Microsoft have released an updated beta version of their HD Photo plug-in for Photoshop for Windows, they have also introduced a Universal Binary beta for Photoshop for Mac. Microsoft's Bill Crow, Program Manager for HD Photo, has indicated on his blog, that these are likely to be functionally identical to the final versions of the plug-ins for each platform.
HD Photo is a free download for bothWindows and Mac. Microsoft and the JPEG Group recently announced that they have begun the process of standardizing HD Photo as a new variant of JPEG. HD Photo will most likely become known as JPEG XR.
Pics, Pixels and People - Covering photography, photographers, imaging, technology, tidbits, news and reviews...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Nikon Announce New Compacts
Nikon have followed up their announcement of the D3 and D300, with news of several new compact digicam models. This includes their 12.1 megapixel, Coolpix P5100, the 8.1 megapixel Coolpix P50, the S700 with image stabilization, and other models like the S510, the S51 and 51c and the entry level L14 and L15. All should be available in the UK from September.
Ricoh Announce New R7
Ricoh has updated its R-series of compact digicams with the Caplio R7. The optical specs remain the same as the R6 with a 28-200mm equivalent lens and CCD-shift image stabilization, however the sensor has been upgraded to 8.15 megapixels - up from 7.2 MP - image processing has also been updated to include Smooth Imaging Engine III. Available in black, silver or orange, the Caplio R7 will be available in the UK from September 2007 for around £230.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Focus On Digital Art Masters: Volume 2
Digital Art Masters: Volume 2
3D Total and Focal Press
US $39.95 UK £22.99
This is a title which takes a case study based look at the world of Digital Graphics and Art. I was pleasantly surprised to get this book as just the week before I had place it on my to-buy list. Digital Art Masters 2 is without a doubt an example of the kind of showcase based publication that both pros and enthusiasts will enjoy. Page after page focuses on showcasing some prime examples of work from some of the best artists in the industry.
The 3D renderings showcased here were mind blowing, there were examples which looked like paintings produced by some of the old masters, and others which look like the real thing. The 2D based illustrations don't dissappoint with examples from Benita Winckler, Hoang Nguyen and Mikko Kikkunen leading the pack. What I really appreciated was the work showing how 3D and 2D skills can be combined to create some incredible imagery.
Page after page of this book made me as an artist feel inspired and challenged by the work of my fellow imageers. If for no other reason than to add this book to your library of Artbooks you won't go wrong ... Highly Recommended. Buy it, it's well worth the price.
3D Total and Focal Press
US $39.95 UK £22.99
This is a title which takes a case study based look at the world of Digital Graphics and Art. I was pleasantly surprised to get this book as just the week before I had place it on my to-buy list. Digital Art Masters 2 is without a doubt an example of the kind of showcase based publication that both pros and enthusiasts will enjoy. Page after page focuses on showcasing some prime examples of work from some of the best artists in the industry.
The 3D renderings showcased here were mind blowing, there were examples which looked like paintings produced by some of the old masters, and others which look like the real thing. The 2D based illustrations don't dissappoint with examples from Benita Winckler, Hoang Nguyen and Mikko Kikkunen leading the pack. What I really appreciated was the work showing how 3D and 2D skills can be combined to create some incredible imagery.
Page after page of this book made me as an artist feel inspired and challenged by the work of my fellow imageers. If for no other reason than to add this book to your library of Artbooks you won't go wrong ... Highly Recommended. Buy it, it's well worth the price.
Nikon Unveil Full Frame D3 & new D300
After what has to be one of the longest waits Nikon released a Full Frame D-SLR, featuring a CMOS based 12.1 megapixel sensor. D3. The D3 is centred around speed and sensitivity, with a base sensitivity of ISO 200 to 6400 and an additional two stop range above that (up to ISO 25600). The D3 can shoot at nine frames per second with AF tracking, and up to eleven frames per second without. The D3 should be available in November, at around US$5000. Other capabilities included their new EXPEED image processor, a new 51-point AF sensor, color AF tracking, dual CF compartments featuring UDMA support, an amazing 3.0" Live View Display, HDMI video output, and even a virtual horizon function which can tell you when you're holding the D3 level.
