- HOLIDAY UPDATES & LAST MINUTE CAMERA SUGGESTIONS (12/21/02)
- NEWS BRIEFS (12/16/02)
- Leading Photo-Specialty Online Retailer Ritz Interactive Reports Top-Selling Digital Cameras - (Press Release 12/10/02)
- MACWORLD ANNOUNCES 2002 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARDS (12/09/02)
- NIKON COOLPIX 3500 SAMPLE IMAGES POSTED (12/08/02)
- NIKON COOLPIX 4300 SAMPLE IMAGES POSTED (12/07/02)
- CANON USA ANNOUNCES 4 MEGAPIXEL POWERSHOT S45 (12/03/02)
- Leaders in Digital Imaging Propose New Industry Standard for Direct Printing from Digital Cameras (Press Release 12/02/02)
- BRIEF UPDATES (12-01-02)
- QUICK SITE UPDATE (11/25/02 & 11/26/02)
- WEEKEND UPDATES (11/23/02)
- COMDEX 2002 BEGINS IN LAS VEGAS (11/19/02 & 11/20/02)
- WEEKEND NEWS UPDATES (11/16/02)
- MINOLTA DIMAGE 7Hi INITIAL REVIEW & DISNEYLAND SAMPLES POSTED (11/13/02)
- Minolta Dimage 7Hi Review & Sample GalleriesPage
- NEWS UPDATES - 11/10/02 - 11/13/02
- QUICK UPDATES - 11/08/02
- Minolta Digital Camera and Autofocus Technology Win Praise - PRESS RELEASE - 11/08/02
- STEVE'S DIGICAMS POST SIGMA SD9 DSLR FIRST LOOK & SAMPLES (11/07/02)
- Olympus and Epson Announce Special Digital Camera and Photo Printer Rebate (11/06/02)
- NEWS UPDATES! (11/05/02)
VOLUME 17 - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2002 NEWS VOLUME 16 - JULY - AUGUST, 2002
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HOLIDAY UPDATES & LAST MINUTE CAMERA SUGGESTIONS (12/21/02)
Well as the time runs down for getting those holiday gifts, we hope all of our readers have a very happy season this year, and for the many new digital camera owners, we truly wish you the best in capturing some great family moments! We know that some of you are still performing some last minute research on the Internet for helpful information to assist in making your final decisions and so we'd like to offer you some of our thoughts on this year's digital cameras and give you a few purchase suggestions.
Briefly we would like to make it clear, we have not fully tested all of the approximate 110 new cameras which were introduced this year. However, we are truly privileged to be included among the top 5 Daily Consumer/Prosumer Digicam Internet News/Review Sites aimed at the US/English Markets to have had the opportunity for the third straight year to test many dozens of top-rated cameras which are kindly provided to us from most of the major digital camera companies. We have extensively used over 60 digital cameras since we started this site, which usually involves testing the cameras for well over a month at a time and taking thousands of pictures in a huge variety of shooting situations which we feel our readers will likely encounter, from daily trips to Disneyland to Weddings and Family events. We tend to offer our final opinions on the basis of how we would feel about a camera as though we had purchased it and owned it, and were now relying on it for our general family related photography needs (and we have in fact spent thousands of our hard earned money at retail stores to have actually fully owned almost a dozen digital cameras over the past 4 years!).
In addition, while we do not review each and every camera released, we have posted fairly detailed news of virtually all of the 100 plus cameras announced in 2002 and we often have viewed a larger number of sample images, made print samples and followed the major Internet forums with discussions on most available cameras. We have also handled most remaining cameras we did not fully test out at trade shows, or we have examined many at retail stores and in private meetings we have with the top digicam manufacturers. We also monitor the news and information that is out there in both print and the web on a daily basis which helps keep us aware of many important issues dealing with the digital camera industry. Finally, for those of you who may be thinking we are just Internet Greeks who jumped on the rise of digital cameras recently, we have been involved with photography for over 30 years now, it is our main hobby and passion, and yes, we actually used to develop our own film (thousands of rolls indeed) and make prints in those old wet labs! We too had to learn to transition from film to digital photography, and having done so, we are very excited about where digital photography is as we wind up the year 2002!
With that understanding of our humble background and experience we would like to make the following suggestions. Once you have tried some of the best and most expensive digital cameras available, it is hard to go back and be truly objective on the cheaper, more affordable models which simply do not offer what we would prefer as an owner. We honestly have a hard time suggesting to anyone that they go out and buy the very cheapest models out there.
One megapixel cameras for instance can provide very acceptable results for web pictures and some may not mind the lower quality results we see in photo prints, however, we really feel that new buyers should resist the temptation of bargain prices for these units and instead we strongly recommend that at the minimum buyers purchase at least a 2 megapixel camera, especially if your main use is for web viewing or printing only 4 by 6 inch prints. In this category we would suggest the Fuji 2650 for just $199, the Olympus D-380, the tiny take anywhere and get noticed Sony Cybershot U20, the Canon Powershot A40 and the Nikon Coolpix 2000 or 2500 models.
As prices continue to fall, we have seen many great deals on 3 megapixel cameras with 3X zoom lenses and thus when we are often asked what type of camera to get for a first time buyer, we do suggest a compact, point and shoot style 3 megapixel camera with a 3X zoom lens. As we suggested last year, one of the very best 3 megapixel cameras we think that most owners have found to provide great results is the Canon Powershot S30 digital camera and we also very much liked our results from using the newer Nikon 3500 and the Sony DSC- P7 or P-71 models. The neatest little pocket camera in the 3 megapixel category which trades small size for some top end features and a bit of quality compared to the very best out there is the new Minolta Xi, however it may be hard to find until next month. For those that want a huge 10x zoom lens go with the Olympus C-730U.
In the 4 megapixel category we got great results from the Nikon 4300, the Sony DSC-P9 and we think the Canon S45 is also one to highly consider. For those who want more bells and whistles at a price well over $500 dollars the Canon G3 is just full of neat features and compares very well with several top 5 megapixel cameras making it perhaps the overall best buy available right now in 2002. We also loved the Nikon Coolpix 4500, the Olympus 4040 and the Minolta F100.
In the 5 megapixel category we overall liked the Sony F717 the most with its generally excellent results (buyers will also find out something exciting about the F717 very soon), but the Nikon 5700 and Minolta 7Hi cameras, at somewhat higher prices also offer more features and great results. For the most pocketable 5 megapixel camera to take with you, check out the Olympus C-50 camera.
For DSLR owners, we would suggest either the Nikon D100 or the Canon D60, they are both very fine offerings at this stage of developments, and even the Fuji S2 is well worth looking into!
Happy Holidays!!
NEWS BRIEFS (12/16/02)
Last week there were a number of stories on the web about new Sony Memory Sticks featuring higher capacities and faster read/write speeds possibly being announced early next year. We felt it best not to comment at the time due to the confidential information we had obtained over the past year on this topic. Sony did contact us Friday to confirm our understanding that the initial information which we saw early Thursday morning had some inaccuracies, and thus they urged us and our readers to wait for the official Sony announcement in the future. We assure you we will be among the very first to bring you the full details when the official announcement is made sometime next year.
Nikon Japan has released information about a new 12 to 24mm G series wide angle lens made specifically for their line-up of Digital SLR cameras, including the hot selling 6 megapixel D100. The new lens has a smaller Imaging Circle to better match the image sensor size of Nikon DSLRs, which allows the lens to be smaller and lighter, it also allows the wide angle of light to enter the sensor optimally, as well as provide improved performance results using high quality optics/glass. We will have a lot more details Wednesday morning so stay tuned.
