News

There's lots to like about the new Olympus C-7000 camera, including the
size of the image files it puts out and the "seamless" 30X zoom
(5X optical and 6X digital combined) that delivers better quality digital zooms
than many cameras we've worked with in the past. The C-7000 is aimed at
those who like to get involved with their photography, and offers as many options
and modes as you could desire. They certainly make this a camera that allows
you to flex your creative muscles. Granted, you have to delve into the menu
to get at most of the options, something that helps streamline the body but
can hold up spontaneous changes.

...

Several new dye sub printers have been recently announced. These printers employ
thermal transfer technology--they apply heat to a special ink ribbon to produce
colored gas that forms an image on special media. All provide approximately
300dpi resolution, plenty for continuous tone output.



High Speed Pro Printers

Kodak recently introduced two new roll-fed thermal transfer 300dpi Professional
models (with automatic cutters) that generate high quality output for use as
proofs or for immediate sale. Both employ Ektatherm media said to produce prints
that will "last a lifetime". An archival rating has not yet been
published. (They require a computer running Windows 2000 or XP; Mac support
is not available at this time.) The Professional 6850 Digital Photo Printer
is lightning fast. It can deliver 6x8-inch glossies in 15 seconds or 4x6's
in a mere 4 seconds -- hundreds of such photos in a series (without operator
intervention) when high volume is required. (List price $2900; cost per print
not stated; available in August 2005.)

...

Incorporating
upgrades based on user feedback and advancement in technologies, Nikon (www.nikondigital.com)
today introduced the D70s 6.1-effective megapixel digital SLR camera. The D70s
builds on the success of the D70, with multiple internal and external refinements
including an improved autofocus system, larger LCD monitor, the addition of
a remote cord port, new graphic user interface, among several other enhancements.
The Nikon D70s has a DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor and an improved
autofocus system delivers enhanced performance, especially in Dynamic area AF
and Dynamic area AF with closest subject priority modes. This combined with
Nikon's unique Dynamic Buffer technology (that allows the camera to continuously
take up to 144 pictures at a speed of three pictures per second) makes the D70s
even more responsive and when photographing fast moving subjects.



The D70s incorporates a host of new enhancements and refinements internally
and externally, in addition to all of the advanced features and innovations
found in the D70:

· A refined 5-area autofocus system now has an all-area search priority
to go along with the camera's single area, dynamic area, and close subject
priorities, improving the camera's ability to acquire focus on fast moving
subjects within the frame.

· The camera now boasts a larger 2.0" LCD monitor, making it easier
for users to review images and access menus.

· A new remote port for the MC-DC1 electronic cable release (optional)
allows users to trigger the camera and hold the shutter open via an electronic
cable release

· A built-in Speedlight with a wider angle of coverage, supports 18mm
lenses.

· A new easier-to-read menu design in the D70s uses color-coded menus,
and a larger type-face.

· A higher capacity EN-EL3a battery offers users more pictures per charge.
The EN-EL3a battery comes with a new, smaller MH-18a battery charger. Both the
new battery and charger are included with the D70s.

...

DxO Labs has made available a public beta version of its soon-to-be released
DxO Optics Pro version 3.0 software. DxO Optics Pro V3.0 automatically enhances
images produced by Digital Single-Lens Reflex (Digital-SLR) cameras and their
lenses with revolutionary optics, noise and lighting corrections packed in an
all-new, easy-to-use feature rich application.



Serious photographers worldwide are invited to download and test-drive DxO Optics
Pro V3.0 from the DxO Labs Web site (http://www.dxo.com) and provide feedback
on all aspects of this landmark application.



DxO Labs' unique, automatic optical corrections are a core part of DxO
Optics Pro V3.0. Based on sophisticated models of camera and lens performance,
DxO Optics Engine together with the associated lens correction modules automatically
removes lens distortion, vignetting, lens softness and lateral chromatic aberration.
Corrections can be accomplished automatically with no user interaction required
even though the corrections required can differ greatly from one image to the
next.



Based on a set of unique algorithms developed by DxO Labs and on precise camera
sensor modelization, the all-new DxO Noise Engine automatically achieves a reduction
of up to two stops in image noise while preserving maximum detail. For example,
an image shot at 1600 ISO and processed by DxO Noise Engine will present a noise
level equivalent to an image shot at 400 ISO.



A brand new DxO technology included in this release, DxO Lighting is a unique
local exposure and dynamic range optimizer. Automatically replicating analog
film techniques known as "dodging and burning", DxO Lighting Engine
brings out shadow detail of digital image files while preserving highlights,
textures, colors and a natural look.

...

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. has announced newly designed packaging
for Konica Minolta's entire line of inkjet papers. Available in July 2005,
the newly designed packaging enables consumers to readily identify the Konica
Minolta family of inkjet papers and easily compare and select the type of paper
best suited for them and their home printing needs.

...

Most of today's modern cameras have some type of motorized film advance
mechanism already integrated into the camera body. Motor drives are the separate
accessory attachments that were commonplace just a few years ago, and now are
most often found on the used shelf in your favorite camera specialty retailer
or on auction sites.

...

Epson America Inc. has introduced the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 and Epson UltraChrome K3 inks. The
Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment ink set is said to ensures both a wider color gamut
and
superior black and white output with enhanced print permanence ratings. With three
levels of black and advanced driver controls, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 replaces
the Epson Stylus Photo 2200.