Senin, 26 September 2005

Nikon Service Advisories Issued

Nikon is offering to repair free-of-charge regardless of warranty the following issues that some owners may have with 3 select camera models. Kudos to Nikon.

Press Release:
D2H Service Advisory

It has come to our attention that select electrical components in a limited number of D2H cameras may, in some instances, fail affecting camera performance and/or operability.

While only a limited number of D2H cameras are affected by this advisory, if your D2H camera is experiencing (1) a freezing of the electronic analog exposure display accompanied by a display of the same exposure settings regardless of exposure and/or camera settings, or (2) is unable to focus automatically, Nikon Inc. will service it free of charge.

To obtain complimentary service for cameras affected by this advisory, please click the link below to download and print the Service Return Form. The Service Return Form provides instructions.

For additional information about this advisory, please call Nikon Service Relations toll-free at 800-645-6678. To email inquires about this advisory follow these steps:

1. Use this link to navigate to the Nikon Service Information web page http://www.nikonusa.com/service
2. Click the link on the left side of the page labeled for information on service for photographic products.
3. Click the link labeled SEND AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT located at the bottom of the page.
4. Click the tab labeled Ask Nikon a Question
5. In the Subject field please be sure to type D2H Service Advisory

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience.

D70 SERVICE ADVISORY
It has come to our attention that select electrical components in a limited number of D70 cameras may, in some instances, fail affecting camera performance and/or operability.

While only a limited number of D70 cameras are affected by this advisory, if (1) when a memory card is inserted, your D70's memory card access lamp blinks, locking camera operations and preventing operation, or (2) with no memory card inserted, the camera will not turn on despite the battery indicator showing a fully charged battery, Nikon Inc. will service it free of charge.

To obtain complimentary service for cameras affected by this advisory, please click the link below to download and print the Service Return Form. The Service Return Form provides instructions.

For additional information about this advisory, please call Nikon Service Relations toll-free at 800-645-6678. To email inquires about this advisory follow these steps:

1. Use this link to navigate to the Nikon Service Information web page http://www.nikonusa.com/service
2. Click the link on the left side of the page labeled for information on service for photographic products.
3. Click the link labeled SEND AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT located at the bottom of the page.
4. Click the tab labeled Ask Nikon a Question
5. In the Subject field please be sure to type D70 Service Advisory

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience.

N55 SERVICE ADVISORY
It has come to our attention that select electrical components in a limited number of N55 cameras may, in some instances, fail affecting camera performance and/or operability.

While only a limited number of N55 cameras are affected by this advisory, if your N55's autofocus system is not working, Nikon Inc. will service it free of charge.

To obtain complimentary service for cameras affected by this advisory, please click the link below to download and print the Service Return Form. The Service Return Form provides instructions.

For additional information about this advisory, please call Nikon Service Relations toll-free at 800-645-6678. To email inquires about this advisory follow these steps:

1. Use this link to navigate to the Nikon Service Information web page http://www.nikonusa.com/service
2. Click the link on the left side of the page labeled for information on service for photographic products.
3. Click the link labeled SEND AN EMAIL TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT located at the bottom of the page.
4. Click the tab labeled Ask Nikon a Question
5. In the Subject field please be sure to type N55 Service Advisory

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My camera has not presented the symptoms described in this service advisory. Have the pictures I have taken been affected in any way by the issues of this advisory?
A: No.
Q. My camera has not presented any of the symptoms identified in this service advisory. May I send it to Nikon for evaluation?
A. There are a number of variables that can affect when and to what extent the actual operation of potentially affected cameras may become noticeable. If your camera has not shown signs of inoperability, you may continue using it.
Q. If I send my camera to Nikon for service, when will it be returned to me?
A. Nikon will require 5 working days to evaluate and complete the repair on your camera. This does not include the time required for return shipping.
Q. Can I take my camera to a local independent camera service facility to have this work performed?
A. No. The work related to this advisory must be performed by Nikon Inc.
Q. I have already experienced problems identified in this advisory and sent my camera to Nikon Inc. for repair. Because my camera's limited warranty had expired, I was charged for the repairs. Am I entitled to a refund for those charges?
A. Please provide Nikon with a copy of the Nikon Inc. repair receipt associated to the previous repair. Your repair receipt copy must include your camera model and serial number. Send it to:
Nikon Inc. Repair Accounts Receivable Department
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747-3064
Be sure to include a cover note that provides us with your return address, phone and-email contact information. For additional information, call Nikon Service Relations at 800-645-6678.

