Digital Photography News Archive!
August 2000

Back to current news

Back to Archive Index

Thursday, August 31, 2000

Wednesday, August 30, 2000

Today's report includes Job's keynote address, highlights from the floor of the expo and even a few show discounts generously extended to our readers.

Tuesday, August 29, 2000

"I can't say that I've been a huge fan of Kodak cameras in the past, but boy how times have changed. The DC4800 is an exceptional camera, with a full suite of features, great photo quality, and a nice bundle, all at the attractive price of $799. I'd put this camera right at the top of the 3 Megapixel class, along with the Olympus C-3000 series and the Nikon Coolpix 990."

"For the photographer with Zoom Lens, this filter is a must. For those using wide angle adaptors on digital cameras or those dissatisfied with the inherent curvilinear distortion prevalent in their lenses, LensDoc is a quick and easy solution. Images that contain architectural elements or naturally occurring linear forms can be corrected with ease and accuracy. For motivated users, advanced functionality includes the ability to develop and save unique lens corrections for your personal lenses."

Monday, August 28, 2000

"This merger brings together the considerable expertise of two companies focused on delivering high-quality digital video streaming technology for the growing digital multimedia and mobile and Internet appliance markets," said Dr. Levy Gerzberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zoran Corporation. "We believe cross-leveraging the technologies of Nogatech and Zoran can provide more complete product solutions for both product lines and a quicker time to market. Zoran's expertise in digital camera technologies can immediately add value to Nogatech products currently being developed to address that market. Zoran can benefit from the connectivity expertise developed by Nogatech and use it in products being designed for future mobile appliances. Combining our technologies will also allow us to pass along to our original equipment customers the benefits and cost savings inherent in integrating state-of-the-art technologies for the converging digital television, PC, digital camera, mobile, and Internet appliance markets."

"Unifying the efforts of Nogatech with an experienced company like Zoran makes good business sense for Nogatech, especially since we have compatible technologies, product roadmaps, and customers. Both companies can make immediate contributions that enhance the product offerings of the other. Nogatech can leverage the broad international distribution infrastructure already built and operating for Zoran, streamline our operations, and enjoy economies of scale," said Dr. Arie Heiman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nogatech, Inc. "In addition, our combined development teams can focus on delivering newer technologies, like MPEG-4, in superior products with a quicker time to market, while eliminating substantial duplication of efforts."

"We want to ensure that our customers have the best possible experience with digital photography, which is why we chose to partner with the highest quality photo solution on the Internet," said Doug Freck, Vice President and General Manager of Toshiba Imaging Systems. "Our partnership with Shutterfly provides consumers with the tools they need to get the most out of their digital cameras."

"Ensuring that customers receive the highest quality prints from their digital images is our top priority," said Shutterfly Vice President of Marketing Julie Herendeen. "We are excited to be able to deliver our 35mm-quality prints to Toshiba customers and to extend our relationship with this market leader."

"With these new products, Kodak has, in essence, enhanced virtually every link of the digital image chain," said Philip Gerskovich, Kodak vice president and chief operating officer, Digital and Applied Imaging. "Just as we've done for a century with traditional pictures, we've made it easier and more fun to take digital images, transfer them to a computer, share them with others, print them, even display them digitally."

• Nikon Coolpix 880 digital camera
  
• 3.34 megapixel CCD image sensor, 3.14 megapixel effective rating. 2048 x 1536, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 pixel image sizes in compressed JPEG (3 levels of compression) or uncompressed TIFF (2048 x 1536 resolution only)
  
• All-glass aspheric 2.5x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 38-95mm on a 35mm camera. Focuses 1.3 feet (40 centimeters) to infinity, or 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) to infinity in macro mode.
  
• Real image type optical viewfinder and built-in 1.8" 110,000 pixel low-temperature polysilicon LCD display with brightness and hue adjustment
  
• CompactFlash storage8MB card bundled
  
• Built-in flash with off, forced, auto, auto redeye and slow shutter modes. Range of 1.3 - 12.1 feet (0.4 - 3.7 meters) at wide angle, 3 - 8.1 feet (0.4 - 2.5 meters) at telephoto
  
• Threads for filter adapter tube on camera body
  
• ISO ratings of auto, 100, 200 or 400
  
• Shutter speeds 1/1000 second to 8 seconds
  
• Apertures of f2.8-4.2 (wide), f/7.8-11.3 (telephoto)
  
• TTL exposure; automatic, spot, center-weighted, 256-segment matrix, and "Assisted Creative Photography" scene modes. +/- 2.0EV exposure compensation in 1/3EV steps
  
• Automatic or manual focus. Autofocus has continuous or single autofocus options. Manual focus has 48 steps from 4 centimeters / 1.6 inches to infinity.
  
• 3 or 10 second self timer
  
• NTSC and PAL switcheable video out
  
• "Best Shot Select" mode, black and white mode, AE lock
  
• Power from 2CR5 lithium cell or optional Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger
  
• Dimensions of 3.9 x 3.0 x 2.1 inches (99.5 x 75 x 53.2 millimeters); weighs 9.7 oz, 275 g without battery
  
• Bundled with Nikon View, Genuine Fractals Print Pro, Canto Cumulus LE, IPIX Wizard
  
• List price of $799, battery/charger combo has a list price of $99 and is realistically required for the camera to be useable

"[The Coolpix 880 is] an excellent 'bring along' camera for the confirmed photography enthusiast. Perhaps its biggest audience though, will be among those wanting extended picture-taking capability without the need to master the intricacies of exposure and lighting. We think Nikon's concept of 'Assisted Creative Photography' will find many happy users among people with a creative vision for great pictures, if not the technical dexterity to execute it in the conventional manually controlled camera world. At the same time, the 880 provides most of the creative control that advanced users crave. Something for everyone and great pictures, in a compact package."

