Senin, 24 Oktober 2005

How to print digital photos at home cheaply

Don't let anyone tell you that printing digital photos from home is inexpensive. Sure, the price you pay for a digital photo printer seems reasonable at first glance, but appearances in this case are definitely deceiving.

That's because the cost of a printer is usually just a small part of the home photo printing equation. If you add up all the money you need to spend for the printer, ink, paper, colour profiling equipment, and software, it adds up quickly.

It is easy to end up spending over five times what a local printing service would charge for each photo. The cost of printing and related equipment is so high that it makes sense for anyone who uses a digital camera and prints photos at home to do a cost analysis of how much is being spent for each print. But regardless of whether the figure you arrive at makes printing at home worth your while, there are ways to save on digital photo printing costs.

In-store printing

It used to be that your local photo developer was not set up to handle your digital photographs conveniently. That has changed in most places around the world. You can now typically copy your digital photographs to a rewritable CD or DVD and take the disk to your local photo developer for processing. Of course, you choose beforehand which photographs to drop off, so there's no development of photos that you might not want, as in the old film days.

Plus you'll have the advantage of having your photographs developed using equipment that is probably much more sophisticated than what you can purchase yourself for home use. And a good photo development shop will use traditional photograph paper, not paper intended for inkjets.

To prevent surprises when you get your digital photos back, you should make sure that your monitor at home is correctly calibrated to match the equipment used by your local printing service. Calibration is achieved by loading what's called a colour profile data file into the software that you use to edit and adjust your digital photographs. If your local service doesn't offer a colour profile, look elsewhere until you find one that does. A good quality photo printing service should provide profiles, as well as instructions on how to use them, and you shouldn't have to pay more for one that does.

Online printing

Professional photograph printers in your neighbourhood have plenty of online counterparts, and these may be more to your liking if you don't want to leave the comfort of your home to deliver your digital photos to the printer.

With online printers, you upload your photographs using a web browser while logged on to the service. You then order the sizes and number of prints that you want, pay your money, and then wait for the photographs to be mailed to you.

As with non-Internet printers, you'll want to get a colour profile to make sure that your monitor matches the colour qualities of the service's printer - either that, or you should do a small order to make sure that the quality is what you expect.

Home printing

Cost aside, there are plenty of good reasons why printing your digital photographs at home may be a good idea. You get complete creative control over the printing process, almost instantaneous gratification when seeing a print come out of your printer, and the freedom to reprint photos if they don't come out just the way you want them to.

But to print at home economically, you'll have to pay attention to how ink-hungry the printer you choose is, preferably before you purchase it. Some printers are known to consume more ink during operation than others, and some manufacturers charge a lot more for refills than others. It's a good idea to check online forums before purchasing a photo printer.

You can also turn to third-party ink manufacturers to save on printing photographs at home. Just keep in mind that using a third-party ink will typically void the warranty on your printer; many manufacturers will not even service a unit that has been used with third-party inks. So take this into consideration before going the third-party route.

Also, it's a good idea to minimize your experimentation with different photo papers. Find one or a few that work well with your photo printer, and stick to them. Going through the experimentation phase while tweaking colours and settings with different papers can consume a lot of ink and time, increasing your overall printing costs.

Here are a few digital photo printers to choose from-

HP Photosmart 7960 (a ZDNet Editors' Choice)
HP Photosmart 7960 Printer
The industry's first eight-color printer, the 7980 is our pick for a photo specialist. It stands out for its superior photo print quality and extra features, such as a built-in LCD to preview images and direct printing from your camera.


Canon i560 (a ZDNet Editors' Choice)
Canon i560 Desktop Photo Printer
Like the Epson Stylus C84, this printer is both inexpensive and a solid performer. The i560 doesn't guzzle ink and offers something the C84 doesn't: the ability to print directly from a digital camera.


Canon i70
The i70 is one of the speediest inkjets around--and it's small enough to carry along on trips or to and from the office. It connects directly to digital cameras and can churn out borderless photos and 8.5x11-inch prints.


HP Photosmart 245
HP PhotoSmart 245 Compact Photo Printer
Another portable, lightweight option, the 245 costs less than the Canon CP-300, but doesn't come with a battery option. It produces nice-looking photos, but only in 4x6-inch and similar-sized formats.


Canon CP-300
Canon CP-300 - Printer - color - dye sublimation/thermal transfer - 3.95 in x 5.83 in - 300 dpi x 300 dpi up to 1.4 min/page (color) - USB
The most compact and sleek of the portables, it's also the most expensive. If you've got the money, it includes a battery and uses the dye-sublimation technology mentioned above. Because of its small size, it only prints 4x6's.

Minggu, 23 Oktober 2005

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review

Bob Atkins has written a review of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens, an affordable winner with 300mm reach! The Canon EF70-300/4-5.6 IS USM is the replacement for the EF75-300/4-5.6 IS USM, but the difference is much more than just 5mm at the short end of the range. This lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.
Bob had this to say about it-
"For me the new EF70-300/4-5.6 IS fits the bill as an ideal "walking around" lens for nature, travel and sports photographers. It's small enough and light enough to carry around as part of a kit (it would pair well with an EF-S 17-85/3.5-5.6 USM) and the image quality and stabilization are improved enough over the old lens to justify its additional cost. I can't deny it would be a lot nicer at $450 than it is at $650, but then that philosophy applies to almost everything!"


Features:
* Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM)
* 70-300mm focal length
* EF mount; telephoto zoom lens
* 3-stop Image Stabilizer for outstanding camera shake reduction
* Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create an attractive, even defocused background at large apertures

Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR review

The new Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the later is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. The Canon digital SLR's 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel single-plate CMOS sensor, coupled with the application of Canon’s EF mount, enables full utilization of all Canon EF autofocus lenses with full preservation of their original optical perspectives. While Canon doesn't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

LetsGoDigital.org have posted a Canon EOS 5D 12.8 MP Digital SLR review. They love this camera. Here's a quote-
"To be honest, there is not much to complain about with the EOS 5D. Maybe not every button is in the right spot for everybody, but that is a personal matter. Canon proved with the Canon EOS 5D that digital photography has reached an astonishing high level. And that it has become affordable, although investing in the EOS 5D isn't that cheap. I am bold enough to say that we have reached a turning point now and that the introduction of the Canon EOS 5D is the first step for a new generation of photographers that will have the possibility to go for the full-frame sensor now and enter the professional photography path.

I am convinced that the EOS 5D is not the end of a period but the start of a whole new interesting era; a time with affordable cameras that combine a high resolution and an outstanding image quality. The Canon 5D has truly impressed me and I reluctantly returned it to Canon. The Canon 5D is a more than recommendable camera, it's an absolute must for the Pro, but also for those who'd like to go on to a higher level, an excelling camera!"


Accessories
Canon Angle Finder C for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
Canon Anti-fog Eyepiece for Canon EOS and ELAN Cameras
Canon EW-100MA Wide Neck Strap for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (RED)
Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite for 5D, 1Ds, 20D, G2, G3, G5, G6, Pro 1 & Rebel XT
Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM?Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

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Olympus E-500 | Technical Review

Olympus recently introduced their new EVOLT E-500 digital SLR. The Olympus EVOLT E-500 is a full-featured, 8-megapixel digital SLR camera that was designed to be used easily by photographers of any skill level. The EVOLT E-500 is their third camera in their Four-thirds system, this camera could be their finest offering yet. Looks lhe E-500 has many of the same features as the E-300 but it has as more traditional (YAY!) body, a larger LCD display, new noise reduction software, and much more. The E-500 features an eight megapixel Kodak 4/3 Type CCD sensor.

