Exclusive:
Here it is, the review I'm sure many of you have been
waiting for. The Sony DSC-F505. A very capable and interesting
camera, with great image quality, lots of functionality and one
of the best LCD's I've ever used on a digital camera.
"The Sony DSC-F505 breaks new ground in digital
camera design, shocking at first it soon confirms itself as being
well built, ergonimically designed and able to take excellent
images. This camera is a serious contender..." (04:00 GMT)
Epson Introduces Its Most Powerful, Versatile
and Advanced Digital Camera -- the PhotoPC 850Z
Epson America Inc., a leader in high-quality, award-winning
digital imaging products, Monday unveiled its two-megapixel USB
zoom digital camera, the PhotoPC® 850Z. Packed with features such
as 3x optical zoom, a hot shoe for external flash units and manual
controls, the PhotoPC 850Z is ideal for photo enthusiasts and
serious business photographers. (04:00 GMT)
Rob
Galbraith has published a new Nikon D1 report plus some sample
images. Funny how some of us are allowed to publish D1 samples,
and some aren't... (probably because the one I shot with was a
Japanese prototype)...
"During peak times at the
Visual Edge '99 trade show it was all but impossible to get to
the Nikon booth. News photographers and photo editors were crowded
around the pre-production Nikon D1 units laid out on the booth's
table, anxious to learn more about the camera that some of their
organizations have already committed to purchasing in volume.
Gone were the Japanese-only menus and ultra-limited functionality
of the prototype units Nikon previously demonstrated." (04:00 GMT)
Just
received an email about this very interesting new service on the
net which allows you to turn your digital photos into real prints,
here's the press release:
PrintRoom.com announces
immediate availability of its new integrated on-line photo finishing
and sharing services for digital photographers. The unprecedented
combination of ease-of-use, low cost and high quality of output
delivered by PrintRoom.com, brings the promise of convenient and
affordable digital photography to reality. (04:00 GMT)
So,
my prototype was a product after all :) About three weeks ago we published
a picture and specifications of a product named the S10, today Canon
have officially announced it and it matches our specifications and
design. (04:00 GMT)
Today
I was lucky enough to take delivery of a brand new Sony DSC-F505
which is on loan for review. This camera has created quite a stir
these last couple of weeks with a clever marketing campaign executed
by Sony and a huge interest shown in the camera.
Here are my first hours impressions. (to be followed
by a full review) (04:00 GMT)
Welcome, if you're seeing this message then you're on
our new server which has been put in place to cope with the increasing
numbers of visitors coming to the site. (04:00 GMT)
On
the back of their announcement of the MX-1700 Zoom, Fuji have also
published a press release and photograph of the groundbreaking 3x
zoom mechanism used in the new MX-1700. (04:00 GMT)
Fuji
have announced the MX 1700 Zoom. Designed similarly to the MX2700
(and older MX700) it's a 1.5 megapixel (1280 x 1024), where it
breaks away from its older syblings is that it has a 3X optical
zoom (38mm - 114mm) making it the smallest and lightest 1.5 megapixel
zoom digital camera yet.
Congratulations to the following people, who won
an Olympus C-2000Z in the
contest that we participated in along with Imaging Resource and
DC Resource:
Welcome, if you're seeing this message then you're on
our new server which has been put in place to cope with the increasing
numbers of visitors coming to the site. (17:55 GMT)
Matsushita Electric, SanDisk
and Toshiba Agree to Join Forces to Develop and Promote Next Generation
Secure Memory Card
(Not sure this has a huge relevance to Digital
Photography, but memory storage news always has some impact somewhere
down the line...)