The D300 also features a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, albeit a 1.5x FCF, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400, HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and the 3.0" Live View Display. The D300 should be available in November, at around US$1800.
Visit DPReview for more info...
The D300 also features a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, albeit a 1.5x FCF, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400, HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and the 3.0" Live View Display. The D300 should be available in November, at around US$1800.
Visit DPReview for more info...
Canon Announce New Cameras and Lenses
Canon announced a slew of new cameras and lenses, including the 20MP Canon Eos 1Ds Mk III, the 10MP Eos 40D, and the Powershot G9. Other products include the SD (ixus) 950i P&S, the Digital IXUS 860 IS, PowerShot A650 IS and the PowerShot A720 IS. On the optical front they have released an updated version of their EF 14 mm F2.8 L USM lens, and also a couple of EF-s based lenses; the Canon 18-55 mm IS and 55-250 mm IS.
Monday, August 06, 2007
ImageTrends Announce Sensor Kleen
Image Trends, Inc.™ which was formed from the core of the former Applied Science Fiction group, is pleased to announce the SensorKleen Pro™ a stand alone Windows application that allows the user to automatically erase sensor based dust and debris in DSLR camera images.
When they announced SensorKleen SmartBrush™ back in March ’07 at PMA Image Trends indicated that the Pro version would be available later in the year. True to their word they are making it available and are crediting the original purchase price of the SensorKleen SmartBrush towards the purchase of SensorKleen Pro. They are actually giving the user a free upgrade to SensorKleen Pro, saving them the $50 difference in price as a customer loyalty benefit.
In June of this year they also announced the PearlyWhites™ and ShineOff™ Plug-Ins. At the time they stated that the Mac versions would be available soon. Based on market reaction to these products the Mac OSX delivery was pushed up. With the products being made available with immediate effect. For more info visit Image Trends...
When they announced SensorKleen SmartBrush™ back in March ’07 at PMA Image Trends indicated that the Pro version would be available later in the year. True to their word they are making it available and are crediting the original purchase price of the SensorKleen SmartBrush towards the purchase of SensorKleen Pro. They are actually giving the user a free upgrade to SensorKleen Pro, saving them the $50 difference in price as a customer loyalty benefit.
In June of this year they also announced the PearlyWhites™ and ShineOff™ Plug-Ins. At the time they stated that the Mac versions would be available soon. Based on market reaction to these products the Mac OSX delivery was pushed up. With the products being made available with immediate effect. For more info visit Image Trends...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
DFT Announce Power Stroke 1.0
DFT have announced the release of Power Stroke version 1.0, a stroke based color correction, colorization and special effects plug-in. Designed with the digital photographers, graphic designers and artists in mind, Power Stroke uses a simple, interactive stroke-based interface to quickly and intuitively perform targeted adjustments. Instead of meticulously selecting regions or hand- painting masks, regions of interest are isolated by drawing a few simple brush strokes with adjustments then made only in those areas. Strokes can be assigned multiple corrections and effects such as color correction, recoloring or desaturation, colorization of black and white images, blur, fill light for dimly lit image areas and diffusion/glow.
"Based on the concepts of luminance-weighted chrominance blending and fast intrinsic distance computations, Power Stroke produces high quality results at a fraction of the complexity and computational cost of previous techniques." From what I can see DFT have created yet another easy to use and useful tool for imageers and photographers.
Power Stroke is based on research and technology by Liron Yatziv and Guillermo Sapiro from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, and is exclusively licensed by Digital Film Tools. For more information visit Digital Film Tools.
"Based on the concepts of luminance-weighted chrominance blending and fast intrinsic distance computations, Power Stroke produces high quality results at a fraction of the complexity and computational cost of previous techniques." From what I can see DFT have created yet another easy to use and useful tool for imageers and photographers.
Power Stroke is based on research and technology by Liron Yatziv and Guillermo Sapiro from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, and is exclusively licensed by Digital Film Tools. For more information visit Digital Film Tools.
