Polaroid "P-500" Allows Instant Printing of Digital Photos

Polaroid Corporation (NYSE: PRD) will launched an innovative portable digital photo printer at Photokina 2000. The new Polaroid P-500 is a compact, handheld printer that, at the touch of a button, produces high-resolution, pocket-sized Polaroid 500 instant color prints from Compact Flash data storage cards and Smart Media memory cards used in digital cameras. 

This first mobile photo printer from Polaroid eliminates the need for connecting a digital camera to a PC; creates color instant photos in 20 seconds or less; is totally self-powered (by a unique battery in the Polaroid 500 film pack); and provides digital prints with remarkable visual impact, color and clarity.

The lightweight (less than 0.5Kg), ergonomically configured P-500 with its slim body and compact size (50 x 95 x 190 mm), looks equally "@home" on coffee tables, desks or hanging from the neckstrap (included). Beneath its PDA-like appearance lies a complex digital-to-analog schematic consisting of a print engine, a print head to convert digital data to light on film, and an image enhancement program called IQA (Image Quality Assured).

The P-500 also incorporates much of the architecture required in a Polaroid camera -- a series of electromechanical devices (gears, motor and developing-reagent-spreading rollers) to create the pocket-sized Polaroid 500 instant color continuous-tone print.

To print from a CompactFlash card or from a SmartMedia memory card (an adapter is required for SmartMedia), the user simply inserts the card in the Polaroid P-500; selects the photo to be printed (the P-500 employs the new Digital Print Order Format or DPOF algorithm); activates the print control; and, in seconds, receives a finished print of the digital image. "Batch" printing of multiple copies or "series" printing of selected prints may be easily programmed into the P-500, which automatically re-formats images up to three megapixels for optimal printing.

The new Polaroid P-500 also incorporates an easily viewed LCD "status" display to indicate print mode, image number, remaining film frames, printer operating status, and readily accessible controls for "on/off," "select" (function and mode) and "print." Suggested retail price is US$249.99. 

Scheduled for market launch in the U.S following Photokina 2000 and in international markets in early 2001.

First Leaf C-Most 6.6 mega pixel sensor implementation

KOLN, GERMANY, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ - PHOTOKINA - CreoScitex, a division of Creo Products Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO; TSE: CRE), today unveiled the Leaf C-Most back, a new camera back that integrates the recently developed, patent-pending Leaf C-Most(TM) 6.6 mega pixel sensor. Complementing the high-end line of Leaf(TM) products, the Leaf C-Most back is ideal for medium-format photography. 

The Leaf C-Most back is easy to use and simple to operate. It sports the design and size of a film cassette making the integration with a medium format camera a snap. Built-in technologies that facilitate a "plug-and-play" experience make the camera back especially suited for novice users. Special attention has been given to creating a high-quality, noise-free image. The very low power consumption of the sensor, coupled with a special sensor power management mode ensures a clear image, with minimum electronic noise. The Leaf C-Most back provides over 11 f-stops of dynamic range using 14 bits of data per color. 

Film-to-Digital Process Bypasses Photo Labs' Need For Separate Film Developing

Digital Now (Australian Stock Exchange: DNI), a Vienna, VA-based developer of digital imaging technology and e-c0mmerce solutions for the photo processing industry, ntroduced its revolutionary P-Scan DFT (Dry Film Technology). P-Scan

DFT is a high-resolution scanning system for digitizing and processing images from 35mm and Advanced Photo System (APS) format films, without the need for first developing the film using standard photographic chemistry. Using the P-Scan DFT, an entire roll of 36-exposure 35mm film can be digitized in less
than two minutes. 

The compact P-Scan DFT system will initially be integrated into the company's turnkey Digital Photo Factory(TM) system. By integrating into the DPF, the Pscan DFT will allow the digitized film images to be printed on a photo-quality ink jet or digital printer, saved in high-resolution format onto a CD, or uploaded to the Internet. Later, the system will be available as a stand-alone unit, or as a subsystem incorporated into other image processing. 

"Besides providing a simple and inexpensive way to digitize the more than three billion rolls of film shot every year worldwide, this new technology will open the door to dramatically expanding the image processing market by allowing digitization to be installed in numerous non-traditional markets,"
said Stephen Giordano Sr., president and CEO of Digital Now. According to Photofinishing News, Inc., there will be almost 750,000 traditional retail outlets for image processing by 2002. Of those, 185,000
will be capable of providing image processing services on-site with minilab equipment. "Although digital camera sales are exploding throughout the world, traditional still camera sales (excluding one-time-use cameras) were almost ten times greater in 1999. And the vast majority of images captured worldwide
are still on conventional film," Giordano said. The Digital Now P-Scan DFT uses a very small amount of special chemistry to rapidly develop the film. In the process, it creates no liquid, removing any concern about generating hazardous material. At the same time, the developed film images can be digitized by the Digital Now high-resolution scanners already proven in operation with normally-developed film.

