 2 megapixel digital camera that is one of the smallest we have ever seen. We have seen mock-up units of this camera at CES, COMDEX and PMA for the past two years, but now Sony has officially announced it will bring to market what they call the Qualia 16. It will use the new Smaller Sony Duo memory sticks and cost over $3,000. It appears to be slated for release only in Japan at this time. For more information check out the Sony Qualia 16 web site.
Creo Announces First 22 Million Pixel Camera Back with Portable Power and Large Format Solution: Leaf Valeo 22 (06/09/03)
Creo Inc. has issued a press release today regarding their new 22 Million Pixel Camera Back which they call the Leaf Valeo 22. The camera back contains a 48 by 36mm mega-sized CCD sensor which produces files with a resolution of 4,056 by 5,356. The camera back has a very fast capture rate with a burst mode that allows up to 8 frames at a time. Given the full size of the CCD there is minimal Focal length conversion on 6 by 4.5 lens coverage and the 3:4 image ratio will minimize cropping. The new Leaf Valeo 22 camera back uses a removable 5 GB or 10 GB Leaf Digital Magazine for storing "hundreds of uncompressed 16 bit images". The Leaf DP-67 is a detachable 6 x 7 cm image display and control unit based on the HP iPAQ pocket PC. It works as a “digital proof” and a “personal photographic assistant". Demonstration units will be available in July, with commercial shipments to start September 1, 2003. It will be interesting to see how this new CCD performs and if some of this new technology, including 16 bit processing for Higher Dynamic Range will make its way to DSLR and higher end prosumer digital cameras. For further information check out the full press release below.
Vancouver, BC, Canada — (June 9, 2003) – Creo Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO; TSX: CRE) announces the Leaf™ Valeo 22 digital camera back for in studio and portable shooting. It utilizes a newly developed 22 megapixel CCD that is designed for medium and large format photography. In studio, the Leaf Valeo 22 camera back features live video view and electronic shutter control. On location, the Leaf Valeo 22 offers one of the fastest capture rates in the industry and a burst rate of eight frames. A detachable 6 x 7 cm display and removable Digital Magazine provides Leaf Portable Power. Demonstration units are available from July 2003 and commercial shipments begin September 1, 2003.
New Technologies
The Leaf Valeo 22 camera back contains a mega-sized sensor. The 4,056 x 5,356 resolution in a sensor size of 48 x 36 mm provides exactness and diminishes moiré issues. Raw data files reach 126 MB in 16 bit. Advanced imaging technologies include the 16 bit Leaf High Dynamic Range (HDR) raw data format; Leaf double-sensor-readout (DSR) technology, and the 512 MB internal memory buffer for eight fast continuous frames. Other features include:
· Full lens coverage: The CCD imaging area fits the 6 x 4.5 lens-coverage. Focal length needs minimal conversion, thus lens perspective usage is the same as with film. The 3:4 classic photographic ratio is efficient and minimizes cropping.
· Fast frame rate: The fast capture speed is achieved with a unique DSR technology that doubles the capture rate without sacrificing image quality.
In Studio – Large Format Power
The Leaf Valeo 22 camera back features a complete digital solution for the studio photographer. An optional large format solution includes live video view, and electronic control of shutter speed and aperture. This allows the photographer to compose, focus and adjust lighting by viewing the large computer monitor. The shutter speed, aperture steps in 1/10 f-stop intervals, and electronic control allow the Leaf Valeo 22 to capture accurate and consistent images.
On-location –Portable Power with 22 Million Pixels
The entire Leaf Valeo camera back family integrates optional Portable Power, a unique approach for portable professional digital photography with innovative solutions for image storage and display. The Leaf Valeo camera back works with a removable 5 GB or 10 GB Leaf Digital Magazine for storing hundreds of uncompressed 16 bit images. The Leaf DP-67 is a detachable 6 x 7 cm image display and control unit based on the HP iPAQ pocket PC. It acts as both a “digital proof” and a “personal photographic assistant”.
The Leaf Valeo 22 fits into the established Leaf workflow consisting of the Leaf™ Capture V8 and Leaf™ oXYgen image and editing applications, which cover all needs from capture to RGB/CMYK print.
Leaf Valeo Availability and Upgrade Options
Two upgrade options are being offered to assist photographers who want to work digitally today and be among the first in the world to use the new Leaf Valeo 22 camera back. Option 1: Purchase a Leaf Valeo 11 now and be among the first to receive the Leaf Valeo 22. The cost of the Leaf Valeo 22 is only the difference in the price of the trade-in. Option 2: Upgrade to the new Leaf Valeo 22 by receiving trade-in value for any existing camera back. Offer valid until September 30, 2003. For more details about the upgrade options, contact Leaf by visiting www.creo.com/leaf.
For more information about Leaf, visit www.creo.com/leaf.