Ballistic Publishing Releases Expose 5
Ballistic Published have release their latest edition of their popular and gorgeous EXPOSÉ books. EXPOSÉ 5 which was judged by an international team of leading artists features 298 examples of the world’s best digital art prepared by 218 artists from 45 countries. EXPOSÉ 5 includes the work of 108 unpublished artists.
All editions of EXPOSÉ 5 are available for immediate shipping.EXPOSÉ 5 is available in three editions: Hard Cover (USD$55); Soft Cover (USD$65); and Limited Edition (USD$145). The Limited Edition release includes an additional 16 pages of artist profiles and eight Limited Edition prints, unavailable with the Hard Cover or Soft Cover editions. Go to the Ballistic website to flick through the entire book at
Ballistic Publishing.
All editions of EXPOSÉ 5 are available for immediate shipping.EXPOSÉ 5 is available in three editions: Hard Cover (USD$55); Soft Cover (USD$65); and Limited Edition (USD$145). The Limited Edition release includes an additional 16 pages of artist profiles and eight Limited Edition prints, unavailable with the Hard Cover or Soft Cover editions. Go to the Ballistic website to flick through the entire book at
Ballistic Publishing.
Friday, July 20, 2007
DFT Announce Power Mask 1.0
Power Mask version 1.0, is according to DFT, the first real time, interactive masking tool. As you paint along the edge of the object to be extracted, either the mask or the final composite can be revealed instantly. Powermask simply updates the object to be extracted in real time. Power Mask can extract almost any object in an image -- fine hair detail, smoke, or reflections can be handled with ease. Once a mask is extracted, using Power Mask the foreground object can be seamlessly composed onto a new background in Adobe Photoshop as well as apply filter and image corrections only within the area defined by the mask.
Power Mask is based on unpublished research and technology by Jue Wang from the University of Washington and is exclusively licensed by Digital Film Tools. For more information visit Digital Film Tools
Power Mask is based on unpublished research and technology by Jue Wang from the University of Washington and is exclusively licensed by Digital Film Tools. For more information visit Digital Film Tools
Corel Update Painter X
Corel announced an update to Corel Painter to version 10.1 (X.1). This update includes fixes for several issues and improves the overall stability and performance of Corel Painter X. for more information visit corel.com.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
PictoColor Releases iCorrect Editlab Pro 5.5
PictoColor® have released Version 5.5 of their iCorrect® EditLab™ Pro plug-in for photographers. iCorrect Editlab Pro provides a simplified approach to color correction and color editing. Using this solution you can edit and correct digital photos using their simple step by step interface. Visit Pictocolor for more information.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Focus on Filter Forge
Review by Mario Georgiou
Filter Forge - http://www.filterforge.com/
Stand Alone and Photoshop Plug-in
Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Vista
Basic $99, Standard $199, Pro $299
I am a big fan of the work being done by third party Photoshop Plug-in creators and have a sizeable collection of plug-ins. When Filter Forge came to my attention a few weeks back, I dropped a line to the creators of this interesting and powerful tool to request a copy for review. What I experienced with this really cool tool brought a smile to my face.
Filter Forge is exactly what it sounds like, a tool for producing and applying filters and procedural textures, and a whole lot more besides. Filter Forge comes in 3 versions, a $99 Basic edition provides unlimited access to the Filter Library but cannot create filters. The $199 Standard edition allows photographers and graphic artists create their own filters, including effects, textures, distortions, patterns, backgrounds, and frames.
The $299 Professional edition was designed with the needs of 3D-content and game creators in mind. Providing support and features useful in architectural visualization, 3D Rendering and Design and includes support for bitmaps as large as 65000x65000 pixels, 16- and 32-bit images, and floating point based file formats such as OpenEXR and PFM.
I was fortunate to be able to review the Pro edition and was extremely impressed by the performance and the range of filters available via the online filter library. Once accessed and downloaded you can transport your filters with relative ease however you do need an Internet connection which will give you access to well over 2000 filters and textures.