Applied Science Fiction has previously shown such a product.

Hasselblad and Foveon Partner in Professional Digital Camera - The Hasselblad DFinity

The Hasselblad DFinity

In the creation of this innovative digital camera, the two companies concentrate on their core competencies to develop a solution that combines the mechanical and optical expertise of Hasselblad with the CMOS-based imaging engine of Foveon.



Hasselblad DFinity will initially be sold by Victor Hasselblad AB as a special applications camera only for scientific, medical, archival and other digital imaging applications as well as to system integrators. 

The Market Opportunity
Until now, professional photographers have had to make a choice between the undesirable image artifacts created by single-shot, single-chip cameras using mosaic filter sensors and three-shot backs that are essentially free from artifacts but can't be used to capture moving subjects. The Hasselblad DFinity changes this situation by integrating Foveon prism technology with three of its CMOS image sensors to improve color reproduction while providing protecting against moiré and other unwanted imaging artifacts found in the singlesensor cameras and backs.

There's no doubt that the Foveon imaging engine, which consists, in part, of three 2Kx2K sensors mounted on a prism, results in superior images. Creating leading-edge CMOS-based sensor technology and reducing color artifacts are two of the pillars that Foveon is based on. 

" This camera has the potential to replace today's three-shot backs as well as breaking new digital ground in applications such as portrait and fashion" says Patrik Mark, Vice president Marketing, Victor Hasselblad AB.

The Camera Concept -Hasselblad DFinity is housed in a compact camera body, which connects to a desktop or a laptop computer by an IEEE 1394 interface (FireWire™), allowing trouble free connection and disconnection of the camera at any time.

The camera is controlled from the keyboard and screen, which functions as viewfinder, and captures up to 1 image every 1.5 seconds. Each image is 12 MB of true color information, i.e. 100% RGB information in every pixel as opposed to the c0mmon 33% in mosaic sensor cameras.

The screen delivers a live, color video preview, and a unique video focusing loupe, which can be moved freely to inspect any part of the image in 1:1 enlargement, meaning the photographer can see every pixel within the targeted area before he shoots. This ability is made possible by the direct access to each individual pixel inherent to the Foveon CMOS technology. This also provides Hasselblad DFinity with the unique ability to selectively apply auto focus to any point in the image simply by pointing the magnifier loupe at the point and tapping a key.

Hasselblad DFinity also incorporates an auxiliary shutter for automatic dark calibration as well as a sophisticated gamma correction, which gives a film-like response curve, thus providing an end result resembling that of conventional film.

Hasselblad will develop lenses specially optimized for the prism-imaging engine. The camera will however also work well with select Canon EOS™ lenses by means of an adapter, thereby extending the range of available lenses.

The Imaging Engine - Inside the camera is a Foveon-developed imager head that incorporates 3 sensors and a color separating prism. The prism is designed so that light entering it is split into red, green and blue components and then focused on each of three 2Kx2K CMOS sensors. Using a prism greatly enhances the system's ability to capture color that is purer than that captured by single-chip single-shot cameras using mosaic filters to create a color image. Further, by placing sensors on each of the 3 prism exit faces, the color of each point in the subject is sampled by three pixels (one red, one green and one blue).

The alternative color mosaic filter method that is used in all other one shot digital cameras, samples the color using only one pixel and guesses at what the other two might be.

The alternative color mosaic filter method samples the color using only one pixel and guesses at what the other two might be. Unacceptable color artifacts typically seen as "Christmas tree lights" and the artificial color swirls from moiré patterns are often the result. The artifacts typically occur in scenes that contain fabric patterns, fine hairs and highlights. This is where prism-based image capture provides images with far fewer artifacts requiring correction, a process that slows image production and requires intervention by the photographer.

Windows and Macintosh support
The camera software, DFinity CAM by Foveon, controls the camera and provides the photographer with two windows, one for a high-resolution color motion preview and one for reviewing images after capture. The DFinity CAM software runs under Windows 98 on a laptop or desktop computer. You can also keep track of what you've just shot by scrolling through and reviewing thumbnail images.

DFinity LAB by Foveon is the software for processing and perfecting the images after they have been taken. Functionality includes: image review, tone reproduction control, color correction, images saved in either TIFF (8-bit and 16-bit) or JPEG format, image file sizes from 3MB to 48MB, and images saved with or without embedded color profiles. DFinity LAB runs on Macintosh or Windows 98.

