Pantone Goe system problems
Posted on September 23, 2007 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Pantone Goe system creates serious problems : Managing director and trend watcher VIGC (Flemish Innovation Center for Graphic Communication) Eddy Hagen has looked into the newly launched Pantone Goe system and has spoken to Pantone Inc. at Graph Expo in Chicago. “Although the new Pantone Goe system offers some nice features, especially the color communication using Lab, there are some serious issues in terms of design and documentation. We want to warn users of possible pitfalls when applying Pantone Goe system.
Canon EOS 40D Review at Bob Atkins
Posted on September 23, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Tips, Ratings | Leave a Comment
Bob Atkins has posted a review of the Canon EOS 40D and writes - ‘In just about every respect the EOS 40D technically outperforms the EOS 30D and so I think it is a worthwhile upgrade for those who can afford to switch and who can use the new features. I didn’t feel that way about the 30D, which was a good camera but for me didn’t offer enough new features to persuade me to trade in my 20D and upgrade. Based on handling the camera for a day, I’m very pleased with it. The larger LCD and revised (easier to navigate) menu structure is nice. The 3″ LCD is very nice. I really like the fact that the shutter is quiet in normal operation and even quieter still in Live View. The larger viewfinder and ISO display are also useful features. Though I’d initially thought of Live View as a bit of a “gimmick”, I’m actually thinking or more and more potential uses for it! ‘
Software Review - Adobe Photoshop Plug-in Plug-In Suite 3: PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 From onOne Software
Posted on September 23, 2007 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
This is the fourth part of a four part review of the products that are included in the onOne Plug-In Suite 3. This review is on the product PhotoFrame Pro 3.1. Parts One, Two and Three are available here on Blogcritics Magazine.PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 is the latest version of the plug-in from onOne Software that lets you create image frames and border effects to your images. Version 3.1 adds native support for Photoshop CS3 and Intel-based Macintosh computers as well. PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 requires you to have Windows running XP SP2 or Vista or Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later. You will need Photoshop CS2 (v9.0.2), CS3, or Photoshop Elements 4 or later. Also you must have at least 512MB of RAM and 2.4 GB of hard-disk space. Installation is very easy and all automatic.This one is pretty easy to explain, PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 puts frames around your images. It is really easy to use as well. First you select the image. Then you open the plug-in from the filter, or the onOne menu. You then select the frame that you want to use, create your own frame, or import a frame from another source. When you are happy with it, you can place it on your image or on another layer.PhotoFrame Pro 3.1, when launched, looks like the photo below. Your main image is in the center; to the left is the set of frames, textures and grids and to the right are the palettes that you can use to modify the frame.There are over 4600 frames that come with PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 as well as 96 textures. Add to that the fact that you can edge, bevel, manipulate backgrounds, borders, glows and shadows; you have a virtual unlimited supply of effects that you can give your image.If you are unsure about what frame looks best there is a frame grid that allows you to select several frame choices and view them on a grid like page. You have full control over the size of the thumbnails so as to be able to discern the slightest differences between two similar frames.Other features include a Random frames generator that will generate 3 to 5 randomly configured frames to view your image with. You can apply your frames as a Layer Mask leaving your background image alone which also allows you to employ further filters as well. You have the ability to resize, reposition, and rotate your frames. You can invert the backgrounds to add more effects. You can import frames that you already own such as those from Auto F/X Photo/Graphic Edges volumes. You can create a custom frame from a basic shape as well as saving a custom frame as a preset. My first thought before working with PhotoFrame Pro 3.1 was that it would be of limited use. I mean a frame is a frame is a frame. I couldn't be more wrong. This has some remarkable capabilities especially for those who are creating fine art, portraitures, or design presentations. If you have the need to add framing around your images then PhotoFrame Pro will give you unlimited possibilities
Software Review - Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2
