CeBIT 2001: This years CeBIT proves to be bigger than ever, running from today until 28th March the show is open from 9 AM to 6 PM (CET) with over 8,000 exhibitors occupying some 26 halls and 13 other pavillion areas (over 400,000 sqm of space). Although I won't be attending in person we do have a "man on the ground" at CeBIT and will of course be bringing you any major news as it arrives.

From the CeBIT press pages (only companies who have made digital photography related press releases available online, alphabetical order):

Canon displays the future of IT technology at CeBIT 2001

At CeBIT 2001, Canon is displaying its latest products and services that will integrate digital communications into the next century. Through demonstrations of cutting edge products and solutions for a networked world, Canon is showcasing its direction and vision for the future.

Canon's stand in Hall 1 centers around the theme of "Imaging across networks" featuring advanced business solutions and products. With the introduction of Canon's new digital iR copier range, Canon has further enhanced its ability to supply integrated hardware and software solutions. Added to this, Canon is showcasing advanced core technologies, software and alliance partnerships.

The stand is divided into two sections - Business Solutions and Consumer Products - which together feature a total of five different zones covering 2000m2. The Business Solutions section includes a comprehensive demonstration of all the latest imaging devices, including multifunctional office equipment linked to leading software, while the Consumer Products section showcases Canon's latest Cameras, digital imaging and Bubble Jet printing.

Canon is also demonstrating its commitment to Bluetooth™ with a number of exciting applications that are likely to reduce current barriers to the use of digital equipment and give a boost to the mobile Internet market.

Consumer Products

Key highlights of the Consumer Products area include Canon's first directly connectable photo card printer - the CP-10, along with the latest additions to its digital cameral line-up: including the PowerShot A10 & A20 and the stylish new Digital IXUS 300. Expanding its successful compact digital camcorder range, this zone also showcases the new MV400 series featuring the world's first extended recording system.

Other attractions in the Consumer Products area include Canon's recently launched S-series range of Bubble Jet printers, featuring Single Ink Technology, along with the latest additions to the Fax and MultiPASS product range - FAX-L200, FAX-L280 and the MultiPASS C100.

The CanoScan line-up has also been enhanced with the launch of the CanoScan D2400UF - the sophisticated new 2400 dpi flatbed scanner and the CanoScan F4000US - Canon's highest resolution film scanner for 35mm and APS films.

As the official supplier of imaging solutions for Team McLaren Mercedes, Canon is offering CeBIT visitors the rare opportunity to view their 2001 season car; one of the most technologically advanced Formula One cars of all time. Situated centre stage in Canon's 'Touch & Try' display area, visitors will be able to try out the features of the latest PowerShot and IXUS models, using the car as a photographic object.

EPSON Deutschland GmbH

EPSON, one of the world's leading manufacturers of products and solutions for the areas of printing and digital image processing, will be presenting the latest products for private and professional users at the first CeBIT in the new millennium, in hall 7, A14/B14. EPSON's product range includes ink-jet and laser printers, as well as scanners, digital cameras and multimedia projectors.

2,880 dpi – state of the art

Having set new standards back in the summer of 2000 with the 2,880 dpi ink-jet printers EPSON Stylus Color 680, 880 and 980, EPSON is now presenting new photo printers which also operate at a maximum resolution of up to 2,880 dpi: The EPSON Stylus Photo 790, 890 and 1290 models have been developed especially for the boom area of photo printing, the range offering appropriate models for both home use and semi-professional applications.

EPSON Stylus Photo 790: A high-quality starter model for photo printing

Even the starter model for photo printing, the EPSON Stylus Photo 790, offers 6-colour printing as standard. The new, innovative color management system, EPSON Natural Color, provides for enhanced rendering of green and blue picture content, such as applies in landscapes. With its combination of a high resolution of max. 2,800 x 720 dpi on suitable media and small ink droplets of 4 picoliters in size (ultra micro dots) and variable droplet size, it supplies a print quality which is virtually indistinguishable from prints produced at a photographic laboratory. As an additional new feature, EPSON Stylus Photo 790 offers marginless printing on single sheets, which are also available from EPSON in the standard photo formats. This eliminates the need for scissor work or cutting photos from perforations.

EPSON Stylus Photo 890 and EPSON Stylus Photo 1290 for ambitious users

The EPSON Stylus Photo 890 and the A3+ EPSON Stylus Photo 1290 models are available for ambitious home users and semi-professionals. To facilitate integration into the existing IT environment, both models feature a USB port and a parallel interface, together with an optional EPSON Print Server Box for network applications. The EPSON Stylus Photo 1290 is furthermore able to provide full-area print-outs of A3 documents, i.e. including cut markers, and with the optional EPSON Stylus RIP it even possesses PostScript capability.

