With the release of the C-5500 Sport Zoom, Olympus delivers high-end features and functions in a camera that's approachable enough for the everyday digital photographer. The C-5500 embodies a wealth of features including a 5.1-megapixel CCD, a large 2-inch LCD, world-class optics, and an inspiring array of manual and automatic functions for straight out-of-the-box operation.

The combination of advanced features and intuitive operation enables users of all skill levels to achieve their precise creative goals. The C-5500 Sport Zoom gives users that extra bit of manual control for capturing perfect snapshots along with the power to create award-winning digital masterpieces.

First-time digital camera buyers will find using the Olympus D-425 so easy they'll wonder why they didn't try digital photography sooner. Designed for effortless picture taking, the camera features a "One Touch" configuration, with individual buttons for shooting, reviewing and deleting images. A built-in help guide makes learning digital photography easier than ever before. And with its 4.0 megapixels of resolution and PictBridge technology, users can create vibrant prints by connecting the D-425 directly to any PictBridge-enabled printer. The light, compact body of the D-425 makes it convenient to slip the camera in a pocket so you can take it anywhere.

The new C-7070 Wide Zoom from Olympus unites high-performance features and an incredible wide-angle lens in a rugged, magnesium body. The camera's wide-angle zoom lens lets photographers frame more of a subject into their composition, and with the high-resolution 7.1-megapixel CCD, photographers can produce larger than life prints with amazing vividness. Two new Autofocus (AF) modes enable photographers to shoot fast, sharp photos of subjects in motion, so no fleeting photo opportunities are missed.

"The C-7070 Wide Zoom will be valued by photographers of all levels for its compact size, rugged construction and ease of use," said Glenn Schwartz, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "But the powerful wide-angle lens, 7.1-megapixel image sensor and two new AF modes are features that give this camera the extra edge required by high-end amateur and professional photographers."

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the amphibious OptioWP digital camera. With 5.0 megapixels and a 3X zoom, the sleek, elegant OptioWP captures high quality images both on land and up to five feet underwater without an additional underwater housing unit. The OptioWP is the perfect digital camera for active people who snorkel, ski, sail, surf, or participate in a variety of outdoor activities.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging and information solutions, is showcasing its full spectrum of consumer digital technologies at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) (booth #12606) - reinforcing its ongoing commitment to bringing digital technology solutions that help consumers quickly and easily capture, store, print and share pictures and data.

From digital cameras with advanced image sensor technology, to new environmentally friendly optical disc storage media, to photo printing solutions that offer consumers the flexibility of printing at home, from home or at retail, Fujifilm's digital technology solutions let consumers conveniently capture, store, print and share.

According to results from this year's Best Buy Holiday Trend Index, 67 percent of those surveyed plan to purchase consumer electronics products as gifts this holiday season. The key factors gift givers are seeking in these products are personalization, mobility and the ability to connect with other products as well as with friends and family. Only 10 percent of respondents say they found the perfect gift for everyone on their list last year. That's why Best Buy's team of customer specialists have made it easy to match the right products with anyone on a gift list.

"As consumer electronics become more diverse, portable and personal, customers have the opportunity to match the gift they give to the lifestyle of the receiver," said Mike Linton, executive vice president, consumer and brand marketing, and chief marketing officer for Best Buy. "We try to give our customers the latest and greatest technology and entertainment along with the in-store expertise to make selecting the perfect gift as easy as possible."

Consumer electronics products have evolved from being cold, impersonal devices with a single use, in a single color, at a single price to multifunctional devices available in a rainbow of colors handling multiple activities in a personal way. Front and center this holiday season are digital entertainment, home theater and wireless communication products and accessories that allow users to customize viewing and listening, share favorite memories and make bold personality statements through color and design.

Aug. 19, 2004 New 8.2-Megapixel EOS 20D Digital SLR Features DIGIC II Image Processor, 9-Point Autofocus and Up to 23 Consecutive Frames at Five Frames Per Second

Designed for advanced amateurs, photojournalists, wedding photographers and professionals who purchase their own equipment, Canon's new EOS(R) 20D digital SLR combines speed, image quality, ease-of-use, and ruggedness with compact

Available in September for an estimated street price of $1,499, Canon's new 8.2 MP EOS 20D Digital SLR camera is the first mid-range digital SLR to offer high-speed continuous shooting of five frames-per-second with Canon's latest CMOS image sensor technology and DIGIC II Image Processor for improved color reproduction. Photo: Business Wire

size and light weight to deliver the highest performance in its class. Available in September, the EOS 20D digital SLR will carry an estimated street price of $1,499* without a lens; $1,599* with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 -5.6 zoom lens; and $1,999* with the new EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Wide Angle Zoom lens(1).

