iLovePhotos Public Beta
Posted on September 25, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
iLovePhotos has announced the official release of its public beta. iLovePhotos is free desktop software for Macs that uses facial detection, visual tagging, automated sharing, and intelligent slide show technology to manage your digital photos. Alongside the launch of its public beta, iLovePhotos has also introduced a new Flash-based version of its Mac application. Users can access the online software from any Mac or PC without downloading any software.
iLovePhotos Press Release
iLovePhotos Moves into Public Beta; Adds Web-based Version
Free Mac software and Flash-based web app rescues billions of photos from the ‘digital shoebox’ with automated photo sharing and visual tagging
Honolulu, Hawaii, Sept. 22, 2008 – iLovePhotos announced the official release of its public beta. The free Mac software takes a fresh approach to addressing the billions of photos that are left unorganized and forgotten on people’s hard drives each year – leveraging face detection, visual tagging, automated sharing, and intelligent slide show technology to let people effortlessly organize, share, and enjoy their photos – and all the memories attached to them.
iLovePhotos first unveiled this innovative photo sharing platform in private beta at DEMOfall2008 and is launching its public beta with an enhanced user experience now that the crowds are home from DEMOfall and TechCrunch.
With the public beta, people can organize and enjoy their photos with the following capabilities:
· Automated sharing: With automatic sharing feeds, iLovePhotos takes all the work out of keeping family and friends connected with your photos. For example, share pictures of your baby’s first smile, bath, trip to the park, and baseball game with close friends and relatives. Every time you tag a photo of your baby, it’s automatically uploaded to the iLovePhotos.com website and all recipients receive an email with a link to the new shots.
· Intelligent slide shows: Like a great radio station for your photos, iLovePhotos can bring back long-lost photos and favorite memories. It intelligently creates slideshows based on the people in your photos, how frequently they appear in your collection, and who they’re with most often. And these portable slide shows can be embedded on Web sites, blogs, and social network profiles and also be distributed and played across multiple platforms, including iTunes for syncing directly with iPods, iPhones, and Apple TVs.
· Face detection and visual tagging: iLovePhotos makes it easy to tag and organize photos. Instead of photo albums and folders, iLovePhotos organizes photos based on the people in them. Simply click on a friend’s photo to show every photo they’re in.
Alongside the launch of its public beta, iLovePhotos introduced a new Flash-based version of its Mac application. Users can access the online software from any Mac or PC without downloading any software. And people can even bring their photos straight in from Flickr.
About Blue Lava Technologies
Blue Lava Technologies was founded in December 2005 by Lorenz Sell and Henk Rogers with the goal getting your photos back into your life. The company is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii and has received $3.2m in funding led by Henk Rogers and Kolohala Ventures. For more information, visit BlueLavaTech.com or iLovePhotos.com.
The Life of a Photograph
Posted on September 13, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The Life of a Photograph is a new National Geographic book by photographer Sam Abell. Drawing on 40 years of Abell’s fieldwork, the book takes readers on assignment and inside the heart of this master photographer to witness the making of nearly 200 images. Many photographs are complemented by text from Abell, providing background on the photograph and how he crafted the image. The Life of a Photograph will be available at the end of October for $40.
THE LIFE OF A PHOTOGRAPH
Sam Abell Offers Master Class in Photography with Powerful Images
In THE LIFE OF A PHOTOGRAPH (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4262-0329-9; Oct. 21, 2008; $40), Sam Abell, one of the foremost photographers of our time, shares some of his most powerful and unforgettable images and answers the question, “What gives life to a photograph?”
Drawing on 40 years of Abell’s fieldwork, the book takes readers on assignment and inside the heart of this master photographer to witness the making of nearly 200 truly great images. Abell has selected photographs that speak most powerfully to him. They include notable images that he has made for National Geographic magazine and books, as well as photographs from his personal body of work that are published here for the first time.
THE LIFE OF A PHOTOGRAPH is organized around Abell’s perspectives on landscape, still life, street scenes and the photography of daily life. Selections cover geography and wildlife from the Arctic to the Amazon, and cultures from Australia to the American West.
In an original concept for a photography book, images are displayed in a unique, highly involving way that allows the viewer to be engaged in the photographic process. By showing similar images side by side, or sequences of photographs of the same event, the viewer is placed in the field and in the editor’s chair. Displaying images in this way allows the viewer to see how a setting appears before the subject enters, like an actor on a stage, and how subtle differences in point of view, framing, timing and perspective can lead to strikingly different photographs.