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC
- news), best known by its Panasonic brand name, SanDisk Corporation
(NASDAQ:SNDK - news) and Toshiba Corporation have reached an agreement
on comprehensive collaboration to jointly develop, specify and
widely promote a next generation secure memory card. (04:00 GMT)
Olympus
officially announce the C2500L Digital SLR. This 2.5 megapixel 3X
zoom true-SLR digital camera has some unique features, the most interesting
of which being it's dual media port, the camera can take both CompactFlash
and SmartMedia. (04:00 GMT)
The Japanese Magazine D# Sharp have posted a short article
on the New Sony DSC F505 along with a set of sample images. Some interesting
pictures and undoubtedly good quality. (04:00 GMT)
Sony
US have also announced the DSC-F505, here's the official word.
Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the Cyber-shot(TM)
DSC-F505, a 2.1 million mega-pixel digital camera that combines
Carl Zeiss® lens optics with the industry's only 5X optical zoom
to deliver unprecedented image quality. The Cyber-shot DSC-F505
digital camera rounds out Sony's line of Cyber-shot Memory Stick
cameras that include the Cyber-shot DSC-F55 and Cyber-shot Pro
DSC-D770. (04:00 GMT)
Today
was the day, after a week of marketing we're finally given all
the stats on this peculiar looking, but technically very interesting
digital camera. Inside, we've got the complete rundown, all the
specifications and even sample images.
To be release in Japan 21st September @ MSRP 125,000
YEN (~US$1,100). UPDATED: PC Watch post
more samples.(04:00 GMT)
Today I got an exclusive hands-on with the Nikon
D1 at the Singapore Camera Show, Basement 2, Takashimaya Mall.
Not only did I get to take photographs of the camera but I actually
shot with it.
Addonics
Technologies will begin shipping next week a lightweight (4.5
oz.) plug & play Compact Flash Card reader that uses the USB port
to provide an easy, inexpensive and high speed way to transfer
digital images or data to a PC or iMac.
The new product, called the Pocket Memory Reader,
is designed for the mobile photography and mobile computing markets.
It will allow users of digital cameras, personal digital assistants
(PDA), personal organizers, voice recorders or other mobile electronic
products using CompactFlash Cards or IBM's Micro Drive to by-pass
the parallel port and plug directly into USB. Since iMacs don't
have a parallel port, this will give users a convenient way to
transfer digital images and data. (04:00 GMT)
Sony
have just announced the MSA-64A memory stick. The chewing-gum
sized stick now expands the range of available MemorySticks from
4MB to 64MB, meaning that Sony have now overtaken SmartMedia as
far as storage capacity per physical size is concerned. Availability
(in Japan) will be November 21st, MSRP price is 20,000 YEN (US$164
- $2.60/MB).
The timing of this press release fits nicely into
Sonys week long camaign on their up coming DSC-F505 (announced
tomorrow), the availability of 64MB MemorySticks now makes using
such a camera a much more convenient experience. (04:00 GMT)
Steve
managed to get his hands on the leaflet from which came our news article
of a few days ago, he's posted it up on his site. Canon describe the
S10 as "The Worlds smallest and lightest 2MP digital camera with
zoom and built-in flash". (04:00 GMT)
EXCLUSIVE:
Once more we can bring you the inside information on a new digital
camera release, this time the much awaited Sony DSC-F505. Loosely
based around the DSC-F55 this digital camera has had an interesting
marketing campaign over the last few days, just a few minutes ago
I received a confirmation of specifications and the name DSC-F505
for the camera. (04:00 GMT)
Anyone
getting tired of this yet?? Sony today revealed that the new DSC
will have an MPEG capability. Not really a surprise saying that
several of the Mavicas and the recent DSC-F55 do. This image also
confirms my guess of yesterday that the camera has a hybrid available
light / backlit LCD. One other thing, todays page notes the next
release as 20th (Friday) which we can safely assume will be the
launch date and they can finally reveal all.
17/Aug/99,
0300GMT, 1100EST.
Well, we finally hit seven figures (unique visitors), what can
I say, a big thank you to all those people who've helped out over
the last six months. To the manufacturers who make the reviews
possible, to the advertisers who help to support the infrastructure,
to the other digicam websites who have shown their support by
linking to my news and reviews and most of all to my visitors
who make the whole thing a success.