The EOS 20D SLR has a new APS-C (15.0 x 22.5 mm) 8.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor designed and manufactured by Canon. It is the first mid-range digital SLR to offer high-speed continuous shooting of five frames-per-second with a burst of 23 frames at highest JPEG resolution. Uncannily responsive, the camera starts up in 0.2-second and has a shutter release time lag of only 65 milliseconds.

The all-new 9-point AF unit with high-precision cross-type sensor raises the bar on speed, accuracy and precision in mid-range SLRs. The new AF system has one full stop better low-light performance than its EOS 10D predecessor. The new E-TTL II autoflash metering system, inherited from Canon's EOS-1D Mark II professional model, takes into account the distance, reflectance and position of the subject for highly stable, accurate and intelligent exposure calculations.

Aug. 16, 2004 PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the new PENTAX Optio S50 digital camera with a 5.0 effective megapixel CCD and a 3X optical zoom lens. A successor to the popular Optio S40, the PENTAX Optio S50 offers an easy-to-use help function menu to help guide digital newcomers through the camera's array of digital features.

With the superior imaging capability of 5.0 effective megapixels and a generous 1.8 inch LCD monitor, the Optio S50 is equipped with a handy mode dial that allows users to select one of nine modes with a simple turn. Two AA batteries power the Optio S50 making it a perfect travel choice. Other easy-to-use features include 13 shooting modes to match any scene at hand and a menu display enlargement function. The Optio S50 also is PictBridge compatible to allow direct printing to compatible printers.

While positioned as a perfect choice for new digital users, the Optio S50 offers uncompromised image quality. The camera incorporates an smc PENTAX lens that delivers crystal clear images, a high-resolution CCD with 5.36 total megapixels and a 12-bit A/D converter that achieves smooth reproduction for gradations.

PENTAX will unveil the Optio S50 and other new and exciting digital products on September 20, at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.

Aug. 16, 2004 PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced a little heaven on earth in the new Optio750Z digital camera. With 7.0 megapixels and a 5X optical zoom, the Optio750Z will delight advanced photographers seeking high-quality images from a compact digital camera. Strategically positioned at the high-end of the PENTAX Optio Series, the Optio750Z offers true performance in a pocket-sized digital camera.  

The PENTAX Optio750Z and other new and exciting digital products will be on display September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.

Aug. 9, 2004 SanDisk Corporation today announced that the Technical Image Press Association , an association made up of 30 top photography publications from across Europe, has awarded its Best Imaging Storage Media Award to the SanDisk Ultra(R) II CompactFlash(R) line of high-speed storage cards. The SanDisk Ultra II cards were recognized by leading editors, many of whom are professional photographers, as setting "a new standard for industry performance." TIPA editors judge on quality, performance and value -- criteria that are very important to all photographers.

"We have worked very hard to take the leadership position in the digital camera storage card market," said Nelson Chan, senior vice president and general manager of SanDisk's retail business unit. "It is a real honor for our efforts to be recognized by such a distinguished panel of experts and one that makes all of us here at SanDisk very proud. The TIPA Award is further assurance that SanDisk's Ultra II cards will meet the rigorous demands of digital photographers around the world."

July 28, 2004--Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a pioneer in digital imaging technology, today announced the addition of five new consumer digital cameras to its award-winning offerings. The company's robust line ranges from point-and-shoot simplicity in its A-series to streamlined style in its F-series, and includes a traditional 35mm-style body with a wide range of shooting features for photo enthusiasts in its S-series. Today's additions include three cameras in a new fourth category, the highly versatile E-series, as well as replacements for two popular S-series models.

July 28, 2004 With the FinePix S3 Pro firmly established at the top of many wish lists, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. today announced that the camera of choice for many wedding, portrait and commercial photographers will be available October 2004 with a number of previously unannounced features, including adjustable dynamic range and film simulation modes.

The FinePix S3 Pro represents the culmination of Fujifilm's unmatched professional photography heritage and continuous commitment to technology innovation. Special features that will set the FinePix S3 Pro apart from competitors will be Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD SR II sensor, new and advanced image processing technology and a number of professional controls developed exclusively for the FinePix S3 Pro.