Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 Review – PhotographyBLOG
Posted on September 29, 2007 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
PhotographyBLOG reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 and writes – ‘The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 is a stylish ultra-compact camera that you can carry with you wherever you go. It’s quite responsive with quick focusing, even in low-light conditions, and an adequate Continuous mode of 3fps. Panasonic have focused on making the DMC-FX55 the ultimate point and shoot camera, with a new Intellligent Auto mode that achieves great results in most situations with very little input required from the user. The large, high resolution 3 inch LCD screen is also very welcome, although I missed having a true optical viewfinder in very bright sunlight. The DMC-FX55 is also one of a handful of compact digital cameras to offer a 28mm wide-angle lens, which provides an entirely new angle of view when compared with conventional zoom lenses that typically start at around 35mm. A mere 7mm may not sound like much, but it actually makes a big difference to image composition.’
Adobe Releases Photoshop Elements 6
Posted on September 29, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Adobe has released version 6 of its Photoshop Elements photo-editing and management software for general consumers. The Windows-based program offers a new Photomerge tool for creating a composite image of a group of people, allowing users to swap in the faces and gestures they prefer from a series of group photos. The Photomerge tool for merging panoramas has also been enhanced to blend images more seamlessly. The software’s new Quick Selection tool makes selecting image areas more efficient, its color-to-monochrome conversion has been improved, and its photo gallery creation tools allow users to make Flash-based slideshows to upload to the Web.
The Elements 6 interface has also been updated, with a new dark photo background and three selectable screen layouts for users with different levels of experience. Tabbed sections on the right of the screen divvy up tools into Fix, Create, Share, and Organizer sections, and the program’s guided edit mode shows users all the options at their disposal for a particular type of edit, as well as displaying a preview of editing results.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS Review at Digital Camera Info
Posted on September 29, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment
Digital Camera Info reviews the Canon PowerShot S5 IS and recommend – ‘The Canon PowerShot S5 IS combines a few aged components with some new technology and upgrades. The 8-megapixel ultra-zoom digital camera has a 12x optical zoom lens that has made several appearances on previous S-series models. The 12x lens used to be considered long, but is now one of the shorter lenses on an ultra-zoom camera. Newer cameras have 15x and 18x lenses – and are less expensive…. The S5 is still a great hybrid digital camera. It takes excellent video with stereo audio, and its 12x optical zoom and image stabilization are functional. If only the pictures were as good. The burst mode lags at 1.5 fps, the autofocus isn’t as quick as its DSLR-like body suggests, and noise renders some images nearly unusable.’
Lens Test: Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS AF
Posted on September 28, 2007 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Sigma’s long-awaited, second Optical Stabilizer (OS) lens ($549, street) is an 11.1X digital-only superzoom with one SLD and three aspheric elements. A 29-320mm equivalent, it follows Sigma’s first OS lens, an 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ($999, street), by more than four years, and outdoes its predecessor with a sophisticated new autopanning sensor that detects extended lateral movement, then engages only the vertical stabilizer to allow blur where you want it.
HANDS ON:
Average in weight and size, the body is polycarbonate and the lensmount is metal. Focus and zoom rings are clad in ribbed rubber. The manual-focus action is somewhat underdamped, and the turning radius is unusually short — so short that the digits of the distance scales are jammed together and not easily deciphered. But the macro scale on the extended barrel is a snap to read. The zoom ring turns stiffly enough to make the zoom lock unnecessary. Autofocus is moderately fast and somewhat noisy on our test camera, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT. The lens cast no shadow at any focal length when used sans hood with the Rebel’s built-in flash.
IN THE LAB:
SQF results showed Excellent sharpness and contrast at the four tested focal lengths. This beats most of the Sigma’s superzoom competition, which usually dips into the Very Good and Good ranges at the long end.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6
Posted on September 28, 2007 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 is the latest version of the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software. The new Photomerge feature combines the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Online galleries based on Adobe Flash provide an interactive experience for friends and family. Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows has an estimated street price of £69.99, or as a bundle with Premiere Elements 4 for £99.99. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh platform is expected in early 2008.