Kodak Professional has posted news on their web site that the highly anticipated full framed 14 megapixel 14n Digital SLR camera which will sell at a street price of around $4,000 to $5,000 will ship in mid-January instead of this month in order to tweak it for optimal quality. The 14n uses a CMOS image sensor and will accept Nikkor lens.
We are back from a quick trip last week to London and will post a few sample galleries from the digital cameras we took, including the Minolta Xi, a really great 3 megapixel camera to take with you when traveling. We have had lots of rain/cloudy weather here in Southern California the past few weeks, and on the few sunny days the haze was so bad we just felt it would be too big of an issue in sample pictures we have been trying to post. We have made lots of progress on testing several products we have, including really getting to know several DVD authoring programs which allow you to display both video and still picture slideshows on your TV set using your digital still cameras. So far we have used Pinnacle's brand new EXPRESSION software the most, and we have found it very easy to learn, which is its aim, at just $49.99.
Leading Photo-Specialty Online Retailer Ritz Interactive Reports Top-Selling Digital Cameras - Press Release 12/10/02
Ritz Interactive has issued the following press release this morning regarding the initial sales of digital cameras this holiday season. The press release indicates that digital camera sales are very strong this year, and more specifically that sales of digital cameras over the Internet are flying off their virtual "shelves". We are one of the online digital camera review sites partnered with RitzCamera.com and sales from click throughs using Ritz banner ads or text links on our site do go to help support this site, for which we do want to thank you! RitzCamera.com does have a very large selection of digital cameras you can look at and usually one of the largest supplies so cameras are usually in stock. The main index page at RitzCamera.com provides you with the ability to easily check out their current prices, and they also have a brief information section on each of the cameras with specifications and highlights of its main features to help you decide which camera to buy. It is a great place to go visit if you are looking for a digital camera this holiday season, and keep in mind they do have a price matching policy, FREE shipping, NO TAX and lots of holiday specials with the ability to get you your camera before Christmas Day and over 1000 Ritz stores in the USA where you can exchange the camera (see the details on their web site) if you need to after Christmas, so go check it out, at www.RitzCamera.com.
IRVINE, CA - Dec 10, 2002 -- If early sales results are any indication, it looks like it will be a banner holiday season for both digital cameras and online shopping. This news fares well for popular photo-specialty Web sites like RitzCamera.com, where consumers can browse through a giant selection of digital models while sitting at their computers, and make their desired purchases with a few clicks of a mouse. Ritz Interactive, the parent company of RitzCamera.com and other leading online shopping destinations, reports that digital cameras are indeed flying off its virtual "shelves." Which ones are selling best? According to Ritz Interactive, the following digital models have been the hottest sellers so far this Christmas season:
Nikon Coolpix 4300
Nikon Coolpix 4500
Nikon D100
Fuji FinePix 2650
Fuji FinePix 3800
Fuji FinePix S2
Canon EOS D60
Canon Powershot G3
Canon Powershot S230
Kodak DX-4900
Minolta Dimage S404
Minolta Dimage 7Hi
Minolta Dimage X
Sony Cybershot DSC-S85
Sony Cybershot DSC-P71All of the above-mentioned digital cameras, and many more, are currently available at www.RitzCamera.com. Along with an enormous selection of state-of-the-art photographic equipment and unparalleled online shopping convenience, RitzCamera.com offers consumers the added benefits of a "Low Prices Guarantee," no sales tax and free shipping (for orders over $100). Most orders are processed the day they are received, and delivery is guaranteed by Christmas. With more and more shoppers seeking to avoid the hassle of packed parking lots, crowded malls and long lines this "shortened" holiday season, it appears that business for online retailers, such as RitzCamera.com, will be especially brisk.
MACWORLD ANNOUNCES 2002 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARDS (12/09/02)
MacWorld has just posted their 2002 Editor's Choice Awards including a selection of the best digital cameras in 2 categories, under $1,000 and over $1,000. Canon's EOS D60 won in the over $1,000 category with the Nikon Coolpix 5700 and Nikon D100 coming in as runners-up. Canon's brand new G3 camera won in the under $1,000 category with the Nikon Coolpix 4300 (see the two stories immediately below) and the Sony Cybershot DSC-F717 coming in as the two runners-up. Here are the digital imaging related category results!
Best Consumer Graphics Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, Adobe Systems (Winner)
ImageBuddy 2.6, KepMad Systems
PixelNhance 1.5, Caffeine SoftwareBest Digital Camera ($1,000 and up)
Canon EOS D60, Canon (Winner)
Nikon Coolpix 5700, Nikon
Nikon D100, NikonBest Digital Camera (Under $1,000)
Canon PowerShot G3, Canon (Winner)
Nikon Coolpix 4300, Nikon
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F717, SonyBest Asset Management Software
iView MediaPro 1.5, iView Multimedia (Winner)
Cumulus 5.5 Workgroup Edition, Canto Software
iPhoto 1.1, Apple ComputerBest Digital-Video Software
Final Cut Pro 3, Apple Computer (Winner)
Avid Xpress DV 3.5, Avid Technology
Boris Red 2.5, Boris FX
NIKON COOLPIX 3500 SAMPLE IMAGES POSTED (12/08/02)
We are posting this morning our first set of sample images taken with the brand new 3 megapixel "twist" styled Nikon Coolpix 3500 digital camera. The Coolpix 3500 is very similar to the 2 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 2500 which was announced at the PMA show in Orlando last February 2002, with the main differences being the extra megapixel CCD for higher resolution images, the new gray color compared to the metallic blue of the 2500, and of course the Coolpix 3500 cost a little bit more but remains under $400. Both cameras have found considerable popularity with younger digital camera buyers, and we have seen many college aged users having lot's of fun with them at sporting events etc.....(they are the only cameras you can swivel/twist the lens backwards to take your own picture as you look at/frame yourself & friends in the lcd monitor). For more details about the Nikon Coolpix 3500 please see our Nikon Coolpix 3500 Overview Page.
We took these sample shots at the same time we took the 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4300 pictures. Both sample galleries were shot in the full Auto mode with normal picture quality and no alterations have been made to the original files which are available for downloading, printing and close review. For more details about the Nikon Coolpix 4300 and some of the competing cameras available for your holiday purchase, see the story immediately below. We will have more samples from Disneyland and more information about which cameras may be best for a holiday gifts later today and over the next week.
NIKON COOLPIX 3500 SAMPLE IMAGES NIKON COOLPIX 4300 SAMPLE IMAGES
NIKON COOLPIX 4300 SAMPLE IMAGES POSTED (12/07/02)
We are posting tonight our first set of sample images from a new 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4300 digital camera. We previously had a pre-production unit back in late August a few weeks before the camera was even announced but learned Nikon preferred we wait for a final retail production unit before posting any full sized images. At Comdex several weeks ago we realized we had forgotten to follow-up with Nikon for a full production unit to test out. Thus, although this camera has been out for well over a month, we are finally posting some of our first full resolution shots to supplement our initial Nikon CP 4300 coverage.