NIKON PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL CAMERAS in full workflow

The recently announced flagship Nikon D1X and D1H Professional Digital SLR versions have already created a storm in the digital imaging industry and can be seen for the first time side by side at CeBIT 2001.

Based upon the EISA and TIPA award winning benchmark D1 these new variants boast a host of improvements setting a new standard of Total Image Quality matched with increased ease of use.

The ultra high definition 5.47mega-pixel D1X and the 5 frames per second high operability 2.74 mega-pixel D1H can be seen side by side for the first time in the world demonstrated by Nikon specialists at CeBIT 2001.

Both cameras boast improved colour processing, white balance metering and tone compensation delivering world beating results in both quality and speed to further fulfil the demands of the professional.

The Nikon stand features a huge 30m2 Professional Studio where fashion photographers will demon-strate the speed of capturing large D1X RAW and 17MB TIFF files and immediately transferring them from the camera directly to computer via high speed IEEE1394 (Firewire TM ) interface.

The Nikon Catwalk models will be photographed after each show in the Pro Digital Studio and A0 sized prints will be processed on the spot and presented throughout the day in the “Studio Now” area for visi-tors to see the amazing quality achievable with the new Professional Digital bodies.

DIGITAL NEWS GALLERY

In a new move recognizing the changing demands of photojournalism in the digital age Nikon’s shall be showcasing the work of the photographers of DPA, the German national news agency in the “Digital News Gallery”.

Prints of some of the most dramatic and humorous moments captured over the last year using Nikon equipment can be viewed in a gallery environment. All of these images were digital or film (and then scanned) for transmission around the world.

So whether you are an industry professional looking to make your digital decision or an enthusiastic amateur looking for imaging inspiration then this years Nikon stand is the place to be.

NIKON COOLPIX@CEBIT

The Nikon name has long been synonymous with high quality, high performance photography. With thearrival of Digital Cameras for the “pro-sumer” and enthusiast market Nikon’s Coolpix range has come to represent innovate design and versatility whilst retaining the key values of the Nikon brand.

From the first introduction of the fledgling Coolpix cameras five years ago, Nikon have built quality, speed and imaginative features and into a succession of innovative and successful product designs.

The top-of-the-range swivel design Coolpix 990, has achieved accolades on both sides of the Atlantic. In almost every European country, Coolpix 990 has confirmed its success by winning major awards and prizes for quality and performance.

Designed for ease of use in a carry-anywhere size, the Coolpix 880 is a camera intended for anyone, anywhere, anytime photography whether for business or pleasure. Harnessing Nikon’s unrivalled knowledge of “what makes a good picture” to the potential brought by digital processing the Coolpix 880 has eleven unique and specially programmed “Scene Modes” to ensure perfect results in common but demanding situations such as Sunsets, Beach/Snow and Portraiture. By setting up optimal focus, exposure, white balance and other adjustments the Coolpix 880 “Scene Mode” selection makes it easy to take great pictures, every time.

To ensure the best possibility to experience the excitement and opportunities of Digital Photography, the newly designed and stylish Coolpix demonstration areas feature a number of hands-on activities for visitors to discover and participate in the world of Coolpix. As digital photography is all about communi-cating images, ideas and emotions with our friends and family, visitors to the stand can take away prints or can e-mail a record of their CeBIT visit around the world to colleagues or relatives. Nikon photography experts will be on hand to provide information at whatever level is appropriate – be it a film enthusiast looking to make a digital decision, a web designer seeking a rapid imaging solution or simply someone who wants to take beautiful pictures. As a special bonus, the Nikon Catwalk will pro-vide an opportunity for all to experience the thrill of Coolpix digital photography from the front line of a real fashion show.

THE CATWALK – THE FASHION OF IMAGING

For CeBIT 2001, Nikon has adopted the theme “Expect More. Nikon“. The booth located in Hall 9, Stand No. A 28 occupies an impressive 700m 2 of floor space. The booth, double the size of CeBIT 2000, offers visitors the chance to see for the first time the new High Tech Digital prod-ucts in action, and operating in realistic environments. To demonstrate our innovation and quality imaging capabilities, product demonstration have been segmented into main product groups and activities cover-ing the ground floor area of 500m 2 , and on the first floor a space of 200m 2 the Nikon Internet café for Business and Press communication.