Minggu, 25 September 2005

Canon PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH review at Steves

Steve's Digicams have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH. You really want to check out the whole review for yourself, but here is a small portion of what is said-

"The Canon 3x optical zoom lens is an excellent piece of glass. It has a flexible zoom range of 37-111mm in 35mm equivalence, providing a moderately wide field of view for interior and scenic shots, and telephoto coverage useful for portraits and to bring your distant subjects closer. The lens exhibits noticeable barrel distortion at wide angle, but no pin cushioning at telephoto. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled, with only the slightest amount of purple fringing detectable in high contrast areas. The lens produces sharp results from corner to corner, and is a good match for the SD550's 7.1-megapixel imager.

Image quality when using Large SuperFine mode is excellent. Just about every image we captured was sharp with almost perfect exposure every time. Colors are nicely saturated and when shooting people shots, skin tones are very natural. The ISO sensitivity is adjustable from 50, 100, 200, 400 or the camera can control it Automatically. Noise is absent from ISO 50 shots. At ISO 100, only a slight amount of noise is detectable in shadow areas, and at ISO 200 shadow noise becomes more noticeable. At ISO 400 noise becomes noticeable in highlight areas, but the images are quite usable. If you shoot night pictures you'll appreciate the "Long Shutter" option that gives you access to shutter speeds ranging from 1to 15 seconds. To insure the best possible image, Noise Reduction is automatically applied when the shutter speed is 1.3 second or longer. In addition to an excellent automatic white balance there are presets for sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent, fluorescent H (daylight temperature) and a one-push custom setting for use with a white or grey card. The AF system is as robust as its image processing and is enhanced by a focus assist lamp that insures proper focus lock even in total darkness. It employs a very accurate 9-point system that does its job quickly, even when the subject is not in the center of the frame. If the LCD is on you'll see which of the nine AF points were used for the focus lock, indicated by a green box. Like past models, its Macro mode has excellent coverage from six inches to about one and a half feet and "throttles down" the flash well to ensure the subject is not overexposed.
...
The Canon PowerShot SD550 is a welcomed addition to the Digital Elph line. It's sure to make an excellent choice for the family, business, or tourist user. Its compact size allows it to be carried almost anywhere, taking up about the same amount of space as a deck of playing cards. If you want a durable ultra-compact camera that produces outstanding photos and is a robust performer, the SD550 is definitely for you. And, at a street price of around $500, it offers a great overall value for a 7-megapixel digicam."

Canon Powershot SD550

Canon PowerShot SD550 Features:
* 7 Megapixel CCD sensor for up to 3072x2304 pixel images
* 3x optical 37-111mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom w/digital Macro
* Large 2.5" color LCD with Night Display function
* Ultra-compact and durable stainless steel body (3.4 x 2.2 x 1.04 in.)
* Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp
* Program AE automatic and Manual exposure modes
* Continuous 2fps shooting until memory is full
* Movie mode w/sound 30/15fps 640x480/320x240 unlimited length
* Fast Frame Rate Movie recording, 320x240 at 60fps
* Evaluative metering on focus point or Spot
* Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
* White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
* Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
* My Colors - customize your colors while shooting
* Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
* Auto noise reduction with 1.3 sec or longer shutter speeds
* Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
* Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
* Built-in microphone and speaker
* Lithium rechargeable battery and charger included
* Direct print and PictBridge Compliant
* High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
* Secure Digital (SD) card storage, 32MB supplied
Accessories
Canon DIF-100 Direct Interface Cable for Various Powershot Digital Cameras
Digital Concepts Universal Digital Camera Screen Protectors
Canon Metal Neck Strap 1 for All Elph Cameras
Canon ACK-900 AC Adapter for Powershot SD100, SD110, SD550 & SD500
Canon
PSC-50 Soft Leather Case for Canon SD400, SD450, SD550, SD500, SD300,
SD200, SD100, S500, S410, S400, S230 and S200 Digital Cameras

Related Items

Pentax Optio S45 S55 - Digital Camera Review at DigiCamReview.co.uk

The PENTAX Optio S45 is a compact digital camera featuring 4.0 megapixels, an SMC Pentax Sliding Lens 3x optical zoom, an all-metal body, and a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor. With the large monitor that simplifies composition and playback, the Optio S45 is well suited to any user. There's no doubt the S45 is an attractive camera, and thanks to the sandblasted matt metal finish it will stay looking good for a long time. Pentax build quality has always been good and the S45 is certainly no exception. The Optio S45 will be available in limited distribution for under $230 US.

