The 14.2 megapixel Sony Alpha 350 digital SLR got reviewed by the website PC Advisor and lets see if it managed to impress. The first thing that stands out in the camera is its novel pullout 2.7in screen, which offers Live View. The built-in antidust and antishake system and the compatibility with older Minolta AF lenses also makes the camera a great buy.
Excerpt from review: “Sony's Alpha 350 shows great image quality, an effective antishake system, a good build and a handy pull-out LCD monitor. However, we weren't so impressed with its ergonomics, its poor layout of controls and tunnel-like viewfinder. Live View compromises its conventional use, plus there's a limited range of pricey accessories and lenses.”
Good Gear Guide recently reviewed the 12MP Canon EOS 450D DSLR and according to them the 450D is a solid improvement on the EOS 400D. The camera now comes with a multitude of features that further enhance the photographic experience and strengthen the Canon name.
Features like Live View, dust reduction, 14-bit A-D, fast burst mode and the 12.1 MP CMOS sensor makes the 450D a solid buy. However the Live View autofocus at times is slow and the pictures could use a little sharpening.
Olympus who are the official sponsors of the US Open and the Olympus US Open Series announced their second annual national sweepstakes. Lucky winners will be sent on the trip to the 2008 US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing Meadows, New York. Winners will receive a weekend getaway August 29-31, 2008, which will include hotel, airfare, spending money and two tickets to the Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Consumers purchasing an Olympus camera between May 13 and July 18, 2008 may register to win by completing a registration form at participating retail locations, entering online at www.getolympus.com/register, or mailing a postcard or letter containing their name, mailing address, email address and telephone number to: emg3, Shoot With the Pros, 215 Commercial St., Portland, ME 04101. Registration for the sweepstakes runs through July 18, 2008 and complete rules are available at www.getolympus.com/register.
The DNG codec for Windows Vista is now available for download courtesy Adobe. The DNG Codec provides a method for Windows Vista users to view DNG files in the Windows Explorer and Photo Gallery. Download it from here
Download and Installation
1. Download the DNG Codec
2. Double click the downloaded dngcodec_r1_051208.msi file
3. Follow the on-screen installation instructions
4. The DNG Codec may require that you restart your computer before use
Version 1.2.0.0 of the Digital Negative Specification has been released by Adobe. The latest update not only formalizes the concept of a camera profile but also adds a metdata tag to validate image data.
Additional metadata tags have been defined for the DNG format including a field to indicate a 'hash' or the integrity of the raw data within the file, providing a valuable tool for validating the safety of your image data . For more info check out the official Lightroom Blog.
If you are in the market for the newly announced Olympus E-520 DSLR camera, then you might as well check out the PT-E05 casing. The PT-E05 is an underwater casing, which makes the DLR waterproof to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 40 meters.
It comes equipped flash connectors and features 5 interchangeable lens ports. The lens ports support lenses like 14-42mm, 14-45mm, 11-22mm, 14-54mm, 7-14mm, 8mm Fisheye, 35mm and 50mm Macro lenses.
Microsoft Corp. and HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX has entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement to further the development of each company’s current and future product lines. The agreement covers digital cameras made by PENTAX and according to trade pundits, Pentax is compensating Microsoft.
“When technological industry leaders collaborate through intellectual property licensing, we foster greater innovation that will benefit the customer, the consumer and the overall IT ecosystem,” said Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft. “We are proud of the quality of our broad, global patent portfolio, and we are pleased that another consumer products company has recognized the value of our worldwide patent portfolio.”
Ridata has added a 32GB model to its 233x Lightning Series of CompactFlash® cards. Ideal for higher megapixel digital cameras, the card has reading speeds of 35MB/s and writing speeds of 12MB/s. The card conforms to the CompactFlash Association Standard, is PC card Standard and PC card ATA compatible as it is with true IDE mode.
The Ridata 32GB 233x Lightning Series CompactFlash® card has an SRP of $199.00 and for more info check out http://www.ritekusa.com/
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi just like its predecessor seems to be emerging as a hot favorite. Digital Trends is the latest website to review this user friendly DSLR and lets see how the 12 MOPshooter faired.
