Archive for January, 2006

Quesabesde: Olympus DSLR interview

Friday, January 27th, 2006

The folks over at Quesabesde.com have posted an interesting interview with a product manager from Olympus regarding their new EVOLT E330 digital SLR. Yoshiyuki Nada, Technical Product Manager for Olympus, discusses the live view innovation that is the camera’s standout feature - not just how it works, but why it was created, and what impact it has for photographer and camera. The interview makes for rather interesting reading. For the full sto…

Pentax *istDL2

Friday, January 27th, 2006

Pentax has announced a minor upgrade to the *istDL - but only for users in Asia and Canada. The *istDL2 offers a couple of extra focus points, a few new scene modes and a couple of bits of silver plastic (where the DL was all-black). Looking at the spec the DL2 appears to be the Pentax version of the Samsung GX-1S, announced earlier this month, and may be an indication of the intention to sell the future cameras as Pentax branded in some markets and Samsung cameras in others (namely Europe and the US).

Pentax *ist DL2

Friday, January 27th, 2006

Pentax has announced a minor upgrade to the *ist DL - but only for users in Asia and Canada. The *ist DL2 offers a couple of extra focus points, a few new scene modes and a couple of bits of silver plastic (where the DL was all-black). Looking at the spec the DL2 appears to be the Pentax version of the Samsung GX-1S, announced earlier this month, and may be an indication of the intention to sell the future cameras as Pentax branded in some markets and Samsung cameras in others (namely Europe and the US).

Pentax Japan announces the *istDL2 digital SLR

Friday, January 27th, 2006

January 27, 2006 - 08.40 GMT PENTAX Japan announces the PENTAX *istDL2 digital SLR camera, especially first-time digital SLR users. Developed as a successor to the *istDL, this new digital SLR inherits many of its predecessor’s popular features. At the same time, it provides several improvements, such as an increased number of AF sensor points and eight user-friendly Scene Modes. As a result, it delivers greatly enhanced overall cost performance to its users…

Rune Lindman Releases QPict 7 Public Beta

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

One of the more attractive Macintosh asset managers gets a public beta featuring improved Raw handling and DNG support. Rune Lindman Development has released Preview 3 of its public beta of QPict 7, its Macintosh asset management software. This version features native DNG support, embedded IPTC data in JPEGs and exports and several bug fixes. Previous previews implemented improved Raw format support, covering over 200 cameras, as well as improv…

Olympus announces five FE-series digital cameras

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

January 26, 2006 - 14.00 GMT Olympus announces 5 new digital cameras in the FE-series. The FE-115 attractively priced and boasts 5 million pixels. The FE-130 and FE-140 match good quality with easy operation and boast 5.1 and 6.0 million pixels. The FE-150 and FE-160 provide trouble-free operation without sacrificing quality. Thanks to an image resolution of 5.0 and 6.0 million pixels respectively, pictures come alive with exceptional definition and realism…

Olympus E-330 digital SLR - First DSLR with live preview

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Hamburg, 26 January 2006 – With the new Olympus E-330, the specialist in opto-digital technology once again expands the horizons of photography. For the first time*, the comfort and flexibility of continuous live views directly on the LCD is available to digital SLR users. This ground-breaking innovation enables framing of shots without the need to look through the ocular. Users can therefore see what’s going on around them while they shoot, which is a significant advantage for reportage or sports photographers – as well as in other situations where it is difficult to frame using the viewfinder, such as under water. Moreover, thanks to a large tilting, multi-angle LCD measuring 2.5”/6.4cm, the Olympus E-330’s versatility is extended even further. It makes capturing shots from unusual angles, such as in crowds or during macro photo sessions, a breeze. To ensure image quality is second to none, Olympus has fitted this model with the latest-generation MOS sensor for high speed and sensitivity, delivering incredibly true-to-life, 7.5 megapixel results. As with all models in the Olympus E-System line-up, users will enjoy the benefits of dust-free photography thanks to the Olympus-exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter. And for the ultimate in versatility, the Olympus E-330 is compatible with the full range of Olympus E-System accessories. It is shipped with a ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-90mm on a 35mm camera).

