Nexcopy Flash Drive Duplicator Does More Than Just Duplicate

<div><font class="bodytext"></font> </div> <div><font class="bodytext">  March 24th, 2008</font> </div> <div id="maincontent"> <div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cecece 2px dotted; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; BORDER-TOP: #cecece 0px dotted; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-LEFT: #cecece 0px dotted; WIDTH: 635px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cecece 0px dotted"><br><font class="bodytext"><b>Filed under <a href="http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/Storage/USB_Flash_Drives.htm">USB Flash Drives</a></b> <p><span style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; FLOAT: left"><span></span><span></span><span></span></span><font size="2"><img border="0" src="http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/resize.php?size=310&filename=nexcopy_usb_duplicator_news.jpg"><br> <br>If you've needed to do some mass copying of flash drives in the past, then you've either been forced to sit at a PC all day and copy them individually or use something like the <b><a href="http://www.everythingusb.com/kanguru_usb_duplicator_13925.html">Kanguru USB Duplicator</a></b>. This is all fine and dandy if you just have a handful or you've just finished when you suddenly receive an email saying that there has been a change to what goes on the flash drives and now you need to reflash all of them. <p>Well not anymore. Nexcopy has finished the <b><a href="http://www.nexcopy.com/usb-duplicator-pc-based/">USB200PC USB Duplicator</a></b>. Just like the Kanguru, it will let you copy data to a bunch of drives at the same time but with some added features. The Nexcopy duplicator will also let you add new content without overwriting the old and will also perform version updates, which should help save quite a bit of time if you already have your flash drives ready to go. Speaking of saving time, the USB200PC is quit speedy too. Since it can copy at 30MB/s, you can copy 250MB of data to all 20 devices in about three and a half minutes. Unfortunately you aren't going to see very many of these around unless your company gives out a lot of flash drives as it costs about $1300. At least it has a stylish brushed metal finish. </p> </font></p></font></div></div>

Science - Technology Nexcopy Flash Drive Duplicator Does More Than Just Duplicate

    March 24th, 2008 Filed under USB Flash Drives If you've needed to do some mass copying of flash drives in the past, then you...

Read more »

Install Wireless USB on Lenovo ThinkPad X300 for $63

<font class="bodytext">March 24th, 2008</font> <div id="maincontent"> <div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #cecece 2px dotted; PADDING-RIGHT: 10px; BORDER-TOP: #cecece 0px dotted; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-LEFT: #cecece 0px dotted; WIDTH: 635px; BORDER-BOTTOM: #cecece 0px dotted"><br><font class="bodytext"><b>Filed under <a href="http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/USB_Cards/">USB Cards, USB Hosts</a></b> <p><span style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; FLOAT: left"><span></span><span></span><span></span></span><font size="2"><img border="0" src="http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/resize.php?size=310&filename=lenovo_x300_wusb.jpg"><br> <br>While Lenovo ThinkPad X300's 1" chassis can fit a DVD burner, a 64GB SSD and a 1.2Ghz Core 2 Duo, it also has an unexpectedly new wireless module. And as you may have figured out already, it's Wireless USB. The relatively new connectivity option is available to all <b><a href="http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=AB685843BDD4412BB8FAB17D26FADACF">X300</a></b> except for the one with integrated wireless WAN. WUSB is priced at $63, at which price is very reasonable compared to what Dell <b><a href="http://www.everythingusb.com/dell-wireless-usb-14266.html">offers together with the Belkin hub</a></b>, but there's a 3-4 week wait time. <p>As the module is to be PCIe, we presume you can swap it with one that is faster than its current top speed. ExpressCard should be ideal for adding stuff like WUSB, but since the X300 is already running out of spaces, a rarely used slot doesn't seem fit on the said laptop. We figure this could be another thing ThinkPad X300 fans like to brag about in front of MacBook Air advocates. </p> </font></p></font></div></div>

Science - Technology Install Wireless USB on Lenovo ThinkPad X300 for $63

March 24th, 2008 Filed under USB Cards, USB Hosts While Lenovo ThinkPad X300's 1" chassis can fit a DVD burner, a 64GB SSD an...

Read more »

iMono 80-in-1 High Speed Card Reader

<a href="http://www.getusb.info/imono-80-in-1-high-speed-card-reader/" style="COLOR: #444444"><strong><font size="6">iMono 80-in-1 High Speed Card Reader</font></strong></a> <div style="MARGIN-TOP: -2px"><small>01.24.08 & Falls Into<b>|</b> <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/brando-usb/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Brando USB">Brando USB</a></small></div> <div class="post"> <p>Just last week I talked about the <a href="http://www.getusb.info/62-in-1-card-reader-if-they-dont-have-it-you-dont-need-it/" title="62-in-1 card reader">USB Fever 62-in-1 card reader</a> thinking that was just about everything one would need.  Today iMono announces an <strong>80-in-1 card reader</strong>.  It's <em>very</em> likely either card reader will satisfy your every need, and I've still found a way for you to buy both [not that you would].</p> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img alt="80 in 1 card reader" height="334" src="http://www.getusb.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/012408b.jpg" width="445"></p> <p>The <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z5M1?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B00004Z5M1&adid=f5318375-6dcc-4d39-9d8f-3b6ac23d8ece" id="amzn_cl_link_0" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">USB</a> Fever card reader is a 5.25 inch bay system making it ideal for a standard component on build out for numerous machines whereas the <strong>iMono 80-in-1 card reader</strong> is an external <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000PI3IJW?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B000PI3IJW&adid=bd888d9d-83ef-4e07-8b8a-474d1aa2634a" id="amzn_cl_link_1" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">device</a> making it an excellent sidekick for your laptop.</p> <p>I didn't take the time to count out all 80 devices - which begs the questions:  <em>Does anyone audit this stuff?</em></p> <p>In case you are asking,<span id="more-925"></span> <a href="http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00421" target="_blank" title="imono card reader webpage">it's $17</a> and tested with 24MB per/sec write speed using a lightening fast <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000I00DCW?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B000I00DCW&adid=ba648ea5-81ec-4351-be59-10b361dd249f" id="amzn_cl_link_2" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">SanDisk Extreme IV</a> drive.  However, expect <a href="http://www.usbperformance.com/" target="_blank" title="file transfer speed, USB">file transfer speed</a> to be as good as the flash memory device.</p> </div>

Science - Technology iMono 80-in-1 High Speed Card Reader

iMono 80-in-1 High Speed Card Reader 01.24.08 & Falls Into | Brando USB Just last week I talked about the USB Fever 62-in-1 card re...

Read more »

Swivel USB Hub With Card Reader

<div style="MARGIN-TOP: -2px"><small>07.10.07 & Falls Into<b>|</b> <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-fever/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in USB Fever">USB Fever</a>| <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-hub/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in USB Hub">USB Hub</a>| <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-input-device/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in USB Input Device">USB Input Device</a>| <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-news/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in USB News">USB News</a></small></div> <div class="post"> <p><strong>USB Fever</strong> incorporated a Compact Flash and miniSD card reader into their <a href="http://www.getusb.info/index.php?s=rotating+usb+hub" title="rotating usb hub">rotating USB hub</a>.</p> <p>Rotating up to 90 degrees for the USB connectors make it a nice hub for your stack of <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-novelty-gadget/" title="usb novelty gadgets">USB junk</a>. Actually, you can downsize the junk pile and throw away your card reader.</p> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.getusb.info/?p=693"><img alt="rotating usb hub card reader" src="http://getusb.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/071007b.jpg" title="rotating usb hub card reader"></a></div> <p>Just <strong>$13.99</strong> and USB Fever ships anywhere in the world, <em>free of charge</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=151" target="_blank" title="rotating usb hub card reader">USB Rotating Hub & Card Reader</a> product page</p></div>

Science - Technology Swivel USB Hub With Card Reader

07.10.07 & Falls Into | USB Fever | USB Hub | USB Input Device | USB News USB Fever incorporated a Compact Flash and miniSD card re...