Posted on September 22, 2007 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is the latest release of Corel's advanced image editing software. The goal of this version of this release was to "make it easier and faster for both new and experienced users to create professional looking photos fast."Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is a bitmap and vector graphics editor for computers that run Microsoft Windows. This product will not run on a Mac or Linux system. Originally called Paint Shop, Corel purchased the product from Jasc Software in October 2004. Version 1 of Paint Shop was released in early 1992 as a shareware package. So what is new with this version of Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2? • Well first is the Express Lab. This is a mode within Paint Shop Pro that allows the user to quickly view and fix multiple photos in one session. One thing to point out is that it won't apply a fix across multiple images; you must work one image at a time. The lab provides quick access to many of the most commonly used tools such as cloning, retouching, rotating, zooming, rating, basic adjustments, as well as to things like red-eye removal. It also has a best guess feature called "Suggest Settings" where it will try to get the most out of your image, then you can work from there. • Next is the new Graphite Interface. This is becoming common to do within the industry because it allows the user to focus on the image as opposed to becoming distracted by the interface. It works well here as well. • HDR Photo Merge is a new ability to allow users to combine multiple under/over exposed images into one good one. Since many cameras have auto-bracketing; the ability to shoot several exposures within seconds of each other at different settings, this merge utility will take the shots and combine them taking the best parts to combine into one. You can also manually bracket exposures as well. To use this feature, you must have a minimum of two and a maximum of nine images. • Layer Styles are creative effects that can be added to text, images, and photos. These included drop shadows, embossing, beveling, inner glow, outer glow and reflection. These are easy to use and can allow you to be creative when going for special effect on creative projects. • Makeover tools are tools that make it easy to retouch images. The new Thinify tool will make anyone look thinner with just one click. The new Eye Drop tool takes the red out of blood-shot eyes and two existing tools; Suntan brush and Blemish Fixer have been enhanced to make them much easier to use for the inexperienced user. • Visible Watermarks allow the user to add watermarks to protect their images from unauthorized reuse. The Visible Watermark though is very easy to use. As you can see from the photo below, it works quite well. You are limited to the corners and the center of the photo; it would be nice to have the ability to place it anywhere. You have the ability to size, emboss, and tile as well as control the opacity of the watermark.• Auto-Preserve Originals allows you to work with your images without having to worry about damaging the original file. • Save for Office gives you the ability to quickly save a file for web/email, desktop printing, or high quality printing. This way, once you are ready for final output, you can save the file without having to manually resize for one of these destinations. • Crop to New Image is for people who scan a lot of images; especially multiple images a time. You can use this and the cropped portion of this image is automatically opened in a new document. Since I don't scan images that often, I did not test this, but it does seem like it would be handy if you did.Included with your package is 3.25 hours of training from Lynda.com that is right on the disk. There is also a version of Corel MediaOne Plus for special download that will allow you to create multimedia shows with your images and music. There are also other extras such as picture frames, edges, patterns and textures that are available as well. All in all Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 appears to be a very good product especially considering the price is under $100 USD. It has a lot of higher end capabilities and it is very easy to use, especially for new users. The new features show that this is a maturing product and should continue to improve.
Canon Digital IXUS 60 review
Posted on September 22, 2007 - Filed Under Reviews, Cameras | Leave a Comment
Canon Digital IXUS 60 review : Canon are moving along rapidly. Besides wanting to have a large market share in each segment of the digital imaging market, Canon are naturally also keen to hold the actual number one position, and it seems they are well on the way to achieve it all. This is only emphasised by the introductions of their new products; there seems to be an incessant flow of camera arrivals. At the moment, the cycle for consumer compact cameras is six months. The Canon Digital IXUS 60 was introduced in February 2006, just before the start of the PMA 2006 in Orlando, United States. The new Canon IXUS 60 carries on the IXUS tradition. With its attractive design, a compact format and a housing made from high-quality material, the Canon Digital IXUS seems destined to score major points for Canon once again. Canon Digital 60 - IXUS series The Canon Digital IXUS 60 is able to maintain a somewhat classical appearance without becoming boring. The Japanese designer must have an amazing eye for contemporary design, as virtually every single thing having to do with the IXUS name seems to guarantee success. And so, the new Canon IXUS 60 becomes the latest addition to the IXUS family. A camera with a decent resolution of 6 Megapixels, 3x optical zoom with a focal range of 35 - 105mm (equivalent of a 35mm camera), the renowned DIGIC II processor, advanced auto focus, a variety of built-in scenes, a high sensitivity setting, and many, many more handy and clever features. Canon IXUS 60 - Camera resolution The camera makes the step from 5 to 6 Megapixels, which is a logical upgrade considering the current “standard” resolution. For this type of camera 6 Megapixels is more than enough to erase any lingering thought of a 35mm camera, and provides the user with sufficient image quality to edit the image creatively and make, for instance, an enlargement of a crop. The 2,5 inch LCD monitor on the back of the camera is the ideal replacement for the optical viewfinder, which is still present but could really be easily replaced by a larger size LCD display. Canon have already proven with the Digital IXUS 65 camera, which was introduced at the same time as the Canon IXUS 60 and which we will soon also cover in a digital camera review, that this produces truly striking results. Canon Digital IXUS 60 digital camera - ISO 800 In the past, we have seen the small IXUS digital camera struggle a little with capturing images indoors; especially in situations where the effective range of the internal flash wasn’t quite up to par. The Canon Digital IXUS 60 is equipped with a high sensitivity setting, which enables you to use the camera to take photos indoors without a flash. In addition, the high value of ISO 800 should also minimise camera shake; an inexpensive solution to achieve image stabilisation, which is emphasised by the quick button that is positioned on the camera. Canon IXUS 60 - Wide-screen 16:9 mode The Canon IXUS 60 is also equipped with a new wide-screen 16:9 mode, which enables the user to capture true wide-screen images. This seems to be a rising trend, and shows how certain manufacturers feel about the camera and its place in multimedia surroundings, which is how they like to think of the modern living room. Canon IXUS 60 digital camera review The Canon Digital IXUS 60 is a luxurious digital compact camera, of which the emphasis lies not solely on design and the compact size. The photo quality and powerful image processing solutions, which come in the form of a DIGIC II processor, are of significant importance for this digital camera. The first impression is pleasant, but it was in practice that we were able to form our ultimate opinion on how the Canon IXUS 60 should be judged. Just how our judgement turned out can be read in the following Canon Digital IXUS 60 digital camera review.
Adobe Expands RAW Support in Lightroom, Camera Raw
Posted on September 21, 2007 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Adobe has updated its Photoshop Lightroom software and Camera RAW plug-in for Photoshop with expanded support for RAW image file formats. The updates provide RAW file support for 14 additional cameras and backs: Canon EOS 40D Fuji FinePix IS-1 Leaf Aptus 17 Leaf Aptus 54s Leaf Aptus 75s Olympus EVOLT E-510 Panasonic DMC-FZ18 Pentax K100D Super Phase One P 20+ Phase One P 21+ Phase One P 25+ Phase One P 30+ Phase One P 45+ Sony A700 Adobe also says the updated software will produce more image detail in photos captured with cameras that use Bayer filters on their sensors when the images are processed with default noise-reduction values. In addition, the Lightroom update corrects grid display errors in Windows Vista and improves XMP auto-write performance. The Lightroom 1.2 and Camera Raw 4.2 updates are available on Adobe’s Web site as free downloads to owners of Lightroom, Photoshop CS3, Photoshop CS3 Extended, Photoshop Elements 4.0 for Mac, and Photoshop Elements 5.0 for Windows.
ACDSee Pro 2
Posted on September 21, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
ACDsee Pro 2 has arrived with support for many new camera RAW formats and enhanced image processing. RAW files may be exported to different formats and sizes simultaneously with renaming and embedding of color profiles integrated into the workflow. ACDSee Pro 2 is available now via the ACD Systems website, link after the click. Press release: Photographers Benefit from Next-Generation Workflow Management with ACDSee Pro 2 VICTORIA, British Columbia – September 11, 2007 – ACD Systems International Inc. has put a new level of control and convenience into photographers’ hands with the release of ACDSee™ Pro 2, featuring next-generation workflow management and RAW processing functionality tested by thousands of professional photographers. This updated version of the industry’s most complete, “one-stop” software package for viewing, processing, editing, cataloging, publishing and archiving digital images is rich with new features. The capabilities of ACDSee Pro 2 leverage the power of today’s digital SLR cameras and support an expanding variety of RAW-format files. The upgrade was developed with input from more than 2,500 photographers from around the globe who participated in a beta-testing program earlier this year. “Our Pro 2 software serves professionals and avid amateur photographers who need advanced tools,” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. “The ability to work directly with our customers has allowed us to develop a product release that will bring unprecedented efficiency to the photographic community, freeing them to focus on what they do best – producing quality images.” ACDSee Pro 2’s expanded processing