Corel Corporation have announced their plans to release a new modular digital imaging platform, which they have code-named "Alta." "Representing the first hybrid product offering from Corel, Alta combines the speed, power, and security of desktop software with the connectivity and rapid enhancement cycle of Web-based applications."
Corel will make the first release of this new platform a free download that should be available by Autumn of 2006. "Once customers install the free version of Alta, they will have the tools they need to easily organize, enhance and share their digital photos and video clips. In addition, they will be able to add new functionality by upgrading additional components as they need them. This will provide customers and partners with unprecedented control and flexibility in customizing their digital imaging and photo management software." This all sounds like they've developed a modular toolkit for consumer based users to use for managing, enhancing and sharing their photos and videos.
Pics, Pixels and People - Covering photography, photographers, imaging, technology, tidbits, news and reviews...
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Adobe purchases RawShooter Technology
Adobe has announced that it has bought the 'technology assets' of Pixmantec, the Danish company behind the RawShooter raw workflow and conversion application. Adobe indicates that they expect this acquisition to strengthen their leadership in raw processing and that they will integrate Pixmantec's raw processing technology into Lightroom and other Adobe products. Although Adobe will still support and make available the Essential edition of RawShooter, the Premium edition will be discontinued. For more information visit Adobe.
iView Acquired by Microsoft
iView Multimedia has announced that it has 'joined' Microsoft. iView are the creators of MediaPro which is a digital imaging workflow and management application, created for Mac and which was later developed for Windows. Yan Calotychos, who is the founder of iView, is adamant that Mac support would continue and that the iView product range will continue to be available (and supported and that development would continue. Read the release here.
Window Seat: The Art of Digital Photography & Creative Thinking
Reviewed by: Mario Georgiou, June 2006
Written by: Julieanne Kost
ISBN: 0596100833
Published by: O'Reilly
Requires: N/A
MSRP: US$39.99, UK£28.50, CAD$55.99
Julieanne Kost is a creative artist and Photoshop expert who has spent much of her professional career as an evangelist for Adobe. Her talents are evident to anyone who has been exposed to her work and knowledge through one of the many workshops she presents. The concept behind Window Seat is just what the title suggests—a look into the creative process, an intimate window into the way Kost sees the world, and a creative exploration of subject matter which, even if commonly experienced, is something many of us who travel take very much for granted.
When I received the publication in early May 2006 I really enjoyed reading it and looking at the images that Kost created for this excellent book. The often rich and beautiful images presented in Window Seat were created from photos she took while flying from one city to another. Taking photos from the vantage point of an airplane cabin window is no mean feat because the glass which protects passengers from the world outside also makes it very difficult to get any useful photos. The images Kost has created are substantially and skillfully reworked by her using Photoshop. All the shots are taken using the camera without any sort of flash unit (you're dozens, hundreds or thousands of feet from anything which kind of makes a flash useless, besides which any sort of flash would reflect back from the cabin window and ruin most photos anyway).
The book is organized into three distinct sections and an introduction. The textual content only spans some thirty or so pages with the rest of the pages dedicated to stunning images and screenshots of Photoshop in action.
The first section, The Art of Creative Thinking, details some eighteen key philosophical insights and working practices. This book isn't as instructional as it is insightful, so you will get more out of experiencing it than you will by just reading it. It is more like walking into a gallery of Kost's works with her as the guide providing you with thoughts about the process of creativity rather than about the work itself.
The practical component is demonstrated in literally the last 25 or so pages of this book, but this is more than enough to demonstrate what one can achieve within the scope of the dedicated application of these excellent tools.
My only criticisms are that the book was too short and that the images would have benefited more from being printed using a high fidelity process. Having said this, it’s not a real criticism but more of a desire to see more of these images and have them displayed in a medium which truly does them justice. Experiencing this book reminded me of another one I bought a few years ago called, "Ember Glance: The Permanence of Memory". It featured images of an installation of sculpture, sound and light by David Sylvian & Russell Mills. What is key about both books is their experiential nature.
