Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic Starts Pilot Production of 50-GIGABYTE Blu-ray Discs in Torrance, California - New Dual-Layer Spin Coat Technology Doubles Disc Capacity

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/—Panasonic has modified its existing pilot production line for single-layer Blu-ray Discs, called BD-ROM, so that it is able to replicate dual-layer BD-ROM discs with 50 gigabytes (GB) of storage capacity. The new pilot replication line is housed within the Panasonic Disc Manufacturing Corporation of America, which is located here in Torrance, Calif. Single-layer Blu-ray Discs have 25 GB of storage capacity for holding video and other data, while current DVD discs have 8.5 GB of storage at most.

Colour Confidence Press Release

Loyalty Pays! Colour Confidence Delivers the GretagMacbeth Customer Loyalty Programme

Birmingham UK, 1st December, 2005 - Colour Confidence, the leading independent colour management specialists, are today announcing their central role in the GretagMacbeth Customer Loyalty Programme.

The Customer Loyalty Programme has been launched to allow existing Eye-One users to upgrade to the latest technology and receive a discount based on the age of their existing system.

Customers who wish to take advantage of the Customer Loyalty Programme can visit www.colourconfidence.com/gmbloyalty and order the appropriate solution at Colour Confidence’s standard web price. The new Eye-One will then be shipped to the customer and when the old Eye-One system is returned, the customer will be refunded the trade-in value.

CameraBright Press Release

CameraBright Introduces Two New Products That Address the Growing Digital SLR Camera and High-End Camcorder Markets

The Extended Range Plus CameraBright!(TM)ER+ Light Delivers Durability for Digital SLR or Camcorder Users, While the HS1 Hotshoe Mount Adds Versatility for Connecting Any CameraBright!(TM) Light to a Universal Shoe Mount

ARVADA, CO—(MARKET WIRE)—12/05/2005—CameraBright, Inc. expands its product line of the world’s only consumer-based photographic lighting accessory product line by introducing two new products, the CameraBright! X1-ER Plus lighting accessory with durable metal threads for heavier use applications and the HS1 universal camera shoe adapter for connecting any of the available CameraBright! lighting accessories to a digital SLR camera or camcorder shoe mount. CameraBright! X1 lighting accessories connect to virtually any digital camera or camcorder to allow users to capture better pictures and videos in low and no light situations.

Kingston Technology Press Release

Kingston Launches New “Ultimate” Line of CompactFlash Cards - 100x Write Speed Helps Maximize Camera Functions and Gives Photographers Competitive Edge in High-Speed Shooting Conditions

Fountain Valley, CA – December 1, 2005 – Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of its new “Ultimate” line of CompactFlash cards.

With a sustained write speed rating of 100x, Kingston’s CompactFlash Ultimate cards offer the performance that high-end digital cameras and other fast capture and storage function devices need to perform at peak levels. The one, two and four-GB storage capacities of Kingston’s CompactFlash Ultimate cards meet the increased demands of today’s professional photographers by delivering reliability and dependability.

The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the Canon Speedlite 430EX flashgun, which replaces the Speedlite 420EX and increases the guide number to 43.

“One of the primary differences between the 430EX and the 580EX is the amount of light each can provide. The 430EX has a Guide Number of 141’ (43 m) while the 580EX has a Guide Number of 190’ (58 m) (both at 105mm). The 430EX is not under powered for many uses, but the 580EX’s significant power advantage can become important when using a flash modifier such as an umbrella, softbox or diffuser - or bouncing light off a high ceiling. In addition to being more powerful, the 580EX allows 1/1 (full power) to 1/128 in 1/3-stop increments while the 430EX allows power settings from 1/1 to 1/64 in more granular 1-stop increments.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Canon Speedlite 430EX Review

Intro 2020 Press Release

With immediate effect, Intro 2020 are sole UK importers and distributors of TAMRAC photo, luggage and computer cases.

The full range of TAMRAC product include carrying systems for camera, video, digital, backpacks, rolling cases and more. Full product details can be found on our web site at www.intro2020.co.uk.