On testing the Burst Mode in AF setting with maximum JPEG size (4272 x 2848 pixels), the camera proved its quite a speed devil and quite capable of achieving Canon’s f 3.5 frames per second rating. Digital noise is barely visible and the imaging quality was found to be top-notch. However the over-hyped Live View is a disappointment and quite useless according to the review.
Verdict: “We hate to sound like a skipping Internet audio stream, but it’s very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It’s a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside. At 12.2-megapixels, the camera also has more than enough resolution for huge prints, and you can just shoot in auto or tweak images as much as you’d like”
If you are an art aficionado and or just want to share your creations with the world then we have the perfect platform for you. The "Digital Graffiti Alys Beach” event will take place in Florida on August 30, 2008 during the Labor Day week. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, July 11, 2008 and one can submit ‘digital art” which can be new or existing abstract digital imagery, short films, photography, VJ sets, animations,/YouTube/ videos, Adobe PhotoShop creations or entirely new interactive concepts.
The festival will be hosted by experts judges, including Alan Hunter-MTV's very first "VeeJay," co-host of th Big 80's" channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, and co-founder of the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, and Warren Heaton. For more information about Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, visit the website.
onOne Software recently announced the availability of Essentials 2 software for iPhoto users. The iPhoto version is a collection of four easy-to-use software tools that help to make post-processing easy and is based on technology used in the professional level onOne Software Photoshop® plug-ins PhotoTune 2.2, FocalPoint 1.0, PhotoFrame 3.1 and Genuine Fractals 5..
Make it Better! Blur It! Frame It! and Enlarge It are the new tools incorporated in onOne Software's new Essentials 2 for iPhoto. onOne Software's Essentials 2 for iPhoto is available direct from onOne Software (www.onOnesoftware.com) and from authorized retailers including select Apple Stores. The MSRP for Essentials 2 for iPhoto is $59.95.
Two more new additions to the Eye-Fi family are the Share and Home wireless SD cards.The Eye-Fi Share is in fact the original Eye-Fi Card and is ideal for those who want to upload images directly to their preferred photo-sharing site in addition to their computer. Priced at an MSRP of $99.the card is PC and Mac compatible.
The Eye-Fi Home is priced at f$79, enables users to upload photos to their computer through their home Wi-Fi network. This card is designed for those who want to save the time and hassle of manually uploading photos via cables, cradles or card readers.
Eye-Fi extended their portfolio by adding the Eye-Fi Explore Memory Card. Unveiled at the O’Reilly Where 2.0 Conference, the card is capable of automatic geo-tagging. The Eye-Fi Explore will retail for $129 and one will be able add location tags to pictures using Skyhook’s global Wi-Fi Positioning System. Via the card users can upload their photos away from home at more than 10,000 Wayport hotspots in the U.S.
The 2GB Eye-Fi Explore includes unlimited Web uploads, unlimited geotagging and one year of hotspot access at Wayport locations. The Eye-Fi Explore (MSRP $129.00) will be available at major online retailers beginning June 6, 2008.
Apart from announcing the E-520 DSLR, Olympus also announced a new lens. The Olympus Zuiko Digital 18-36mm equivalent (ED 9-18mm Four Thirds) f4.0-f5.6, is a super-wide-angle zoom lens that is compatible with any of the Olympus E-System bodies.
The lens measures only 3 inches long and weighs a mere 9.88 ounces. The Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f.4.0-f5.6 will be available in the fall of 2008. The estimated street price will be $599.99.
“Affordable super wide-angle lenses with equivalent focal lengths less than 20mm have not been widely available in digital SLR photography,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager – DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Pairing this lens or any of the other Zuiko digital lenses with the new E-520, and its in-body image stabilization, provides a combination ideal for lower light shots like a fountain at night. This combination offers image stabilization for a super wide-angle zoom not found in camera systems with in-lens stabilization.”
The Olympus E-520 is the latest DSLR to be announced by the imaging giants. Successor to the E-510, this new DSLR will be available from June 2008 for £479.99 (body only).