Adobe Press Release
New Photoshop Elements Packs Powerful Editing Punch
No. 1 Selling Consumer Photo Software Offers Fun, Unique Ways to Capture Stories
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Sept. 24, 2007 -Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software*. Available for Windows®, Photoshop Elements combines power and simplicity for consumers to find, view and easily infuse creativity and personality into their photos. This landmark release helps consumers at all experience levels achieve outstanding results and provides interactive options for sharing unique creations via print and Web.
In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere® Elements 4 software, a complete home video-editing solution (see separate press release). Available separately or together in a single retail package, Photoshop Elements & Adobe Premiere Elements give photo and video enthusiasts more creative ways to organise, edit, create and share digital photos and home movies.
“Photoshop Elements is the one-stop-shop for consumers to go faster and further with their photos,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “We’re helping people flex their editing muscle, without breaking a sweat. We’ve redesigned the user experience to more prominently showcase photos, direct consumers to features that help turn photos from good to great in just seconds and inject a dynamic element into their creations.”
Make Photos Look Their Best
Photoshop Elements software helps enthusiasts achieve desired results quickly and easily. New Photomerge® technology helps address the challenge of capturing the perfect group photo by combining the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. The new Quick Selection Tool reduces a once time-consuming select-and-adjust task to a single click. Photographers at all grades – beginner to expert – can choose from one of three edit modes, each geared toward a different experience level. A new Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Photoshop Elements 6 streamlines editing with clean, uncluttered screens that draw focus to where it belongs, with new tabs providing simple access to the many capabilities of the program. Tight integration with Adobe Premiere Elements and a shared Organiser, with a common database accessible from either application, allow users to do more with their photos and videos with speedy performance and easy import, tagging and retrieval tasks. Additional enhancements include an improved conversion tool that dramatically converts colour images into elegant, nuanced black-and-whites.
Share Photos In Fun, Unique Ways
Photoshop Elements 6 offers users more creative sharing possibilities, including online galleries based on Adobe Flash® which provide an interactive experience for friends and family to enjoy. With a variety of settings and themes, these galleries can be easily accessed via the Web and help bring moments and memories to life. Animated slideshows, e-mail and printed creations available in Photoshop Elements such as photo books, scrapbook pages, cards and CD/DVD labels deliver high-impact sharing options, and also require no previous experience.
Pricing and Availability
Adobe’s digital imaging and digital video products are available immediately at http://www.adobe.com and online retailers including, Amazon.com. Photoshop Elements 6 and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows are available separately for an estimated street price of £69.99 each. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh platform is expected in early 2008. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows is available as a bundle at an estimated street price of £99.99. Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade and support policies for other countries is available on http://www.adobe.com/go/pse6.
*Source: The NPD Group (April 2002 to March 2007) based on units sold.
About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionises how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit http://www.adobe.com.
© 2007 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Adobe Premiere, Flash, Lightroom, Photomerge, and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Samsung NV11 review
Posted on September 28, 2007 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Samsung NV11 digital camera review : The camera market is subject to many changes. And I am not only speaking of the purely technical changes or the images’ perception from paper to digital, but the changes in the producers that are active in this market. Traditionally, these were the classic camera producers like Canon, Nikon, Olympus etc., nowadays brands like Panasonic and Samsung are also clearly present. Market share is being claimed by the outside world that has entered the camera market as an outsider and the efforts don’t seem to be without success. Samsung is a worthy brand that has entered the camera market as an outsider.
Samsung NV11 – ‘New Vision’
At first, with cheap looking models without any clear line, later followed by serious high quality. Topping the whole thing off, even a few actual digital SLR cameras; thanks to the close cooperation with Pentax, among other things. In the meantime, Samsung has dropped the name Digimax and replaced it by shorter names for the models. From the large Samsung camera selection, I chose the Samsung NV11 to review extensively. This model from the NV series is a more luxurious design and has been equipped with the same sensor as the NV10. Nonetheless, the NV10 has to settle for a 3x optical zoom, while the Samsung NV11 compact camera has been equipped with 5x optical zoom.
Samsung NV11 – Black solid housing
The design of the Samsung NV11 has remained virtually the same and with that continues to conduct a striking outline. The camera has a black solid housing and is decorated with a blue edge around the lens. Residual prominent features are a large and wide 2.7-inch LCD screen, the application of facial detection, high adjustable ISO up to 1600 ISO and Samsung’s ASR, the advanced image stabilizer. In short: interesting specifications, on paper. The camera can be supplied and therefore it is about time to place it on the review table.