DFinity LAB for Macintosh can pull images from a Hasselblad DFinity camera through a network by using Windows/Macintosh networking software. 

In 1992 Hasselblad introduced the worlds first 3-shot digital back for use with the Hasselblad medium format camera system, the Hasselblad DB4000. 

The company has also worked closely with a large number of digital back manufacturers in order to support and develop the various digital back concepts. Hasselblad was also the initiator and close partner to Philips in the development of the 2K x 3K mosaic chip which is c0mmonly used in many of today's single-shot digital solutions.

New Kodak Professional RFS 3600 35mm Film Scanner Delivers Affordable Image Quality, Flexibility and Productivity

COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 19-- The Kodak Professional RFS 3600 Film Scanner is said to deliver high-quality scans from both negative and positive 35mm film, including black and white, which gives film users a worry-free, manageable bridge into the realm of digital imaging. Kodak Professional's newest film scanner merges a rich film heritage with industry-leading digital imaging capabilities to deliver superior color accuracy, clarity and critical image detail.

Packed with features including 3,600-dpi optical resolution, a dynamic range of 3.6 and batch-scanning capabilities the RFS 3600 scanner enables photographers to capture every detail of their image and subsequently re-purpose the images for multiple applications and output devices.

Accurate First-Time Scans

Designed especially for imaging professionals who require high-quality digital output the compact RFS 3600 scanner combines 3,600-dpi resolution, 3.6 dynamic range and 12-bit data conversion to deliver accurate first-time scans. Its auto-focus feature ensures that mounted slides produce the sharpest scans.

ICC profiles and Kodak color imaging science manage color throughout the imaging process, so the output image matches the source image. A proprietary Kodak image path and film-specific look-up tables (LUTs) ensure excellent first-time scans, while an easy-to-use tabbed user interface provides quick access to imaging tools. All these features contribute to improved productivity.

For a limited time, the newest Kodak Professional film scanner comes with 10 rolls of Kodak's award-winning color negative film. Purchasers of the RFS 3600 scanner will find two ProPacks of Kodak Professional Supra 400 Film inside the packing box. Supra 400 film, offering the finest grain of any film in its class, features an emulsion overcoat for durability giving it superior scanning capability.

The RFS 3600 film scanner also features:

• User-specified input resolution of up to 3,600 dpi for better flexibility between image quality, productivity and output requirements.
• Batch scanning for film strips up to 36 frames in a row without the need for an extra film holder
• A Kodak-developed, selectable scene balance algorithm (SBA) that optimizes first-time scans for color balance and density
• ICC profiles that enable users to create specific image files for a multitude of applications from web pages to CMYK files for pre-press
• Image processing on the host computer to take advantage of today's faster processors
• Film LUTs for the latest Kodak Professional Supra, Portra and Ektachrome films
• Connectivity with either an SCSI II or USB port
• Acquire module for Macintosh computers
• TWAIN data source for Microsoft Windows-based systems
• Software developer kit for third-party developers (available in the fourth quarter)

Kodak's newest film scanner ships with an AC adapter and adapter plug kit, USB and SCSI II cables, applicable software and instructions. It also comes bundled with Adobe Photoshop LE 5.0

New Kodak EZ200 Digital Camera Doubles as PC Video Camera

COLOGNE, Germany, September 19 -- The Kodak EZ200 not only allows computer users to take and share digital still images but also capture short video clips. This versatile device doubles as a PC Video Camera for videoconferencing.

The EZ200's CCD sensor captures 640x480 resolution, producing smaller files that make uploading and sending images via e-mail much quicker. The VGA-quality images are perfect for posting on the Internet or use in greeting cards, newsletters and invitations. EZ200 uses 4MB of internal memory that can store up to 128 pictures. The camera can capture short video clips that can also be shared easily via e-mail, and a burst mode helps capture action by taking 5 frames in quick succession. Images can be easily uploaded to a computer through the supplied 9-foot USB cable. Compact--3.6(h) x 1.4(w) x 2.7 (d) inches--and lightweight (4.7 oz), the camera is easy to take almost anywhere. The EZ200 has a built-in microphone and is powered by four AAA batteries.

Connect the camera to a computer via its USB cable and it becomes a PC Video Camera. A detachable swivel base makes it easy to aim, even at the operator, and adjustable focus with macro mode helps keep the picture sharp. Kodak has included easy-to-use software so the camera can be used for videoconferencing, to create videos with audio or to capture stills when in PC Video Camera mode. Because the camera draws power through its USB connection, there's no battery drain in PC Video Camera mode.

