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The first annual PDN and Rangefinder (Rf) Gift Guide is the perfect companion this holiday season. Pick out some products for fellow photographers and filmmakers, or cut along the dotted [...]

PHASE ONE IQ3100MP TRICHROMATIC In 1976, a Kodak scientist named Bryce Bayer was awarded a patent for a 'sensing array for color imaging'--what we now refer to as the Bayer [...]

At the dawn of digital photography, it was common to hear people refer to digital cameras as nothing more than computers with lenses on them. It was often a term [...]

There's no doubt that when the history of digital photography is written, Canon's 5D series will loom large. The bigger question for many photographers is the camera line's future. When [...]

The article reports on market data released by PMA, formerly known as the Photo Marketing Association, on the digital imaging sector. PMA found that the growth in the market is shifting away from digital camera sales and home printing toward photo gifts and online and retail printing. The organization forecasts that consumer spending on digital cameras and home printing consumables may decrease in 2008. Spending on digital cameras is expected to decline from around $6.65 billion in 2007 to $6.25 billion in 2008.

The article provides information on a range of imaging products introduced by Hewlett-Packard (HP) at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) trade show in March 2007. HP has unveiled three new Photosmart digital cameras, two new camera/printer bundles and an updated Photosmart Studio retail printing solution at the event. Its Vista-ready Photosmart digital camera features a 3-inch liquid crystal display with a 170-degree viewing angle. It has also unveiled a printer/camera bundle, with two new Print & Share kits.

Presents information on low-priced digital single-lens reflex digital cameras introduced in the U.S. consumer electronics market in March 2006. The availability of the hybrid DVC3500 digital still/video camera has been announced by Cobra Digital. The unit records video graphics array/30 fps MPEG-video and 3.1-megapixel still images. The unit features a 2-inch light temperature polycrystalline silicon color display, 6x digital zoom and an 16MB of internal memory with a secure digital card slot. While Sakar International launched its Cyber Gear Sticker Wizard KidzCam that includes three interchangeable camera face plates and can double as a personal computer-camera. And VistaQuest introduced a 5-megapixel VQ5020 camera that features a fixed focal length lens and 2.5-inch liquid crystal display.

This article reports on the 2006 Photo Marketing Association Annual Trade Show held in Orlando, Florida, which focused on expanding and profiting from the ecosystem that surrounds digital photography. The ecosystem concept encompasses everything that occurs the moment the shutter snaps, whether that shutter is on a still camera or a camera phone. Photo editing and sharing software announced at the show features the ability to connect to online photograph services or retail Web sites to deliver print orders that are available in-store or mailed home.

The article reports that the annual Photo Marketing Association show on February 26, 2006 in Orlando, Florida will try to appeal the female market. It will play host to about 700 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees, as well as new digital cameras, retail printing solutions, imaging software and accessories. Among the highlights will be the launch of Panasonic's first digital single-lens reflex (SLR), developed in conjunction with Olympus. Sony, in contrast, will keep quiet about its forthcoming digital-SLR, which it had developed in a partnership with Konica Minolta. Ned Bunnell, Pentax marketing manager, predicts that even with the strong growth in the digital SLR market, it will still occupy a small niche in the overall digital photography market through 2009.

The article reports on the efforts of Eastman Kodak to enable seamless transmission of digital photographs, according to chairman and CEO Antonio Perez. Perez emphasized the need to redefine the functions of digital cameras. In line with its aim to allow digital cameras to transmit, organize, archive and share across every device and platform, Kodak has forged industry partnerships. The company has signed a cross-licensing and marketing deal with Motorola. It has also partnered with Skype, a personal computer/voice-over-Internet portal service.

This article features digital cameras that were introduced at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show and offers information on features, capabilities, advantages, limitations and cost. The products include the SD430 from Canon, the EX-S600 from Casio, the Photosmart R927 from HP, the V570 from Kodak and the FinePix F470 from FujiFilm.

This article reports on the introduction of digital photo frames in the U.S. in 2005 that focus on personal computer-free viewing. Royal Consumer Information Products introduced the Royal Digital Picture Album and the Hot Shots keychain display. The frame will be available in 8-inch and 5.6-inch versions and are desktop or wall-mountable. Moreover, the Hot Shots keychain features a 1.1-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) and can store up to 56 digital photos on its internal memory. On the other hand, Westinghouse Digital Electronics added a digital photo frame to its LCD lineup. The 5.6-inch LCD frame can display single images or slideshows from camera memory cards. The frame is packaged with interchangeable mahogany, black or brushed aluminum frames.

