Sony showcases Cyber-shot T77 and T700 fashion’ digital cameras
Posted on August 19, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Sony has revealed two new 10.1-million-pixel cameras that are due to go on sale in the UK next month. The Cyber-shot T77 is billed as the world’s slimmest camera with a 4x (Carl Zeiss) zoom and optical image stabilisation. Out in five ‘fashion colours’ the camera measures 13.9mm at its thinnest point and sports a 3in LCD touchscreen. This model will cost £248.99. Features include face detection, ‘anti-blink’ technology and Intelligent Scene Recognition. A leather case will be available as an optional extra priced £35. The Cyber-shot T700 boasts 4GB of on-board memory, and a 3.5in ‘widescreen’ with a 921,000 dot resolution. A new ‘Sharemark’ function is designed to make it easier to upload images to photo sharing websites. While the ‘Album’ mode aims to help users organise their images by storing them in on-camera folders. Bundled software allows full-sized images to be transferred to computer in a ’single click’. Smaller ‘resized’ files can then be moved back to the camera for ‘mobile viewing’, says Sony. The T700 is due to hit stores with a £299 pricetag. Two underwater cases compatible with the cameras were also shown to journalists, at a press event in central London last night. One is designed to be waterproof down to 40m (priced £189), while another is waterproof to depths of 1.5m and is expected to cost around £50. The prices of these accessories are yet to be confirmed. They are due out in October.
Software Review: Adobe Photoshop Plug-in - Silver Efex Pro From Nik Software
Posted on August 19, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
Silver Efex Pro is the latest addition to Nik's collection of digital photographic filters and effects for Adobe Photoshop. This is a brand new product that is aimed at creating dynamic black and white images by offering the traditional tools of the darkroom while including the flexibility and precision of digital photography. Not only is Silver Efex Pro a black and white converter, it contains Nik's premier U Point technology that gives you pinpoint control over what you want to do. No longer are you limited to working with global changes and masking to accomplish your goals. Rather, now you can precisely control specific areas of your image with a couple of clicks of your mouse. What do you need to run Silver Efex Pro? System requirements are Windows 2000 Pro or better, Mac OS 10.4 or better, 512 MB, and Photoshop 7 through CS3 on Windows, CS2 and CS3 on Mac, Photoshop Elements 2.0 or better on Windows, 4.0 and 6.0 on Mac, or any image editing software program that accepts Adobe Photoshop Plug-ins. Basically, the Silver Efex Pro workflow works like this. Launch Photoshop, open an image, and open Silver Efex Pro from the filter menu, which will open the Silver Efex interface. By default, the Style Browser with sample thumbnails of your image will appear on the left hand side of the interface. On the right side are the enhancement controls. Once you select the style from the left that most closely represents what you want to accomplish, you can use the enhancement control options on the right to make global adjustments to the image. These include controls to adjust the brightness and contrast, and structure sliders. Next you can use the U Point Control Points to selectively control where each filter is applied to the images. This allows you to control the effect without having to use selections and/or masking. By placing Control Points on an image, you can control brightness, contrast, and structure to fine tune certain areas of your images independently of the rest of the photo. The next set of controls are the Color Filters. These work much in the same way that traditional color filters work when used with panchromatic black and white films; objects of the color of the filter are lightened while objects the opposite of the filter's colors are darkened. Then you have the film type selection. Here you get 18 different film types based on the most popular black and white films. These include ISOs from 32 to 3200 and film types from manufacturers like Agfa, Ilford, Kodak, and Fuji. For each you can control grain, sensitivity, and tone curve.page 1 | 2
Nikon announces Coolpix P6000 with GPS
Posted on August 17, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