"What can I say? The 880 is simply an excellent digital camera, it takes excellent pictures and has every feature you'd ever need, things that may not seem useful at first but you'll grow into using. For many buyers that was the attraction of the 990, plenty of photographic features, well Kudos to Nikon because instead of stripping the 990 down to produce the 880 they IMPROVED IT!! With the new SCENE modes and newly arranged menus the 880 is better than ever, I'd be just as confident handing it to my grandmother to shoot as use it myself in a really difficult shooting situation."

"The Coolpix 880 will do well against the competition, as I said, it has the same image quality as the 990 but at a price that's hundreds less. The new rechargeable battery option adds even more value to the overall package. I see this camera being taken on a lot of vacation trips and definitely filling a lot of stockings at Christmas time. Nikon has another winner here!"

Sunday, August 27, 2000

Full review posted for Fuji FinePix S1 Pro SLR!

Full review posted for Toshiba PRD-M70!

The "Three Titans" image comparison!(!)

Friday, August 25, 2000

"Olympus has created an innovative and inspired approach to digital photography. We look at digital photography as a new genre of photography, and not as a replacement to film photography," stated John Knaur, Digital Product Manager for Olympus’ Consumer Products Group. "Digital technology delivers speed, and lets us bring products to market that give our customers the flexibility to capture images in completely new ways; to do things photographers could never do with traditional film cameras."

"It’s the perfect camera for any high-speed application in which the photographer needs to shoot multiple shots very quickly, and select the best frame for use," said Knaur.

• High-speed image processor/ASIC processes images at a speed of 28MHz.
  
• Electronic Viewfinder design shows 100% of the image and camera setup information in the viewfinder.
  
• 10X all-glass aspherical zoom lens with image stabilization captures crisp images from 6.4- 70mm (35-380mm equivalent in 35mm film photography).
  
• At f2.8 - 3.5, the lens is fast and bright with 1/3 step aperture control to f11 throughout the zoom range to maximize camera control and minimize the need for additional lenses.
  
• S-Program for Landscape, Portrait, Sports, and Night Scene modes; Program Automatic, Aperture Priority; Shutter Priority and full manual controls.
  
• In Playback mode, new scene rotation controls allow for the display of vertical photographs on a horizontal screen without rotating the camera or video monitor.
  
• Color and black-and-white image capture modes.
  
• New iESP multi-pattern full-automatic TTL White Balance system allows 4 preset manual selections, Auto Bracketing in 1, 2 or 3 step white balance increments, and One Touch full manual white balance. iESP TTL or Spot autofocus with the built-in focusing illuminator works from the macro to infinity ranges, even in low-light conditions.

• Olympus Camedia E-100RS digital camera
  
• 1/2 inch 1.51 megapixel RGB progressive-scan CCD image sensor. High speed of 28MHz. 1.45 megapixel effective rating. Image sizes of 1360 x 1024, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels in 24-bit JPEG (SHQ, HQ or SQ compression) or 24-bit non-compressed TIFF format. CCD and ASIC are newly developed.
  
• 7 to 70mm (38 to 380mm equivalent), F2.8 (wide)/3.5(tele) - F8.0, 10x all-glass optical zoom lens with image stabilisation. 13 elements in 10 groups. 2 aspherical elements. 49mm filter thread (49-55mm step ring needed for thick filters to avoid vignetting). Focuses infinity to 0.6 meters (wide) / 2 meters (tele) in normal mode, and 0.1 to 0.6 meters (wide) / 1 to 2 meters (tele) in macro mode. Powered zoom lens. Same lens as used in the Olympus C-2100 Ultra ZOOM. 2.7x digital zoom.
  
• 0.55 inch low-temperature polysilicon liquid crystal viewfinder with 114,000 pixels. 1.8-inch wide-view polysilicon TFT LCD display with 114,000 pixels and adjusteable angle.
  
• Type-II CompactFlash slot compatible with Type-I and Type-II CompactFlash cards. SmartMedia slot compatible with 3.3V SmartMedia to 64MB. CompactFlash slot is not Microdrive compatible. 32MB SmartMedia card bundled.
  
• Built-in flash (Auto-Flash [low-& back-light], Red-Eye Reducing Flash, Off, Fill-in), External terminal (Off, Auto, Forced activation, Slow Synchronization [First-Curtain Synchronization effect, Second-Curtain Synchronization effect]). 5 pin TTL connector for FL-40 or PC sync, Optional Bracket and cable needed)
  
• USB connectivity (computer sees camera as an external storage device)
  
• Compatible with RM-1 remote control or cable
  
• 10-bit A/D converter
  
• ISO ratings of Auto-select, 100, 200 and 400
  
• Program auto, Aperture priority, shutter priority, S-Program (Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Night Scene and Custom) or full manual exposure. +/- 2.0EV exposure compensation in 1/3EV steps. Auto exposure bracketing 1/3, 2/3 or 1EV for 3 or 5 images
  
• Center-weighted, Digital ESP multi-patterned, spot, or multi-spot (8 readings) metering.
  
• iESP TTL Auto, manual or 4 Preset (Sunny, Cloudy, Florescent and Tungsten) white balance.
  
• 240-step manual focus. Autofocusing is phase-detection type with AF Illuminator assist
  
• Shutter speeds 2 to 1/10,000 second (!), or 16 - 1/10000 second in manual mode
  
• Image capture at 15 frames per second (!), 7.5 frames per second, 5 frames per second or 3 frames per second for up to 10 SHQ-mode frames, 27 HQ-mode frames or 100 SQ-mode frames
  
• Pre-capture mode captures 1-5 (user-configurable) shots after shutter button is half-pressed but before shutter button is fully pressed
  
• QuickTime MotionJPEG-conforming video, 15 or 30 frames per second at VGA (640 x 480) or 1/8 VGA (160 x 120) resolution. Pre-capture mode captures video clip from before shutter was pressed when shutter button is half-pressed down.
  