Wrotniak.net has posted a technical review of the Olympus EVOLT E-500 although portions of the article are stll under construction. In it the author talks about Olympus' ultrasonic dust removal system-
"This may be the most underestimated feature of the E-System. One of the filters just in front of the sensor (probably the low-pass one) serves also as a dust barrier with the CCD sealed behind it; when the camera is turned on, that filter vibrates for one second or so at a near-ultrasonic frequency of 25 kHz; the dust particles are shaken off the sensor, and stick to an adhesive surface at the bottom of the mirror chamber. This surface has to be replaced by a service center every three years or so, according to Olympus, but this depends on how often and in how clean environment you change lenses.

This is how this works in theory, and when I started using E-System cameras, sharing this feature, I had some doubts how effective the system may be. After a year with the E-300 I can say that it really seems to work: my monthly check shows no traces of sensor dust, and I am changing lenses quite a lot.

Dust is a major issue in interchangeable-lens SLRs; every time you remove the lens, some particles may settle on the sensor (more exactly: a filter in front of it, serving also as a dust barrier), giving you dark specks in subsequently taken pictures. This is best visible in shots of smooth, uniform areas, like a blue, clear sky. The specks will be somewhat fuzzy, as the dust particles are not directly in front of the sensor but somewhat ahead of it; still, the effect is quite clear.

There is a booming, home-grown industry of tools for removing the dust from the front of the sensor: brushes, swabs, pads, tissues, liquids, and prayer beads; sometimes just repackaged or re-branded cosmetic accessories sold at ten times original price; there are also whole schools supporting one or another approach to performing this operation. I'm glad I don't have to do it."

If you're thinking about buying this digital SLR, the article is definitely worth a read.

EVOLT E-500 Features
* High performance Kodak 8-Megapixel Progressive Scan CCD imager
* Super Sonic Wave Filter for CCD dust protection
* Four-Thirds System lens mount for Zuiko Digital Specific lenses
* Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and 21 Scene modes
* sRGB and Adobe RGB color space plus three color modes (Vivid, Neutral, and Muted) in each color space based on the image use/output.
* JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats
* Simultaneous capture of RAW + JPEG files
* Metering modes: 49 point ESP, Center weighted, Spot (2%), Spot High Light and Spot Shadow
* Exposure compensation ±5 steps EV in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 steps
* 3-point (selectable) TTL Auto Focus
* 2.5" HyperCrystal LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
* Auto popup multi-mode intelligent flash
* Hot shoe for E System TTL flash units (FL20, FL36, FL50)
* Capture 2.5fps up to 4 frames in SHQ
* Capture 2.5fps in HQ or SQ up to the capacity of high speed CF card
* Auto Exposure, Flash and White Balance bracketing
* ISO range 100-400 with boost to 1600
* RGB histogram display for accurate color information per channel including overall luminance
* Next Generation TruePic Technology with advanced noise reduction
* 5-level Sharpening, Contrast and Saturation controls
* B/W and duo tone modes with four contrast-enhancing filters (Yellow, Orange, Red, and Green)
* USB connectivity and PictBridge direct-print compatible
* xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash I/II/Microdrive storage
* High capacity Li-ion rechargeable battery and charger
* Compatible with all Olympus E-System lenses and accessories
Accessories
Tamrac 5273 Expedition 3 SLR Photo Backpack (Forest Green)?
SLIK U212 DLX Heavy Duty Tripod
Olympus FL-20 Electronic Flash for SP series, C5000, C750, C770, C5060, C7070, C8080, E1, E300 & E500 Digital Cameras
Olympus FL-50 Electronic Flash for Olympus C7070, E1, E300 & E500 Digital SLR Cameras
Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko ED Digital SLR Lens for E1, E300 & E500 Cameras

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Sabtu, 22 Oktober 2005

The Olympus SP-700

Olympus has announced the new SP-700, a 6.0 megapixel digital camera that features a large 3.0 inch LCD with 230K pixels.

PRESS SUMMARY
The Olympus SP-700: Shoot and share with the biggest LCD around - digital camera and photography newsWith the SP-700 from Olympus, users are not only blessed with 6.0 million pixels and a host of photographic functions that ensure top-class results, they also benefit from the largest LCD around to make shooting and sharing photos a sheer joy. At a whopping 7.6cm (3.0”) and boasting 230,000 pixels for breathtakingly clear depictions, the Sunshine LCD lets pictures be framed and viewed with considerably more comfort and ease than was previously possible. Thanks to its large screen, this 3x optical zoom model can incorporate an Album Function as well as a new Compare & Shoot function. The latter allows simultaneous shooting and playback of pictures – providing photographers with the luxury to keep an eye on the previously shot images. And with its special Guide Function, easy operation is assured – even for novices. The slim-line, metal-bodied SP-700 is available in blue and silver.

The SP-700 lets photographers see more. Its Sunshine LCD is one of the biggest available, providing large 7.6cm-sized views of any subject and is sure to draw envious glances from all around. The high-resolution screen displays 230,000 pixels and stands out with its extreme sharpness. Naturally, the generous LCD dimensions also mean that results can be viewed picture-by-picture or in slideshow mode by friends and family directly on the camera.

Making the compositions really come alive, the SP-700 captures shots in 6.0 million pixel quality. Together with the TruePic TURBO image processor, which as well as guaranteeing optimised results also ensures fast camera response and start-up, the photos will impress even the most ardent users with their true-to-life colour and vibrancy. A precision 3x zoom lens 1:3.3-4.0 provides for flexible shooting across a 38-114mm focal range (35mm camera equivalent).

Photographers benefit from the convenience of a large variety of shooting modes to compose their shots adeptly. In addition to Auto mode, there are 24 scene modes that cover the majority of shooting situations. No matter if for portraits, night scenes or while enjoying holidays at the beach or on the ski slopes, there's sure to be a pre-defined setting to match the users' needs. There's even a mode for underwater shooting – when used in conjunction with the optionally-available PT-031 Underwater Case. For attention-grabbing close-ups, the Macro or Super Macro mode can be invoked for shots from just 1cm away. To show the exposure distribution of scenes, a Histogram function is available which displays the information in both playback and shooting modes. And making sure that photo opportunities aren't beaten by insufficient lighting, a built-in, multi-mode flash is always at the ready to shed light onto the subject.


The Olympus SP-700 doesn't shy from capturing moving action either. A movie function lets video sequences be recorded in VGA quality at 30fps.

Various on-board editing functions give photographers control to fine-tune results after they have been shot. Besides Red-eye Fix, users can make adjustments to brightness and saturation as well and convert images to B&W or sepia – all without the need for a PC. Moreover, special creative features such as multi-shot, title or calendar insert, 2in1 and panorama (in conjunction with an Olympus xD-Picture Card) allow interesting effects to be added. Making great use of the available LCD area, the SP-700 also includes the Compare & Shoot function. This reserves a section of the screen for the last few shots while still allowing framing of new compositions. This gives photographers the freedom to keep an eye on pictures already captured so they can be immediately compared and retaken, if necessary.

Despite this wealth of features, the camera remains incredibly user-friendly. And even in instances where the photographer is unsure of menu options or scene modes, the handy Guide Function provides helpful on-screen information. Printing is also a cinch thanks to PictBridge compatibility. This standard enables direct printing of high-quality photos in the home – without the need to go via a PC – on compatible printers such as the ultra-fast Olympus P-11.

In terms of design, the SP-700 cuts a classically elegant form. Available in the colours blue and silver, its metal body ensures durability and the slim-line dimensions mean it can be slipped into just about any pocket for taking along wherever you go.

Amalgamating a head-turning 7.6cm LCD, high 6.0 million pixel image quality and versatile-yet-easy operation, the Olympus SP-700 will hit the stores in time for Christmas 2005.

