Digital News
Data recovery
Hampshire firm Peak Development is sharing its expertise in recovering lost data from digital memory cards with the introduction of a new
software program. ImageRecall is designed to provide a low cost, simple solution to digital camera users, claiming to recover up to 80% of files
'lost' or accidentally erased from cards. The software was developed and
is still utilised by Peak's own data recovery team, which continues to provide a service for uncovering files that prove more difficult to
find. The program is compatible with all types of digital memory, together with Jazz, Zip, hard and floppy disks. The software is priced
just �25 and a free trial copy is available for download from http://www.imagerecall.com. Call Peak on 01489 798393 for further
information.
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Lexar at the football
Lexar's specially optimised CompactFlash cards for use in the Canon EOS 1D are providing the backbone of Action Images' Football World Cup
photographic facilities. Commenting on the newly upgraded cards, which were tested extensively before being selected, Action Images managing
director David Jacobs said: 'they offer the speed, reliability and support that my guys need. I would not trust using any other card or
company.' Lexar card users can also benefit from Image Rescue, a unique software program that recovers lost or accidentally erased image files.
Lexar UK can be contacted on 01483 722290.
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Flat screen Microtek
Microtek, best known for its scanners, has introduced its first LCD monitor. The C783 flat screen monitor features a 17-inch viewable screen
with a 1280x1024 pixel resolution, displaying 16.7m colours. The device is just 2 inches thick and includes a 35 degrees up and 5 degrees down
tilting base. According to the manufacturer, it consumes little power
and has lower glare output than traditional CRT displays. In addition, it has on-screen digital controls for contrast and brightness,
horizontal and vertical positions, colour temperature and volume. The C783 is priced �650. More details on 01327
844880
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Umax film scanner
Umax has introduced a new version of its high-end PowerLook 3000 multi-format scanner aimed at professional photographers. The 42-bit
colour Photo version is bundled with the latest version (5.5) of SilverFast software, providing easy to use colour calibration targets
and a profiled colour correction facility for use with negative film, and a live sharpening tool. The 3048dpi device features a moving flatbed
design - in theory a more stable arrangement thanks to a fixed lens and CCD - and is supplied with film holders for 120 and 5x4in film together
with a SCSI II interface. The dual-format scanner is priced �2949 +VAT. For further details, call Umax on 0870 906 4400.
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Sinarcameras.co.uk
Sinar has launched a UK website offering up-to-date details on its range of digital cameras, backs and accessories. The online resource includes
technical specifications, advice on going digital, news on software upgrades and information on where to buy Sinar gear. See
http://www.sinarcameras.co.uk.
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Info online
A new online dictionary of photographic terms has been launched by Canadian company Teladesign. Photonotes.org contains more than 90,000
definitions that can be searched and cross-referenced. The site includes the latest terminology for digital imaging, as well as some of the
history of early photography. Users can also browse through a number of
reviews on a range of products and there are several articles written on the Canon EOS camera range. The dictionary was written by N K Guy, a
writer and designer based in Vancouver.
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Olympus Camedia 4000
Olympus has unveiled its latest digital compact camera, the Camedia 4000 Zoom featuring a 3x zoom (equivalent to 32-96mm on a 35mm camera) and 4
megapixel resolution. The device, which is due in mid-August priced �500, is equipped with three metering options - including spot -
together with a manual focus adjustment, built-in flash and a histogram function. Call 0800 072 0070 for information about
stockists.
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ICI adds to Olmec range
ICI Imagedata is adding to its range of Olmec photo inkjet papers with two introductions. The additions are Mini Reels for creating continuous,
borderless prints on Epson printers, and an improved Satin Photo Quality paper. The former are made using Imagedata's Olmec 260gsm heavyweight
resin-coated paper. Two sizes are available: 100mm x 10m and 329mm x 10m. The 170gsm Satin Paper is available in an improved quicker-drying,
more lustrous finish than previously. Pricing for the Satin photo paper is around �10 for 50 sheets of A4, and around �11 for a 100mm x 10m Mini
Reel. For details of your local stockist, call ICI Imagedata on 01206 716200.