As we have stated before, we really like the concept and performance of the Coolpix 4300, which is essentially a 4 megapixel version of last year's 3 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 885 model. It is intended as a compact/lightweight point and shoot camera that is easy to carry with you, including travel, yet it provides very good quality 4 megapixel images which often appear close in results to it big brother the Nikon Coolpix 4500 which we used extensively in July/August. It also compares well with the very compact and stylish Sony DSC-P9, both at an affordable price of $499. It is perhaps interesting to note that over the past month the Nikon Coolpix 4300 has received several great reviews, including our genuine praise for the 4 megapixel image quality and the 1.6 inch Macro abilities in a camera under $500, and just Tuesday CanonUSA announced that its direct competition model, the Powershot S45 (see the story immediately below and our Photokina Special Report from September) is going to be immediately available here in the USA after all replacing the current S40 model.
We also just noted that RitzCamera.com is now selling the Canon Powershot S45 at just $549.99 despite its announced MSRP price of $649.99. We suspect the good performance and lower price of the Nikon Coolpix 4300 may have played some role in the now attractive price for the nice looking package offered in the Canon Powershot S45. For those interested here is the Ritz link for the Nikon Coolpix 4300 now available for just $499 and the Sony Cybershot DSC-P9 also just $499, as well as many other great choices at the Ritz Digital Camera Index Page. Ritz also has many Holiday specials on right now so go check it out!
We hope to get our normal Disneyland shots tomorrow with the Nikon CP 4300 and post them within a few days, and we also will have some sample galleries from the 3 megapixel "twist" Nikon Coolpix 3500. For now we hope you will check out our Nikon Coolpix 4300 samples using the link below.
NIKON COOLPIX 4300 SAMPLE IMAGES
CANON USA ANNOUNCES 4 MEGAPIXEL POWERSHOT S45 (12/03/02)
**Canon Powershot S45 is now available for just $549.99!!** Previously announced in other parts of the world, Canon USA announced today that the Powershot S45, the successor to the current Powershot S40, will be sold here in the USA. The S45 is a very compact 4 megapixel camera with a 3X optical zoom, many advanced/flexible manual controls, RAW image capture, and new internal components including the new DIGI Imaging Processor, enhanced movie mode with sound, 9 white balance settings including a custom setting, a 9 point Auto Focus system, and many direct printing options with most of Canon's latest lineup of Photo Printers, which are aimed at further improving the performance and final picture quality. Here is the full press release.
NEW CANON POWERSHOT S45 DIGITAL CAMERA ADVANCES PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY FOR GREATER SATISFACTION IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
4.0 Megapixels, Exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor, Enhanced Movie Mode and Direct Print Capabilities with a Variety of Canon Printers Make the PowerShot S45 a Highly Versatile Digital Camera
LAKE SUCCESS, NEW YORK, December 3, 2002 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), continues to strengthen its position in the digital camera marketplace with the introduction of the new PowerShot S45. The PowerShot S45 is the successor of the award-winning PowerShot S40 and is aimed at the advanced user who wants full photographic control in a compact digital camera. The new model joins one of the largest branded selections of digital cameras in the industry ranging from the economical PowerShot A200 to the feature-packed PowerShot G3.The 4.0 megapixel Canon PowerShot S45 features a high-resolution 3X f/2.8 optical zoom lens and a compact, silver-toned aluminum exterior for a rich and elegant appearance. In addition, the S45 includes Canon's exclusive "DIGIC" Imaging Processor to help improve overall image quality, increased processing speed and enhanced camera features including a 9-Point AiAF autofocus system for faster and easier focusing; 9-position White Balance; selectable metering modes for precise exposure in almost any shooting condition; selectable Second-Curtain sync flash; an improved Movie Mode that captures clips up to 3 minutes apiece with sound; and Direct Print capabilities with Canon's CP-100 dye-sublimation printer and several Canon Bubble Jet Printers. The PowerShot S45 will be available in December and have a suggested retail price of $649.
"The new PowerShot S45 is an excellent example of Canon's philosophy of offering unique digital camera features and outstanding performance at every price point," says Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A. "Canon will continue to provide consumers with the most attractive selection of digital cameras on the market."
DIGIC Image Processor
Canon has developed a new Image Processor called DIGIC (Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit) which helps achieve higher picture quality by improving the signal processing algorithms of Image Processors found in previous PowerShot models. First incorporated into the new PowerShot S230 and G3 cameras, the new Image Processor also accounts for improved autofocus accuracy, improved processing speed and the camera's ability to record 15 fps digital movies with sound up to 3 minutes per clip at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels.9-Point Autofocus & FlexiZone AF/AE
The same DIGIC Imaging Processor that enables other new features such as extended-duration movie clips has also enabled Canon to improve the S45's autofocus system. In fully automatic modes, the S45 defaults to a 9-point AiAF system that evaluates a much larger percentage of the picture area than the 3-point system used in the S40. This makes it easier and quicker for the camera to detect the main subject, even when it is considerably off-center. In semi-automatic and manual modes, the S45 offers Flexizone AF/AE, which enables the photographer to place a single focusing point almost anywhere in the picture area for maximum creative control.Selectable Metering
Three light metering modes can be selected on the PowerShot S45 - Evaluative, Center-Weighted Average, and Spot. When Spot metering is selected, the light metering point can be fixed to the center of the picture area or linked to the active AF frame. Using this method, any photographic subject can be focused and metered simultaneously or separately according to the application.9-Position White Balance
In Auto White Balance mode, the PowerShot S45 divides the image into thousands of individual blocks and compiles color balance data from each to achieve maximum accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions. Eight other white balance settings are available, including a custom white balance function that allows users to simply point the camera at a neutral object, such as a white piece of paper, to obtain proper white balance and store it in the camera. The custom white balance function stores data for up to two different shooting environments or lighting conditions.First / Second Curtain Flash Sync
The flash exposure timing can be set to either First Curtain or Second Curtain on the PowerShot S45. With First Curtain sync, the flash is emitted immediately after the shutter opens. With Second Curtain sync, the flash is exposed immediately before the shutter closes. Second Curtain sync is ideal for emphasizing a sense of motion with moving subjects in low light.Flexible Flash Options
When using the camera's built-in flash, the camera controls the strength of the flash for optimal exposure. However, depending on shooting conditions, it may be desirable to intentionally change the strength of the flash output. To provide this option, the camera's flash unit can be manually set for any one of three settings - weak, medium and strong (full power).In addition, the camera's flash may also serve as a slave unit to additional flash units strategically placed around a subject to improve the lighting. A "pre-flash" used by most cameras with built-in flash would normally set-off remote flash units prematurely, preventing the use of external flashes. The PowerShot S45, however, is equipped with an Auto Flash Compensation Off mode that prevents the camera's pre-flash from firing, and allowing the use of external fill flash.