Available in the U.S. in mid-September, the Kodak EZ200 digital camera ships with a 9-foot USB cable, detachable swivel base, four AAA batteries, wrist strap and easy-to-use software.

At 16 Megapixels, Kodak Introduces World's Highest Resolution in a Digital Camera Back; Adds Exceptional Workflow, Untethered Freedom

DCS Pro Back Raises Bar for Studio, Location and Portrait Applications

COLOGNE, Germany, September 19--Kodak Professional today makes a dramatic addition to its industry-leading digital camera line by presenting the Kodak Professional DCS Pro Back a Kodak-designed and manufactured medium-format camera back that features unprecedented 16-megapixel resolution and creates large, versatile 48-megabyte image files.

Providing untethered freedom of operation, a fully featured LCD with histogram, new-generation software for exceptional workflow and a host of other capabilities, the DCS Pro Back is designed for c0mmercial location and tabletop photography and high-end portraiture applications. It will be especially welcomed by advertising and catalog photographers, table-top studios, and in-house and independent portrait studios.

Complementing the DCS Pro Back is Kodak Professional DCS Capture Studio Software, Version 1.5, a powerful stand-alone application for capturing and editing digital images. This robust but simple-to-use software delivers exceptional workflow and optimized image quality, using an open systems approach to color management that maintains the integrity of captured images for virtually all monitors and printers, computer platforms and imaging applications.

The DCS Pro Back is a single-shot unit that is designed to afford photographers as much freedom as possible. Currently compatible with Hasselblad 555 ELD and Mamiya RZ film cameras, the camera back will in time have interfaces for a wide range of medium- and large-format camera systems. And the DCS Pro Back operates untethered, making it suitable for high-end location photography as well as studio work.

The fully featured LCD gives photographers critical real-time control over the images they take. The LCD screen has a full 90 degrees of movement for waist-level operation and can be controlled one-handed. In addition to acting as a viewfinder, the LCD provides instant review, a histogram for precise exposure control, focus check, and a built-in spot meter.

The DCS Pro Back can also perform 1:1 zoom and pan functions for precise images, and offers video review capability for high-angle or other out-of-reach camera placements.

More Than Twice the Resolution

The camera back's full-frame CCD delivers more than twice the resolution of any single-shot, medium-format camera back currently available. This sensor measuring 36.86mm by 36.86mm produces 48mb files with very low noise. A removable anti-aliasing filter, digital anti-aliasing solutions and a non-reflecting IR cutoff filter help ensure the highest image quality.

The DCS Pro Back captures images at the equivalent of ISO 100. It can capture an image every two seconds, and store up to eight images before writing to either internal PC cards or a host computer via an IEEE 1394 "firewire."

The hardware advances of the DCS Pro Back are complemented by new software that uses standard photographic terms. It includes familiar imaging tools such as masking/feathering, as well as sharpening tools and an eyedropper-style color selector.

The camera back's new-generation software understands how photographers work with images and greatly simplifies workflow. DCS Capture Studio Software, Version 1.5, gets the best possible quality out of the DCS Pro Back's pictures with time-saving intuitive features that let professional photographers concentrate on taking pictures. The software is initially available for Macintosh computer systems, with a Windows-compatible version planned for the future.

The back ships with ICC-enabled color management tools and other software specifically designed for photographic workflows. It can be powered either by internal rechargeable batteries or via a "firewire" cable attached to a host computer.

Service and support are provided by a highly trained team of world-class Kodak Professional digital imaging specialists.

The Kodak Professional DCS Pro Back will be available in the first quarter of 2001 from authorized dealers of Kodak Professional products. Pricing information is not yet available.

Kodak Smart Picture Frame Brings Digital Images to Life; Simplifies Sharing Pictures with Others, Printing through Print@Kodak

Built-in Modem Provides Convenient Access to News, Weather, Other Information

COLOGNE, Germany, September 19 --With the new Kodak Smart Picture Frame, a picture can go right from a digital camera to a stylish tabletop picture frame, without having to connect to a computer. Combining a memory card reader, full-color display and modem, the Kodak Smart Picture Frame also makes sharing pictures with others exceptionally easy. The sleek cherry wood finish frame can display in full color a single image or sequentially cycle through up to 36 separate digital pictures.