The Olympus SP-700 – main features
Extra large 7.6cm/3.0” Sunshine LCD with 230,000 pixels
6.0 million pixels
Precision 3x optical zoom (38-114mm, 35mm camera equiv.)
Auto mode plus 24 scene modes (incl. Portrait, Beach, Snow, Night Scene and Underwater) for trouble-free shooting
Movie recording with sound (VGA size at 30fps)
Creative functions, e.g. Slide Show, Compare & Shoot, Multi-shot,
Histogram in shooting and playback mode
Guide Function for easy operation. Explains the different menu options and scene modes.
Image editing functions on board incl. red-eye fix, brightness, saturation, trimming, B&W and sepia – without need for a PC
11 MB internal memory plus slot for xD-Picture Cards
Super Macro mode for shooting from 1cm
TruePic TURBO image processor
PictBridge compatible

Jumat, 21 Oktober 2005

Olympus EVOLT E500 8MP Digital SLR review

Olympus has just recently introduced their new EVOLT E-500 digital SLR. Looks lhe E-500 has many of the same features as the E-300 but it has as more traditional (YAY!) body, a larger LCD display, new noise reduction software, and much more. The EVOLT E-500 is their third camera in their Four-thirds system, this camera could be their finest offering yet. The E-500 features an eight megapixel Kodak 4/3 Type CCD sensor.

DPReview have just posted their review. Here's what Phil Askey thinks of the lates from Olympus-
"Image quality is on the whole very good, resolution essentially as good as the EOS 350D (Digital Rebel XT), although perhaps not as per-pixel crisp, and an Olympus-like contrasty tone / vivid color look to images. My only disappointments are with the way the cameras image pipeline deals with highlights which can look 'hard clipped', the over-processed looking sharpening and noise at ISO 1600. The E-500 still has (essentially) the same sensor as the E-300 and despite improved noise reduction it's still no match for Canon's excellent CMOS sensor at higher sensitivities (above ISO 400). Hence if you find yourself shooting a lot of ISO 800 and 1600 images you may wish to think harder about the Canon offerings. Other negatives include the small viewfinder which can make it difficult to visualize focus distance, and the not-so-instant-startup (1.7 sec power on).

Dive into the E-500s menus and you soon realize this camera offers far more from a features point of view than the competition, you just don't find features like this on a $699 camera; manual flash power, flash bracketing, manual focus bracketing, test picture, customizable buttons and dial, custom mirror-lockup, in-camera RAW development, lens shading correction. So despite some shortcomings, and assuming you can forgive the small viewfinder view you'll be hard pushed to argue with the 'value proposition' the E-500 represents. As a bonus you can always put some of the savings towards one of the excellent Olympus E system lenses (of which there are now considerably more to choose from)."

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 Digital Camera Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 follows on from the remarkably popular FZ20, it continues that camera's standard of providing SLR-like features and body design with a big zoom and image stabilization. Primary changes are more megapixels, a mechanically linked zoom ring, a higher resolution flip-down and twist LCD monitor, RAW capture, longer exposures, improved control layout and faster operation.

The 12x optical zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens, which has been handed down since the first launch of the FZ series, underwent further development to provide even more superb picture rendering. The other key feature, the Optical Image Stabilizer, MEGA O.I.S. is deservedly continued as Panasonic advanced the theory that it should be standard in all digital still cameras. The newly incorporated Extra Optical Zoom extends the zoom ratio by using the center part of the high resolution CCD, to achieve 15.3x for 5-Megapixel and 19.1x for 3-Megapixel images with minimal deterioration.

DigitalCameraInfo.com have just posted their Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 Digital Camera Review. In it they report-
"The Panasonic DMC-FZ30 is an appealing camera, for users who can avoid the camera's poor noise performance. These are users who plan to make small prints where noise is less of an issue, and who do not need high ISO ratings. The camera is slow to operate – focusing time, shutter lag, and image writing cause enough delay to miss shots in hectic situations. At $700, the FZ30 is priced as close to entry level DSLRs as it is to compact cameras, thought it has much more in common with the compacts – it shoots video, it has an extensive range of scene modes, it has a live display with a live histogram; it is also slow and its small imaging sensor gives rise to noisy images. Its DSLR-like features are pretty limited: it has a wide range of focal lengths, and it has excellent manual controls. For the casual photographer who demands a long telephoto – and the image stabilization that makes it useful – switching up from a small compact to the FZ30 is going to feel like an impressive upgrade. For photographers who really want to grow into the medium with excellent image quality, action shooting capabilities, or with wide angle views, the FZ30 is going to be a constraining tool in short order."

Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Digital Camera

The Casio Exilim EX-Z750 is an ultra compact camera with a 7.2 Megapixel CCD, 3X optical zoom lens, large 2.5" LCD display, high quality movie mode, and much more. The Exilim EX-Z750 is an ultra-compact camera made almost entirely of metal. With the exception of the usual cheap-feeling door over the battery/memory card compartment, it feels very solid. It fits well in the hand, though the positioning of the mode dial right where your thumb rests could lead to accidentally putting the camera in the wrong shooting mode. Being an ultra-thin camera the Z750 can go anywhere that you do.


The ImagingResource.com have posted a Casio Exilim EX-Z750 Digital Camera Quick Review. Here's the bottom line from this article-
"Tiny and stylish, the Casio Exilim EX-Z750 is packed with features. But with its its 7.2-megapixel CCD and very fast shutter response it's also an impressive performer. Toss in full Manual exposure mode and its 31 preset scene modes (not to mention Auto) and there's little this subcompact can't do. The mix of features and good performance should appeal to both novices and more experienced photographers interested in a fun digital camera for snapshots. Features like the whiteboard and business card modes that straighten "note taking" shots as well as the voice recorder make the EX-Z750 an exceptionally useful business tool, truly offering the "Unexpected Extra" that Casio claims for its products. Several kid and vacation modes are also contribute to the Z750's utility, and its fast shutter response make it a natural for sports shooting or just keeping up with a young family. Its somewhat overaggressive noise processing tends to flatten out subtle detail somewhat, particularly at high ISO settings, but the effect isn't all that noticeable in prints, particularly at 5x7 and below. A great "take anywhere" camera, the Casio EX-Z750 Zoom is so tiny and versatile, you can slip it in a pocket and go, with the confidence that you'll get good images just about anywhere. I'd have been happier if some of the items on my "cons" list above weren't there, but the Z750's pleasing color, good resolution, excellent battery life, and unusual (but highly useful) special shooting modes led me to make it a "Dave's Pick.""

I own one of these digicams and am quite happy with it. It's a great carry around camera but the quality of the photos does not approach my Sony f717 or my Nikon D70.

LightZone Photo Editing Software Launched

Press Release

New Photo Editing and Image Processing Software Now Available from Light Crafts; LightZone is the Most Significant Advance in Digital Photo Editing in More Than a Decade

PALO ALTO, Calif. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--Light Crafts, Inc. today announced availability of LightZone, a breakthrough photo editing software tool designed especially for professional and avid photographers. LightZone provides a complete photo editing tool that significantly reduces the time photographers spend after a shoot producing high quality photographs. LightZone offers photographers an advanced RAW editing experience that is easy to use while delivering a fast workflow that produces professional results.

Designed and built from the ground up for professionals, LightZone is available as a free 30-day trial at http://www.lightcrafts.com. LightZone is immediately available for Macintosh users and in November for Windows users.

LightZone is being demonstrated at PhotoPlus Expo in booth 1174, October 20-22, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, in New York, NY.


LightZone is a better way to view, manage, edit and correct digital photographs and create stunning photographic and fine art prints. Based on light values and shapes, LightZone works in the same way that photographers think about their photographs. The technology behind LightZone was recently previewed for the first time at DEMOfall 2005, where it received the "DEMOGod Award." Because of its multi-platform support, LightZone users will be able to quickly become productive, regardless of their computer's operating system, and seamlessly collaborate and share files edited in LightZone.