We've achieved the million figure in just seven
months, the site was launched (officially we started counting)
on Jan 1st. (12:30 GMT)
Sony
have posted yet another picture of their upcoming 2.1 megapixel,
Swivelling 5x Carl Zeiss zoom lens, MemoryStick storage digicam.
Now we can see its size, in this picture the user is holding it
with the lens swivelled 90 degrees upwards, looking DOWN onto
the LCD. This picture also seems to reveal that the object on
top of the lens is a pop-up flash (see the hinge).
More specifications inside..
Plus a user posted experience..(04:00 GMT)
Steve
managed to get his hands on one of the first Fuji MX2900's, he's
written a user review of the camera which is officially launched
today (17th August) @ MSRP of $899. Here's what he says:
"Even though it's not as speedy as some of
the other 2.3Mpixel cameras we've tested, it's still a winner.
I especially liked the flash hot shoe feature which lets you add
a more powerful bounce flash on the camera. The builtin flash
is OK but it isn't very powerful and it's prone to redeye problems
because it is mounted so close to the lens. At least with the
hot shoe you now have the alternative of adding any flash unit
you want. " (04:00 GMT)
Ever wonder WHY manufacturers drop the price of
products?... hmmm.
Agfa
Corporation's Desktop Products Group (USA-DTP), a leading provider
of award-winning digital cameras and desktop scanners announced
today that they have cut the price of the ePhoto CL50 digital
camera. Effective immediately, the ePhoto CL50 - a high-performing
digital camera targeted to business professionals and technology
enthusiasts who require advanced features, ease-of-use and a photo-quality,
mega-pixel image - is currently available for $699. (04:00 GMT)
So today is Monday 16th, my site is down but I can
still create news items, so hopefully y'all see this as soon as
things get better.
Sony
have now revealed that the new DSC digicam will have a -50 to
+90 degree swivel lens, also what looks like a top of lens assembly
flash mount. Indicated by the latest picture on their website.
Visitors, first of all many thanks go out to the
suprisingly large number of emails I received during the most
recent downtime expressing support for the website and hopes that
problems are resolved soon.
Unhappy with the current hosting provider I'm happy
to announce we'll be moving the whole site to a new dedicated
server over the next seven to ten days. (12:30 GMT)
EXCLUSIVE:
This from an anonymous source, I've received a photograph of Canon's
S10, a 2.1 megapixel, 2x zoom, A50 look-alike. News from various sources
contradicts itself, some say this is simply a mock-up prototype, some
say it's product and will be launched in a month or so. Only time
will tell. (04:00 GMT)
Just
posted: Our latest digital camera review, the Kodak DC280 Zoom.
The DC280 Zoom fits into the new Kodak line of digital cameras
just below the recently announced DC290, the DC280 has a 30mm
- 60mm (2x) zoom lens, 2.3 megapixel CCD and a host of built-in
features designed to satisify the medium-level digital camera
enthusiasts.
"The DC280 obviously shares
its body (with a few styling changes) with the DC240 and is a
natural progression from that camera. With a few "quirks", and
some great ergonomic touches." (04:00 GMT)
And Sony reveal a little more info, auto/manual focus,
macro mode, manual white balance preset, spot metering and
by fiddling with the image they've posted I've managed to discover
it has a 10 x zoom (can't confirm if that's 10 x optical or 5
x optical, 2 x digital). We also know it has an L shaped profile,
video output, will use Memory Stick for storage (whoopy doo!),
has a Carl Zeiss lens and USB. Other rumours indicate a 5x zoom
lens.
Kodak
today announce the Kodak DC290 which is a 2.1 (? actually the
CCD is 2.3 megapixels) megapixel version of the Kodak DC265. Oh,
and there's an uncompressed mode... Suggested retail price $1,099.