After finishing Window Seat, I took it down to the pub with me one day and came across a friend. He opened the book out of curiosity and this led to one of the most enjoyable chats I've had in a long time, the most delightful part of which was watching his facial expressions as he discovered each image and felt compelled to offer his interpretation of what he saw. This to me reveals what art is all about and also the very personal and experiential nature of what we encounter in it. Window Seat is as much about the thinking and philosophy of creativity as it is about the practical exploration of artistic processes.
Cons: Very few. It could have been longer and printed using a high fidelity process. The Textual content is somewhat thin.
Pros: Window Seat is well written and features a clean layout and design which adds to the reading experience. Kost's beautiful images are a tapestry which is a pleasure to behold. If you have been looking for a book with which to explore the working of the creative mind, then look no further—Window Seat is it. The book is filled with insights and excellent images which will open your eyes and inspire you to think about the world around you in new and creative ways. What is truly enjoyable is that it opens an intimate window into Julieanne Kost's working processes and the thoughts behind them. Highly recommended.
This review has been reproduced in its entirety from Kickstartnews.com
Written by: Julieanne Kost
ISBN: 0596100833
Published by: O'Reilly
Requires: N/A
MSRP: US$39.99, UK£28.50, CAD$55.99
Julieanne Kost is a creative artist and Photoshop expert who has spent much of her professional career as an evangelist for Adobe. Her talents are evident to anyone who has been exposed to her work and knowledge through one of the many workshops she presents. The concept behind Window Seat is just what the title suggests—a look into the creative process, an intimate window into the way Kost sees the world, and a creative exploration of subject matter which, even if commonly experienced, is something many of us who travel take very much for granted.
When I received the publication in early May 2006 I really enjoyed reading it and looking at the images that Kost created for this excellent book. The often rich and beautiful images presented in Window Seat were created from photos she took while flying from one city to another. Taking photos from the vantage point of an airplane cabin window is no mean feat because the glass which protects passengers from the world outside also makes it very difficult to get any useful photos. The images Kost has created are substantially and skillfully reworked by her using Photoshop. All the shots are taken using the camera without any sort of flash unit (you're dozens, hundreds or thousands of feet from anything which kind of makes a flash useless, besides which any sort of flash would reflect back from the cabin window and ruin most photos anyway).
The book is organized into three distinct sections and an introduction. The textual content only spans some thirty or so pages with the rest of the pages dedicated to stunning images and screenshots of Photoshop in action.
The first section, The Art of Creative Thinking, details some eighteen key philosophical insights and working practices. This book isn't as instructional as it is insightful, so you will get more out of experiencing it than you will by just reading it. It is more like walking into a gallery of Kost's works with her as the guide providing you with thoughts about the process of creativity rather than about the work itself.
The practical component is demonstrated in literally the last 25 or so pages of this book, but this is more than enough to demonstrate what one can achieve within the scope of the dedicated application of these excellent tools.
My only criticisms are that the book was too short and that the images would have benefited more from being printed using a high fidelity process. Having said this, it’s not a real criticism but more of a desire to see more of these images and have them displayed in a medium which truly does them justice. Experiencing this book reminded me of another one I bought a few years ago called, "Ember Glance: The Permanence of Memory". It featured images of an installation of sculpture, sound and light by David Sylvian & Russell Mills. What is key about both books is their experiential nature.
After finishing Window Seat, I took it down to the pub with me one day and came across a friend. He opened the book out of curiosity and this led to one of the most enjoyable chats I've had in a long time, the most delightful part of which was watching his facial expressions as he discovered each image and felt compelled to offer his interpretation of what he saw. This to me reveals what art is all about and also the very personal and experiential nature of what we encounter in it. Window Seat is as much about the thinking and philosophy of creativity as it is about the practical exploration of artistic processes.
Cons: Very few. It could have been longer and printed using a high fidelity process. The Textual content is somewhat thin.
Pros: Window Seat is well written and features a clean layout and design which adds to the reading experience. Kost's beautiful images are a tapestry which is a pleasure to behold. If you have been looking for a book with which to explore the working of the creative mind, then look no further—Window Seat is it. The book is filled with insights and excellent images which will open your eyes and inspire you to think about the world around you in new and creative ways. What is truly enjoyable is that it opens an intimate window into Julieanne Kost's working processes and the thoughts behind them. Highly recommended.