"LightZone is the answer for photographers who want to spend more time on photography and less time learning paint-shop software," said Dean Tucker, CEO and president of Light Crafts. "LightZone releases photographers from the tedious technology of the past and gives them more time to express their creativity. We built LightZone with professional photographers in mind, so professionals get the power they want, yet it's easy enough for avid photographers to use."

"LightZone is the easiest professional-grade photo editing tool I've worked with," said David Cardinal, of Cardinal Photo (http://www.cardinalphoto.com), Portola Valley, CA, a wildlife and nature photographer who is also a featured speaker and teacher at the Digital Landscape Workshop Series and publishes the DigitalPro Shooter newsletter. "In particular I liked the visual way that zones can be identified and mapped, compared to the fairly labor intensive alternatives using curves or levels in traditional editing applications. It's also very exciting that with LightZone only the original image file and small sets of edit commands need to be saved, instead of multiple disk-filling TIFF or PSD files."

"LightZone is full of pleasant surprises for first-time users," said Lars Vinberg, professional photographer and director of product management for Light Crafts. "One of the surprises is its performance. While traditional photography software grinds to a halt when editing and processing large image files, LightZone rapidly hums along through the editing process."

Integrated Solution Optimizes Photo Editing, Workflow and Output
LightZone provides serious photographers with a tightly integrated digital workflow to help them make the most efficient use of their time viewing, organizing, editing, correcting and printing their photographs. The fully integrated solution includes everything a photographer needs to convert, browse, edit, tune and print photographs. Key features in LightZone include:

StudioZone. An innovative image viewer and file browser, StudioZone(TM) lets photographers view, print and publish their photographs using a true digital negative format. A powerful search function, with metadata search, helps you find specific images in an instant. An integrated RAW converter provides a seamless workflow from camera media to LightZone.

ZoneFinder. Using patent-pending technology, ZoneFinder(TM) analyzes and displays an image in shapes and tonal values, just as photographers pre-visualize their prints.

ZoneMapper. ZoneMapper(TM) provides an easier way to control and adjust the light and tonal values of an image. ZoneMapper is the most powerful way to precisely remap tonal values for color correction, to set the optimal points for highlights and shadows, and to correct contrast.

RegionMapper. RegionMapper(TM) simplifies selecting even the most complicated regions of an image and it expertly blends the effects of the tools and transformations with the rest of the image. This simple technique provides extraordinarily precise and accurate control of the area being edited.

True Non-Destructive Editing. A powerful rendering engine eliminates the need to store multiple copies of an image and significantly reduces the storage required for edited images. RAW images are not converted to intermediate file types, and can be retouched with professional results using LightZone's intuitive and effective editing tools. LightZone's nondestructive image processing engine does not alter any portion of the original image file, so photographers can modify or delete changes at any point in their workflow. Now photographers can create multiple versions of an image without duplicating files or using up large amounts of hard drive space.

Linear color space. LightZone manipulates color images in a linear color space, allowing more precise calculations for consistent color and predictable results on a display or on paper.

Pricing and Availability
LightZone for Macintosh is available immediately at http://www.lightcrafts.com for $249.95 (U.S. Suggested List Price). LightZone for Windows will be available in November. Customers also have the option of downloading a free 30-day trial version. LightZone for Macintosh supports Mac OS X v.10.3.9 or later. LightZone for Windows supports Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

About Light Crafts, Inc.
Light Crafts, based in Palo Alto, develops digital photo processing software for professional and prosumer photographers. For more information, visit http://www.lightcrafts.com

Light Crafts, LightZone, StudioZone, ZoneFinder, ZoneMapper and RegionMapper are trademarks of Light Crafts, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

DSLR Remote Pro v1.1 Released

Breeze Systems' DSLR Remote Pro v1.1 , the professional tool for viewing, enhancing and presenting your digital images including raw conversion, lossless rotation of JPEG Images and automated templates for creating sophisticated web page galleries has been updated to version 1.1
It now includes Canon EOS 5D and 1D mark II N raw conversion, lens distortion correction and support for controlled vocabularies.

Press Release:

DSLR Remote Pro v1.1 improves exposure control and adds support for new cameras


20th October, 2005 : Breeze Systems today released DSLR Remote Pro v1.1. Photographers can now use Breeze Systems’ highly regarded software to control Canon EOS 5D, 350D/Rebel XT, 20D, EOS-1D Mark II and EOS-1Ds Mark II cameras as well as the 10D, 300D/Rebel, EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds models.

Improve exposure control in tricky lighting conditions with DSLR Remote Pro’s unique ability to auto bracket up to 15 images with Canon DSLR cameras by varying either the shutter speed or the aperture. This greatly simplifies the taking of sequences of images which can then be combined to make High Dynamic Range (HDR) images in your image editor. This technique is particularly effective when taking interior shots or product shots without the need for sophisticated lighting.

View color managed previews where color accuracy is critical. Previews may also be sharpened using the highly acclaimed HQ sharpening routines used in BreezeBrowser Pro.

DSLR Remote Pro allows professionals to

* See large high quality previews of shots on your PC within seconds
* Gain unrivalled control of settings for Canon cameras during tethered operation
* Enable remote operation of the camera from a distance
* Shoot images and store them directly onto the PC’s hard disk ready for onward transmission e.g. by FTP to a picture desk
* Automatically add IPTC data to images as they are downloaded
* Enable customers to view pictures while you continue shooting
* Preview unprocessed, sharpened or color managed images on your PC
* Automatic exposure bracketing of up to 15 shots
* Time lapse photography

DSLR Remote Pro is software developed by Breeze Systems for Canon EOS digital SLR cameras. The program runs on Windows and is available on a free 15 day trial. Available exclusively from Breeze Systems’ website http://www.breezesys.com for US $95. The price includes one year’s free upgrades.
This release is a free upgrade for all existing DSLR Remote Pro customers.

Kamis, 20 Oktober 2005

Pentax Optio S5z Digital Camera Preview

The Pentax OptioWP is a compact digital camera that features JIS Class 8-equivalent waterproof performance and has a body only 22mm thick. What's more, the OptioWP also features a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, a 3x optical zoom lens, and the imaging power of 5.0 effective megapixels.

DigitalCameraReview.com have just posted their Pentax Optio S5z Digital Camera Preview and said-
"What really sets the S5z apart from other currently available micro-cams is that it is incredibly easy to use, it can actually deliver first-rate images (despite its diminutive size), and it's fun.
...
Shutter lag (with pre-focus) is about 1/10th of a second and noise levels are lower (even at ISO 400) than many full sized digicams. Battery life is also surprisingly good (for such a tiny camera). The S5z has a slight tendency to over expose outdoor images and Pentax's highly distinctive take on color interpolation can be a bit perplexing, in some situations. Colors look slightly off and a bit under saturated when viewed on the LCD screen, but when viewed on a larger monitor they usually look pretty good."

New Version of iView MediaPro Released

Press Release:
iView's New MediaPro Speeds Creatives' Workflows


iView Multimedia today announced a new version of iView MediaPro, the award-winning, cross-platform digital asset management application. Designed for photographers and other creative professionals, MediaPro 3.0 delivers the world's most flexible and powerful professional workflow management solution.

Like earlier versions, MediaPro 3.0 helps users organize and manage a high volume and wide variety of digital files by creating customized, centralized and searchable catalogs.

Now, new features and enhancements simplify and speed up specific workflow tasks, including: importing, organizing, annotating, searching, distributing and archiving valuable digital assets.

New features include:

Pro Lightbox - This digitized version of the photographer's lightbox gives more powerful viewing options. In full screen mode, view up to four images side by side; compare and contrast; zoom and scroll to the same point on multiple images simultaneously; mark favorite selections; display histogram information for all images.