Nikon has announced its flagship compact, the Coolpix P6000. Built around a 13.5 megapixel, 1/1.72 inch sensor (0.41 square cm), the camera has a 4x zoom starting at a respectably wide-angle - equivalent to 28mm. It also records RAW files in a new NRW format that can be converted in-camera or with the forthcoming Windows version of View NX or Windows Imaging Component compatible applications. The other stand-out feature is the inclusion of built-in GPS logging of the locations at which images were recorded. It is expected to start shipping in September for around $500/£429.99/€575.00. Now with added product images. Nikon Coolpix P6000 features 13.5 megapixel CCD (effective) 4x wide-angle zoom lens (28 - 112 mm equiv.) with optical stabilization 2.7" LCD monitor (230,000 pixels) ISO 64 - 1600 at full resolution (3200 and 6400 at three megapixels) NRW RAW format (although "Windows Imaging Component" and "Windows only") Built-in GPS receiver records location (latitude and longitude for automatic geotagging) External flash and lens accessories Wired LAN port Face-priority AF D-Lighting This on the new Nikon RAW format: COOLPIX Picture Control NRW (RAW) files can only be processed in-camera. NRW (RAW) files are compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only available early October 2008) or with WIC-based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images. Press release (UK): NIKON TRACKS THE ACTION WITH THE COOLPIX P6000 Nikon UK is pleased to announce its new top-of-the-line Performance series COOLPIX model, the P6000, Nikon’s first camera with built-in GPS. The camera’s superb image quality is guaranteed by an effective 13.5 megapixels, the wide-angle 4x zoom NIKKOR lens including 2 ED glass elements and Nikon’s image-processing system EXPEED. The built-in GPS, RAW support, and integrated Ethernet connector for image sharing via Nikon’s ‘my Picturetown’ make it one of the most advanced compact cameras on the market today. Thanks to its attractive, intelligent design with an SLR-like grip for perfect handling, user-friendly button layout and 2.7-inch high-resolution TFT screen, it’s easy to use - allowing you to concentrate on the shooting. Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V, says: “This new compact camera sets new standards for the compact camera market. Nikon is known for introducing advanced features in both its D-SLR and compact cameras. With the introduction of this GPS model, Nikon proves to be at the forefront of technology once again. The high-quality materials and feature list otherwise only found in high-end cameras will appeal to the discerning user.” Only the best images The COOLPIX P6000 is packed with groundbreaking technology to ensure the highest possible image quality from a compact body. Its 13.5 effective megapixels, the use of Nikon’s exclusive image-processing system EXPEED (originally designed for its professional D-SLRs) and a wide-angle 4x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with two ED glass elements (28-112 mm) leave nothing to be desired. The camera’s image quality is further reinforced by its ability to shoot images in RAW format, and Picture Control capabilities, taken from D-SLR products. Furthermore it features three functions to reduce image blur. High-performance Lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) allows sharp pictures with minimal blur and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops faster. Its superior noise-reduction technology allows a sensitivity range up to ISO 6400. Nikon’s Best Shot Selector allows the camera to take a maximum of 10 sequential shots and automatically saves the sharpest image. This is ideal for macro close-up shooting when camera shake is most likely. The easiest operation To get the most out of the COOLPIX P6000’s technology, Nikon has invested the greatest care to ensure it is easy to use. For freedom in exposure control, there is a choice of four exposure modes (P/S/A/M) allowing the user to finely control the camera or to let the camera decide what’s best. Fifteen Scene Modes, including modes for tough-to-shoot environments such as beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn and fireworks shows, mean you’ll capture even the trickiest subjects perfectly. There are six colour options for special colour effects similar