power and speed allows viewing and handling of large RAW files with the speed of smaller JPEGs. File manipulation is made easier with cutting and pasting of RAW photo settings, one-step rotating and cropping, and recovery of up to two stops of lost highlight detail with the Highlights Recovery slider. RAW files can now be simultaneously exported to up to 14 different formats and multiple resolutions. Options to rename, resize and embed color profiles are also included in this time-saving operation. Cataloging images is now even easier with ACDSee Pro 2’s improved metadata features, including automated metadata-based file sorting capabilities, and read/write capabilities for XMP sidecar files and digital negatives (DNG). Enhanced editing is made possible through tools such as opacity and blending, channel mixer, and patent-pending shadow and highlight controls. Other key features in ACDSee Pro 2, which is Certified for Windows Vista, include uploading to online services like Flickr and advanced browsing capabilities such as “Group By,” “Filter By” and “Events View.” “I haven’t found a better program than ACDSee Pro to blaze through my workflow. I can fly through a thousand-picture assignment and have a tight edit sent to a client in no time,” said David Honl, a photojournalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. Selected Formats Supported by ACDSee Pro 2 For the complete list of camera RAW formats supported by ACDSee software, visit http://www.acdsee.com/products/acdseepro/rawformats. Canon EOS-1D Mark III Nikon D80 Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi Nikon D200 Epson R-D1 Olympus E-510 FujiFilm FinePix S5 Pro Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 FujiFilm FinePix S6000fd Pentax K10D Imacon Ixpress Phase One H 25 Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c Ricoh GR Digital Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Samsung Pro 815 Leaf Aptus 75 Sinar 12582980-byte Leaf Valeo 22 Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Leica M8 Nikon D80 Nikon D200 Olympus E-510 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 Pentax K10D Phase One H 25 Ricoh GR Digital Samsung Pro 815 Sinar 12582980-byte Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 Pricing and Availability ACDSee Pro 2 is available now for $129.99 (USD) by visiting www.acdsee.com. Current ACDSee customers are eligible for a 30-percent customer discount via online purchase of the ACDSee Pro 2 upgrade.
Nikon Coolpix S50c Review at Imaging Resource
Posted on September 21, 2007 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Imaging Resource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S50c camera, which offers offer 7.2 megapixels, a 3x zoom lens (38-114mm), Vibration Reduction, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting, plus a 3 inch wide-angle LCD monitor and Wi-Fi connectivity. “While the Nikon S50c has an attractive design with some intriguing bells and whistles that are more than gimmicks, I was disappointed with both how the camera performed and the quality of the images it captured. On the bright side, the Nikon S50c has a VR lens, D-Lighting, and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix: all automatically activated with Face Priority autofocus in Portrait mode. But a WiFi-enabled digicam should be able transmit wirelessly to a computer just like it does via USB connection. The Nikon S50c’s failure to transmit images to your own computer is a big step backwards.” Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon Coolpix S50c Review
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 review roundup and sample images
Posted on September 20, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
The DMC-TZ3 boasts 7.2 megapixels and a large, 3.0-inch LCD, and the DMC-TZ2 has 6.0 megapixels and a large, 2.5-inch LCD. The TZ3 and TZ2 are the latest members of the Lumix TZ family of digital cameras, which is renowned for packaging a remarkable 10x optical zoom lens in a compact, stylish body. The TZ3 is successor to the DMC-TZ1, a camera Panasonic conceived as a ‘World Traveller’ that not only offered a 10x optical zoom and compact styling, but also incorporated a host of unique, traveller-friendly functions that have earned worldwide praise.CNET reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”The DMC-TZ3 performed admirably in our tests. The camera’s shutter lagged only 0.6 seconds for our high-contrast target and 1.3 seconds in low-contrast conditions. We waited a mere 1.3 seconds between shots, and that wait increased to 2.4 seconds with the onboard flash enabled. Burst mode took five shots in just less than 2 seconds for a satisfying rate of 2.5 shots per second.”Read whole review hereImaging Resource reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”We were impressed with the Panasonic TZ3’s images, but were interested to find that they actually looked better onscreen than they did printed. They’re still good either way, except for some muddiness in red areas as the ISO goes up. Still, for a 7-megapixel digital camera with a 10x zoom to produce quality 11×14 images: that’s worthy of note, and a Dave’s Pick.”Read whole review hereSample imagesDC Resource reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”Panasonic cameras have always been great performers, and the DMC-TZ3 is no exception. While it doesn’t start