Digital Camera News and Reviews

DxO Optics Pro

DxoMark has released a new version of their DxO Optics Pro software. The new version is called DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 and adds support for seven new cameras. The new supported cameras are
Canon 500D, Fujifilm S100FS, Nikon D5000, Pentax K200 and K-m, Sony A200 and A300.
The new software also future 155 new DxO Optics Correction Modules and it now supports more than 1400 camera body/lens combinations.

Press release:
New DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 adds support for 7 new cameras including Nikon D5000 and Canon 500D along with 155 new DxO Optics Correction Modules

This new release coincides with the publication of data and rankings for Nikon D5000 and Canon 500D on http://www.dxomark.com.

Paris, France – June 10, 2009 – DxO Labs is pleased to announce the release of its new DxO Optics Pro version 5.3.4, which supports the two latest models from Canon and Nikon — the EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i or Kiss Digital X3) and the D5000, respectively. These two new cameras have generated a lot of attention among photo enthusiasts.

Along with the new Nikon and Canon cameras, DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 supports five additional models among the ones most frequently asked about by our customers — the Fuji S100FS, Pentax K-m, and Pentax K200, Sony A200 and Sony A300.

With these seven new models DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 adds 155 new DxO Optics Correction Modules and now supports more than 1,400 camera body/lens combinations!

The release of DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 is accompanied by the publication of RAW sensor data and DxOMark Sensor rankings for the Canon EOS 500D and the Nikon D5000 on the dxomark.com website, along with reviews for both.

As a bonus, an in-depth “Insight” article is also available online that analyzes the RAW sensor data for these two cameras as an example of how to use the dxomark.com database to make comparisons between sensor models.

“This new release of DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 reflects our determination to provide the highest-quality RAW image processing support for new camera models just as soon as we possibly can, as well as our desire to listen to our customers about the cameras and lenses they want us to support,” said Cyrille de La Chesnais, Director Sales & Marketing, DxO Labs Consumer Business. “As a further demonstration of this commitment, our imaging scientists have gone the ‘extra mile’ to give the photographic community timely and in-depth RAW sensor data for these two cameras that have just appeared on the market,” he added.

DxO Optics Pro prices and availability

* DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 Standard: $169 / 124 € ex VAT and sales taxes
* DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 Elite: $299 / 249 € ex VAT and sales taxes

All customers who bought DxO Optics Pro since 1st August 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.3.4.
For other users:

* Upgrade to DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 Standard: $95 / 69 € excl. VAT and sales taxes
* Upgrade to DxO Optics Pro 5.3.4 Elite: $125 / 89 € excl. VAT and sales taxes

Each DxO Optics Pro license includes a stand-alone application, an Adobe Photoshop plug-in and an Adobe Lightroom plug-in, and allows installation on two computers.

For more information, visit DxO Labs website at http://www.dxo.com

Fantasea FL-19/20

Fantasea has announced new underwater housing called Fantasea FL-19/20. The Fantasea FL-19/20 are designed for the Nikon Coolpix L19 and L20 digital cameras. They are depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet. The housing protects the camera from water, dust, sand and other elements that can damage the camera. You can access all functions on the camera with the housing and it even has a removable flash diffuser.

The Fantasea FL-19/20 underwater housing is available now and costs about $280.

Press release:
New Housing Provides Access to All Camera Controls and Functions

Fantasea Line announces the release of a new housing specifically designed for the Nikon Coolpix L19 and L20 digital cameras. The FL-19/20 Housing, depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, is fully functional providing photographers with access to all camera functions. Fantasea’s new compact housing design and improved construction ensures easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls. The Fantasea FL-19/20 Housing has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port.

The FL-19/20 Housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers’ needs. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing, hunting, backpacking and camping. The FL-19/20 protects the Nikon Coolpix camera from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

Free One Year Flood Insurance Policy
As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the camera inside is insured*. This attractive additional protection is exclusive only to Fantasea Housings and provides the ultimate peace of mind for photographers, who want to be sure their cameras are adequately and safely protected during use in these rugged environments.
*According to the terms and conditions of the Flood Insurance Program.

About Fantasea
Fantasea Line is an international company dedicated to developing, manufacturing and marketing of creative and affordable product solutions for the diving, underwater photography and water sports markets. Fantasea’s management has been involved in the diving, water sports and photographic industries for over 37 years. With offices and representatives worldwide, Fantasea cooperates with leading international manufacturers on joint venture projects for product development and distribution.

Fantasea FA-480

Fantasea has announced a new underwater housing for the Canon Powershot A480 compact camera. The underwater housing is called Fantasea FA-480 and is depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet. The housing protects the camera from water, dust, sand and other elements that can damage the camera. You can access all functions on the camera with the housing and it even has a removable flash diffuser.

The Fantasea FA-480 underwater housing is available now and costs about $280.