Oddly they seem to have opted for an optional interpolated
resolution which pushes the image up to 2240x1500 (Ultra mode)
which equates to 3.3 megapixels. Remember, this is just interpolated,
not the true resolution of the CCD (you can't create detail you
don't capture).
Much
to my displeasure Imaging-Resource have posted a review of the
Kodak DC280 a full two days before my NDA allows me to release
my complete review, I've had a DC280 since early July on an extended
loan and review and am only allowed to publish that review after
the 14th.. Looks like a communication problem between Kodak Singapore
and Kodak US. (04:00 GMT)
Again,
another layer is revealed, now you can see a "bikini"
picture of their upcoming DSC digicam. We now know it has an L
shaped profile, video output, will use Memory Stick for storage
(whoopy doo!), has a Carl Zeiss lens and USB. Other rumours indicate
a 5x zoom lens. (04:00 GMT)
Steve's
been busy again! This time he's had his hands on the wonderful Kodak
Pro DCS620 (which I've previously reviewed)
and the new 340MB IBM Microdrive which he tests in the DCS620 and
a Canon Pro 70. (04:00 GMT)
PC
Watch post a Kodak DC215 Zoom first impression, professional photographer
Yamada offers his opinions on Kodak's new slimline entry-level zoom
digicam. (04:00 GMT)
Some
of the digital photography enthusiast out their in Europe and
Asia were lucky enough to point their cameras skyward and capture
the last total eclipse of the millenium, here we'll list some
web pages of digital camera users who managed to get some shots.
Haha..
I had a little chuckle to myself, Sony really are playing with
us on this new digicam, talk about building hype. They've revealed
a new layer today, the fact that the new DSC digicam sports a
Carl Zeiss lens.
Imagining-Resource working from an anonymous tip-off
also reckon it's the same form factor as the DSC-F55 with a 5X
lens and using MemoryStick (yurch!) for storage. Look out for
another installment of the great Sony DSC Soap Opera tomorrow. (04:00 GMT)
Sony
have the wrappings over their latest digicam as shown on the product
webpage, the wrappings will come off tomorrow (11th Aug) according
to the Japanese page. (04:00 GMT)
Nikon finally release the updater for Windows! It's
been a long wait for most NTSC Coolpix 950 owners, Nikon mysteriously
published the firmware updated for Mac way back but withdrew the
Windows updater. Here are the official list of bugs fixed in this
release:
The "self portrait mode" green pixel problem
has been eliminated.
Settings that were not retained when the LCD
was turned off are now saved
Improved System reliability many of the bugs
causing camera freeze up have been eliminated
Focus speed in Macro operation has been optimized
Improved visibility of LCD when shooting with flash, the LCD
will not dim when shooting with the flash.
Improved Auto file numbering system operation,
this may mean the sequential numbering problems have been
resolved
PC Watch Digital Camera Sales Charts:
In Japan, the Fuji MX1500 bursts its way into the first place in the
sales charts, the Olympus C2000Z is pushed down to second place and
Kodak's new DC280 breaks in at number 7. (04:00 GMT)
SST (Silicon Storage Technology, Inc., Nasdaq:SSTI)
today announced it has expanded its CompactFlash card family to
include 32 MByte and 48 MByte density cards. The new cards are
based on SST's patented ATA controller technology and flash memory
design expertise. Because of this technology, SST's CompactFlash
cards offer the industry's fastest sustained write performance,
up to 1.4 MByte/sec. This speed benefits users of CompactFlash
cards in applications such as digital cameras, where a faster
write performance leads to significantly lower set-up time between
pictures. With the addition of these new products, SST's CompactFlash
card family now includes cards ranging in densities from 4 to
48 MBytes.
What does this mean for the consumers? Well, cheaper
OEM branded CF cards. (04:00 GMT)
Phew! - Welcome to the new single paged (no frames)
Digital Photography Review. It's been a long job but I've finally
converted all the previously framed pages in the site to non-framed,
in the process I've streamlined alot of the back-end database
design and associated scripts.