Streamlined Annotation Workflow - Provides more consistent annotation throughout your entire workflow, from import to export, via a user-defined controlled vocabulary (such as keywords). Support for industry standards IPTC/XMP Core and UNICODE means that annotations assigned in MediaPro can be read in other applications such as Adobe Photoshop, and you can use any language character set in annotations (such as Japanese).

Dynamic File Import Control - Create catalogs faster by batch renaming files, applying multiple annotations and copying media files to folders automatically on import. For example, images from a shoot can be stored into the right folder and batch renamed to fit a preferred filename format
directly on import. You can also batch import files from the Web directly into catalogs using the cURL technology for transferring files online.

New File Format Support - New file format support includes: WMV, WMA, Microsoft Word, RTF documents and archived Web page files.

XML Import and Export - Industry standard compliance helps protect your digital archive. MediaPro can now import XML and export catalogs to XML. For example, you can export a catalog and its metadata to XML formatted data and choose to change the XML structure, using XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformation). You can also export XML files from iView MediaPro to other applications and create HTML or text documents.

Enhanced Interface - iView MediaPro has always excelled at responding to a user's requirements. Now you can customize your interface to display only the metadata fields you need while you're working and personalize IPTC terminology to fit your workflow. Also, you can save your catalog layout options as themes or use MediaPro's predefined themes.

Visual Search - Powerful catalog search/filter capabilities (including Boolean logic) are directly at your fingertips. Find the images you want more quickly, intuitively and efficiently without opening new windows in MediaPro or having to do multiple searches.

Advanced Web Gallery Options - MediaPro catalog publishing options are expanded. You have more flexibility in making Web galleries and integrating them with your existing Web site. Web Galleries are no longer limited to HTML tables. For example, create unique Web pages using other technologies, including Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Also, you can now upload exported
galleries directly to your Web server from MediaPro 3.0 via FTP.

Other new features and enhancements:

* E-mail files directly from a MediaPro catalog
* New progress indicators and status reports on import and batch functions
* Improved image conversion, including watermarking and embedding metadata
* Improved contact sheets, including headers, footers and file format
settings
* More powerful batch rename options, using metadata as variables in the
naming process
* Enhanced printing options and additional Web themes

Pricing and Availability
iView MediaPro 3.0 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.2.8 and higher, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. It is available beginning November 1, 2005 for $199 at www.iview-multimedia.com, and through local distributors and retailers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and Japan. Existing iView MediaPro
customers and owners of competitive products are eligible for discounts. Please click here for more details.

Dramatic Changes in Workflow for the Professional Photographer

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' Studies Indicate Dramatic Changes in Workflow for the Professional Photographer

WEYMOUTH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--Recent InfoTrends/CAP Ventures surveys of the professional photography market show an industry in transition. The switch to digital has already transpired, with nearly 80% of pros owning a digital SLR and 52% planning to purchase a new one within a year. The immediacy and flexibility of the digital format has clearly made an impact. The new challenge for pro photographers is to find a way to leverage new technologies, software, and services to grow their businesses.

Survey results show that professional photographers across all specialties are taking a large number of shots - 482 per week on average for digital camera users. The vast majority of these images are saved to a computer, and nearly 65% of the photos taken are edited. Many photographers are using RAW conversion and color management software, and a significant percentage of photos are being published to the Web.

"Photographers are placing the highest priority on generating new business, creating a more efficient workflow, and using the Web for marketing and sales," said Jeff Hayes, a Group Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "Not surprisingly, when we turn to issues related to digital photo editing and the publishing process, their primary challenges seem to center upon workflow time, color management, and photo management."


"We see a significant amount of opportunity in this market not only for camera, software, and solution providers, but also for printer, supplies, and media vendors," stated Ed Lee, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "Inkjet photo printing holds a dominant position among professional photographers, but silver halide is still very popular among certain subsegments. Output volumes differ substantially among the numerous photographer categories as well, and it's important for the industry to understand these variations."

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' report entitled Digital Imaging and Professional Photographers End User Study is available immediately. It is based on a survey of 1,000 professional photographers in the United States. The study provides a detailed look into the digital photography behaviors of professional photographers, including what equipment they own; what they plan to buy; how many digital pictures they take, save, store, and print; and the types of software they use. A related document, the 2005 Professional Photographer Multi-Client Study, is due to be published in November.

InfoTrends at PhotoPlus

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures will host a by-invitation breakfast event tomorrow morning at the PhotoPlus East trade show in New York City. During the breakfast, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures analysts will highlight top-line results from these studies. The breakfast will be held in conjunction with VNU Exposition, the producers of PhotoPlus East. A limited number of press seats are still available. To inquire about a pass, contact Matt O'Keefe at 781-616-2100, ext. 115.

About InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrends-rgi.com.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II review

The new Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the later is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. The 5D’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel single-plate CMOS sensor, coupled with the application of Canon’s EF mount, enables full utilization of all Canon EF autofocus lenses with full preservation of their original optical perspectives. While Canon doesn't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

CNET have just posted their Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II review and rated this digicam 8.9 out of 10 or Excellent. Here's what they like about this DSLR-
"Canon maintains its industry-leading position with the 16.7-megapixel EOS 1Ds Mark II, the highest-resolution small-format digital SLR. Intended for studio and landscape photographers who prefer the size and flexibility of 35mm-style cameras, the 1Ds Mark II sets a new benchmark for performance and image quality. With a wealth of upgrades, this camera succeeds and surpasses Canon's original EOS 1Ds, introduced two years earlier.
...
The Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II's image quality is superb. The original EOS 1Ds delivered superior performance, but Canon managed to best itself with the Mark II. The difference is especially obvious in low-light situations. Noise remains extremely minimal at ISO settings below 640--comparable to the Canon EOS 20D's noise levels--and even photographs taken at ISO 1,200 are surprisingly smooth."

It's not the fastest professional DSLR around but it's photographs are superb.

Imaging-resource launches new SLRGear.com website

A brand new website debuts today focusing exclusively on "Everything SLR" for Professionals and Advanced Amateur photographers. Imaging-Resource has launched SLRGear.com to help you choose from the wide array of lenses and accessories available from both camera manufacturers and third party lens and accessory makers.

PRESS SUMMARY
Imaging-resource launches new SLRGear.com website - digital camera and photography newsNew Brand-Neutral Website Debuts Today Focusing Exclusively on "Everything SLR" for Photo Pros and Advanced Amateurs

Single Lens Reflex camera users – whether their shooting preference is analog, digital or both – now have a powerful new tool for making their all-important lens choices. www.SLRgear.com ™ went live to the general public at 7:00 AM today (EDT), offering unprecedented lens performance information in an intuitive, easy-to-understand format. Developed by the staff of Imaging-Resource.com™ -- one of the Internet's original and preeminent digital photo websites – this new SLR-oriented site uses advanced testing technology to uncover details of lens performance critical to picture taking, but that are missed or glossed-over by conventional techniques.

"For the serious photographer lenses are among their most important and potentially pricey picture-taking tools. Previously, even these knowledgeable consumers had only the most general information about lens performance to guide their purchase decisions. Now, with www.SLRgear.com's comprehensive and interactive testing technology and software, they can assess an individual lens performance with a degree of accuracy, quality and clarity never before available," states Dave Etchells, founder of both SLRgear.com and Imaging-Resource.com.

Noteworthy among SLRgear.com's cutting-edge content and lens testing tools is the same technology from DxO Labs (www.dxo.com) used by many manufacturers to check their own lenses. The DxO analyzer software crunches literally billions of calculations to determine for example, where a lens' sweet spot is and where that lens has trouble. SLRgear.com's own software then turns those numbers into 2-D and 3-D graphs, making it easier for a user to see what happens to a lens as its focal length and aperture are varied.

