New 21.1 Megapixel from Canon!

Incase you hadn't heard, Canon has just announced its new 21.1 Megapixel full frame DSLR for release in November 2007.   Here is the release.

 

 

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – The new 21.1-megapixel, full-frame Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR* camera brings the power of Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s professional imaging excellence and innovation into sharper focus than ever before. While Canon's EOS-1D series has dominated the 35mm-based professional Digital SLR market for the past six years, the new EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR takes Canon's pro-digital prowess into and the realm of high-fashion and commercial photo studios where bulkier, medium-format cameras previously reigned. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III's compact, lighter-weight magnesium alloy body is rugged and versatile enough to take out of the studio and into the field. The camera's fast, five-frame-per-second (fps) shooting rate for bursts of up to 56 Large/Fine (21-megapixel) JPEGS or 12 RAW images is unmatched in its class, making it the ideal instrument for capturing the fluid motion and free-flowing lines of location-based fashion photography as well as a wide range of other professional photographic applications. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III professional digital single lens reflex camera is scheduled to begin shipping in November and will have an estimated selling price of $7,999† (the same price as its predecessor, the 16.7 megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II). "The EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is a prime example of the EOS philosophy and Canon's ongoing commitment to providing photo professionals with the tools they need to create the finest quality images," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "To continue our legacy, we must provide not only the right professional tools, but also the finest photo tools for the job and do so consistently, whether we are presenting this exemplary EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR camera, or any one of the many fine specialty lenses, flashes and accessories that populate the EOS professional photo system." Revolutionary Resolution Developed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR, the camera's new full-size 36 x 24 mm CMOS image sensor offers the highest resolution in its class, and is comprised of approximately 21.1 million effective pixels (5632 x 3750) set at a pitch of 6.4 microns. The user can select any one of six recording formats ranging from 21.0 megapixels in Large JPEG or RAW format, 16.6 or 11.0 megapixels in the two medium JPEG sizes, or 5.2 megapixels in the small JPEG or "sRAW" formats. In any JPEG format, the user can set one of ten compression rates for each image size. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, traditional RAW images. Dual "DIGIC III" Image Processors Fulfilling the ultra-low noise, ultra-high image quality promise of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera requires handling the enormous signal processing requirements of the camera's 21-megapixel resolution and top continuous shooting speed of five fps. To accomplish this, Canon has incorporated two identical DIGIC III imaging engines into the camera for parallel (and hence, faster) signal processing. The CMOS sensor reads out to the dual "DIGIC III" processors simultaneously in eight channels. DIGIC III is the next generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. This technology ensures the fine details and natural colors of images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is responsible for the EOS-1Ds Mark III SLR's high-speed performance, faster signal processing and more efficient energy consumption. Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera is the camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR camera's 12-bit conversion capability), this line-leading model is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. Additionally, given the significantly larger image file sizes created by the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera, Canon has provided compatibility with the new Ultra Direct Memory Access (UDMA) compact flash memory card specification, which enables ultra-high-speed data transfer to the card. Utilizing a UDMA compliant card doubles the data transfer speed compared to a conventional memory card, putting the new EOS-1Ds Mark III on par with the 10.1-megapixel EOS-1D Mark III camera, even though the pixel count of this new model is more than twice as large. Advanced Autofocus Technology The EOS-1Ds Mark III autofocus system - first introduced earlier this year on the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR - has 45 AF points including 19 high-precision cross-type points and 26 Assist AF points. This new array allows the 19 cross-type points to be divided into groups of nine inner and nine outer focusing points plus a center point, which makes picking an individual focusing point much faster and easier than going through all 45. During manual AF point selection, the AF point area is expandable in two stages via Custom Function control. At the request of sports and wildlife photographers, a new micro-adjustment feature allows for very fine changes in the AF point of focus for each lens type in use, along with the addition of adjustable focus-tracking sensitivity as another sophisticated new AF feature. Other new components in the AF system include the reconfigured concave submirror and the secondary image formation lens, both products of Canon's vast expertise in optical engineering. Finally, the low-light sensitivity of the new AF sensor has been doubled to EV-1 for superior performance, compared with earlier EOS digital SLRs. Live View One of the dynamic innovations incorporated into new EOS Digital SLRs - and optimized for professional shooters on the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR - is Canon's Live View shooting mode which provides photographers with an expanded and exceedingly convenient set of shooting options beyond the conventional SLR through-the-lens viewing. Framing and shooting subjects using the camera's LCD screen affords the shooter the same 100 percent field of view provided