RAW Settings After Exposure
Even when the camera is set to record images in one of the JPEG settings, the PowerShot S45 allows the captured image to be saved as a RAW file after it is recorded. This feature can be accessed at any time during the Review period immediately after the image is captured, and is particularly useful when the white balance or other planned effects were not obtained, or when resolution, contrast, saturation or sharpening needs to be modified in the execution of the final image. RAW images can be processed after storage by means of the bundled software.Direct Print Capabilities
The S45 provides users with a simple and effective way of creating very high-quality prints without the need for a computer. The camera can be directly connected to the optional Card Photo Printer CP-100 as well as several Bubble Jet Direct Photo Printers including the S830D and S530D.Image Management Software
The Canon PowerShot S45 is fully compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X as well as earlier versions of each operating system. It comes with ZoomBrowser EX 4.0 (for Windows) and ImageBrowser 2.7 (for Mac); PhotoRecord 1.6 (Windows only); PhotoStitch 3.1, Apple QuickTime 5.0, CP-100 Print Driver 2.1, Acrobat Reader 4.0, File Viewer Utility 1.0, and RemoteCapture 2.6 (for Windows and Mac). RemoteCapture enables a USB-connected Canon S45 camera to be controlled by a compatible personal computer.Many camera settings such as focal length, resolution, compression, flash mode, etc., can be adjusted and the images can be recorded directly to the PC. In addition to all of these software applications, the S45 is supplied with a TWAIN driver for Windows 98SE/2000 as well as a WIA driver for Windows XP/Me and a Plug-in Module as well as a USB Mounter for Mac OS 9.x. The WIA driver and USB mounter allow a compatible PC to mount the camera as a hard drive on the desktop and display thumbnails to facilitate simplified image data transfers.
Kit Components and Dedicated Accessories
The PowerShot S45 will be supplied in a standard kit containing the following items:
- PowerShot S45 Camera Body
- 32MB CompactFlash Card
- Lithium-Ion Battery Pack NB-2L
- Battery Charger CB-2LT
- Interface Cable IFC-300PCU
- AV Cable AVC-DC100
- Wrist Strap WS-300
- User's Guide, Software Starter Guide & System Map
- Canon U.S.A., Inc. Limited Warranty
- Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk (for Mac & PC)
- ArcSoft Camera Suite Software Disk (for Mac & PC)
Optional dedicated accessories include the WP-DC300 Waterproof Case with a depth rating of 30 m/100 ft., AC Adapter Kit ACK700, Car Battery Charger CBC-NB2, Battery Charger CB-2LT, Batter Pack NB-2L, Soft leather Case PSC30, and Card Photo Printer CP-100.
Leaders in Digital Imaging Market Propose New Industry Standard for Direct Printing from Digital Still Cameras
(12/02/02 - Press Release)PALO ALTO, Calif. & TOKYO - Dec. 2, 2002--Canon, Inc., Fuji Photo Film Company, Ltd., HP (NYSE:HPQ - News), Olympus Optical Company, Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation and Sony Corporation today announced a proposal for an industry standard that enables consumers to easily print photos by directly connecting their digital still cameras to their printers -- no PC required.
Until now, each company had its own proprietary solution for direct printing -- without a computer -- between their own branded digital still cameras and printers. This situation has proven to be limiting to consumers, as they are unable to achieve the same convenience and ease of use when using a combination of products of different brands. The unified specification, tentatively named "DPS," ensures compatibility across digital cameras and printers, regardless of brand, giving consumers the flexibility and simplicity to create high-quality photos.
The specification was originally developed by Canon, HP, Seiko Epson and Sony. Fuji and Olympus later joined discussions and collectively the specification was finalized. Together, these six companies, all leaders in digital imaging, will continue to advocate industry adoption of this new standard, which is expected to spur the growth of digital photography.
About DPS
DPS specifies an application layer control protocol and is independent from any physical transport. It was designed to be extensible for implementation on future physical interfaces. The DPS version 1.0 document, which will be published formally later, is written for USB as a physical transport and Picture Transfer Protocol(1) as data transfer protocol. Consumers can simply connect a DPS-enabled digital still camera to a DPS-enabled printer, using the camera to perform operations and easily print high-quality photos.
The following features are supported by a DPS system according to the recommended specifications:
Print an image displayed on the digital still camera
Print two or more images selected from the display on the digital still camera
Automatically print images using the Digital Print Order Format(2) specification
Print an index of all images
Print all imagesThe following features are available using the print setup option:
Print part of the image by specifying clip area
Print multiple copies of a single image
Print with date
Specify exact size of a printThe following printer status information is displayed on digital still camera:
Establishment of DPS connection
Printer Error
Printing progress
End of print
Cable can be safely disconnectedMore information on DPS is available at http://www.camera-direct.info/.
(1) Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) was developed by the International Imaging Industry Association, an industry standard body, as a standard for image file transfer. With this protocol, image files can be transferred between a digital still camera and PC via USB.
(2) Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is a standard format control file that is stored in the digital still camera's removable memory card, which specifies which image files should be printed, and the number of copies.
BRIEF UPDATES (12-01-02)
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday! We ended up taking off more time then we had planned to participate in several family get togethers etc... however, we are still working on lots of projects and will have many posts coming soon, including some helpful information for those buying a camera for the holiday season.
We will have some Minolta 7Hi sports shots from the USC vs UCLA game taken just last weekend posted soon. We also have a few nice night shots from the 7Hi and the Sony F717 taken at Comdex just two weeks ago.
We have a pre-production 3 megapixel, 3x optical Minolta Dimage Xi which we will post some great samples and info. from soon. We have used the camera for almost a week now and we really like this little camera. We will have some samples from Europe in a few days as we make a quick trip across the Atlantic later this week (we really are very busy and trying our best to give you daily news, new camera reviews and special coverage not found at the other friendly web sites which we respect so much for all their good work!)
We have also had a Sony U10 for quite some time now and we will have many random samples and some results of our fairly extensive use of this camera posted very soon.
We also have the Nikon Coolpix 3500 and 4300 in for review, hopefully we will get some sunny weather to finally go out and get samples and post a summary of our initial findings. We should point out that we did have a pre-production Coolpix 4300 two months ago and found it to be outstanding, with 4 megapixel images that were very good and quite impressive. Nikon asked us not to post any pictures until they got us a production camera, and then the weather has been cloudy and rainy the past few weeks.
We also have two major software programs for taking your video and digital pictures and getting them onto CD or DVDs for playback in TV set top DVD players. The first is Sony Pictures Screenblast Movie Studio (which includes Screenblast's Video Factory Deluxe) & Music Studio each selling for $79.99, and the other is Pinnacle's new Expression for $49.00. We will have more information on these new programs soon.
Finally, we hope to be able to get out and post our initial Sigma SD9 samples this week. We had to turn away a unit about 4 weeks ago when we learned there had been a battery issue fixed and a slight hue change, so hopefully we will be able to add to the information about the Sigma SD9 soon. Just in the past week, Phil Askey, Dave Etchells and Steve Sanders have put up lots of good information about the SD9, with each having somewhat different impressions.
Stay tuned, we have lots of updates coming.
QUICK SITE UPDATE (11/25/02 & 11/26/02)
We will be posting some sample images from the Sony Cybershot F717 and the Minolta Dimage 7Hi later tonight. These samples were taken at the USC vs UCLA football game Saturday and some night shots from Las Vegas taken a few days ago while we were at Comdex. Both cameras took great shots at the game, and we used this opportunity to try out the Ultra High Speed Burst mode on the Minolta Dimage 7Hi (to shoot so fast images are not 5 megapixel images but the size you get from a 1.3 megapixel camera) and simply put, we have not used anything that shoots Sports Action so fast in a few years (going back to the older Olympus days). We will post some samples showing how we took over 20 shots at a time of short football plays and the images are great! We are also working on a sample gallery from the the Sony Cybershot U10 digital camera and lots more all week. For now here is a brief sample of a Sony F717 shot from Las Vegas (hand held at 1/15th of a second) and from the UCLA game.
UPDATE 11/26/02 - Here is the link to the Sony DSC-F717 USC vs UCLA sample images. We are working on the next gallery from the Minolta Dimage 7Hi also taken at the football game. More coming up soon!
