Konica Minolta Dynax 7D, Nikon COOLPIX 8800 and Canon Digital IXUS 40 are the latest DIWA Gold Award winners.

DIWA Press Releases

DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Gold Award to Konica Minolta Dynax 7D. The gold medal represents the highest level of performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

With the Dynax 7D, Konica Minolta makes their debut into the fast growing market of digital system cameras. Founded on a long history as high quality camera and optical manufacturers, the high performance Konica Minolta Dynax 7D comes as no surprise. 

It continues the legacy of the highly successful and reputed analogue Dynax SLR cameras, with distinct design resemblance to make the conversion from film to digital as smooth as possible for any experienced Dynax enthusiast. Supporting the full range of existing AF lenses, the Dynax 7D also eases the financial aspect.

Olympus E-300, Olympus µ-mini [mju:] DIGITAL and the Nikon COOLPIX 8400 are the latest DIWA Silver Award winners.

DIWA Press Releases

Olympus E-300 achieves DIWA Silver Award

Amsterdam, 9. March 2005 - Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), an international organisation of websites focusing on digital imaging, today announced a DIWA Silver Award to Olympus E-300 D-SLR. The camera, a high resolution entry-level priced E-System D-SLR, received very high scores for its system features and overall handling from a number of reviews made by DIWA members throughout the world, rating the Olympus E-300 to win a DIWA Silver Award.

The Olympus E-300 is the second D-SLR camera based on the FourThirds Standard and delivers a high resolution of 8 Megapixels. Like its professional brother, the Olympus E-1, the E-300 incorporates a Supersonic Wave Filter that prevents dust and other foreign particles to ruin the captured image. This is just one of many features distinguishing the E-300 from its rivals, another being its unique appearance in an ultra-compact body. The silver medal represents recognition of high overall performance and is a summary of numerous rigorous tests conducted by DIWA camera experts.

ProFotoSoftware Press Release

London, UK 12th March 2005

ProFotoSoftware have today released v1.62 of PFS Image Darkroom, the Canon EOS RAW converter for Windows (98SE or better).

This release adds a Highlight/Shadow recovery filter and Gray Grad filters to the post raw development options, as well as user interface enhancements.

PFS Image Darkroom provides full control of the Raw Development settings, batch processing of images and high quality post processing options which can reduce or even eliminate the need for further image editing.

PFS Image Darkroom remains fully usable during Raw Processing, improving workflow by eliminating frustrating delays.

Samsung Press Release

HANNOVER, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 11, 2005—Samsung Electronics today held its European unveiling of a breathtaking array of new information, display, and telecommunications products at CeBIT 2005. The world’s largest PDP, LCD and DLP TVs are just the astounding range of technologies on display, highlighting Samsung’s 2005 portfolio of design-led, innovative products.

Samsung will be showcasing 30 innovative products and live demonstrations of DVB-H, S-DMB and T-DMB. Of the 30 phones that are being displayed, 20 new products, including the SGH-Z700 3 megapixel 3G phone, will be unveiled exclusively during CeBIT. After introducing three new 3G phones at 3 GSM World Congress in Cannes this past February, Samsung will expand its 3G portfolio with the introductions of three new 3G phones at CeBIT.

Shuttertalk have reviewed the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens.

“In our opinion, the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX DC is one of the best consumer/prosumer wide-angle zoom lenses we’ve used. While the price is a little higher than some lenses in this category, the constant – and usable! – f/2.8 aperture makes the lens a real winner in terms of value. While it would have been nice to have a HSM motor and a depth of field scale, the missing elements do not detract from its otherwise strong performance. If you are considering a wide-angle “digital lens,” do consider giving the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 a try.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Lens Review

Pixmantec RawShooter essentials is updated today. Pixmantec RawShooter essentials is a free RAW convertor. Version 1.1 of Pixmantec RawShooter essentials adds support for the Canon EOS Rebel XT / 350D digital SLR camera.

Pixmantec Press Release

Pixmantec RawShooter essentials 2005 Update (v.1.1) - Including Support for Canon EOS Rebel XT/350D

Copenhagen, March 11th 2005: Danish digital imaging software specialists Pixmantec announce the update of the FREE download RAW Workflow management tool RawShooter essentials 2005 (v.1.1). Central to the release is the support of RAW files from the recently released Canon EOS Rebel XT/350D. Pixmantec are dedicated to providing timely support for all new DSLRs from the major manufacturers and the early support for the much awaited Rebel XT/350D clearly demonstrates their commitment. Additional functionality provided by the update includes support for the Windows 2000 operating system in addition to general enhancements to workflow, quality and hardware compatibility.