The creation of filters is facilitated via a visual node-based editor which is both extremely powerful and quite easy to use once you can get your head around the concept. Filters are created visually by connecting components in a flow diagram to combine effects and functions. Available components include Brightness / Contrast, Channels, Gradients, Noise, Colour Adjustments, Distortions, Patterns, Curves, Curve Operations, Image Processing Controls and much more. For Pro-Level users this is a very powerful and welcome tool.
The editor allows the user to create some very useful tools and effects, and one of the best features of this tool is the ability for users to be able to share their created filters online via the free filter library. The only omission in this powerful is support for user definable formulae - something for the future I guess...
For the Animator, designer and texture creator, the ability to create seamless and resolution independent textures and patterns. Add the capability for creating bump and normal maps and you have a really useful production tool.
The filters are also resolution independent and capable of some many effects that you'll find yourself suffering from option paralysis. There is even a Randomizer which shakes things up a bit by allowing you to generate filters on the fly.
Core features and technology include support for Dual-core CPU's, HDRI Images, 8, 16 and 32 Bit image modes, Floating point file formats and a really useful smart anti aliasing feature which uses antialiasing only where, and when it is needed.
The only drawback for many users will be the cost, but this is somewhat silly when you bear in mind that the Pro filter is aimed at pro level users and that the average imageer doesn't really have a need for the advanced capabilities the editor and pro feature will afford.
Support is excellent with an extensive online help system and very active online user forums. The overall tone on the forums is one of cooperation and reveals a real sense of community, with contributors even offering to share credits with other users...
Cons. Price. Learning curve for the Filter Editor.
Pros - Easy to use. Powerful, Scalable. Excellent Support, Large number of filters.
As a tool Filter Forge really has no equal, it is more than just a single effect tool, it is a library of effects and treatments that work as both a Photoshop Plug-in and also as a stand alone application. I found it both powerful and easy to use. This is one tool any imageer, artist and photographer should have in their toolbox. Highly recommended.
Filter Forge - http://www.filterforge.com/
Stand Alone and Photoshop Plug-in
Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Vista
Basic $99, Standard $199, Pro $299
I am a big fan of the work being done by third party Photoshop Plug-in creators and have a sizeable collection of plug-ins. When Filter Forge came to my attention a few weeks back, I dropped a line to the creators of this interesting and powerful tool to request a copy for review. What I experienced with this really cool tool brought a smile to my face.
Filter Forge is exactly what it sounds like, a tool for producing and applying filters and procedural textures, and a whole lot more besides. Filter Forge comes in 3 versions, a $99 Basic edition provides unlimited access to the Filter Library but cannot create filters. The $199 Standard edition allows photographers and graphic artists create their own filters, including effects, textures, distortions, patterns, backgrounds, and frames.
The $299 Professional edition was designed with the needs of 3D-content and game creators in mind. Providing support and features useful in architectural visualization, 3D Rendering and Design and includes support for bitmaps as large as 65000x65000 pixels, 16- and 32-bit images, and floating point based file formats such as OpenEXR and PFM.
I was fortunate to be able to review the Pro edition and was extremely impressed by the performance and the range of filters available via the online filter library. Once accessed and downloaded you can transport your filters with relative ease however you do need an Internet connection which will give you access to well over 2000 filters and textures.
The creation of filters is facilitated via a visual node-based editor which is both extremely powerful and quite easy to use once you can get your head around the concept. Filters are created visually by connecting components in a flow diagram to combine effects and functions. Available components include Brightness / Contrast, Channels, Gradients, Noise, Colour Adjustments, Distortions, Patterns, Curves, Curve Operations, Image Processing Controls and much more. For Pro-Level users this is a very powerful and welcome tool.
The editor allows the user to create some very useful tools and effects, and one of the best features of this tool is the ability for users to be able to share their created filters online via the free filter library. The only omission in this powerful is support for user definable formulae - something for the future I guess...
For the Animator, designer and texture creator, the ability to create seamless and resolution independent textures and patterns. Add the capability for creating bump and normal maps and you have a really useful production tool.
The filters are also resolution independent and capable of some many effects that you'll find yourself suffering from option paralysis. There is even a Randomizer which shakes things up a bit by allowing you to generate filters on the fly.