WEEKEND UPDATES (11/23/02)
We are back from COMDEX out in Las Vegas and putting together more coverage. Today we are going to take the Sony F717 and the Minolta 7Hi to the USC vs. UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is just after 12:30 pm pst, just 3 hours from now, so we are off in a rush to beat the huge crowds expected for this big cross town rivalry. We will be updating the site quite a bit over the next 10 days for the holidays so keep checking back for some more reviews, news, samples, tests and some buying suggestions! In the mean time hey, look what we found being displayed on the new Smart Displays by Viewsonics and Microsoft out at COMDEX:))
COMDEX 2002 BEGINS IN LAS VEGAS (11/19/02 & 11/20/02)
The Comdex 2002 trade show is now underway in Las Vegas, with the show running through this Friday November 22, 2002 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Early indicators are that the show will have under 1500 companies appearing this year, down from a high of about 2300 in 2000, and attendance will be at about 125,000, down from around 225,000 in 2000. Although these numbers are smaller, we found that many traditional attendee companies are still in town holding meetings at hotels or other sites other than the convention center where the costs to be on the floor as an exhibitor, with a full staff are just enormous. We think it would be a mistake to underestimate the significance of COMDEX to the industry, as the press releases, news conferences and other activities suggest that although companies have taken steps to reduce the costs of being at COMDEX itself, there is still a huge amount of business going on, and most companies in the digital imaging sector remain very confident that this holiday season and the next few quarters are going to show further rapid growth in this industry.
Initially, we attended a very popular media event know as Digital Focus on Sunday night where we had an early opportunity to see several new products and gather some news information from the many digital imaging companies present. As we mentioned earlier, many digital imaging companies will attend this show even if they are not going to exhibit on the main COMDEX trade show floor.
One of the items gathering a lot of attention at Digital Focus was the new 2.0 megapixel Sony Cybershot U20 digital camera, which is a tiny fixed lens digital camera coming in several sharp looking colors including black, silver and dark blue.
We have had a 1.3 megapixel version of this camera known as the U10 (shown above in the lower left, which currently only comes in a pearl white color with a silver sliding lens cover) for several weeks now, and given its small size we have found the image quality to be pretty darn good, with fairly accurate exposures and white balance that rivals more expensive units we have been testing. The 1.3 megapixel images from the U10 are producing shots that are really nice for resizing and posting on the Internet or sending as e-mail attachments, and smaller prints up to 4 by 6 are acceptable. However we did prefer the larger 2.0 megapixel images from the new U20 model for even the 4 by 6 inch sample prints we saw which had just a bit sharper appearance and you can enlarge the photos a bit more with the larger CCD. Other than the larger CCD and the color, there are no difference in the two models in size or features besides the modest price difference. The new Cybershot U20 will be available over the next few weeks at a suggested price of $279 with the Cybershot U10 already available at $200. We will have more details, sample images, specs, product photos and much more about both the Cybershot U10 and U20 digital cameras in the near future after we get back from Comdex.
Another tiny camera we got to see for the first time at the Digital Focus event was the brand new 3 megapixel Minolta Dimage Xi camera. This neat little camera is really thin/small, and like its younger brother the Dimage X, it features a unique 3X optical zoom lens. We got to use the camera briefly and found it to be very quick to start up, and it sure is light and compact. Although we did not get to sample any images yet, we understand that we will soon, and also that limited quantities will ship in time, here in the USA, for the 2002 Holiday season! In addition to the Dimage Xi, Minolta had on display the new underwater housing which was announced last Friday. We have several pictures of the housing where we put the Dimage Xi, inside so you can see how the set up looks.
We think this is going to be a really fun accessory for a lot of Dimage X and Xi owners to get as it will allow use of the cameras up to 100 feet underwater and you can take it out in the rain or while at the beach and other recreational areas where getting the camera wet would be a concern. The new underwater casing should be available now at a price of around $200.
We also had an opportunity to meet with representatives from Epson, who were showing off the new Epson Stylus 960 7 ink Photo Printer. This printer looked great, as it now has 2880 by 1440 dpi resolution and a tiny 2 picoliter ink droplet size. The prints we saw were really spectacular looking and the great news for all you Epson photo fans is that this printer is now starting to ship and should be in larger retail stores on your next trip out.
The new Epson 960 has many other great features including an automatic paper cutter for the 4 by 6 inch roll paper which fits on the attached roll paper holder at the same time you have cut sheet paper in the main tray. This looks like a great printer for those who want to crank out high quality photos. The Epson 960 is selling at a suggested price of $349.
Toshiba was showing off their new compact, (6.3 ounces) 3.2 megapixel, 2X optical PDR T30 digital camera which features a touch panel lcd screen interface for many of the main menu selections. The Toshiba PDR T30 comes in a nice looking aluminum silver/metallic color and has a sliding lens cover design. The T30 has a bright 1.5 inch lcd screen with icons to help in selecting controls such as scene select modes, white balance, shutter speed and digital zoom. One only has to tap on the lcd icons with a stylus to move through the camera's menus. The PDR-T30 includes an AVI movie mode.
Another new feature we were shown on the PDR-T30 at Digital Focus is a built-in paint program accessible on the LCD. This provides users with the ability to draw on the photographs they take, plus make detailed notes on the image. The camera uses Secure Digital cards and can accept the newer 256 MB cards, which will allow up to 23 minutes of 320 by 240 video. The Toshiba PDR-T30 digital camera will be available in November 2002 with an MSRP of $449.
Another product we were able to see for the first time was a final production level 5.0 megapixel, compact Olympus Camedia C-50 Zoom digital camera. This is a really amazing little camera as it not only has a huge 5.0 megapixel CCD but it packs a lot of manual controls and advanced features as well as a 3X optical zoom lens. We think this is a perfect camera for those who want to move up a notch from 2 and 3 megapixel cameras to take advantage of printing larger pictures which the 5 megapixel CCD helps to improve, and the camera has those many flexible controls. We really liked the small, compact and portable size of this camera along with the idea that we would have lots of picture detail to work with for those shots we want to print out, especially at larger sizes such as 8 by 10 and 11 by 14 inches.
In our meetings with Olympus we learned that this camera is now ready to show up on sale at a store near you, just in time for the holiday season. While it will cost over $500, this is really a leading edge camera given its small size and use of the larger 5.0 megapixel CCD. We will have more coverage on this and the new C-5050 soon which we also saw final production models of with its great price of $799 for a really advanced consumer camera using a really fast/low light f1.8 lens.
We also met with Nikon at the Digital Focus show where they had their new 3 megapixel Coolpix 3500, and 4 megapixel compact Coolpix 4300 consumer level digital cameras as well as the Nikon D100 Digital SLR on display. We have both the CP 3500 and 4300 cameras in line for testing and review and will post more information including product shots and samples from final production units in the next few days. We also got to see an advanced showing of the fun looking new Coolpix 2000 TV ad featuring Val Kilmer as a spokesman for Nikon.
Well, time has run out for right now as we have meetings to attend and other business, however we will have some more photos of the items mentioned above along with more coverage from the Digital Focus event which included most other main digital imaging companies such as Canon, HP & Kodak as well as coverage of Comdex. itself.