The Idea Is Born - The concept behind Tamrac’s camera carrying systems was conceived in 1977. Tamrac’s founders were outdoor enthusiasts who loved nature photography. They, like many amateur and professional photographers, had a strong need for camera bags that were tough enough to offer excellent protection, yet were easy to carry and allowed fast access to camera equipment to capture spontaneous wildlife pictures.

Pretec Press Release

Pretec 2 GB miniSD - The largest capacity miniSD in the World

Taipei, Taiwan December 3, 2005 –– Pretec Electronics Corp., the 1st in the world to demonstrate MMC 4.0 card since 2004, and the 1st in the world to offer 4GB SD card since July 2005, has released 2GB miniSD™, the largest capacity miniSD card today at IT Month 2005 (Hall 3, Booth G165) in Taipei.

Mobile devices using the Pretec 2GB miniSD card can store more than 500 MP3 songs or more than 4000 digital photos. The Pretec 2GB miniSD™ card also provides a tremendous advantage for the latest multimedia mobile phones designed with a miniSD™ slot, which typically require larger capacity when hours of recorded audio and/or video data (such as MPEG4 movie) are needed; the 1st in the world, Pretec 2GB miniSD™ card can extend from 0.5-1 hour of high quality MPEG-4 playback/recording to 1-2 hours by doubling or even quadrupling the maximum capacity available for today’s advanced high quality PDA/mobile phones.

Delkin Devices Press Release

Delkin Devices Announces Universal Pop-Up Shade for Digital Point and Shoot Cameras - Four Models Fit Most Digital Cameras, Block Glare, and Protect Expensive Camera Screen

November 30, 2005 Poway, CA— Delkin Devices, Inc., maker of premium quality eFilm® memory cards and other innovative digital photography products, is now shipping the Universal version of their popular Pop-Up Shades.  All Pop-Up Shades allow you to see your camera’s LCD screen in the sun and protect it from damage.  The sturdy, lightweight covers are easily installed and protect a digital camera’s expensive LCD screen. Universal Pop-Up Shades are designed to work on most digital point and shoot cameras and feature a new two-part design that allows the shade portion to be removed, leaving the LCD guard in place.

The Universal Pop-Up Shade is available in four digital camera LCD sizes: 1.6”, 1.8”, 2.0”, and 2.5”. The 1.6” also fits digital cameras with a 1.5” LCD. These four sizes fit over 90% of digital point and shoot cameras available.

Medea International Press Release

New patented inkjet cartridges provide users with up to 30% more printed pages

London, UK, December 1, 2005.  An innovative and patented inkjet cartridge technology from Medea International is set to revolutionise the supplies industry.  The new ‘Inkrite PhotoPLUS’ technology brings many benefits which include up to a 30% increase in printed pages when compared to other 3rd party consumables and additionally at around 40% lower cost when compared to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) products.

Available now, the ‘Inkrite PhotoPLUS’ cartridges are designed for use with the most popular printers found on today’s market and will replicate life-like images of outstanding high quality.

Whilst these inkjet cartridges are aimed at all users, they will be of particular interest to the growing population of digital photographers.  This type of application requires accurate replication of saturated colours and smoother tonal reproduction than traditional printing.  The ‘Inkrite PhotoPLUS’ system delivers high-quality photographic images by providing both colour and greyscale performance.  The specially formulated inks ensure long lasting colour and lightfastness.

Iomega Press Release

Iomega Launches Elegant New MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive for the Mac Mini - Stackable External Drive With Dual USB and FireWire Hubs - Boosts Mac Mini Capabilities

SAN DIEGO, November 30, 2005 – Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in data storage celebrating 25 years of business, today launched the perfect companion to the Apple® Mac® Mini computer: the exciting new Iomega® MiniMax™ Desktop Hard Drive in 160GB and 250GB* capacities. The stackable Iomega MiniMax Drive mirrors the look of the Apple Mac Mini computer and comes with twin USB 2.0 and FireWire® data hubs, bringing increased data capacity, accessibility and flexibility to devoted users of the Mac Mini.