up as fast as its predecessor, the TZ3’s 1.7 second startup time is still respectable. Focus times are great, especially when you use the high speed modes, even at the telephoto end of the lens. Low light focusing was quick and accurate, thanks to the TZ3’s AF-assist lamp. Shutter lag was not a problem, and shot-to-shot delays were minimal. Like all Panasonic models, the TZ3’s continuous shooting modes are great, especially the infinite mode, which lets you keep shooting at 2 frames/second until your high speed memory card fills up. Battery life was above average compared to other compact ultra zooms.”Read whole review hereSample imagesNeo Camera reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”The main problem with the Panasonic TZ3 is its excessive image noise and loss of details as ISO is increased. This leave ISO 100 images looking great and ISO 200 ones looking quite acceptable too. At ISO 400, details start disappearing. However, since the TZ3 features optical stabilization, lower ISO sensitivities can be used for non-moving subjects. By default, the TZ3 produces images with rather dull colors but that can be fixed by changing the color-mode to Vivid. Otherwise, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 has a lot going for it, most notably its speedy performance and accurate white-balance system.”Read whole review hereCamera Labs reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 is without a doubt one of the most flexible compact cameras on the market today – and one which has few if any rivals. It may not be the slimmest compact out there, but manages to pack in a genuine 10x optical zoom lens complete with image stabilisation and a 28mm equivalent wide angle.”Read whole review hereSample imagesPC Authority reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”The size of the lens means that depth of field can be impressive, though you can’t take full advantage of this due to the lack of manual exposure settings. ISO goes all the way to 1250 but the excessive grain enormously affects sharpness. We judged ISO 800 the maximum useable setting. Video mode records near-DVD quality Quicktime video at up to 848 x 480 pixels (16:9) and 30fps. Usefully, a JPEG image of the first frame is recorded too, so that you can easily see what’s on that video. However, sound is a little muffled and focus and zooming are fixed while filming, so be sure to focus before shooting.”Read whole review hereDigital Camera Info reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”Panasonic TZ3 is a good value for a select niche market of consumers looking for a small point-and-shoot with a longer, stabilized zoom lens. There are plenty of image-stabilized, 10x optical zoom cameras out there, but none retain the point-and-shoot simplicity and basic design of the TZ3. It competes with tiny, itsy-bitsy point-and-shoots that don’t offer the high zoom, and heavier, SLR-styled compacts; however, no other camera currently offers its feature set in a point-and-shoot design. “Read whole review hereSample imagesPC Mag reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”I was impressed with the quality of both my lab test shots and my real-world photos. In my lab shots, there was very little noise, and I thought the color saturation and accuracy were excellent. I found very little fringing in the images, too. Also evident was the camera’s excellent dynamic range, although some indoor shots were a tad too contrasty. Flash shots were also pleasing, with strong, even illumination throughout the scene and no blown-out highlights.”Read whole review hereComputer Active reviewed Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 and wrote:”The TZ3 is also user friendly, with fully automatic functionality and a range of common shooting and playback options accessed via a mode wheel atop the camera. Give this a twist while the unit is activated and a ‘virtual’ version momentarily appears on screen so you don’t have to take your eye off your subject when choosing a setting. In terms of images, the TZ3 delivered some of the sharpest most vividly coloured shots we’ve seen from a compact in recent months – at the wide end of the zoom, that is.”Read whole review herePress release:Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new Lumix digital cameras, each featuring a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC lens (equivalent to 28-280mm on a 35mm film camera). The DMC-TZ3 boasts 7.2 megapixels and a large, 3.0-inch LCD, and the DMC-TZ2 has 6.0 megapixels and a large, 2.5-inch LCD. The TZ3 and TZ2 are the latest members of the Lumix TZ family of digital cameras, which is renowned for packaging a remarkable 10x optical zoom lens in a compact, stylish body.The TZ3 and TZ2 are successors to the DMC-TZ1, a camera Panasonic conceived as a ‘World Traveller’ that not only offered a 10x optical zoom and compact styling, but also incorporated a host of unique, traveller-friendly functions that have earned worldwide praise. The new TZ3 and TZ2 go a step beyond their predecessor by featuring a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. While the 10x zoom lets you take close-up shots even when you cannot move closer to your subject, the wide-angle lens is helpful in situations where you cannot step back or move away from the subject. With the TZ3 and TZ2 you can capture portraits of people with expansive scenery