to those obtained using a filter. The improved Face-priority AF recognises up to 12 faces for both superb portrait photography and crisp group images, even when faces are underexposed in backlit conditions or overexposed in strong sunshine. Should ‘red eye’ occur, the In-camera Red-Eye Fix activates at exposure and automatically reduces and corrects it. D-Lighting automatically ensures images look natural, rescuing underexposed images caused by excessive backlight or insufficient flashlight. Distortion Control ensures precise subject reproduction and avoids the image distortion that occurs at wide-angle zoom settings or at the peripheries of an image. COOLPIX in-camera Picture Control, based on the technology from Nikon’s award winning D-SLRs, allows the user to flexibly control shooting situations. The camera’s movie function, with the built-in time-lapse movie mode (at up to 640×480 pixels in 30fps), further strengthens the range of creative options. Share your quality The COOLPIX P6000 is the first consumer camera with a built-in Ethernet connector, allowing users to share images effortlessly. Upload images to Nikon’s ‘my Picturetown’ - simply connect the camera by LAN cable and share them with others over the internet. This is also useful as a backup when on the road. The camera’s incorporated GPS function will attach a Geotag with positioning information to image files which can then be used on Nikon’s ‘my Picturetown’ website, ViewNX or any other website that can handle Geotags, to indicate the precise location of your images. The COOLPIX P6000 inherits the design of Nikon’s award-winning P5000 series with further refinements. Its SLR-like grip, for example, is of perfect size, shape and texture for great handling. The ergonomic button layout has been designed considering finger movements during shooting and, to make sure it looks its best, the light and durable magnesium alloy on the front surface of the body will make the COOLPIX P6000 desired by all who recognise quality. The COOLPIX P6000 comes with a strap, rechargeable battery and AC adapter, USB and audio/video cables, COOLPIX software suite and free 2GB online storage at Nikon’s ‘my Picturetown’. Nikon COOLPIX P6000 brief specifications Sensor • 1/1.72" Type CCD • 13.5 million effective pixels Lens • 4.0x Zoom-Nikkor (28 - 112 mm equiv.) • F2.7 - F5.9 • 9 elements in 7 groups Image dimensions • 4224 x 3168 • 4224 x 2816 (3:2) • 4224 x 2376 (16:9) • 3264 x 2448 • 3168 x 3168 (1:1) • 2592 x 1944 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 1024 x 768 Image stabilization Optical: Lens-shift VR Conversion lenses Yes Digital zoom Up to 4x Focus Contrast-detect TTL AF Focus distance • 50 cm (1 ft.) to infinity (∞) • Macro close-up mode: 2 cm (0.8 in) to infinity (∞) ISO sensitivity • Full res: ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000 • 3MP or smaller: ISO 3200, 6400 • Auto (ISO 64-800), Auto high-sensitivity up to ISO 1600 LCD monitor • 2.7-in wide viewing angle TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating • 230,000-dot Other features • GPS • Ethernet port Storage • SD / SDHC card (optional) • Approx 48 MB internal memory Power • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied) • Approx 260 shots • AC Adapter EH-66 (optional) Accessories (Optional) • Battery charger MH-61 • Wide-angle Converter WC-E76 • Adapter ring UR-E21 • Speedlights SB-400, SB-600, SB-800 Weight (no batt) Approx. 240 g (8.5 oz.) without battery and SD memory card Dimensions Approx. 107 x 66 x 43 mm (4.2 x 2.6 x 1.7 in) Additional images
Hahnemuhle Adds Ultra Smooth and Baryta Papers
Posted on August 16, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Hahnemuhle has added two new inkjet photo papers to its FineArt line. Photo Rag Ultra Smooth and Photo Rag Baryta are both acid-free papers designed for creating museum-quality prints. The 305 gsm Photo Rag Ultra Smooth is made for both black-and-white and color printing, while the 315 gsm Photo Rag Baryta is designed primarily for monochrome printing, with a surface that resembles that of silver-halide baryta paper. The 100 percent cotton paper’s glossy coating contains barium sulfate to produce its distinctive look. FineArt Photo Rag Ultra Smooth and Photo Rag Baryta are available now in both sheets and rolls. For details on sheet sizes available, go to the Hahnemuhle Web site.