by the optical viewfinder - this is a full-frame digital SLR after all - but Live View has the added advantage of allowing the image to be more easily composed on the camera's bright and brilliant 230,000-pixel, three-inch LED screen. Additionally, the LCD-viewed image can be magnified by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting, particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. Additionally, as the release time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily captured. The shutter charge sound can be delayed and made quieter than normal in Live View mode to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. If a user is going to be several feet away from the camera, such as in some studio settings, the EOS-1Ds Mark III can be connected by cable to a computer via its USB 2.0 High-Speed interface. The camera can also be operated remotely at distances up to 492 feet with the assistance of the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A which allows users to view images directly off the camera's sensor in virtually real-time, with the ability to adjust many camera settings quickly and easily. Viewing Display Easy to read, even in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera features a three-inch, 230,000-pixel wide angle LCD display screen. The TFT color liquid-crystal monitor features seven user-settable brightness levels and a wide, 140-degree viewing angle, both horizontally and vertically. An added advantage of the large, three-inch display size is the ability to utilize a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. Canon extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's viewfinder as well. Bright and clear with zero distortion and a 100 percent picture coverage and a magnification factor of .75x, it is the finest viewfinder ever placed in an EOS camera. EOS Integrated Cleaning System Another first for a professional digital SLR of this caliber is Canon's complete dust management solution, called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The new CMOS image sensor is designed with a lightweight infrared absorption glass cover that vibrates for 3.5 seconds when the camera is turned on or off. This brief delay can be cancelled immediately upon start-up by pressing the shutter button half way. Dust that has been shaken or blown loose of the sensor is trapped by adhesive surfaces surrounding the sensor unit housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter when the camera moves. Like its sibling, the EOS-1D Mark III, the shutter of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR camera carries a durability rating of 300,000 cycles and, though it generates less dust, it still charges itself three times during the manual cleaning process so that dust is shaken off the shutter curtains as well. This cleaning system uses very little battery power and can be turned off in the custom function menu. The second part of the dust management system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Rock Solid Reliability The entire body of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, including its internal chassis and mirror box, is made of an advanced magnesium alloy for exceptional strength and rigidity. Comprehensive weatherproofing at 76 locations on the camera body ensures superior reliability, even when shooting in harsh environments. Together with the 300,000-cycle shutter durability rating, these features result in a camera that, even though it is six ounces lighter than the EOS-1Ds Mark II, can truly withstand even the most severe shooting conditions. Improved Software Among the most valuable features of the EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon's new Picture Style Editor 1.0 software. With PSE, photographers can personalize the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred image processing parameters, including custom tone curves. The EOS-1Ds Mark III Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.2 and EOS Utility 2.2, which support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Particularly noteworthy in DPP 3.2 is a new Lens Aberration Correction Function that corrects various image defects such as chromatic aberration, color blur, vignetting and distortion. Initially, the Lens Aberration Correction Function will support images captured by the EOS-1Ds Mark III and 11 other EOS Digital SLRs using any of 29 individual EF and EF-S lenses. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 6.0 and ImageBrowser 6.0 for easy browsing, viewing, printing and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X. Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Designed primarily for discerning landscape and architectural photographers, the Canon EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is ideally suited to the EOS-1Ds Mark III's full-frame capability. Measuring 3.7 inches in length and weighing in at under 23 ounces, this ultra-wide angle L-series prime lens is well corrected for rectilinear distortion, provides a 114-degree diagonal angle of view, and delivers high-speed autofocus with higher image quality overall including superior peripheral image quality, compared to its predecessor, the stalwart EF 14mm f/2.8L USM lens. While its large diameter, high-precision aspherical and UD elements, optimized lens element positioning, and flare and ghost-reducing lens coating ensure that this lens delivers the top optical performance in its professional class, Canon has added other features photographers have been asking for - improved dust and water resistance incorporated around the mount, switch panel and focusing ring, and a round aperture that creates a nice background blur and makes it easier to recognize an out-of-focus scene in less than brightly lit conditions. Furthermore, Canon has created a new lens cap specifically for the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM that is held to the lens by a stopper. The Canon EF14mm f/2.8L II USM lens is scheduled to begin shipping to stores in October at an estimated selling price of $2,199†. About Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2006††, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

Canon,Camera,Announcement

Video Training Review - Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part III - Advanced Techniques With Deke McClelland From Lynda.com.