PICASA PICTURE SOFTWARE REVIEW PART I POSTED (06/08/03)
We have just posted part one of a review of Picasa, a great software package we discovered at the CES show in January of this year. We have previously posted news and press releases of this great software for digital camera owners, and now in Part I, we review many of the major functions Picasa has to offer. Picasa has one of the best user interfaces we have seen, as it quickly finds all photos on your computer and organizes them into thumbnail albums which you can easily navigate or search to find your favorite photos. You can then send e-mail versions, print, order prints on line and make web pages along with other options. From what we can see Picasa has great tech support, a great web site with forums for answers of your questions, and they seem to be indicating online that new improved upgrades will be coming soon, and in the future as user input helps mold what owners want from Picasa. While there are many new software titles out there, we have taken time to really look at dozens of the offerings and narrow down what we review and post to some of the very best and impressive titles out there. Accordingly, we hope you will check out our review of Picasa and see if its possibly right for your digicam needs!
REVIEW OF PICASA SOFTWARE - PART I
NOVATIX ANNOUNCES NEW SENDPHOTOS GOLD SOFTWARE (06/07/03)
Novatix Corporation has announced a major upgrade to their initial SendPhotos E-mail program, now called SendPhotos Gold. In late January of this year we came across a press release from Novatix announcing their initial version of SendPhotos, which allows digital camera owners to very quickly select photos to send by e-mail with all sorts of fun backgrounds and text you can insert using great looking templates, picture frames and layouts. We contacted the company and obtained a full working copy of the program in February just before PMA in Las Vegas. Following the PMA show we tried the program out on several occasions with great results. The program allowed us to quickly take PMA shots we took at press events and parties and send them out to our friends. The program works on essentially a 1-2-3 approach, allowing you to go though thumbnails rapidly, select photos to be sent, then pick templates by themes or events like birthdays, holidays, and other events, and then hit send, and off they go, resized and put into frames etc... The program can quickly take very large megapixel shots, automatically resize them into different sized frames, with colored backgrounds, different layouts, easy insertion of text comments next to each photo and then send out the creation as an e-mail page. Some of the new features in the new Gold version include custom template making and conversion of the created pages to Web pages for posting on the Internet!
We were just planning to post a review of this software when we learned form Novatix that they had the new Gold software in the works, and now they have announced it. We will be posting a review of the new Gold version soon as we believe this is a great and relatively inexpensive program for digital camera owners, which allows a really easy and fun method of sharing digital photos via e-mail, and now more! Briefly, we encourage our readers to follow the link to the Novatix site and see their presentation of the software which includes a free download of a trial version, and check out the full press release on the new Gold version of the software below. Stay tuned for our review, it really is a fun software to own and use! For more information and to download the free trial version, visit www.novatix.com.
``Just Say `No''' to Attachments: SendPhotos Gold Emails Photos up to 25 Times Faster
Personalized Email Stationery and Built-in Photos Make Emailing Pictures Simple and Fast, Especially for the 58 Million Americans with Dial-up ConnectionsBOULDER, Colo. - June 3, 2003-- Novatix Corporation, which provides software that makes emailing digital photos simple and fast, today released SendPhotos(TM) Gold, a new photo utility for digital camera owners. SendPhotos Gold automatically inserts pictures into the body of custom-designed emails, eliminating attachments and making delivery up to 25 times faster.
According to the Photo Marketing Association, almost 75 percent of Americans email their digital photos. In addition, 78 percent of households use slow dial-up connections. This translates into a demand from people who want to email their photos, but are confused by attaching photo files, and frustrated by "bounced" emails, inbox size constraints, and sluggish downloads.
Unlike existing methods for emailing and reviewing digital photos, SendPhotos Gold inserts pictures into the body of an email, so people don't waste time opening attachments or visiting online photo services. In addition, SendPhotos' innovative technology dramatically shrinks the file size, so recipients don't wait for photos to load, or worry about an oversized inbox.
With SendPhotos Gold's new features people can:
Customize backgrounds for their emails by inserting designs, colors, company logos and layouts with Stationery Creator
Easily crop, remove red-eye, and adjust images' brightness and contrast levels
Email digital photos quickly by simply right-clicking on an image
Export SendPhotos emails, including photos, captions and unique stationery, to an HTML file for uploading to a Web site
Support all popular file formats, including JPEG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, Kodak and Adobe standards"Children, vacations, and special events like graduations generate roughly 22 billion new photos every year. SendPhotos Gold is the fastest way to email those photos to friends and family," said Mike Kronenberg, president of Novatix. "In addition, small businesses that email pictures as a sales tool can use Stationery Creator to design their own backgrounds. This personalization, and the ease with which senders and receivers can view the photos, is a strong differentiator."
SendPhotos Gold is designed for Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP operating systems, and will run on VirtualPC for Mac users. SendPhotos works with any email program, including Yahoo and Hotmail, and integrates fully with Outlook 2000/XP and Outlook Express. The Novatix site, www.novatix.com, offers a free trial and the ability to purchase SendPhotos Gold for $19.95, which includes a 30-day money back guarantee. SendPhotos is also available through Amazon.com, CompUSA.com and BestBuy.com.
About Novatix Corporation
SendPhotos is the flagship product of Novatix Corporation, a Boulder, Colo.-based software company that develops solutions to help consumers easily manage and share their digital images. Novatix was established in 2001 by the founders of Mijenix Corporation, developer of award-winning Windows utilities such as SystemSuite, Fix-It Utilities, ZipMagic and PowerDesk. For more information, visit www.novatix.com.