Olympus µ 700 with BrightCapture Technology

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Hamburg, 26 January 2006 – The parties, the concerts, the excitement of the night. And the pictures? When it comes to night time and low light shooting, the results sometimes just don’t seem to really measure up. Not so with the 7.1 million pixel µ 700. Incorporating BrightCapture Technology, the necessity to use a flash is significantly reduced. This assures that the unique atmosphere of night time motifs is faithfully captured to let the memories live on forever. The innovative technology simplifies framing on the large 6.4cm LCD too by providing a live view that’s four times brighter than on conventional models. Meanwhile, a host of advanced shooting features boosts image quality – no matter if shooting day or night. Naturally, as part of the Olympus µ family, the µ 700 makes a lasting impression wherever it is taken. Its slim and compact weatherproof* metal body radiates style, and with the wide choice of available colours – Moonlight Silver, Sunset Orange, Midnight Black and Twilight Blue – the stylish camera design will catch the eye all the more easily.

Olympus µ 720 SW Shock and Waterproof Digital Camera Announced

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Hamburg, 26 January 2006 – It will take the knocks, bumps and other trials of daily life with ease to give complete peace of mind. The exceedingly tough Olympus µ 720 SW heralds a brand new era in digital photography. Waterproof to 3m* and resistant to falls from up to 1.5m*, this uniquely robust model offers protection against life’s small misfortunes and also provides for unparalleled shooting versatility. Of course, the µ 720 SW also impresses in terms of its photographic performance. The power of 7.1 million pixels and a precision 3x zoom lens ensure images are captured in stunning detail. Meanwhile, atmospheric compositions in low light are a cinch to record thanks to the incorporation of BrightCapture Technology. As well as providing a significantly brighter view on the 6.4cm LCD, by boosting sensitivity considerably, it reduces the need to use the flash and thereby can capture night scenes much more faithfully. The metal-bodied camera is available in a choice of three sharp colours: Dusky Pink, Polar Blue and Steel Silver. And despite its rugged durability, it boasts surprisingly compact dimensions to truly make it a camera that can be taken anywhere.

Olympus Announces New 8.0 megapixel Olympus µ 810

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Hamburg, 26 January 2006 – The Olympus µ 810 delivers cutting-edge technology in an ultra-compact form. It convinces in terms of style, presenting itself in a weatherproof*, stainless steel body that is resistant to water, dust and snow. Performing as good as it looks, users benefit from a precision 3x zoom lens and can draw on 8.0 million pixels for images that sparkle with sharpness and detail. Moreover, thanks to BrightCapture Technology, outstanding results are assured – even in low light situations. Framing in the dark is also made easy with an exceptionally bright LCD. And the µ 810 even has a solution to image blur in store by easily compensating for the negative effects of camera shake.

Olympus: Two new FE-series digicams

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today unveiled two new digital cameras that are closely related and offer affordable pricing in the neighborhood of $200. The Olympus FE-130 and FE-140 ($179.99 and $229.99 respectively) both offer a 3x optical zoom lens. The FE-130 couples this with a 5.1 megapixel imager and 2.0" LCD display with 85,000 pixels. The FE-140 upgrades the specification with a 6.0 megapixel imager and 2.5", 110,000 pixel…

Olympus: New shock-proof, water-proof digicam

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

One of three Stylus digital camera announcements today, the Olympus Stylus 720 SW sits in the middle of the group price-wise, but offers something its siblings don’t - a shock-absorbing design rated to the MIL-STD-810F standard. As well as the shock-absorption, the Stylus 720 SW is designed with weather-proof sealing that make the camera waterproof to the JIS Level 8 standard. The combination of the weather and shock proofing should make this …