WEEKEND NEWS UPDATES (11/16/02)
We are heading out of town today to attend COMDEX in Las Vegas. As many of you know, COMDEX has been one the largest PC related trade shows in the USA over the past 10 years often with over 200,000 attendees and over 1500 major companies displaying current products on the huge trade show floor. In recent years major PC companies such as IBM, DELL and now this year Sony have withdrawn from their annual attendance citing the large expenses involved, and thus the show has become less about actual PC models and more about PC related products and software, SUCH AS DIGITAL CAMERAS and DIGITAL IMAGING PROGRAMS. For those who have not been following the development of digital cameras as closely as we have, COMDEX has been a major showcase for digital camera companies to gain exposure for their developing lineups and is has been one of the most important shows that has helped with the rapid rise in popularity of digital cameras here in the USA. We will be attending both the very popular annual Pepcom Digital Focus Media Event once again which is held Sunday night with almost all major digital camera companies in attendance even if they are not appearing at COMDEX itself, and then the main COMDEX trade show floor opens Monday morning. We will be providing coverage of COMDEX 2002 as it happens, so stay tuned and look for updates Monday morning and late Tuesday night/Wednesday.
We are still working on our Holiday Buyers Guides and the Kodak 645M review, and more about the new smallest camera from Sony, as well as much more, so come on back.
MINOLTA TAKES THE DiMAGE X AND DIMAGE Xi DIGITAL CAMERAS TO EXTREMES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW UNDERWATER HOUSING - PRESS RELEASE
Minolta sent us a press release Friday confirming the USA availability of a new underwater housing for the Minolta X and new Xi digital cameras. The housing will allow users to take cameras to depth of approximately 100 feet deep as well as protect the camera in rough weather and tough outdoor conditions such as in rain or while mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The underwater casing will sell as a suggested price of $249. Here is the full press release from Minolta.
Ramsey, NJ (November 15, 2002) - Minolta Corporation announces the availability of the new Minolta Marine Case, an easy to use underwater housing designed specifically to perfectly fit the super slim profile of the award-winning Minolta DiMAGE X and new DiMAGE Xi digital cameras. Finally, digital photographers can have the flexibility to photograph what they want when they want to, regardless of weather conditions. From approximately 100 feet under the surface of the ocean to the summit of a rugged peak, this extremely compact Marine Case will protect the DiMAGE X and DiMAGE Xi from all the elements.
"This new durable housing allows users involved in virtually any outdoor activity to bring their DiMAGE X or DiMAGE Xi camera with them anywhere they go to document their day-to-day activities or special adventures," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "Although specifically designed for diving down to depths of approximately 100 feet, this case provides protection against the elements involved in outdoor adventures such as scuba diving, mountain and rock climbing, camping, snow boarding and skiing, kayaking and white-water rafting, as well as a rainy or snowy day on vacation. And it's great for the backyard pool too."
Like the DiMAGE X and DiMAGE Xi cameras, the new all-weather housing exemplifies the synthesis of function and design. The smoothly contoured, compact shell easily slides into the pocket of a buoyancy control jacket or ski jacket. The chrome-plated, metal control buttons make using the camera simple, even when wearing gloves. And the elegantly curved polycarbonate surfaces give the Marine Case its strength while eliminating unnecessary bulk and weight. The Marine Case is available at the suggested list price of $249.
Minolta DiMAGE X and DiMAGE Xi Marine Case
Specifications Maximum depth (underwater) - 98.4 ft./ 30m
Weight - 8.8 oz./ 250 g
Dimensions - 4.94 (W) x 3.9 (H) x 1.99 (D) in.125.5 (W) x 99 (H) x 50.5 (D) mm (excluding protrusions)
Standard accessories - Hand strap, O ring , O-ring grease , Desiccant
Optional accessories - O-ring Set
Epson Announces Availability of PRINT Image Matching II Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop - Press Release
Epson has announced a new Photoshop Plug-In for their PRINT IMAGE MATCHING II (PIM II) which also supports EXIF 2.2 images, both of which allow digital camera companies to have standard picture settings embedded into the EXIF header data found within JPEG picture files, that will then allow the software and printer drivers of selected printers to print standardized and optimized results without the users having to learn and make these settings on their own. The aim is make it easier and more consistent to get great print results from digital cameras. Here is the press release from Epson with more details.
P.I.M. II Plug-in Enables Photoshop Users to Get Best Possible Prints from their Digital Camera
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Nov. 15, 2002-- Epson America Inc. today announced the availability of a PRINT Image Matching II (P.I.M. II) plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® 7.0, 6.0, and Photoshop Elements 1.0 and 2.0 for Macintosh and Windows operating systems. The new plug-in enables Adobe Photoshop users who own a P.I.M. II-enabled digital camera and P.I.M. II-enabled Epson photo printer to take advantage of the print matching and automatic benefits offered by PRINT Image Matching technology to create the best possible prints quickly and easily.
The P.I.M. II plug-in allows users to import JPEG files containing P.I.M. or P.I.M. II information into Adobe Photoshop and print them with the color, quality and detail that PRINT Image Matching technology provides. The plug-in was designed to be flexible, giving users multiple options: a user can either import with P.I.M. II, import Exif 2.2 images with Exif Print technology, a new standard for digital cameras published by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA); or, the interface allows users to import an image with color expansion information only while disregarding other image enhancements for flexible print matching control.
"P.I.M. technology continues to have a significant impact on the growing digital imaging market," said Fabia Ochoa, product manager, photo imaging, Epson. "The availability of the P.I.M. II plug-in furthers Epson's pursuit to provide the ultimate photo printing solutions for consumers looking to print the best prints possible from their photo printer."
More About PRINT Image Matching II
P.I.M. II automatically optimizes digital photos from P.I.M. II-enabled digital cameras. P.I.M. II offers fourteen image control parameters (two more than the original P.I.M. technology) including "noise reduction" control and "custom scene" settings. P.I.M. II can also be used with TIFF (RGB type) images in addition to the more common JPEG capture file formats. Products that incorporate the new P.I.M. II technology are also completely backward compatible, enabling customers to seamlessly continue using devices that utilize original P.I.M. technology. The Epson Stylus® Photo line of printers support the original P.I.M., P.I.M. II as well as Exif Print technology.
Since June 2001, over 70 P.I.M.-enabled products have been available from more than 20 manufacturers of digital cameras, photo printers and software. P.I.M II partners include Adobe, AISoft, ArcSoft, Asahi Optical Co. Ltd. (Pentax Corporation), Casio Computer Co. Ltd., CBN Systems, E-Book Systems, JVC (Victor Company of Japan Ltd.), Konica Corporation, Kyocera Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic), Minolta Co. Ltd., NewSoft, Nikon Corporation, Olympus Optical Co. Ltd., Ricoh Company Ltd., Roxio Inc., Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation and Ulead Systems Inc.
The P.I.M. II plug-in is available to customers as a free download from the Epson Web site at www.epson.com, www.printimagematching.com and www.support.epson.com. More information on P.I.M. technology and a complete list of current P.I.M.-compatible products is available at www.printimagematching.com.
MINOLTA DIMAGE 7Hi INITIAL REVIEW & DISNEYLAND SAMPLES POSTED (11/13/02)
We have posted today our initial review comments and a full set of sample images from the 5 megapixel Minolta Dimage 7Hi digital camera which were taken out at Disneyland in Anaheim, California on Sunday November 10, 2002 (see link below). As we have previously mentioned, the weather finally turned nice and sunny after days of rain and so we able to take these colorful shots on a very bright and sunny day. In addition to the nice weather, we were able to take pictures of the new Holiday decorations out at the park which include a wonderful tree and many colorful flower displays.