• Image capture can be cancelled whilst image is still being written to flash card (!)
  
• Complies with Design Rule For Camera File System (DCF) and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)
  
• Power from 2 x CR-V3 Lithium batteries, or 4 x AA NiMH, NiCad or Alkaline batteries.
  
• Dimensions of 120 x 86 x 152.5 millimeters (4.8 x 3.4 x 6.1 inches); weighs 575 grams (1.27 pounds)
  
• Planned to ship in Japan in mid-October 2000 at a price of ¥160,000 (US$1474) with a monthly production of 10,000 cameras.

Thursday, August 24, 2000

"The E-10 is designed to be the new flagship of the Olympus filmless digital camera product line. Its introduction will serve to solidify our position and credibility within the digital arena," said John Knaur, Digital Product Manager, Olympus America, Consumer Products Group. "This model truly answers the need for the image quality, speed and digital features requested by serious photographers, but previously not available at this price point."

"Because it’s digital, the E-10 allows us a lot of flexibility in what we can offer in an all-in-one camera, in addition to several technical advantages which improve performance and durability," stated Knaur. "The Camedia E-10 is one of the few devices available which offer both SmartMedia and CompactFlash Type I/II slot design. While we remain strongly committed to SmartMedia memory cards as the preferred storage medium, we recognize that the users of the E-10 might already have an investment in Compact Flash, so we try to accommodate users of both storage mediums," continued Knaur.

• 32 MB SD-RAM Buffer built in, with a three frame per second burst mode for four photos.
  
• Less than 1.2 second shot-to-shot speed for unlimited number of photographs and less than 100 ms shutter lag time.
  
• Numerous image quality modes including uncompressed TIFF, DCF-JPEG (2.7:1, 4:1 or 8:1 compression) and a 48-bit RAW mode (16 bit per color) for the highest image quality available.
  
• iESP multi-patterned and center-weighted with 1.2% spot meter.
  
• A lens design which incorporates a 62mm threaded lens barrel for optional accessory lenses including a macro lens, a 0.8X 28mm equivalent wide-angle converter, 1.45X and 3X telephoto converters.
  
• 95% centered SLR viewfinder delivering a bright view of the subject, and indicating both the focus area and spot metering area for precise exposure and focus control.
  
• Optional Lithium Polymer (LiPO) batteries, grip, chargers and grip straps are also available.

• Olympus Camedia E-10 digital camera
  
• 4 megapixel-class 2/3" RGB Interlaced CCD (4 megapixel effective rating, pixel size 3.9 microns). Image resolutions of 2240 x 1680, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels, in 24-bit JPEG, 24-bit TIFF and 48-bit RAW modes. Mutiple JPEG compression levels of 2.7:1, 4:1 and 8:1.
  
• F2 - 2.4 9-36mm all-glass four times optical zoom lens, corresponding to 35 - 140mm on a 35mm camera. 62mm filter threads. Focusing distance of infinity to 0.6 meters, or 0.2 - 0.6 meters in macro mode. Manual focus and manual zoom capabilities. 1 ED glass element, 2 aspherical glass elements, full milticoated.
  
• TTL optical viewfinder with 95% picture coverage and newly developed focusing screen, as well as information display (Mode/ Aperture/Shutter Speed /Spot/Center Weighted/digital ESP/+/-/AF/Flash)
  
• Moveable (20 degrees down thru 90 degrees up) 118,000 pixel, 100% picture coverage 1.8-inch TFT Polysilicon LCD display allows photos to be taken from unusual positions such as at waist-level. Brightness adjustment possible.
  
• Type-II CompactFlash and 3.3V 4-64MB SmartMedia storage. CompactFlash slot is not compatible with IBM Microdrive, because of too high power drain. 32MB SmartMedia card including panorama function bundled
  
• USB connectivity; PC sees camera as a USB storage device.
  
• Compatible with RM-1 remote control and remote cable
  
• Black die-cast aluminum chassis
  
• Passive and Active autofocus modes, as well as manual focusing.
  
• Seven-bladed aperture, f2.0 (wide)/2.4 (tele) - 11 in 1/3 stop increments
  
• 10-bit A/D converter
  
• ISO ratings of 50, 100 and 200 or auto-select
  
• User selectable Center-weighted, Digital ESP Multi-Patterned, or 1.6-2% Spot Metering
  
• Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual exposure modes. +/- 2.0EV exposure compensation in 1/3EV steps. Auto bracketing feature - either 1/3 EV, 2/3EV or 1EV steps for 3 images
  
• Auto White Balance, 7 Preset White Balance settings (3000; 3500; 4000; 4500; 5500; 6500; and 7500 K), One Touch White Balance Hold
  
• Built-in Flash : Auto-Flash (low-& back-light), Read-Eye Reducing Flash, Off, Fill-in. External terminal: Off, Auto, Forced activation, Slow Synchronization (First-Curtain Synchronization effect, Second-Curtain Synchronization effect). Scene detecting Digital iESP TTL Flash System with FL-40 Flash. Internal flash working range wide; approx. 0.8 - 5.6m, telephoto ; approximately. 0.2 -3.8m (ISO 100). Less than 6 sec charge time.
  
• Histogram feature in Playback mode
  
• 12 second delay / 2 sec. after optional remote controller operation
  
• Burst mode of 3 frames per second for up to 4 frames. 1.2 second shot-shot or faster at all times in all resolutions.
  