Core features and technology include support for Dual-core CPU's, HDRI Images, 8, 16 and 32 Bit image modes, Floating point file formats and a really useful smart anti aliasing feature which uses antialiasing only where, and when it is needed.
The only drawback for many users will be the cost, but this is somewhat silly when you bear in mind that the Pro filter is aimed at pro level users and that the average imageer doesn't really have a need for the advanced capabilities the editor and pro feature will afford.
Support is excellent with an extensive online help system and very active online user forums. The overall tone on the forums is one of cooperation and reveals a real sense of community, with contributors even offering to share credits with other users...
Cons. Price. Learning curve for the Filter Editor.
Pros - Easy to use. Powerful, Scalable. Excellent Support, Large number of filters.
As a tool Filter Forge really has no equal, it is more than just a single effect tool, it is a library of effects and treatments that work as both a Photoshop Plug-in and also as a stand alone application. I found it both powerful and easy to use. This is one tool any imageer, artist and photographer should have in their toolbox. Highly recommended.
NY Looking At Licensing Public Photography
An article over at the NY times is reporting that the city of New York's, Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting is considering a licensing scheme for folks using cameras in their City.
"New rules being considered by the would require any group of two or more people who want to use a camera in a single public location for more than a half hour to get a city permit and insurance. The same requirements would apply to any group of five or more people who plan to use a tripod in a public location for more than 10 minutes, including the time it takes to set up the equipment. Julianne Cho, assistant commissioner of the film office, said the rules were not intended to apply to families on vacation or amateur filmmakers or photographers." Tell that to an over eager jobsworth ... the potential for abuse could be there.
"New rules being considered by the would require any group of two or more people who want to use a camera in a single public location for more than a half hour to get a city permit and insurance. The same requirements would apply to any group of five or more people who plan to use a tripod in a public location for more than 10 minutes, including the time it takes to set up the equipment. Julianne Cho, assistant commissioner of the film office, said the rules were not intended to apply to families on vacation or amateur filmmakers or photographers." Tell that to an over eager jobsworth ... the potential for abuse could be there.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Adobe updates Lightroom to 1.1
Adobe have updated, Photoshop Lightroom to version 1.1. Lightroom 1.1 now including support for multiple computer workflows, assisting photographers with more than one workstation. Adobe have also improved the Noise Reduction and Sharpening algorithms adding new capabilites. Windows Vista compatibility has also arrived with certification for 32-bit editions and there is support for digital cameras, such as the Canon EOS-1D Mark III; Fuji FinePix S5 Pro; Nikon D40x; Olympus E-410 and SP-550 UZ; Ricoh Caplio GX 100; Sigma SD 14 and the Phase One H 20, H 25, P 20, P 21, P 25, P 30, and P 45. I've just downloaded my update soI'll get back to you with my review of the complete product now I've had the chance to play with the old version and the update...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
REALVIZ® HDR Imaging Studio Released
REALVIZ®, have announced the availability of their REALVIZ HDR Imaging Studio solution. REALVIZ HDR Imaging Studio, combines Stitcher® 5.6, VTour 1.2 HDR and Photomatix Pro. The bundle is ideal for the creation of HDR environments for virtual reality, industrial design, special effects and video game applications.
Stitcher 5.6, enables users to build HDR panoramas and directly export them as environment maps for use in their favorite 3D package. VTour 1.2 HDR now allows digital content creators, for the first time ever, to add depth information to their HDR environment maps for Spatial Image-Based Lighting (SIBL). REALVIZ HDR Imaging Studio is available in English for Windows®. REALVIZ are currently offering 15% discount on purchases of the HDR Imaging Studio bundle until 30. June 2007. For more info visit REALVIZ
Stitcher 5.6, enables users to build HDR panoramas and directly export them as environment maps for use in their favorite 3D package. VTour 1.2 HDR now allows digital content creators, for the first time ever, to add depth information to their HDR environment maps for Spatial Image-Based Lighting (SIBL). REALVIZ HDR Imaging Studio is available in English for Windows®. REALVIZ are currently offering 15% discount on purchases of the HDR Imaging Studio bundle until 30. June 2007. For more info visit REALVIZ
DOP Update Their Fine Art Paper Directory
Digital Outback Photography have updated their Fine Art Paper Directory. This directory represents their impressions and experiences of papers they work with. It is by no means a comprehensive directory and is highly subjected but worth a look if you want real world feedback... Visit Outback Print to read further.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Focal Press Announce A Bevy of PS CS3 & Lightroom Books
Focal Press have announce the release of several titles that are dedicated to the latest incarnation of Photoshop, CS3 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
First up is Martin Evenings, Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers. Which has been rewritten and completely reworked from the ground up.