or large structures in the background, and you can zoom in or out to magnify a distant subject when desired. Panasonic redesigned the TZ3 and TZ2 inside and out to make each smaller and more stylish. Able to shoot from 28mm at the wide end to 280mm telephoto, these fit-in-your-pocket cameras are fully equipped for any photo shooting situations you are likely to encounter on a journey. They are ideal travelling companions.The two new models also incorporate the Intelligent Image Stabilization system, which Panasonic is including in other Lumix cameras being introduced simultaneously with the TZ3 and TZ2. This system comprises two features – Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control – that together make it easy to capture beautiful photos every time you shoot. Now recognised as a must-have feature for digital cameras, Mega O.I.S. compensates for the effects of hand-shake, making it possible to capture clear, crisp photos indoors, at night, or when taking macro close-ups or using high powered zooming – situations in which hand-shake is most likely to be a problem. Even Mega O.I.S., however, cannot suppress the motion blur caused by a subject moving as the photo is being snapped. That’s where Intelligent ISO Control comes in. In this system, the camera’s Venus Engine III image-processing engine detects whether the subject is moving and, as necessary, raises the ISO setting and shutter speed according to how fast the subject is moving and the light conditions. This happens automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. Lumix and its powerful Intelligent Image Stabilization system do all the work for you. You enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.The effective pixels have been increased to 7.2 megapixels in the TZ3 and to 6.0 megapixels in the TZ2, which also supports enhanced functions. For example, Panasonic’s Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification – to 15x in the TZ3 and 13.8x in the TZ2 when taking photos with 3-megapixel resolution. Also, the multi-aspect-capable CCD provides a larger recording area than ordinary 7.2-megapixel or 6.0-megapixel cameras, making it possible to capture images from 28mm to 280mm with any of three aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9.Other features that improve usability and convenience include a Clipboard function that holds information, several new scene modes, and a Direct Print feature that allows quick, easy printouts. Also, the lens cap is now built into the camera itself and serves as an automatic protective barrier. Around 12.7 MB of built-in memory is provided, and the cameras are compatible with large-capacity SDHC memory cards. Battery life has been extended, with the result that the TZ3 can take around 270 shots on a single charge and the TZ2 around 300 shots (CIPA). Add these features up, and you can see why the DMC-TZ3 and DMC-TZ2 are perfect for capturing images you’ll want to remember forever, such as the people you meet and places you visit on a trip.Clad in sturdy stainless steel, the DMC-TZ3 will be available in silver, black and blue, while the TZ2 will be offered in silver and black.1. 28mm Wide-Angle* Leica DC Lens and 10x Optical Zoom in a Compact, Stylish BodyPanasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3The 7.2-megapixel DMC-TZ3 and 6.0-megapixel DMC-TZ2 package a 28mm wide-angle* LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens with 10x optical zoom into a stylish, compact body. Comprising 11 elements in nine groups, including an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens and three aspherical lenses, this advanced lens unit passes Leica’s stringent standards and delivers an exceptional optical performance. The 28mm wide-angle lens makes it easy to fit the whole group into a photo indoors or to capture dynamic wide-perspective shots of a sweeping landscape or large architectural structure. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 15x (TZ3) or 13.8x (TZ2) by using the centre part of the CCD. Using this feature in combination with the 4x digital zoom provides a total zoom factor of up to 60x (TZ3) or 55x (TZ2).*35mm film camera equivalent: 28-280mm2. Intelligent Image Stabilization: Mega O.I.S. for Hand-Shake, Plus Intelligent ISO Control for Motion BlurPanasonic drew on its cutting-edge lens technology to invent Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), an optical image stabilizer that prevents blurring from shaky hands – the leading cause of blurry images. Featured in the entire Lumix line-up since 2005, the optical image stabilizer has earned such high praise from users around the world that it is now a standard feature of digital cameras. In Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S., sensors act at a frequency of 4,000 times per second to accurately detect even slight camera movement, such as from unsteady hands, and a corrective lens in the O.I.S. lens unit is shifted to compensate. With Mega O.I.S., it is easier than ever to capture clear, sharp, beautiful images when shooting telephoto shots, indoor portraits, illuminated night scenes or even the scenery you see from a train window.While hand-shake is the single biggest cause of blurry images, it is not the only one. Another problem is the motion blur that can occur when a subject moves as the shot is being snapped. Incorporating Panasonic’s Intelligent