Touting a 10 megapixels resolution, the Olympus E-520 is based on the ” Four Thirds Standard. It comes equipped with a 2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD that offers Live View and also includes a built-in image stabilizer to ensure blur-free. The Supersonic Wave Filter also ensures protection against effects of dust, which can enter the camera during lens changes or otherwise result from normal operation.
The Olympus E-520 is available in the following configurations:
• Olympus E-520 Lens Kit - £529.99
(E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
• Olympus E-520 Double Zoom Kit - £629.99
(E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
• Olympus E-520 Tele Double Zoom Kit - £759.99
(E-520 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)
• Olympus E-520 (body only) - £479.99
Canon announced that they will be sponsoring Magnum photographer Jonas Bendiksen’s ‘The Places We Live’, a unique multimedia exhibition exploring what it means to be a 21st century city dweller. The exhibition will debut at the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo on 6 June, before touring worldwide through the prestigious Magnum Photos network. ‘The Places We Live’ was photographed by Bendiksen using Canon’s 12.8 Megapixel EOS-5D and will be exhibited using 18 of Canon’s new XEED SX7 projectors.
‘The Places We Live’ will offer a virtual visit to 20 homes in four of the world’s most deprived slums, Kibera in Nairobi, Dharavi in Mumbai, the hillside barrios of Caracas and poor kampongs in Jakarta.
Firmware version 1.02 for the FinePix F100fd digital camera is now available for download on the Fujifilm website.
The firmware update Ver.1.02 incorporates the following issues.
- Reduce "pinkish-colored band" which may be rarely found in the left side edge of image when the image is shot at ISO 400 or shot without flash on "NATURAL & FLASH MODE".
•Precaution
1. If firmware updating fails, the camera may no longer operate correctly in some cases.
Carefully read the notes provided here.
2. Always use the AC adapter when updating the firmware as a basic manner. Never turn the camera off or attempt to use any of the camera controls while the firmware is being overwritten.
3. Firmware updating requires approximately 20 seconds.
4. Once the firmware has been updated, the previous version cannot be restored.
Imaging Resource recently reviewed the Pandigital PanTouch Photo Frame that comes equipped with a patent-pending touch sensor to make the whole navigating experience more intuitive.
On playing around with the frame, the reviewer found out that set up was quick and easy. The interface is responsive and the slide show and movie mode very user-friendly. However the frame had some minor irritants too. Viewing angle is a disappointment and the buttons on the remote control were a little stiff.
Verdict: “The more we used the frame, the more we liked it. Slide shows replaced the pass-the-camera around routine after an event but the Movie mode was even more compelling. We could download video from some relative's blog and share it on the Pandigital frame. Even the Calendar mode amused us for a while”.
The Pentax K200D DSLR has been reviewed by Cnet and feels its ideal for old-timer Pentax users or those have old Pentax lenses lying around. The entry- level 10.2-megapixel dSLR is compatible with most Pentax lenses and has been built ergonomically. The Optical image stabilization is a thoughtful addition however they don’t like omission of features such as live view and face detection.
Conclusion:
“The Pentax K200D is a straightforward entry-level dSLR. For each higher-spec flourish, it lacks a more obvious consumer-friendly function like live view and face detection. But SD cards and AA batteries keep things simple. We prefer the controls of the Olympus E-510 over the K200D's somewhat clunky operation, but compatibility with older Pentax lenses may give it the edge for some people over the Four Thirds lens range.”
For Sigma DP1 users its time to hit the update button once again . Version .102 for the DP1 can be downloaded from here.
Benefits of the firmware update
Correct the phenomenon that the "currently selected file" will be deleted, if the camera is turned off when the camera display remained in Delete Menu.
onOne Software’s FocalPoint 1.0, a new software plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, is available for download. FocalPoint is a selective focus and vignetting plug-in that aims to give total control over creating focusing effects.
FocalPoint is designed for use with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements and supports Adobe Photoshop CS2 and CS3 and Elements versions 4.0.1, 5, 6 and higher. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and Vista and Mac OS X 10.4.10 and 10.5 and higher and retails for $159.95.