KODAK ANNOUNCES THREE NEW DIGITAL CAMERAS (06/03/03)
Kodak has just announced three new EasyShare digital cameras to its lineup. We were very impressed with the quality of their new digital cameras, and the easy interaction with their new 4 by 6 inch photo printer docks announced at PMA in early March. We are now pleased to see Kodak add these three new digital camera units to their current EasyShare line, including a 4 megapixel, 4X optical zoom DX6440 camera with some flexible manual exposure controls at just $399, and a 3 megapixel, 3X optical zoom camera at just $279. A basic two megapixel camera the CX6200 will cost only $129! The optional Kodak EasyShare camera dock 6000 is also available for one button uploading and sharing as well as charging of the camera at $79.95. All three new cameras come with Kodak's EasyShare software and a USB connection for easy interaction with your computer. The 2 and 4 megapixel cameras will be available in August 2003, with the 3 megapixel camera coming out later this month. For more details see the full Kodak press release below.
Kodak Extends Its EasyShare Digital Photography System with Three New Digital Cameras
EasyShare DX6440, CX6330, and CX6200 Cameras Deliver High Performance, Outstanding Image Quality and Simplicity to Digital Photographers
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - June 2, 2003-- Eastman Kodak Company today introduced three new cameras designed for its EasyShare digital photography system.
The Kodak EasyShare DX6440 camera (US$399) incorporates stunning picture quality, powerful features, a host of photographic creative controls and exceptional ease of operation. The Kodak EasyShare CX6330 camera (US$279) combines award winning ease-of-use and multi-mode functionality with outstanding picture quality, while the Kodak EasyShare CX6200 camera (US$129) pairs simple operation with significant price-to-performance value.
"These new EasyShare cameras clearly demonstrate how Kodak is applying innovative technology to develop products that deliver superb image quality, performance, and ease of use," said Rowan Lawson, director of worldwide product marketing for Kodak's digital & applied imaging products and services. "Take the EasyShare DX6440 camera, for instance. It has a number of advanced photography features that, when combined with phenomenal ease of operation and new image processing technology, set this camera apart from the crowd."Kodak EasyShare DX6440 zoom digital camera
The Kodak EasyShare DX6440 zoom digital camera, available in August 2003, provides stunning image quality thanks to a number of innovative features. It incorporates a professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4X optical zoom lens, an exclusive high-speed, low-light precision auto-focus system, new Kodak Color Science image processing algorithms, and 4 megapixel (MP) resolution that results in sharp, striking prints up to 20 x 30 inches. The camera's programmable aperture and shutter priorities lend a significant degree of advanced functionality to the more accomplished photographer, yet its pre-programmed sport, night, portrait, landscape, close-up and automatic modes -- plus a new automatic fill flash for backlit scenes -- provide point-and-shoot simplicity.
A press of the DX6440 camera's red-jeweled "Share" button allows a person to immediately select printing, e-mailing, and mark as favorite options for each picture, and on-camera sharing is made simple with a 1.8-inch, high-resolution LCD screen. In addition, the camera's new album feature, when used in conjunction with Kodak EasyShare software v3.0, allows categorization of pictures right on the camera.
Kodak EasyShare CX6330 zoom digital camera
The EasyShare CX6330 zoom digital camera is ideal for taking pictures that can be made into crisp, sharp prints up to 11 x 14 inches. Multiple scene modes such as a sport, night, landscape and close-up make it simple to shoot under various conditions. It provides 3.1MP resolution, a 3X optical Kodak Retinar aspheric all-glass zoom lens, 3.3X Advanced Digital Zoom, exclusive Kodak Color Science technology for outstanding image fidelity, multi-zone auto focus, and auto picture rotation. The camera also captures continuous digital video with audio, and incorporates the popular sharing features common across EasyShare products. It will be available in June 2003.
Kodak EasyShare CX6200 digital camera
Designed for value-conscious people making their first foray into digital, the Kodak EasyShare CX6200 digital camera offers all the simplicity of the EasyShare system. Getting great prints -- up to 8 x 10 inches -- is no problem, thanks to 2 MP resolution and 3X continuous digital zoom. The 1.6-inch LCD screen can be used to both preview a shot and instantly review the snapped picture. Like other CX/DX6000- and LS600-series cameras, it includes Kodak's exclusive red-jeweled "Share" button. It will be available in August 2003.
EasyShare DX6440, CX6330, and CX6200 camera owners can quickly transfer their digital pictures to a connected computer with just one touch using the optional Kodak EasyShare camera dock 6000 (US$79.95). It also rapidly charges compatible Ni-MH and Lithium-Ion batteries in less than three hours. People can also receive all the benefits of a dock, plus water-resistant Kodak 4 x 6-inch photo prints in as little as 90 seconds, when using the Kodak EasyShare printer dock 6000 (US$199.95). Both docks are compatible with all CX/DX6000 and LS600-series Kodak EasyShare digital cameras, and are available immediately.
Like the entire range of EasyShare cameras, the newly introduced cameras include Kodak EasyShare software, providing quick, effortless digital picture transfer, organization, editing, e-mailing, and printing. The software's exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature -- which takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak -- helps people get vibrant, true-to-life prints from home inkjet printers, while reducing the trial, error and waste usually associated with home photo printing.
