Digital Camera Central

LATEST NEWS

1>Fujifilm Announces Three New FinePix Cameras
Valhalla, NY, August 12, 2008 –

FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. today introduced the:

FinePix F60fd, a versatile, compact digital camera that makes it easier than ever for consumers to take great pictures in any conditions. As the latest addition to Fujifilm's award-winning F-Series lineup, the FinePix F60fd combines intuitive use with the most advanced features and technology available, enabling photographers of all levels to capture the moment as their eye sees it.

FinePix J150w, designed for consumers seeking an affordable digital camera without sacrificing features or style. Available in matte black or brushed silver and housed in a compact metal chassis just 22.6 mm thick. It incorporates a 10-MegaPixel CCD sensor, an extra-large 3.0" LCD and 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens (28mm-140mm equivalent on 35mm camera) from world-renowned lens brand, Fujinon, that easily captures large groups or distant subjects.

FinePix S2000HD, the first FinePix model to offer full High-Definition compatibility. Sporting a 10-MegaPixel 1/2.3" CCD, a powerful 15x wide-angle optical zoom (27.6mm-414mm equivalent) and an extra large 2.7" wide-view LCD, With the ability to capture movies in HD quality 1280x720pixels, in widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, the S2000HD will change the way people think about digital photography.

2>Kingston Adds High Capacity 32GB Card to Elite Pro Memory Card Family
Fountain Valley, CA - August 12, 2008 -

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping a 32GB Elite Pro SDHC Flash memory card for use with today's digital video camcorders and other high-resolution imaging devices. The new 32GB card is the largest capacity in Kingston's Elite Pro line of SDHC cards, which currently includes 4-, 8- and 16GB capacities.

"With the growing popularity of digital video and the HD format, consumers continue to look for ways to extend recording times and maintain fast data transfer rates (DTR) to maximize the performance of their recording device," said Wendy Lecot, Flash business manager, Kingston®. "Our new 32GB Elite Pro SDHC memory card is optimized to meet the demands of high capacity and fast write speeds to help consumers share their lives through the use of video, photography and other creative devices. With the addition of the 32GB capacity card, Kingston is at the forefront of offering a versatile line of SDHC solutions to solve a variety of needs in today's digital imaging world."

Kingston's 32GB memory card is perfect for the increasing number of high resolution recording devices in the market, as the card can store literally thousands of photos and hours of high definition video. For example, the new 32GB Elite Pro SDHC card can capture more than 6,000 still images (with a 10MP camera) and over eight hours of video (for 6Mbps HD Extended recording)*.

The 32GB SDHC card (Kingston part #: SD4/32GB) has a suggested price of $308.00 (MSRP U.S.). Kingston's line of SDHC memory cards are backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 live technical support.
For more detailed information visit the Kingston Web site at: www.kingston.com.

3>Nikon Releases Six New Coolpix Cameras
Nikon just announced their second-half 2008 Coolpix offerings:

P6000 - Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera.

S560 - Nikon Inc. is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX S560, a stylish new compact camera that offers photographic performance and easy-to-use features and controls. Sporting 10 effective megapixels, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization technology, and 15 user-friendly scene modes, the COOLPIX S560 is the perfect camera for photographers looking for a compact, lightweight camera that is user-friendly with great creative power.

S710 - Nikon Inc. today announced the chic COOLPIX S710, a premium compact camera that not only masters the ease-of-use a compact camera offers, but also successfully incorporates many of the functions creative photographers demand from their traditional SLR cameras like Program, Aperture, Manual and Shutter priority modes. Further expanding the Style series of COOLPIX cameras, the S710 features 14.5 megapixels of ultra-sharp resolution, the precision optics of a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR wide-angle glass lens and the contours and fine finish of a stainless steel body.

S610 - Building on the success of the COOLPIX Style Series of digital cameras, Nikon Inc. is thrilled to introduce the new COOLPIX S610, which blends elegant design and quality construction with high performance and intuitive controls and features. With 10 effective megapixels, a 4x Zoom-NIKKOR wide-angle lens, Optical VR Image Stabilization technology and automated modes like Active Child Mode, the COOLPIX S610 is perfect for consumers looking for a quality camera equipped with powerful photographic tools.