The Transcend Extreme Speed 300x CompactFlash is the latest memory card on the block. Extreme Speed 300X CompactFlash cards operate in dual-channel Ultra DMA mode and can achieve read/write speeds of up to 45MB per second. The in-built ECC (Error Correction Code) functionality automatically detects and corrects errors during data transfer. Transcend’s Extreme Speed 300X CF cards are now available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.
Product Features
* Extreme Speed 300X performance, read/write speeds up to 45MB per second
* Hardware ECC (Error Correction Code)
* Supports IDE PIO mode 6 and Ultra DMA mode 5
* Fully complies with the new CF 4.1 standard
* Multi-platform compatibility and low power consumption
* 100% tested for quality, speed and reliability
* Lifetime Warranty
* *Default setting: Ultra DMA mode 5
Bibble Labs, Inc recently announced the availability of new versions of Bibble Pro and Bibble Lite. Version 4.10 adds support for eight of the newest dSLRs: Nikon D60, Canon Digital Rebel XSi (450D), Sony a200, a300 and a350, Pentax K20D and K200D and Olympus E-420. This update also adds lens calibration data for 14 new lenses and fixes several minor issues.
Bibble 4.10 is available in both Pro ($129.95) and Lite ($69.95) versions for Windows, Macintosh (PPC/Intel as a Universal Binary) and Linux. Visit http://www.bibblelabs.com for further details.
The Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G lens was tested out by the folks over at Dpreview who think it’s a great lens to invest in. Had the lens been DX', it would have been spectacular as FX just falls short in some conditions.
The Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G lens was found to be superbly built and produces excellent image quality in DX format. The optical image stabilization is quite effective and the autofocus mode doesn’t disappoint too.
Excerpt from review: “So overall we're left with a lens which is a great option for most potential buyers, but simply isn't quite up to the demands of full frame capture. For anyone using the Nikon's DX format DSLRs, the incorporation of image stabilization alone means that it's the best option currently available, but FX shooters may well wish to think long and hard before buying.”
Adobe has submitted their proprietary DNG RAW file format to the ISO as a proposed new standard. Adobe will also provide a DNG-viewing codec to view DNG files right within the Windows Vista operating system.
Some of the merits of DNG according to John Knack from Adobe:
* Converting to DNG saves disk space and eliminates the need to use separate sidecar files for raw settings. (I knocked 1.5GB off the 7GB of photos from our wedding photographer.)
* Because of these benefits, customer feedback indicates that 40% of Lightroom users are converting to DNG on import. (It's a one-click set-and-forget option that's also available in Adobe Bridge CS3.)
* DNG lets Adobe support new cameras in older versions of Camera Raw without having to constantly revise and test those versions. Photographers and use the free DNG Converter (Win | Mac) to process their proprietary raw images to DNG. The upshot is that we can spend our time building good new functionality instead of updating old software.
Hama unveiled their new Omega Carbon tripod series for semi-pros, which are constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, making them durable and light-weight. The collection compromises of Omega Carbon III and the Omega Carbon II.
The Omega Carbon III ‘s height adjusts from 71 to 202 centimeters and comes equipped with a versatile 3D precision ballhead. It can become a fully adjustable monopod, with a height of 54 to 158 centimeters.
The Mega Carbon II on other hand has a extension length of 68 to 174 centimeters and weighs around 2.5 kilograms.
Lowepro, who are known for their durable and extensive range of camera bags, have launched a new cash back offer which will run from 1 May to 31 July.
• Get £10 cashback with any bag purchased between £50 and £100
• Get £20 cashback with any bag purchased for more than £100
This applies to shoulder bags, sling-bags and backpacks and one can register your claim online from 1st May at http://www.protectitwithlowepro.co.uk to receive your payment by BACs into your bank account or by cheque.
The Olympus SP-570UZ may not be a DSLR however it’s clearly patterned on one. The folks over at Infosync World took the SP-570UZ for a spin and had mixed feelings about it. Garnering a rating of 73%, the Olympus SP-570UZ is a “good” prosumer camera, which includes an impressive 20x, zoom and image stabilization.