This review has been reproduced in its entirety from Kickstartnews.com
Sunday, June 25, 2006
News for week of June 18 - 25
111 Megapixel Sensor
DALSA Semiconductor announced that it has developed the worlds first 100 plus megapixel sensor. This sensor, is specifically aimed at astronomy and features 10,560 x 10,560 pixels. The sensors active area measures approximately four by four inches and has a 9 µm pixel pitch. The sensor has been jointly developed with Semiconductor Technology Associates for the US Naval Observatory. I for one, am looking forward to seeing the images it produces.
Google launches Picasa Web Albums
Google announced a new web albums feature for their photo management application, Picasa. The new feature, which is only available by invitation at the moment, enables quick and easy uploading of images from Picasa to a Google hosted gallery system. With the Web Albums you get 250 MB of storage free and for $25 a year you can add an additional 6 GB of storage.
DPReview posts an exclusive preview of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
For those of you who are fans of Leica Lenses DPReview have got an exclusive preview of the new Lumix DMC-L1 which uses Leica "D" class lenses. This Camera is designed to comply with Four Thirds™ standard. Visit DPReview for their exclusive hands-on preview.
ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters will be available at Ritz Camera and Image stores
ExpoImaging told DPReview that their ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters will soon be available in Ritz Camera and Image stores nationwide as well as through Ritz Camera online. "The ExpoDisc design enables it to receive, scramble and transmit light from a wide angle in front of the disc through to the camera’s image sensor for a faster, easier and more accurate white balance correction. This produces excellent results, even in mixed light."
"Each ExpoDisc is manufactured and individually calibrated by hand to strict tolerances of light transmission and color neutrality. Consisting of multiple layers of carefully selected and matched optical grade materials, each ExpoDisc is guaranteed for neutrality (+/- 2%) for demanding photographic professionals." For more information visit ExpoImaging Inc.
Bibble Labs updated to 4.8
Bibble Labs have just released version 4.8 of Bibble Labs Pro and Bibble Labs Lite. These new versions are available free to existing Bibble 4 owners. This release includes advanced lens correction (distortion, chromatic aberrations and vignetting) as well as B&W and spot color filters. It also adds support for the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Visit BibbleLabs for the new version.
Apple releases Aperture update.
Apple have released Aperture 1.1.2 for Mac. This appears to be largely a maintenance and performance based release. Apple have indicated that the release "addresses issues related to overall reliability and performance." I need to get a mac to take a look at Aperture and Lightroom. The update for aperture is available here.
DALSA Semiconductor announced that it has developed the worlds first 100 plus megapixel sensor. This sensor, is specifically aimed at astronomy and features 10,560 x 10,560 pixels. The sensors active area measures approximately four by four inches and has a 9 µm pixel pitch. The sensor has been jointly developed with Semiconductor Technology Associates for the US Naval Observatory. I for one, am looking forward to seeing the images it produces.
Google launches Picasa Web Albums
Google announced a new web albums feature for their photo management application, Picasa. The new feature, which is only available by invitation at the moment, enables quick and easy uploading of images from Picasa to a Google hosted gallery system. With the Web Albums you get 250 MB of storage free and for $25 a year you can add an additional 6 GB of storage.
DPReview posts an exclusive preview of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
For those of you who are fans of Leica Lenses DPReview have got an exclusive preview of the new Lumix DMC-L1 which uses Leica "D" class lenses. This Camera is designed to comply with Four Thirds™ standard. Visit DPReview for their exclusive hands-on preview.
ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters will be available at Ritz Camera and Image stores
ExpoImaging told DPReview that their ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filters will soon be available in Ritz Camera and Image stores nationwide as well as through Ritz Camera online. "The ExpoDisc design enables it to receive, scramble and transmit light from a wide angle in front of the disc through to the camera’s image sensor for a faster, easier and more accurate white balance correction. This produces excellent results, even in mixed light."