S610c - For fast and easy photo sharing on the go, Nikon is pleased to introduce its sixth generation of Wi-Fi enabled cameras, the new COOLPIX S610c. From the introduction of its first wireless cameras in 2005 to the current COOLPIX S610c digital camera, Nikon has been the worldwide leader in Wi-Fi integration and innovative ways to share memories.* With each new digital camera generation, Nikon continues to streamline the photo-sharing process through wireless technology, making it easier than ever to share and send pictures without the confines of wires, cables or computers. New to this generation of Wi-Fi cameras, the S610c’s wireless service is provided by Wayport®, allowing consumers to share their images and videos from over 10,000 locations nationwide including over 9,700 participating McDonald’s® restaurants and major hotel chains. As with previous generations of Nikon Wi-Fi cameras, the COOLPIX S610c can also take advantage of users' home wireless networks to email and store pictures on my Picturetown, Nikon’s photo storage and sharing service.

S60 - Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the COOLPIX S60. Representing the cutting edge of elegant design and intuitive operation, this stylish compact camera introduces an entirely new, amazingly innovative, 3.5-inch TOUCH-SCREEN LCD and a new graphic user interface that places shooting and playback controls at the user's fingertips.

For more info, click on a camera name above to see the full Nikon press release or visit Nikon's Press Site.

4>Sony Announces New T-series Models
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 7, 2008 -

Sony is making the grade with the introduction of the stylish Cyber-shot DSC-T700 and DSC-T77 digital cameras with "intelligent" shooting functions. The 10-megapixel T77 camera is Sony's thinnest model at less than 5/8 of an inch with a 3-inch, 16 x 9 touch panel LCD screen. It features updated intelligent scene recognition technology, Smile Shutter and face detection technologies with child and adult priority, as well as high sensitivity shooting (up to ISO 3200), eleven scene modes, and in-camera image management.


5>Olympus Imaging and Panasonic Announce New Micro Four Thirds System Standard

Olympus Imaging Corporation (Olympus Imaging) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) today announced joint development of technologies and devices for the "Micro Four Thirds System standard," a new standard that extends the benefits of the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems by enabling dramatic reductions in size and weight. Under the terms of an agreement between the two companies, they will work jointly toward commercial production of significantly lighter and more compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.

The global market for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras is growing steadily, but still only accounts for a 7% share of the total digital camera market. Considering the much larger share held by interchangeable lens type SLR camera systems when film was the dominant imaging medium, it seems that there is still ample room for sales growth in the category. But compact digital cameras continue to offer an expanding range of features and performance, and market surveys indicate that customers choose compact models because they find digital SLR cameras to be "big, heavy, and difficult to operate."

Recognizing this market trend, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic have introduced products based on the Four Thirds System standard, and have led the industry in bringing features such as Live View and contrast-detection autofocusing systems to interchangeable lens type digital camera systems. Now, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic are expanding the potential of the Four Thirds System standard even further, enabling the development of radically more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens type digital camera systems based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. Together with the existing range of Four Thirds System products, the new range of Micro Four Thirds System products will enable customers to enjoy true interchangeable lens type digital camera system performance.

When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing characteristics of the Micro Four Thirds System standard are:

Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance) 6mm smaller lens mount outer diameter Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11 * Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.

The Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the high image quality benefits of the Four Thirds System's 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body, and also take advantage of significantly more compact lenses, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range. The Four Thirds System offers compact, lightweight performance, and the new Micro Four Thirds System will take this even further by making it possible to develop ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. The new Micro Four Thirds System also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts, enabling support for new features and increased system functionality in the future. In addition, users will be able to mount their existing Four Thirds System lenses on Micro Four Thirds System bodies via an adapter.

Moving forward, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic will jointly develop relevant technologies and devices for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards, and will develop and introduce standards-compliant products in accordance with their respective business strategies.

