Konica Minolta Introduces the 3.2 Megapixel DiMAGE Z10 Digital Camera

July 7, 2004 Affordable New Camera Features Fastest-in-Class Startup, 8X Optical "Mega Zoom," Fast and Reliable Autofocusing, and Energy Efficient Design

Konica Minolta introduces an affordable new addition to the Z-series of digital cameras - the DiMAGE Z10. Featuring a fastest-in-class*(1) startup time of 0.5 seconds, built-in 8x optical zoom lens, fast and reliable autofocusing with Predictive Focus Control, and an energy efficient design*(2) that gives photographers up to 500 frames with the included AA alkaline batteries, the new DiMAGE Z10 is a convenient, fun and easy to use digital camera.

Konica Minolta Introduces Stylish New 3.2-Megapixel X-series Digital Camera

July 7, 2004 Compact, Easy-to-Use and Affordable New DiMAGE X31 Features Super-Fast Start-up Speed and a 12X Zoom Range

Konica Minolta introduces a new member to the X-series of DiMAGE digital cameras -- the new DiMAGE X31. This 3.2 megapixel digital camera combines a fast startup speed, thin and stylish design and intuitive operation in a very affordable entry-level digital camera model. .

Konica Minolta Introduces The DiMAGE X50 Digital Camera

July 7, 2004 New Compact and Stylish 5.0 Megapixel Camera Features a Large 2.0-Inch LCD Screen, Enhanced Speed and Other Design Improvements

Konica Minolta introduces the new DiMAGE X50 5-megapixel digital camera that takes the DiMAGE X series' concept of "thin, fast and stylish" and adds increased speed. Compact and lightweight enough to take anywhere and stylish enough to show everyone, the DiMAGE X50 adds the fastest-in-class(1) startup time, 2.8x non-protruding optical zoom, 5-megapixel CCD, and large 2-inch LCD, to a high quality digital camera in a sleek, compact package.

NEW Macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG - A new design concept for digital cameras.

Compact and lightweight medium telephoto macro lens. Optimized image quality for Digital SLR cameras. Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces the ghost caused by reflections from the surface of digital image sensors. Features a compact lens design with an overall length of just 95mm. Minimum aperture of F45 provides greater depth of field (F45 for Sigma, Canon and Konica Minolta mounts and F32 for Nikon and Pentax mounts). A screw-in lens hood for convenient use of circular polarizing filters

NEW Macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG  From life-size close up to infinity, superior image quality for digital SLR cameras is achieved across the range.

Optimized image quality for Digital SLR cameras. Floating Internal Focusing (FIF) system minimizes the aberration in entire focusing range. Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces the ghost caused by reflections from the surface of digital image sensors. Minimum aperture of F/45 provides greater depth of field (F45 for Sigma, Canon and Konica Minolta mounts and F32 for Nikon and Pentax mounts). A screw-in hood for convenient use of circular polarizing filters

Kodak Makes It Easier for Consumers To Print Digital Pictures

June 24, 2004 Expanded Availability of KODAK Picture Maker Digital Printing Kiosks Makes Printing Quality Digital Pictures at Retail Locations Easier Than Ever

Digital camera adoption has reached mainstream status with millions of American consumers participating in digital photography. Kodak, the trusted guide in photography for more than a century, is helping educate consumers by offering solutions to their digital printing questions and expanding the availability of KODAK Picture Maker digital print kiosks.

Distribution of SanDisk Shoot & Store Flash Memory Cards Grows to More Than 10,000 Retail Outlets in the U.S.

June 24, 2004 Rite Aid, Kmart and Other Stores Now Carry the Inexpensive Cards in Their Photo Departments SanDisk Corporation today announced that it has passed the 10,000-store threshold in its rapidly expanding efforts to offer inexpensive Shoot & Store flash memory cards to consumers in places where they shop frequently. Rite Aid and Kmart are among the latest retailers to begin selling the line, joining hundreds of other drug and grocery storefronts.

Three Olympus Products Receive 2004 Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) Awards

Olympus Corporation is pleased to announce that three of its products have received 2004 Technical Image Press Association TIPA Awards. 

• Best High-End Lens:Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm F2.0
• Best Digital Budget Compact Camera:Olympus CAMEDIA C-310 ZOOM
• Best 35mm Compact Camera:Olympus µ[mju:]-III 80

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm F2.0 (scheduled to go on sale in late Oct, 2004) lens received the 2004 TIPA Best High-End Lens Award, the CAMEDIA C-310 ZOOM (an export model not sold in Japan) compact digital camera received the 2004 TIPA Best Digital Budget Compact Camera Award, and the µ[mju:]-III 80 (an export model not sold in Japan) compact camera received the 2004 TIPA Best 35mm Compact Camera Award.

Digital Photography Program From HP Available at 10 of Fairmont's Summer Hot Spots

HP Offers Fairmont Guests ''Picture Perfect'' Vacations with Digital Cameras and Printers to Snap and Share Summer Memories. HP broke new ground in on-site travel services with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today by announcing a pilot program designed to allow vacationers to experience firsthand the power of digital photography.

Throughout the summer, hotel guests at 10 select Fairmont properties across the United States will be able to use the newest HP Photosmart digital cameras and printers during their stay. Anyone from honeymooners who have never used a digital camera to a busy family that has forgotten their own camera will be able to test the HP products and learn how simple it is to use digital photography to capture and share vacation memories.

Fujifilm Announces Two New Mini Digital Cameras

June 17, 2004 Stunning 4.1 and 5.2 megapixel models combine small size with trusted image quality to equal highly portable and reliable cameras perfect for parties and everyday events

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a pioneer in digital imaging technology, announced the addition of two ultra-compact new models to its award-winning line of consumer digital cameras. The new FinePix F440 and F450 combine Fujifilm's trusted image quality with a new signature slim, square metal body featuring a large, 2-inch LCD screen for easy viewing and sharing. The Fujifilm FinePix F440 offers 4.1 million pixels for capturing clear, life-like images, while the Fujifilm FinePix F450 offers 5.2 million pixels for photographers who want even more imaging power.

Coolpix 5400 Firmware update 1.4

Latest firmware upgrade 1.4 for the Nikon Coolpix 5400 brings the welcome enhancement of RAW file support bringing a significant improvement to both image quality and post editing options that would not have been possible prior to the new RAW file support

Whats New

• A RAW option has been added to the Image Quality menu. With this option selected RAW data from the CCD is saved in Nikon Electronic Image Format (NEF file) without processing or compression preserving the highest level of detail.

• Corrections have been made to some English and French menu text

Canon shoots for larger share

JUNE 15, 2004 CANON, the world's second-biggest seller of digital cameras, aims to raise its share of the market to 25 per cent next year after introducing a record number of new models.

It won't be easy, Canon senior managing director Tsuneji Uchida says, although there is "a good chance" the target can be achieved because the company, which makes PowerShot and IXY cameras, plans to begin selling 17 new models this year. Canon and last year's market leader, Sony, are expanding production as falling prices and better image quality convince camera users to switch to digital models.