ISO Control, Lumix cameras are the first in the world to fight motion blur. This system detects whether or not the subject is moving. If it is, the system automatically raises the ISO setting accordingly, allowing the camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed. If the subject is not moving, the camera shoots at a low ISO setting and captures beautiful, natural-looking images. Intelligent ISO Control is included as one of the corrections in certain scene modes used to shoot subjects that are often moving, such as Sports, Baby and the newly added Pet mode. Simply select the mode that best suits the subject, and Intelligent ISO Control provides the optimal corrections, making it easy to capture crisp, clear photos.With Intelligent Image Stabilization – Mega O.I.S. to compensate for hand-shake plus Intelligent ISO Control to prevent motion blur – Panasonic has taken image stabilisation a leap forward and equipped the new Lumix TZ3 and TZ2 with the industry’s most advanced countermeasures against blurring.3. High-Quality, High-Performance Image-Processing LSI: The Venus Engine IIIPanasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3The TZ3 and TZ2 each feature the Venus Engine III, Panasonic’s advanced image-processing engine that can record at a sensitivity setting as high as ISO 1250 with full resolution. Noise reduction is also greatly improved, with picture noise removed in stages during image processing. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and chromatic noise and luminance noise are separated. The chromatic noise, which has a greater effect on picture quality, is then selectively suppressed to a substantial degree.With its multi-task image-processing capability, the Venus Engine III also boasts outstanding response time. Shutter release time lag is as short as 0.006 second. Furthermore, the DMC-TZ3 boasts the shutter interval as short as 0.5 second*. This fast response makes it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment shots. In burst shooting mode, the TZ3 can fire off three shots per second at full resolution**. Both models also allow unlimited consecutive shooting*** – you can continue snapping shots until the SDHC/SD memory card is full.Thanks to the energy-efficient Venus Engine III imaging engine, the TZ3 and TZ2 offer a long battery life despite their large, bright LCDs. The TZ3 can take around 270 shots and the TZ2 around 300 (CIPA) on a single battery charge.*Not including auto focusing time**Max. seven images in standard mode / five images in fine mode.***The consecutive shooting speed varies with the memory card, image size, and image compression mode. The number of shots depends on the memory card size, battery life, image size and image compression mode.4. Large 3.0-inch (TZ3) or 2.5-inch (TZ2) LCD with Advanced Features for Easy Shooting and PlaybackThe TZ3 boasts a large, easy-to-see 3.0-inch LCD with outstanding 230,000-pixel resolution, and the TZ2 features an easy-to-see 2.5-inch LCD with 207,000-pixel resolution. Taking advantage of its big screen and high resolution, the TZ3 provides a dual image playback feature that lets you display two images at the same time, one above the other, and compare them. Also, to make image playback more entertaining, the TZ3 offers an amusing new Slide Change Effect feature in place of the monotonous frame-by-frame advance.Also, the pixel-mixed readout method used by the CCD automatically increases the brightness of the live image on the LCD, making it much easier to shoot in low lighting. Thanks to the Power LCD function, which boosts the LCD backlighting by 40%, even shooting outdoors in bright sunshine is no longer a problem. The High Angle mode, which can be accessed quickly and easily via a dedicated button, makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as to shoot over a crowd.5. 28mm Wide Angle with Multiple Aspect RatiosPanasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3Conventional cameras generally use almost the entire CCD area when recording an image, and the angle of view may be altered regardless of the photographer’s intention. The TZ3 and TZ2, however, incorporate a 1/2.35
Nikon D3 digital SLR camera
Posted on September 17, 2007 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Eight years after Nikon’s D1 camera changed professional digital photography forever, Nikon today introduced the D3 – a new digital SLR camera that is poised to once again revolutionize photography for professionals. The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.*Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.Nikon D3Nikon D3Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. By setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation.Nikon D3The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D3 uses the world’s first Scene Recognition System to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection in the camera by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.Nikon D3“Nikon is proud and excited to once again respond to the needs of professional photographers by introducing the D3. Nikon engineers have successfully combined ultra high-speed shooting capabilities and handling with outstanding low-noise image quality, offering professional photographers an ideal tool for a broad range of shooting disciplines,
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