While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Olympus Imaging will also develop a range of Micro Four Thirds System lenses and accessories, and Micro Four Thirds System camera bodies that are even smaller and slimmer than the light, compact, and widely acclaimed Olympus E-410 and E420.
While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Panasonic will also develop a new generation of compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, including ultra-portable camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, and related system accessories.

About the Four Thirds System Standard The Four Thirds System standard defines design and development standards for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems that fully realize the performance potential of digital technology. Four Thirds System cameras utilize a 4/3-type image sensor that delivers the high image quality expected of interchangeable lens type digital camera systems in a form factor that assures outstanding mobility. The Four Thirds System standard is an open standard that enables bodies and lenses produced by participating manufacturers to exchange information and be used interchangeably with one another.


6>Sony Supports The Children Of Operation Smile
Norfolk, Va. Aug. 1, 2008 –

Sony Electronics is helping more children smile through its support of the worldwide children’s medical charity Operation Smile.

Sony is commencing a retail promotion for Sony Cyber-shot® cameras featuring Smile ShutterTM technology at Sony Style® Stores, Sonystyle.com, and other participating retailers for the month of August.

Through this effort, the company will make a $100,000 donation to the organization. The funds will be used to provide free physical examinations and reconstructive surgeries for children suffering from cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Sony is also donating Cyber-shot digital cameras to help Operation Smile volunteers capture smiles at more than 30 mission sites around the world. Equipped with Sony’s distinctive Smile Shutter technology, the cameras automatically capture a smile when the feature is activated, without having to press the shutter button. The result is snapshots with natural-looking smiles and expressions.

"It's a precious moment when a child comes out of surgery with a new smile, so you don’t want to miss it and you want to get it right,” said Mike Fasulo, Chief Marketing Officer and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sony Electronics. “Sony is in the business of preserving precious memories like these with our industry-leading digital imaging products and we are a proud supporter of Operation Smile."

"We are so grateful to Sony Electronics for this significant financial support and commitment to our cause,” said Dr. Bill Magee, Operation Smile Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder. “With this relationship, Sony is not only helping Operation Smile provide new smiles to children born with facial deformities, but with their donation of cameras, they are also helping us capture images of these priceless moments during our medical missions."
The retail promotion begins on August 1 nationwide.

About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org) Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children's medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile volunteers have treated more than 115,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and currently work in more than 40 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.

7>Fujifilm Announces New FinePix Z200fd 'Glam-Cam'Valhalla,
NY, July 31, 2008 –

FUJIFILM U.S.A, Inc. today introduced a new model in its ultra-compact, fashionista Z-series lineup – the FinePix Z200fd. Versatility and style abound in four striking colors combinations; this glam-cam is sure to turn heads wherever you decide to capture the moment.

Despite being only 20.0mm thick, the 10-MegaPixel FinePix Z200fd touts cutting-edge technology and advanced features including a Fujinon 5x optical zoom lens, a high-resolution, scratch-resistant 2.7" LCD and sensitivity settings of up to ISO 1600 that enable partygoers to take beautiful, natural-looking images without flash, retaining the atmosphere of twilight and late-night events.

The FinePix Z200fd will debut in September at a retail price of $299.95. Read the Fujifilm press release for all the details.

8>Nikon Offers D3 Buffer Memory Expansion Service

Nikon is offering a $500 D3 digital-SLR camera memory expansion upgrade for its buffer memory. When the buffer memory is expanded, the number of shots possible in a single burst of continuous shooting is increased. The number of frames per burst is more than doubled in most of the shooting modes. See this Nikon Tech web page for complete details of this service.

9>Adobe Releases Photoshop Lightroom 2
SAN JOSE, Calif.--

Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 software, the photographer's essential toolbox for managing, adjusting and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. With new enhancements such as dual-monitor support, radical advances in non-destructive localized image correction, and streamlined search capabilities, Lightroom 2 is a compelling upgrade that simplifies photography from shoot to finish. As Adobe’s first application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Macintosh computers with Intel® processors and Microsoft® Windows® Vista® 64-bit operating systems, Lightroom 2 also provides improved memory performance for dealing with large scale images.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 is available now through the Adobe Store in English, French and German with the Japanese language version planned to be released at a future date. The estimated street price is USD$299 for new users with an upgrade price of USD$99 for registered users of qualifying Lightroom customers.
Read more information here.