As a professional photographer his book reflects the latest insight into how to get the best out of Photoshop CS3 as part of a photographic workflow. No other book puts the photographer first in this way. It's packed full of all the latest features and instructive info on key elements from configuring to automating Photoshop, to save valuable time which photographers can then spend taking images. Martin Evening passes on his famous techniques and professional experience in this commanding and authoritative, best-selling resource.
Coming this month are: How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3 by master of satirical montage, Steve Caplin, Photoshop for Video by Richard Harrington, plus Mark Galer and Philip Andrews' Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills.
In July…. Philip Andrew's Adobe Photoshop CS3 A-Z and in August… Derek Lea's Creative Photoshop: Digital Illustration and Art Techniques, covering Photoshop CS3, plus Black and White in Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Lightroom by Leslie Alsheimer, and How to Cheat in Adobe Flash CS3 by artist and animator, Chris Georgenes.
Then in September, Richard Lynch The Adobe Photoshop Layers Book: Harnessing Photoshop's Most Powerful Tool, covering Photoshop CS3, and finally Producing Flash CS3 Video by award winning designer John Skidgel.
Should be plenty of info there to keep even the most experienced of us happy.
First up is Martin Evenings, Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers. Which has been rewritten and completely reworked from the ground up.
As a professional photographer his book reflects the latest insight into how to get the best out of Photoshop CS3 as part of a photographic workflow. No other book puts the photographer first in this way. It's packed full of all the latest features and instructive info on key elements from configuring to automating Photoshop, to save valuable time which photographers can then spend taking images. Martin Evening passes on his famous techniques and professional experience in this commanding and authoritative, best-selling resource.
Coming this month are: How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3 by master of satirical montage, Steve Caplin, Photoshop for Video by Richard Harrington, plus Mark Galer and Philip Andrews' Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills.
In July…. Philip Andrew's Adobe Photoshop CS3 A-Z and in August… Derek Lea's Creative Photoshop: Digital Illustration and Art Techniques, covering Photoshop CS3, plus Black and White in Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Lightroom by Leslie Alsheimer, and How to Cheat in Adobe Flash CS3 by artist and animator, Chris Georgenes.
Then in September, Richard Lynch The Adobe Photoshop Layers Book: Harnessing Photoshop's Most Powerful Tool, covering Photoshop CS3, and finally Producing Flash CS3 Video by award winning designer John Skidgel.
Should be plenty of info there to keep even the most experienced of us happy.
AKVIS Updates Noise Buster
AKVIS LLC have released Noise Buster v. 4.0, a digital image noise reduction plug-in. The new version of Noise Buster includes the ability to save user settings and presets, compatibility with Windows Vista, and a change in Mac installation instructions. V4 is now a universal binary for Macs. Registered users can download the latest version for free. Visit AKVIS for more info.
The Online Photographer Goes Dot Com
One of my favourite online photography blogs has graduated from Blog Status to a full dot com address. The site still bears many of the same features but will now most likely mature to offer even more in the way of useful info and other goodies. Good luck Mike, visit The Online Photographer for more...
Bibble Pro 4.9.8 Released
Bibble have released version 4.9.8 of their Professional Workflow and RAW Conversion software for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Bibble is designed to quickly and easily let you maximize the results from most major cameras and RAW formats. Version 4.9.8 now includes support for the EOS 1D MkIII, sRAW and the Fuji S5 Pro, As well as a now healing and clone tool. Visit Bibble Labs for more info.