The award-winning Kodak EasyShare digital photography system -- consisting of cameras, software, docks and printer docks, inkjet papers and accessories -- makes it simple for anyone to take, organize, share, and print high-quality digital pictures. More information on Kodak EasyShare products is available at www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare.
CANON ANNOUNCES NEW 5 MEGAPIXEL G5 CAMERA (06/02/03)
CanonUSA has announced today the new Powershot G5, a Black colored 5 megapixel version (1/1.8" CCD) of last year's G3 camera. The G5 shares most of the features of the G3 including a 4X (35 - 140mm) optical zoom with a bright f2.0-3.0 minimum aperture, Macro focus down to 2 inches, Canon's DIGIC processor for increased image-processing speeds, 12 Shooting modes, auto rotation of pictures for playback, a 270 degree swivel 1.8 inch LCD monitor, direct print capability with many Canon printers, full manual controls, hot shoe, capture of 3 minute video with sound, 3 mode built-in flash, use of Compact Flash Type 1 & II memory cards, jpeg or RAW image storage formats, and comes with a wireless remote controller. The camera will be available in June at a suggested price of $899. For more details see the full press release below, or visit the Canon BeBit web site, including the specifications, detailed pictures, and sample images.
Canon's New PowerShot G5 Digital Camera Combines SLR Creativity with Point-and-Shoot Portability
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.-June 2, 2003--Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc., today launched its new five megapixel PowerShot G5 digital camera.
This serendipitous combination of high resolution, speed, portability and creative control presents photographers and photo enthusiasts with a versatile, full-featured tool for greater creative latitude."The unique combination of high-quality Canon optics, DIGIC processing and ergonomic design presents a significant advantage to the prosumer," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The PowerShot G5 digital camera provides photographers and photo enthusiasts with optimal image quality, versatility and speed both seamlessly and instantaneously."
Housed in a rugged black enclosure, the PowerShot G5 digital camera features a 1/1.8" five megapixel CCD sensor that captures 2592 x 1944 pixel images with exceptional detail and color fidelity. Canon's DIGIC processor increases image-processing speeds compared to general purpose CPUs found in other comparable digital cameras.
Canon's powerful 4x all-glass optical zoom lens provides shooters with a 35mm equivalent range of 35 -140mm, a fast maximum aperture of f/2.0-3.0 and macro focusing down to 2 inches. The additional 4x digital zoom extends the camera's telephoto capabilities to provide photographers with 16x zoom functionality.
Key PowerShot G5 features include:
5.0 Megapixel CCD;
12 EOS System-based shooting modes for customizing the camera to each individual users' shooting style;
A Wide-Area FlexiZone AF/AE system which allow users to focus on off-center subjects without repositioning the camera;
Three metering systems, including Spot Metering; and up to 10X Zoom Playback;
An Intelligent Orientation Sensor that automatically rotates images for proper viewing during playback; and
Flexible 270(degree) Swivel LCD, Vari-Angle monitor together with an ergonomic hand grip and an EOS-style control layout for easier handling.And, like other PowerShot series cameras, the PowerShot G5 camera also has a Direct Connect print function that allows printing without a computer via Canon's line of dye-sublimation and Bubble Jet printers for fast, high-quality photos.
For creative flash photography, the PowerShot G5 includes a 3-mode built-in flash with red-eye reduction and first or second curtain sync. The flash can be operated manually or automatically. Additionally, the PowerShot G5 digital camera is fully compatible with Canon's powerful EX-series Speedlites and E-TTL wireless flash accessories for superior lighting quality The PowerShot G5 is also compatible with high-quality Canon supplementary lenses including Wide and Tele converters as well as a Close-up lens.
Canon's upgraded ZoomBrowser EX (Win) and ImageBrowser (Mac) software comes bundled with the new PowerShot G5 digital camera. The new software features enhanced user interface, speed and database file reliability to allow for shorter downloads, increased functionality and easier task navigation.
Canon developed the proprietary DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) image processor specifically for use with its line of digital cameras. The technology combines the jobs of image processing and camera function control into one chip. Because it was specifically designed for use in digital cameras, it is also capable of handling JPEG compression/expansion; memory card control; LCD/Video control and processing; gain control (control of CCD signal amplification); Auto Exposure; Auto Focus; Auto White Balance control and most other functions of the camera or camcorder. The result is a product that offers faster and more powerful auto focus than ever before, faster image processing, longer battery life, and the ability to record 3-minute movie clips with sound.
DIGIC's high-speed processing enables Canon's exclusive iSAPS (an acronym for Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) technology that improves picture quality by "predicting" certain camera settings like focusing distance, exposure and optimum white balance based on zoom focal length, overall light level and tonal distribution data. With iSAPS, the PowerShot G5 can analyze a scene just before the image is made and in doing so, increase the speed and precision of the camera's autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance.
The new Canon PowerShot G5 kit includes:
32MB CompactFlash Card
BP-511 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM
Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
Compact Power Adapter CA-560 with A/C Cable
USB Interface Cable
AV Cable
Wireless Remote Controller
Neck Strap
Lens Cap
The PowerShot G5 digital camera will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $899.