Pentax Optio S45

The Pentax Optio S55 is a compact camera that packs a 5 megapixel imager and a 3X optical zoom lens in a sleek aluminum design. It featuring a smc Pentax lens coupled with their Sliding Lens system that allows the lens to fully retract inside the camera when it is turned off. Equipped with PictBridge technology, the S55 connects directly to any PictBridge compatible printer so you can print images without the use of a personal computer.

Pentax Optio S55

DigiCamReview.co.uk have compared these two cameras and posted their Pentax Optio S45 S55 - Digital Camera Review.

"Image quality is good, the images have saturated colour, good contrast and good detail - however there is some purple fringing, and some images were quite soft. Images tend to come out of the camera looking very good. The camera did a good job focusing the majority of the time, only slightly struggling in low light. Noise was well controlled and low upto ISO200 but at ISO400 resulted in slight loss of detail. I did not notice vignetting in photos. There is a good range of image sizes and a good choice of compression options. The macro mode is good, allowing you to be as close as 6cm away from the subject, this provides good detail. Auto white balance and metering seemed to be very good, the custom white balance helping in trickier situations. Red-eye was noticable. The movie mode is good, but nothing spectacular, at 320 x 240 / 30fps with sound.
...
The Pentax Optio S45 and S55 are both good all round digital cameras - easy to fit into pockets, full of features to suit all level of photographer. The cameras take AA batteries, and have a metal body so would make a great travel camera. The easy to use camera is capable of good results, although there is some purple fringing and images are slightly soft. The super macro mode is good. Both cameras are very good value for money at around £110 for the S45, and £165 for the S55. I would recommend this camera to someone looking for a versatile, highly pocketable digital camera. If you were to choose between the two, my preference would be towards the 4 megapixel Optio S45 which will produce photos capable of being printed at upto A4 and offers excellent value for money - for slightly more detail then I'd recommend the Optio S55."

Generally, these cameras offer:

Good photo quality

Custom White Balance

Manual Focus

Excellent value for money fully featured compact digital cameras

Contrast / Saturation / Sharpness controls (this should be standard on all digital cameras!)

Audio recording (I'd like it if this was standard on all P&S digital cameras)

Takes AA batteries

Very compact

Low noise upto ISO200

Jumat, 23 September 2005

Casio Exilim EX-P505 Digital Camera Review

The Casio Exilim EX-P505 is a palm-sized, high-performance digital camera with amazing still image and video capability. The EX-P505 features a 5X optical zoom, a 5.0 megapixel CCD imager, Casio’s EXILIM engine, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen that makes angle shots easy. It offers the same manual operation found on the EX-P600 and EX-P700, as well as high-quality video shooting capability at 30 frames per second, in VGA thanks to the incorporation of MPEG-4 technology.

DigitalCameraInfo.com today posted their Casio Exilim EX-P505 Digital Camera Review. Here's a short quote from their site-

"The Casio Exilim EX-P505 is the Swiss Army knife of digital cameras; it tries to impress every segment of the market there is. It can impress point-and-shoot users with its automatic and extremely comprehensive list of best shot scene modes. The P505 also has manual functionality for those more advanced photographers. For those camcorder enthusiasts, there are four movie modes that shoot at full VGA resolution at 30 frames per second. The EX-P505 attracts kids with its extensive sound menu and toy-like size and feel. This Exilim aims to be a hybrid model with its camcorder-style LCD screen that rotates and its 5 megapixels of still imaging resolution.