By presenting alternative images and clear, compelling text, Abell describes that act of seeking the picture — “a process with no absolute ending, as time and thought continue to shape the life of a photograph.”
With each image Abell presents a master class in photographic thinking. Through his lens, even the most mundane sights — a puddle of water, a bathroom faucet, a circle of laundry drying on the line, a plate of baked beans and toast — are transformed into artful, meaningful creations. Many photographs are complemented by text from Abell, providing background on the photograph and how he crafted the image.
“As a photographer my intent is to bring the world under my aesthetic control,” he writes. “Making a picture just right takes time even when the thing you’re photographing isn’t moving. Instead you do the moving — closer, not so close, change lenses, commit to a tripod, micro compose some detail, step back, reconsider, recompose, step back. And when it looks right, it also feels right — just so. Therefore it’s not only things that have made their way into my photography, but also the poetics of them in their setting.”
THE LIFE OF A PHOTOGRAPH is part of National Geographic Books’ new Focal Point imprint, which draws on National Geographic’s legendary photographic archive of more than 10 million images and the work of distinguished photographers around the world. The imprint will present the finest in documentary photography past and present, and monographs will celebrate individual photographers’ unique style, vision and skill.
Abell, who learned his craft from his father Thad S. Abell, has photographed for National Geographic magazine for almost 40 years. He is the author of the National Geographic book “Seeing Gardens” as well as “Stay this Moment,” a mid-career retrospective accompanied by an exhibition at the International Center of Photography, New York. His retrospective “Sam Abell: The Photographic Life” was accompanied by a traveling exhibition that opened at the University of Virginia Art Museum. Abell also collaborated with Stephen Ambrose on two best-selling National Geographic books, “Lewis and Clark: Voyage of Discovery” and “The Mississippi River.”
Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery Review
Posted on September 10, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery is a Windows/Mac compatible software program that recovers lost, deleted and formatted digital pictures from removable media. Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery works with any type of digital card reader or storage media that can mount as a volume. It supports the recovery of 33 different file types, including RAW files from all the major camera manufacturers and some video and music formats too. With a price tag of $39 / €31 + VAT, we find out if Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery is the answer in the event of a photo disaster…
Website: Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery Review
Marumi Lens Hoods for Canon
Posted on August 31, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
A new range of Marumi lens hoods for Canon lenses is now available. Marumi lens hoods are an alternative to Canon’s own brand products, with a quality black plastic construction and bayonet fittings that can be reversed over the lens for storage when not in use. 11 different lenses are currently supported, and prices range from: £9.99 to £24.99 RRP Inc. VAT.
Kenro Press Release
Release Date: 28 August 2008
Alternative lens hoods available for Canon lenses
Purchasers of Canon lenses have previously had little option other than to purchase the manufacturers own brand of lens hoods.
However there is now an alternative cost-effective solution from Kenro in the form of Marumi Lens Hoods available in a range of Canon Bayonet Mounts. This is useful if you have damaged or miss-placed your original hood from Canon. These hoods are of quality black plastic construction and have bayonet fittings that can also be reversed over the lens for storage when not in use.
The range covers:
MA919029 ET-65111 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF85/1.8, 100/2.0, 135/2.8
MA919036 ET-65B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF70-300/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
MA919043 ET-67 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF100/2.8 Macro USM
MA919067 EW-63B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-105/4-5.6 USM
MA919074 EW-73B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S17-85/4-5.6 IS USM
MA919081 EW-78B11 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM
MA919098 EW-83E Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF16-35/2.8L, EF17-40/4L
MA919104 ET-67B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S60/2.8 Macro USM
MA919111 EW-83J Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S17-55/2.8 IS USM
MA919128 EW-7311 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF 24-85/3.5-4.5 USM
MA919135 EW-60CD Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-90/4-5.6 II USM EF-S
Prices range from: £9.99 RRP Inc. VAT to £24.99 RRP Inc. VAT.
See http://www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.
Get Your Photo Onto a Lonely Planet Cover
Posted on August 23, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Your photo could feature on the cover of Lonely Planet’s ‘Encounter’ guides, the main prize in a new competition. Run by Lonely Planet, the world-leading travel guide publisher, and Pikeo.com, a new photo-sharing website, you could also win a free trip to India, Russia, Morocco or Kenya courtesy of Intrepid Travel. You need to tsubmit unique and inspiring pictures of London, Paris, Barcelona and Istanbul to enter. The competition is open to those in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Canada and entries close on September 8, 2008.