"Each ExpoDisc is manufactured and individually calibrated by hand to strict tolerances of light transmission and color neutrality. Consisting of multiple layers of carefully selected and matched optical grade materials, each ExpoDisc is guaranteed for neutrality (+/- 2%) for demanding photographic professionals." For more information visit ExpoImaging Inc.
Bibble Labs updated to 4.8
Bibble Labs have just released version 4.8 of Bibble Labs Pro and Bibble Labs Lite. These new versions are available free to existing Bibble 4 owners. This release includes advanced lens correction (distortion, chromatic aberrations and vignetting) as well as B&W and spot color filters. It also adds support for the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Visit BibbleLabs for the new version.
Apple releases Aperture update.
Apple have released Aperture 1.1.2 for Mac. This appears to be largely a maintenance and performance based release. Apple have indicated that the release "addresses issues related to overall reliability and performance." I need to get a mac to take a look at Aperture and Lightroom. The update for aperture is available here.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Adobe releases Lightroom Beta 3
Adobe have posted Lightroom Beta 3, the latest public release of the their upcoming pro photo management and RAW conversion application. Lightroom is still Mac only, I'm dying to get my hands on a Wintel release. More information on what's new is in Lightroom's release notes.
Photoshop World Opens Registration With Discount Offer.
Photoshop World Conference & Expo – the largest Photoshop educational event in the world – will be held September 7-9 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Photoshop World is offering an advance registration discount of $100 until Friday, August 4th. Registration is open at photoshopworld.com or by calling 800-738-8513, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM EST.
Thinck.com Launches Online ICC Colour Profiling Service
In what looks to be a reasonably priced service, Thinck.com have announced the launch of its ICC Colour Profiling Service. It promises to make high-quality colour management available at affordable prices using a system which allows users to download the appropriate test charts (colour targets), print them out and subsequently send them to Thinck.com by post. Thinck indicate in their press release that less than a week later, the customer will receive their new printer profile via email. Prices start at €45.00 for a RGB or CMYK printer profile.
Whilst this is a good start I can see that this will have to go hand in hand with solutions in the most important are of colour management - Calibration of Display Devices. For more information the service, visit thinck.com.
Whilst this is a good start I can see that this will have to go hand in hand with solutions in the most important are of colour management - Calibration of Display Devices. For more information the service, visit thinck.com.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Announcing Spymac Galleries
I dont usually like to quote directly from press releases but the following is excerpted from a relase I received from Spymacs PR Agency -Thomas PR
June 12, 2006, NY, NY – Spymac www.spymac.com, the largest Macintosh community with over 1 million members, announced today Spymac Galleries, the first photo and video community that lets you express yourself like never before. Post photos, movies and music online for free and then discuss personal photos, new music, crazy videos, gossip, news, etc. online with friends and other Spymac members.
Available for Mac and Windows, Spymac Galleries let you upload for free massive multimedia files of up to 3GB using new “Spymac Disk” technology for exceptional drag-n-drop ease of use. An additional 9GB of online storage space and other services are also available to Spymac Club members for a small annual fee of only $25/year. Users can share or embed their photos and videos in their own or other’s blogs, auctions and web pages.
Spymac Galleries – Create Your Own Photo & Video Community
With Spymac Galleries, the emphasis is on community. Socialize, build relationships, and have fun sharing and exploring files, bookmarks, multimedia, schedules and other content with your friends and family. Files can be made public or viewable only to your friends and colleagues. Spymac visitors can comment, rate, and be polled on new multimedia creations for an unequaled interactive experience and a true community of friends and family all over the world.
Easy to Use Spymac Disk Technology
Posting to the Spymac Galleries is extremely easy. Using new Spymac Disk technology with advanced AJAX and WebDAV features, photo and video galleries can be quickly designed by dragging and dropping files. Spymac Disk makes it easy to drag files from your computer to the Spymac servers, where they can be displayed and viewed. Spymac Disk shows up on your desktop as a drive (just as an iPod or other storage device would), and managing files is just as simple as dragging and dropping photos, music and video from the drive where they are located to the Spymac Disk drive. Spymac Disk synchronizes with the Spymac site in the background while you work, so sharing and storing files online has never been easier.