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Canon Digital Creators
Canon is still seeking entries for this year's Digital Creators Contest. The competition is divided into four categories: web-based graphics;
digital movies; digital graphics; and digital photography. Photographic entries can be a print from a digitally modified image, or from an image
captured digitally. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be given to
winners in each division, with a top prize of $20,000 for the overall winner. A special Canon Award will be presented to two winners in the
Digital Photo division who have covered the themes of Nature or People.
For further details and an application form visit http://www.canon.com/cdcc/english. The closing date for entries is 03
September.
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Freeway upgraded
Softpress has announced an upgrade to Freeway, its Macintosh web-authoring tool (BJP 05 June). The new version 3.5.5 adds a
drag-and-drop facility from applications such as iTunes and iPhoto, and improved import support for Photoshop transparency, styled text and RTF
(rich text format). The upgrade is a free download for users of any
version from 3.x upwards at www.softpress.com.
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Compact Konica
Konica has launched the 4 megapixel Revio KD-400Z digital compact camera. The device features a 3x zoom (equivalent to 39-117mm on a 35mm
camera), dual Secure Digital and MMC card slot, built-in flash and voice
memo function. The KD-400Z is priced �400, and comes with a 16MB SD memory card. Call Konica on 020 8751 6121 for details.
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LaCie burning fast
LaCie is introducing a new CD-RW drive capable of burning a disc in less than two minutes. The 48x drive is, claims LaCie, the fastest available,
and includes under-run protection, 12x rewriting speeds and is available with USB or FireWire connection priced �159. Call 020 7872 8000 for
further details.
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Low-cost HP printing
Hewlett-Packard continues its rapid roll-out of new products in a drive to capture a bigger share of the imaging
market. The latest releases, due next month, include three new Scanjet printers - the 3500, 3530 and
3570 - and a Deskjet printer, all aimed at the low end of the market, with prices starting at �69. For details, visit
http://www.hp.com.
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Compact CD-RW
Archos is adding to its range of multi-format, mobile peripheral devices with the introduction of its new miniature Cesar CD-RW. Barely larger
than the diameter of a CD disk (135mm) and weighing just 400g, the device is said to be the smallest self-powered 8x8x24x CD-RW available.
It is hot-swappable and features USB 2.0 connectivity with the option of swapping to a FireWire or PC card interface, and is compatible with both
PCs and Macs. The Cesar CD-RW costs �200. Visit http://www.archos.com
for further details.
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Kodak prices down
Kodak Professional has announced a reduction in the cost of its DCS 720x digital camera, which is now priced at �3995+VAT. Kodak has also lowered
the price of its DX4900 high-end consumer camera now retails for �349.99. Elsewhere, Kodak has introduced an overnight turnaround for its
Picture CD service. The faster delivery attracts a �5 premium. Retailers interested in supporting the Picture CD service should call 01442
844197, or visit http://www.kodak.co.uk/go/picturecd.
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Long-life power
Powerex has introduced a new long-life battery pack designed for use with digital compact cameras. The
PowerBank pack can be carried in a pouch and connected to a digital camera through an adaptor lead, and is
claimed to enable the user to take up to three times more pictures than with a conventional battery. PowerBank is compatible with a range of
digital cameras from manufacturers including Nikon, Olympus, Kodak and Epson. The complete kit costs �69.95. For further information, contact
UK distributor Nevada on 023 9231 3090.
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QPcard calibration
A simple-to-use, three-patch test target is now available for calibrating digital camera and scanner images.
QPcard, which won the 1999 Swedish Innovation Award, comes in a sealed foil bag containing 15
self-adhesive targets, each sized 142x40mm with a trio of 40x40mm tone patches and a 40mm rule for scaling. The targets feature white, black
and mid-grey squares that are analysed using the grey-balancing tools supplied within high-end image manipulation programs such as Photoshop
and Paint Shop Pro. When using a digital camera, the first step is to place a target in view and select the most neutral looking white balance
setting. A picture is then taken with the target in place, followed by one without it. Using an image manipulation program, the grey patch is
marked, blurred and sampled using the mid-grey dropper in the Curves window. The resulting balance is then saved and applied to other
pictures taken under the same conditions. QPcard is priced just �10 per pack of 15. For more details call Robert White on 01202 723046.
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Sony launch
Sony is replacing its Cyber-shot DSC-P5 digital compact camera with a new model. The DSC-P7 has a resolution of 3.2M pixels, and has new
features, including multi-burst, multi-point AF and multi-pattern metering. For further details, visit
http://www.sony.co.uk.