 

If you have seen the Adobe Photoshop CS3 One-On-One book review that I did back a while ago, you will have some idea what all of this one-on-one stuff is all about. The Photoshop CS3 One-On-One training video's from Lynda.com are like the book on steroids. If you buy the DVD it contains over 30 hours of one-on-one training. Because it is available online in three parts, I am going to break my review into the three individual reviews that correspond with the online training system.

For Part III, Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Advanced Techniques contains 9.5 hours of video training covering nine lessons that will show you all of advanced techniques of Adobe Photoshop CS3 as taught by Deke McClelland; the award winning author and Photoshop Hall-of Famer. Exercise files accompany the tutorials on the DVD as well as with the premium subscription which will give you all you need to learn the fundamentals of Photoshop.

Lesson 19 "Layer Effects and Styles" (66 minutes) begins with comparing Effects vs. Styles and moves quickly to Layer Styles. You will work with Layer Express and learn to direct a glow, edit effects and see how to save a Layer Style.

Lesson 20 "Vector-Based Shapes" (62 minutes) introduces vectors and explains what the benefits of using Vector-based shapes are. Here you will draw a shape layer, draw and insert shape as well as work with compound shapes. You will combine vectors and layer masks and draw custom shapes.

Lesson 21 "Using Adjustment Layers" (61 minutes) here you will learn how to make adjustments to your photos without actually doing anything to the original layer. Here you will create the layer, mask, convert to monochrome, to duotone, as well as work with hue, saturation, and color adjustments.

Lesson 22 "Smart Objects" (67 minutes) explores the technology of Smart Objects and how you can use them to create non-destructive transformations of your images. Here you will work with vector illustrations, replacing pixels with vectors, rasterizing a Smart Object, and swapping one Smart Object for another.

Lesson 23 "Non-Destructive Smart Filters" (95 minutes) continues your education on Smart Objects by looking at how to use Smart Filters. You will learn how to work with filters within a stack, masking Smart Filters, swapping Gallery filters and exploring the difference between Smart Filters vs. Layer Effects.

Lesson 24 "Working with Camera Raw" (78 minutes) takes you through the use of the new Camera Raw 4 that was released with CS3. You will work with all phases of Camera Raw including importing, working with the exposure controls, white balance, the new Tone Curve adjustment sliders, the HSL controls, the non-destructive Retouch tool, as well as the Camera Raw Smart Objects.

Lesson 25 "Auto-Align, Auto-Blend, and Photomerge" (63 minutes) examines the improved Auto-Align command in CS3. Here you will load files into Stack Script, Auto-Align a panorama, use the Auto-Blend command and learn how to use the new Panorama Command.

Lesson 26 "Recording and Playing Actions" (38 minutes) show you how to use Actions to save time when working on repetitive tasks. You will step through all that you need to create, debug and save your Actions.

Lesson 27 "Printing and Packaging" (41 minutes) finishes up with exploring how to generate a quality image. Here you will go over output options, Color Management options, the printing of a contact sheet and packaging multiple images on a sheet.

It would be helpful if you have already worked through Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part I – The Essentials and Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part II – Beyond The Basics With Deke McClelland, but if you are an experienced user of Photoshop, Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Advanced Techniques will take you to the next level of understanding. My reviews of Part I and Part II are available here on Blogcritics.

It is obvious that McClelland has been doing this for a while and is very comfortable with teaching Photoshop. His style is entertaining, natural, and never hurried. He takes you from one point to another keeping attuned to the task at hand, but never, never falling into staleness. He constantly shows you tips and tricks that make your use of Photoshop an easier and more enjoyable experience.

You can get Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Advanced Techniques two ways. One is as part of the DVD training package Photoshop CS3 One-On-One with Deke McClelland and the other is part of the online training experience at Lynda.com. The DVD Training Package is $149 USD and contains all three complete training packages:

• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: The Essentials
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Beyond the Basics
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Advanced Techniques

The online training Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Advanced Techniques comes in three flavors. Monthly at $25 USD/month gets you all of the videos that are available online (approximately 21,811 videos on 318 topics at this time). Annually at $250 USD per year or Premium at $375 USD per year which get all the videos as well as all of the exercise files. Take note that the exercise files are not included with the monthly or annual subscriptions. They are included on the DVD and Premium subscriptions.

I can highly recommend Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Advanced Techniques as the perfect training program for the individual student, as well as the college or vocational teacher looking to supplement their educational materials. It would be of tremendous benefit to the professional looking to upgrade their skills. You can also try out the first lesson for free at Lynda.com.