• Shutter speeds of 1/640 to 2 seconds, or 1/640 to 8 seconds in manual mode. Bulb setting
  
• Sepia mode, Black & White mode, Black board mode, White board mode
  
• Claimed to offer over 20,000 shot life cycle
  
• Design Rule for Camera File System and Digital Print Order Format compliant
  
• Main batteries are either 2 Lithium CR-3V battery packs, or four NiMH/NiCad/Alkaline AA batteries. Lithium polymer battery is used (externally mounted) for taking even more pictures and will cost ¥69,800 (US$643). This battery doubles as a portrait grip with shutter release.
  
• Dimensions of 128.5 x 161 x 103.5 millimeters (5.1 x 6.4 x 4.1 inches) with a weight of 1.05kg (2.82lb) excluding batteries, and flash card
  
• Planned to reach market at a cost of US$1,999 in October with 20,000 cameras manufactured monthly.
  
• Bundled with a 32MB Olympus SmartMedia memory card, two LB-01 (CR-3V) Lithium batteries, Olympus Camedia Master 2.5 Utility Software, Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, Olympus Photoshop Plug-in for Raw files, instruction manual, QuickStart Guide, lens cap and strap
  
• Optional extras will include fitted semi-hard camera case, AC adapter, portrait grip/powerpack, f=35 macro lens, 3x tele converter lens, 1.45x tele converter lens and 0.8x wide-angle lens, which extend the range of the camera's zoom from 35-140mm up to 28-420mm

Wednesday, August 23, 2000

"For professional photographers, the FinePix S1 Pro is a great gateway into digital imaging, having most of the features and controls professionals want in a digital camera while producing the quality pictures they expect from Fujifilm," explained Jennifer Davalos, Product Manager, Professional Digital Products, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "And with its lens compatibility, there's no need for a photographer to invest in a new set of optics. This makes it easy for the professional to shoot digital with the FinePix S1 Pro."

• Olympus Camedia E-100RS digital camera
  
• 1/2 inch 1.51 megapixel primary color CCD image sensor. High speed of 28MHz 1.45 megapixel effective rating. Image sizes of 1360 x 1024, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels in JPEG (SHQ, HQ or SQ compression) or TIFF format. CCD and ASIC are newly developed.
  
• 7 to 70mm (38 to 380mm equivalent), F2.8 (wide)/3.5(tele) - F8.0, 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation. 13 elements in 10 groups. 49mm filter thread. Focuses infinity to 0.6 meters (wide) / 2 meters (tele) in normal mode, and 0.1 to 0.6 meters (wide) / 1 to 2 meters (tele) in macro mode. Same lens as used in the Olympus C-2100 Ultra ZOOM.
  
• 0.55 inch low-temperature polysilicon liquid crystal viewfinder with 114,000 pixels. 1.8-inch polysilicon TFT LCD display with 114,000 pixels and adjusteable angle.
  
• Type-II CompactFlash slot compatible with Type-I and Type-II CompactFlash cards. SmartMedia slot compatible with 3.3V SmartMedia to 64MB. CompactFlash slot is not Microdrive compatible. 8MB SmartMedia card bundled.
  
• USB connectivity
  
• ISO ratings of Auto-select, 100, 200 and 400
  
• Image capture at 15 frames per second (!), 7.5 frames per second, 5 frames per second or 3 frames per second for up to 10 SHQ-mode frames, 27 HQ-mode frames or 100 SQ-mode frames
  
• Shutter speeds 2 to 1/10,000 second (!), or 16 - 1/10000 second in manual mode
  
• QuickTime MotionJPEG-conforming video, 15 or 30 frames per second at VGA (640 x 480) or 1/4 VGA (160 x 120) resolution. Pre-capture mode captures video clip from before shutter was pressed when shutter button is half-pressed down.
  
• Image capture can be cancelled whilst image is still being written to flash card (!)
  
• Power from 2 x CR-V3 Lithium batteries, or 4 x AA NiMH, NiCad or Alkaline batteries.
  
• Dimensions of 120 x 86 x 152.5 millimeters (4.8 x 3.4 x 6.1 inches); weighs 575 grams (1.27 pounds)
  
• Planned to ship in Japan in mid-October 2000 at a price of ¥160,000 (US$1474) with a monthly production of 10,000 cameras.

• Olympus Camedia P-200 photo printer
  
• Makes L-sized thermal transfer dye sublimation prints with 2.1 million colors and 320 dots per inch
  
• Accepts CompactFlash Type-I or Type-II
  
• USB and parallel port connectivity compatible with Windows 95/98
  
• Can be used either on mains power, or with optional rechargeable battery (¥9,800 / US$90). 25 prints can be made on each battery charge.
  
• Photo paper comes in cartridges of 25 sheets, at a cost of ¥1600 (US$15)
  
• Multi image prints with 2, 4, 9 or 16 images on one print possible, as well as index prints, date and sharpness functions
  
• 90 seconds per print, including protective coating
  
• Dimensions of 121 x 153 x 52mm (4.84 x 6.12 x 2.08 inches); weighs 830 grams (1.8 pounds); smallest and lightest dye sublimation printer in the world
  
• Planned to ship in Japan at the end of October for ¥63,000 (US$581)

• Olympus Camedia E-10 digital camera
  
• 4 megapixel-class 2/3" primary color CCD (3.9 megapixel effective rating, pixel size 3.9 microns). Image resolutions of 2240 x 1680, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels, in JPEG, TIFF and RAW modes. Mutiple JPEG compression levels.
  
• Yamada reports that the CCD was a joint development with another unspecified company, with Olympus bearing the development costs. It is believed by Yamada that Olympus will retain sole rights to the CCD, and that there will be an announcement forthcoming revealing the manufacturer of the CCD.
  
