News

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the new compact DiMAGE
Z5 -- a digital camera that offers a built-in 12x optical Mega Zoom lens,
Konica Minolta's proprietary Anti-Shake System, 5.0-megapixel CCD, fast
overall response including Rapid autofocusing (AF), and a large 2.0-inch LCD
screen.

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LightScribe and LaCie have announced that they are partnering to offer the first
direct disc labeling drive for Macintosh computers. For the first time, Macintosh
customers can burn the data side of a disc, then flip the disc over and burn a
precise, iridescent label with their desired text and graphics using the same
laser that burns the data. No printer, permanent marker or adhesive labeling is
required to develop and burn creative designs onto the CD or DVD.



LightScribe uses the LaCie d2 DVD±RW Double Layer drive's existing
laser to deliver precisely controlled light energy to the disc through an innovative
circular writing system. The light energy causes a visible chemical change in
the dye coating. The result is a high-resolution label image of art, text or photos.
Because the labels are laser etched in a coating applied during disc manufacture,
no ink or adhesive labels are required.



The LaCie d2 DVD±RW Double Layer supports burning a full 4.7GB DVD in about
five minutes, as well as burning to double layer discs that offer twice the capacity.
Easy-to-use DVD creation software allows people to create movies in a matter of
minutes complete with menus, thumbnails and backgrounds. With the LightScribe
technology, customers can also burn a label that is a high-resolution reproduction
of their artwork, text or photos.



LaCie d2 DVD±RW Double Layer drives with LightScribe will be available
in early 2005.



www.lacie.com

www.lightscribe.com...

Casio, Inc. has introduced the EXILIM PRO EX-P700, with a 7.2 million megapixel
CCD and 4X optical zoom. The EX-P700 will be available for a MSRP $599.99. The
EX-P700 features a 4X optical zoom (coupled with 4X digital zoom), combined
with a large 2.0-inch LCD screen. The camera has a claimed start-up time of
approximately 2.0 seconds and a 0.01 second release time lag. The EX-P700 also
features a high speed continuous shooting function that can take 3 photos per
second up to 5 photos. New features include Flash Assist, which operates during
flash photography to compensate for underexposure in areas which are not reached
by flash and Auto Macro, which automatically switches between Macro mode and
AF mode. One of the most interesting features is what Casio calls Business Shot,
which compensates for photos taken at an angle and records them as though taken
from straight ahead. While exposure, white balance and focus position are quickly
set with a single press of the shutter, the multi-bracketing feature enables
a variety of shots with different color effects to be taken in combination with
the rapid shooting function.



www.casio.com

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Nikon Inc. has announced pricing and availability for its D2X professional
digital SLR camera introduced at Photokina last year (see Jan, 2005 Shutterbug,
or visit at www.shutterbug
.com). The camera will begin shipping on February 25, 2005 with a suggested
street price of $4999.95 (MSRP $6299.95). Designed as a truly versatile workhorse
camera for many professional disciplines, the 12.4 million-pixel D2X blends
high levels of resolution and class-leading speed. The D2X can comfortably shoot
full resolution 12.4 million pixel images at 5 frames per second (up to 21 consecutive
JPEGS and 15 NEFs), and when the situation demands yet faster frame rates, the
D2X has a unique 6.8 megapixel 'High Speed Cropped Image' mode that boosts the
shooting rate to 8 frames per second (up to 35 consecutive JPEGs or 26 NEFs)
by cropping the number of pixels used on the sensor to create the image.

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If you're an underwater photo fan, or just like to photograph in all sorts
of weather, or when surfing, etc. you are probably going to be interested in
the Pentax Optio WP. This small, 5-megapixel camera has a 3X zoom, a 2.0 inch
low reflection LCD, 10MB built-in memory, quick start-up, a nine point autofocus
system and captures movies at 30 frames per second in JPEG format.

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The new C-7070 Wide Zoom from Olympus features a wide-angle lens on a magnesium body and a 7.1-megapixel CCD. With its 4x optical zoom wide-angle lens (equivalent
to 27 to 110mm, f2.8 -- f.8.0), the C-7070 Wide Zoom enables photographers
to capture more of their field of view. For nature photographers, the C-7070
features a Super Macro mode that enables shooting from 1.18 inches. The camera's
1.8-inch Semi-Transmissive swivel LCD makes it easy to take pictures at any
angle -- above the head, from the side, or with the camera placed on the
ground. The LCD can even be swiveled 180° for taking self-portraits. And
while conventional LCD screens appear dim against bright light, the Semi-Transmissive
LCD technology is said to provide excellent high-contrast visibility in any
light condition. The camera body is constructed of magnesium alloy with a rubberized.
The camera is also compact, measuring 4.9" (W) x 3.3" (H) x 3.9"
(D) and weighs 15.3 ounces.

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