We will be posting a few more sample galleries including some flash and indoor samples along with some other review information/comments with this summary of our findings moved to our Minolta 7Hi review page. For now we invite you to check out the sample photo galleries we have taken so far to give you a better idea of how we are finding the camera to perform. Below is our link to our initial review comments along with the press release, backgrounder and product specifications, as well as to the Disneyland pictures, Newport Beach Sunset, and World Series pre-game 6 pictures we hope you find them useful. Give them a good viewing and let us know what you think!
Minolta Dimage 7Hi Review & Sample GalleriesPage
WEEKEND UPDATES - 11/10/02 - 11/13/02
UPDATES - 11/12/02 - We are posting this morning some samples from the 5 megapixel Minolta Dimage 7Hi digital camera taken during the Sunday evening sunset at Newport Beach, California. Those of you familiar with the area will note the sun setting behind Catalina Island about 22 miles off the coast. These pictures were taken in full program mode, ISO 100, with no changes to the default settings. We have a set of over 20 pictures from Disneyland we will post later tonight, it just takes a while to go through them all and set them up on our pages. We will post some opinions of the Minolta Dimage 7Hi later tonight when we post the Disneyland shots. For now we thought we would share some nice sunsets the 7Hi captured! And don't forget our initial Minolta 7Hi gallery from the World Series Pre-Game 6.
Minolta Dimage 7Hi Sunset Sample Gallery We had hoped to be able to also post some great shots from the Sigma SD9 from this weekend, however the unit we were going to use turns out was not a final production unit but was what was an essentially a final production quality camera with a few minor issues which were in fact tweaked by Sigma Japan (color hue & power saving). Although they were very minor changes few would notice, we and Sigma felt it best to wait for another unit which is on its way from Japan. In the meantime Dave Etchells over at Imaging Resource has posted a review with some initial comments and analyses of a final production Sigma SD9 so be sure to check it out. Dave has some mixed findings from the SD9 and the new Foveon X3 technology, as the camera performs well in good light, but has some noise issues in lower lighting, especially in the red channel. However, its clear that the technology works and can deliver brilliant results under some conditions. It may just take a bit of time to fine tune the output, and remember the Bayer patterned CCD technology has been in progress for 20 years, about 18 years longer then Foveon's X3, so let's all be patient and put things in proper perspective. The Sigma SD9 results so far have to be seen as very positive. We will have Sigma SD9 samples and opinions just as soon as the replacement camera arrives.
UPDATES - 11/11/02 - We are working on over 1 Gig of photos we took out at Disneyland and down at the beach capturing a nice sunset on Sunday and will be posting some samples and other matter later today. We added the picture up at the top of the page showing the American flag and Disneyland on this very nice Veterans Day Holiday! Stay tuned more coming later!!
UPDATES - 11/10/02 - Well, those who say it never rains in Southern California would be wrong now wouldn't they! Over the past few days we have had one heck of a big wet rain storm, which despite making it dark and gloomy along with causing other problems from flooding and slick roads, was overall quite helpful due to a long drought and terrible fire season so many local areas have been having. And so, as they often say, good things come to those who wait!! And for those of us who like to photograph wonderful sights, we have been blessed with an amazing consequence of this storm. This morning the rain has stopped and the clouds are gone (ok and so yes "We can see clearly now"). It appears as though today is going to be a stunning day for getting out and testing several cameras we have. We are going out to Disneyland where they were scheduled Friday to set up the park with new flowers, trees and so many other special holiday decorations which make it such a colorful place to photograph. We will be focusing on testing the Minolta Dimage 7Hi today, with the added treat of being able to compare it directly with the Sony F717 and the Nikon D100 which we will have with us. Be sure to check back later tonight and tomorrow as we are quite hopeful that we will have some interesting samples to share with you. In addition, we will be posting a series of 2002 Holiday Buyer's Guides for different types of cameras, with this weeks story focusing on cameras that feature larger than normal optical zoom lens options so many seem to be looking for these days! Have a great day and see you back soon!
QUICK UPDATES - 11/08/02
Those of you waiting for our samples and initial impressions from the Sigma SD9 DSLR featuring the Foveon X3 imager technology we hope to be able to post them over the weekend just as soon as all this rain and dark gloomy weather clears up. We will be taking both the Minolta Dimage 7Hi and the Sigma SD9 out to Disneyland and elsewhere to get some colorful samples including the new 2002 Holiday Christmas decorations they are famous for each year. We will also have more coverage on the Kodak 645M pro-back, and more this weekend so come on back!
Here is a press release from Minolta about a great award for the brand new Minolta Dimage Xi 3.2 megapixel digital camera from Popular Science Magazine (the full press release also has further details on a 2nd award for the AREA-AF auto focus technology found in two of their film cameras). We have to say that we are most impressed with the progress Minolta has made this year in coming out with a full line up of quality digital cameras in all the major categories and really jumping very aggressively into the digital camera scene, especially when compared to just one year ago!
Minolta Digital Camera and Autofocus Technology Win Praise - PRESS RELEASE - 11/08/02
The new DiMAGE Xi digital camera and Minolta AREA-AF technology receive Popular Science Magazine's 2002 "Best of What's New" Awards
RAMSEY,N.J. - Nov. 8, 2002-- Minolta Corporation's new DiMAGE Xi 3.2 megapixel digital camera and Minolta AREA-AF technology as featured in the Minolta Freedom Zoom 160 Date and Freedom Zoom 140 Date 35mm point-and-shoot cameras have each received annual "Best of What's New" awards in the Photo category from Popular Science magazine. Popular Science editors reviewed thousands of new products and innovations for 2002 and chose just 100 winners in 10 categories for inclusion in the December "Best of What's New" issue. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.
"Minolta is honored to receive these prestigious awards for the DiMAGE Xi and Minolta's AREA-AF autofocus technology," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing, Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "For 75 years, Minolta Corporation has been producing high-quality and award-winning imaging products and innovative technologies. These editorial awards acknowledge Minolta's heritage of producing excellent imaging products, both digital and film, that not only satisfy the needs of users, but also gain recognition among knowledgeable editors like those at Popular Science."Minolta DiMAGE Xi
Building on the success of the highly popular and award winning Minolta DiMAGE X, the new DiMAGE Xi is equipped with a 3.3 megapixel CCD (3.2 million effective pixels) as well as a host of new functions and features. The elegant new Minolta DiMAGE Xi features enhancements such as increased image quality, the world's fastest start-up time (1.2 seconds), and a seamless zoom range of 12x (combining both optical and digital zoom).
The new Minolta DiMAGE Xi is approximately 3/4 of an inch thick and shares the same revolutionary folded 3x optical zoom lens as the DiMAGE X. Making a camera this thin would be impossible with conventional zoom lens technology. However, the unique design of the 3x optical zoom lens allows it to move, or "zoom," vertically within the camera body. That means that when the lens moves from wide angle to telephoto, it always remains inside the camera body. The 3x optical zoom lens is equivalent to a 37mm - 111mm on a 35mm camera, and with the incorporation of the DiMAGE Xi's 4x digital zoom, the camera has up to a 12x seamless zooming capability.
Besides increased resolution, the DiMAGE Xi has several other enhancements when compared to its sibling the DiMAGE X, including user-selectable ISO settings, optional date imprinting, spot autofocus (AF), an improved anti-reflection LCD and automatic e-mail file copy creation.
