News
X-Rite Press Release
X-RITE TO ACQUIRE AMAZYS HOLDING AG, Agreement Will Create a Global Leader in the Color Industry
Combination Expected to Lead to Enhanced Quality, Increased Scale, Greater Innovation and Improved Operational Efficiency
Grandville, Mich. / Regensdorf, Switzerland, January 31, 2006 – X-Rite, Incorporated (Nasdaq: XRIT) and Amazys Holding AG (SWX: AMSN), two leading providers of color measurement solutions comprised of hardware, software and services for the verification and communication of color data, today jointly announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which X-Rite will offer to purchase all of the outstanding registered shares of Amazys Holding AG for a purchase price of approximately US$280 million or CHF 77 per share plus 2.11 shares of X-Rite, Incorporated stock per share. Amazys develops, markets and supports hardware, software and services to measure and communicate color under the GretagMacbeth brand.
X-Rite Press Release X-RITE TO ACQUIRE AMAZYS HOLDING AG, Agreement Will Create a Global Leader in the Color Industry Combination Expected to Lead to Enhanced Quality, Increased Scale, Greater Innovation and Improved Operational Efficiency Grandville, Mich. / Regensdorf, Switzerland, January 31, 2006 – X-Rite, Incorporated (Nasdaq: XRIT) and Amazys Holding…
H&M System Software Press Release
H&M System Software Announces StudioLine Photo Classic 3 - New Version of the High-performance Image Database
Rödermark, 31st January-06 – H&M System Software today unveils StudioLine Photo Classic 3. This new version adds major features, including a new user interface, an enhanced descriptor panel, a new load assistant, custom layouts of web galleries, import and export of image descriptions in XML format, management of sound and video data from digital cameras and a search by time spans. This update also marks H&M’s plans to diversify the StudioLine product portfolio. Following the “Classic” version of this software for easy and safe management, editing and presentation of digital photos, a professional version is to be released later in 2006. For beginners H&M continues to offer the new version StudioLine Photo Basic 3 as a free download. StudioLine Photo Classic 3 for Windows XP, 2000, ME and 98 is available from H&M’s online shop at www.studioline.net priced €59 (download), €69 (CD) and coming soon, a boxed product at €89.
H&M System Software Press Release H&M System Software Announces StudioLine Photo Classic 3 - New Version of the High-performance Image Database Rödermark, 31st January-06 – H&M System Software today unveils StudioLine Photo Classic 3. This new version adds major features, including a new user interface, an enhanced descriptor panel, a…
DxO Labs Press Release
DxO Labs announces the closing of a €10.6 million round of financing to boost its international presence - Leading private equity group Apax Partners leads new investment.
Paris, France—January 30, 2006 – DxO Labs, a French software company developing advanced image processing technologies for the mobile imaging industry and other digital consumer imaging markets, today announces the closing of a 10.6 million Euro round of funding. Apax Partners France leads the new investment, joining historic investors including Société Générale Asset Management, SPEF Venture, Thalès Ventures/ACE Management as well as Japanese funds, CSK Venture Capital and Hitachi Venture. “Apax Partners’ investment and international network will help us continue to pursue our aggressive approach to business development in Asia and in the United States and our growth in the digital imaging marketplace,” says Jerome Meniere, founder and CEO of DxO Labs. “We will now be able to answer locally the huge customer traction we are experiencing from leading players in this space.”
DxO Labs Press Release DxO Labs announces the closing of a €10.6 million round of financing to boost its international presence - Leading private equity group Apax Partners leads new investment. Paris, France—January 30, 2006 – DxO Labs, a French software company developing advanced image processing technologies for the mobile…
Wiley Press Release
PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 SOLUTIONS: The Art of Digital Photography
As the popularity of digital cameras continues to increase, so, too, does the use of image editing software. Photoshop Elements provides digital photographers with most of the features and functions of Photoshop - and a few features not available anywhere else - at a fraction of Photoshop’s price. PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 SOLUTIONS: The Art of Digital Photography (Sybex, an imprint of Wiley; January 2006; $29.99) is the ultimate full-color guide for Elements users looking to get more from the program. Full of practical solutions enhanced with stunning full-color images, this book is devoted to the creative tasks faced by today’s photographer, from quickly sharing photos by TV to advanced selection and compositing.