Press release:
Fantasea Line Releases the FA-480 Underwater Housing for the Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera

New Housing Provides Access to All Camera Controls and Functions

Fantasea Line announces the release of a new housing specifically designed for the Canon PowerShot A480 digital camera. The FA-480 Housing, depth rated to 60 meters/200 feet, is fully functional providing photographers with access to all camera functions. Fantasea’s new compact housing design and improved construction ensures easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls. The Fantasea FA-480 Housing has a double O-ring seal on all controls, anti-glare hood over LCD screen, removable flash diffuser and a 46mm threaded lens port.

The FA-480 Housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers’ needs. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing, hunting, backpacking and camping. The FA-480 protects the Canon Powershot A480 camera from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

The FA-480, like all Fantasea housings, comes with an optional Accessory System which will enable photographers to further enhance their imaging capability.

Free One Year Flood Insurance Policy
As with all other Fantasea Camera Housings, in the event of accidental water leakage, the camera inside is insured*. This attractive additional protection is exclusive only to Fantasea Housings and provides the ultimate peace of mind for photographers, who want to be sure their cameras are adequately and safely protected during use in these rugged environments.
*According to the terms and conditions of the Flood Insurance Program.

About Fantasea
Fantasea Line is an international company dedicated to developing, manufacturing and marketing of creative and affordable product solutions for the diving, underwater photography and water sports markets. Fantasea’s management has been involved in the diving, water sports and photographic industries for over 37 years. With offices and representatives worldwide, Fantasea cooperates with leading international manufacturers on joint venture projects for product development and distribution.

Kyocera Mita has announced the new FS-C1020MFP color multifunctional printer that is targeted at the small and medium sized business marked, and shared workgroup environments. The printer is able to print, scan, copy and has Super G3 fax capability. You can scan to PC, scan to email, scan to FTP and use TWAIN scan.

When it comes to print speeds the Kyocera Mita FS-C1020MFP is able to print 21 pages per minute in color and offer 600×600 dpi print resolution.

The Kyocera Mita FS-C1020MFP is available now and costs about $1220.

Press release:
Kyocera Mita America Launches Color Multifunctional Printer for Small and Medium Sized Businesses
The FS-C1020MFP offers standard color network print, copy, scan and black & white fax for businesses looking for rich features and functionality

Kyocera Mita America, one of the world’s leading document imaging companies, today introduced the FS-C1020MFP, a color multifunctional printer ideally suited for today’s small to medium sized businesses and shared workgroup environments. The FS-C1020MFP is a 21 page-per-minute color solution offering standard paper-saving duplex printing and copying and features designed to improve workplace functionality in a cost-effective manner.

For organizations seeking to meet the demand for superior output quality while simultaneously managing costs, the FS-C1020MFP includes a 35 sheet document processor, a 250-sheet adjustable paper drawer, and 256MB of standard memory (upgradeable to 512MB) to ensure fast and efficient processing for printing, scanning, faxing and copying. The FS-C1020MFP provides the user with monochrome and color scanning capabilities; including scan to PC, scan to e-mail, Scan to FTP and TWAIN scan.

“In today’s business work environment, small offices and workgroups are challenged to find solutions that address their high productivity demands and limited budget,” said Richard Heckelmann, product and solutions marketing manager, printers for Kyocera Mita America. “The FS-C1020MFP exemplifies Kyocera’s commitment to provide user’s with devices that work harder and help them become successful in today’s competitive marketplace. This device will allow small offices and workgroups to produce professional quality documents affordably.”

Standard network print includes an ARM 400 MHz processor and 600×600 dpi print resolution. The FS-C1020MFP supports multiple page description languages, including PCL 6 (XL, 5c) and PS3 emulation, and can be connected in any Windows® and Mac environment. Additionally, the device includes a Super G3/Network fax system – which allows users to send and receive faxes from their desktop.

The FS-C1020MFP also offers a 500 sheet paper drawer option for businesses that need additional paper capacity.

Pricing and Availability
The FS-C1020MFP is available now through authorized Kyocera dealers, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1220. To find the nearest dealer, please visit Kyocera Mita America’s dealer locator at: www.kyoceramita.com/us.

ABOUT KYOCERA MITA AMERICA
Kyocera Mita America, Inc. (www.kyoceramita.com/us), headquartered in Fairfield, N.J., is a leading provider of computer-connectable document imaging and document management systems, including network-ready digital MFPs/printers, laser printers, color MFPs/printers, digital laser facsimiles, and multifunctional and wide format imaging solutions. Kyocera Mita America is a group company of Kyocera Mita Corporation. Kyocera Mita Corporation is a core company of Kyocera Corporation, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of advanced ceramics and associated products, including telecommunications equipment, semiconductor packages and electronic components. Kyocera Mita America, the first document solutions company with third-party certified sales data, has earned numerous honors for its products’ high performance, reliability and cost efficiency. Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated net revenues exceeded $11 billion for the year ending on March 31, 2009.