This article reports on the launch of the 8-megapixel Coolpix P1 and 5-megapixel P2 digital cameras from Nikon in September 2005. The digital cameras can wirelessly transmit digital photos over 802.11b/g networks. The cameras feature several modes for moving images off the camera via wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi). A shoot-and-transfer mode automatically moves images to a networked computer while Nikon's Picture Project software automatically builds slide shows as it receives new images. An easy transfer mode moves images to a computer by a specific date or manually. Aside from Wi-Fi, the models feature 3.5x optical zooms, 2.5-inch LCD screens, 16 scene modes, automatic in-camera red-eye correction, and the company's D-Lighting function for automatically compensating for insufficient flash or excessive backlighting.

This article reports on the decision of Sanyo to reenter the U.S. digital camera market with the launch of its Xacti E6 and S6 digital cameras in September 2005. Both models will offer 6-megapixel resolution. The E6 will feature a 3x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD screen, 9-point area auto focus, a help mode, PictBridge compatibility and a touch-sensor shutter button for simpler focusing. The E6 also features a best shot mode. The camera snaps four shots at different settings and displays them on screen for the user to choose his preferred take. The S6 will also feature a touch-sensor shutter button, a 2-inch LCD screen, PictBridge compatibility and a 3x optical zoom lens. The S6 can record QuickTime movies at 320 by 240 resolution.

Evaluates the EX-Z110 and EX-Z120 digital camera from Casio. Key features; Advantages of the anti-shake mode function; Cost.

The article presents information on different digital camera vendors who have come up with their high-end products. The firm Konica Minolta unveiled a high-end fixed-lens model to its lineup with the latest DiMAGE A 200. The 8-megapixel A200 incorporated Anti-Shake in addition to a rotating 1.8-inch LCD screen and a 7xoptical/4x digital zoom lens. One of the significant aspect of the A200 is that it offers automatic and manual exposure controls. Also, an Ultra High Speed mode that it used can capture up five frames at 2.3 fps in high-resolution RAW mode. Another firm Nikon unveiled two new, high-end fixed-lens models: Namely, the Coolpix 8800 and a mainstream compact camera, the 4 megapixel Coolpix 4800. Both these models 8800 and 8400 offers Nikon's D-lighting option. The firm also incorporated In-Camera Red-Eye Fix in both models to automatically correct most cases of red-eye when in the red-eye reduction flash mode. The article also gives some of the key features of these different models.

Presents information on various digital cameras introduced at the Purchasing Management Association 2004 show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cost of the Eye-Q 5062 from Concord; Features of the EX-P600 Exilim Pro from Casio; Models of DiMAGE brand from Konica-Minolta.

Reports on the impact of digital imaging as discussed at the 2003 InfoTrends Digital Imaging conference. Implications of digital technology for the photo industry; Effect of the increased sales of digital cameras on film cameras; Information on the Get the Picture online service of Fujifilm.

Reports the display of the digital photography market at PhotoPlus East trade show in Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, New York. Combination of decrease corporate level and leaner exhibition budgets; Total number of exhibitors; Emphasis of the marketing sales forecasts of digital camera.

This article reports on the 2008 "TWICE" magazine's Annual Digital Imaging Roundtable held in New York. Executives with several top digital camera manufacturers discussed several issues such as the impact of specialty and e-commerce retail channels on high-end business, the future of the digital single-lens reflex (SLR) market, and whether Global Positioning System (GPS) and Wi-Fi will be accessories. Manufacturing executives who attended the roundtable include Stewart Henderson of Samsung, Michael Hunter of Olympus and David Lee of Nikon.

The article offers information on the Panasonic DMC-FX500 and the Pentax Optio V20 digital cameras.

The article reports on the launch of an affiliate program for retailers by ScanDigital. The program enables retailers to distribute the company's film- and photo-print-scanning services online. Participants can embed a console on their web site that would allow their customers to initiate a scanning order. In addition, retailers will receive 20% of the order revenue. The affiliate program is primarily aimed at small mom and pop photo specialty stores that have their own web site. The program will eventually be scaled to accommodate regional chains, as well as incorporate an option for private labeling.

The article focuses on expectations regarding the sales growth of digital photo frames. According to Park Associates, more than 1.7 million digital photo frames were sold in the U.S. in 2006. The category is said to have grown 400 percent from 2005 to 2006. Park Associates predicts that the category will achieve a 50 percent cumulative average growth rate into 2010. Battery firm CTA Digital launched its first digital frames while Fidelity Electronics introduced several products in the U.S. market.