SONY DSC-V1 DISNEYLAND SAMPLES POSTED (05/28/03)
Late last week we received a new Sony DSC-V1 final production model for review, however the weather here turned mostly dark and cloudy until Monday, Memorial Day! We finally got the chance to take the Sony V1 out to Disneyland for our initial test shots on a fairly Sunny day, although the sky was somewhat hazy. In addition to the camera, we have most of the accessories Sony will be offering to V1 owners including a great new flash unit, which so far works great, a nice wired remote unit, a 1.7X zoom lens, a 256 Memory Stick Pro (which held over 100 highest quality 5 Meg shots), and a great 2 piece camera case with a shoulder strap to keep the V1 in good shape. We found the V1 hangs down from the neck very comfortably with this case and strap set-up and is easier to take around a crowded vacation spot like Disneyland, esp. when compared to say the F717.
Initially, we also really like the light weight and small size of the camera for taking out all day at a place like Disneyland. We often could forget it was hanging around the neck. The camera operates very fast after an initial average start-up to extend the lens. Our first day of shooting resulted in very good overall results, the images are coming out with correct focus, good sharpness, they have a slightly bright exposure/tone but neutral look to them with no major color casts and fairly good saturation. Due to the bright sunny conditions we encountered and often the bright exposure results we obtained, we did notice the colors are perhaps slightly less saturated compared to say the often pumped up color levels of other Sony point and shoot style cameras such as the recent Sony P72. However, on occasion the color red can be a bit strong in certain shades and lighting. We did notice on a few occasions that highlights were a bit overexposed in select colors such as whites and yellows, which may require use of -1/3 EV or more (some may find this is easy to minimize when they learn to use the histogram feature) to help reduce the issue in very bright lighting. We also did run out of battery power a bit sooner then we usually do with Sony cameras, getting about 70 shots on the initial charge with heavy playback and lcd use. We would highly recommend that V1 buyers get the accessory battery charger and extra battery to have just in case.
We are still very early on in our evaluation of the V1, so we will have more comments later this week. We are getting very nice overall results and the zoom lens as well as the flash are working great together with the V1. We will be posting our Disneyland sample image pages later this week, however due to the demand for samples, we are immediately making available the full resolution shots we took Monday on an index page at the link below. We hope these are helpful to those with fast connections in evaluating how the camera is performing. Print results and resized images for web viewing are just fantastic! Stay tuned for lots more coverage of the V1, and see if you can spot the shots we used the new flash unit for fill flash and the new 1.7X lens to get really close.
Sony DSC-V1 Production Camera Disneyland Sample Images Index Page
SONY ANNOUNCES 2 NEW CYBERSHOT U CAMERAS (05/28/03)
Sony has announced today 2 new 2 megapixel Cybershot U series cameras. The U30 camera is an updated version of the recent U20 however it now supports the Memory Stick Pro. The U60 is a more rugged & waterproof camera with 7 scene modes and is designed for use in one hand. Both cameras will be available in July with the U30 priced at just $200 and the U60 at $250. Here are pictures and further information supplied to us by Sony.
Sony's New Digital Cameras Promote Sports and Fashion
Latest Additions to Cyber-shot U-series Designed to Capture Moments as They Happen
SAN DIEGO, May 28 Capturing summer memories on the beach or at a nightclub just got more fun with the new Cyber-shot® U-series digital cameras from Sony. The Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera's ruggedized and waterproof design brings picture taking to places users would be cautious in taking a conventional camera: the skateboard park, the side of a mountain and even up to 5 feet underwater. The Cyber-shot U30 model has a compact, fashionable design that turns it into an attention-grabbing, wearable accessory that is light enough to hook to a belt loop, drape around the neck or carry in a pocket. Both models will be available in early July, and will sell for around $250 and $200, respectively.
"Because so much of life's greatest moments occur at the most unexpected times and in unexpected places, we designed our new Cyber-shot U-series to accompany the user on any adventure," said Steve Haber, senior vice president for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging Products Division. Finally, a Camera for the Sport Utility Lifestyle
Fully weatherproofed with O-ring sealing closures, the new Cyber-shot U60 unit is a digital camera designed to meet the rigors of an active lifestyle. Its unique vertical orientation (designed for one-handed operation) and fast start up time (less than a second) ensure that the user remains a part of the activity even when taking a picture.
Adding to that experience, the Cyber-shot U60 model's buttons are laid out to be easily accessible with the thumb. With a few clicks of the Scene button, users can switch between seven different scene modes, including an underwater setting (noted by a fish icon) to adjust for the blue hue of water and an action setting (noted by a running man icon) to capture fast moving subjects.
Style-Cubed: You, Your Friends and 'U'
If the ideal setting for the Cyber-shot U60 camera is the great outdoors, then its sibling, the Cyber-shot U30 camera, could easily be seen at parties, nightclubs and other urban activities. Small enough to wear and hip enough to flaunt, the new camera comes in three different colors (blue, silver and charcoal grey) to match any outfit or mood.
And because of its size, users will find that they will always have a camera on-hand to capture spontaneous and candid moments. For those instances when the user wants to be a part of the picture, the Cyber-shot U30 model features a circular mirror on the sliding lens cover to ensure that the picture is properly framed.
