According to Kodak, the new kiosk is well-suited for locations with print demand of 30 to 50 prints a day, and is a smaller counter-top unit that combines flexible placement with fast and simple installation. Almost immediately, retailers can begin offering 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8-inch print sizes, creating an instant revenue stream.
"Many retailers worldwide want to offer their consumers self-service digital picture printing but struggle to find a solution that meets multiple business needs," says Nicki Zongrone, General Manager of Retail System Solutions, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "The new GS Compact is small enough to fit within their retail footprint at a price point that enables them to almost immediately drive revenue and profits from consumer demand for digital prints. We even include the Point of Sale materials with each unit - it's an instant printing station in a box because a retailer can be up and running in only minutes."
More capacity and faster transfer speeds are the chief benefits of the SanDisk Extreme III 8GB SDHC flash memory card, which was introduced today by SanDisk Corporation. The 8GB SDHC card will be packaged with a SanDisk MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader so that users have a one-stop solution for capturing, storing and transferring their images. The bundled card and reader are expected to ship within the next 30 days to U.S. retailers at a suggested price of $179.99. It will also be available in Europe.
An 8GB SanDisk Extreme III SDHC card can store more than 4,000 high-resolution pictures or up to 16 hours of MPEG 4 video(2). The card has a read/write speed of 20 megabytes per second, thus providing rapid downloads to a personal computer.
"With the introduction of more cameras that can use SDHC, including the Nikon D80 and the Canon EOS-1D Mark II, the SanDisk Extreme III card is an ideal choice for those who want maximum dependability, durability and fast download speeds," says Tanya Chuang, SanDisk's Director of Retail Product Marketing for Global Imaging. "Also, since many of these cameras have extended video capabilities, the 8GB capacity provides users with storage for longer movie clips."
For more information about the new SDHC card, visit www.sandisk.com.
HP is changing the way it produces and markets branded digital cameras after continued sluggish sales of the digicams. The company said in an announcement today that it plans to shutter its current digicam production facilities and instead partner with an OEM to license the design, source and distribution of digital cameras under the HP brand.
HP will reportedly continue to sell its own HP branded cameras through the holiday season with the hopes of having a new OEM partnership before summer 2008.
The move, the company reports, is part of a larger effort to develop "Print 2.0" initiatives that integrate the company's complex offering of home printing, online photo services and retail digital printing strategies.
GE branded digital cameras are now being sold at Pamida stores throughout the Midwest. Pamida is now selling two models of the GE digital camera line at all of its stores: the A730 (MSRP $99.99) and the E1030 ($199.95).
"We're thrilled to have GE cameras available in Pamida stores," says Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, Chairman and CEO of General Imaging. "Pamida is another very important member of our retail team."
Pamida is a regional retailer headquartered in Omaha, Neb., which operates 214 stores throughout 16 states, primarily in the Midwest. Pamida carries a wide variety of merchandise including apparel, home electronics, domestics, seasonal items, toys, housewares and grocery offerings, and features top-quality name brands. In addition, the company operates pharmacies in 128 retail stores and offers free prescription mail-out service throughout all Pamida markets. Pamida is an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
The GE A730 includes features one would expect from a much more expensive camera, including 7 megapixels of resolution, a 3x zoom, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The E1030 has 10 megapixels, a 3x zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD screen.
The 10 megapixel NV15 and 12 megapixel NV20, two new models added to Samsung's revolutionary NV series of advanced P&S digital cameras, are now shipping in time for the upcoming holiday season. The two new cameras feature the sleek, elegant design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series. Both cameras also feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom.
"This is the next generation of Samsung's award-winning NV series of digital cameras," says Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "This is not your typical family of point-and-shoot digital cameras. At Samsung, we take great pride in the NV series because of the firsts that it brings to market, including our revolutionary Smart Touch interface, as well as the WOW factor that makes the cameras stand out from the crowd."
The NV15 and NV20 can also shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature as well as Samsung's new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, and the Image Noise Reduction helps limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those shot at higher ISO settings.