The new Iomega MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive is compact in design, but packs a lot in performance, value and features.  The MiniMax Drive is just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches tall and easily stacks with the Apple Mac Mini.  The MiniMax Drive is a practical upgrade to the internal 40GB or 80GB native capacity of the Mac mini, delivering up to 250GB* in storage capacity along with a 3-port Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) hub and 3-port FireWire® hub. A smart power switch allows the drive to power up and down in concert with the Mac Mini, and a specially designed active/passive cooling system keeps the desktop virtually noiseless. Dantz® Retrospect™ backup software is included for hassle-free backups and data recovery for Mac users, along with Iomega IAB Pro backup software for Windows users.

Leica Press Release

Leica Camera AG, Solms has now introduced a new adapter for connecting high-performance LEICA TELEVID scopes with digital cameras and camera phones, enabling both observation and digital photography at high magnification through a scope. The LEICA DIGITAL ADAPTER 2 is optimally prepared for use with the new LEICA D-LUX 2. This compact digital camera features an integrated image stabilizer for added protection against blurred images in all photographic situations, and is therefore particularly suitable when working with the long focal lengths customary in digiscoping. Clearly readable even in daylight, the bright display of the LEICA D-LUX 2 is ideal for frame selection and image composition when digiscoping. Combined with the LEICA TELEVID scope models and eyepieces, the camera provides ambitious bird- and nature watchers with a complete high-performance Leica Digiscoping outfit for nature photography.

FotoInsight Press Release

FotoInsight.co.uk Launches New Photobook in the UK

The innovative photo book featuring 26 glossy satin finish pages takes up to 312 pictures and can be ordered online without any special software

In time for the holiday gift shopping season, FotoInsight of Cambridge launches an innovative 26 page photo book displaying up to 312 images through its online photo processing service. Presenting someone with a personalised, hardbound photo book, complete with the details of an adventure illustrated with own photographs is arguably the greatest gift idea this year. The new photo book can be ordered from FotoInsight.com online without need for any special digital photo album software. The lay-out tool allows for text and various picture formats and sizes. The photobook is the latest addition to Europe’s most innovative range of photo gifts at http://www.fotoinsight.co.uk/.

Unipart Press Release

Renowned photographer, Patrick Lichfield, photographed 17 years of the world-famous Unipart calendars and was working on his favourite selection of images before his sudden death in November.

In his own words, the idea was to produce “a best of the Unipart Calendars.” After consulting his family, Unipart has agreed to honour his memory by producing a limited edition, 2006 calendar, featuring the Lichfield Selection. This unique calendar will be made directly available to the public.

The last Lichfield Unipart Calendar will be sold to raise funds for two charities, Acorns and automotive industry charity - BEN. Lord Lichfield was the founding patron of Acorns, a Midlands-based charity which supports three children’s hospices as well as providing home-based services. He remained a committed patron and supporter until his death.

Olympus UK Press Release

Olympus photographers now have access to a range of unrivalled High Speed xD-Picture Cards™, allowing them to achieve lightning-fast image capture and startling new image effects.  The new High Speed xD-Picture Cards™, when used in conjunction with Olympus digital cameras and software, will enable users to create amazing ‘art effects’ and 3D images.

Favourite images can be made into eye-catching cartoon art, oil painting or water colour, while the 3D function makes it simple to create pictures that leap out at the viewer. These features mean users will have as much fun enhancing images captured with Olympus cameras as they do searching for the perfect shot.

The 512mb and 1GB High Speed xD-Picture Cards™ are available from mid to late December (dates are subject to change).