Both of the new cameras are designed with a simple-to-use interface, but behind-the-scenes, advanced photographic features work to ensure the user to concentrate on capturing the moment without being distracted by camera settings.
Pre-Flash Metering: For capturing a subject with a scenic background
under low-light conditions, the camera illuminates the subject and
calculates exposure through the lens directly from the CCD for accurate
flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction insure
great flash shots.MPEG Movie Mode (Video only): For those moments when a simple still
picture doesn't capture the entire mood, both new digital cameras
capture up to 15 seconds of MPEG video (160 x 112 pixel resolution) that
are perfect for emailing to family and friends.Bright LCD Monitor: For framing a picture accurately, the reflective
LCD absorbs and reflects the ambient light through the LCD to improve
brightness outdoors.Supplied Rechargeable NiMH Batteries: Both units come supplied with
Sony's Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) AAA Stamina(R) batteries with
external charger.
NIKON ANNOUNCES NEW 5 MEGAPIXEL COOLPIX 5400 (05/28/03)
Nikon has announced the new 5 megapixel Coolpix 5400 digital camera featuring a new high quality wide angle Nikkor ED 4X zoom lens (28 - 116mm), new 14 bit image processing, a huge 64 megabyte memory buffer, new Best Shot Selector, ultra close Macro capability (focus as close as 1/2 inch), full manual controls, use of Nikon accessory wide angle and zoom lenses, hot shoe for use of Nikon flash units, ISO 50 setting for low noise, Vari-angle LCD that can be positioned in almost any angle needed, 15 pre-set scene modes, 640 by 480 movie mode with sound at 15 fps, 3fps full size burst mode capture up to 7 images at a time, 7 mode Flash, new command dial similar to that used on the D100 dslr, faster shutter lag and camera operations, and use of Compact Flash type I or type II memory cards. The Coolpix 5400 is a fairly small camera we have handled at the PMA show a few months ago and is somewhat similar in looks to the Nikon 5000 which it officially replaces. It will be available in July 2003 at a suggested price of $799. Here is the Nikon press release.
NEW NIKON COOLPIX 5400 IS THE PERFECT TOOL FOR CREATIVE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wide-Angle Coverage, 4x Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens And Assortment of New Creative Features Focus On “Digital Artistry”
MELVILLE, NY, May 28, 2003 - Nikon, the world leader in photography, today answers the call of creative digital photographers with the new 5.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400 (www.nikoncoolpix.com). This exciting advanced digital camera adds a new dimension to the popular Coolpix line of digital cameras and combines a host of enhanced features and design elements. With superior 4x Zoom-Nikkor ED optics, wide-angle coverage and the exclusive new Best Shot Selector (BSS) feature, the Nikon Coolpix 5400 provides the ideal tool for digital photographers who are serious about the art of photography. The durable and lightweight Nikon Coolpix 5400 is the perfect tool to enhance any advanced photographer's creative imagination.
“The Nikon Coolpix 5400’s unique combination of legendary Nikon quality and exclusive new features take ‘digital artistry’ to an entirely new level. The camera’s unique features, like ultra close macro from less than 1/2 inch, to Time-lapse Movie Mode and incredibly sharp Nikkor ED glass, allow the photographer to expand their own creative horizons in very unique ways,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is the epitome of Nikon photography incorporating rugged construction with intuitive design and the latest technology to produce incredibly versatile digital camera for creative photographers.”
Legendary Nikkor Optics – It Starts With the Lens
The lens on a digital camera plays a vital role in making the highest quality photos. The Nikon Coolpix 5400 employs a 4x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with Nikon’s Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass with a zoom range of 28-116mm (35mm equivalent) for incredibly sharp, vivid images. More professionals choose Nikkor lenses than all other brands combined, including the overwhelming majority of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers, and that same quality is built into the Nikkor lens of every Nikon Coolpix digital camera, including the Nikon Coolpix 5400.The Nikon Coolpix 5400 produces high quality images at sizes of up to 2,592 x 1,944 pixels for prints well beyond 16x20-inches in size. The camera allows for extremely fast operation and split-second precision with its enhanced Continuous Shooting Mode. The Nikon Coolpix 5400 will now fire 7 pristine, full-sized images, at a rate of 3 frames per second. In addition, there is an all-new 5 shot buffer mode, with 64 MB buffer, enabling the user to capture the last 5 images of a fleeting moment.
‘Digital Artistry’ – Digital Photography, Your Way
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 offers the ultimate in full creative control for the photographer. The Coolpix 5400 employs a host of new and exciting features, including:
- High Speed Operation: The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is among the fastest and most responsive in its class with minimal shutter lag and high-speed Autofocus. The camera offers a vast range of shutter speeds from 1/4,000 second up to 10 minutes.
- Shooting Control: Choose from Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or full Manual (M) exposure modes. The camera’s ISO ranges from 50 to 400, with noise reduction options.
- 256-Segment Matrix Metering: Nikon’s legendary metering system gets shots other brands of camera just can’t. Plus, you can choose Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot Autofocus metering.
- Ultra Macro: The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is capable of shooting subjects as close as 0.4 inches with extreme detail and clarity. Ultra Macro is supported by the exclusive Best Shot Selector (BSS) feature, which automatically chooses the sharpest of three images.