Canon Updates Digital Photo Professional for Windows
Canon have recently released the updated Digital Photo Professional 3.0.1a and EOS Utility 2.0b for Windows. The Digital Photo Professional 3.0.1a and EOS Utility 2.0b updaters can be downloaded from any of the compatible EOS digital SLR pages on the Canon USA website. Source - Rob Galbraith
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Nikon To Unveil Next Gen DSLR?
There are rumours that Nikon are to unveil their next generation D-SLR sometime around the 26th of this month. The indication are that the camera may feature an 18MP sensor and also that the sensor will be close to full frame in size. Time will tell...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Google Acquire Panoramio
Google have announce the acquisition of Panoramio, a spanish based company that has a free photo sharing web portal. The site allows users to store up to 2 GB of info and photos so that they can record and share their journeys and vacations. The site would appear to be the perfect companion to google earth. Visit Panoramio for more info...
CS3 OS-X Firewall Bug
Oaktree Imaging have posted that there may be an issue with installing CS3 on OS-X where Version Cue on CS3 disables the firewall during installation and then fails to reactivate it on completion. Could be a real problem...
LightRoom Journal Posts Info on 1.1 Update.
Tom Hogarty, the Product Manager of both Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw has posted some info on the timing differences of the release of the new 4.1 Camera Raw Release and the upcooming release of Lightroom 1.1. In the blog post Tom indicates that the new release will ncludemany of the features found in the new ACR update and also a lot of other improvements too. Pop on over to Lightroom Journal for more info.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Digital Restoration From Start to Finish - Review
Review by Mario Georgiou
Digital Restoration From Start to Finish - Photo-Repair.com
Author: Ctein - Ctein.com
Publisher: Focal Press - Butterworth-Heinemann/Elsevier
480 pages
ISBN: 0-240-80814-2
US $39.95 UK £24.99
Having recovered and restored many photos over the years, it was with great interest that I requested "Digital Restoration From Start to Finish" for review. It like several other titles I have recently reviewed from Focal Press are hefty and well presented reference books.
Ctein is a photographer and imageer who has served the online imaging and photo community for many years, offering both his valuable expertise and keen insights. His work in photography and computers has established him as an expert in photographic arts and technologies. He is recognised by Kodak as one of the foremost colour print makers in the world.
The book itself is an insightful and well presented work which reflects both the skill and passion Ctein has placed into his field of expertise. It begins by covering many of the tools, technologies and issues which have to be considered before beginning to repair and restore any photos. The software covered is largely cross-platform in nature; however several of the tools featured are only available for Windows.
Ctein has arranged the book to work in a kind of project centric structure so that readers can pick and chose the information they want to use. The book covers how to prepare and clean images for scanning and also provides some excellent tips on how to scan different materials for the best results.
The book continues with coverage on how to restore colour, improve skin tones, repair scratches, tears, stains and other issues. The information available is quite in depth and to be honest it might lose the less proficient imageer. As Photoshop is used throughout the book I recommend that you at least develop a decent level of familiarity with this tool.
The last sections of the book are devoted to how to profile your printer, black and white toning, display and storage of prints for longevity and digital archiving. Although pretty good these sections are a little thin on the ground and could have done with some expansion, especially in light of how detailed the rest of the reference is.
Overall I enjoyed this excellent book as I work with a lot of analogue media. However I would like to see this book rewritten in part to include media which has digital origination. That would in my mind complete this otherwise excellent volume.
Cons - Little Coverage of the process of recovering badly degraded Digital Images. No CD with images and materials for the tutorials.
Pros - Professional and extensive coverage of the issues surrounding handling old and damages materials and photos. Comprehensive. Highly Technical.
Ctein has produced an excellent reference which will teach even the most experienced of us a trick or two. It is a highly technical and comprehensive look at the issues which will affect the restoration of old and damaged images and also one which offers much in the way of effective solutions for the imageer to use in solving these problems. Highly recommended.