• Concept and styling are like an Olympus version of Sony's Cyber-shot Pro cameras (according to Yamada), or similar to Olympus' own C-1400 series (according to PC Watch)
  
• F2(wide)/2.4(tele) - F11 four times optical zoom lens, corresponding to 35 - 140mm on a 35mm camera. 62mm filter threads. Focusing distance of infinity to 0.6 meters, or 0.2 - 0.6 meters in macro mode.
  
• TTL optical viewfinder with 95% picture coverage
  
• Moveable 118,000 pixel, 100% picture coverage 1.8-inch TFT LCD display allows photos to be taken from unusual positions such as at waist-level
  
• Type-II CompactFlash and 3.3V 4-64MB SmartMedia storage. CompactFlash slot is not compatible with IBM Microdrive, because of too high power drain. 8MB SmartMedia card bundled
  
• USB connectivity; PC sees camera as a USB storage device.
  
• Die-cast aluminum chassis
  
• Seven-bladed aperture
  
• ISO ratings of 50, 100 and 200 or auto-select
  
• Newly developed focusing screen
  
• Passive and Active autofocus modes, as well as manual focusing - we believe Yamada is saying the camera can focus in near darkness
  
• RAW file format is included (PhotoShop acquire plugin bundled free)
  
• Histogram feature included
  
• Burst mode of 3 frames per second for up to four frames
  
• Shutter speeds of 1/640 to 2 seconds, or 1/640 to 8 seconds in manual mode. Bulb setting (Yamada seems to say this is up to a maximum of 30 seconds?)
  
• The battery life is targetted to be about 1000 images, currently Yamada notes that about 300 photos can be taken on the development version's battery
  
• Main batteries are either 2 Lithium CR-3V battery packs, or four NiMH/NiCad/Alkaline AA batteries. Lithium polymer battery is used (externally mounted) for taking even more pictures and will cost ¥69,800 (US$643). This battery doubles as a portrait grip with shutter release, and can be seen in a picture in PC Watch's article.
  
• Dimensions of 128.5 x 161 x 103.5 millimeters (5.1 x 6.4 x 4.1 inches) with a weight of 1.05kg (2.82lb) excluding batteries, and flash card
  
• Planned to reach market at a cost of ¥198,000 (US$1,825), in October with 20,000 cameras manufactured monthly.
  
• Yamada's also notes feedback he's gotten on the camera, namely that Olympus feels that with the camera not having interchangeable lenses, they need to keep the price below ¥200,000 (US$1,843). Interchangeable lenses were not used as Olympus felt that they could better match a high quality lens suitable for the high resolution directly to the unit. The main design goals for the camera seem to have been size, picture quality, price and ease of use. Yamada has 3 photos of the camera body on his page; note in particular the image showing the die-cast aluminum body. PC Watch's article notes further reasons for the absence of interchangeable lenses, namely that the camera remains dustproof and the CCD is protected from damage if a fixed lens is used.
  
• Finally, as well as the portrait grip/powerpack, Olympus showed PC Watch a macro lens for the camera, as well as 3x tele converter lens, 1.45x tele converter lens and 0.8x wide-angle lens, which if there is no vignetting, would extend the range of the camera's zoom from 35-140mm up to 28-420mm continuous zoom (equivalent to a 15x optical zoom lens, although bear in mind that tele/wide converters usually cause some distortion and/or abberation, degrading image quality...

Tuesday, August 22, 2000

• Olympus Camedia E-10 digital camera
  
• 4 megapixel-class 2/3" primary color CCD (3.9 megapixel effective rating, pixel size 3.9 microns). Image resolutions of 2240 x 1680, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 and 640 x 480 pixels, in JPEG, TIFF and RAW modes. Mutiple JPEG compression levels.
  
• Yamada reports that the CCD was a joint development with another unspecified company, with Olympus bearing the development costs. It is believed by Yamada that Olympus will retain sole rights to the CCD, and that there will be an announcement forthcoming revealing the manufacturer of the CCD.
  
• Concept and styling are like an Olympus version of Sony's Cyber-shot Pro cameras (according to Yamada), or similar to Olympus' own C-1400 series (according to PC Watch)
  
• F2 - 2.4 four times optical zoom lens, corresponding to 35 - 140mm on a 35mm camera. 62mm filter threads
  
• TTL optical viewfinder
  
• Moveable 1.8-inch TFT LCD display allows photos to be taken from unusual positions such as at waist-level
  
• Type-II CompactFlash and 3.3V 4-64MB SmartMedia storage. CompactFlash slot is not compatible with IBM Microdrive, because of too high power drain.
  
• USB connectivity; PC sees camera as a USB storage device.
  
• Seven-bladed aperture
  
• Passive and Active autofocus modes, as well as manual focusing - we believe Yamada is saying the camera can focus in near darkness
  
• Newly developed focusing screen
  
• RAW file format is included (PhotoShop acquire plugin bundled free)
  
• Histogram feature included
  
• Die-cast aluminum chassis
  
• The battery life is targetted to be about 1000 images, currently Yamada notes that about 300 photos can be taken on the development version's battery
  
• Main batteries are either 2 Lithium CR-3V battery packs, or four NiMH/NiCad/Alkaline AA batteries. Lithium polymer battery is used (externally mounted) for taking even more pictures and will cost ¥69,800 (US$643). This battery doubles as a portrait grip with shutter release, and can be seen in a picture in PC Watch's article.
  