- Auto Exposure AE--BSS: Depending on whether you want the best Highlight, Shadow or Histogram detail, users can choose one using the appropriate AE-BSS setting. The camera will automatically select the best relative exposure from a series of shots based on user-selected choice.
- 7 Mode Flash, including: Rear Curtain Sync and Repeating Flash Modes introduce Coolpix photographers to creative flash photography and stroboscopic image capture. Users can attach an additional Speedlight to the built-in hot-shoe and take advantage of Nikon’s wireless Speedlight system.
- Vari-Angle LCD: The Nikon Coolpix 5400’s enhanced, fully-articulating LCD allows the photographer to shoot at virtually any angle in order to get the best shot. The LCD is also optimized for easy viewing in bright sunlight.
- Versatility: The Nikon Coolpix 5400 is compatible with Coolpix accessory lenses including the 1.5x ED glass teleconverter (TC-E15ED)(174mm*), the 0.8x Wide Angle Adapter (WC-E80)(23mm*) and the new Fisheye converter lens (FC-E9)(5.6 mm* for an unprecedented 190 degrees of coverage), as well as the Slide Copy Adapter (ES-E28) for copying slides.
* 35mm equivalentIntuitive Design – Easy Operation
Nikon Coolpix 5400 photographers will have complete and immediate access to important camera settings at one’s fingertips without having to navigate through the menu system with the addition of a new command dial based on the award-winning Nikon D100 design. The new command dial will leave 5400 photographers free to seek out their next great shot. Nikon has also incorporated 15 Scene Modes into the Nikon Coolpix 5400 to allow for convenient point-and-shoot operation of the camera.
The Nikon Coolpix 5400’s enhanced Movie Mode can record up to 180 seconds of QuickTime™ video (at 15 frames per second) in Movie (320x240) Mode and 70 seconds in TV Movie (640x480) format with audio. With the optional AC adapter and a keen imagination, the camera can now produce incredible time-lapse movie sequences, shared as QuickTime™ movies, by capturing motion jpeg files showing slow-moving objects or events over a long duration such as a sunrise to sunset or a flower blooming.
Get the Red Out! – NikonView 6 and Nikon’s Exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ Software.
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 features the latest version of NikonView 6, complete with Nikon’s new and exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software, which instantly fixes red-eye with the touch of a button from most typical red-eye digital photos.
One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ software recognises and fixes red eyes, without desaturating the image and without affecting other red items within the photo. Nikon is the only photo manufacturer offering this powerful one-touch red-eye removal tool, which is great for beginners yet powerful enough for more advanced photographers.
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 also includes a host of exciting programs from ArcSoft® including PhotoStudio™ for image manipulation and enhancement, VideoImpression™ for editing and sharing QuickTime movies, and Panorama Maker™, which lets users easily stitch a number of images together to create beautiful panoramic photos. The camera also comes with PhotoBase™, which allows photos and slide shows to be downloaded and displayed on the screen of a PDA.
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 includes the new NikonView 6 software CD-ROM, shoulder strap, USB cable, video cable, a Lexar 16 MB “Speed Rated” Starter Memory Card and a Li-Ion rechargeable battery and quick charger.
The Nikon Coolpix 5400 will be available in Summer 2003 at an MSRP of $799.95.
A-DIGITAL-EYE CELEBRATES THIRD YEAR ANNIVERSARY (05/25/03)
We are very pleased to be celebrating our three year anniversary online as www.a-digital-eye.com. It was on this very date in 2000 that we moved all of our content and a forwarding link from our initial domain name www.gryfndor.com where we operated under the name "The Digital Picture". Our first coverage was of the PMA 2000 show held in Las Vegas in February, which we had on a special PMA Show page posted days after we attended in mid-February 2000. Several stories from that initial coverage and stories going back to the Spring of 2000 are still linked in our early Volumes including our first, VOLUME 1 EDITION OF A-DIGITAL-EYE.
During the Spring of 2000 as we operated from the previous domain name we were found primarily from the kind links posted by our good friends at Steve's Digicams and Imaging Resource, with a few links by others in Phil Askey's forums. (We stopped all of our own postings at DPReview at that time feeling any links to our site should come from Phil's loyal forum members who are just genuinely trying to help others find perhaps specific & interesting digital camera information).
We had about 10,000 visitors to our prior domain when we moved to this site 3 years ago. At that time only the main index page was designed to count visitors, so links to our many other pages went uncounted. Page views showed that many tens of thousands of our pages had been viewed in just over 90 days, and so with encouragement coming from so many sources, including our friends at the other web sites, we went forward with this new site in an effort to compliment their great digital camera coverage. We attended many local trade shows and felt we could offer unique photo samples from mostly sunny Southern California as well as coverage on related products such as photo printers and accessories. While we had used many film cameras & digital cameras prior to our launch and owned several digitals including the Canon A50, S10 and S20 as well as Olympus cameras, our first digital camera product loan came from Kodak, the professional 620X camera. We were then contacted by many others including Mike Rubin of Nikon, and suddenly by the Summer and Fall of 2000 we were being asked/offered by most all of the other major digital camera companies to review/test and post samples from their latest or upcoming digital camera products. We are amazed to see just how many readers still check out one of our our early reviews from almost 3 years ago, of what we found to be one of the ground breaking cameras of all time, the Nikon Coolpix 990. As many know by that time we had established Disneyland as a regular test ground, and now over 60 digicam visits later, we must have one of the largest collections of sample images found anywhere.