“Beyond our own objective, strictly brand-neutral testing, SLRgear.com is a place where SLR users, regardless of expertise, can share their experiences with equipment, exchange tips, share their love of photography, and ultimately learn about all things SLR. Our combination of in-depth testing and hands-on, real-world reports is literally without precedent in the photo community."

“Digital SLRs have finally achieved the quality, capability and affordability of their film-based predecessors and literally millions of photo hobbyists are flocking back to the SLR format. www.SLRgear.com is here to welcome them back.”

Rabu, 19 Oktober 2005

Casio Exilim EX-Z57 reviewed

The Casio Exilim EX-Z57 features a large 2.7-inch liquid crystal display for those who want an easy-to-view screen for picture taking and viewing. The EX-Z57's 5-megapixel CCD and 3X optical zoom lens delivers high resolution picture quality. Extra-long battery life of approximately 400 shots (CIPA standards) per battery charge assures that you can enjoy shooting and looking at your pictures over and over again without worrying about the battery life.

CNET have just posted their review of the Z-57, rated it a 7.2 out of 10 or Very Good and had this to say-
"The Casio Exilim EX-Z57's 3X optical zoom works well, although you're limited to six stops from its widest angle of 35mm to its 105mm telephoto (35mm equivalents). The camera's lens is small enough to keep the camera looking sleek but protrudes enough to keep you from inadvertently taking 10 shots of your own finger. We like Casio's novel memory menu, which enables you to instruct the Z57 to remember the camera's current settings--zoom length, color and ISO settings, white balance, and flash modes--even after you've turned it off. This feature will benefit anyone who chooses to use the Z57 with a tripod, as you'll be able to compose your shots, then take a break without losing battery power. Speaking of the Z57's battery, it's phenomenal: we took more than 1,000 photos, 50 percent with flash, without needing to recharge."


Exilim EX-Z57 Features:
* 5.0-Megapixel effective CCD imager
* High-quality, light-weight aluminum body
* Huge 2.7-inch TFT color LCD with 115,200 pixels
* Still Image: 2560x1920, 2560x1712(3:2), 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480
* Audio recording, attached to images or audio-only
* Record movies at 320x240 (15fps w/sound), length limited only by available memory
* Pentax 3x optical zoom (35-105mm equiv)
* Less than two-second startup time
* Fast shot to shot time even when using the flash
* 7-point autofocus system with selectable AF modes: Multi or Spot AF
* Focus modes: Auto, Pan, Macro, Infinity, Manual focus, Focus lock
* New “Auto Macro” function which automatically switches to Macro mode
* Automatic 4 to 1/2000 sec. shutter speeds
* Built-in flash with Red Eye Reduction and Flash-assist function
* 4X playback zoom magnification
* USB 1.1 data transfer to PC or Mac computers
* Li-ion rechargeable battery and charging cradle included
* 9.3 Megabytes of internal memory
* Secure Digital/MMC card slot for memory expansion
* DPOF, ExifPrint (Exif 2.2), USB Direct-Print, and PictBridge compatible

Apple releases Aperture | Professional Photo Editing Tool

Here it is!

As we reported in this post [Apple to release a photo retouching application] Apple Computer has today released "Aperture", a new photo editing application meant for professionals.

Designed from the ground up for professional photographers, Aperture provides everything you need for after the shoot, delivering the first all-in-one post-production tool for photographers.

Featuring a RAW-focused workflow, Aperture makes RAW as easy as JPEG, letting you import, edit, catalog, organize, retouch, publish, and archive your images more effectively and efficiently than ever before. From capture to output, you work directly with your RAW files, never having to first convert them into another format before viewing, adjusting, organizing, or printing them.

And with the most powerful image processing in the world, Aperture is fast — whether you’re working with RAW, JPEG, or TIFF images. It supports the RAW formats from all leading digital camera manufacturers (including Canon and Nikon) and provides optimized support for such market leading cameras as the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II, Canon EOS 20D, and Nikon D2x as well as the highly popular Canon Digital Rebel and Nikon D50. It also supports the Adobe DNG format.

Whether you’re a fashion, wedding, sports, portrait, fine art, commercial, or editorial photographer, Aperture’s color-managed workflow and flexible design tools will help you easily create stunning prints, customized contact sheets, elegant books, and web pages as beautiful as the images you capture.



CUPERTINO, California—October 19, 2005—Apple® today introduced Aperture, the first all-in-one post production tool that provides everything photographers need after the shoot. Aperture offers an advanced and incredibly fast RAW workflow that makes working with a camera’s RAW images as easy as JPEG. Built from the ground up for pros, Aperture features powerful compare and select tools, nondestructive image processing, color managed printing and custom web and book publishing.

“Aperture is to professional photography what Final Cut Pro is to filmmaking,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Marketing. “Finally, an innovative post production tool that revolutionizes the pro photo workflow from compare and select to retouching to output.”

“Until now, RAW files have taken so long to work with,” said Heinz Kluetmeier, renowned sports photographer whose credits include over 100 Sports Illustrated covers. “What amazed me about Aperture is that you can work directly with RAW files, you can loupe and stack them and it’s almost instantaneous—I suspect that I’m going to stop shooting JPEGs. Aperture just blew me away.”

Unique compare and select tools in Aperture allow photographers to easily sift through massive photo projects and quickly identify their final selections. Aperture is the first application that automatically groups sequences of photos into easy-to-manage Stacks based on the time interval between exposures. In an industry first, Aperture allows photographers to navigate through entire projects in a full-screen workspace that can be extended to span multiple displays, tiling multiple images side-by-side for a faster, easier compare and select. With Aperture’s Loupe magnifying tool, portions of images can be examined in fine detail without having to zoom and pan across large files. In addition, a virtual Light Table provides the ideal canvas for building simple photo layouts, allowing them to be arranged, resized and piled together in a free-form space.

RAW images are maintained natively throughout Aperture without any intermediate conversion process, and can be retouched with stunning results using a suite of adjustment tools designed especially for photographers. Aperture’s nondestructive image processing engine never alters a single pixel of original photos so photographers have the power and flexibility to modify or delete changes at any point in the workflow. As Aperture allows users to create multiple versions of a single image without duplicating files, photographers can experiment without risk of overwriting the master image or using up large amounts of hard drive space. Aperture images can also be launched directly into Adobe Photoshop for compositing and layer effects.

Aperture features a complete color-managed pipeline with support for device specific ColorSync profiles and a set of high-quality output tools for photographers to showcase their work. Print options include customizable contact sheets, high-quality local printing and color-managed online prints. Aperture provides a deceptively simple layout environment where photographers can quickly create and order custom professional-caliber books and publish stunning web galleries. Aperture makes it easy to back up an entire library of images with a single click and streamline complex workflows with AppleScript® and Automator actions.

Pricing & Availability
Aperture will be available in November through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $499 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Aperture can be found at www.apple.com/aperture

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

Press Contacts:
Christine Wilhelmy
Apple
(408) 974-9730
cwilhelmy@apple.com

Cameron Craig
Apple
(408) 974-6281
cam@apple.com

Olympus Stylus 800 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom review

With 8 megapixels and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, the Olympus Stylus Verve 800 takes the lead in the fleet of Stylus digital cameras. It takes a big leap in the megapixel war with a 1/1.8-inch CCD rather than the 5-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD found on the Stylus 500. The new Stylus 800 offers more manual control, faster burst and startup times, and better performance in low light.