Pikeo.com Press Release
LONELY PLANET AND PIKEO SEARCH FOR TRAVELLERS’ COVER SHOTS
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your travel photos published on the cover of Lonely Planet? Well now’s your chance…
Lonely Planet, the world-leading travel guide publisher and Pikeo.com, the new photo-sharing website, are inviting photographers to submit their most unique and inspiring pictures of London, Paris, Barcelona and Istanbul.
Four winning shots will be chosen for the cover of Lonely Planet’s ‘Encounter’ guides to each city. The panel of judges consists of travel photography experts including representatives from the Association of British Photographers and Lonely Planet Images.
The winners of each cover will also receive a free trip to India, Russia, Morocco or Kenya courtesy of Intrepid Travel. In addition, twelve runners-up will receive prizes, as will a small selection of highly commended entries.
The winning images, plus Lonely Planet and Pikeo’s favourite shots, will be launched and showcased at a gallery exhibition in London when the guides go on sale next year.
To enter, simply visit the competition page on Pikeo at http://lonelyplanet.pikeo.com and follow the instructions. Photographers can also take advantage of Pikeo’s many presentation features, including the ability to organise photos into albums and create a professional online gallery.
The competition is open to those in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Canada and entries close on September 8, 2008.
Lonely Planet and Pikeo tips for a winning image:
– Images must be taken from a street perspective
– Use a reportage/documentary style
– Make the viewer feel they are actually there
– Have a central focal point
– Ensure composition is bold and colours are rich
– Avoid things looking staged by showing locals going about their everyday life
– Use iconic sights or architecture in an everyday context
– Always include people within your shots
Pikeo (http://www.pikeo.com) is a groundbreaking new photo-sharing website, launched in 2007. It incorporates the latest mapping and mobile technology, allowing users to upload photos via internet or mobile from anywhere in the world, share them with friends or publish them to the whole world.
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
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
Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF
Posted on July 23, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF are three new sensor-cleaning products from Dust-Aid. Dust-Aid Platinum is a dry sensor cleaning solution that allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The Dust-Wand kit is a wet cleaning option with multiple wands, clips and Ultra Clean sensor cleaning liquid. Dust-Cloth MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes with micro fiber cloths.
Dust-Aid Press Release
Dust-Aid Reinvents Dry and Wet DSLR Sensor Cleaning
BEND, OREGON — June 21, 2008— Today DUST-AID¨ introduced several new DSLR camera sensor filter cleaning products; Dust-Aid Platinum for dry sensor cleaning and the DUST-WANDª Kit for wet sensor cleaning. These new products deliver breakthrough features that make them truly unique sensor filter cleaning solutions.
The Dust-Aid Platinum reinvents dry DSLR camera cleaning.
The new patent pending design of Dust-Aid Platinum allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The silicone is made without the use of traditional molds which eliminates the chance of mold release agents bonding to the silicone and contaminating internal DSLR surfaces when cleaned. Dust-Aid Platinum has been tested and approved for all sensor filter coatings and can be used on DSLR cameras with internal dust removal systems.
DUST-WANDª Kit: Wet cleaning with multiple wands, clips and a very unique liquid.
The DUST-WANDª Kit delivers everything needed to safely clean every DSLR camera sensor filter aspect ratio. The kit contains three different sized DUST-WANDS a pack of DUST-CLOTHS for wrapping the wands, specially designed clips for securing the cloths to the wands and the very unique sensor filter cleaning liquid, ULTRA CLEANª. The ULTRA CLEANª sensor cleaning liquid is one of the fastest evaporating liquids available. Due to the very fast evaporation rate there is no chance, when used properly, of liquid seeping down between the sensor filter and the sensor itself. In addition, the liquid is one of the cleanest in the industry which helps to reduce any chance of residue being left behind. ULTRA CLEANª liquid is also non-flammable and non-alcohol based, making it perfect for the traveling photographer. ULTRA CLEANª has also been tested and approved for multiple sensor filter coatings.
