Cheaper Prints at home

Eastman Kodak Company entered the consumer inkjet industry with a revolutionary new product line for home.

Kodak Easyshare All-in-One Printers will enable consumers to affordably print, sharp documents and Kodak lab-quality photos at home using premium, pigment-based inks that will save consumers up to 50 percent on everything they print. The three new printers provide ultimate levels of print quality and ease-of-use, while offering low total cost of ownership compared to other leading consumer inkjet printers on the market.

The Kodak EasyshareAiO Printers use Kodak’s premium, pigment-based ink, priced at $9.99 for a cartridge of black ink and $14.99 for a five-ink color cartridge. For every $15 spent on color ink and $10 spent on black ink, consumers can print the same number of pages at half the cost of other consumer inkjet printers.When the KODAK Photo Value Pack is purchased, a 4 x 6-inch photo costs as little as 10 cents per print.

According to a study by InfoTrends, the greatest obstacle to printing at home is the cost of ink and supplies.

All-In-One Printers Available in March – Featuring KodakcolorTechnology

The Kodak Easyshare AiO Printers feature exclusive Kodakcolor Technologythat enables consumers to cost-effectively print documents and Kodak lab-quality photos. Kodakcolor Technology is a combination of four key elements—pigment-based inks, micro-porous photo papers, color and image science, and the Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) print head—that deliver outstanding results for general-purpose printing of text and graphics and stunning color photos that are sharp and vibrant.

• The KODAK EASYSHARE 5100 All-in-One Printer ($149.99 US MSRP), featuring print, scan and copy capabilities, delivers high-quality documents and photos. The device can print and copy up to 32 pages per minute in black and 22 pages per minute in color, and print photos from Pictbridge-enabled cameras without involving a PC.
  
• The KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer ($199.99 US MSRP) builds on the 5100’s features by offering a 3-inch color LCD display that enables photo viewing and cropping directly from the printer. Memory card slots provide an additional quick and simple way to print digital pictures without a PC.
  
• The KODAK EASYSHARE 5500 All-in-One Printer ($299.99 US MSRP) is the perfect solution for home-office users. In addition to sharing the features of the 5100 and 5300 printers, the 5500 has fax functionality and includes a 2.4-inch color LCD display, an automatic document feeder and a duplexer attachment.

New Website from Kodak - www.inkisit.com

The site includes interactive games; videos of a comedic, mock-TV show called “Ink Is It”; a print-cost calculator for consumers to determine how much they are currently spending on ink; and detailed information about the new line of products. Over the next few months, Kodak will release several new videos, introduce new prize contests and provide other interactive, consumer-oriented features on the Web site.

Ricoh 500SE

Capture Location Data by Image

High-resolution Rugged Camera Optimizes GIS Mapping Workflows. It is developed for outdoor location-based photography, the 500SE boasts extreme durability and high resolution to meet the image quality and all-weather usability demanded by the mobile GPS photographer. The camera's integrated GPS module provides for an all-in-one, easy- to-use device for geo-coding images and video at the time of capture. For applications that require even greater precision, the camera is capable of receiving NMEA data streams from external GPS devices via its on-board Bluetooth(R) radio.

Once the captured "geo-images" and "geo-video" files are transferred to a PC, they are automatically converted to shape files or merged into geo- databases for instant integration into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Points representing each file's position may be hovered over to display a thumbnail of the file, or clicked on to access the original image or video.

In addition to storing GPS data in the image and video files, the camera also utilizes a user-configurable "data dictionary" to tag files with workflow-related information. These attributes become part of the GIS layer table for automated database integration.

The 500SE's waterproof and shock-resistant shell protects a high- resolution 8MP sensor that is image stabilized and has an ultra rapid shutter response. Additional features include GPS track log capability, GPS lock (to record the position of an object as opposed to the position of the photographer), and the ability to send images wirelessly to handheld devices via Bluetooth(R) or WiFi. (R)

Features

- Wireless Imaging Simplified
- Bidirectional communication capabilities allow for instant transfer of images to mobile devices via Bluetooth or WiFi*. Alternately, the camera accepts NMEA data from external Bluetooth-enabled GPS devices.
- *WiFi version required.

Geo-coded Images and Video
The 500SE’s LCD provides precise real-time WGS-84 or MGRS position information derived from either the camera’s detachable GPS module or from external GPS devices. As content is captured, this data is embedded into the media file’s header.

