Archive for June, 2008
Fujifilm has released firmware version 1.03 for the FinePix S1000fd digital camera. Available now via Fujifilm’s global website, the update incorporates a couple of fixes.
The firmware update Ver.1.03 incorporates fixes for the following issues:
- The brightness of the captured images when "EVF/LCD mode" is set to "60fps" is darker than that set to "30f/s".
- Some words in some languages have spelling errors when displayed on the EVF/LCD screen.
Visit the Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd firmware download page for more info and instructions.
Carl Zeiss expands its range of SLR lenses with the Distagon T* 3.5/18 super wide angle lens. The lens is designed with a floating lens element in the rear lens assembly, which results in impressive image quality from infinity to the closest focus range. The new lens uses the Zeiss ‘color matching technology’, for homogeneous color rendition across all focal lengths The lens for F-mount cameras is scheduled for delivery beginning July. For K-mount cameras the lens will be available within Q3/2008. The list price is 960,00 Euro…
Casio has made available a download for firmware version 1.02 for the Casio Exilim EX-Z9 digital camera.
- Adds support for 16GB SDHC memory cards.
- Fixes a problem with scrolling of a displayed image.
* Item 2 limited to when "Off" is selected for the confirmation tone setting.
The firmware update can be downloaded from the Casio EX-Z9 downloads page. As always, please read the installation instructions carefully before installing the new firmware.
Fujifilm releases firmware update version 1.03 for the FinePix S1000fd digital camera. This update provides following improvements:
1) The brightness of the captured images when “EVF/LCD mode” is set to "60fps" is darker than that set to "30fps".
2) Some words in some languages which have spelling errors, are displayed on the EVF/LCD screen. This has been corrected…
Goto the Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd firmware download page
Fujifilm announces the successor to the FinePix S700 with the 12x optical zoom FinePix S1000fd. Perfect for advanced amateur photographers who want an affordable, step-up digital camera, the 10 Megapixel S1000fd builds on the legacy of the S700 with the addition of a Fujinon 12x optical zoom (33mm-396mm equivalent) for greater range and flexibility, Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal, and a new Panoramic Shooting mode. The S1000fd will debut in April 2008 at a retail price of $249.95.
KIEL, Germany — Version 6.6 of SilverFast’s scan software now fully supports the current Mac OS 10.5 Leopard, including Nikon Coolscans.
In addition to supporting the 35mm film scanners Coolscan IV and V ED, Super Coolscan 2000, 4000 ED and 5000 ED, now also supports Nikon’s medium format scanners LS-8000 and LS-9000 under Mac 10.5, including IntelMacs.
Nikon has previously announced they will not be adapting their own NikonScan software to Mac OS 10.5.
The new software implementation includes SilverFast’s infrared based iSRD function supplying efficient Dust and Scratch removal with the advantage of sharper image details.
Contrary to other dust and scratch removal methods, SilverFast’s iSRD is primarily designed to preserve picture details by avoiding image smoothing.
Another highlight is the special support for Kodachrome slides which can use the iSRD function to efficiently remove dust and scratches. By means of SilverFast’s patented Multi-Exposure feature the dynamic range of the images may be greatly increased. Since SilverFast’s Multi-Exposure is able to obtain a density of 4.2D the full dynamic range of Kodachromes (up to 3.8D) can be captured — without SilverFast’s Multi-Exposure, the LS-5000 generally reaches a dynamic range of about only 3,3D.
Regarding the LS5000, SilverFast Multi-Exposure increases the number shades that can be captured from 3,388 to an incredible 17,378 shades, based on the ISO Norm 21550 standard.
SilverFast 6.6 is available directly from LaserSoft Imaging as well as at selected resellers.
Hasselblad today announces the launch of a new generation of raw processor, workflow and camera control software, Phocus version 1.0 for Mac. The outstanding combination of the world’s most advanced DSLR - the Hasselblad H3DII - which already produces the sharpest, most detailed images at the highest resolution, and the innovative Phocus software, enables photographers to achieve unsurpassed image quality.
Providing the ultimate processing tool for Hasselblad digital images, the new Phocus RAW processor delivers perfect colors through the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, and includes digital lens corrections for color aberration, distortion and vignetting (DAC I, II and III). Another key advantage and designed to save hours of post-production work, Phocus’s leading edge moiré removal technology allows image detail to be preserved, even on extremely high resolution images. By automatically removing moiré directly from the raw data, image quality remains intact, while any need for special masking selections or other manual procedures is eliminated.
Professional photographers can now enjoy an entirely new level of flexibility thanks to the innovative, extended controls Phocus provides for the operation of Hasselblad cameras. Features include live video for easier shot set-up and workflow, and the ability to control the lens drive for focusing when the camera is in a remote position or when the digital capture unit is mounted on a view camera.
Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007.
The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm ?lm equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic view?nder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III.
Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further con?gured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution.
With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs.
This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic view?nder.
*The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera.
With the insistence on high quality products and the breakthrough of innovation, A-DATA Technology introduces the Turbo Series CF 350X memory card especially for professional photographers. The excellent data transferring of the read speed at 52MB/sec and the write speed at 47MB/sec along with the availability of 8GB and 16GB make Turbo CF 350X the perfect partner for your high-end cameras.
Turbo Series CF 350X supports dual-channel data transferring and UDMA 0-5 mode as well as MDMA 0-4 mode of high-level digital cameras. Under the Ultra DMA mode 5 and IDE interface, the write speed can reach up to 47MB/sec. In addition, users can store up to 1,500 photos of RAW file in the high-capacity memory card and do not have to worry about inadequate space for photos. Using original SLC flash memory (Single-Level-Cell), Turbo CF 350X is more power consumption and able to deliver outstanding performance. With the advantages of stability and high capacity, users can enjoy the pleasant feeling of non-stop shooting and continuous filming.
For those who seek for outstanding performance and high-resolution photos, A-DATA Turbo Series CF 350X memory card will definitely brings out the best of your high-level digital camera!
Product Features:
- 350X Turbo speed performance with read speed at 52MB/sec and write speed at 47MB/sec
- Dual-channel support (Ultra DMA mode 0~5 , IDE PIO mode 6, MDMA 0~4)
- Low power consumption and RoHS compliant
- Original SLC flash memory to deliver outstanding performance
Fantasea Line announces the release of a new housing specifically designed for the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS and IXUS 80 IS digital cameras. The FSD-1100 housing, depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, is fully functional providing photographers with access to all camera functions.
Fantasea’s new compact housing design and improved construction ensures easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls. The Fantasea FSD-1100 housing has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port.
The FSD-1100 housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers’ needs. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing, hunting, backpacking and camping. The FSD-1100 protects the Coolpix camera from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.
The FSD-1100, like all Fantasea housings, comes with an optional accessory system which will enable photographers to further enhance their imaging capability.
KoffeeWare today announced an extension to the KoffeePhoto photo sharing service with the introduction of KoffeePhoto Premium, an online photo backup service as a paying option.
Digital photography is great for its flexibility. But when it comes to make sure it resists time, specific measures need to be taken as digital photos are a compilation of people’s life: weddings, babies, friends, parties, holidays… Every 15 seconds a hard drive crashes, what is done to preserve photos? Advantages of online backup over CD/DVD based backup are numerous. A quick reminder, online backup is:
- (obviously) remote (what is the need of a backup if it sits close to the computer in case of fire or theft),
- reliable (how sure to able to read CD based backup when needed which is usually after a couple of years?),
- dependable (where to find the backup CDs when needed which is usually after a couple of years),
- and inexpensive (in comparison to the cost of CDs, CD burner and the time spent backuping data).