Olympus: New 7mpix Stylus digicam

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Among its announcements in the runup to this year’s Photo Marketing Association (PMA) tradeshow, Olympus America has unveiled three new Stylus digital cameras. The Olympus Stylus 710, priced at $349.99, marks the lowest price point among the three - but still offers the all-weather sealing for which Olympus’ Stylus models have become known. As might be expected from the model name, the Stylus 710 offers a resolution of 7.1 megapixels, and this…

Olympus announces SP-320

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

One of a number of models unveiled by Olympus today is the new SP-320 digital camera, offering a resolution of seven megapixels and a 3x optical zoom lens. Scheduled to ship this March, the Olympus SP-320 also features a large 2.5" LCD display, ISO sensitivity to a maximum of 800 (when in "Digital Image Stabilization" mode), and a wide range of scene modes. There’s also USB 2.0 High Speed and video connectivity, and the camera s…

Olympus DSLR offers live LCD preview

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Among Olympus’ large group of announcements today, there is one that will almost certainly provoke the most discussion in online forums. The Olympus EVOLT E-330, the latest in the EVOLT line of consumer-oriented digital SLR models, offers something a lot of people have been hoping for. Taking advantage of how far the price of image sensors has fallen, the E-330 features not one, but two sensors. The first is an nMOS sensor with a resolution of…

Olympus announces Stylus 810

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

Topping out the line for Olympus’s Stylus-series announcements today is the new Olympus Stylus 810. Planned for a March shipping date, the Stylus 810 will cost $429.99, and offers the weather-sealing you’d expect to find on an Olympus Stylus camera. Resolution is eight megapixels from a CCD imager, and this is coupled to a 3x optical zoom lens and generous 2.5" LCD display. There’s also a good selection of scene modes, USB and video conne…

First Look overview posted for Olympus EVOLT E-330

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

As the only current removable-lens digital SLR with a live LCD preview, the Olympus EVOLT E-330 is sure to draw some attention. Many users moving up from all-in-one digital cameras to digital SLRs miss the ability to frame their shots on an LCD viewfinder. The new Olympus E330 solves that problem with some tricky optics and a second, dedicated viewfinder CCD. We’ve had hands-on with a prototype, and Editor Shawn Barnett and Publisher Dave Etch…

New digital SLR freedom with the Olympus E-330

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

January 26, 2006 - 07.45 GMT Olympus announces the E-330, world’s first digital SLR camera to feature continuous live views directly on the LCD. Enabling the framing of compositions without the need to look through the ocular, it allows digital SLR photographers to see what’s going on around them while they shoot, significantly enhancing flexibility. Thanks to a big 2.5″ multi-angle LCD, users will only seldom need to get into awkward positions to frame difficult shots. The Olympus E-330 features the latest-generation MOS sensor that produces detailed 7.5 megapixel results…

Olympus announces five FE-series digital cameras

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

January 26, 2006 - 14.00 GMT Olympus announces 5 new digital cameras in the FE-series. The FE-115 attractively priced and boasts 5 million pixels. The FE-130 and FE-140 match good quality with easy operation and boast 5.1 and 6.0 million pixels. The FE-150 and FE-160 provide trouble-free operation without sacrificing quality. Thanks to an image resolution of 5.0 and 6.0 million pixels respectively, pictures come alive with exceptional definition and realism…

The Olympus Stylus / 720 SW for SWimming

Thursday, January 26th, 2006

January 26, 2006 - 08.30 GMT Olympus announces the Stylus or 720 SW digital camera. The rugged Olympus 720 SW is waterproof to 3m and resistant to falls from up to 1.5m, and comes with 7.1 million pixels for detailed compositions. Thanks to BrightCapture Technology, the 720 SW not only produces amazing results even in low-light conditions but also provides a significantly brighter view on the 6.4cm LCD. The camera’s stylish metal body is available in a choice of three colors: Dusky Pink, Polar Blue and Steel Silver…