Wiley Press Release PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 SOLUTIONS: The Art of Digital Photography As the popularity of digital cameras continues to increase, so, too, does the use of image editing software. Photoshop Elements provides digital photographers with most of the features and functions of Photoshop - and a few features not…
iView MultiMedia Press Release
iView MediaPro’s new Alamy Wizard speeds professional photographers’ time to market
LONDON, Jan. 30, 2006 – Professional photographers must no longer endure the cumbersome and time consuming submission process to market their images via online stock photography services. A pioneering collaboration between image cataloguing software developer iView Multimedia and stock photography service Alamy has radically reduced the time required by professional photographers to prepare images for sale online. The Alamy Wizard – a new addition to iView MediaPro 3.0, the award winning, cross-platform, digital asset management and cataloguing solution for photographers and creative professionals – simplifies the stock photo submission process into just three easy steps.
iView MultiMedia Press Release iView MediaPro’s new Alamy Wizard speeds professional photographers’ time to market LONDON, Jan. 30, 2006 – Professional photographers must no longer endure the cumbersome and time consuming submission process to market their images via online stock photography services. A pioneering collaboration between image cataloguing software developer…
Mike Johnston has a new article over at Luminous Landscape in which he outlines his desire for a “decisive moment digital” camera.
“I am, first of all, not complaining about the state of digital cameras. It’s been fun — and dazzling — to watch the pace of progress in recent years. Sensors, software, printers — everything’s getting so much better it’s difficult to know what to be most grateful for. Still, while acknowledging that my tastes and needs are not mainstream, I don’t have the digital camera I’d most like to own. It’s nothing terribly fancy — and not beyond the reach of current technology. Why doesn’t it exist? Is there no need for it, or is there a pent-up market niche awaiting liberation? I’d call it a “decisive moment digital,” or, in shorthand, DMD.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - ‘DMD’: The Digital Camera I’d Like to Own
Mike Johnston has a new article over at Luminous Landscape in which he outlines his desire for a “decisive moment digital” camera. “I am, first of all, not complaining about the state of digital cameras. It’s been fun — and dazzling — to watch the pace of progress in recent…
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR.
“Striking is the fact that Nikon made the choice to use a Sony sensor for the D2X and not one of their own JFET-LBCAST sensors. Officially Nikon chose the Sony sensor because Nikon couldn’t meet the demand for JFET-LBCAST. Other than the D1X, the D2X does feature a CMOS sensor. Of course the focal length multiplier remains 1.5. Nikon sticks to a certain factor and that really has its advantages. The specially designed DX lenses form a perfect combination and there are no mutual differences as far as crop factor is concerned within the assortment of Nikon digital reflex bodies.”
Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon D2X Review
DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published their review of the new 12 megapixel Nikon D2X digital SLR. “Striking is the fact that Nikon made the choice to use a Sony sensor for the D2X and not one of their own JFET-LBCAST sensors. Officially Nikon chose the Sony sensor because Nikon couldn’t…
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V530 digital cameras, which offers a 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“The Kodak EasyShare V530 hit the market in July 2005 and received a price reduction in November to make the camera an affordable choice for holiday buyers. Kodak shed fifty bucks from the original price tag so the stylish 5 megapixel digital camera is now $299.95. This model is designed to appeal to a range of style-conscious consumers with its offerings in several colors. The Kodak V530 comes in midnight black, silver essence, red shimmer, and absolute pink. The digital camera comes with a Schneider-Kreuznach 3x optical zoom lens, a 2-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels of resolution, and digital image stabilization in the movie mode. The V530 is very simple to use and has an auto mode, a movie mode, and 20 scene modes. The camera will appeal to consumers who want to print and otherwise share pictures. The V530 has a ruby colored Share button and the camera comes with a Kodak EasyShare Photo Frame Dock 2 that streamlines the transference of photos and movie clips while charging the battery.”
DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare V530 digital cameras, which offers a 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The Kodak EasyShare V530 hit the market in July 2005 and received a price reduction in November to make the camera an affordable choice for holiday…
Trusted Reviews have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera.
“I see an awful lot of digital cameras, most of them the very latest models, but it’s not often that I see something really new and different. However Nikon’s new CoolPix P1 is just that. It’s the first digital compact camera to come with wireless LAN, (Wi-Fi) connectivity straight out of the box. It is designed to connect to any computer, printer or other device equipped with a wireless network adapter, enabling you to download or print your pictures without having to either remove the memory card or plug in any cables. Even aside from this clever innovation, the P1 is a very nice camera in many other ways too. Available at a high street price of a slightly steep £329, you can find it online as low as £243”
Trusted Reviews have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera. “I see an awful lot of digital cameras, most of them the very latest models, but it’s not often that I see something really new and different. However Nikon’s new CoolPix P1 is just…
Nikonians Press Release
Nikonians.org is pleased to announce their participation in the 2006 PMA convention and trade show in Orlando Florida at booth #1759.