Here's a quick run-down of the changes:
Removal of frames to a single-page approach
(all pages in site) - easier to bookmark particular parts
of the site, better for search engines, faster loading, more
browser compatible
Conversion of ALL reviews to standard review
format
Ability to get a printable version from glossary
entries and news articles (review printing coming soon)
Better linking of news articles to forum entries
Updated glossary now database driven
Re-written comparison and side-by-side engine
(better performance)
Cleaned up forums (inc. bug fixes)
Reduced use of graphics, reduced all graphic
sizes (faster loading)
Ability to view a full months news articles
at a time
Cleaner design sidebar
Removal of old galleries and articles (spring
clean...)
And much more... (which you're unlikely to
_see_ as it's backend, but you should _feel_ it in better
performance)
Just a quick note to let all my visitors know that
you WILL experience some downtime on the site over the next 24
hours (when exactly it will take place I'm not quite sure,
it should take about two hours total). The downtime is to install
the latest version of the site with lots of changes (I'll post
a complete list of improvements when the site is live).
The most signficant difference between the current
site and the new site will be lack of frames, I've listened to
the feedback I've received, many users would like to bookmark
individual areas of the site but can't do so when the site runs
in frames, so they will be no more, this also has the side-effect
of making everything load slightly faster and being easier to
manage.
More info as soon as the new site is live.... (04:00 GMT)
Stumbled
across this excellently written Nikon D1 (Professional Digital
SLR) report by John Henshall, a recommended read for anyone interested
in the Digital SLR which is likely to completely shake up the
diigtal camera market.
John says: "The D1 should
please photojournalists, other professional photographers and
serious amateurs when it delivers in October 1999. It's not just
the low price of the Nikon D1 which makes it an important product,
though the price will undoubted persuade many more photographers
that now is the time to take the plunge." (04:00 GMT)
Just
received a note from long-time reader David S. Weikel that Olympus
32MB SmartMedia is finally shipping in the US, which will be a
huge relief for C2000Z owners who are struggling on 8 and 16MB
SmartMedia cards. Here's an extract of his email:
"After waiting patiently for over a month,
I finally received my order for 4 pieces from hardwarestreet.com.
Of course the only way the C2000Z will do a locked exposure panoramic
series is with Olympus brand media and these work just fine."
(Thanks also to David for the picture).
David got four pieces giving him a total of 128MB!!!
(04:00 GMT)
Kodak
Japan announce the new Kodak DC215 Zoom aimed squarely at the
small, light pocketable end of the market it's the direct successor
to the DC210 equipped with a 29mm - 58mm zoom (2x) and 1/3"
1 megapixel CCD (1152 x 864).
Casio
has today announced a new two megapixel version of its ultra small, ultra
thin 'Exilim' digital camera / MP3 player. There are two models both of
which have the same digital camera functionality, the EX-M1 simply adds
MP3 audio playback capability. Both of the new Exilim models have a 2
megapixel CCD, fixed 37 mm equiv. lens, internal RAM and SD/MMC storage
slot, 1.6" TFT LCD and can take still images and movie clips. The
EX-S2 weighs in at just 86 g (3 oz) without its battery. (12:25 GMT)
Exclusive:
Here it is, the review I'm sure many of you have been
waiting for. The Sony DSC-F505. A very capable and interesting
camera, with great image quality, lots of functionality and one
of the best LCD's I've ever used on a digital camera.
Rob
Galbraith has published a new Nikon D1 report plus some sample
images. Funny how some of us are allowed to publish D1 samples,
and some aren't... (probably because the one I shot with was a
Japanese prototype)...
Just
received an email about this very interesting new service on the
net which allows you to turn your digital photos into real prints,
here's the press release:
So,
my prototype was a product after all :) About three weeks ago we published
a picture and specifications of a product named the S10, today Canon
have officially announced it and it matches our specifications and
design. (04:00 GMT)
5.8 %