Read more »

Cellink Swivel USB Stick Is Charger, Reader & UFD

<div style="MARGIN-TOP: -2px"><small>03.21.08 & Falls Into<b>|</b> <a href="http://www.getusb.info/category/usb-flash-drive-storage/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Flash Storage">Flash Storage</a></small></div> <div class="post"> <p>Lets just raddle off the use of the <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000VMWB54?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B000VMWB54&adid=7f572cf8-202f-4afa-a3e0-d48c235b17e8" id="amzn_cl_link_0" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">Cellink</a> <a href="http://www.getusb.info/?s=swivel" title="more swivel gadgets">USB swivel gadget</a>.  Of course you have the shape, look and feel of a typical UFD.  With flash memory for…well you know.  Next, swivel the Cellink and you've got a <a href="http://www.getflashmemory.info/category/microsd/" target="_blank" title="microSD news">microSD</a> card reader.  Swivel the other direction and you've got a direct connected to your <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000XV7WCA?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B000XV7WCA&adid=a95ce888-3a4d-4a36-bde8-c4a8daba2ea1" id="amzn_cl_link_1" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">USB</a> port and cell phone for some wireless charging.  Of course you'll block all the other ports in the process, but that's the cost of cool gadgetry.</p> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img alt="cellink swivel usb" height="267" src="http://www.getusb.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/032108a.jpg" width="400"></p> <p>If these become readily available it would be a great item to have.  It seems like down-sizing your basket full of gadgets is a continual process.  So here we streamline to a single UFD, forget another <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/product/B000PO3FZI?ie=UTF8&tag=getusbinfo-20&link_code=em1&camp=212341&creative=384065&creativeASIN=B000PO3FZI&adid=f17737b3-d757-46dc-8a4b-f698d2a16ebc" id="amzn_cl_link_2" style="COLOR: #444444; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px dashed; TEXT-DECORATION: none" target="_blank">reader</a> and the power cord to your cell phone.</p> <p>That's progress.</p> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img alt="cellink" height="130" src="http://www.getusb.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/032108b.jpg" width="390"></p> <p>Source:  <a href="http://aving.net/usa/news/default.asp?mode=read&c_num=77618&C_Code=01&SP_Num=0" target="_blank">Aving</a>.</p></div>

Science - Technology Cellink Swivel USB Stick Is Charger, Reader & UFD

03.21.08 & Falls Into | Flash Storage Lets just raddle off the use of the Cellink USB swivel gadget .  Of course you have the shape...

Read more »

Fujitsu and Toshiba Announce Joint Development Agreement for FCRAM Next-Generation High-Speed Memories

<br><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> <p>Fujitsu Limited<br>Toshiba Corporation </p> <p>Tokyo, February 8, 1999---Fujitsu Limited and Toshiba Corporation today announced an agreement to jointly develop a next-generation high-speed memory device, called Fast Cycle RAM, or FCRAM, as part of the collaborative agreement signed between the two companies last December. FCRAM technology adopts a radically new memory architecture to achieve operating cycle times two to three times faster than conventional DRAMs. </p> <p>Under the agreement, Fujitsu and Toshiba will jointly develop 64, 128, and 256 Megabit FCRAMs to be used as special-purpose memories for applications other than the main memory of PCs. Samples are expected to be shipped before the end of 1999. </p> <p>Significant improvements have been made in DRAM performance in recent years, focusing on interface technology and aimed at speeding up data transfer to and from the logic IC that controls the DRAM. While taking advantage of these advances in interface speed, FCRAM technology has revolutionized the memory cell array operating scheme that has been used for the past twenty years. FCRAM thus represents a new type of memory chip, with circuit designs that allow operation at a cycle time two to three times faster than conventional memories while cutting power consumption in half. </p> <p>Through their collective efforts in FCRAM, the two companies are aiming to reshape the DRAM industry. For years the industry has been structured so that development efforts focused on higher integration and cutting per-bit cost, as vendors supplied standardized products to their customers. In recent years, the advancement of the "information society" and the growing variety of information processing products have brought changes to the DRAM market in the form of increasing demand for customized products that can be used in specific areas of application.</p> <p>In order to respond to these changes in the market environment, both companies will work closely with customers to plan, specify, and supply FCRAM products optimized for their intended field of application. FCRAMs are expected to be used where their speed advantage can be fully realized, for example, in graphics and information-related multimedia applications for consumer electronics, as buffer memory for printers and telecommunications-related products, and as main memory for high-performance information appliances. They are also ideal for commercial system products that experience frequent design changes, because the relatively simple FCRAM command set helps keep system design time short.</p> <p>The collaboration agreement calls for the deployment of about 50 specialists from both companies at the Fujitsu research facility in Kawasaki, Japan. There, they will work together to develop FCRAM core and peripheral circuitry as well as design and evaluate products. By developing common specifications and interface circuitry, the two firms can maintain their capability to serve as second sources for one another. In addition, since both companies intend to manufacture the chips, a stable supply will be assured. </p> <p><b>About Toshiba</b> <p>Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products and power systems. The company's integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in multimedia components, products and systems. Toshiba has 188,000 employees worldwide, and annual sales of over US$ 40 billion. Toshiba's web site is at <a href="http://www.toshiba.co.jp">www.toshiba.co.jp</a>. </p> <p><b>About Fujitsu</b> <p>Fujitsu Limited is a leading provider of information technology products and solutions for the global marketplace. Founded in Japan in 1935 as a telephone equipment maker, the Fujitsu Group had consolidated revenues of $37.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31,1998. With over 500 group companies, Fujitsu is one of the world's largest suppliers of computers and information systems solutions, telecommunications and semiconductor products, software and services. The Fujitsu Group has over 180,000 employees worldwide and operations in more than 100 countries. Fujitsu's web site is at <a href="http://www.fujitsu.co.jp">www.fujitsu.co.jp</a>.</p> </p></p></font>

Science - Technology Fujitsu and Toshiba Announce Joint Development Agreement for FCRAM Next-Generation High-Speed Memories

Fujitsu Limited Toshiba Corporation Tokyo, February 8, 1999---Fujitsu Limited and Toshiba Corporation today announced an agreement to join...

Read more »

Toshiba's Cable Modems Among First To Earn Cablelabs' Docsis Certification

<strong><font face="Verdana" color="#003366"><br><br></font></strong> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">IRVINE, Calif. - March 4, 1999 - Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Network Products Division (TAIS NPD) today announced that its cable modems have earned Data Over Cable System Interface Specification (DOCSIS) certification from CableLabs, a cable industry consortium. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">DOCSIS is an industry specification that defines technical requirements for products at both the cable subscriber's location and the cable operator's equipment. The standard is designed to ensure the development of cable modems offering plug-and-play operation on any cable system. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">"The cable modem certification initiative is helping to establish a new interoperable network based on cable's big pipe capability," said Dr. Richard R. Green, president and CEO, CableLabs. "Toshiba's hard work and success in attaining certification is helping the cable industry move forward into delivery of a range of emerging Internet, video and multimedia services to its customers." </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">"We're pleased to achieve this key milestone and be among the first vendors to secure DOCSIS certification," said Michael J. Knudsen, vice president and general manager of TAIS NPD. "As one of the early players in the development of the DOCSIS specification, we're excited that our commitment to supporting this important industry standard is coming to fruition." </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">A cable industry pioneer, Toshiba has been developing cable modems for three years, and has been involved in the cable business for 10 years. The company has shipped thousands of cable modems to date. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Since DOCSIS is an industry standard, Toshiba cable modems are designed to interface with DOCSIS-compatible head-end equipment, such as Cisco's Universal Broadband Routers. "We applaud Toshiba's success in achieving DOCSIS certification at this critical juncture in the cable industry," said Paul Bosco, general manager of Cisco's Cable Product and Solutions Group. "We're working very closely with Toshiba to ensure compatibility between our products, and to promote the enhanced features and capabilities outlined in the DOCSIS standard." </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">According to industry analyst Dataquest, the cable modem market is expected to grow from 492,000 units in 1998 to 2.4 million by 2002. The certification process is an essential part of widespread consumer adoption of cable modem technology. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">"Our cable modem offering clearly provides customers with a superior solution for high-speed Internet access," added Toshiba's Knudsen. "In addition to our technology leadership, Toshiba's well-established sales channel will be a key advantage as cable modems expand into the retail arena." </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Toshiba's cable modems offer high performance, easy installation and interoperability with all DOCSIS compatible products. Backed by Toshiba's worldwide customer support, the DOCSIS certified cable modems are available now. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><b>About Toshiba's Network Products Division</b></font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The TAIS Network Products Division was established in October 1997 to market a range of communications and networking products to the U.S. market. For additional product information contact Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Network Products Division, 9740 Irvine Blvd., P.O. Box 19724, Irvine, CA 92618-1697 or visit the Web site at <a href="http://networks.toshiba.com">http://networks.toshiba.com</a>. Telephone: (949) 461-4840 or (888) 422-6677. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of the $42 billion Toshiba Corp., the seventh largest computer and electronics company and the world's 26th largest industrial corporation in terms of sales. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in high-technology products with over 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. </font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><b>About CableLabs</b></font> <p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">CableLabs is a research and development consortium of cable television system operators representing the continents of North America and South America. CableLabs plans and funds research and development projects that will help cable companies take advantage of future opportunities and meet future challenges in the cable television industry. It also transfers relevant technologies to member companies and to the industry. In addition, CableLabs acts as a clearinghouse to provide information on current and prospective technological developments that are of interest to the cable industry. CableLabs maintains web sites at <a href="http://www.cablelabs.com">www.cablelabs.com</a>; <a href="http://www.cablemodem.com">www.cablemodem.com</a>; <a href="http://www.cablenet.org">www.cablenet.org</a>; <a href="http://www.opencable.com">www.opencable.com</a>; and <a href="http://www.packetcable.com">www.packetcable.com</a>. </font></p> </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p>

Science - Technology Toshiba's Cable Modems Among First To Earn Cablelabs' Docsis Certification

IRVINE, Calif. - March 4, 1999 - Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Network Products Division (TAIS NPD) today announced that its ca...

Read more »

Canon Powershot SD200 Review

<p align="center"><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" height="171" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/sd200.jpg" width="350"></p> <p>The main distinguishing feature of the Canon SD series of Powershot cameras is that they are small. They followed on from the Canon ELPH film cameras, themselves among the smallest 35mm cameras. However the current SD Powershots, while small in size, are pretty full featured - but I'll get to that later.</p> <h2>How small are they?</h2> <p>Well, the SD200, SD300, SD400 and SD450 are all about the same size, which is the size (but not thickness...) of a credit card. That means you can follow the instruction "Don't leave Home without it" and not necessarily take your Amex card...</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" height="205" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/size.jpg" width="500"></p> <p align="left">Specifically the SD200 and SD300 are 86 x 54 x 21 mm (3.4 x 2.1 x 0.8 in) and the SD400 and SD450 are within 1mm of those dimensions. This means that all these cameras will easily fit in a shirt or pants pocket. Some other Powershots are small (see image below), but you'd have a hard time cramming them into a shirt pocket!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" height="282" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/vs_a610_2.jpg" width="400"><br><em>Canon Powershot A610 (rear); Canon Powershot SD200 (front)</em></p> <p align="left">They aren't the <em>very smallest</em> cameras around but we're talking differences of a few mm. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ARG4IK?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000ARG4IK&creative=373489&camp=211189">Pentax Optio S6 <a>(83 x 52 x 20 mm) is smaller and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00064OBL4?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B00064OBL4&creative=373489&camp=211189">Powershot SD20</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AYKUTW?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000AYKUTW&creative=373489&camp=211189">SD30</a> are both 90 x 47 x 19 mm which wider, but shorter and thinner.</a></a></p> <h2 align="left">What's in the Box?</h2> <ul> <li>Canon Powershot SD200 camera <li>Li-ion Battery pack NB-4L <li>Battery Charger CB-2LV <li>16MB SD memory card <li>Wrist strap <li>Software CD <li>USB cable <li>Audio/Video cable <li>Manuals </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul> <p>Note that there is no case included (I'd recommend the PSC-90 case) and the 16MB card is good for only about 8 images at the highest quality, so I'd recommend also getting a larger SD card (at least 128MB, preferably 512MB).</p> <p>The CD contains the following software:</p> <p><strong>For Macintosh:</strong> ImageBrowser 5.0, PhotoStitch 3.1</p> <p><strong>For Windows:</strong> ZoomBrowser EX 5.0, PhotoRecord 2.1, PhotoStitch 3.1, Camera TWAIN Driver 6.5, Camera WIA Driver 6.3, Apple QuickTime</p> <h2 align="left">Features</h2> <p align="left">As I mentioned above, the SD200 is small in size, but not in features, which include:</p> <ul> <li>3.2 Megapixel CCD sensor (2048 x 1536) <li>3x optical 35-105mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom <li>Optical viewfinder with zoom <li>Digic II processor for faster operation <li>Manual control of flash mode <li>Macro and Infinity focus modes <li>TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system with focus-assist lamp <li>2.0" color LCD with 10x playback zoom <li>Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments <li>White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom <li>2.4fps Continuous exposure mode <li>Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400 plus auto <li>Voice memos (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images <li>Li-ion rechargeable battery and charger <li>Built-in microphone and speaker <li>Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1500 second <li>Evaluative and Spot metering <li>Movie mode w/sound at 30/15fps and 640x480/320x240 unlimited length <li>High speed movie mode at 60fps (320x240) <li>Tripod socket (aligned with lens) <li>AF assist light for focusing in the dark </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul> <p>Full specifications can be found on the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200_specifications.html">Canon Powershot SD200 specifications</a> page.</p> <h2>Controls</h2> <p align="center"><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" height="193" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/top.jpg" width="450"></p> <p>The top of the camera has 3 controls. An on/off button, the shutter release and the zoom control. The zoom control controls the lens in shooting mode and the playback zoom in playback mode.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" height="300" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/back.jpg" width="450"></p> <p align="left">Most of the major controls are on the rear of the camera, along with the 2" color LCD. At the top is a 3-way slide switch which selects playback, movie mode or photo mode. There are 3 push buttons. One (upper left) brings up a menu mode on the LCD. One (lower left) controls the display (LCD on/off and the amount of shooting information displayed). The third button (lower right) is used when printing directly from the camera to a printer. There is also a 4-way rocker switch with a center button. This is used to select and navigate menus, focus modes, metering modes, flash modes and shooting modes.</p> <h2 align="left">Exposure</h2> <p align="left">Exposure on the SD200 is automatic. The camera decides the shutter speed and aperture. What's more it doesn't tell you what values it's picked! Luckily, auto exposure is pretty good.If it thinks the shutter speed is low enough that there's risk of camera shake, it flashes an orange light (next to the optical viewfinder).</p> <center><img alt="Canon Powershot SD200 Review" border="0" height="261" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sd200/hist.jpg" width="350"> <br><em>An on-screen histogram is available</em></center> <p align="left">While you can't directly set exposure, you can apply up to +/- 2 stops of exposure compensation in 1/3 stop steps, and you do get a histogram display, so you can fine tune exposure if you don't like the results of auto exposure. You can bias exposure towards faster shutter speeds and/or smaller apertures by manually selecting ISO 400, or you can bias it towards longer exposures and/or larger apertures by manually selecting ISO 50. In the so called "manual" mode, these settings are retained when the camera is turned on and off. In "manual" mode you can also set white balance and photo effects such as "sepia", "B&W", "vivid" or "neutral" colors and a "low sharpening" mode. It is also possible to manually select exposure times from 1s to 15s. In auto mode the longest possible exposure is 1s. </p> <h2>Printing</h2>The SD200 (and all Canon Powershot cameras) are capable of direct connection to a compatible printer enabling prints to be made without the use of a PC. With compaticle Canon printers, it's as easy as conecting a cable and pushing a button. See my recent review of the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/cp_510_710_review.html">Canon SEPLHY CP-510"</a> printer for more information on direct printing. The SELPHY 510 is small and portable and for $95 would make a good addition to the SD200 as long as you don't want prints larger than 4" x 6".

Science - Technology Canon Powershot SD200 Review

The main distinguishing feature of the Canon SD series of Powershot cameras is that they are small. They followed on from the Canon ELPH fi...

Read more »

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D)

<p>The Canon EOS 400D (which will be called the Digital Rebel XTi in the US) is the successor to the current EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT). The Canon EOS Rebel XTi is a 10MP DSLR with a 2.5" LCD screen and a price under $800, making it the lowest price 10MP DSLR available. It will be available in both black and silver finishes as shown below: <p><img alt="Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi - Canon EOS 400D" border="0" height="130" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/400D/400d-1.jpg" width="327"> <p>The major features of the Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) include: <ul> <li>A 10.1 MP CMOS sensor (3888 x 2592 pixels) <li>APS-C (1.6x) format, EF-S lens compatibility <li>2.5" LCD screen <li>9 point AF system <li>ISO 100-1600 <li>RGB histogram <li>30-1/4000s shutter <li>1/200s sync speed <li>3fps continuous shooting <li>buffer for 10 RAW images <li>ultrasonic dust removal for sensor <li>high precision focusing with lenses f2.8 and faster <li>picture style modes <li>0.2s startup time <li>Digic II processor <li>comptaible with BG-E3 grip <li>LCD turns off when eye is at viewfinder <li>small, lightweight (plastic) body <li>USB 2.0 interface <li>$799 for the body only, $899 with the 18-55 kit lens. </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul><img alt="Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi - Canon EOS 400D" border="0" height="207" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/400D/XTi-2.jpg" width="474"> <p>The new Digital Rebel XTi has a single LCD (see above) which can be switched between image, data and menu display. It's a new, larger and brighter LCD which can be viewed over a wider (160 degree) angle than the display on the earlier Digital Rebel XT. In fact the LCD is approximately 40% brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D DSLRs <p>I've listed the full specification of the Digital Rebel XTi on the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_400D_specifications.html"><font color="#ffcc66">Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) Specifications</font></a> page. <p><span></span><span></span> <span></span> <p>The new canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) looks like a pretty good competitor for the recently announced Nikon D80 and Sony Alpha A-100. I have a quick comparison of specification on the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_400D_compare.html"><b><font color="#ffcc66">Canon EOS 400D vs. Nikon D80 vs. Sony Alpha A100</font></b></a> page. The EOS 400D is the cheapest of the three, being $200 less than the Nikon D80 and $85 less than the Sony Alpha A100. <p>The Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi)is a clear improvement over the 350D (Digital Rebel XT). The sensor has been upgraded to 10.1MP, though users shouldn't really see a dramatic difference in image sharpness. The buffer size has been increased, the LCD size is larger, there are more AF points, an RGB histogram mode has been added as have picture styles. There is now an ultrasonic sensor cleaning mode to remove dust from the sensor. I think the update from the 350D to the 400D is more significant and worthwhile for users than the 20D to 30D update was. Currently (02/07) selling at around $700, it's pretty competitively priced too and it's the lowest priced 10MP DSLR currently available [the Nikon D80 is around $930, the Sony Alpha A100 is around $750 and the Pentax K10D is around $920). <p>Though there was some initial concern that the smaller pixel size of the XTi might result in higher noise levels than were found in the XT, this seems not to be the case. I have had the chance to take a look at some images shot at various ISO settings and my conclusion is that difference in noise at higher ISOs over the Digital Rebel XT shouldn't be an issue for users. Noise at ISO 800 and ISO 1600 may possibly be a touch higher and noise reduction algorithms may be a little more aggressive, but the differences are very small. It appears that noise levels are lower than those of the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/sony_alpha_preview.html"><font color="#ffcc66">Sony Alpha A100</font></a>, but I've yet to see any images from the new <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/pentax_k10d.html"><font color="#ffcc66">Pentax K10D</font></a> so I can't yet comment on how the Rebel XTi and K10D compare. Of course both the Sony Alpha A100 and Pentax K10D have image stabilization built into the camera body, so for users who don't need low noise at higher ISO settings, that may be a more important feature. <p>The new canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) remains among the smallest and lightest DSLRs. For users with larger hands the addition of the BG-E3 grip may make the camera easier to handle as well as providing longer shooting times and making the camera easier to handle in portrait orientation. <p>The Canon Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) is available either as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1ZWRW?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000I1ZWRW&creative=373489&camp=211189"><font color="#ffcc66">XTi body only</font></a> or as a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1ZWRC?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000I1ZWRC&creative=373489&camp=211189"><font color="#ffcc66">"kit" with a EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 lens</font></a>. The EF-S 18-55/4-5.6 is a decent lens. Not outstanding, but it's not bad and not expensive at under $100 when bought with the camera body. I have a full review of the EF-S 18-55 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/18-55.html"><font color="#ffcc66">here</font></a>. If you don't already have a lens that goes as wide as 18mm (which will give you the same field of view on the XTI as a 29mm lens does on a full frame 35mm camera), then buying the kit isn't a bad deal. It's certainly the least costly way of getting wideangle coverage. If you have plans to buy the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Y5WXO?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B0002Y5WXO&creative=373489&camp=211189"><font color="#ffcc66">Canon EF-S 17-85/3.5-5.6 IS USM</font></a> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009R6WO?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B00009R6WO&creative=373489&camp=211189"><font color="#ffcc66">Canon EF 17-40/4L USM</font></a>, then of course it makes more sense just to buy the body and lens separately <p> <p> <div align="center"> <center> <table width="80%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="middle" width="50%"><span></span></td> <td align="middle" width="50%"><span></span></td></tr> <tr> <td align="middle" width="50%">Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D)<br>Body Only</td> <td align="middle" width="50%">Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D)<br>with EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6</td></tr></tbody></table></center></div> <p>The Digital Rebel XTi is also available from ADORAMA: <p>            <a href="http://www.adorama.com/Refby.tpl?refby=rflAID012417&sku=ICADRXTIB"><img align="absMiddle" alt="" border="0" height="20" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/common/adorama3.jpg" width="99"><font color="#ffcc66"> - <b>Digital Rebel XTi</b></font></a> <p>            <a href="http://www.adorama.com/Refby.tpl?refby=rflAID012417&sku=ICADRXTIBK"><img align="absMiddle" alt="" border="0" height="20" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/common/adorama3.jpg" width="99"><font color="#ffcc66"> - <b>Digital Rebel XTi w/18-55 lens</b></font></a> <p> <h3>Further Reading</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_400D_specifications.html"><font color="#ffcc66">Full specifications of the Canon EOS 400D</font></a> <li><a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_400D_compare.html"><font color="#ffcc66">Comparison of the Canon EOS 400D, Nikon D80 and Sony Alpha A-100</font></a> </li></li></ul> <p>Here's what Canon have to say about the new EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) <p> <h3>10.1 MP CMOS Sensor</h3> <p>Newly developed by Canon, this large CMOS sensor is at the top of its class with 10.1 million effective pixels. A wide ISO speed range and low noise are realized through innovations like redesigned microlenses and enhanced output amp performance. On-chip noise reduction automatically engages when noise is detected ("Auto"), and can be engaged for exposures of 1 sec. or longer ("On"). Also designed for the EOS 400D DIGITAL are new automatic cleaning functions that reduce dust throughout the sensor unit to assure image clarity</p> <h3>Digic II Imaging Engine</h3> <p>DIGIC II, Canon's exclusive imaging technology, processes large amounts of data from the APS-C size CMOS sensor at high speed to deliver images of exceptional definition and smooth gradations. Color reproduction is quite natural, false colors are reduced, and white balance is highly precise. This refined imaging system contributes to user-friendly operation in any lighting situation while keeping power consumption minimal.</p> <h3>2.5" LCD</h3> <p>Offering improved viewing and operability, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) has a 2.5-inch TFT LCD color monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels to accommodate large fonts in menus and a remarkable viewing angle of 160?. Picture quality and brightness are therefore equally maintained from almost any viewing angle — front and center or upward angle. Brightness is now yours to command in seven levels, with the highest even surpassing that of professional models. Such variable display enables easy image verification in bright outdoor settings as well as low-lit interiors, right after shooting.</p> <h3>User Interface</h3> <p>New display button ("DISP."), power lamp, Display Off Sensor, and improved information display make the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) more user-friendly. Replacing the previous information button, the display button verifies camera setting and shooting data. A new ON/OFF function for the button enhances operation ease while saving energy. Another energy-saving feature is the power lamp, which in a glance reveals the startup state, even when the LCD monitor is off. And if monitor glare is annoying when looking through the viewfinder, you're sure to appreciate the Display Off Sensor. Located under the eyepiece, it detects the approach of your face and turns off the LCD. <br> <br>From the new mode name/icon display and battery power display format to a new camera setting screen GUI, EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) functionality has had a comprehensive makeover to ensure every user, from amateur to professional level, can shoot with ease and maximum comfort. </p> <h3>9 point AF</h3> <p>For smooth operation and flexibility needed for creative expression, the EOS 400D DIGITAL has a 9-point AF sensor that enables fast and high-precision focus detection plus enlarged subject coverage. Convenient cross keys provide fast and easy AF point selection. For more accurate shooting and additional flexibility, focusing points are in a diamond-shaped layout with a central AF point offering cross-type focusing, regardless of lens brightness. In addition, higher precision focusing is possible when using lenses brighter than f/2.8. Such variable focusing enables quick adjustment for a variety of compositions and shooting situations. </p> <h3>Continuous Shooting</h3> <p>The EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) starts up and gets ready to shoot in just 0.2 seconds to capture photo opportunities when they arise. Accelerated image processing of DIGIC II and high-speed data reading from the CMOS sensor enable fast continuous shooting at 3 fps for a maximum of 27 shots, even in JPEG Large/Fine (10 shots in RAW). With such responsiveness and speed, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) is ready when you are, to seize the moment to take the perfect shot.</p> <h3>EOS Integrated Cleaning System</h3> <p>To assure fine photo results, Canon employs dust-resistant materials and structures to dramatically reduce dust generation within the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D). Measures also are taken to prevent dust from adhering to the sensor due to static electricity. A remarkable new function is the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit that actually vibrates the low-pass filter to remove dust particles from it. Additionally, by targeting image data for leftover dust after cleaning, the Dust Delete Function within the bundled software can be used after shooting to remove dust spots that may remain on the captured image. For photos that are consistently distinct and clear, this dust reduction system is essential. </p> <h3>Self Cleaning Sensor Unit</h3> <p>Unwanted shadows on photos can be caused by dust that isn't actually on the sensor but on the low-pass filter (LPF) in front of it. Though cleaning can be manually selected by menu, automatic cleaning by ultrasonic vibration of the LPF is activated for about one second when the power is turned on or off. As shooting priority occurs on start-up, pressing the shutter button disables the self-cleaning operation and returns the camera to shooting mode. Dust falling off the filter during cleaning adheres to the sticky material of the retaining component at the LPF base.</p> <h3>Picture Styles</h3> <p>A selection of six style settings matched to the subject or desired shooting objective is simple as choosing film for a film camera. Press the SET button while in Creative Zone modes and a Picture Style selection screen offers six presets (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome) plus three user-defined styles. Image characteristics ranging from beautiful skin tones to sepia allow you to adapt easily to shooting conditions and focus on your photographic aims.<br> <br>Also assuring smooth creative control are "Picture Style files" for function expansion. Downloaded from Canon's website and registered in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) via bundled software, files like "Nostalgia," "Clear," "Twilight," "Emerald," and "Autumn Hues" offer image characteristics for optimal results from rare shooting conditions.</p> <h3>Direct Printing and Data Transfer</h3> <p>Save time and energy with the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) by simple connection to any Canon PictBridge-compatible printer via USB 2.0 High-Speed. Dual functionality in the Print/Share button enables direct printing and direct data transfer. For direct printing, just select the image from the playback screen, verify print settings, and press the handy button. Enhanced PictBridge functionality offers other direct print advantages like red-eye reduction and face brightening. A new PictBridge function lets you unplug the USB cable during printing once data transfer is complete. Which means you can use your camera sooner rather than later, before printing has finished.* For direct data transfer, connect the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) to a PC with EOS DIGITAL Solution Disk software, choose transfer items from the menu, and press the Print/Share button to download the images you like, even for desktop wallpaper.</p> <h3>Software and Accesories</h3> <p>The EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) comes bundled with the EOS DIGITAL Solution disk and applications like Digital Photo Professional (DPP) with Dust Delete Function and Zoom/Image Browser — all designed to work seamlessly for optimizing captured images and streamlining your digital workflow. DPP 2.2 for EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) offers new advantages. The software now uses dust delete data of an image to locate specified dust spots and automatically erase them for crisp and clean photos. RGB Tone Curve Assist Function has an enhanced high mode. Last but not least, noise reduction settings are expanded to include JPEG images as well as RAW. These are among Canon's solutions for finished photos that satisfy your aim.<br> <br>EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) also lets you make the most of advanced Canon technology and its compatibility with over 50 EF lenses that pair up with Speedlites for faithful image capture in a variety of shooting conditions. Battery Grip BG-E3 and other accessories make the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) comfortable and portable. In more ways than one, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D) gives you the power and ease to take you to the next level and help realize your photographic potential.</p> </p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p>

Science - Technology Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D)

The Canon EOS 400D (which will be called the Digital Rebel XTi in the US) is the successor to the current EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT). The C...

Read more »

Canon EOS 40D - Introduction

<h2> </h2> <p> <center><span></span><span></span><span></span></center> <p>The new Canon EOS 40D, announced by Canon on August 19th 2007, is the latest addition to Canon's line of "prosumer" cameras and replaced the Canon EOS 30D. While the EOS 30D was a minor upgrade of the EOS 20D, the new Canon EOS 40D is a whole new camera, with a variety of new hardware and software features including a new sensor, a new mirror/shutter assembly, a new LCD, a new A/D converter system and a new AF system. <p> <p>I'm updating this EOS 40D review with new information as I continue to use and learn about the camera. Here are the updates so far: <p><u>Update #1</u> - 09/08/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_3.html#update1">High ISO noise performance </a><br><u>Update #2</u> - 09/09/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_6.html#highlight">Highlight Tone Priority test</a><br> <u>Update #3</u> - 09/10/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_4.html#tracking">Focus Tracking in AI servo test</a><br><u>Update #4</u> - 09/10/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_3.html#white_balance">White balance</a><br> <u>Update #5</u> - 09/18/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_4.html#contrast">Low contrast and low light AF performance</a><br><u>Update #6</u> - 09/19/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_6.html#weathersealing">Comments on 40D weatherproofing</a><br> <u>Update #7</u> - 09/21/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_3.html#exposure">ISO sensitivity and Exposure</a><br><u>Update #8</u> - 09/28/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_6.html#highlight2">Further comments on Highlight Tone priority</a><br> <u>Update #9</u> - 10/23/07 <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_3.html#dr">A look at Dynamic Range</a> <p> <center><img alt="Canon EOS 40D Review" border="0" height="328" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/40D/eos_40D_review_back_1.jpg" width="437"></center> <p>This image of the back of the Canon EOS 40D shows some of the new external features. The large 3" LCD is immediately noticeable, especially to EOS 20D owners (the 20D has a 1.8" LCD). There's a new dedicated AF button at the top right and a dedicated "Picture Styles" button (the rightmost button below the LCD). Otherwise the control layout should be very familiar to users of the EOS 20D/30D. <p> <center><img alt="Canon EOS 40D Review" border="0" height="365" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/40D/eos_40D_review_front_1.jpg" width="420"></center> <p>From the front the Canon EOS 40D closely resembles the EOS 20D/30D. It's shown here with the optional 28-135/3.5-5.6IS USM kit lens. Note that that this lens normally sells for around $380, but is included for only $200 more than the price of the body alone when purchased with the camera as a kit, so it's something of a bargain. If you a then add a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Y5WXE?tag=bobatkinsphotogr&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B0002Y5WXE&creative=373489&camp=211189">Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM</a>, you have good coverage from wide to short telephoto. That lens combination would give you the equivalent in 35mm terms of 16mm to 216mm, with a small (and pretty insignificant) gap from 37mm to 45mm. <p> <h2>Canon EOS 40D Review - Brief Specifications</h2> <p>Here's a brief list the EOS 40D specs. I'll cover much of this in more detail on later pages: <p>The full Canon spcs can be found on the <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_specifications.html"><b>EOS 40D Specifications</b></a> page. <p><strong>Major Canon EOS 40D Features</strong> <br> <p> <ul> <li>Increased efficiency 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with larger microlenses <li>Large 3.0-inch LCD display with broadened color gamut <li>Live View <li>6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability (3fps also available) <li>At 6.5fps, the buffer holds around 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images <li>At 3fps the buffer holds around 205 Large/Fine JPEGs or 20 RAW images <li>New AF system with 9 cross type sensors <li>Enhanced precision center AF zone for lenses f2.8 and faster. <li>14-bit A/D conversion with Digic III processor <li>New quieter mirror/shutter assembly <li>Highlight Tone Priority <li>High-ISO Noise Reduction <li>Integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit <li>Larger (0.95x) optical viewfinder magnification (30D is 0.90x) <li>Interchangeable focusing screens <li>Continuous display of ISO in viewfinder <li>Auto ISO mode <li>ISO 100-1600 plus "H" (3200) (same as 30D) <li>Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack <li>Stores images on CF cards <li>$1299.00 initial price <li>Availability - Available Now! </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p>

Science - Technology Canon EOS 40D - Introduction

  The new Canon EOS 40D, announced by Canon on August 19th 2007, is the latest addition to Canon's line of "prosumer" camer...

Read more »

Canon Powershot A720is Review

<p> <center><span></span><span></span><span></span></center> <p>I was recently looking for a small, pocketable digicam to serve as a backup for my DSLR system. I wanted something with full manual control of shutter speed and aperture (and manual focus if possible), something capable of shooting in low light (which means an image stabilized lens and high ISO capability), a decent zoom range, good image quality and a reasonable price. <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="198" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/canon_powershot_a720is.jpg" width="454"></center> <p>As I described in <a href="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/Powershot_a570is_a650is_a720is.html">another article</a>, I decided to go with a Canon Powershot A720is based on the specs as listed below: <ul> <li>Manual exposure mode <li>Av exposure mode <li>Tv exposure mode <li>Manual focus mode <li>Manual flash power control (3 steps) <li>Exposure compensation +/- 2 stops in 1/3 stop steps <li>Flash exposure control +/2 2 stops in 1/3 stop steps <li>35-210mm (equiv), 6x zoom lens <li>Shutter speeds from 15s to 1/2000s <li>8MP CMOS sensor <li>Optical stabilization system good for 3 stops increased stability <li>ISO settings from 80 to 1600 <li>Pocketable size <li>Price under $200 </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul>Of course it also has all the usual fully automatic program modes for things like portraits, landscapes, sports, etc., plus "scene" modes for fireworks, underwater photography (in a housing), snow, beach, foliage etc. This makes the A720IS easily usable by a novice, but the extensive manual control options also makes it suitable for more advanced photographers who want at least some of the control over the image that an SLR gives them. <p> <h2>Movie Modes</h2> <p>The A720IS also has a set of movie modes. It can record VGA (480x640 resolution) video at 30 frames/sec for either 1hr or when the file reached 4GB, whichever comes first. In the highest image quality mode, 4GB gives you just over 30 minutes of recording. With higher compression you can get about 1hr of VGA video. The A720IS is also capable of recording at 240x320 resolution at 30 frames/sec or at 160x120 resolution and 15 frames/sec (for emailing). The time limit for 160x120 recording is 3 minutes. Sound (mono) is also recorded while shooting movies. <p>Image stabilization operates in movie mode, making handheld shots much smoother, however you can't optically zoom the lens while recording. <p> <h2>IS and ISO - Low Light Shooting</h2>The image stabilization system allows you to shoot in about 3 stop less light than you could without it. At the 35mm lens setting I could get sharp images down to a shutter speed of around 1/4s, while at the 210mm setting I could get sharp images down to about 1/25s. This is remarkably good performance. <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="229" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/noise2.jpg" width="618"><br>Crops at 100%</center> <p>ISO can be set to 80, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600. Above ISO 400 noise becomes pretty noticeable and at ISO 1600 the automatically used noise reduction algorithm reduces image detail significantly as you can see in the set of 100% crops above. I've seen other reviews which imply that ISO 1600 is so bad as to be useless, but I think that's too harsh a judgment. I'll admit that if you look at an ISO 1600 shot on a monitor at 100% it looks pretty bad - but that's just about the equivalent to looking at a 24" x 36" print from a distance of 1ft. I took a number of shots at ISO 1600 and made 4x6" prints from them. To me they looked pretty good, in fact probably better than prints I remember having made from ISO 1600 film some years ago. So although ISO 1600 images are noisy and details are soft when compared to shots at ISO 80, they are far from useless as long as you stick to small prints. The images below are 25% crops from the original image. On a typical monitor (17" 1280x1024 resolution) they will represent section from a prints that is maybe 5"x7" <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="232" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/noise3.jpg" width="623"></center> <p>I wouldn't shoot at ISO 1600 unless I absolutely had to, but at least it's there if you really need it. <p> <h2>Image Quality</h2>Image quality is surprisingly good for a high MP camera with a small sensor. Below is an example shot at 80mm (equiv) and f4 using the camera default settings for exposure and ISO 80. <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="325" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/720is_image_quality_80mm.jpg" width="426"></center> <p>There's very little sign of vignetting and sharpness is consistent from center to corner. On the right are 100% crops from the image center and the extreme bottom left corner. There's little or no evidence of "purple fringing" or chromatic aberration at this focal length. <p>The shot was taken with all parameters (sharpness, contrast, saturation) set to "normal". In common with most digicams the A720is is set to give pretty sharp images with the default settings, which means that the default sharpness setting results in some very slight edge effects when looked at under 100% magnification. Sharpness can be reduced if you prefer to do your sharpening in Photoshop, where you have somewhat greater control over the parameters used. However the default values make excellent looking prints (which is what really counts). <p>At the widest setting (35mm equiv.), there is some chromatic aberration visible as shown in the image on the left below. This is a 100% crop from an image shot at f2.8 at 35mm (ISO 80) <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="205" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/corner_wide.jpg" width="407"><br>left: Original image      right: CA corrected</center> <p>Chromatic aberration can quite well corrected in post-exposure processing using image editors such as Photoshop. The image on the right above shows the effects of such correction. <p> <h2>Optical Viewfinder</h2>Optical viewfinders are becoming increasingly rare on digital cameras, but the A720 has one which zooms with the lens from 35mm to 210mm. It only shows about 80% of the frame and there's no diopter adjustment, but it's perfectly fine for aiming the camera and it can more than double the battery life if you turn off the LCD. Of course you can't really turn off the LCD since you need it to adjust the camera settings, but you don't need it on all the time. <p>An additional advantage of the optical viewfinder is that you can use it even in the brightest sunlight, where it's sometimes tricky to see the LCD image clearly, plus I think you can hold the camera steadier held up against your eye than held out at arms length to view the LCD. <p> <h2>Manual Controls</h2>In general the manual controls are available in what Canon call the "Creative Zone" modes, M (manual), Av (aperture Priority), Tv (Shutter Priority) and P (Program). <p>While the Powershot A720is has a shutter speed range of 15s to 1/2000s, not all speeds are available in all modes. While you can set 15s in both M (Manual) and Tv (Shutter Priority) modes, in Av (Aperture Priority) and P (Program) modes the shutter speed won't go longer than 1s. I've seen similar behavior on other Powershot cameras and I don't really know why there is this limit, but just be aware of it). It's not a problem since if you really want a long shutter speed, just switch to Tv or M. <p>In manual mode the camera displays the set shutter speed and aperture plus an indicator of exposure from -2 (two stops underexposed) to +2 (two stops overexposed) in 1/3 stop steps. When it displays "0", exposure is correct. <p>The lens aperture is adjustable in 1/3 stop steps. At 35mm the range is f2.8 to f8 and at 210mm the range is f4.6 to f8. You can't stop down past f8 in any mode. This is because the senor is so small that if you could stop down to a smaller aperture, the image would be significantly softened due to diffraction effects. All small sensor digicams are like this, it's the nature of the beast. <p>Flash exposure can be set to manual or auto when using Tv, Av and M modes. In auto you can dial in from -2 to +2 stops of flash exposure compensation (in 1/3 stop steps). In manual mode there are three power levels, minimum, middle and maximum. With a fixed flash power output you control flash exposure via the aperture and ISO settings you chose. Using a flash meter I measured the maximum flash output GN as 16 (ft, ISO 100). In M, Av, Tv and P modes you can manually set the flash to 2nd curtain sync. In manual mode you just get one flash, so you could use it with a traditional optical slave flash. In auto mode the flash emits a metering pre-flash, so you need a digital aware slave which fires only on the main flash, not on the pre-flash. <p>In manual focus mode you can add a 10x magnifier to the center of the screen to make it easier to judge focus. A scale is displayed (in ft or m), though it's not very exact. It does show you where you are within the focus range though. There are two scales. One runs from 50cm to infinity with marks at 1, 2, 5m and infinity. If you close focus the scale switches to 0 to 50cm with marks at 10, 20 and 50cm. <p> <h2>Autofocus</h2>There are a number of autofocus modes on the A720is. You can let the camera select from 9 AF zones which cover the whole image (AiAF mode). You can select the center focus zone only. You can select the center focus zone, but move it to any position in the image (Flexizone) and/or you can make it smaller so you can focus on a smaller area of the subject. There's also a Face Detect mode which focuses on faces and adjusts exposure and flash for best exposure. <p> <h2>Image Zone Modes</h2>The A720is has the usual set of Canon fully auto modes which they call the "Image Zone" modes In each one the camera chooses the settings which it thinks are best. Some can be changed, though most are fixed. For example, in most of the program modes you can change the drive from single frame to continuous shooting or delay timer and you can set the image resolution and quality, but you can't change the metering pattern, flash exposure compensation, white balance, saturation, sharpness, contrast or ISO setting. The image zone modes are intended mainly for "point and shoot" work, though you can apply exposure compensation in 1/3 stop steps from +2 to -2 stops and turn the flash on and off as well as turning on and off features such as Image Stabilization and Face Detection. <p> <h2>Metering</h2>Three metering patterns are available. Evaluative metering takes data from multiple zones. Centerweighted metering takes an average reading weighted for the center region of the image. Spot metering can be set either to take a reading from the center of the frame, or it can be set to take a reading from the AF zone when you have Flexizone AF mode selected (see "Autofocus" section above for Flexizone). <p> <h2>Image Data Display</h2> <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="235" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/screen.jpg" width="300"></center>Full image data can be displayed in both playback mode and in recording mode for image review after exposure. The screen shows a histogram and fairly complete shooting data including shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO setting, exposure compensation, white balance, as well as data on the image size, compression, date and time. Overexposed areas flash as a warning. <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="233" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/screen2.jpg" width="300"></center> <p>Prior to shooting the screen displays the shooting mode, ISO setting, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, focusing mode and image stabilization indictor. The above image shows the camera was in Program mode, set to ISO 1600, image stabilization was active and the camera was in macro focusing mode. <p> <h2>Memory Cards and Data Storage</h2>The A720is uses Secure Digital (SD) memory. SD cards are limited to 2GB, but the A720is can also handle the higher capacity SDHC cards. Canon supply a pretty useless 16MB card with the camera, which is enough to store 3 images at the highest quality, so make sure you buy a larger memory card when you buy the camera. You can also use MMC (MultiMediaCard) cards, though I don't know why you would. <p>Images are stored as JPEG files at one of three different compression levels. The lower the compression the larger the files, but the higher the image quality. The A720is cannot store images in RAW format (in common with most other current Canon digicams) <p> <h2>Power</h2>Like all "A" series Canon Powershots, the A720is is powered by AA cells. In this case just two of them. Canon say that you should get about 140 shots from a pair of alkaline AA cells with 50% flash usage and the LCD on. With the LCD off this goes up to 400 shots. Using rechargable 2500mAh NiMH cells you should get around 400 shots with the LCD on or 900 with it off. Though Canon don't specify what to expect from Lithium AA cells, I suspect you might get almost double the numbers for NiMH. This is pretty respectable performance. The advantage of using AA cells is that if you do run out of power unexpectedly, you can find alkaline AA cells in almost any general store in any part of the world. <p>The A720is doesn't display a battery level indicator until the voltage drops to the point where it warns you to change the batteries. You do get a little time after the warning, but not all that much, so it would be advisable to carry a spare set of batteries with you. <p> <h2>Tripod Socket</h2>A minor point, but the tripod socket is located on the left hand side of the camera base, not on the optical axis of the lens. Technically this means that if you use the camera on a tripod and take a series of images to stitch together, you're not rotating about the right axis. Even with the mount in line with the lens, you're still not quite at the right point, but you are closer. In practice this probably isn't going to be a big problem, but it's something to be aware of. <p>The only advantage of having the tripod socket close to the left edge of the camera is that it means you can change the batteries and memory card without having to remove the camera from the tripod, since the battery and memory card door is over on the right side. <p> <h2>Size</h2>The Powershot A720is measures 97 x 67 x 49 mm (3.8 x 2.6 x 1.9 in). This makes it larger than the smallest digital cameras such as the SD800 IS, which measures 89.5 x 58.0 x 25.1mm (3.52 x 2.28 x 0.99 in.) or the DS200/300 which measure 86 x 54 x 21 mm (3.4 x 2.1 x 0.8 in), but the A720is is still pretty small. The biggest difference is in the thickness of the camera. The A720is has a small "grip" where the two AA batteries fit and this makes the maximum thickness greater. However this grip section makes it MUCH easier to shoot one handed since it allows you to get a firm hold on the camera. You can easily slip the A720is into a jacket pocket and it even fits in the pocket of my jeans without too much trouble. It won't fit in a shirt pocket though, whereas a truly tiny camera like the SD200/300 will. The SD series cameras, while small, don't have the extensive manual control features of the A series cameras, so you have to chose between size and flexibility. <p> <h2>Conclusions</h2>The Powershot A720is is a remarkably capable camera with extensive manual options. There's very little you can't do in the way of manual control as long as you select the correct mode. You have full control over shutter speed, focus, aperture, flash power and operation, metering, AF zones, image sharpness/contrast/saturation, drive mode, image stabilization and just about every other feature the camera offers. Of course you can also operate the camera in fully automatic mode if you wish. The lens quality is good and the zoom range is useful. There can be a little purple fringing of very bright areas, but it's not excessive and it's something seen in just about all cameras of this type. The image stabilization system is very effective. Focus and exposure are consistently good. Extreme highlights occasionally blow out, but that's indicated on the histogram display and is easily corrected by shooting again with a little negative exposure compensation. For the price (under $200 from <a href="http://Amazon.com">Amazon.com</a>) I think it's quite a bargain. <p>What's missing? Well, a 28mm lens setting would be nice and the ability to record images in RAW mode would also be useful, but I can live without either one given the price and features of the A720is. <p>Note that the A570is is essentially the same camera, but with a 35-140mm zoom lens and a 7.1 MP sensor. If you don't need the extra zoom range of the 720is, you can save about $40 by buying the A570is. <p> <center><img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/720is_sample1.jpg" width="300">    <img alt="" border="0" height="225" src="http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/a720is/720is_sample2.jpg" width="300"><br> <i>Canon Powershot A720IS sample images</i></center></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p> </p></p>

Science - Technology Canon Powershot A720is Review

I was recently looking for a small, pocketable digicam to serve as a backup for my DSLR system. I wanted something with full manual contro...

Read more »

Pupils 'lured' into armed forces

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="629" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <div class="mxb"> <div class="sh"> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="416"> <div class="storybody"> <div class="mvb"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="416" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="bottom"> <div class="mvb"><span class="byl">By Hannah Goff </span><br><span class="byd">BBC News, at the NUT Conference </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" width="416"><br>  </div> <p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="203" align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <div><img alt="Soldiers" border="0" height="152" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41652000/jpg/_41652862_soldiers203.jpg" width="203"> <div class="cap">The MoD says it visits schools only when invited</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Teachers are accusing the Ministry of Defence of using "sophisticated" methods to lure youngsters, often in deprived areas, into the armed forces.</b> <p>National Union of Teachers delegates in Manchester will debate a motion later calling for an end to "recruitment" in schools in England and Wales. <p>Teachers say pupils are not made fully aware of what they are signing up to. <p>The MoD says it is invited into about 1,000 schools a year, but its teams go to raise awareness not recruit. <p><b>'Informed choices'</b> <p>Catherine Brennan, a teacher from Croydon, south London, who is presenting the motion, said recruiters use information which does not allow young people to make informed choices. <p>"They are too young to vote, too young to drink, too young to drive, but they are considered old enough to sign up for years in the armed forces without being fully aware of what they are signing themselves up for in their lives," she said. <p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="208" align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width="5"></td> <td class="sibtbg"> <div> <div class="mva"><img alt="" border="0" height="13" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif" width="24"> <b>We are talking about a much more sophisticated method of recruitment</b> <img align="right" alt="" border="0" height="13" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif" width="23"><br clear="all"> </div></div> <div class="mva"> <div>Chris Kelly</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Another teacher, Chris Kelly, from Lambeth, south London, said: "The Ministry of Defence has got a programme for distributing information to every secondary school. They run programmes across the country and send army personnel to talk to young people in schools. <p>"These are often in areas of high levels of unemployment." <p>Humanitarian work, such as digging wells in war-ravaged Sierra Leone, is often highlighted alongside the chance to improve interpersonal skills. <p>Mr Kelly added: "We are talking about a much more sophisticated method of recruitment - putting eligible young people who are good communicators in assembly halls." <p><b>'Limited opportunities'</b> <p>NUT general secretary Steve Sinnott told reporters before the NUT conference that he was concerned youngsters from poorer backgrounds were being targeted. <p>"Youngsters from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have more limited opportunities in life than youngsters from better off backgrounds. <p>"It's simply a fact. I am not saying that youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds cannot get something from a career in the military." <p>A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "We do not recruit in schools. <p>"The single-service schools teams visit about 1,000 schools a year between them only at the invitation of the school - with the aim of raising the general awareness of their armed forces in society, not to recruit." <p>Roger Leighton, head teacher of Sydney Russell School, in Dagenham Essex, said people could have a fantastic life with a career in the armed forces. <p>"I can't see any problem with the army coming in and recruiting in schools," he added</p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Science - Technology Pupils 'lured' into armed forces

  By Hannah Goff BBC News, at the NUT Conference   The MoD says it visits schools only when invited Teachers are accu...

Read more »

Lao PM appreciates cultural and sports ties

<p><span class="Header_Gray" id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblDatePosted">21/03/2008 -- 8:34 PM</span></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><font face="verdana" size="2"><span id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblContent"><strong><em>Vientiane (VNA) –</em></strong> Lao Prime Minsiter Bouasone Bouphavanh said he highly values the cooperation in culture, sports and tourism between Laos and Viet Nam in recent years.<br> <br>The Lao PM made the statement while receiving a visiting delegation from Vietnam 's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism led by Minister Hoang Tuan Anh in Vientiane on March 21.<br><br>He praised Vietnam for funding a number of cultural work, adding that upcoming projects to restore the Kaysone Phomvihan Museum and build a national arts college and a sports training centre in Laos are clear evidence of the special Lao-Viet Nam relationship.<br> <br>PM Bouasone said he believed that with Viet Nam 's assistance, Laos will successfully organise the 25 th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next year.<br><br>Minister Tuan Anh said the two sides will soon implement signed cooperation agreements and prepare for long-term cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Laos ' Ministry of Culture and Information, National Sports Committee and Tourism Administration.-Enditem<br> </span></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

Science - Technology Lao PM appreciates cultural and sports ties

21/03/2008 -- 8:34 PM Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Prime Minsiter Bouasone Bouphavanh said he highly values the cooperation in culture, sp...

Read more »

US deputy security advisor visits Viet Nam

<table class="container_CTC2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td id="dnn_ctr516_ContentPane" align="left"> <div id="dnn_ctr516_ModuleContent"> <p><span class="Header_Gray" id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblDatePosted">21/03/2008 -- 10:14 PM</span></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><font face="verdana" size="2"><span id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblContent"><strong><em>Ha Noi (VNA) -</em></strong> Deputy National Security Advisor Daniel Price of the US concluded a two-day visit to Viet Nam on March 21 to boost multifaceted cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation. <br> <br>Price is also senior assistant to President George Bush on international economics policy and President special envoy at international forums such as the Group of Eight and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, <br> <br>During his first ever Viet Nam visit in the capacity of a Deputy National Security Advisor, Price had working sessions with top officials of the Government Office, the ministries of Industry and Trade, Planning and Investment, Foreign Affairs and Finance. <br> <br>Host and guest mulled measures to boost bilateral relations, while sharing a view that economic, especially commercial and investment, relations between the two countries have been strongly faring, helping develop bilateral relations. <br> <br>The two parties agreed to make greater efforts to boost friendship and multi-faceted cooperation in the principles of equality and mutual benefits in the interest of the two nations and for the sake of peace, security and stability in the region.--Enditem<br> </span></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Science - Technology US deputy security advisor visits Viet Nam

21/03/2008 -- 10:14 PM Ha Noi (VNA) - Deputy National Security Advisor Daniel Price of the US concluded a two-day visit...

Read more »

Foreign lawyers vow to stand by AO victims

<table class="container_CTC2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td id="dnn_ctr516_ContentPane" align="left"> <div id="dnn_ctr516_ModuleContent"> <p><span class="Header_Gray" id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblDatePosted">22/03/2008 -- 10:43 PM</span></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><font face="verdana" size="2"><span id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblContent"><em><strong>Hanoi (VNA) –</strong></em> Lawyers from the US and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers said they will continue standing by Vietnamese Agent Orange (AO) victims in their lawsuit against US chemical companies. <br> <br>The lawyers are in Vietnam to work with the Vietnam Association of Victims of AO/dioxin (VAVA) regarding the association's lawsuit.<br><br>Jonathan C. Moore, a spokesman for the delegation of US lawyers, who represented the plaintiff in the lawsuit at the US lower and appeal courts, told a press briefing in Hanoi on March 21 that the US courts' decisions were completely wrong in both legal and ethical aspects. He said the use of defoliants containing dioxin had caused severe damages to thousands of US war veterans and millions of Vietnamese people.<br> <br>Moore affirmed that he would continue do his utmost along with VAVA to gain justice for AO victims.<br><br>According to the US lawyer, VAVA sent a petition to the US appeal court on March 7 to request re-consideration of its judgment. If VAVA's proposal is accepted, Vietnamese AO victims will have one more hearing before all the 13 judges of the lower and appeal courts. In case the appeal court does not accept VAVA's proposal, the victims will appeal to the supreme tribunal.<br> <br>The lawsuit is of significance not only to Vietnamese and US people but also to the international community, Moore said, adding that if no one is made to take responsibility to compensate the victims, the use of toxic chemicals will recur in another war and in another country. <br> <br>Jitendra Sharma, President of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, said VAVA should further call for support from the world so that no one can reject the legitimate rights of the Vietnamese AO victims.<br> <br>He revealed that his association will organise a seminar in Tokyo in May and the Vietnamese AO issue will be on the agenda.<br><br>VAVA Vice President-cum General Secretary Tran Xuan Thu also affirmed that Vietnamese AO victims are determined to pursue the lawsuit until justice is achieved.<br> <br>VAVA representing Vietnam's AO victims began its lawsuit against 37 US chemical companies in January 2004 for the fact that these companies have produced toxic chemicals for the US Army to spray in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. <br> <br>The US lower court dismissed the petition at the hearing on March 10, 2005, saying that the defoliants that the US Army used during the war in Vietnam were not prohibited toxic weapons. <br><br>Five months later, VAVA appealed to the higher court and joined a hearing in June 2007. However, on February 22, 2008, the US appeal court dismissed the petition, reasoning that the defoliants were used to protect the US Army, not as weapons against civilians.<br> <br>Statistics released by VAVA showed that from 1961 to 1971, the US Army sprayed 80 million litres of defoliants in Vietnam , including nearly 400 kilos of dioxin. Around 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to dioxin, with 3 million of them suffering health problems related to the exposure.-Enditem<br> </span></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Science - Technology Foreign lawyers vow to stand by AO victims

22/03/2008 -- 10:43 PM Hanoi (VNA) – Lawyers from the US and the International Association of Democratic Lawyers said t...

Read more »

NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong met with RoK President

<table class="container_CTC2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="center" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td> <td class="containermaster_CTC2" nowrap></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr> <tr> <td id="dnn_ctr516_ContentPane" align="left"> <div id="dnn_ctr516_ModuleContent"> <p><span class="Header_Gray" id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblDatePosted">22/03/2008 -- 11:06 PM</span></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" colspan="2"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><font face="verdana" size="2"><span id="dnn_ctr516_NewsDetails_lblContent"><em><strong><img align="left" alt="0322Trong.jpg" border="0" height="150" src="http://www.vnagency.com.vn/Portals/0/TinTuc/2008thang03/0322Trong.jpg" width="200">Seoul (VNA) –</strong></em> National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong met with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Myung Bak in Seoul on March 22, during an official friendship visit to the RoK. <br> <br>President Lee Myung Bak thanked the Vietnamese government for creating favourable conditions for RoK businesses, which he said helped many businesses operate profitably in Vietnam . He also expressed his satisfaction at the two countries' close cooperation on international forums. <br> <br>The RoK President stressed that the RoK people have good sentiment toward Vietnam , with the number of Korean visitors to Vietnam on the rise. He said he hoped that the two countries' cooperative ties would continue to be strengthened not only in economy but also in other areas including culture. <br> <br>President Lee congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements in the renovation process. He praised Vietnam 's right policy of renovation and door opening that help attract foreign businesses. <br><br>Chairman Trong congratulated Lee Myung Bak on his election as RoK president, saying that he believed President Lee would complete his mission successfully and go on promoting the good friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK. <br> <br>The Vietnamese leader hoped that with both sides' efforts, Vietnam-RoK relations would further grow and expand towards a comprehensive partnership in the 21 st century on the basis of the two sides' potentials and advantages, and complementing each other for mutual development. <br> <br>Chairman Trong welcomed recent positive developments in the Korean Peninsula and stressed Vietnam 's support of the denuclearisation policy on the Korean Peninsula , and the resolution of all matters through negotiations, for peace, stability in the region and the world. <br> <br>The NA Chairman conveyed Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and President Nguyen Minh Triet's best regards and invitation to visit Vietnam to President Lee Myung Bak. President Lee accepted the invitation with pleasure. <br> <br>The same day, Chairman Trong met with the Vietnamese embassy staff and overseas Vietnamese in the RoK, including representatives of descendants of Vietnam 's Ly family in the RoK, who migrated to the RoK more than 800 years ago. <br> <br>Latter the same day, Chairman Trong and his delegation visited the IT exhibition house Ubiquitous Dream Hall.-Enditem <br></span></font></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Science - Technology NA Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong met with RoK President

22/03/2008 -- 11:06 PM Seoul (VNA) – National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong met with President of the Republic of ...

Read more »

Vietnam PM orders fuel price freeze

A fuel station in Ho Chi Minh City<br />In a bid to keep a lid on Vietnam’s surging inflation rate, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has ordered a freeze on fuel prices until June.<br />Speaking at a meeting Saturday with state-run Vietnam National Petroleum Corp. (Petrolimex), Dung said the government would help fuel traders cover losses caused by the widening gap between selling prices and the escalating cost of fuel on the world market.<br />Inflation hit a 12-year high of 15.67 percent in February.<br />Since then world oil prices have continued to climb, hitting a record US$110 a barrel.<br />Dung said the task of balancing the fuel supply and demand was a national priority.<br />He instructed Petrolimex and major domestic fuel importers to retain current fuel prices until at least June after the latest price hikes last month caused economic hardship across the country.<br />Dung also promised the government would keep the import tax on fuel at zero percent.<br />In February, the Ministry of Finance announced the retail price of 92-RON gasoline, the most common grade used in the country, would increase by 11.5 percent to VND14,500 (91 cents) a liter from VND13,000 (81 cents).<br />The RON, or research octane number, is a measure of the quality of gasoline.<br />The price of 95-RON gasoline was raised to VND14,800 (93 cents) from VND13,300 (83 cents).<br />Kerosene and diesel increased by VND3,700 to VND13,900 a liter (87 cents).<br />Despite the increase in fuel selling prices, domestic fuel traders have still incurred heavy losses, estimated around VND1 trillion ($63 million) a month.<br />Action in the offing<br />The government also announced financial assistance for poor households and fishermen hit hard by increased costs, including higher fuel prices, Dung said.<br />He instructed the ministries of finance and of industry and trade, and the State Bank of Vietnam to keep a close eye on domestic stocks and prices of fuel.<br />The Ministry of Finance was instructed to boost subsidies to affected fuel traders.<br />Dung directed the State Bank of Vietnam to meet the foreign currency demand of domestic fuel traders.<br />The Ministry of Industry and Trade was asked to closely monitor retail prices and take swift action against fuel smugglers, speculators and profiteers.<br />At the meeting, Dung acknowledged the range of hurdles facing economic growth, including a gloomy world economy, the depreciation of the US dollar and further increases in the price of construction materials and food.<br />He said he’d asked the ministry to take drastic measures to reduce the trade deficit.<br />Last Friday the Ministry of Construction confirmed there would be no hike in cement prices until at least the second quarter.<br />In related news, the Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announced many property investment incentives at Ha Tinh’s Cau Treo Economic Area last October.<br />Businesses at the Cau Treo Economic Area are only taxed 10 percent on their income for the 15 first years of operation.<br />Cau Treo enterprises receive a tax exemption on their income for four years after they begin earning profits.<br />They also get a 50-percent tax reduction for the next nine years.<br />Additionally, workers at the area receive a 50-percent reduction in personal income tax.<br />Materials and components imported from overseas to supply firms in the economic area are not required to pay taxes for the first five years of operation.<br />Reported by TN, agencies

News Science - Technology Vietnam PM orders fuel price freeze

A fuel station in Ho Chi Minh City In a bid to keep a lid on Vietnam’s surging inflation rate, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has ordered a ...

Read more »