Lynda.com,Photoshop,CS3,Adobe,Training

Software Review - Adobe Photoshop Plug-in Plug-In Suite 3: Genuine Fractals 5.0 From onOne

 

This is the first of a four part review of the products that are included in the onOne Plug-In Suite 3. This review is on the product Genuine Fractals 5.0

The problem begins with the image that is great, but because you shot it with your 3 mega pixel camera, you can get a decent 4x6 inch print, but when you try to get an 8x10 or larger, it just doesn't look the same. Or you have a good 8 mega pixel image, but you want to create a 24x36 inch print; it just doesn’t cut it. Well that is where Genuine Fractals 5.0 comes in. As a stand alone product or as part of the onOne Plug-in Suite, Genuine Fractals 5.0 will do all the heavy lifting when it comes to creating crystal clear enlargements of your images.

This new version of Genuine Fractals 5.0 represents a significant update of onOne's already award winning plug-in software. This version, while retaining the same powerful scaling capabilities, has enhanced its scaling engine and added more end user control for even more fine range image management.

First, what is Genuine Fractals 5.0? Genuine Fractals 5.0 is a Adobe Photoshop Plug-in that will allow you to enlarge your images over 1000% with no loss in quality. The size of the print you want to make is also based on the printer resolution and how many droplets of ink per inch that the printer puts on the paper.

If this seems complicated, it can be, but that is where Genuine Fractals 5.0 comes in. By using the plug-in, all that you have to do is open the image in the new and improved workspace, select the size of print that you want to produce, select the resolution best for your printer; onOne provides a chart for your convenience, and Genuine Fractals 5.0 does the rest.

The latest version of Genuine Fractals 5.0 adds several improvements and enhancements. First is the new interface and Photoshop CS3 compatibility. Next is the improved scaling algorithm which now allows for 1000% enlargements. This version now works with multi-processors which provides faster scaling results.

Add to that, they have added over 70 Document Size Presets which allows users to crop and resize images in a single step. Genuine Fractals 5.0 also supports resizing Photoshop files with multiple layers. These include adjustment layers, non-rastorized layers, smart objects and alpha channels. You no longer have to flatten files before scaling as well.

They have also added Texture controls to fine tune your detail that you want pulled out. There is built in Grain Control, Sharpening Controls an Photoshop Action support. Genuine Fractals 5.0 supports 8-bit and 16-bit RGB and Grayscale images as well. There is even support for CMYK and LAB color modes as well.

I think that you will be amazed with the quality of image enlargements that can be had with Genuine Fractals 5.0. It installs easily and really requires no learning curve to begin to use. It does take a little bit of time to analyze and reproduce your image. If you have the need to enlarge your images beyond the size that is recommended for your image size, or if you want to improve the quality of your larger images with cleaner detail with better shadow and highlight detail then you should check out Genuine Fractals 5.0

Video Training Review - Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part II - Beyond The Basics With Deke McClelland From Lynda.com.

Review by T. Michael Testi

 

If you have seen the Adobe Photoshop CS3 One-On-One book review that I did back a while ago, you will have some idea what all of this one-on-one stuff is all about. The Photoshop CS3 One-On-One training video's from Lynda.com are like the book, but on steroids. The DVD contains over 30 hours of one-on-one training. Because it is available online in three parts, I've broken my review into the three individual reviews that correspond with the three parts of the online training system.

For Part II, Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Beyond The Basics contains over ten hours of video training covering nine lessons that will take you to the next level of Adobe Photoshop CS3 as taught by Deke McClelland; the award winning author and Photoshop Hall-of Famer. Exercise files accompany the tutorials on the DVD as well as with the premium subscription which will give you all you need to learn the topics that are beyond the basics of Photoshop.

Lesson 10 "Masking Essentials" (75 minutes) builds off of establishing a base layer and working with the Color Range command. You will learn what to do when the Color Range falls short as well as selecting a base channel. Soon you will begin to see what you can really do with Layer Masks.

Lesson 11 "Sharpening Focus" (73 minutes) begins with some parlor tricks for edge-enhancement as well as explaining what sharpening is all about. You will learn how to use the Unsharp Mask, learn about the Radius value, and learn how to gauge the best settings. You will also learn about USM vs. Smart Sharpen, as well as whether to leave More Accurate on or off.