NV20 has a $349 MSRP, and the NV15 has a $249 MSRP. For more information, visit www.samsungcamerausa.com.
Corel Corporation, a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, today announced that it is increasing its focus on the Digital Media market by concentrating its Digital Media operations in Greater China and Silicon Valley. According to Corel, "these actions will enable the company to fully maximize its broad portfolio of digital media software and technology assets in order to deliver an enhanced user experience to consumers worldwide." Centralizing Corel's Digital Media operations will also enable the Company to further accelerate the development process and increase speed-to-market for new and upgraded products.
"Corel's Digital Media portfolio is the broadest in the industry, covering all of the major digital media segments including imaging, video editing, and DVD authoring," says Jeff Hastings, President and General Manager of Corel Digital Media. "By concentrating our Digital Media operations in Greater China and Silicon Valley, we will be able to better leverage our global resources and talent while further improving the operational efficiency between our software development, product management, and marketing teams. We believe these actions will ultimately result in an even more exciting product range and a richer user experience for our customers."
As a result of these changes, Corel will be closing its existing Digital Imaging facility in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.corel.com.
Samsung today announced the launch of two new entry-level digital cameras - the 7.2 megapixel S760 and the 8.1 megapixel S860.
The compact S760 and S860 feature a 3x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent: 38~105mm) Samsung SHD lens, and offer shooters Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to help minimize the effect of camera shake and produce sharp, clear images, especially in low-light environments. Users can also take advantage of advanced features such as Face Detection and Self Portrait mode.
"Samsung brings a fresh perspective to the world of entry-level digital cameras with its S-Series," says Stewart Henderson, Vice President of Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. "The S-Series offers the entry-level photographer much more than just family of bare-bones digital cameras, and that's especially true with the new S760 and S860. Building on previous S-Series models, the S760 and 860 combine a number of advanced and fun features, all which are non-intimidating, easy to use and which encourage the end-user to experiment with all that the cameras have to offer."
Both the S860 and S760 will be available in January. For more information, visit www.samsungcamerausa.com.
CEA did it's darnedest to bring more digital photography exhibits and displays into the show, including a dedicated Digital Photography Showcase in the South Hall for first-time exhibitors. The effort appears to have turned into a real competitor for the annual PMA tradeshow (which rolls into Las Vegas just two weeks from today), with hundreds of HD digicams, higher end DLSRs and HD-readycamcorders throughout the exhibit halls.
Casio's F1 is the star of the show at their booth. A unique combination of prosumer DLSR styling with unmatched features, the F1 is 6.0 megapixel ultrazoom with 2.8" LCD display, 12X optical zoom and a speed burst capture mode capable of taking 60 frames per second at full resolution. While it's digicam specs are impressive, the real kicker for this camera is the full HD movie recording that captures 1920x1080 at 60 fps. Even better, the F1 has a high-speed move recording mode that captures video at 300fps, 600 fps or even a whopping 1200fps.
Pricing and availability for the F1 have not yet been disclosed.
In 2007, First Texas Products hit the market hard with an industry changing innovation. iGEN 20/20 is a “Night Vision Viewer” that uses state-of-the-art image processing technology, taking the night vision market to an entirely new level. Because it does not use traditional intensifier tube technology, the unit works day or night.
The Night Vision Viewer can be connected to real-time video making it possible to record in complete darkness. The user can adjust the exposure time to enhance the light-gathering capabilities and it has programmable time out features. iGEN 20/20 offers a variety of color output choices and it has enhanced infrared sensitivity that is double that of the intensifier tube technology.
And just when you think there is no improving on perfection, they have done it again! iGEN IC has all the features of the original unit but includes image capture capability. It truly is the world’s first picture taking night scope. Equipped with a SD memory card slot, the unit captures black and white images on a standard memory card. The images are saved as JPEG and TIFF format and can be easily transferred to a computer- no special software or accessories are needed.