Samsung NV11 – Face detection technology
The Samsung NV11 has been equipped with Samsung’s face detection technology, a technique that automatically detects the face, focuses and gives the proper exposure. With this, the Samsung NV11 is completely parallel with the latest trend. This technique, together with the remaining functions, is to be found in this brushed black, steel Samsung NV11 housing. With the fine blue ring around the lens, the Samsung NV11 is a striking camera.
Samsung NV11 camera review
The Samsung NV11 is a finely outlined design camera and with that, places itself in view of the public that appreciates a fine design. If the enthusiastic photographer will purchase such a digital jewel as a second camera, will come forth of the following review. For a longer period, I had the Samsung NV11 in the office for extensive testing. The results can be read in the following Samsung NV11 review.
Delkin CompactFlash Pro UDMA cards
Posted on September 27, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Delkin’s CompactFlash Pro UDMA enabled cards deliver industry-leading read/write speeds with a minimum sustained transfer speed of 305x (45MB/sec). The enhanced camera-to-card and card-to-computer transfer times considerably improve workflow for any pro photographer in the field.
Delkin’s CompactFlash Pro UDMA cards when used with the Delkin’s line of Pro readers and adapters, dramatically reduces the time needed to download digital image files to a computer. The difference may be crucial for those working in the field with battery operated laptops, and particularly important for pros working in news media, wedding or event photography. Certainly any photographer working with larger RAW files will experience a great benefit in faster transfer speeds in the camera and computer.
KEY FEATURES
- High data transfer rates – 45 MB/s
- UDMA enabled – Faster transferring with UDMA host devices
- Guaranteed compatible – With all CompactFlash hosts
- Lifetime warranty – On All Delkin Pro memory cards
- Technical support – 800-637-8087 (US only)
- Includes travel safe case – Protects your card
TECH SPECS
- Speed: 305X (X=150kB/s)
- Data Transfer Rate (DTR): 45 MB/s
- Operating temperature: -13°F to 185°F (-25 °C to 85°C)
- Altitude: 80,000 feet
- MTBF: >3,000,000 hours
- RS-ECC: Built in error detection and correction
02 chosen as carrier for Apple iPhone
Posted on September 26, 2007 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
02 chosen as carrier for Apple iPhone : Apple and O2 announced that O2, the leading wireless carrier in the UK, will be the exclusive UK carrier for Apple’s revolutionary iPhone when it makes its debut in the UK on November 9th. Apple iPhone combines three devices into one – a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod and the best mobile Internet device ever – all based on Apple’s revolutionary multi-touch interface and pioneering software that allows users to control Apple iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers. Apple sold its one millionth iPhone just 74 days after it went on sale in the United States on June 29th. The Apple iPhone will be available in an 8GB model for £269 (inc VAT) and will work with either a PC or Mac.
 Apple iPhone customer satisfaction “We’re thrilled to be partnering with O2 to offer our revolutionary Apple iPhone to UK customers Dynamic Photo HDR Upgrades to Version 1.6Posted on September 25, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment Click photo to launch a step-by-step tutorial of Dynamic Photo HDR. MediaChance software has announced version 1.6 of its $39.00 Dynamic Photo HDR. Field Test: Sony Alpha DSLR-A700Posted on September 24, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
So there we were, about two-dozen journalists cruising around Frenchman’s Bay in a small charter boat, photographing the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife off Mount Desert Island in Maine. The new Sony Alpha 700 cameras we were using were more than up to the task — and that was the problem. Sure, we were all impressed with the build quality and ruggedness of the new 12.2MP DSLR, and the well-designed control layout. And the shots we were chimping on the fine-grained 3-inch LCD monitor looked wonderful. But come on, we’re shooting scenery from a boat cruising at a stately three knots on calm water, on a perfect blue-sky day. You could get great shots with your kid’s pocket compact. That’s when the biplane attacked. “Incoming!” shouted a Sony tech rep. “Switch to continuous AF!” keep looking » |