DUST-CLOTHª MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes
DUST-CLOTHªMF brings in a new world of wet sensor filter cleaning wipes with the introduction of micro fiber cloths. Unlike the non-woven fabric used in typical sensor filter swabs and wipes, which have a troublesome tendency of leaving behind fibers, DUST-CLOTHªMF is made up of a soft micro weave which helps to eliminate fiber loss when cleaning. The DUST-CLOTHªMF is very soft and have been tested and approved for their use on multiple sensor filter coatings.
Learn more about all these new products at http://www.Dust-Aid.com
DUST-AID¨ ignited a new concept in the sensor cleaning industry with its flagship product that was named after the company in 2007. Today, DUST-AID¨ continues to reinvent and develop new and innovative ways to clean and prevent dust from degrading digital images captured by their DSLR camera customers.
DxO Optics Pro 5.2
Posted on July 14, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
DxO Optics Pro 5.2 features a new RAW converter that dramatically improves noise reduction in ultra-high ISO images, plus support for three new camera bodies. The Pentax K20D, Sony-A350 and Sony-A700 DSLRs are now supported, and it also inlcudes the DxO Optics Pro Import plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. New lens correction modules have also been added for the Samsung GX20 and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi. To celebrate the release of DxO Optics Pro v5.2, DxO Labs is extending the special DxO FilmPack free license offer until July 31, 2008.
DxO Labs Press Release
DxO Optics Pro v5.2 new RAW converter extends already important achievements in noise removal, detail rendition and color fidelity to images shot at ISOs as high as 25600. The software also adds support for the Pentax K20D, Sony-A350 and Sony-A700 DSLRs as well as the long-awaited DxO Optics Pro Import plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop®.
Paris, France – June 23, 2008 – DxO Labs today announced DxO Optics Pro v5.2, the latest version of its award-winning flagship software application for automatic image quality enhancement for digital SLR camera users, featuring dramatic improvements in RAW conversion for images shot at ultra-high ISOs. The release of DxO Optics Pro v5.2 is accompanied by support for three new camera bodies and an initial library of lens correction modules, bug fixes and improvements including the DxO Optics Pro Import plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop®, and extension of the free DxO FilmPack offer.
DxO Optics Pro v5.2 RAW conversion breakthroughs
DxO Optics Pro v5.0 marked an important milestone in the world of RAW converters by taking the lead in terms of noise removal and detail rendition. DxO Optics Pro v5.2 takes another dramatic step forward in noise removal for RAW images shot at ISOs as high as 25600, while improving the level of details and color fidelity in the photo.
“We are facing a paradox,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, director of the photography business at DxO Labs, “as technology evolves the number of pixels and the amount of noise simultaneously increase so that RAW conversion becomes more challenging.”
Frédéric Guichard, Chief Scientist at DxO Labs explains, “Reduction of the pixel size of roughly 30% from 2003 to 2008 and the naturally increasing demand from photographers to shoot at very high ISO reveals new problems with noise related to both the manufacturing of the sensor and the quantity of light hitting it. This means that RAW converters have to cope with higher photonics noise as well as with new sources of noise due to electronic imperfections. The ability of RAW converters to reduce noise while keeping good detail rendition is clearly the key for high ISO shooting.”
The noise engine in DxO Optics Pro v5.2 has been improved to take these evolutions into account:
New chrominance noise removal in RAW format is better adapted to the characteristics of each camera body and does a better job of preserving real color nuances.
Multi-scale RAW luminance noise removal allows the software to remove larger noise spots and results in even smaller digital grain size after correction.
Compared with competing RAW converters, for the same level of detail preservation, DxO Optics Pro v5.2 provides a 2-f/stop gain in the shooting latitude at ultra-high ISOs.
Support for 3 new camera bodies
DxO Optics Pro v5.2 adds support for the popular Pentax K20D, Sony-A350 and Sony-A700 DSLR camera bodies and an initial selection of lenses.
Camera body Lens DxO Optics Pro v5…
Pentax K20D Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc DA 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc DA 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Standard & Elite
Pentax K20D Pentax smc D-FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Sony or Konica Minolta AF 50mm f/1.4 Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Sony Super Wide Zoom 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 DT Standard & Elite
Sony-A350 Sony or Konica Minolta AF 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Sony 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Sony DT 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Sony or Konica Minolta AF 50mm f/1.4 Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Sony Super Wide Zoom 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 DT Standard & Elite
Sony-A700 Sony or Konica Minolta AF 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard & Elite
With the release of v5.2, new lens correction modules have also been added for the Samsung GX20 and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (also known as the Canon EOS 450D or Canon EOS Kiss X2).