Lesson 12 "Blurring and Averaging" (84 minutes) starts you off with answering the question "Why the heck would you want to blur?" You will also learn of the Gaussian Blur, the Linear Box Blur, Surface Blur, the Motion Blur filter as well as other techniques for averaging skin tones and smoothing blemishes.

Lesson 13 "Layer Essentials" (45 minutes) explains the usefulness of Layers and the Layers palette. You will learn how to move a layer, erasing with a Layer Mask, how to combine Layers into a Clipping Mask and adding a frame and expanding the canvas.

Lesson 14 "Groups and Layer Comps" (42 minutes) shows you how to organize your layers and how to assemble a base composition. You will learn how to add adjustment layers, create a layer group and group selected layers. You will also be introduced to layer comps and how to save your layer comps.

Lesson 15 "Opacity and Blend Modes" (83 minutes) quickly shows you the kind of power there is in blend modes. You will learn the difference between Opacity and Fill Opacity as well as how to change the values. The author also explains the lightening modes, contrast modes, comparative mode, composite modes and the brush only modes.

Lesson 16 "Transform, Warp, and Liquefy" (87 minutes) will explain how to scale a layer to fit a composition, replay the last transformation, and what are skews and perspective style distortions. You will learn of the envelope-style Warp function, the Liquefy command, how to adjust brush settings, and how to incrementally undo undesirable effects.

Lesson 17 "Vanishing Point 2.0" (68 minutes) is about planes and perspective. Here you will learn about Vanishing Point 2.0 and how you can take a non-perpendicular surface and wrap around multiple surfaces at a time. You will learn how to draw out perpendicular planes, bending the image to its new home, and wrap it around multiple surfaces.

Lesson 18 "Creating and Editing Text" (75 minutes) finishes this series out with "Type: The great imaging exception." Text is a different beast in Photoshop. It forces it self to its own layer as well as sometimes seems to have a mind of its own. Here you will learn how to edit vector-based text, resize the text frame, adding a ghostly shadow cast as well as many other tricks to working with type and text.

It would be helpful if you have already worked through Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part I – The Essentials With Deke McClelland, but if you are an experienced user of Photoshop, Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Beyond The Basics will take you to the next level of understanding. I reviewed Part I in early August here on Blogcritics.

McClelland's style is entertaining, natural, and never hurried. He takes you from one point to another keeping attuned to the task at hand, but never, never falling into staleness. He constantly shows you tips and tricks that make your use of Photoshop an easier and more enjoyable experience.

You can get Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Beyond The Basics two ways. One is as part of the DVD training package Photoshop CS3 One-On-One with Deke McClelland and the other is part of the online training experience at Lynda.com. The DVD Training Package is $149 USD and contains all three complete training packages:

• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: The Essentials
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Beyond the Basics
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Advanced Techniques

The online training Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Beyond The Basics comes in three flavors. Monthly at $25 USD/month gets you all of the videos that are available online (approximately 21,811 videos on 318 topics at this time). Annually at $250 USD per year or Premium at $375 USD per year which get all the videos as well as all of the exercise files. Take note that the exercise files are not included with the monthly or annual subscriptions. They are included on the DVD and Premium subscriptions.

I can highly recommend Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Beyond The Basics as the perfect training program for the individual student, as well as the college or vocational teacher looking to supplement their educational materials. It would be of tremendous benefit to the professional looking to upgrade their skills. You can also try out most of the first lesson for free at Lynda.com. The third part of this review is already available on Blogcritics.

Adobe,Photoshop,CS3,Lynda.com,Deke McClelland

Book Review - Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 By Jennifer Smith And The AGI Creative Team

Written by T. Michael Testi

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is the first in a series of books from O'Reilly that is branded as Dynamic Learning. It is written by a group of product professionals and trainers from the Aquent Graphics Institute (AGI) and lead by Jennifer Smith. These are the people who have produced many of Adobe's own manuals.

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is produced with Digital Classroom video tutorials that enhance the topics discussed in the book. Each lesson begins with a "Starting Up" section that makes sure that you are ready to roll. Then you are asked to view the video to get a better feel for what you are going to do. You then work through the lesson. This, tied with self study exercises and review questions, is meant to reinforce the content and skills learned.

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is divided into 13 lessons covering 350 pages. The dynamic Learning DVD comes complete with all of the lesson files and video files needed to follow along with the book. The preface, "Starting Up," introduces you to dynamic learning, gets you set up and gives you other information needed to begin your lessons.