(PRWEB) January 27, 2006—Nikonians.org, the worldwide photography community for Nikon® users, is pleased to announce that it will be attending its first-ever Photo Marketing Association trade show and convention February 26-March 1, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. At booth #1759, photographers will be able to register as members of the Nikonians community, learn more about the Nikonians spirit, and engage some of our members in the kind of friendly discussion that contributes to over 36,000 photographers calling Nikonians “home”.
Nikonians Press Release Nikonians.org is pleased to announce their participation in the 2006 PMA convention and trade show in Orlando Florida at booth #1759. (PRWEB) January 27, 2006—Nikonians.org, the worldwide photography community for Nikon® users, is pleased to announce that it will be attending its first-ever Photo Marketing Association trade…
Realviz Press Release
New Product For the Creation of Photo-real 3D Virtual Tours Available from Februrary 2006
Sophia Antipolis, France (January 30, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, will launch VTour, the latest addition to their software portfolio for content creation, at IMAGINA in Monaco this week. VTour draws on the award-winning technology of Stitcher and ImageModeler and offers users of all levels an innovative and effective solution for the creation of photo-real 3D environments from 2D pictures or panoramas. The REALVIZ team will be demonstrating VTour, along with a selection of their other applications at IMAGINA, which takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo from 1-3 February 2006.
Realviz Press Release New Product For the Creation of Photo-real 3D Virtual Tours Available from Februrary 2006 Sophia Antipolis, France (January 30, 2006) - REALVIZ, a leader in image processing software development, will launch VTour, the latest addition to their software portfolio for content creation, at IMAGINA in Monaco this…
Pentax have released a new firmware version, 1.01, for the Pentax Optio SVi and SV digital cameras.
Version 1.01 includes the following improvements:
Improved the performance of Metering when using a Interval shooting.
Pentax have released a new firmware version, 1.01, for the Pentax Optio SVi and SV digital cameras. Version 1.01 includes the following improvements: Improved the performance of Metering when using a Interval shooting. Website: Pentax Optio SVi and SV v1.01 Firmware Update
Sigma UK Press Release
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of the new Sigma Micro Fibre Lens Cleaning Cloth. This cleaning cloth has been optimised for use with both digital and analogue lenses making it the perfect accessory for film and digital SLR owners. The advanced structural qualities of this cloth make it suitable for both left and right-handed people. New Low Energy (LE) system utilises the power of kinetic energy, so when your DSLR batteries are running low, the cleaning cloth will keep going and going!
• Unique triangle knitting structure, eliminates dust, finger-prints and oil.
• Excellent water absorbing power and cleaning effect.
• Optimised for both film and digital lenses.
• Incorporates new Low Energy (LE) technology.
Sigma UK Press Release Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of the new Sigma Micro Fibre Lens Cleaning Cloth. This cleaning cloth has been optimised for use with both digital and analogue lenses making it the perfect accessory for film and digital SLR owners. The advanced…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.
“I was pleased with the T9’s outdoor shooting results. The lens produced sharp results throughout its 38 – 114mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom range, with a moderate amounts of barrel distortion at extreme wide-angle and pin cushioning at full telephoto. It zooms smoothly and nearly continuously throughout its 3X range; I counted 21 steps between full wide angle and full telephoto, more than enough for precise shot composition. Our outdoor test images were both well exposed and richly saturated, and had very little chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high contrast areas.”
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “I was pleased with the T9’s outdoor shooting results. The lens produced sharp…
CameraLabs have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels.
“So how does it compare against specific models such as its closest rival, the Fujifilm S9500 / S9000 which costs virtually the same price. In its favour, the FZ30 has a more powerful telephoto, optical stabilisation, better build quality and a screen which flips and twists in every direction. On the other hand the Fujifilm has a wider angle lens and much higher sensitivity. In terms of image quality, our Results page shows each camera taking the lead in certain respects but coming out very similar overall.”