Both units have an all glass 2.6x lens that provides 70-ft field of view and ambient light amplification of 650 times. iGEN 20/20 and iGEN IC are superior in quality, resolution and clarity to anything else on the market and they deliver stunning image quality every time. Great for camping, hiking, sailing, wildlife observation and much more; both units can be used day or night and are equipped with a tripod mount. If you have ever considered purchasing a night vision device, now is the time!
Here's more proof that CES is gobbling up yet another peripheral electronics trade shows...this time in the form of PMA. Nearly half the South Hall here at the show is full of digital camera makers, digital camera accessories and far more "prosumer" digital camera devices than last year's CES show.
One of the brightest is this photo storage device from Digital Foci. With a 3.6" LCD screen, storage capacities up to 160GB and more card readers than most of its competitors combined, the Picture Porter Elite is designed to replace a laptop for photographers who routinely out-shoot the capacities of their memroy cards and are forced to lug their entire notebook rig just to keep clearing off the card. And because after a vacation full of shooting photos you've still got a plane ride back home, the device doubles as a portable media player with video and audio capabilities.
Digital photo frames are a dime a dozen here at the show, but here are a few that stand out above the field.With an expected retail around $100, this multi-photo digital frame from Nextar features hardwood accents and space for both digital and paper photo prints in a collage-type layout. Visit www.nextar.com. The MemoryFrame from DSI Central is the largest we've seen on display at the show -- 15" TFT LCD! With built-in WiFi, 256MB of internal storage, MP3 and video playback, as well as a variety of desktop mounts, wall mounts and wooden accent frames. Visit www.dsicentral.com.
Naneu Pro, a manufacturer of high quality, innovative camera, video, laptop and portable audio cases at affordable prices, is pleased to announce the K3L, an updated version of the best-selling AdventureK3, that now features a 15.4” laptop compartment.
Created for photographers or photojournalists, the new model in the Adventure Series is stylish backpack designed to withstand the elements while providing maximum security, greater capacity and easy access to lenses and accessories. Lightweight, constructed of a water-resistant 1680D Ballistic Nylon, the K3L has a unique “AirFlow Suspention System” (patent pending) that keeps the backpack from coming in contact with the user’s back, allowing air to circulate between the back and the pack itself. This uncommon design keeps the user much cooler, and more comfortable. Wherever travels take you, the K3L is a photo backpack that can be worn comfortably all day long. The durable spring steel frame provides a flexible, shock-absorbing and lightweight structure.
The K3L’s main compartment is composed of a top section suitable for day gear and a bottom section housing a padded insert for a camera system, the divider between the top and bottom areas being removable to offer one large compartment for general use. By popular demand, the K3 has been upgraded for 2007 to feature a dedicated padded compartment for most 15.4” laptops. The laptop compartment zippers are now water repellent for more safety.
The frame can also playback video with sound, including MPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, WMA and AVI files, at their native resolutions. In addition to being able to control the SP3200 directly from the unit, consumers can also operate the frame via RF remote control. With an operating range of over 100 feet, the RF remote gives consumers the ability to navigate through the SP3200’s graphical user interface and change settings from a significant distance. With 256MB of internal memory, the $899 frame will be available through specialty retailers nationwide, "sometime in the future."
The popularity of digital imaging in America continues to grow as an entire segment with new peripheral innovations driving greater sales and profits. In addition to traditional digital cameras, photo printers, ink cartridges and photo paper, digital imaging accessories are an increasingly popular way to supplement each retail transaction and add to the bottom line for consumer electronics dealers, big and small. Leading this new wave of growth in the industry is the Art Profolio brand of digital image storage and presentation albums and envelopes from ITOYA.
With household hobbyists as well as commercial artists and professional photographers printing their own digital images using digital printers and expensive printer paper, the Art Profolio by ITOYA serves as a perfect companion to add value for both the consumer and dealer. Quality-made storage and presentation products at affordable prices, along with an unrivaled assortment of sizes and formats, make the Art Profolio the perfect companion for every digital printer paper sale.