• Dimensions of 128.5 x 161 x 103.5 millimeters (5.1 x 6.4 x 4.1 inches) with a weight of 1.05kg (2.82lb) excluding batteries, and flash card
  
• Planned to reach market at a cost of ¥198,000 (US$1,825), to reach market in October with 20,000 cameras manufactured monthly.
  
• Yamada's also notes feedback he's gotten on the camera, namely that Olympus feels that with the camera not having interchangeable lenses, they need to keep the price below ¥200,000 (US$1,843). Interchangeable lenses were not used as Olympus felt that they could better match a high quality lens suitable for the high resolution directly to the unit. The main design goals for the camera seem to have been size, picture quality, price and ease of use. Yamada has 3 photos of the camera body on his page; note in particular the image showing the die-cast aluminum body. PC Watch's article notes further reasons for the absence of interchangeable lenses, namely that the camera remains dustproof and the CCD is protected from damage if a fixed lens is used.
  
• Finally, as well as the portrait grip/powerpack, Olympus showed PC Watch a macro lens for the camera, as well as 3x tele converter lens, 1.45x tele converter lens and 0.8x wide-angle lens, which if there is no vignetting, would extend the range of the camera's zoom from 35-140mm up to 28-420mm continuous zoom (equivalent to a 15x optical zoom lens, although bear in mind that tele/wide converters usually cause some distortion and/or abberation, degrading image quality...

• Olympus Camedia E-10 digital camera
  
• 4 megapixel-class 2/3" primary color CCD (3.9 megapixel effective rating, pixel size 3.9 microns).
  
• Yamada reports that the CCD was a joint development with another unspecified company, with Olympus bearing the development costs. It is believed by Yamada that Olympus will retain sole rights to the CCD, and that there will be an announcement forthcoming revealing the manufacturer of the CCD.
  
• Concept and styling are like an Olympus version of Sony's Cyber-shot Pro cameras
  
• F2 - 2.4 four times optical zoom lens, corresponding to 35 - 140mm on a 35mm camera.
  
• TTL optical viewfinder
  
• Seven-bladed aperture
  
• Passive and Active autofocus modes, as well as manual focusing - we believe Yamada is saying the camera can focus in near darkness
  
• Newly developed focusing screen
  
• RAW file format is included (PhotoShop acquire plugin bundled free)
  
• Histogram feature included
  
• Die-cast aluminum chassis
  
• Moveable LCD display allows photos to be taken from unusual positions such as at waist-level
  
• The battery life is targetted to be about 1000 images, currently Yamada notes that about 300 photos can be taken on the development version's battery
  
• Lithium polymer battery is used (externally mounted) for taking pictures even longer. This battery doubles as a portrait grip.
  
• Planned to reach market at a cost of ¥198,000 (US$1,825), to reach market in October with 20,000 cameras manufactured monthly.

Monday, August 21, 2000

"I can say with confidence that Olympus has another hit on their hands. They've taken the already popular D-400 series and added a much needed 2.1 Megapixel CCD, plus some nice features usually not found on midrange cameras, like an uncompressed TIFF mode. My main gripe is the lack of USB support, which can be resolved by purchasing a card reader. If you're looking for a great $500 digital camera, look no more - the D-490Z is a great choice.

"Overall, we found this camera to be very easy to use, fairly small, portable and light weight with a comfortable grip, buttons that are within normal reach of your fingers, a well placed zoom control, and many manual settings that do not require you to go to your lcd menu screens to change. We felt the picture results were consistently of very high quality, especially with the brilliant colors Kodak is so well known for and very acceptable sharp, clean pictures. Our prints and full screen pictures came out just fantastic, time and time again. We highly recommend this camera to anyone getting involved with digital photography and it makes an especially nice camera for the entire family

"With a full 2 Megapixel CCD providing enough resolution to print out 4 by 6 inch and 7 by 5 inch prints at higher printer dpi settings, one can easily obtain very pleasing home/instant print results. The lens appears to be above average and we saw little obvious defects. Overall, the DC3400 at $499 and with everything you need to get going in digital photography, is a smart choice which we certainly can recommend."

Sunday, August 20, 2000

Saturday, August 19, 2000

Friday, August 18, 2000

Thursday, August 17, 2000

Wednesday, August 16, 2000

"I'm really not sure who's the target market for this product (Japan?). It's a package of compromises, great build quality with some neat touches yet average image quality, fixed lens, lack of support for MP3 > 128 Kbit/s.. And I'm not sure what you're going to do with the 8 MB card that's bundled with the camera (apart from get just 2 MP3 tracks on it), most users will HAVE to purchase a 64 MB card on top.. Putting the price of an already expensive gadget right through the roof.

It's a fun item and it's definitely got the gadget factor, I can imagine kids traveling to a party listening to music on the tube then using it to take party snaps when they get there... But I can't really picture another market for it. It really makes sense when you look at the technology, CPU, batteries, storage medium, portability - all things which both sides of the product share yet neither side excels..."

Tuesday, August 15, 2000

"Developers who beta tested the Digita Application SDK for only a few months are already releasing new and exciting in-camera applications and imaging solutions," said Andrew Kirk, FlashPoint's developer relations manager. "Digita is changing the way people think about digital cameras."

"With the Digita SDK, we can make pictures an efficient part of our customer's business process. The bottom line -- with the Digita Application SDK we help our customers survive," said Ted Carroll, VP of Engineering of Bidpath Corp.

"This strategic relationship with Express Digital is a cornerstone of our strategy to be the leading digital photography company serving the consumer, professional and event categories," noted Ed Bernstein, PhotoPoint's CEO. "It's a natural extension for PhotoPoint to integrate its millions of members and monthly visitors with PhotoRelect.com's thousands of professional photographers. We can provide great value for consumers and professionals alike."