STEVE'S DIGICAMS POST SIGMA SD9 DSLR FIRST LOOK REVIEW & PRODUCTION LEVEL SAMPLES (11/07/02)
Steve Sanders over at Steve's Digicams has posted a "First Look" review of the long awaited production level Sigma SD9 DSLR style camera, which features the new Foveon X3 imager with its potentially breakthrough new technology. The review is not yet a final review as Steve points out the camera just arrived in the past few days from Japan as the initial very limited supply of retail units are soon to begin shipping in the USA. The review does show all the features of the camera and there are some very colorful sample images posted. As we have mentioned earlier, the Sigma SD9 is being watched very closely because of the potential improvements the Foveon X3 imager technology can offer the digital imaging industry and also because it could provide a lot of concern with competing/existing technologies if it proves to be vastly superior. So far the SD9 appears to perform very well in day light, rendering very vivid colors and exceptional details for an aprox. 3.5 megapixel imager. We will be taking a SD9 out to Disneyland as soon as weather permits to give you some further samplings of just how well it can handle the new Christmas decorations and bright colors which are out this time of year, however we have had lots of haze and now a big storm is coming in. Rest assured you will be in for some stunning results soon! For now, be sure to check out Steve's Digicams Sigma SD9 First Look Review.
Those who want to place an order and get near the head of the line for this camera which will be in limited supply for the next few months should check out the deal offered at Ritz whom often gets one of the largest and fastest supplies of these types of new cameras. (ORDER THE SIGMA SD9 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA HERE)
Press Release
Olympus and Epson Announce Special Digital Camera and Photo Printer Rebate
Consumers Save $75 with Purchase of any Olympus Camedia Digital Camera and Eligible EPSON Stylus Photo PrinterMELVILLE, New York, Nov. 6 - Olympus America and Epson America Inc. today announced a special three-month program that offers a $75 rebate when consumers purchase any Olympus Camedia digital camera and one of three EPSON Stylus Photo ink jet printers. From Nov. 1, 2002, to Jan. 31, 2003, when a customer purchases any Olympus Camedia digital camera, including even the newest models, and either the EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX, 825 or 925 printer within 30 days of one another, the customer will receive $75 back by mail. Purchasers do not have to buy the digital camera and printer at the same time. The rebate coupon can be obtained at participating retailers, at Olympus.com/promotions, or at Epson.com/promotions.
"Olympus' leadership in digital photography complements Epson's commitment for printing high quality photographs," said Richard Campbell, senior marketing manager for digital products at Olympus. "This combination digital camera and photo printer package makes it easy and affordable for digital photography enthusiasts to get the results they expect."Some of Olympus' newest cameras include the Camedia C-50 Zoom, an ultra compact 5.0 megapixel digital camera, and the C-730 Ultra Zoom digital camera with an incredible 10X optical zoom. Other current models include the E-20N and the D-550. With the purchase of one of these or other Olympus Camedia cameras, customers can add an EPSON Stylus photo printer for a complete digital photo solution.
The EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX, 825 and 925 are all direct photo printers that provide digital camera owners of all levels with the ability to print photos with or without a computer, making them ideal companions for Olympus digital cameras. The EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX and 825 offer a simple solution at an affordable price. They are both designed for the novice digital camera user with a PCMCIA card reader and adapters that make it compatible with virtually any camera memory card. The EPSON Stylus Photo 925 is designed for more experienced digital photographers and those searching for a completely PC-free solution. It has a number of outstanding and exclusive features, allowing people to easily crop and resize images, enhance them and even archive digital files with no computer required, and it features an automatic roll paper-cutting device.
The EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX, 825 and 925 are available for estimated street prices of $149, $179 and $249, respectively. For more information about Epson, visit www.epson.com.
For more information, contact Olympus America Inc, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, ph: (631) 844-5000 (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com
NEWS UPDATES! (11/05/02)
Good news for all of you who are interested in seeing how the new Sigma SD9 DSLR featuring the first camera with the new Foveon X3 imager technology performs. Dave Etchells at Imaging Resource has reported that he has just received his production level review model for testing and he is posting samples as weather permits. We have been told by Sigma that we will be getting a review model too so we will keep you posted as we hope to add some real shooting condition samples and our opinions for those looking to buy the camera. Those who want to place an order and get near the head of the line for this camera which will be in limited supply for the next few months should check out the deal offered at Ritz whom often gets one of the largest and fastest supplies of these types of new cameras. (ORDER THE SIGMA SD9 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA HERE)
For now check out some of the Sigma SD9 Production resolution tests by Dave Etchells.
Steve's Digicams has posted the first review of the Nikon Coolpix 3500, a 3 megapixel version of the Coolpix 2500 we liked so much. We agree with Steve, this new model is going to sell very well this holiday season. We will be posting our coverage of the Coolpix 3500 soon so stay tuned here as well. Be sure to check out Steve's Digicams Nikon Coolpix 3500 Review.
Phil Askey over at DP Review, Jeff Keller, and several other major digital camera review sites have recently posted detailed reviews of the high end 5 megapixel Minolta Dimage 7Hi digital camera including comparisons to the Nikon Coolpix 5700 and others. We have found this new Minolta Dimage 7Hi camera to have very nice features indeed and it is really much nicer looking in Black. So far we really like the looks and feel of this new version in the Dimage 7i line, and the pictures are coming out sharp. This camera gets you advanced shooters closer to what DSLRs have to offer in the way of feature sets so its a camera we think deserves a lot of good attention! We would suggest that anyone considering a 5 megapixel high end camera such as the Nikon 5700, the Sony F717 or the new Olympus cameras, to also take the time to compare what the Minolta Dimage 7Hi has to offer, as it has many advanced features such as RAW files, and very flexible controls over internal image setting such as saturation, contrast, etc.... These advanced features do come at a bit of an extra price difference, however Minolta also has the Dimage 7i which is hundreds less, and the competition in this category can be found for less (but not always that much difference), so the choice is up to you. We are currently testing the Dimage 7Hi and waiting for sunnier weather (which seems to have just returned from out of the clouds and haze) so we will be shooting our standard samples out at Disneyland and elsewhere over the next few days and posting lots more information on the Minolta Dimage 7Hi soon.
For more information about the 5 megapixel Minolta Dimage 7Hi check out Phil Askey's DP Review of the Minolta Dimage 7Hi. And for further comparison check out Steve's Digicams review of the 7Hi, as well as Imaging Resource's 7Hi sample images and Jeff Keller's Dimage 7Hi review at his fine Digital Camera Resource Page.
We are still working on posting our findings and samples from the Kodak 645M ProBack which got delayed due to our quick coverage/attendance at 4 local games of the amazing feat by our local Angels in making and then winning the World Series over the past few weeks. We will also have some great flash as well as indoor ice hockey samples (ok ice hockey mom's this is a camera you should really consider for ice hockey, it performed GREAT!) from the Nikon D100 and the SB-80X speedlight, and more from the Sony F717 as well as the small little Sony DSC-U10 camera.
We will be posting a series of special 2002 Digital Camera Holiday Buyer's Guides starting this weekend, so those of you who want a little more guidance on which cameras we suggest you consider for this holiday season, come on back!
Finally for now, we are going to the COMDEX tradeshow in Las Vegas in less then 2 weeks now, so stayed tuned for more coverage.
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VOLUME 17 - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2002 NEWS
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