The body is a winner too and the interface was surprisingly intuitive. However the camera is not without faults. It only support for xD cards, the imaging sensor is a little too small and the camera also produces fringing and distortion at certain settings.
Conclusion: “The only thing hampering the SP-570UZ from a sure-fire recommendation is its so-so, point-and-shoot sized imaging-sensor, which performs well for its class but undermines the camera's prosumer appeal. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a functional bridge between a compact and a DSLR, the SP-570UZ could fit the bill.”
Canon UK for a limited time is offering in addition to its standard warranty a one-year extended warranty absolutely free. The offer is valid on all purchases made before 31 December 2008 and is open to EOS-1Ds Mark III or EOS-1D Mark III users. The deadline for registration is 31 January 2009.
Eligible countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Good Gear Guide 
The DNG codec for Windows Vista is now available for download courtesy Adobe. The DNG Codec provides a method for Windows Vista users to view DNG files in the Windows Explorer and Photo Gallery. Download it from 
If you are in the market for the newly announced Olympus E-520 DSLR camera, then you might as well check out the PT-E05 casing. The PT-E05 is an underwater casing, which makes the DLR waterproof to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 40 meters.
Microsoft Corp. and HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX has entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement to further the development of each company’s current and future product lines. The agreement covers digital cameras made by PENTAX and according to trade pundits, Pentax is compensating Microsoft.
Ridata has added a 32GB model to its 233x Lightning Series of CompactFlash® cards. Ideal for higher megapixel digital cameras, the card has reading speeds of 35MB/s and writing speeds of 12MB/s. The card conforms to the CompactFlash Association Standard, is PC card Standard and PC card ATA compatible as it is with true IDE mode. 
If you are an art aficionado and or just want to share your creations with the world then we have the perfect platform for you. The "Digital Graffiti Alys Beach” event will take place in Florida on August 30, 2008 during the Labor Day week. The deadline for all submissions is Friday, July 11, 2008 and one can submit ‘digital art” which can be new or existing abstract digital imagery, short films, photography, VJ sets, animations,/YouTube/ videos, Adobe PhotoShop creations or entirely new interactive concepts. 
onOne Software recently announced the availability of Essentials 2 software for iPhoto users. The iPhoto version is a collection of four easy-to-use software tools that help to make post-processing easy and is based on technology used in the professional level onOne Software Photoshop® plug-ins PhotoTune 2.2, FocalPoint 1.0, PhotoFrame 3.1 and Genuine Fractals 5..
Eye-Fi 
Apart from announcing the
The
Canon 
Firmware version 1.02 for the FinePix F100fd digital camera is now available for download on the Fujifilm 
Imaging Resource
For Sigma DP1 users its time to hit the update button once again . Version .102 for the DP1 can be downloaded from
onOne Software’s
The 
Bibble Labs, Inc recently announced the availability of new versions of Bibble Pro and Bibble Lite. Version 4.10 adds support for eight of the newest dSLRs: Nikon D60, Canon Digital Rebel XSi (450D), Sony a200, a300 and a350, Pentax K20D and K200D and Olympus E-420. This update also adds lens calibration data for 14 new lenses and fixes several minor issues.
The Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G lens was tested out by the folks over at
Adobe has submitted their proprietary DNG RAW file format to the ISO as a proposed new standard. Adobe will also provide a DNG-viewing codec to view DNG files right within the Windows Vista operating system.
Hama unveiled their new Omega Carbon tripod series for semi-pros, which are constructed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, making them durable and light-weight. The collection compromises of Omega Carbon III and the Omega Carbon II.
Lowepro, who are known for their durable and extensive range of camera bags, have launched a new cash back offer which will run from 1 May to 31 July.
The Olympus SP-570UZ may not be a DSLR however it’s clearly patterned on one. The folks over at 
Canon UK for a limited time is offering in addition to its standard warranty a one-year extended warranty absolutely free. The offer is valid on all purchases made before 31 December 2008 and is open to EOS-1Ds Mark III or EOS-1D Mark III users. The deadline for registration is 31 January 2009.