Automatic Map Integration

Geo-coded images and video are automatically converted into ‘layer files’ by available GIS plug-ins. Hovering over a point displays a thumbnail with the user-defined attributes, while clicking on the point opens the full-size image.

Camera Shake Blur Reduction
The 500SE reduces camera shake blur by combining high ISO settings with fast shutter speeds.

2.5-inch LCD Screen

The LCD screen features an anti-reflection coating to preserve screen readability in high ambient light environments. You can easily adjust screen brightness to optimize image clarity. There is also an optical viewfinder, so you can use whichever is right for the situation, for more reliable photography.

28mm Wide-angle Zoom Lens
1cm Macro Photography

Capture subjects as close as 1cm away in the macro wide-angle mode or 10cm away in the tele-macro mode. The built-in flash unit illuminates subjects as close as 20cm from the camera.

Kodak Professional Image Enhancement Plug-Ins

Kodak Professional Image Enhancement Plug-Ins allow consumers to quickly improve the most common problems associated with digital images. There are four professional and three standard versions available and each programme is designed to target a different problem area. Photographers can download a free trial of the Image Enhancement Plug-Ins software by visiting http://www.asf.com/

KODAK DIGITAL GEM PLUG-IN / DIGITAL GEM PROFESSIONAL PLUG-INS

Smooths Skin Surfaces

The DIGITAL GEM Plug-In automatically reduces image noise/grain without sacrificing image detail or excessive softening. The plug-in allows photographers to create soft-focus effects, and image sharpening that surpasses most “unsharp mask” filters. It is possible to reduce or remove JPEG compression artefacts, as well as line screening patterns from flatbed scanners. For the more advanced user, the DIGITAL GEM Professional Plug-In offers greater flexibility and control with advanced features such as additional algorithms and 16-bit capability to control noise and grain.

KODAK DIGITAL GEM AIRBRUSH PROFESSIONAL PLUG-IN

Reduces Image Noise and Grain

The DIGITAL GEM AIRBRUSH software allows users to create an airbrush effect by automatically smoothing areas of a digital image without blurring or reducing fine detail. It minimises the imperfections of skin and other surfaces whilst fully preserving details like hair and eyebrows. The software can be used to create a starting image for more customised retouching and is fully compatible with ADOBE Photoshop.

KODAK DIGITAL ROC PLUG-IN / DIGITAL ROC PROFESSIONAL PLUG-IN

Restores, Corrects, and Balances Colour

The DIGITAL ROC Plug-In restores, balances and corrects the colour of any digital image by removing colour casts that have been caused by coloured lighting or fading. The software works by analysing the colour gradients of a digital image and then finding the optimum tone curve for each colour. The plug-in can be used to correct the effects of tungsten and fluorescent lighting and also to restore density and contrast to black and white digital images. The professional version includes additional features and functionality to give the user more controls.

KODAK DIGITAL SHO PLUG-IN / DIGITAL SHO PROFESSIONAL PLUG-IN

Optimises Contrast and Exposure

The DIGITAL SHO software automatically adjusts the dark areas in a digital image so that more detail is visible. The plug-in corrects exposure problems in images with backlit subjects and uneven flash illumination, as well as partial shade. The plug-in analyses the image and reveals the detail in the shadows without sacrificing any detail in the highlights. The professional plug-in works on both shadow detail lighting and highlight darkening.

KODAK IMAGE ENHANCEMENT PLUG-INS work with 8 bit digital photographs from any source, including film scanners, flatbed scanners, digital cameras, CD and the internet. The professional plug-ins work with 8 or 16 bit digital photographs. The plug-ins are compatible with ADOBE Photoshop and other programmes that support Photoshop plug-ins and are available on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1050

Best-in-class

The new camera from Casio features a 7 shot/second burst rate and a continuous shutter Subject blur reduction. It also has a special auto-tracking mode which utilizes the AF motion analysis technology. Casio EX-Z1050 has been officially announced in London on January 30, 2007. Casio introduced a newly developed, high-performance, image-processing module, which makes shooting super-high resolution very easy, that means 10.1 megapixels files. Last year, Casio was the first company to introduce a camera, the Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000, which has 10.1 megapixels and a size to fit in any pocket. The EX-Z1050 is smaller than the EX-Z1000, but it features a new 2.6 inch Wide LCD display. The camera’s lightweight aluminum construction makes it very light.