The article features three digital cameras from Canon, namely the EOS-1D Mark III Digital single lens reflex system, the PowerShot TX1 camera and the PowerShot SD750 camera.

The article reports on the move of kiosk maker Lucidiom to purchase imaging software developer Trevoli in a bid to reach digital camera owners. Trevoli developed the Photo Finale software program which allow consumers to upload prints from their desktops for pick up at retail. According to a Lucidiom spokesperson, the company would keep the distribution model in place and will retain the Photo Finale brand. It is said that the Photo Finale software is already integrated with Lucidiom's Automated Photo Machine kiosks.

The article features computer software for securing and sharing images, including Corel's version XI of its Paint Shop Photo imaging software suite and Snapfire Plus, WinDVD software from InterVideo and a photo enhancement software from Tribeca Labs.

The article reports on the move of vendors to jump into the digital photo frame market due to decreasing prices and increased demand. Digital Foci, an imaging peripheral manufacturer, has redesigned its Image Moments digital photo frame. Image Moments features interchangeable frames, an easel leg for switching between landscape and portrait views, an automatic on/off timer and an adapter ring for customizing the frame. On the other hand, Toronto, Ontario-based vendor Fidelity, has added a 10.4-inch frame to its lineup.

The article reports that retail digital photograph printing has reached parity with home printing in the U.S. in 2006. The Photo Market Association (PMA) reports that while home printing accounted for 42 percent of all digital prints, retail printing reached 41 percent. According to PMA, the rise of retail printing suggests that there has been a dramatic shift in consumer behavior. However, PMA noted that the home still generates the most revenue. Meanwhile, online printing is also gaining edge. Online printing includes those orders printed and picked-up in store. The growth of online printing outpaces the overall market, but it trails the ascent of retail printing.

The article presents a market outlook for digital cameras in the U.S. in 2006. According to the NPD Group, camera sales will reach 29.5 million units in 2006. IDC predict the market to reach 31 million units. NPD imaging analyst Liz Cutting noted that compact models and digital single-lens reflex (SLR) will continue to dominate the market. However, Dimitrious Delis, analyst for the Photo Marketing Association noted that digital cameras will sell stronger than their film counterparts. NPD predicts that close to 2 million d-SLR will be sold in 2006.

The article reports on a forecast by market research firm Lyra Research that the U.S. digital imaging supplies market will top $40 billion in 2006. The projected figures include papers, inks, cartridges and thermal dye ribbon used in printing and producing digital photos and documents for consumer and commercial use. A potential boost may come from camera phones. Another study from Lyra revealed that the number of digital images captured worldwide has grown from under 40 billion in 2002 to nearly 200 billion in 2005.

The article features two digital cameras introduced in the U.S. consumer market in March 2006. Casio introduced two additional models to its Exilim line of compact models. The cameras feature the eBay best shot mode for photographing items. The EX-Z60 is a 6-megapixel that features a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) with a suggested retail price of $249.99. The second model, the EX-Z850 for a suggested $399.99 is an 8-megapixel that features a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD, 34 best shot scene modes. While Samsung introduced the 6-megapixel Digimax i6 which is capable of playing movies on its 2.5-inch display or MP3 files through included headphones. The camera features a 3x optical single high definition lens, 11 scene modes and built-in editing, automatic macro, electronic shake reduction.

The article presents information on the digital single-lens reflex (d-SLR) cameras introduced in the U.S. consumer electronics market in March 2006. Canon introduced an 8-megapixel EOS 30D midlevel d-SLR for a suggested price of $1,499 with an EFS 18-55 mm lens. The camera features 5 fps shooting to 30JPEG images. Fujifilm reduced the price on its FinePix S3 Pro d-SLR camera to a suggested $1,699. The company will also add an alternating current adapter and HS-V2 Hyper Utility software to the product. Panasonic launched the 7-megapixel Lumix DMC-L1 which features several technologies co-developed with Olympus.

The article focuses on the move of Hewlett-Packard (HP) to re-enter the retail printing market as of February 27, 2006. According to HP digital photography marketing director Kalle Marsal, the company dedicated a division to grow its retail printing business. Marsal is confident that the fourth generation inkjet technology of HP is better than the dye-sublimation technique of its competitors. The solution system of the company will consist of a new kiosk, the Photosmart Express station, and the Photosmart Studio. HP will either sell the system or lease them to retailers.