Camera body Lens DxO Optics Pro v5…
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi, 450D or Kiss X2 Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM Standard & Elite
Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi, 450D or Kiss X2 Canon EF50mm f/1.4 USM Standard & Elite
Samsung GX20 Samsung 18-250mm f/3.5-5.6 or Tamron AF18-250mm f/3.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) or Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Standard & Elite
Samsung GX20 Samsung D-XENON 12-24mm or Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 Standard & Elite
A complete list of DxO Modules (body/lens combinations) supported by DxO Optics Pro v5.2 can be found on the company’s website: http://www.dxo.com
Adobe® Photoshop® Import plug-in and other improvements
The DxO Optics Pro Import plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® is included in DxO Optics Pro v5.2. It allows users to import images (RAW or JPEG) into Adobe® Photoshop® via the DxO Optics Pro plug-in and thus benefit from DxO Optics Pro revolutionary RAW conversion, and exclusive optical and lighting corrections. Additionally, as compared to v5.1, DxO Optics Pro v5.2 brings a number of stability and interface improvement, and bug fixes.
Extension of the DxO FilmPack special offer
To celebrate the release of DxO Optics Pro v5.2, DxO Labs is extending the special DxO FilmPack free license offer until July 31, 2008. Customers who upgrade (either a free or purchased upgrade) or purchase DxO Optics Pro v5.2 and activate it before August 1, 2008 will receive a free DxO FilmPack v1.2 license. DxO FilmPack exists as a plug-in for Photoshop or DxO Optics Pro, or a stand-alone application, accurately reproducing the color and grain of traditional films onto digital images, thereby allowing users to capture all the magic of film in their digital images. Customers who already own DxO FilmPack can install the new license on additional computers.
Pricing and availability
DxO Optics Pro v5.2 for Windows and Macintosh platforms is available immediately on the company’s e-store or from respected retailers. See the company’s website for a complete list: http://www.dxo.com
DxO Optics Pro v5.2 is available in Standard and Elite versions at pricing unchanged from version 5.x:
DxO Optics Pro v5 Standard: £99
DxO Optics Pro v5 Elite: £199
(All prices are including VAT)
All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro on or after August 1st, 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.2. For customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro before August 1st, 2007, the pricing of upgrades is as follows:
DxO Optics Pro Standard (any version) to DxO Optics Pro v5 Standard: £59
DxO Optics Pro Elite (any version) to DxO Optics Pro v5 Elite: £75
Operating System Requirements
Windows:
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or AMD® equivalent (Pentium® Dual Core or higher or equivalent recommended)
Microsoft® Windows XP 32 bits Service Pack 2 or Windows VISTA™ 32 bits
Macintosh:
Universal Binary (G4, G5 or Intel)
Mac OS X.4 or X.5
120 MB of available disk space
DxO Optics Pro Standard & Elite Edition: 2 GB RAM
About DxO Labs
DxO Labs offers products and solutions ensuring excellence in digital imaging. DxO Labs develops and licenses intellectual property serving the entire digital imaging chain: licensing of optics and silicon architectures for embedded still and video image processing; image quality evaluation and measurement tools and methodologies; image quality enhancement software for consumers. The company’s key customers and partners include:
Consumer electronics manufacturers such as digital camera vendors and cameraphones vendors;
Imaging components suppliers: camera module manufacturers, sensor vendors, and processor vendors;
Demanding photographers, as well as photography journalists and imaging experts.
DxO Labs’ product portfolio is steadily finding a place at the heart of advanced consumer electronics and world-class industry imaging systems where “Image Science by DxO” becomes a reference for quality.
For more information or a list of distributors and resellers, visit DxO Labs online at http://www.dxo.com.
AA Batteries Compared
Posted on July 2, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
PopPhoto have rounded-up the latest AA batteries and tested them from a green angle, emphasizing rechargeable batteries and recycling.
“With plenty of time to plan ahead, we shopped around for the best prices, dropping two Franklins at Wal-Mart. $200 bought seven sets of rechargeable and seven sets of single-use batteries—84 batteries in total. With individual single-use batteries ranging in price from 50-cents to upwards of four dollars (purchased in packs of four or eight), our objective was simple: Calculate cost per shot for each battery.”
Website: PopPhoto – AA Battery Test
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