"The relationship between Express Digital and PhotoPoint provides professional photographers and mini-labs with a complete solution by combining e-commerce and photo-sharing," said Graham McFarland, founder and CEO of Express Digital. "This will help us accomplish our mission to help those in the business of photography to sell more photos and make more money using technology."In addition, the partnership between Express Digital and PhotoPoint provides for technology sharing and gives each party the right to resell the other's software technology. Express Digital's professional photographers will also be available as resources to JoePix, Inc., the event photography division of PhotoPoint Corporation.
Source: Yahoo! Finance / BusinessWire

Intel announces Pocket PC Camera!
By Michael Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, August 15, 2000 - 15:29 EDT)


Intel Corp. has announced its new Pocket PC Camera, an inexpensive tethered digital camera that can be detached and taken to backyard barbecues, summer softball games, family vacations and more. The package comes with a software suite so that when the digital PC Camera is reattached to its PC, consumers can make video phone calls, create personal Web pages, send e-mail postcards, create PC movies, edit photos and play PC Camera games. The Intel Pocket PC Camera is available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$149.

"Unleashing the PC Camera gives consumers more freedom and flexibility to take snapshots and video anywhere and share them with family and friends over the Internet within minutes," said Don Whiteside, general manager of the Intel Connected Products Division. "When tethered to a PC, the Intel Pocket PC Camera becomes a video phone that lets friends and family easily connect so they can see each other more often."

The eight-ounce Intel Pocket PC Camera is a CCD-based VGA camera with enhanced low-light performance, and a four-element lens with a 50-degree field of view. When connected to a PC through the supplied USB cable and monitor cradle, the Intel Pocket PC Camera provides unlimited video capture and still image snapshot capabilities. When untethered, the camera's built-in 8 MB of memory can capture a combination of 128 Internet-ready VGA quality (640x480) images or two minutes of video. An auto setting lets users capture five shots in two seconds, and a self-timer lets everyone get in the picture. Batteries, a carrying case, and wrist strap are included.

The Intel Pocket PC Camera comes with Intel Create & Share Software. The software suite includes Microsoft Windows Netmeeting, an easy-to-use video phone software that lets users make video phone calls over dial-up and broadband Internet connections. The Intel Create & Share Software also features:

• Intel E-mail Postcard, which can be used to personalize e-mail with video, snapshots and sound
  
• Intel Video E-mail, for sending video e-mails
  
• Intel Auto Snapshot, which brings Webcam features to consumers by letting them take motion-triggered or time-interval pictures that can be saved to a disk, posted to personal home pages or sent through e-mail automatically
  
• Intel Movie Builder software to create movies or presentations complete with video, still images, titles and transitions
  
• Intel Home Page Builder to make personal Web pages
  
• Intel Picture Manager to review and save photos from the Intel Pocket PC Camera
  
• PC Camera games, developed by Reality Fusion, that show contestants on their computer screens interacting with virtual objects, such as basketballs or bubbles
  
• MGI Photosuite SE software that offers picture editing and creativity capabilities.

The Intel Pocket PC Camera will also include the Intel Bonus CD in selected North American retail packages this fall. The Bonus CD contains a suite of creative Web-based services that allow PC camera owners to publish and broadcast their personal video clips and photos on the Web and more. All of the services are free and have been optimized to work with the entire family of Intel PC Cameras.

The Intel Pocket PC Camera comes in a plug-and-play Universal Serial Bus version. Minimum system requirements include desktop or notebook PC with Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology at 166 MHz or an Intel Celeron processor, Windows 98, 98SE or Millennium Edition, Windows compatible sound card with speakers and microphone, 32 MB RAM and Internet access.

The Intel Pocket PC Camera is available nationwide at most computer stores and online retailers at a price of US$149.
Source: Intel Corp.'s website

Olympus America announces C-2100 Ultra ZOOM digital camera!
By Michael Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, August 15, 2000 - 13:11 EDT)

Olympus America Inc. has today announced its Olympus C-2100 Ultra ZOOM digital camera, which we first told you about back when it was announced in Japan on June 15th. To recap the highlights, the C-2100 features a 2.1 megapixel CCD, 16MB SDRAM buffer, 10x optical zoom lens and an SLR-like design (the camera actually uses an electronic rather than an optical viewfinder). Here's the full details:

• Olympus C-2100 Ultra ZOOM digital camera
  
• 1/2 inch CMY interlaced 2.11 megapixel CCD. 1600 x 1200, 1290 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 pixel image sizes. 24-bit color uncompressed TIFF and JPEG (SHQ, HQ or SQ quality settings) file formats.
  
• 7-70mm (38-380mm equivalent) 10x optical power zoom lens featuring image stabilisation and all-glass aspherical design with 2 aspheric elements. f2.8-3.5, 1/3 step aperture control to f11 throughout the zoom range. 7-bladed aperture. Accepts 49mm filters; 49-55mm step ring required for thick filters. 2.6x digital zoom extends 35mm equivalent range to 980mm.
  
• SLR-like design with 1.8-inch 113,500 pixel wide-view low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD display and 0.55" TFT LCD viewfinder similar to a camcorder (LCD viewfinder shows the same thing as larger LCD display, including all picture/setup information). Brightness adjustment on larger LCD possible.
  
• 3.3V SmartMedia storage compatible with cards up to 64MB; 8MB Smartmedia card with panorama function bundled
  
• Built-in flash with auto (low light and back light), red-eye reduction, fill-in, slow-sync and slow-sync with red-eye reduction modes. Range of 24" to 18 feet at wide angle, 8" to 9 feet at telephoto. Flash charges in 6 seconds or less. External terminal can be set off, auto or forced. Slow sync can be first or second-curtain sync. 5 pin TTL connector for FL40 or PC sync, requires optional bracket and cable.
  