While it does have lots of flashy and seemingly cool features, its basic functions are the parallel to those found on cheaper digital camera models – with the exception of its video recording capabilities. The four movie modes go above and beyond what any other compact digital camera can do in terms of video. The EX-P505 records stereo audio simultaneously and even has a unique Past Movie mode. For the $399.99 retail price, photographers can get a chunk of technology that will record their memories to JPEG or MPEG-4 files. The Casio Exilim EX-P505 has a small body and confusing menus, but its nice 5x optical zoom lens and cushy movie modes make this digital camera a contender in many market segments. "

Casio Exilim EXP505 5MP Digital Camera

Exilim EX-P505 Features:
* 5.1 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2560x1920 pixel images
* Super-compact, durable and lightweight body
* 5x optical 38-190mm f/3.3-3.6 zoom, 8x digital zoom
* Three AF modes: Spot, Multi (7 focus areas) or Free (anywhere in frame)
* Automatic Macro focus coverage as close as 0.4"
* 2.0" rotating color LCD with histogram and EX-Finder displays
* Auto, BestShot (22 modes), Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority, Full Manual and 4 Movie modes
* MPEG-4 motion video w/stereo sound, 640x480 @ 30/15fps or 320x240 @ 15fps
* Exposure metering: Multi-pattern, Center or Spot modes
* Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
* Built-in ND filter reduces light by 2.0EV
* White Balance: Auto, 7 presets, manual WB
* Shutter speeds of 60 seconds to 1/2000 second
* Selectable ISO speeds from 50 to 400
* Record and attach up to 30 second audio notes to images
* Automatic popup flash with Flash Assist brightness correction
* Rechargeable Li-ion battery and rapid charger
* USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
* ExifPrint (Exif 2.2) and PRINT Image Matching III compatibility
* High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity for PC and Mac
* 7.5MB internal memory + SD/MMC card slot

Wacom Graphire Bluetooth graphics tablet pen and mouse review

For Digital artists and drafters or those people suffering from repetitive strain injuries comes the Wacom Graphire Bluetooth graphics tablet pen and mouse. Drawing on your computer with precision with Bluetooth connectivityis a breeze and this package also includes a comprehensive software package; intuitive and easy to use; two configurable buttons.

DigitalPhotographyNow.com has done a Wacom Graphire Bluetooth graphics tablet pen and mouse review. Their bottom line:

"If you can get on with the mouse and you need the wireless convenience and you can put up with the need to re-tether the tablet for charging regularly, then the Graphire Bluetooth is a good choice. If, like us, you wouldn't use the mouse and the wireless feature is too compromised by the need for the power lead to be connected frequently, then the Graphire 4 XL is a much more sensible alternative."

Wacom Graphire Bluetooth

Sigma 28-105 F2.8-4 DG lens announced

Announcing the new Sigma 28-105 F2.8-4 DG lens for Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm film Cameras.

The world’s largest independent manufacturer of zoom and fixed focal length lenses, Sigma Corporation has announce the launch of the new 28-105 F2.8-4 DG lens. This lens has a large aperture with standard zoom for both Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm Film SLR Cameras.

The standard zoom lens covers frequently used focal lengths from 28mm to 105mm and allows a large aperture of F2.8 at the 28mm focal length. This lens is very convenient for a wide range of applications such as snap shots and indoor photography. In addition, the new lens has a new multi layer coating and is design to reduce flare and ghosting (common problem with digital cameras) whilst also creating an optimum color balance throughout the entire zoom range. The lens is also aspherical which reduces the various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.

This lens has minimum focusing distance of 50cm (19.7 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and it also has a maximum magnification of 1:5.5.

Sigma 28-105 F2.8-4 DG features:
Focal Length : 28-105mm
Minimum Aperture : F22
Lens Construction : 12 Elements in 11 Groups
Angle of View : 75.4 - 23.3 degrees
Number of Diaphragm Blades : 8pcs
Minimum Focusing Distance : 50cm (19.7”)
Maximum Magnification : 1:5.5
Filter Size : 72mm
Lens Hood : Petal Hood
Dimensions : Diameter 77mm (3”) x Length 81mm (3.1”)
Weight : 405gr / 14.3oz

Enjoy Sigma lenses!

Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software

I'm a big fan of ULead's PhotoImpact software. I've been using it since version 6, and for many tasks I find it much faster to do what I want to my photos than Photoshop. Today, version 11 has been announced.

Ulead Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software.