The article presents information on the digital still cameras that will be released by vendors in 2006. Canon's A-series PowerShots will incorporate a widescreen 16:9 setting for snapping panoramic-style prints and a face-brightener enhancement option. FinePix A600 will be included in the A-series models of Fujifilm which incorporates the Super CCD sensor. Kodak has introduced two C-series models to its Easyshare lineup--the C643, which features a 3x/5x digital zoom and in-camera image enhancement, and the C533, which has in-camera cropping.

This article reports that Pentax will lower the price of its *ist DL digital SLR kit with a 18-55 DA lens from a suggested $799.95 to $599.95 effective February 21, 2006. The *ist DL features a 2.5-inch LCD and 11-point autofocus system. The move positions the 6-megapixel *ist DL as the cheapest d-SLR on the market, competing against Nikon's D50, Konica Minolta's Maxxum 5D and Canon's initial EOS Digital Rebel. It move also represents an effort by the company to shift its emphasis toward interchangeable lens category and transcend the hyper-competitive compact still camera market.

This article reports on the two new W-series cameras introduced by Sony as of February 2006. The new models are both 6-megapixel, 3x optical zoom cameras. Both cameras feature improved light sensitivity. The Cyber-shot DSC-W30 features an ISO of 1,000, a 400 shot battery, 32MB of internal memory and a 2-inch LCD. The DSC-W50 features a 2.5-inch LCD, five-point AF system and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second, but features a battery life of just 390 shots. The Cyber-shot DSC-W30 will retail for an estimated $230 while the Cyber-shot DSC-W50 will retail for an estimated $250.

This article features the new ultra-zoom Lumix DMC-FZ7 digital camera from Panasonic. The camera brings a 12x optical zoom model to market under $400. The 6-megapixel camera features a 12x optical zoom Leica lens and Panasonic's MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer. The camera also features a new High Sensitivity Mode for minimizing blur in low light settings and when shooting with fast shutter speeds. The camera features automatic and manual control and can record full resolution JPEG files in bursts of 3 frames per second.

The article presents an interview with Philip Faraci, consumer digital imaging president of Eastman Kodak. Faraci believes that JPEG image coding standard will have a role in the digital strategy of Kodak. Kodak plans to build off the EasyShareOne product in 2006. Faraci said that the product will be expanded to encompass competing print providers. He insisted that the market for imaging would expand and the number of devices capable of taking digital photos will also increase. Faraci aims to see improvements in Kodak's go-to-market strategy in its global execution.

The article deals with X60 and X30, the 10-megapixel digital point-and-shoot cameras announced by Vivitar at a press conference during the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The X60 camera has digital zoom lens, liquid crystal display (LCD) and video graphic array (VGA) frames. On the other hand, the X30 has optical zoom with LCD and VGA resolution frames per second. Vivitar will start shipping the X60 and X30 in the second quarter of 2006.

The article stresses the intention of camera makers to increase digital camera penetration in the U.S. as of December 19, 2005 by offering bundled-snap shot printers and low-cost digital cameras. Despite the success of digital photography over its analog hold-outs, there are still U.S. households that prefer film cameras. According to Chris Chute, senior analyst at IDC, digital camera penetration will only peak at 62 percent of households, while film cameras experienced 84 percent penetration. The gap between film and digital penetration is caused by digital's reliance on computers. Thus manufacturers are trying to attract households without computers by offering printer bundles.

This article offers information on imaging software aimed at camera users. Allume Systems, a division of Smith Micro Software, introduced its Personal Photosuite title for organizing and editing digital images. InterVideo, in conjunction with Ulead Systems, introduced the sixth version of its Photo Express consumer image editing application. The new version offers new photography projects for creating animations that can be viewed on cellular telephones.

This article describes the DSC-T9 digital camera from Sony. The 6-megapixel camera is the company's first T-series still camera to offer its Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization and high light sensitivity up to ISO 640 to reduce blur and graininess that typically plague images in low light environments. The model also features built-in slide show creation features, allowing users to choose between one of four themes for image playback. The camera will add transition effects automatically.

This article reports on the launch of the PictureMate Express edition portable snapshot printer from Epson, in the U.S. in October 2005. The printer offers the same features as the original PictureMate but with faster print speeds, printing a 4-inch by 6-inch photo in 80 seconds.

The article reports on the decision of Fujifilm to launch a digital wholesale solution for retailers. Called the GetPix Digital Dropbox, this freestanding unit combines a film drop box with a digital order terminal. Users can insert memory cards into the order terminal, enter their name and number and print order. Digital photographs are uploaded to Fujicolor Processing, a Fujifilm subsidiary, for off-site printing with a two-day turnaround. The Digital Dropbox supports a variety of print sizes, greeting and holiday cards, digital album CD, T-shirts, posters, stickers, puzzles, ornaments, mousepads and mugs.