Connecting the frame to the StoryBox Network opens up an entire range of functions. With a StoryBox Network membership (required for frame activation), frame owners can upload pictures and organize them into online albums. They can also share pictures, either directly to another Kodak Smart Picture Frame or to a computer via e-mail. And when the frame reaches its capacity of 36 VGA resolution pictures, it's easy to add new pictures by storing some of the older images on the StoryBox Network and replacing them new ones. New pictures can also be added from CompactFlash memory cards. In either case, pictures are dynamic and lifelike on the frame's 6.4-inch (diagonal measure) screen with its 640 x 480-pixel resolution. Using the built-in slide show function, pictures can rotate for an ever-changing display. The frame owner can even select how long a given image is displayed--from 5 seconds to a full day.

With a suggested list price of $349, which includes a six-month subscription to the StoryBox Network, the Kodak Smart Picture Frame will be available in the U.S. in October.

PhotoChannel announces intent to merge with Moto Photo, third largest specialty photo retailer in N.A.

Vancouver, BC, Canada and Dayton, Ohio - September 20, 2000 - PhotoChannel Networks Inc. (ME: PNI, OTC BB: PHCHF), an e-c0mmerce company developing an online photo print service for both digital and conventional film photographers at its online photography c0mmunity located at http://www.photochannel.com, today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent for one of its subsidiaries to merge with Moto Photo, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOTO), the largest franchiser of retail imaging stores and the third largest specialty retailer of imaging services in North America. Moto Photo reported revenues of US $36.8 million for 1999 and a net income of US $1.65 million. 

The proposed merger would value Moto Photo c0mmon stock at US$1.75 per share and provide for each c0mmon share of Moto Photo to be converted into shares of c0mmon stock of PhotoChannel based upon an exchange ratio equal to US $1.75 divided by the average closing price of PhotoChannel c0mmon stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the merger, with a ceiling of US $2.50 per PhotoChannel share and a floor of US $1.00 per PhotoChannel share. As a result, subject to completion of the merger, the existing Moto Photo c0mmon shareholders would own between approximately 5,600,000 to 14,000,000 c0mmon shares of PhotoChannel. The transaction is anticipated to be tax-free to Moto Photo shareholders. The proposed merger is subject to a definitive agreement containing customary terms and conditions for similar transactions including Boards of Directors and shareholder approvals; regulatory approvals; the filing of a registration statement with the SEC; the conversion of Moto Photo options into PhotoChannel options; the completion of a US $25 million financing by PhotoChannel; and, may be subject to the consent of the holders of Moto Photo’s Amended Series G Cumulative Non-Voting Preferred stock. For estate planning purposes, 2 major shareholders of Moto Photo may elect to enter into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to monetize at closing up to 50% of the PhotoChannel shares they receive in the merger at US $1.75 per share. The closing date is targeted for the first quarter of 2001.

Moto Photo and its franchisees have installed 100 digital workstations that enable its stores to print images from negatives and scan prints to digital images that could then be uploaded to the PhotoChannel web site. The Moto Photo system has also installed over 25 Fuji Frontier Digital Minilab systems that employ state-of the-art solid state laser exposure technology. These systems produce the highest quality prints from both film and digital media and can be configured to enable each store to upload to that store’s private labeled version of the PhotoChannel site or to download images from the PhotoChannel site for print fulfillment and pick-up at that store. Moto Photo, combined with PhotoChannel, will have a larger installed-base of these state-of-the art digital minilab systems from Fuji than all of the all other photo-related dot-com companies in the world. 

PDN announces PhotoPlus Expo East 2000 for Javits Center

Photo District News (PDN) will host its annual PhotoPlus Expo East 2000 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, slated for November 2 – 4, 2000. 

Expo highlights include first-ever showing of new photographic products introduced at Photokina in Cologne, Germany. Over 300 exhibitors will showcase the latest in photography technology. And world-renowned photographers and experts will participate in more than 125 seminars and workshops with a focus on cutting-edge innovations in digital photography products and techniques.

Exhibitors include Olympus, Kodak, Nikon, Canon, Calumet, Hasselblad, Mamiya, FujiFilm, Adobe and Polaroid. New products, innovations in photography, and breakthroughs in digital technology will be featured.

Seminars will feature world-famous photographers including Rodney Smith, Norman Jean Roy, Andrew Eccles, and astronaut Story Musgrave. "The World Seen by Magnum Photographers," a dramatic photography gallery installation is presented by George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film.

PhotoPlus East is geared for both professional and advanced amateur photographers.  Hours: Thursday, November 2 – Friday, November 3 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday, November 4 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Registration is free up to October 20th; $25 thereafter. Seminars range between $65 - $130. For more information and to register for the seminars and show, visit the web site at: http://www.pdnonline.com/photoplusexpo or call (888) 203-9169 or (703) 318-0300.

More News from September 2000