Since its release at PMA on February 20th 2005, RawShooter essentials 2005 has seen an unprecedented number of downloads. User feedback has been extremely positive with the majority of users supporting the claim that the software produces the best quality output on the market today.

“How to Establish a Personal Photographic Style” for a Specific Image with both Film and Digital Capture” is the ninth part of Alain Briot’s Aesthetics and Photography series over on Luminous Landscape:

“While visiting a street art show last year I was amazed at how many of the exhibiting photographers had merely copied the styles of famous photographers. I surmise they had done so in order to give a unique “quality” to their work and, perhaps, to allow them to stand out among the many other photographers who exhibit at art fairs. Among them I found several “Ansel Adams,” several “David Muench,” and at least one “Jerry Uelsmann.” The show being held in the Southwest there was a large number of landscape photographs on display. But if the subject had been portraiture, wildlife, travel photography or other mainstay photographic subject I believe I would have found a similar attitude in regards to other famous photographers. I do understand that this approach is legitimate from a legal perspective. After all these artists all create original works of art and do not sell copies of images created by the originator of the style they emulate. However, it is difficult (if not impossible) for me to remember these artists for anything but a pale copy of the masters they copy.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - How to Establish a Personal Photographic Style

Imaging Resource have reviewed the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH.

“Good image quality and user-friendly design are synonymous with the ELPH name, and are the reasons why the line is so popular with a wide range of consumers. Extending the brand name’s excellent reputation in the film world, members of the digital ELPH series have always impressed me with their quality and versatility. The Canon SD20 updates last year’s SD10 model, with higher resolution and a minor revamp of the feature set. It retains the SD10’s ultra-sleek styling and subcompact size, but there are tradeoffs, such as a fixed focal length lens (no zoom), shorter battery life, and no optical viewfinder.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH Review

DCResource have published a double review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 and A510 digital cameras.

“First, the good news. Despite being smaller than their predecessors, the A510 and A520 offer a bigger zoom lens. Where most cameras have 3X zoom lenses, the A-series models offer a 4X zoom. Not satisfied with that? The cameras support wide-angle, telephoto, and close-up conversion lenses. A new optional feature on these models is an external slave flash, which attaches to the side of the camera. For people who take a lot of flash shots, this may be worth the $100 price. While the A-series cameras offer a new “zoom flash” feature, that doesn’t necessarily translate into better flash range. It does, however, focus the light on the subject while you’re shooting at the telephoto end of the lens.”

Website: DCResource - Canon PowerShot A520 / A510 Review

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DCResource have posted their review of the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 digital camera.

” The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33, like its predecessor, is best suited for outdoor photos, where it does a very good job. Indoor photos will leave much to be desired, thanks to a weak flash, lots of redeye, and an LCD which is too dark to see in those conditions. The T33 is a very stylish, ultra-thin metal camera that will attract attention wherever it goes. The design changes since the T1 are for the better: no more sliding door on the front, and the LCD is now much more usable outdoors. Like with the T1, you need to keep an eye on your fingers, as they can easily block the lens, flash, or microphone.”

Website: DCResource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 Review

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DCResource have just posted their review of the new Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.

“The Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 doesn’t really break any new ground when compared to its predecessor, the DiMAGE Z3. While an extra megapixel of resolution is always nice, the more useful new features include a larger LCD display and improved battery life. Something that changed for the worse is the shutter speed range. While the Z3 could keep the shutter open for as long as 15 seconds, the Z5 limits you to 4 seconds. There are other areas that weren’t touched at all, namely low light focusing and image softness, both of which are issues on this camera.”

Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review

DCViews have just reviewed the SmartDisk FlashTrax portable storage device.

“After working with the SmartDisk FlashTrax for some time we have to admit that it really is a very comfortable unit to use. If you regularly take lots of images and need a portable storage medium, the FlashTrax could be just the thing for you. Copying memory cards or transferring images to a computer is very easy indeed and requires no technical knowledge at all. FlashTrax allows you to store, view and play all sorts of media files, all in one palm-sized portable device. The fact that it doubles up as a (desktop) MP3 player and provides you with entertaining music while you are working on your photo files, makes this device even more attractive.”