PhotoImpact 11 answers the needs of professional photographers while providing new interface modes that make it simple for beginners

Ulead Systems, Inc., a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced the release of Ulead PhotoImpact 11, Ulead’s flagship PC image-editing software offering easy-to-use tools for a wide range of personal and professional image and photo-editing needs. The latest version introduces an all-new interface system providing distinct modes for beginners and advanced users along with 16-bit editing/RAW support and next-generation tools for high-end digital photography and creative design.

“People getting started with digital photography don’t need complexity, at the same time experienced users demand flexibility and control,” said Mark Wurdemann, UK Marketing Manager for Ulead, “With PhotoImpact 11’s new My Workspace modes and customizable interface, users of all levels will find the perfect set of tools for their needs and experience. We hope people will find PhotoImpact 11’s Basic Photo Mode akin to a welcome mat at the doorstep of digital photography.”

Ulead PhotoImact 11 Features and Benefits:

Flexible Interface System.
The “My Workspace” interface system offers a set of five pre-defined modes along with the ability to customize and save personal workspace layouts. Basic Photo Mode is the simplest of the ready-to-use modes, providing large easy-to-identify icons with direct access to the most commonly used tools for acquiring, browsing, enhancing and sharing images. Specially configured menus, toolbars and fewer option panels simplify the user interface for new and casual users. They can choose between Basic Photo Mode, Standard Photo Mode, Graphics Mode, Web Mode and Advanced Mode.

My Workspace customization options allow users to configure the interface to their individual needs. Menus and toolbars can be re-organized with drag-and-drop ease. All panels may by docked or float freely for comfortable use across dual monitors. Shortcut keys and Menu and Command names are also fully customizable.

Unique High-End Digital Photography Tools.
PhotoImpact 11 offers photography enthusiasts features that make the camera just the beginning for high-end digital photography. New RAW/DNG support allows users to capture full camera-image quality. Ulead Photo Explorer 8.6, included with PhotoImpact 11, provides intuitive browsing and batch conversion of RAW files. Enhanced 16-bit editing allows for a range of automatic and manual processing tools to adjust color and correct images in high-quality 48-bit color depth.

Powerful new SmartCurves dramatically simplifies photo-tone enhancement with automatic correction of camera response curve anomalies. Based on Ulead’s advanced HDR imaging technology, SmartCurves gives users high-quality tonal correction tailored for their camera.

For perfect photo compositions, revolutionary new SmartRemove Scene Compositor lets users selectively paint out moving elements from multiple shots of the same scene to compose an image with just the elements they want. In addition to removing unwanted elements, SmartRemove also makes it possible to create dramatic original photos by combining shots with people or objects appearing in different poses or locations.

PhotoImpact 11 new high-end photography tools include White Balance adjustment and Chromatic Aberration correction. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Color Cast tools have also been improved.

Enhanced Creative Options:
New to PhotoImpact 11 are non-destructive Layer Masks, editable alpha-channel masks for objects. Layer Masks allow users to blend images and objects in creative compositions with even greater flexibility.

With more and more users creating video projects and authoring DVDs for personal, business or education applications, PhotoImpact now incorporates features specifically designed for video productions. The Web Component Designer, first introduced in PhotoImpact 5, now includes a range of customizable lower-third graphics that make creating compelling overlay graphics simple and fast. A new “Save for Video” option simplifies the process of saving graphics for video projects.

The EasyPalette library of ready-to-use content now includes a range of DVD menu templates that can be customized and saved for use in Ulead DVD MovieFactory or Ulead DVD Workshop. Both products allow users to import menus using PhotoImpact’s native UFO file format. Ulead’s high-end video-editing suite, MediaStudio Pro 8, supports UFO files directly on the timeline.

PhotoImpact 11 also includes a “Save for Mobile” option to enable users to easily create graphics for display on mobile phones, PDAs, the Sony PSP and other mobile devices. Save for Mobile incorporates a range of intelligent templates to automatically format images to the correct size, color depth, file format and file size for a chosen device.

Pricing and Availability:
The box version and electronic download (ESD) of PhotoImpact 11 will be available via the Ulead website at http://www.ulead.co.uk for £49.99 inc Vat at the beginning of October. The boxed version will also be available from PC World, Staples, Jessops, Microwarehouse, Dabs.co, Saversoftware and Amazon.co.uk. An upgrade edition will be offered for owners of previous versions from the Ulead online Store and selected e-tailers starting at just £29.99 inc Vat for the ESD download.'

Source: Ulead Press Release