Digital Restoration From Start to Finish - Photo-Repair.com
Author: Ctein - Ctein.com
Publisher: Focal Press - Butterworth-Heinemann/Elsevier
480 pages
ISBN: 0-240-80814-2
US $39.95 UK £24.99
Having recovered and restored many photos over the years, it was with great interest that I requested "Digital Restoration From Start to Finish" for review. It like several other titles I have recently reviewed from Focal Press are hefty and well presented reference books.
Ctein is a photographer and imageer who has served the online imaging and photo community for many years, offering both his valuable expertise and keen insights. His work in photography and computers has established him as an expert in photographic arts and technologies. He is recognised by Kodak as one of the foremost colour print makers in the world.
The book itself is an insightful and well presented work which reflects both the skill and passion Ctein has placed into his field of expertise. It begins by covering many of the tools, technologies and issues which have to be considered before beginning to repair and restore any photos. The software covered is largely cross-platform in nature; however several of the tools featured are only available for Windows.
Ctein has arranged the book to work in a kind of project centric structure so that readers can pick and chose the information they want to use. The book covers how to prepare and clean images for scanning and also provides some excellent tips on how to scan different materials for the best results.
The book continues with coverage on how to restore colour, improve skin tones, repair scratches, tears, stains and other issues. The information available is quite in depth and to be honest it might lose the less proficient imageer. As Photoshop is used throughout the book I recommend that you at least develop a decent level of familiarity with this tool.
The last sections of the book are devoted to how to profile your printer, black and white toning, display and storage of prints for longevity and digital archiving. Although pretty good these sections are a little thin on the ground and could have done with some expansion, especially in light of how detailed the rest of the reference is.
Overall I enjoyed this excellent book as I work with a lot of analogue media. However I would like to see this book rewritten in part to include media which has digital origination. That would in my mind complete this otherwise excellent volume.
Cons - Little Coverage of the process of recovering badly degraded Digital Images. No CD with images and materials for the tutorials.
Pros - Professional and extensive coverage of the issues surrounding handling old and damages materials and photos. Comprehensive. Highly Technical.
Ctein has produced an excellent reference which will teach even the most experienced of us a trick or two. It is a highly technical and comprehensive look at the issues which will affect the restoration of old and damaged images and also one which offers much in the way of effective solutions for the imageer to use in solving these problems. Highly recommended.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Filter Forge Release Photoshop Filter Suite
Filter Forge have released a suite of Photoshop Filters for creating artistic and graphical effects. The Suite comes in 3 flavours and are aimed at Graphic artists, Illustrators and Photographers. Filter Forge also allows computer artists to build their own filters through the powerful visual node based filter editor. Using this powerful tool you can easily create seamless textures, visual effects, distortions, patterns, backgrounds, frames and more. The Basic, Standard and Professional editions, priced at $99, $199 and $299 respectively, offer different features-sets for entry-level, mainstream and professional graphic artists. For more info visit Filter Forge. Some of the filters look very good and there are also many presets available in their online filter library.
Uwe Steinmueller Video on Digital Imaging Tech
Google invited Uwe Steinmueller to present a talk on non-destructive and selective editng of photos. The video is and excellent source of information and well worth watching or downloading. The video is about 60 minutes long and Google.
Public Beta of Fluid Mask 3
Vertus, announced the Public Beta of Fluid Mask 3. Fluid Mask 3 is a powerful and intuitive masking and high-quality image blending tool. Fluid Mask 3 is available as a stand-alone and Photoshop Plug-in. With Version 3 there have been enhancements with the edge detection and performance along with added improvements with blending and a new "Save Settings" option; a "Color Work Space" palette which now includes a "Color Sampler", and which enables users to select specific colors from an image and to see where else the same color appears. Also available is the "Color Work Space", a new 2-D color map enables more accurate color selection.
There are several new brush tools and an improved "Localized Edge Detection System" which enables users to perform more detailed edge finding and more refined blending. The new "Patch" system allows users to make localized changes. For more information and to download the public beta, visit Vertus Tech
There are several new brush tools and an improved "Localized Edge Detection System" which enables users to perform more detailed edge finding and more refined blending. The new "Patch" system allows users to make localized changes. For more information and to download the public beta, visit Vertus Tech
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