“With digital printer companies continually offering more and more paper sizes and with consumers embracing each new offering, there was a serious void in where to store and organize these expensive digital printer papers,” says Ronald Weese, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ITOYA. “The Art Profolio books and envelopes offer more ways and sizes than any other product to securely store, present and archive traditional and oversized prints. These books are a must have for any serious dealer who sells digital printers and paper.”
Art Profolio books are quality crafted from Polypropylene and are acid-free in construction, making them perfect for storing photos and film. The poly sleeves in each Art Profolio book securely store and organize images and help preserve them from dust and ambient moisture. The rigid cover allows the Art Profolio to securely transport all types of images.
Art Profolio appeals to a wide variety of consumers, from the general consumer hobbyist to fine artists, commercial artists, graphic designers, professional and student photographers, and sales people. With its value price and quality construction, the Art Profolio is perfect for storing all sorts of products, including commercial art, photography, sales literature, student projects, blueprints, posters and more. Within the Art Profolio line, there are several unique series of books from which to choose. Each series has its own unique attributes for the consumer’s specific needs.
Available in several price points, the Art Profolio products range in size from 4x6 and 8.5x11 all the way to 13x19, 16x20, 17x22 and 18x24. Both permanently bound sleeve page books, as well as refillable, multi-ring binders are offered, along with vertical portrait and horizontal landscape formats. No other storage and presentation product offers the wide array of sizes and options as the Art Profolio brand by ITOYA.
PMA 2008 is less than one week away, and Canon U.S.A., Inc. is getting a jump on the festivities with the release of three new A-series PowerShot digital cameras. The expanded lineup includes the 8 megapixel PowerShot A590 IS; the 8 megapixel PowerShot A580, and color-keyed 7.1 megapixel PowerShot A470 digital cameras. Designed to bring higher end features to the entry-level P&S photographer, the new cameras range in price from $129 to $179.
"Whether capturing the expression of delight on a child's face amid a flock of brightly colored birthday balloons; the brilliant sunlight as it reflects off newly fallen snow, or the fiery-orange horizon as day slips into night, these three new PowerShot A-series digital cameras make capturing, saving and sharing memories as simple as 1-2-3," said Yuichi Ishizuka, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
The PowerShot A590 IS has 4x optical zoom and 19 shooting modes, from fully automatic to fully manual operation for greater creative control. It also features the Canon's optimized Optical Image Stabilization system. The A580 has equivalent 4x optical zoom, 16 shooting modes and other mid-grade features. The A470 features a 3.4x optical zoom, manual overrides for ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance, as well as 14 shooting modes. All the units feature face and motion detection technology, as well as advanced multi-point auto focus systems.
Analogix Semiconductor, Inc., is readying a new HDMI transmitter that it claims will be the industry's lowest power solution. The Cool HD technology consumes less than 50mw while supporting resolutions up to 720p and 1080i, and utilizes zero power at 480p resolution. It supports HDMI specification v1.2 and also features a high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) engine. Once released, the new CoolHD power-optimized HDMI transmitter technology will be offered in sub 0.18um CMOS process and available in either BGA or TQFP packages.
According to Analogix, the Cool HD ultra low and zero power HDMI transmitters are designed specifically to deliver high performance to the growing small form factor ultra mobile personal computing (UMPC) market and high performance portable media player (PMP's) as well as devices as camcorders, digital cameras and mobile phones. The Cool HD(TM) transmitter will and keys that enable the secure distribution of content between HDMI-enabled devices.
"The ultra low and zero power consumption features of our new transmitter technology will provide an incredible benefit to improve HD playback time from any battery operated or battery dependant mobile device," says Kewei Yang, Chairman and CEO at Analogix. "We see a significant market opportunity for our Cool HD product family as consumers expand the portable media revolution, and come to expect high quality HD format performance from a simple single HDMI connector on their mobile device."
