Ricoh has recently announced their new firmware upgrade for Caplio R3, 5.1 MP digital camera with 7.1x optical zoom. The new firmware will improve accuracy of the AF algorithm in the macro mode and improve accuracy of the vibration correction function.

- Download Caplio R3 firmware version 1.27 for windows
- Download Caplio R3 firmware version 1.27 for mac

Dave Etchells has just reviewed the Fuji Finepix S9000, a 9.0 megapixels Super CCD HR with 10.7 Fujinon optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-300mm lens on a 35mm camera.

In conclusion, Dave wrote: “As time goes on, the falling prices of digital SLRs make it harder and harder for high-end all-in-one cameras to find a place in the market. That said though, the Fujifilm FinePix S9000 makes a pretty compelling case for itself, offering an excellent 10.7x zoom lens (that extends to a very useful wide angle equivalent focal length of 28mm) and loads of resolution at a price a hundred dollars or more less than the least expensive d-SLR equipped with only a modest 3x zoom. It doesn’t quite approach the quickness or low light/high ISO prowess of most d-SLRs, but certainly does well enough in these areas to suit the needs of most amateur photographers.

A flash hot-shoe permits the use of powerful external strobes, and it even offers a threaded cable-release socket on its shutter button. (Why more digital camera makers don’t offer this is beyond us, it can’t cost more than a few pennies to add to a camera, and is very useful for all sorts of situations where you don’t want to jostle the camera by pressing the shutter button.) Control-wise, the Fuji S9000 offers a full range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, with program, aperture-priority and shutter-priority in between, as well as a good handful of useful scene modes. This is a camera that a pure novice can start with and grow into as their skills mature. No camera is perfect, and the S9000 has its own set of foibles, but on balance, it’s a great choice for enthusiast photographers on a budget. “

The new firmware version 1.02 for the Exilim Zoom EX-Z750 is now available at Casio Website. The firmware will add old photo scene “Revive Shot” to snapshot BEST SHOT scenes.

Download Firmware Update V1.02 for Casio EX-Z750

Dennis Hissink has written a preview of Nikon D200 and writes

“Operating the Nikon D200 is like having a smaller version of the Nikon D2X in your hands. The total operation of the D200 is inherited from the already famous Nikon D2x D-SLR. It is not only the look and feel of the body that makes you think “I am a PRO..”, entering the D200’s menu is giving you access to more than 40 custom settings. It took me quite some time to go through each setting, one after another. Compared to the Nikon D100 it is not just a simple follow-up, it is a complete evolutionary new generation that is presented by the Nikon D200. The large 2.5-inch LCD display offers a high resolution and is giving a perfect view on the images you have shot. The new display provides an ultra-wide 170° viewing angle from all directions. I had to try that out in the sun and yes also in sunny weather this LCD is rich in detail. Captured images can be blown up to 400%. This is handy and perfect for making sure that the captured moment is indeed the moment you wanted to hold onto forever. The magnifying function is perfect for checking the fine details.”

Konica Minolta has released a new firmaware update for Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1. The v1.10 update will Shortened shutter-release time lag (time period from when the shutter-release button is pressed down fully to when exposure begins) and shortened operation time lag (time period from zooming lever is operated to when operation of any other function button is accepted).

Download Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Firmware Update v1.10 for PC & MAC

Installation guide for DiMAGE X1 firmware is available in English, Česky, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Russkij, and Svenska.

Eamon Hickey just reviewed Canon EOS 5D and gave it 7.9 out of 10 (Very Good) at CNET. In conclusion he wrote:

“The good: Top-notch, high-resolution images; 35mm-size sensor obviates focal-length conversions; big 2.5-inch LCD; unmatched low-noise images at ISO 1,600 and 3,200.

Our test images from the Canon EOS 5D are superb overall. Its 12.8-megapixel sensor delivers loads of detail and smooth, rich tonality. The dynamic range in our photos equaled–or bested–the results from every other dSLR we’ve tested, with the exception of the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Noise in our ISO 1,600 and 3,200 test images is astonishingly low, yet detail is retained. It was easy for us to get natural, smooth skin tones with many complexions. All in all, this camera is a top choice for shooting portraits, still-lifes, landscapes, architecture, and some kinds of commercial studio subjects, especially if you need or want to make 16×20 or larger prints.”

Fabio Blanco posted his finding on Nikon D200 sample photo taken at iso 800 with Nikon AF-S 600mm f4 at Nital.IT. Noise reduction was also deactivated and the photo was taken in jpeg as the D200 raw cannot be read by current nikon capture version

Click to enlarge (original - 1.75MB)

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Nikon has recently issued a service advisory for EN-EL3 rechargeable lithium ion battery packs due to the possibility of a short circuit causing the battery to overheat and possibly melt, posing a potential hazard to consumers.

The Nikon EN-EL3 battery pack is provided as a supplied accessory with the purchase of Nikon’s digital SLR D100, D70, and D50 cameras. It is also sold separately at retail under Nikon’s model number 26265. The EN-EL3 battery pack involved in this recall was first distributed by Nikon in May 2004 and is still being sold at retail.

Service Advisory: Nikon USA | Nikon Europe

Nikon Japan has recently updated their firmware for Nikon D2X and D2Hs DSLR.

Issues addressed with D2X Firmware Ver. 1.01

- Autofocus performance has been increased.
- An issue that prevented the AF-assist illuminator from firing when the Speedlights listed below were used has been corrected. SB-29S, SB-29, SB-23, SB-22S, SB-22, SB-20.
- In images captured at a shutter speed of 1/250 s with a Speedlight SB-800, set to Distance-priority manual flash (GN), or Manual flash (M) with flash output set to full (M1/1) mounted on the camera, the top portion was often dark. This issue has been addressed. However, under the circumstances described above only, the guide number is reduced from that of full flash output level by approximately 0.6 EV.
- Images captured at white-balance settings of Incandescent, Direct sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, and Choose color temp. tended to have a reddish tint. This issue has been addressed.
- Errors in Dutch menus have been corrected.

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DigitalCameraInfo has posted a review on Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1, a digital camera with 8.4 Megapixels, 4x Leica optical zoom lens, a 2.5″ LCD screen and an optical image stabilizer. They wrote:

“Likes: 16:9 movie mode, Nice LCD screen, High quality Leica lens, Durable aluminum body, Decent burst mode, User friendly exposure controls, Thorough software package
Dislikes: Expensive, Images are extremely noise (ISO 200 setting is pushing it, 400 is unusable), Rickety pop-up flash – placed off lens axis, Slippery zoom toggle, Small controls, Poorly translated scene help screen

In conclusion: With 8.4 megapixels, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a Leica 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has a lot to offer consumers. That is, consumers with lots of money to offer Panasonic. The LX1 retails for $599, which is a substantial amount of money for a compact digital camera. The camera body itself isn’t especially gorgeous; it is more functional than sleek. The camera body has some good aspects to it: sturdy construction, a large LCD that can be viewed at just about any angle, and the compact dimensions; however, if consumers are expected to drop $599 on a point-and-shoot camera, noise should not be an issue. “