Should definitely be an interesting experience and worthy of some exploration. Visit Spymac now and sign up for an account.
June 12, 2006, NY, NY – Spymac www.spymac.com, the largest Macintosh community with over 1 million members, announced today Spymac Galleries, the first photo and video community that lets you express yourself like never before. Post photos, movies and music online for free and then discuss personal photos, new music, crazy videos, gossip, news, etc. online with friends and other Spymac members.
Available for Mac and Windows, Spymac Galleries let you upload for free massive multimedia files of up to 3GB using new “Spymac Disk” technology for exceptional drag-n-drop ease of use. An additional 9GB of online storage space and other services are also available to Spymac Club members for a small annual fee of only $25/year. Users can share or embed their photos and videos in their own or other’s blogs, auctions and web pages.
Spymac Galleries – Create Your Own Photo & Video Community
With Spymac Galleries, the emphasis is on community. Socialize, build relationships, and have fun sharing and exploring files, bookmarks, multimedia, schedules and other content with your friends and family. Files can be made public or viewable only to your friends and colleagues. Spymac visitors can comment, rate, and be polled on new multimedia creations for an unequaled interactive experience and a true community of friends and family all over the world.
Easy to Use Spymac Disk Technology
Posting to the Spymac Galleries is extremely easy. Using new Spymac Disk technology with advanced AJAX and WebDAV features, photo and video galleries can be quickly designed by dragging and dropping files. Spymac Disk makes it easy to drag files from your computer to the Spymac servers, where they can be displayed and viewed. Spymac Disk shows up on your desktop as a drive (just as an iPod or other storage device would), and managing files is just as simple as dragging and dropping photos, music and video from the drive where they are located to the Spymac Disk drive. Spymac Disk synchronizes with the Spymac site in the background while you work, so sharing and storing files online has never been easier.
Should definitely be an interesting experience and worthy of some exploration. Visit Spymac now and sign up for an account.
Photography Great, Arnold Newman Dies
Another great has left us ... Arnold Newman is perhaps one of the most candid and powerful photographers you will ever come across. His work is famous for capturing the essence of his subjects. His portraits of Igor Stravinsky, Pablo Picasso, Marilyn Monroe, Otto Frank, Andrew Wyeth, Andy Warhol and Alfried Krupp are excellent examples of his ability to capture and convey character. His death is a great loss to us. To see some of his powerful images visit PDNs Legends Online and Digital Journalist.
I leave you with a quote which captures the essence of his talent -
I leave you with a quote which captures the essence of his talent -
We do not take pictures with our cameras,
but with our hearts and minds.
but with our hearts and minds.
Arnold Newman 88 - 1918-2006
News for June 2 - 12
HP recalls Photosmart R707 cameras
HP is recalling nearly 700,000 Photosmart R707 cameras dues to reports of a fire which was apparently caused when the camera was fitted with a non-rechargeable battery. A firmware update has been released which corrects the problem -- or they can contact HP to have the update carried out. The Firmware is available here.
Sony introduces Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR.
Sony have relased their much awaited DSLR, known as the Alpha (α) DSLR-A100, the camera is based upon Konica Minolta's Maxxum 5D/7D models. This further reinforces the continuation of the Konica/Minolta product line (which Sony bought last year) whilst bolstering Sonys Digicam offerings. In addition there are also 19 new lenses, including three from German lensmaker Carl Zeiss.
The basic specs are listed below, and if you want more details be sure to check out the reviews from Digital Camera Resource or DP Review
Alpha DSLR-A100:
10.2 effective Megapixel CCD, produces images at 3872 x 2592
Super SteadyShot CCD-shift image stabilization system
Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, supports most KM lenses and all the new Sony ones.
A hardware based Dynamic Range Optimizer.
Two dust reduction systems: special coating on sensor repels dust, and CCD "shakes" the rest off when camera is turned on/off.
2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixels.
Enhanced full manual capability
ISO support up to 1600
RAW, RAW + JPEG support
Unlimited JPEG continuous shooting at 3 fps
Proprietary Hot shoe for external flash.