Main Features

* Slim, compact model featuring 10.1 million effective pixels and 3x optical zoom.
* Maximum 7 shots/second high-speed continuous shooting (Limited to 2.0 megapixels and normal image quality. Requires use of a High Speed SD Memory Card.*)
* EXILIM Engine 2.0 image processing module featuring new motion analysis technology.
* Blur-reduction technologies - Automatically analyzes the velocity and vector of a moving subject and sets the most appropriate ISO sensitivity and shutter speed. - Anti Shake DSP reduces blur due to shaky hands and subject movement, using high shutter speeds and high sensitivity settings. - Movie mode with electronic camera shake compensation function.
* “Auto Tracking AF” function follows moving subjects, keeping them continuously in focus until the photo is taken.
* Newly developed 2.6 inch Wide and Bright LCD display (maximum brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 at centre of screen).
* Control panel that displays shooting information on the right side of the monitor and enables direct camera control.
* Super Life Battery allows up to 370 shots to be taken when fully charged. The number of shots that can be taken varies depending on the SD Memory Card used.

Specifications:

Sensor	• 1/1.75 " Type CCD • 10.3 million pixels total • 10.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3648 x 2736 • 3648 x 2432 (3:2) • 3648 x 2048 (16:9) • 2560 x 1920 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 @ 25fps • 512 x 384 @ 25fps • 320 x 240 @ 12.5fps
File formats	• JPEG Exif v2.2 • DCF • DPOF • Motion JPEG • AVI
Lens	• 38-114mm (35mm equiv) • 3x optical zoom
Image stabilization	No
Conversion lenses	No
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	Contrast Detection AF
AF area modes	Spot, Multi, Tracking
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• AF: 40cm - infinity • Macro: 10 - 50cm • Manual: 10cm - infinity
Metering	• Multi-pattern • Center-weighted • Spot by imaging element
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800
Exposure compensation	+/-2EV in 1/3 EV steps
Shuttter speed	• 1/2 - 1/1000 sec (Auto) • 4 - 1/1000 sec (Night Scene)
Aperture	F2.8 - 8.0 auto switching
Modes	• Program AE • BEST SHOT
White balance	• Auto • Fixed (6 modes) • Manual
Self timer	10 or 2 sec, Triple self-timer
Continuous shooting	• approx 1.1 sec intervals • High-speed: max 7 fps
Flash	• Auto • On • Off • Soft Flash • Red-eye reduction • Range: 0.1 - 3.3m (wide) 0.5 - 1.8m (tele) • Rapid Flash: 0.4 - 2.0m (wide) 0.5 - 1.1m (tele)
Viewfinder	No
LCD monitor	• 2.6-inch TFT • 114,960 pixels
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 Full Speed • USB / AV
Print compliance	n/a
Storage	• SDHC / SD / MMC / MMC plus card compatible • 15.4 MB built-in memory
Power	• Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery NP-40 • Charger included
Weight (no batt)	125 g
Dimensions	91.1 x 57.2 x 24.2 mm

GPS, Mp3 player, photo camera...all in one

The new camera from Samsung, the i7, is equipped with an unic Physical User Interface (PUI) designed to make capture unic moments. It also features a 3.0” (bigger then thatof 2.5" from the professional Canon 1D MarkII camera) touch screen LCD which rotates through 180 degrees allowing the user to quickly switch between features. A built-in Tour Guide function provides instant access to travel information and guide covering 4,000 regions in 30 countries. Further information can also be downloaded directly from the Internet.

The 7 mega pixel i7, with 3x optical zoom, has been created for those who want to capture sound, video and photos wherever they are. With the LCD in neutral (0 degrees) the user can access SRS quality music files through the integrated MP3 player; and with the LCD rotated to 90 degrees its Portable Multimedia Player (PMP) function; and turned a full 180 degrees, high quality still images and MPEG-4 SVGA quality moving pictures can be taken. The camera also provides on-camera editing.

The camera is equipped with the Samsung Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) system and ISO 1600 high sensitivity support so that images can remain sharp even in low light situations. It also features a Face Recognition feature for shooting portraits.

The Samsung I7 will be on sale from middle of march having a price of about 500 euro.

New firmware for D40 and D80!

Here are the latest firmware from Nikon for D40 and D80!



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