CameraLabs have just reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FZ30. This is an 8 megapixel compact digital camera with a 12x Leica optical zoom lens equivalent to 35-420mm, optical image stabilizer, addition of a manual zoom ring and rotating LCD screen with 235,000 pixels. “So how does it compare against specific models such…
CNET have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD430 (also known as the Digital IXUS WIRELESS), which features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter.
“With Wi-Fi networking integrated into most new laptops sold today and industry-standard add-on adapters available to easily upgrade older notebooks and desktop machines, the ability to use Wi-Fi to transfer photos from digital cameras is becoming an increasingly attractive option. Though not the first manufacturer to produce a consumer-level camera with wireless capabilities—Kodak and Nikon came to market before—Canon has created a boon for remote-shooting fans with its PowerShot SD430, a 5-megapixel ultracompact that is basically a PowerShot SD400 with a slightly different body and a built-in Wi-Fi transmitter.”
Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD430 Review
CNET have just reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD430 (also known as the Digital IXUS WIRELESS), which features automatic wireless image transfer, wireless control of camera shooting functions from a PC and ships with a wireless print adapter. “With Wi-Fi networking integrated into most new laptops sold today and industry-standard add-on…
PCMagazine have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 camera.
“Back in the days before “talkies,” the Olympus Stylus 600 ($299.95 list) might have found an audience. Today, when the majority of consumers expect sound with their video, this ultracompact performer might fill attics, but it won’t fill theaters. True, this isn’t a video camera, so people buy it for its still-image capabilities—but when you find nothing outstanding there either, can anything else recommend it? Maybe.”
Website: PCMagazine - Olympus Mju Digital 600 Review
PCMagazine have just reviewed the 6 megapixel Olympus Mju Digital 600 camera. “Back in the days before “talkies,” the Olympus Stylus 600 ($299.95 list) might have found an audience. Today, when the majority of consumers expect sound with their video, this ultracompact performer might fill attics, but it won’t fill…
PCMagazine have reviewed the Lexmark P450, a 4x6 inch photo printer with a unique feature, a built-in CD burner.
“For anyone who doesn’t want to mix photography and computing, the Lexmark P450 ($199.99 direct) provides an easy way to print and store digital photos. The P450 doesn’t even offer an option to connect to a computer. Instead, it lets you print directly from a camera, memory card, USB flash drive, or even a CD, using its built-in CD-R drive. It also lets you copy files to a CD-R disc, so you can store the photos and free up memory on a card.”
Website: PCMagazine - Lexmark P450 Review
PCMagazine have reviewed the Lexmark P450, a 4x6 inch photo printer with a unique feature, a built-in CD burner. “For anyone who doesn’t want to mix photography and computing, the Lexmark P450 ($199.99 direct) provides an easy way to print and store digital photos. The P450 doesn’t even offer an…
This week Olympus announced the world’s first digital SLR camera with live preview on the LCD screen. This innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the viewfinder, and will prove an attractive proposition to anyone who is used to compact digicams. The E-330 is based on the previous E-300 design, however, which didn’t prove too popular with consumers, and the new model will set you back £900, which is more than a Canon EOS 20D. So does the new E-300 get your blood racing, or do you think it will go down in history as the first, but not the best? Would you pay £900 for it? And do you think all the other manufactuers will quickly follow suit and release their own live-view SLR cameras? Shout out now…
This week Olympus announced the world’s first digital SLR camera with live preview on the LCD screen. This innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the viewfinder, and will prove an attractive proposition to anyone who is used to compact digicams. The E-330 is based on…
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
Pentax *ist DL2 DSLR
Olympus E-330 DSLR (pictured)
Olympus SP-320
Olympus mju 810
Olympus mju 720 SW
Olympus mju 700
Olympus FE-160
Olympus FE-150
Olympus FE-140 and Olympus FE-130
Olympus FE-115
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7
Casio Exilim EX-Z600
New Accessories
Olympus Underwater and Outdoor cases
Wolverine MVP 9060
Other Headlines
£50 Cashback on Samsung Pro 815
Sony DSLR in Summer 2006
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasPentax *ist DL2 DSLROlympus E-330 DSLR (pictured)Olympus SP-320Olympus mju 810Olympus mju 720 SWOlympus mju 700Olympus FE-160Olympus FE-150Olympus FE-140 and Olympus FE-130Olympus FE-115Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7Casio Exilim EX-Z600 New AccessoriesOlympus Underwater and Outdoor casesWolverine MVP 9060 Other Headlines£50 Cashback on…