DPReview.com today posted their Olympus Stylus 800 (Mju 800) Digital Review and wrote-
"It's hard to know how to rate a camera like the Stylus 800. On the one hand it's responsive, well-specified, well made, well priced and has a fantastic screen. That it's weatherproof too is a significant added bonus if you like to shoot in challenging environments. On the other hand the results are - if we're going to be very critical - disappointing, especially if you use any setting other than the best 'SHQ' mode (the artefacts mentioned above are much worse in 'HQ' shots than 'SHQ'). To be honest, if you're printing at 'normal' sizes (say under 10 x 8 inches) you won't see most of the issues mentioned - there are after all 8 million pixels in each image, and the typical buyer will no doubt be very pleased with his or her bright, punchy pictures. Even the 'Bright Capture' modes (which actually offer ISOs of up to 2500) have benefits, and are perfectly usable (often in situations where you simply couldn't otherwise take a shot at all) - as long as you don't mind pictures that look like blown-up camera phone shots.

So, if you're looking for a nice, weatherproof camera capable - with careful exposure - of very sharp, very colorful results (providing you use the best quality setting) the Stylus 800 is well worth a look. If you're a pixel-peeper, purist or post-processing junkie I'd have to advise you give this one a fairly wide berth and look at one of the 7.2MP cameras still on the market. "


Olympus Stylus 800 Features:
- High-resolution 8 megapixel CCD.
- 3x optical/5x digital/15x total seamless zoom.
- Large 2.5" HyperCrystal LCD provides a sharp, clear picture even in bright conditions.
- All-weather construction for everyday use, rain or shine.
- Bright Capture Technology for enhanced previewing and image quality in low light.
- Built-in Help GUIDE for easy operation.
- 24 shooting modes, including aperture priority and shutter speed priority.
- QuickTime Movie Mode with audio.
- Enhanced flash working range, 21.3 ft. with Program Auto (W), 42.0 ft. with ISO1600 (W).
- Remove red-eye or easily convert your color photos into sepia or black-and-white with built-in editing features.
- Album function for up to 12 individual photo albums stored directly on the camera's xD removable media.
- TruePic TURBO image processor.
- Direct printing capability to PictBridge-enabled printers.
- 32MB internal memory (21.3MB available memory).
- xD-Picture Card compatible.
- Print up to 11"x14" and larger.
- Auto-Connect USB provides easy, direct connection to almost any PC.
- Li-Ion rechargeable battery.
- Includes OLYMPUS Master Software CD for enhanced image editing capabilities.

Canon EOS 5D Camera Introduction

The new Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera is aimed to slot in between the EOS 20D and the EOS-1D professional digital SLR's, an important difference when compared to the later is that the EOS 5D doesn't have any environmental seals. The 5D’s 35.8mm x 23.9mm 12.8 megapixel single-plate CMOS sensor, coupled with the application of Canon’s EF mount, enables full utilization of all Canon EF autofocus lenses with full preservation of their original optical perspectives. While Canon doesn't specifically refer to the EOS 5D as a 'professional' digital SLR it will have obvious appeal to professionals who want a high quality digital SLR in a body lighter than the EOS-1D.

ilikecameras.com have just posted an article Canon EOS 5D Camera Introduction. Here's what they like about this DSLR-
"What we like

Full frame. If you don’t know what full-frame means then you will have to trust me when I say it is not just a good feature to have but that it is important.

12.8mp. While megapixels are not the be all and end all of quality images it must be said that nearly 13 megapixels coupled with the full-frame sensor of the 5D bodes very well for quality images. 12.8 megapixels is also more than the 8 to 10 that many stock photography companies require from digital photographs.

Spot meter. This is normally only found in the Canon 1D range but is very welcomed in the 5D.

ISO starts at 50 instead of 100. Now it is true that, like the 3200 ISO setting, this ISO 50 is achieved on extended mode but it is still useful to have if not quite as good as having native ISO 50 support.

A bright, big and clear viewfinder. Mainly thanks to the full-frame sensor you won’t be peering at a distant or dim image in the 5D ’s viewfinder. 96% frame coverage and 0.71x magnification.

2.5? LCD which is becoming a standard now. No word on whether it has an effective anti-reflection coating though.

The histogram has RGB channels which is useful for checking whether you have clipped just one colour channel.

For a 12.8 megapixel camera not sporting the 1D moniker the 5D is quite speedy at 3 frames per second and with a 60 JPEG or 17 RAW buffer.

Like the 20D the 5D has a 1/8000th shutter. You won’t use it often but it is useful to have.

Size and form. It is not much bigger than a 20D yet has features close to the 1D range. You can go stealth with this camera as opposed to a Canon EOS 1D Mk II.

Wireless support and USB 2.0. When shooting RAW separate JPEGs are also produced. Fast start-up time and low shutter lag.."

Be sure to read what they didn't like about it.

Fuji FinePix S9000 review

The Fujifilm FinePix S9000 digital camera boasts 9.0 effective MegaPixels that capture up to 3,488 x 2,616 recorded pixels (9.12 million) - currently the highest resolution of any consumer-grade camera on the market.

The FinePix S9000 is equipped with a Fujinon 10.7x wide-angle optical zoom lens that is the equivalent of having a 28-300mm zoom on a 35mm camera. This zoom range is ideal for a wide variety of shooting situations and thus makes the purchase of additional lenses unnecessary.

DigitalCameraResourcePage have just posted their FujiFilm FinePix S9000 review and in it say-
"Overall, I do recommend the FinePix S9000 as a capable ultra zoom digital camera. It's not a substitute for a digital SLR, as those take better pictures and are more responsive. It is an interesting alternative to things like the Canon PowerShot S2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30, and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1, though it's missing the very useful image stabilizer that all three of those offer. While the S9000 can stabilize things by boosting the ISO sensitivity, this limits your output options to smaller prints in many situations. Since all four of these cameras are good performers, I'd recommend trying them in person to see which one you like using -- since that's what ultimately matters."

So why would you buy a Fiji S9000? It does boast a 28mm-to-300mm (35mm equivalent) 10.7X zoom lens, where most low-end dSLRs come with a skimpy normal zoom; and its 1/1.6-inch Fuji Super CCD HR sensor packs in 9 million pixels, compared to 6 megapixels for most budget digital SLRs.

Still a compelling combination.

Camera-news related articles:

Sony Cybershot DSC-N1 first look

Back on the 3rd of this month we announced Sony's introduction of the Cybershot DSC-N1 digital camera. You will recall this camera is focused on sharing of images, courtesy of a a massive 3" LCD touchscreen which is ideal for viewing and the touch-screen is convenient for controlling camera functions and searching thumbnail images . In addition, an innovative feature lets you focus on a subject by just touching it on the LCD screen. As usual, the camera has a Carl Zeiss® 3X Optical/6X Digital zoom, 26 MB2 internal memory and a high-stamina Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
Sony Cybershot DSC-N1 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Today, DCResource.com have given us a First Look: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1. Here's a short sampler-
"The DSC-N1 is one of just two digital cameras on the market with a 3-inch LCD display. It's huge! And it's not just big -- it's touch-sensitive too. Virtually all camera functions are controlled via this screen, and you can use your fingers or the included stylus (see picture earlier in review).

Here's a little more about that huge LCD. The screen resolution is decent, with 230,400 pixels on board. Outdoor visibility is very good (which is important since there's no optical viewfinder) and the screen is just as visible in low light conditions, as it brightens automatically.

Normally I'd complain about the lack of an optical viewfinder on the N1, but let's not kid ourselves: there's no way they're going to fit one in on this camera. "

Casio Exilim EX-Z110 6MP Digital Camera review

Designed to be user-friendly, fun, and convenient, as well as featuring Casio's renowned EXILIM Engine with Anti Shake DSP, the Casio EX-Z110 is intended to introduce the ease and enjoyment of high quality digital photography and world-class performance to anyone, anywhere. The EXILIM digital camera series represents the culmination of Casio's core technologies, combining cutting-edge miniaturization and digital expertise with state-of-the-art photographic capability. The new Casio EXILIM EX-Z110 features Casio's image processing module EXILIM Engine.