CompactFlash Type II slot; Memory Stick Duo adapter included
USB 2.0 High Speed support
Uses new NP-FM55H lithium-ion battery; 750 shots per charge
Ships in July for $899 body only or $999 with a Sony 18 - 70 mm lens
HP is recalling nearly 700,000 Photosmart R707 cameras dues to reports of a fire which was apparently caused when the camera was fitted with a non-rechargeable battery. A firmware update has been released which corrects the problem -- or they can contact HP to have the update carried out. The Firmware is available here.
Sony introduces Alpha DSLR-A100 digital SLR.
Sony have relased their much awaited DSLR, known as the Alpha (α) DSLR-A100, the camera is based upon Konica Minolta's Maxxum 5D/7D models. This further reinforces the continuation of the Konica/Minolta product line (which Sony bought last year) whilst bolstering Sonys Digicam offerings. In addition there are also 19 new lenses, including three from German lensmaker Carl Zeiss.
The basic specs are listed below, and if you want more details be sure to check out the reviews from Digital Camera Resource or DP Review
Alpha DSLR-A100:
10.2 effective Megapixel CCD, produces images at 3872 x 2592
Super SteadyShot CCD-shift image stabilization system
Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, supports most KM lenses and all the new Sony ones.
A hardware based Dynamic Range Optimizer.
Two dust reduction systems: special coating on sensor repels dust, and CCD "shakes" the rest off when camera is turned on/off.
2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixels.
Enhanced full manual capability
ISO support up to 1600
RAW, RAW + JPEG support
Unlimited JPEG continuous shooting at 3 fps
Proprietary Hot shoe for external flash.
CompactFlash Type II slot; Memory Stick Duo adapter included
USB 2.0 High Speed support
Uses new NP-FM55H lithium-ion battery; 750 shots per charge
Ships in July for $899 body only or $999 with a Sony 18 - 70 mm lens
Thursday, June 01, 2006
ArcSoft announce Panorama Maker 4
ArcSoft Panorama Maker 4 allows users to easily create seamless panoramic images from a series of digital photos. In the words of Mr. Stephan Cote, ArcSoft Vice President of Sales, Desktop Imaging Group. "Panorama Maker 4 is truly an amazing piece of software. In just seconds it will stitch a small set of pictures into a beautiful, wide-angle shot or turn a whole series of photos into a panoramic work of art, ... Almost every part of Panorama Maker has been upgraded. The workflow has been simplified, photo selection and photo ordering is now fully automated and photo stitching is fast and flawless. Fans of the previous version will love this upgrade but it's going to turn a lot of new heads too." I'll download a demo and try it out and report back when I get a chance. Panorama Maker 4 is available from the ArcSoft website.
Nikon Announce D2Xs and New Software
Nikon announced the D2Xs, which is a slightly upgraded D2X. The improvements include a larger 2.5" LCD, electronic masking of the focusing screen in high-speed crop mode, modified metering in high-speed crop mode, longer lasting battery life, a black and white mode, Adobe RGB in all color modes, up to 3 custom tone curves, 1/3 step ISO boost options, in-camera trim functions, and it's compatible with image authentication systems.
Nikon have also announced Nikon Camera Control Pro and Nikon Image Authentication. The former is an enhancement of Nikon Capture 4 Camera Control, and is compatible with Nikon Capture NX. Nikon Image Authentication is a Windows only product and is aimed at law enforcement, government, media and insurance markets. The software enables the integrity verification of images captured with the D2Xs, it can report if metadata or even the image itself has been altered since the image was taken. This last tool is especially important in forensics and any situation where images require legal usage and fidelity.
Nikon have also announced Nikon Camera Control Pro and Nikon Image Authentication. The former is an enhancement of Nikon Capture 4 Camera Control, and is compatible with Nikon Capture NX. Nikon Image Authentication is a Windows only product and is aimed at law enforcement, government, media and insurance markets. The software enables the integrity verification of images captured with the D2Xs, it can report if metadata or even the image itself has been altered since the image was taken. This last tool is especially important in forensics and any situation where images require legal usage and fidelity.
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