This article reports on the introduction of Evolt E-500 digital single lens reflex camera by Olympus in September 2005. The 8-megapixel E-500 will ship in October 2005 with a 3.2x optical zoom lens for an estimated $899.99. The camera features supersonic wave filter for shaking dust off an image sensor whenever the camera is powered-on. The system wards off dust that accumulates when lenses are changed, the company said. Additional features include a 2.5-inch HyperCrystal liquid crystal display with a 160 degree viewing area.

This article reports on the launch of the 10-megapixel Cyber-shot R1 digital camera from Sony. The technology consists of a 10-megapixel full-frame complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor capable of live preview on its 2-inch LCD. The Cyber-shot R1 is the first Sony camera to use the company's 10-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The sensor is larger than those found on traditional digital cameras. Larger sensors reduce the effects of digital noise and are more sensitive to light, creating a sharper picture than those produced by smaller sensors with the same resolution. The camera also features a 5x optical zoom, a one-second shot-to-shot time, three frame-per-second burst shooting, and a shutter release time of 7.5 milliseconds. New processing circuitry gives the camera a battery life of up to 500 shots per charge, depending on usage.

The article reveals the advantage of Canon's DIGIC advertising campaign to the company's PowerShot A75 digital camera. The campaign helped in distinguishing the camera against similarly priced, similarly featured competitors. That campaign, an Intel Inside inspired ad drive around a sophisticated camera processing technology, helped lift overall brand awareness and alerted consumers to the fact that there is more involved in taking a good picture than simply megapixels. This effort helped push the camera to the top despite its having less resolution than some of its closest competitors.

The article describes Canon's PowerShot A75 digital camera which became the top-selling model in Twice's annual Success Story top product feature. It became one of the top ten best sellers from June 2004 through May 2005. The product was a home run for dealers based on its feature set, style and cosmetics and value. Orders were so strong during the fourth quarter of 2004 that the model was on severe back order for the majority of the quarter. The A-series was geared toward high quality features at attractive price points migrating some features down from the higher-level G-series to attract savvier consumers. The A75, which began shipping in the spring of 2004, offered a 3x optical zoom and was one of the first Canon models to incorporate the print/share button. This dedicated button let consumers transfer and print pictures to Canon printers without first connecting to a personal computer. Using the button, consumers could produce photo ID cards in 28 sizes and print individual still images from video clips captured by the camera. The A75 also benefited from the company's DIGIC processor, 12 shooting modes and a 9-point autofocus system all of which made it attractive to first time digital camera buyers. INSET: SUCCESS STORY: Canon PowerShot A75.

This article reports on the emergence of women as primary consumers of digital cameras as of June 2005. With digital cameras flourishing in the mass market, the traditional purchasing and usage patterns associated with the old analog model are reasserting themselves--and that means women are back in the driver's seat. Perhaps no camera manufacturer has been the beneficiary of this gender shift more than Kodak. While the company failed to gain significant market traction in the early days of digital imaging--a time when the technology was novel and the demographic base skewed heavily toward male early adopters--it has seen its competitive fortunes rebound on a wave of female purchasers. It is no coincidence that 2004 saw both the emergence of women as the primary users of digital cameras and Kodak claiming the top spot in digital camera sales, said Laura Klein, vice president/marketing director at Kodak. If the digital still camera market mimics its 35mm counterpart, women will account for three-quarters of the products users, according to the Photo Marketing Association. As such, Klein said the overwhelming majority of its marketing efforts--90 percent--will be geared toward women. Unlike their specification-obsessed male counterparts, female purchasers view digital cameras as a means to an end--a photo print--and are more receptive to a message that stresses the outcome.

This article focuses on the plans of Fujifilm for its digital single-lens reflex camera and camera-phone printer products in 2005. Executives overseeing the company's digital still camera, printing and camera phone initiatives, sketched out a vision of a total solution that could blanket a consumer at every turn and embed the company and its retail partners in everything from cellular handsets to Microsoft's XP operating system. David Troy, digital cameras product manager, pointed to the company's portable camera-phone printer, the MP70, as the types of accessories the company would pursue in 2006. On the printing front, the window is closing for retail outlets to lure digital camera owners and make big gains in printing share, said Walter Haug, marketing VP. He also noted that the company was no longer concerned with whether consumers will make prints from their digital cameras, but where they will make prints. To drive more printing, the company is expanding its Get the Picture Online photo service, which drives online customers print orders back to retail stores.