Lesson 1, "What's New in Adobe Photoshop CS3?" walks you through the features that are new to CS3. These include the new interface, Smart Filters, Camera Raw 4 and a comparison of Photoshop CS3 vs. Photoshop CS3 Extended. Lesson 2, "Exploring Adobe Photoshop CS3" gets you to work right away making a composition using selections, layer masks, placing artwork and adding text. All of these will be explained in more detail later, but this gets you into the thick of it.

Lesson 3, "Getting to Know the Workspace" shows you how to use the new Bridge, working with the tools and toolbar. You will also learn how to use the palette system to make your work easier in Photoshop. Lesson 4, "Using Adobe Bridge" gets you in to all the things that you can do with the new Bridge 2, including working with folders, metadata, keywords and automation tools.

Lesson 5, "The Basics of Photoshop CS3" will explain all of the basic functionality of Photoshop. You will learn to transform and edit combined images, remove a background, learn about stacking layers and how to understand the different file formats. Lesson 6, "Creating a Good Image" shows you why you should work in RGB, how to manage highlights and shadows, how to sharpen your images and how to save your file as a Digital Negative (DNG).

Lesson 7, "Making the Best Selections", will explain how to work with the Marquee and Lasso tools to make selections. It also covers the Quick Selection Tool and the Quick Mask as well. Lesson 8, "Painting and Retouching" covers the new painting and retouching tools that you can use modify your images. You will also get a quick lesson on color spaces and models. You will also learn to use Photoshop's painting tools.

Lesson 9, "Getting to Know Layers" covers that most important topic in Photoshop, the Layers palette. Here you will learn to select, move, mask, and clone Layers as well as working with filters, styles and how to create a clipping mask. Lesson 10, "Taking Layers to the Max" continues your study with Layers by working with Adjustment Layers, Layer Styles, as well as working with text Layers.

Chapter 11, "Using Smart Objects" introduces you to what Smart Objects are and how they can be used. You will learn how to create, edit and replace the contents of a Smart Object Layer. Chapter 12, "Using Adobe Photoshop Filters" will get you started on the large topic of the filters that come with Photoshop. This includes working with Smart Filters. Chapter 13, "Creating Images for Web and Video" introduces you to working with images that will find their way to both web; topics like banners, slices and buttons, and into videos; topics like animation and timelines.

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is a very easy to read and understand book and when tied with the videos it becomes a very powerful learning experience. The book is well organized, the lessons include real world examples and the instruction provides a good working base from which one can really learn Photoshop CS3

Photoshop,CS3,Training,Dynamic Learning

Book Review: The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book For Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby

Written by T. Michael Testi

As I have said before, when you get beyond the second edition of a book, there is a reason and it usually centers on the quality of the information presented. The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book is no exception. This is the fourth edition of a book that has helped keep Scott Kelby the number one best-selling author of all computer and technology books. No, I didn't say Photoshop books, nor did I say digital imaging books — I said computer and technology; that means all categories.

Being a member of NAPP, I have known of Scott Kelby for years and am familiar with his teaching style and the entertaining way he presents information. If you are not familiar with NAPP, please read my review on Photoshop User magazine to gain more insight on what NAPP is all about and why you might want to join.

The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book breaks out into 13 chapters but before you get to chapter one you must first pass through the "An Unexpected Q & A Session." As he did in his book The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book, the Kelby wit is performing to get you to read an introduction to the book once again. Here he explains what the book is and how you should read it, kind like if Abbott and Costello wrote the intro!

Chapter 1, "London Bridge" shows the basics of the new Adobe Bridge 2. Here, the author shows how, after a photo shoot, you can get your images into Bridge, generate a contact sheet, view, organize, move or delete photos. You can add metadata, rename, rotate and sort your files. Chapter 2, "The Bridge" introduces you to more advanced techniques such as creating full-screen slideshows, searching for files via keywords, using stacks, and how to view and edit your metadata. You will also learn how to create metadata templates as well as how to strip the metadata from your photos. You will also learn how to use two monitors to enhance your work style.

Chapter 3, "Raw Deal" explains the changes with regard to the new Camera Raw changes in Photoshop CS3. Now you can not only process Raw files, but JPEGs and TIFFs as well. You will also work with the essential adjustments such as white balance and exposure and with the Clarity Slider, a new tool to Camera Raw that enhances the midtone contrasts to give your image more punch. Chapter 4, "Resized" focuses on getting your sizes right for your photos. Getting your photos to an appropriate size for the use that is required is more than just lopping off some from here or there, it is about what to leave in and what to take out. You will learn the rule of thirds, about custom sizes for photographers and making posters that remain sharp. You will also learn about making your images smaller.