Photographer put on sex offenders register But most ‘indecent’ images escape detection, says Bonusprint boss
Posted on August 15, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Indecent photographs of children are less likely to be detected since the move away from film because fewer images are sent to high-street printers, warns Bonusprint. Bonusprint managing director Anthony Ward told (AP) magazine that spotting such cases and referring them to the authorities is ‘very rare’. Ward explained: ‘It was more common in the film world. People doing these sort of images just keep it all at home they can print at home.’ Bonusprint, which is one of the UK’s largest photo processing firms, reports indecent photographs to the authorities around once a year. Ward was speaking two days after Dr Marcus Phillips, a tutor at Sheffield University, was sentenced to 150 hours community service after Bonusprint alerted the authorities over photographs he had taken of two girls. Sheffield Crown Court confirmed to AP that Phillips pleaded guilty to making and possessing indecent photographs. Bonusprint’s MD declined to comment on the case. But, speaking in general terms, Ward told us: ‘We have a legal and moral responsibility when we see images we are not sure about. We will always bring to the attention of the authorities any dubious image that we deem to be inappropriate.’ Phillips, 38, landed in court after submitting the digital images to Bonusprint’s website. Phillips had reportedly shot the ‘artistic nude shots’ as part of a part-time business specialising in transforming images of people into ‘ethereal’ images of fairies. The parents of the two girls, aged 10-12, had apparently given their consent, were present most of the time and never complained, according to press reports of the court case. Judge Lawler QC told the court on Tuesday: ‘You always acted perfectly properly and their parents were law-abiding, sensible people who cared for their children. ‘What is clear is that you had no base motive, no sexual motive and there was not any question of deriving sexual gratification.’ Phillips now plans to focus on ‘plant and nature photography’, according to his website. The photographer’s name has been added to the sex offenders register, where it will remain for five years. This is done automatically, according to the court office. However, the judge made it clear that Phillips will not have to attend a sex offenders programme. AP will be looking at the issues that have arisen from this story more fully in a future issue
Samsung GX-20 Review
Posted on August 13, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Buy-n-Shoot have reviewed the 14 megapixel Samsung GX-20 DSLR camera. “In summation, it is fair to suggest the GX-20 is not an entry level unit. It has clearly been designed with the intermediate to advanced user in mind who is familiar with the general controlling, functions and handling of a DSLR. The lack of scene modes and the detailed menu/function information help to define the target customer as an experienced camera user capable of fully controlling the GX-20 as opposed to it automatically controlling the look of images with point-and-shoot operation.” Website: Buy-n-Shoot - Samsung GX-20 Review Website: Read our Samsung GX-20 Review
Apple Aperture opens up to Noise Ninja
Posted on August 12, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
PictureCode has released its popular Noise Ninja noise-reduction application as a plug-in for Aperture. Previously available for Photoshop or as a stand-alone application, the Noise Ninja plug-in enables Aperture users to make adjustments to their photographs without having to leave Aperture’s workflow. For more information, and to download the plug-in, visit the Apple website.
View from the Tower. Santa Barbara, July 2008.
Posted on August 9, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Court’s tower in Santa Barbara is accessible every day until 5 p.m. From there one can get a better perspective over the town’s setting on a thin strech of land between the Pacific and Santa Ynez Mountains. It’s too bad they close before the sunstet!