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Barco colour management
Birmingham colour management specialist TypeMaker has introduced a Mark II version of Barco's Reference Calibrator V monitor, priced nearly �750
cheaper than its predecessor. For further details, visit
http://www.typemaker.co.uk.
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Card adapter
Minds@Work has introduced a four-in-one digital card adapter, allowing users of
MultiMedia, Secure Digital and SmartMedia cards, together with Sony's Memory Stick, to upload data through Type II PC card slots. The
adapter is priced �60. Call UK importer Intro 2020 on 01628 674411 for further details.
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Plug-in updates
Extensis have created free updates for their range of Photoshop Plug-in software. The upgrade supports Photoshop 7 running on a Macintosh OS 9,
and there are plans to launch Mac OS X versions at a later date. Registered users of the image enhancement tools: Mask Pro, Intellihance
Pro 4.0, Extensis PhotoTools 3.0 and PhotoFrame, can download free updates at http://www.extensis.com.
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And more plug-ins
US software developer Nik Multimedia is announcing the availability of Macintosh OS X versions of its Sharpener Pro and Color Efex plug-in
programs for Photoshop. For further details see http://www.nikmultimedia.com.
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Ilford roadshows
Ilford is taking a roadshow around Britain this summer, focusing on digital imaging. The tour begins at Ilford in
Knutsford, Cheshire, on 09 July, before continuing to Leeds (11 July), Bristol (16 July),
Birmingham (18 July), and two dates in London (24 & 25 July). For information, call Ilford on 01565 684097.
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Kodak DCS Pro 14n breaks new ground
Less than a week after news of Canon's 11m pixel full-frame digital SLR slipped out, Kodak has already seized the crown for the highest pixel
count in a full-frame camera - and at a considerably lower price.
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Zoom and digital moves by Olympus
Continuing its tradition of wide-zoom digital compacts, Olympus unveiled the new C-730 Ultra Zoom at Photokina, and also announced a new
initiative for standardising digital camera formats.
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Mobile phone imaging taken a step further Kodak says it has begun test marketing a new service that will allow
consumers to download their personal photographs to their mobile phones and forward them to others.
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Imacon supplements Flextight
Imacon has unveiled its latest digital back, together with a new professional specification scanner. The Danish manufacturer's latest
addition to its Flextight range offers many of the same high-end features as the 848 launched last winter but at a
significantly lower price.
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Digital control the key for new Elinchroms
Swiss lighting manufacturer Elinchrom has introduced a new range of precision flash products featuring full digital control
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Valeo digital backs from Creo
Creo unveiled a new range of digital backs at Photokina. Under its Leaf brand the company introduced the Valeo family of backs, featuring a high
quality detachable image display
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No limit to Minolta's Dimage
Minolta is introducing a new film scanner to its Dimage range. The 2820dpi resolution Dimage Scan Dual III features 16-bit colour, negative
to positive conversion, together with improved user-friendly software. In addition, the scanner's dynamic range improves on its predecessor,
the Dual Scan II, increasing from 3.2 to 4.8, and supports USB 2.0. Batch processing 35mm and APS film strips has been made easier, with
features such as an Auto Dust Brush, removing unwanted dirt particles
from the scanned file, and a Pixel-Polish tab allows automated or custom corrections. The Dimage Scan Dual III will arrive in UK stores next
month, for an as yet undisclosed price. Visit http://www.minoltaeurope.com for further
information.
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Tapestry adds to digital facilities
London prolab Tapestry has launched a new digital suite at its facilities in Soho. Customers can now order large format glic�e prints,
including output on a range of exhibition quality papers which have been approved by the Fine Arts Guild. Prints can be output from various film
and digital formats, and photographers can send digital files to the lab via ISDN. For more information call 020 7896 3100.
LaCie aiming to hit the target with new, improved drive range LaCie has unveiled a new range of high capacity portable hard drives.
Available in 80GB, 120GB or 200GB capacities, the USB 2.0 drives have a sustained data transfer rate of up to 28MB/s. The d2's new aluminium
design is said to increase heat dissipation and prolong drive performance, while also offering a noise reduction of up to 50% compared
to models offered by competitors. Prices start at �149. For further details on the new drives visit
http://www.lacie.co.uk.
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