Chapter 5, "Fit to Print" is a step-by-step guide to color management. You will begin by configuring your camera to match Photoshop's color space. Then you will configure Photoshop for Adobe RGB (1998). You will finish up with calibrating your monitor and your printer. Chapter 6, "Local Color" works with you to get the color right in your photos. This is done by using a couple of techniques to change how the Eyedropper tool measures color and also to get a neutral grey background behind your photos. Simple, but important, methods that dramatically impact your photos and take you to the next level as a photographer. The author also explains Drag-And-Drop Instant Color Correction, studio portrait correction, adjusting RGB Flesh Tones as well as a trick to make your grey skies blue again.

Chapter 7, "Black and White World" will show you how to create stunning Black and White images from your color photos. Here you will work with the Lightness Channel Method as well as CS3's new Black and White Converter. The author also lets you in on a little method that he learned while he was working on another technique. It is a quick and easy way to create high-contrast B&W images. You will also learn about doing B&W in Camera Raw. Chapter 8, "99 Problems" will work with you on diagnosing and fixing common digital image problems. These include fixing color in indoor shots, what to do when your subject is in the shadows, dealing with over- or under-exposed photos, dodging and burning, red-eye, reflections on glasses, as well as fixing spots and sensor dust on one or many photos at a time.

Chapter 9 "Faces" is all about retouching portraits. Pretty much anytime you are creating a portrait, you are not trying to recreate every blemish, pimple and mole that the person has. What you are trying to do is to capture the essence of who the person is. While that pimple may exist, it doesn't mean that it has always or will always exist. So what you are trying to accomplish is to maintain the skin's appearance and not make any retouching look obvious. Some of the things you will learn include how to reduce a double chin, remove dark circles under the eyes, reduce wrinkles, add highlights, enhance lips, brighten eyes, and whiten teeth.

Chapter 10, "Special Delivery" will explore special effects for photographers. Some of the effects include Quadtoning, the process of using four different grays and/or brown tones to add depth to a Black and White photo, taming light to get it to fall where you want it to, and punching up drab colors. You will also work with portrait effects such as High-Contrast, creating fake Duotones, creating collages, infrared, drawing the viewer's eye with color and creating panoramas. You will also learn about "Scott's Three-Step Portrait Finishing Techinque."

Chapter 11, "Look Sharp" gives you techniques for sharpening your photos. No, this won't make a blurry picture clear; rather it adjusts for areas within a photo that need more definition and crispness. You will use manual techniques as well as the Smart Sharpen filter. You will even learn how to make photos look sharper than they really are. Chapter 12, "Best in Show" will explore methods for you to show your work. You will add copyright info, watermarks, and signatures. You will create an online photo gallery and learn how to email photos, create a fine art poster layout, and create a simple three-photo balanced layout. Finally, chapter 13 "Working for a Livin'" is a mini-chapter that the author explains his work flow by taking an image from import to done in 23 easy steps.

In my opinion, The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book is one of those books that contains so much information that it really is a must have. If you are a beginner to Photoshop, you will have everything you need to create better photos. You will be able to learn things in a step-by-step approach that will fine tune your learning. If you are experienced, The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book will fill in many of the holes that you may have because of the depth and breath of Photoshop itself.

Now Scott Kelby admits that not everyone appreciates his humor; in fact he anticipates the emails that continue to tell him to stop. I guess I understand it, because I have the same kind of humor (and people around me tell me to stop; it doesn't work here either.) So my advice is to get over it, there is too much information here to let slip by just because you can't take his humor.

One other note, if you find yourself entertained by Scott Kelby, you can keep up with him and all things Photoshop on his blog Photoshop Insider. Also a must read!

Scott Kelby,Photoshop,CS3,Adobe

Video Training Review - Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: Part I - The Essentials With Deke McClelland From Lynda.com.

Written By T. Michael Testi

If you have seen the Adobe Photoshop CS3 One-On-One book review that I did back a while ago, you will have some idea what all of this one-on-one stuff is all about. The Photoshop CS3 One-On-One training video's from Lynda.com are like the book on steroids. If you buy the DVD it contains over 30 hours of one-on-one training. Because it is available online in three parts, I am going to break my review into the three individual reviews that correspond with the online training system.