Sony Ericsson W902
Posted on August 6, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Sony Ericsson W902 : Sony Ericsson has announced the W902 Walkman for those who want it all. The 8GB Memory Stick Micro lets you store more than 8,000 songs and switches seamlessly from music to media to experience crystal clear video capabilities. No longer do you need to make a choice between music, media and imaging when picking your next phone. The Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman is a phone that goes beyond music and gives users everything they need in one pocket-sized stylish device. Downsize your bag, free your pockets and leave your music player and camera at home - use the premium W902 phone to play your favorite tunes, snap those precious moments or watch crystal clear video on the bright, scratch-resistant 2.2” QVGA display. Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman phone “We all want more from our Sony Ericsson mobile phones than ever before.” said Ben Padley, Head of the Music Category at Sony Ericsson, “If you love music but don’t want to compromise on imaging and video, we have used our expertise as music phone specialists to give users a truly multimedia experience with this latest phone. The Sony Ericsson W902 is one of our most high-performing mobile phones yet and perfect for those who want it all.” Sony Ericsson 902 phone - Sound quality and Premium headphone The new Sony Ericsson 902 delivers music as it was meant to be heard through Sony Ericsson’s revolutionary clear audio experience. With crystal clear sound quality and a dramatically richer bass, together with Sony Ericsson premium headphones, HPM-77 included in-box, your favorite tracks will sound better than ever. The Sony Ericsson W902 features the same superior sound quality as the W980, about to launch shortly, which was rated ”best audio experience” this month, in a trial conducted in Germany by TESTfactory. Sony Ericsson W902 Audio Experience • Fast forward to fantastic sounds • Outstanding music sound • Clear Stereo + Clear Bass+ premium headphones = clear audio experience • Retro music navigation keys - skip forward, back, play and pause with the push of a button • Crystal clear video playback • 5 megapixel camera - snap your stills and videos • Scratch-resistant 2.2” QVGA screen and lens - made with mineral glass • 8GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) for more than 8,000 songs Sony Ericsson W902 mobile phone - Availability and HSDPA Look beyond music and have it all with the new Sony Ericsson W902. Convenient, stylish and compact - why carry your life around in your bag when it can fit in your pocket? The Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets in Volcanic Black, Wine Red and Earth Green in Q4 of 2008.
LiveEdit Streamlines Your Workflow
Posted on August 5, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
LiveEdit is a new web-based software tool that allows photographers to cut costs and save time. LiveEdit was created by professional photographers for optimal creativity and time management, with its interface divided into to four sections: Edit, Retoucher, Archive and Stock. Users are able to track their entire archive in one place, which will enable them to showcase and sell more photos by creating a personal stock site. “The way in which professional photography is administered and disseminated is antiquated, inefficient and cumbersome,” says Lipman. “LiveEdit brings ease and efficiency to this process, vastly speeding up time to market for photography. Its features help bring the photo profession into the modern era, where the cycle from shoot to end product must happen in days - not weeks or months.” Pricing starts at $395/Year for the Photographer Package with 2GB of storage. LiveEdit Press Release Public Launch ‘LiveEdit’ - Web 2.0 Photography Application July 23, 2008—LiveEdit, a Web-based software tool for photographers, advertising agencies and other imaging professionals, is now available to the public. The revolutionary online program puts image workflow and images at the fingertips of its users anywhere, anytime—allowing imaging professionals to cut costs and save time across the entire process. The new service was created by professional photographers for optimal creativity and time management. Its intuitive interface is divided into to four core applications: Edit, Retoucher, Archive and Stock, giving photographers the ability to: • Collaboratively edit photo shoots • Compare and share retouching comments • Archive images • Sell photos 24 hours per day • Create layouts • Edit the color of images • Rate photos • Create Contact sheets • Enable clients to independently access high-resolution photos they need, when they need them “Creative companies face business continuity problems because too often one person holds all of the knowledge about creative assets,” says Darren Lipman. “Live Edit empowers everyone at a creative company to make the best use of creative assets.” Users are able to track their entire archive in one place, which will enable them to showcase and sell more photos by creating a personal stock site. LiveEdit offers: • Secure login • Customized branding • Functions and features that are fast, in-depth and easy to use Agencies and companies who utilize the service will find a myriad of benefits, including savings when it comes to storing and cataloguing photography. The software has been successfully used by a variety of companies, including InStyle magazine, Conde Nast Publications, Proctor and Gamble, L’Oréal. For photographers, LiveEdit (http://www.liveedit.com) helps them save time and money when it comes to reduced production times, and helps keep everyone who uses it more organized - especially considering that imagery can be accessed with ease from anywhere on the planet. “The way in which professional photography is administered and disseminated is antiquated, inefficient and cumbersome,” says Lipman. “LiveEdit brings ease and efficiency to this process, vastly speeding up time to market for photography. Its features help bring the photo profession into the modern era, where the cycle from shoot to end product must happen in days - not weeks or months.” About LiveEdit Live Edit is a limited liability company based in New York City. Hi-Resolution Video http://liveedit.com/promo