Website: DCViews - SmartDisk FlashTrax Review

Sony Press Release

Hanover, 9 March 2005 - Sony Recording Media and Energy Europe announced at CeBIT 2005 two new high-powered members to the Memory Stick™ media family with its 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (High Speed) media, the largest capacity media available in the Duo format, and the 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™, which is easily recognizable by its bold new black colouring.

The new 1GB and 2GB media are the perfect solution for users who need large-capacity storage for their digital content, such as high-resolution digital photos and video clips.

“With these new higher capacity media, users will get the most out of their digital devices without compromising quality or having to worry about how much memory their content is consuming,” commented Olivier Schwartz, European Marketing Manager in charge of the Memory Stick business.

CNET have reviewed the 5 megapixel Pentax Optio S50 compact digital camera.

“Yet another entry into the increasingly crowded field of 5-megapixel snapshot cameras, the Pentax Optio S50 boasts more features than such form-over-function offerings as the Canon SD20 but lags slightly behind Pentax’s own S5i for versatility. Overall, the Optio S50 is a decent entry-level digital camera whose affordable price and strong image quality fail to offset some serious performance issues.”

Website: CNET - Pentax Optio S50 Review

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CNET have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera.

“Looking like a million bucks, the Photosmart R707 was the first to break the mold in HP’s formerly boring design scheme. This 5-megapixel camera, with its 3X zoom, doesn’t offer many manual exposure controls, though it provides several unique—and useful—features. Snapshooters and beginners who want to learn the ropes should be attracted by the HP Photosmart R707’s in-camera help system and competitive price. Fussy shooters, however, will take issue with some of the camera’s photographic flaws.”

Website: CNET - HP Photosmart R707 Review

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CNET have reviewed the Pentax OptioMX4, which is a cross between a digital camera and a camcorder.

“With blind dates, you don’t usually get a second chance to make a first impression. Fortunately, camera manufacturers live by a different set of rules. They’re free to refine a camera until it hits a sweet spot with price, features, and performance. We had a lukewarm response to the Optio MX; now Pentax has replaced that product with the Optio MX4. It has a 4-megapixel CCD, as opposed to the previous model’s 3-megapixel sensor. It also has performance enhancements that make the MX4 more responsive.”

Website: CNET - Pentax OptioMX4 Review

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CNET have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 40).

“Image quality was good for a 4-megapixel snapshot camera, with an adequately wide range of detail in highlights and shadows, nice color saturation, and only a slight tendency to produce yellow flesh tones. However, images were not exceptionally sharp, and JPEG artifacts were noticeable when we enlarged the images. Chromatic aberration in the form of purple fringing showed up prominently around backlit subjects. Noise wasn’t visible in our images at the lower ISO settings, but it appeared in modest amounts at ISO 400. The automatic noise reduction applied to exposures of 1.3 seconds or longer helped a bit.”

Website: CNET - Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH Review

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The Danish website Akamera.dk have reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 digital camera.

Website: Akamera.dk - Canon PowerShot A520 Review

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DigiCamReview.co.uk have published what I think is the first online review of the 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4600.

“The Nikon Coolpix 4600, has some very appealing qualities, it’s compact size, red-eye reduction, blur warning, lots of scene modes, built in help, a 3x optical zoom lens, a 1.8” screen, a 4 megapixel sensor, and a very good macro mode. Another bonus is that the camera takes AA batteries, something quite rare for compact cameras. The camera has very good image quality - however the camera is let down by purple fringing, and a lack of sound on videos. The Nikon is very good value for money especially for a Nikon - it’s a real shame it doesn’t record sound on videos - but if you’re not interested in videos then this would make a very good digital camera.”

Website: DigiCamReview.co.uk - Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 4600 Review

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DigiCamReview.co.uk have reviewed the new budget-priced Olympus Camedia C-310 Zoom 3.2 megapixel digital camera.

“The Olympus Camedia C-310 is a compact 3 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and a decent 1.8” screen. Even though the camera is nearly a year old, the camera takes good quality pictures and is very good value for money. The camera records unlimited 15fps videos without sound. It is very easy to use, and produces good images with good colour, saturation and detail. The camera is quick enough, although the camera does have a slow flash charging time. For around £95 (UK) this camera is very good value for money, especially with the free case and battery charger from Amazon. The camera has a very good macro mode, and is very easy to use.”

Website: DigiCamReview.co.uk - Olympus Camedia C-310 Zoom Review

Website: Read my Review of the Olympus Camedia C-310 Zoom