For Part I, Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: The Essentials contains 8.75 hours of video training covering nine lessons that will show you all of the essentials of Adobe Photoshop CS3 as taught by Deke McClelland; the award winning author and Photoshop Hall-of Famer. Exercise files accompany the tutorials on the DVD as well as with the premium subscription which will give you all you need to learn the fundamentals of Photoshop.

Lesson one, "What Photoshop Can Do" (39 minutes), begins by taking a tour around Photoshop CS3 and introducing you to what Photoshop can do. You will learn about combining images, adjusting colors, cloning, adding layers, cropping, sharpening and adding text to an image. This gets you familiar with how to use Photoshop and some of the basic techniques that are used regularly.

Lesson two, "Setting Up Shop" (75 minutes), continues on with learning fundamental techniques used in Photoshop while working with images. In this lesson you will learn to open images, how to work with the zoom tool and how to use shortcuts. You will learn about the Navigator palette as well as keyboard shortcuts, modifying shortcuts, organizing palettes, saving your workspace and how to set your preferences.

Lesson three, "The New and Improved Bridge" (60 minutes), introduces you to the Bridge. This lesson guides you in the basics of managing files. Here you will learn about rotations, ratings and labels, how to manage thumbnails, how to move, copy, and delete images, batch renaming, and how to customize and save the workspace. You will also learn about the loupe, compare and stack features as well as previewing images in the slideshow.

Lesson four, "Basic Color Adjustment" (50 minutes), gets you into real Photoshop work. Up till now you have been learning how to get around in Photoshop, now you will learn how to use it. This lesson is all about color correction and manipulation. You will learn things like, what is color balance, how to use the Variations interface, correcting color cast, and fading an adjustment. You will learn about primary colors as well as their compliments. You will also learn about hue and saturation.

Lesson five, "Shadows, Highlights, and Midtones" (85 minutes), takes you into the shadows, highlights and midtones of images. Here you will learn of brightness, contrast and luminance. You will learn of the Auto Commands, histograms and channel by channel adjustments. You will take your first look at both Levels and Curves dialogs.

Lesson six, "Image Size and Resolution" (37 minutes), is all about pixels. You will learn imaging fundamentals and how pixels relate to images. You will work with the image size command, interpolation as well as scaling an image down or up.

Lesson seven, "Cropping and Straightening" (33 minutes), works at framing your image to get it into the proper layout. If it is angled, you will straighten it. You will also learn of perspective cropping to make angled shots look straight.

Lesson eight, "Making Selections" (57 minutes), will show you one of the more important techniques in Photoshop, especially if you want to do photomontage work. That is, the use of selections to cut something out of a picture. Here you will learn to use the Magic Wand tool, Quick Selection tool, Marquee tool, Move tool and Lasso tool to make your selections. You will also learn how to use Refine Edge to preview a selection.

Lesson nine, "Replacing, Retouching, and Editing" (81 minutes), will teach you all about cleaning up an image. Here you will learn how to remove red-eye, clean teeth, remove plaque, heal blemishes, and patch spots. You will use the Color Replacement tool, Dodge tool, Sponge tool, Patch tool, Toning tool as well as the Clone Source palette to make your images picture perfect.

It is obvious that McClelland has been doing this for a while and is very comfortable with teaching Photoshop. His style is entertaining, natural, and never hurried. He takes you from one point to another keeping attuned to the task at hand, but never, never falling into staleness. He constantly shows you tips and tricks that make your use of Photoshop an easier and more enjoyable experience.

You can get Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: The Essentials two ways. One is as part of the DVD training package Photoshop CS3 One-On-One with Deke McClelland and the other is part of the online training experience at Lynda.com. The DVD Training Package is $149 USD and contains all three complete training packages:

• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: The Essentials
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Beyond the Basics
• Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: Advanced Techniques


The online training Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: The Essentials comes in three flavors. Monthly at $25 USD/month gets you all of the videos that are available online (approximately 21,811 videos on 318 topics at this time). Annually at $250 USD per year or Premium at $375 USD per year which get all the videos as well as all of the exercise files. Take note that the exercise files are not included with the monthly or annual subscriptions. They are included on the DVD and Premium subscriptions.

I can highly recommend Photoshop CS3 One-On-One: The Essentials as the perfect training program for the individual student, as well as the college or vocational teacher looking to supplement their educational materials. It would be of tremendous benefit to the professional looking to upgrade their skills. You can also try out the first lesson for free at Lynda.com.

Lynda.com,Deke McClelland,Photoshop,CS3,One-on-one