• Connectivity: USB or Serial (RS-232C) for PC/Mac link, NTSC w/ sound for video output, DC input for external power
  
• 16MB SDRAM buffer offers burst-mode of 3 frames per second, and continuous 1.2 second shot-shot in SQ mode. Sequence mode 1.7 frames per second up to 5 SHQ, 16 HQ or 86 VGA SQ frames.
  
• 12 second self-timer; 2 second delay after optional remote controller operation
  
• ISO ratings of 100, 200 and 400 auto or user-selectable
  
• i-ESP TTL or Spot phase-detection autofocus, focusing illuminator (range 2 - 10 feet) included. 240-step manual focus possible with full focus range including macro range. Focusing range 24" (wide) / 78" (tele) to infinity. Macro mode allows focusing 4.3" - 24" (wide) / 39" - 78" (tele). i-ESP AF disabled in burst-mode.
  
• i-ESP multi-pattern full-automatic TTL white balance with 4 manual presets or one-touch white balance.
  
• Digital ESP multi-patterned metering, center-weighted, spot or multi-spot metering with up to 8 spot readings.
  
• Program Auto, Aperture and Shutter priority modes. S-Program mode (operates similarly to Program Auto but allows selection of presets such as Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Scene, and Custom). Manual exposure mode allows independent selection of shutter and aperture. Manual mode allows shutter speeds 1/750 to 16 seconds; shutter priority allows 1/750 to 1/2 second, other modes allow 1/750 to 4 seconds. Apertures F2.8 (wide) / F3.8 (tele) to F11 in 1/3 EV steps selectable in aperture priority or manual modes. +/- 2.0EV Exposure Compensation in 1/3EV steps. Auto bracketing from 1/3, 2/3 or 1-stop increments, 3 or 5 shots.
  
• Design Rule for Camera File System and Digital Print Order Format compliant.
  
• Memory for camnera settings
  
• Movie capability with sound; Quicktime MotionJPEG format in 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 resolution, 15 frames per second.
  
• Bundled with 8MB SmartMedia card, 4 NiMH batteries and charger, lens cap, strap, USB cable, NTSC video cable, Olympus Camedia Master Utility Software, Adobe PhotoDeluxe.
  
• Operates 32-104 Fahrenheit 30-90% humidity, storage -4 - 140 Fahrenheit 10-90% humidity.
  
• Power from 4 AA NiMH, 2 Lithium LB-01 (CR-V3), 4 AA Lithium or 4 high-capacity AA alkaline batteries. Optional 7AU-AC adapter. Not compatible with manganese batteries.
  
• Dimensions of 4.25 x 3.25 x 5.6" excluding projections. Weight not yet disclosed.
  
• Will ship in August 2000 with a street price of US$999.

Monday, August 14, 2000

---

Pixel Magic and Applied Science Fiction cooperate!
By Michael Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Monday, August 14, 2000 - 16:19 EDT)

Pixel Magic Imaging Inc. and Applied Science Fiction Inc. have announced a strategic alliance to integrate ASF's proprietary digital imaging technologies into Pixel Magic's Photo Ditto kiosks. PMI has retained an exclusive distribution license for ASF's Digital ICE and Digital ROC technologies for use in its print-to-print photo kiosks.

PMI will utilize ASF's existing digital imaging technologies by offering the option of retrofitting currently installed kiosks and by applying the technologies to future photo kiosks. In addition, the agreement is intended to explore further opportunities for technology and product integration between the two companies. Also under the terms of the agreement, ASF is authorized to accept orders for Photo Ditto kiosks with order fulfillment to be handled by PMI as part of its sales offering.

PMI's Photo Ditto kiosks are print and enhancement systems that enable consumers to enlarge, crop, retouch and print photographic prints as well as other specialty items such as announcements and calendars directly from their original prints or negatives. Photo Ditto has been praised for its open architecture platform and interactive consumer software. Initial implementation will incorporate ASF's Digital ICE and Digital ROC for Flatbed Scanners into Pixel Magic's Photo Ditto print enhancement kiosks, enabling consumers with scratched or faded pictures to automatically obtain high quality prints while they wait.

"ASF is encouraged that the first implementation of our new flatbed scanning technologies will be offered exclusively to consumers through Photo Ditto kiosks," said Dan Sullivan, President and CEO of Applied Science Fiction. "Self-serve photo kiosks are growing in popularity and we're pleased that so many new consumers and retailers will now be exposed to ASF's proprietary image enhancement technologies. I am equally delighted to be associated with Pixel Magic Imaging, another pioneering company in the digital imaging field that shares our vision for the future of photography. I'm confident that this strategic alliance agreement will lead to equally innovative and rewarding business opportunities in the future."

"Pixel Magic Imaging continues to look for new ways to add value to our entire product line," said David Oles, Founder, CEO and CTO of Pixel Magic. "And, we're excited that through our nationwide network of installed Photo Ditto kiosks we are able to introduce retailers and consumers to ASF's image enhancement technologies. Our clients have come to expect outstanding quality and innovative software solutions from Pixel Magic Imaging, and we are pleased that we will be working with ASF in the integration of their Digital ICE and Digital ROC technologies. We believe this joint relationship will benefit retailers and consumers as well as both companies."

ASF's Digital ICE (Image Correction and Enhancement) technology automatically removes surface defects, such as dust and scratches without altering the underlying image; Digital ROC (Reconstruction of Color) restores the color quality of an image, regardless of the condition of the original.

Digital ICE uses a defect map to identify the precise locations of physical defects, or visual "noise" on a print being scanned. Differential shadowing technology and proprietary software algorithms eliminate the unwanted defects, producing a scanned image file that improves upon the original print. Digi