10>Pentax Announces New Budget Friendly Compact Digicam
July 28, 2008 Golden, CO -

PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the PENTAX Optio E60 compact digital camera. With 10.1 megapixels, the PENTAX Optio E60 offers both new and experienced digital users beautiful high-resolution images and a variety of easy-to-use features at a budget price.
Please read the entire Optio E60 press release.

11>New Panasonic Models

Panasonic has announced two new FX series cameras as well as new FZ and LX series models:

Lumix DMC-FZ28 - the LUMIX DMC-FZ28 digital camera boasts a premium 27mm wide-angle LEICA lens with an 18x optical zoom, ideal for tight indoor shots and long-distance action photos. The 10.1 megapixel digital camera also features an enhanced Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), with the new AF (auto focus) Tracking function, making it easier for photographers at any level to shoot sharp, well-focused photos, even when the subject is moving - making it ideal for action shots.

Lumix DMC-FX150 - the newest addition to their FX-Series of LUMIX digital cameras, the stylish and feature-rich DMC-FX150 is equipped with 14.7 megapixels, and also boasts a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8 brightness and 3.6x optical zoom.

Lumix DMC-FX37 - the new LUMIX DMC-FX37 digital camera offers a 25mm ultra wide-angle LEICA DC lens, which enables users to capture almost double the viewing space at the same shooting distance as compared to 35mm cameras. The 10.1 megapixel FX37, capable of High Definition video recording, also includes a powerful 5x optical zoom while maintaining a sleek, ultra-compact body and expands Intelligent Auto Mode (iA), Panasonic's system of intuitive technologies that help consumers take better photos.

Lumix DMC-LX3 - the LUMIX DMC-LX3 digital camera is the successor to the highly-regarded and popular DMC-LX2. Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the DMC-LX3 features a F2.0 24mm LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.

12>Sony Service NotificationSony Electronics----

Today announced a small number of T20's, less than 100, vibrate when the power is switched on and will not be able to shoot pictures. This is due to a mechanical failure that affected the lenses and is being repaired under warranty.

SEL (Sony Electronics) recognizes the one-year warranties are about to expire and wants to make sure their customers are cared for. SEL will be offering free repair service to customers for a three-year period from July 10, 2008 to July 9, 2011 for this specific problem with the T20's.
This announcement is for United States customers and Sony states that other regions will be making similar customer notifications and may also report this issue with DSC-T70 cameras as well. However, DSC-T70 cameras are NOT affected by this issue in the U.S.

Please visit Sony Support... for the information on how to proceed should you have a camera with this problem.

13>Samsung Unveils 2008 Second-Half Digital Camera Line Up
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 16, 2008 –

Samsung today unveiled its 2008 second-half digital camera line up with the launch of four new models – the TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and SL201. Joining the company’s growing array of advanced digital imaging solutions, these four new digital cameras bring new technologies to the industry and will be on retail shelves nationwide in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

TL34HD - Boasting an impressive resolution of 14.7 megapixels and renowned Schneider lens yielding a 28mm wide-angle focal length with 3.6x optical zoom, the TL34HD promises sharp, clear and detailed images with every shot. The most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera in Samsung’s history, the TL34HD builds upon the success of its predecessor, the NV24HD, with the ability to capture high-definition video at a resolution of 720P along with Dual Image Stabilization.

TL9 - an ultra compact, 10.0 megapixel digital camera highlighted by a large 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. The latest digital camera in Samsung’s digital camera arsenal to feature MP3 and PMP capability, the TL9 sets itself apart from the crowd as a multimedia powerhouse.

SL310W - Ideal for the step-up shooter, the SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, 2.7 inch LCD, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user’s ability to photograph more of a desired scene.

SL201 - an ultra-slim, compact point-and-shoot digital camera featuring a resolution of 10.2 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and large 2.7-inch intelligent LCD which will automatically brighten or dim based on available lighting.

