Nikon Coolpix S50 Review at Digital Camera Review
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
Digital Camera Review has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S50 and writes, “The Nikon Coolpix S50 produces very good image and color fidelity in a stylish compact digital camera, and the big 3 inch monitor makes smaller monitors seem obsolete by comparison. While lacking manual controls, the S50 offers new photographers a user-friendly device whose overall performance can only enhance the confidence of novice shooters. At the same time, more experienced shooters who need a reliable, no-frills camera with some quality creative features won’t be barking up the wrong tree if they choose the S50.”
Fluid Mask 3 Beta has several new features, including enhanced blending power for hair and other problem objects and more intuitive workflow capabilities. Users can download a free 30 Day Trial of Fluid Mask 3 Beta. During the beta phase, Fluid Mask 3 will be available for $199 US. 
LightZone 3.0 is a new version of the image analysis and editing software from Light Crafts. “LightZone 3.0, with its intelligent styles, gives photographers instant access to the most powerful photo editing capabilities available, at a price one third of its closest competitor.” said Georges van Hoegaerden, CEO of Light Crafts. LightZone 3 is available now for $249.95. 
LaptopMag has a review of the Nikon Coolpix L11 and writes, “On our tests, the Coolpix L11 performed admirably in both indoor and outdoor shots. Colors looked accurate, and the focus was sharp. There was a bit too much magenta in our tulip test photo, which actually made the flowers appear orange. Although the Coolpix L11 starts up in less than two seconds, it takes a tedious five to six seconds between shots.”
Kodak are planning to leave the low-end digital camera market, instead concentrating on CMOS sensors for camera phones. In an article on CNET’s Crave website, Kodak revealed that they will release a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor for use in Motorola camera phones and their own camera. “We’re going to be abandoning the low-end of the digital camera business. As everyone knows, we’re not making much money there. Now we have our own CMOS sensors, so you might see us going down in price because we can make money,” said Kodak President Antonio Perez. 
CNET has a review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10A and writes, “Image quality is pleasing, especially at lower ISOs. Colors look accurate, though perhaps a bit oversaturated, and the automatic white balance does a good job of neutralizing colors in most lighting conditions, including incandescent settings. Exposures are generally accurate, though occasionally underexposed, which is generally better than the opposite, since shadow detail tends to be more salvageable in image editing software than highlight detail. There’s an admirable amount of fine detail for a 6-megapixel camera, but we did see some annoying artifacts and moirГ©, which steal some of the fire from images that are otherwise free of ISO-related noise at lower sensitivity settings.”
The zany folks at bag manufacturer Crumpler are offering big discounts (over 30%) on a number of products in exchange for beer. From June 9th - June 17th at Crumpler’s two New York, USA locations, the company will accept beer as tender instead of more traditional methods such as cash, credit or cheques. “It’s in our own interests to support others by spreading the beer love, otherwise Crumpler staff will end up with enormous beer bellies” quipped Crumpler spokesman John Thursday.