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fuji Magnetics GmbH today announced that the Fujifilm DVD-R 1X-16X optical media for Labelflash™ technology would be available in the European market in early December. This new technology is jointly developed by Yamaha Corporation and Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Labelflash™ technology advances the ability to burn high quality images directly into a specialised dye layer on the disc labelling side using laser for data recording. This technology allows consumers to personalise and customise their DVDs with photos, text and graphics, replacing traditional sticker and marker labelling. These new discs are also compatible with the latest 1X-16X speed for data writing as well.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie Introduces the Brick, an Exclusive Design by Ora-Ïto Stackable Hard Drives in White, Red and Blue

November 22, 2005

  * Build a mighty storage collection, one LaCie Brick at a time
  * Mobile and Desktop Editions with storage up to 500GB
  * Building block hard drives for the kid in everyone

LaCie introduces a playful new set of stackable hard drives in vibrant white, red and blue colors: the LaCie Brick Desktop Edition (3.5” from 160-500GB) and Mobile Edition (2.5” from 40-120GB). For this unique range, LaCie teamed up with renowned designer Ora-Ïto to create colorful building block-shaped hard drives—making everyday storage and backup not only functional, but fun.

Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line Releases the FD-50 Housing for Nikon D-50 Digital Camera

Fantasea Line, distributor of the world’s most popular and affordable underwater photographic products, announces the release of the FD-50 waterproof camera housing for the Digital SLR Nikon D-50. The Fantasea FD-50 is a compact, lightweight, injection molded polycarbonate housing with ergonomically designed handles, making it easy to hold and use. The FD-50’s interchangeable port system accommodates a wide variety of SLR lenses, allowing photographers to capture the widest variety of superior underwater images.

The Fantasea FD-50 is more than just an underwater camera housing since it provides protection for the D-50 against damage from rain, snow, dust, sand and dirt. It is a valuable tool for many commercial, industrial, and medical applications, because it is resistant to most liquids and sprays.

Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line announces the release of the Fantasea FSB 800 flash Housing for the Nikon SB 800 Speedlight. Specifically designed for the Nikon SB 800 Speedlight, the FSB 800 provides full controls for all flash functions including iTTL when used with the Fantasea FD-50 and Fantasea FD-70 housings and Nikon D-50 or D-70 cameras. The housing includes the 5 Pin Nikonos Sync Cord to be used with Fantasea’s FD- 50 and 70 camera housings. In addition the FSB 800 can also work with other manufacturers’ Nikon DSLR housings, but only once the sync cord compatibility has been determined.

LowePro Press Release

LOWEPRO DEVELOPES ANOTHER INDUSTRY FIRST:  THE NEW DRYZONE ROVER BACKPACK SAFELY COMBINES A HYDRATION SYSTEM WITH CAMERA EQUIPMENT

A Split Level Backpack Combines Waterproof Camera Protection With Personal Storage And A Hydration System To Create A Perfect Solution For Any Outdoor Adventure

Santa Rosa, CA – October 20, 2005 – Lowepro, the worldwide leader of protective cases and backpacks for imaging products and a 35-year history of “industry firsts,” continues to revolutionize the industry and exceed photographer’s expectations with the introduction of its new DryZone Rover backpack.  The new backpack is the first of its kind to incorporate a hydration system with a camera carrying solution.  The result is a versatile bag for outdoor and adventure photographers to rely on in some of the most extreme conditions in the world, as they have done with Lowepro for more than 35 years.

Designed for quick and easy access to equipment and personal gear in the upper compartment, the DryZone Rover’s lower compartment is kept completely waterproof by utilizing a unique T-Zip® EasySeal zipper and a rubber-coated nylon DryPod with heat sealed seams.  In addition to being waterproof, the DryZone Rover is buoyancy-certified to 35 pounds and allows photographers to work in extreme environments without fear of losing the entire backpack and its contents if dropped into water.

Kodak Press Release

KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery and Gap Offer a Fashionable Gift for Sharing Photos This Holiday Season Available Only at kodakgallery.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 21, 2005—Show off your style and give a personalized gift they’ll never forget this holiday season. KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery and Gap have joined together to help you capture and share your favorite pictures in a limited-edition dark denim-covered Kodak Photo Book with ‘Favorites’ embossed on the cover.

“KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery’s exclusive Gap ‘Favorites’ dark denim Photo Book is a perfect gift for that tastemaker on your list and a great way to share your stories with friends and family members,” said David Rich, vice president of marketing & channel sales, KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery.