Digital Camera News: Nikon and Crumpler Bags, Canon Powershot G7 RAW Mode, RitzPIX.com Redesign

Nikon and Crumpler Bags Team Up

Nikon and Crumpler have teamed up to create two bags: "This" and "That". The new camera bags combine the Crumpler build quality with the Nikon black and yellow colors. Both bags can accommodate a compact SLR, two lenses, an external flash and still have room for accessories. The bags are constructed of heavy duty nylon with a waterproof lining.

The "This" backpack features a new "Spread-em" opening, easy access outer side pocket, inside one mesh window pocket with zip and a padded detachable photo compartment with adjustable internal dividers and super strong shoulder straps.

The "That" is a dedicated photo bag that features a "Prince Charles" protective seal and protective seal protectors, front pocket mesh, adjustable shoulder strap and comfy pad, super secure Velcro fastening with clip and adjustable internal dividers.

Unfortunately, it looks like these bags are only going to be available in Europe, in December 2006.

More info at PhotographyBlog

Why The Canon Powershot G7 Didn't Get RAW

The new Canon Powershot G7 really disappointed fans of the product line by coming without support for shooting RAW images. Many review sites considered it a "downgrade". Cnet is running an article in which they give a little background about the issue and a response from Canon. The Powershot G7 features a 10 megapixel sensor, which is the same size as the 7.1 megapixel sensor in the G6. So, each pixel on the sensor is much smaller. A smaller pixel means that it gets harder to distinguish between the signal from incoming light and the "noise" of the digital sensor. For this reason, Chuck Westfall, director of media and customer relations for Canon, says:

"The net result is that even if the G7 offered raw image capture...there would be no discernible improvement in image quality compared to...superfine JPEG mode"

Full article: http://news.com.com/2061-10801_3-6139374.html

RitzPIX.com Launches Site Redesign

RitzPIX.com, the online photo site of Ritz Camera, has announced a redesign of their site, created by LifePics. Services like this are great if you like to order your pictures online, but like the speed and convenience of being able to pick up your prints in a store. They've added many new one-hour imaging products and new features. The new services include:

• Prints, Big Big Enlargements, CDs, and Holiday Cards for pick up in as little as one hour
• Free “Ritz Photo Safe”Storage of all uploaded images
• Free sharing and free prints every time you share
• Free Auto-Archive uploads of all printed images, from film and digital media, from our stores. Image Rewards members only.
• Over 60 new photo gifts and photo books
• Live online technical help

In addition to the new features, the site also supports sharing your images and performing any fixes or enhancements that you need to do.