We have now handled several hundred digital cameras, including well over a hundred extensively. We are approaching almost 100 digital cameras that have been loaned to us, and we have obtained on our own dozens more, providing us with a vast set of experiences with the on-going development of digital cameras. From the Nikon 950, Canon A50 and early Olympus models we used about this time 4 years ago, to the brand new Sony V1 we just got from Sony, we have seen so many great changes and positive developments in this great industry. In addition, we have posted approximately 750 news stories, many on a daily update basis. We have information in our past volumes on close to 300 digital cameras that have been introduced in the past 3 years. We have met so many great people in the digital camera industry, and have had so many to thank for helping us along the way, making our very time-consuming work really a lot of fun.
While we do not want to leave anyone out we would especially like to take this brief moment on our 3 year anniversary to give a very special thanks to Steve Sanders, and Dannee over at Steve's Digicams, Dave Etchells and Michael R. Tomkins from Imaging Resource, Phil & Joanna Askey at DPReview, and Jeff Keller at DC Resources, who pioneered the online digital camera news and review concept, which has been of invaluable help to consumers and the digital camera industry alike (and that includes the retail market as well as print sources, who have unfairly complained about the online competition when the truth was and remains, they were ALL benefiting a great deal by the way the HUGE popularity of digital cameras was undeniably GREATLY aided by their online information!). We have been especially grateful to get to know our friends at the other major web sites and we look forward to seeing them often at the tradeshows and industry events as we all cover the future of digital cameras!
While there are just so many great people we have gotten to know at various PR firms, manufacturers, and other press sources, the numbers are just too many to list here, so please accept this heartfelt thank you to all of you who have helped us so much over the years! Those of you who read all the online sites should know that there are some really wonderful people at these companies who are trying very hard to help get great and useful information out to consumers, so that the digital camera advances in all of our lives making our experiences more rewarding. The effort it takes so that all of the online sites have such incredible reviews and instant information available to all of you in such a timely manner is really just remarkable. Don't forget, it is the professional communications with all of the major companies that makes a lot of this possible!
We would also like to thank two very special industry representatives, Karen Thomas who for the past several years helped us get to know so many great people in the press and industry insiders in her capacity as the PR firm for Olympus America, and Cozette Phifer with Sony, who showed us the absolute highest level of professionalism and fairness in this business while playing a major role in leading Sony to the number one position in digital cameras sales the past few years! Also, there is someone whose name we best keep secret (and we don't even really know his real name), but from our over 2 years of e-mails, we have learned so much in so many areas. Thank you so much Karen, Cozette and the mystery person!!!
Finally, we wish to thank all the many thousands of readers who have visited our site over the past 3 years. As we approach 1.2 million visitors, and over 3 million page views, we do this because we really enjoy digital photography and we certainly hope we can help all of you get the best information, to make your experiences with digital photography even better!
Now, with all that said, stay tuned we will soon have much more coming, as there are some new product announcemts to be posted very very soon, and we will have some Sony V1 samples and info. up, but just when we got the camera a few days ago, the weather turned cloudy and dark! We also will have more reviews of cameras, and a review of the Picasa Photo organizing software up later today. Please join us again soon. Gee, 3 years went by fast!!!!!
BRIEF NEWS & SITE UPDATES (05/18/03)
Olympus 24/7 Project Report Update
Professional Photographer Chris Stocker of CarPartArt.com shoots for Olympus in America 24-7. A-Digital-Eye had the chance to follow Photographer Chris Stocker out to the Drag Races. This is an intense sport where you feel the thunder of these powerful machines as they rattle your bones on their way to over 200 mph in only a quarter mile. Chris is shooting for Olympus for the America 24/7 in California.
We will be following the upcoming editing process for this most unique project all digital camera project! Stay tuned for more as editors will be looking at tens of thousands of pictures to find those to be included in the 53 books that will ultimately be published from this past week of shots taken from all across America! For more infomation of the Olympus 24/7 digital camera project please read our earlier posting, it is very interesting what they are doing!!
OLYMPUS PARTNERS WITH AMERICA 24-7, THE LARGEST PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT IN HISTORY (04/25/03)
SITE UPDATES (05/11/03)
We have added a link to some Pentax Optio Sample Images we have just posted, which we think is a great little 3 megapixel camera! We will have more on the Optio S soon. We also have posted much of our Minolta S414 Review, a camera which is a bit bigger but has nice 4 megapixel results. We are also posting comparison review between two of the current most popular 3 megapixel cameras now available, the Sony DSC-P72 and the Nikon Coolpix 3100. Also for more samples from the Sony P72 see our initial Impressions and Disneyland samples taken back in February.
Pentax Optio S Sample Gallery Minolta S414 Review Sony DSC-P72 and Nikon Coolpix 3100 Review Sony DSC-P72 Intitial Impressions and Samples
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