14>Samsung Launches SC-MX20 Camcorder With YouTube™ Connectivity
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., --

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. unveils the SC-MX20, the successor to the company’s popular SC-MX10 compact digital camcorder. The ideal camcorder for the exploding generation of consumers uploading video content to the Internet, the SC-MX20 features a customized recording mode optimized for YouTube™ or multi-media devices, further simplifying the way users integrate the camcorder into their digital lifestyles.

With a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor which delivers a resolution of 720x480, the Samsung SC-MX20 captures video with stunning color and clarity. The new model has a powerful Schneider lens with 34x optical zoom and advanced noise reduction (3-D Noise Reduction) technology and Samsung’s improved Advanced Image Stabilization, assuring that consumers will be able to record blur-free memories both near and far, as well as Face Detection, which can automatically detect up to five faces and adjust focus to ensure better composition.

15>Casio Announces World's Slimmest 4X Wide Angle Camera
DOVER, NJ, JULY 14, 2008 —

Casio America, Inc. announced today the release of the newest model in its EXILIM® digital camera series — the stylish, slim EXILIM Zoom EX-Z150, which features a wide-angle zoom lens, a CCD-shift anti-shake function, a 3.0” LCD monitor and an 8.1 effective megapixel resolution.

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z150 contains the features and functions needed to meet the demanding requirements of today’s digital camera users, all within a slim form factor. The EX-Z150 comes complete with a built-in wide-angle 28 mm (35 mm film equivalent) and 4X optical zoom lens, at just .79” thick (.74”; at the thinnest section).

Available at retail in September, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z150 will be available in silver and black, as well as colorful red, pink and green with an MSRP of $199.99.

The SC MX20 features a slot for SD/SDHC (up to 32GB) and MMC+ memory cards and utilizes H.264 compression for longer record times and enhanced video quality. The SC-MX20 will be available in four colors, including black, red, white, and blue, all with silver trim. The SC-MX20 will be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $279.99.

16>Kodak Announces New Easyshare M-Series Digital Camera
Rochester, NY -- Eastman

Kodak Company today announced the latest M-Series Digital Camera to join its EASYSHARE System portfolio. The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera, a sleek but powerful digital camera for style-conscious consumers, is packed with innovative features, including Kodak’s Smart Capture, which instantly adjusts the camera settings to help ensure brilliant pictures in virtually any environment – automatically.

The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera will retail for US$199.95 MSRP from September 2008.

17>Kodak Introduces Easyshare Z1015 IS Ultra Zoom
ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 10 --

Eastman Kodak Company today announced the latest addition to its Z-Series line of digital cameras, bringing consumers greater control when taking pictures under various lighting conditions and distances. The KODAK EASYSHARE Z1015 IS Digital Camera offers maximum versatility for serious photographers to easily handle both long-distance and wide-angle shots, while also incorporating Kodak's innovative Smart Capture feature, which adjusts the camera's settings for a great picture in virtually any environment -- automatically.

The KODAK EASYSHARE Z1015 IS Digital Camera will be available from September 2008 at US$349.95 MSRP.

18>Color Efex ProT 3.0 for Capture NX 2 Software
San Diego, CA - July 7, 2008 -

Nik Software Inc. today announced the immediate availability of their award-winning Color Efex Pro 3.0 photographic filters for Capture NX 2, the latest version of Nikon's flagship photo editing software. Color Efex Pro 3.0 is the most comprehensive, powerful, and easy to use set of photographic filters used by photo enthusiasts and professional photographers worldwide. Color Efex Pro 3.0 tightly integrates into the powerful tools and completely non-destructive workflow of Capture NX 2.

19>Casio Releases Firmware Update
DOVER, NJ, JULY 7, 2008 –

Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced a firmware update for the EXILIM® Pro EX-F1 digital camera today. The update will add Casio’s unique “Prerecord movie” function to the camera, helping to ensure that users will never miss another once-in-a-lifetime scene when shooting movies. Firmware Ver. 1.10 for the EX-F1 will be available on Casio’s English website starting July 8, and thereafter on websites in other languages.