CNET have reviewed the Casio Exilim EX-Z110 and rated it a 5.6 out of 10 or Average. Here's what they thought of this digicam-
"The Casio Exilim EX-Z110 doesn't have the sleek and sexy form factor of its siblings, but this 6-megapixel, 3X zoom camera offers a broad range of features--including manual exposure controls and a wealth of scene modes--that will appeal to an equally varied array of photographers. Its image quality falls a little short of good, and its performance is mixed, but snapshooters who want more than just a basic point-and-shoot may find this camera appealing.
...
A broad selection of automated shooting features and a handful of more advanced controls marginally elevate this ultracompact EX-Z110 above the average; however, its mediocre photo quality, its somewhat clumsy design, and its ho-hum performance make it less appealing than it might have been."

Selasa, 18 Oktober 2005

Four top photo printers

PC Magazine has picked their top 4 photo printer picks. If you're like most snap-happy digital camera owners, you probably have a boatload of digital photo files filling up hard drive space, but have printed out very few of them. You could always go to a kiosk in your local drugstore or send them to an online photo service. But what if you want your print here and now? A photo printer may just be what you need to fulfill your need for instant gratification. But we know choosing the right one from the myriad choices out there can be daunting. Never fear: We bring you our picks in various photo printer categories.

If you're looking for a printer for printing out photos only, a dedicated photo printer is what you need. We recommend the Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition. Not only does this dedicated photo printer offer the same true photo quality output and low price as its predecessor, the Epson PictureMate, it also adds faster performance and an LCD screen for previewing images. The optional battery makes it a snap to print out photos without needing to plug in first.

If your printing needs run toward text and graphics, as well as photos, then a photocentric inkjet should be right up your alley. PC Magazine's Editor Choice, the HP Photosmart 8250, offers direct printing from PictBridge cameras and memory cards, as well as a 2.5-inch color LCD for previewing photos and a separate 4-by-6 inch tray. Its performance on our benchmark tests and solid ratings for text and graphic quality also make it a good pick for an all-purpose printer as well.

For those who live a mutltitasking lifestyle, an all-in-one printer with photo printing capability is your best bet. Our pick: the Canon Pixma MP760 Photo All-in-One. This AIO not only offers printing, scanning, and standalone copying capability, it also features slots for printing directly from memory cards and a connector for printing directly from a PictBridge camera. An added bonus is the transparency adapter for scanning and printing directly from 35mm film and slides.

There are some people, of course, for whom digital photography is more than just a hobby; it's a real passion. They are the types who aren't satisfied with anything less than an SLR camera and a collection of bayonet-mount lenses. It makes sense that they wouldn't settle for anything less than a printer that can produce the best output quality. We gave our nod to the Epson Stylus Photo R2400. With its high price tag, this is no photo printer for the dabbler. But what you get is the ability to print output of up to 13 by 44 inches, using roll paper or cut sheets, and produce superb photos that are also waterproof, smudgeproof, and of archival quality. The R2400 lacks a PictBridge connector or memory slots, but anyone interested in this level of photo printer will want the quality you can get only by printing from a graphics program.
Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition
Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Photo Printer

This dedicated photo printer can print directly from computers, memory cards, PictBridge cameras, and even USB drives. It also has an LCD to preview images.

HP PhotoSmart 8250 Printer
HP Photosmart 8250 Printer (Q3474A#ABA)

This photocentric inkjet printer offers fast printing and quality at the high end of very good. It also handles text and graphics well, making it a good pick as a single, all-purpose printer as well.

Canon Pixma MP760 Photo All-in-One
Canon PIXMA MP760 All-in-One Photo Printer

This offers a transparency adapter for scanning and printing directly from slides and film. It also offers direct printing from Pictbridge cameras and memory slots. It handles all its functions-printing, scanning, copying, and photo printing-with aplomb.

Epson Stylus Photo R2400
Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Ink Jet Printer (C11C603011)

This is a photo printer for serious photographers. It uses Epson's UltraChrome K3 ink technology, which, with the right paper, yield superb photos that are also waterproof, smudgeproof, and of archival quality.

Whether you're a casual photographer or a hardcore pro, one of our favorite photo printers is sure to fit your needs. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed to hold evidence of that great moment in your hand almost as soon as you capture it with a click.

Panorama Factory version 4.0 released

Panorama Factory software from Smoky City Design, LLC is a panoramic stitching program for Windows. It creates high-quality panoramas from a set of overlapping digital images. The Panorama Factory transforms (warps) the images so that they can be joined seamlessly into panoramas whose fields of view can range up to 360 degrees. The Panorama Factory creates images that rival those made by rotational and swing-lens panoramic cameras. Not only can The Panorama Factory facilitate creation of immersive VR worlds, it also provides features for the fine-art panoramic photographer who wishes to work from ordinary 35mm images or images captured with a digital camera.

Version 4.0 has just been released and you can downlod a trial here.


What's new in V4.0?

V4.0 adds many new features and improvements. The most exciting new developments in V4.0 are:
* Image quality has been improved significantly. Images are sharper and fine tuning is more accurate.
* Semi-automatic and manual stitching methods make it possible to stitch images with camera rotation or tilt. V4.0 produces excellent results even with hand-held photographs where the camera rotation is different for each photo.
* A perspective correction option makes it possible to create images where straight lines are preserved.
* New controls are available for initial view and automatic rotation in VR viewers.
* You can save your panorama to layered Photoshop PSD format.
* The Wizard can be started on a set of selected thumbnails and/or restarted on a previously stitched panorama.
* You can disable automatic blending when you edit the boundaries of overlap regionsto save time when you are editing many overlap boundaries.

Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D Review

Konica Minolta's new Dynax / Maxxum 5D digital SLR is a more affordable digital SLR aimed more at the beginner market and is their answer to the Nikon D50 and Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT), It's both smaller and lighter than the Maxxum 7D and of course still features Konica Minolta's unique in-camera Anti-Shake system which stabilizes the sensor rather than a lens element.
Product Highlights
1. Body-integral Anti-Shake performance with all Dynax/Maxxum system lenses*1 ensures steady shots for superb image quality
2. Simple operation in a stylish, compact and lightweight package
3. 6.1-megapixel CCD and Konica Minolta's original image processing technology CxProcess™ III renders images in amazing detail
4. A large, 2.5-inch color LCD monitor provides clear image viewing and data display
5. Comprehensive image adjustment and control for creative
6. Easy and Intuitive Operation

Photographic.com have just posted a Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D Review and go on to say-
"The Maxxum 5D is a little slower than its “big brother” Maxxum 7D, but it’s a very good camera, capable of turning out very good images at a very good price—I wouldn’t have shot nearly 5000 photos with our test camera if it hadn’t delivered the goods."

Features:
* 6.1 effective Megapixel CCD
* Anti-shake image stabilization system (same as on the 7D) lets you use slower shutter speeds than unstabilized cameras
* Minolta A-type lens mount
* 2.5" LCD display
* Full manual controls (as you'd expect); shutter speed range of 30 - 1/4000 sec; ISO range of 100 - 3200
* Shoots up to 5 RAW or 3 Extra Fine JPEG images at 3 frames/second
* AF-assist lamp (uses flash)
* CompactFlash Type II slot
* USB 2.0 Full Speed (read: slow) support
* Uses NP-400 lithium-ion battery; 550 shots per charge using CIPA measurements
* PictBridge-enabled
* Priced at $899 which includes an 18 - 70 mm lens

Advanced amateur and prosumer photographers who desire a quality and professional digital SLR -- now in a compact size -- at an affordable price will want to include the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5Don their shortlist of candidates.