Friday, October 30, 2009

Free Photoshop Brushes: Sparkes

 

image

“This is a great set of free Photoshop brushes that let you add a little sparkle to your designs. There is a variety of sparkle effects included in this set. I think you will find this a very useful addition to your Photoshop brush collection.”

25 Brushes

Get it here…

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Digital Painting in Photoshop

Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy: Digital Painting

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Service Notice: EOS 7D: Residual Image in Picture

Press Release From Canon

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have confirmed that in certain camera settings and shooting conditions, the phenomenon described below may occur in images captured by the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera.

Canon is currently investigating and analyzing the cause of this phenomenon, and we are planning to release a firmware update to address this issue.
Once the support measures have been established, we will post the relevant information on our Web site.

We offer our most sincere apologies to customers using this product who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Going forward, we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.

Phenomenon
In images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image.

Affected Product
EOS 7D Digital SLR
Support
This contact information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries

Canon Customer Support Center

Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. ET,

Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays

Phone:
1-800-OK-CANON (toll free)

1-800-652-2666

TTD:
1-866-251-3752 (toll free)

Email:
carecenter@cits.canon.com

For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

 

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Canon EOS Digital Photography Photo Workshop

Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS 7D

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Plug-in Suite 5 for Adobe Photoshop

Onone Press Release

onOne Software Announces Plug-in Suite 5 for Adobe Photoshop

New Version of Award-Winning Software Suite Offers Six Essential Tools That Help Photographers Achieve Better Results

PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced Plug-in Suite 5 for Adobe Photoshop. Designed to solve the most common problems facing photographers in the areas of color correction, enlarging, masking and professional photographic effects, the Plug-in Suite 5 combines full versions of six essential software tools in one affordable package: FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.5 Professional Edition, PhotoTools 2.5 Professional Edition, Genuine Fractals 6 Professional Edition and MaskPro 4.

With support for Photoshop CS2, CS3 and CS4 the onOne Software Plug-in Suite 5 now includes the new onOne Panel which provides quick access to all products, Windows 64 bit support and the ability to access select plug-ins from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 and Apple Aperture 2.1. Plug-in Suite 5 will be available in November.

“This is our biggest product update and release in over 4 years,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “Since the release of Plug-In Suite 4, we have been working closer than ever with both professional and enthusiast photographers to make sure that Plug-In Suite 5 continues to solve the most common problems they face as photographers. We are confident that Plug-In Suite 5 continues in the onOne tradition of providing photographers with software that sets the standard for value, quality and ease-of-use.”

Plug-in Suite 5 includes full versions of the following onOne Software products:

FocalPoint 2 – Like bringing the camera lens inside Photoshop, this new version of FocalPoint 2 gives photographers the best way to add the most realistic depth of field and selective focus control to any image after it is photographed. Photographers now have an incredible amount of flexibility and control over the look of the blur with FocalPoint 2’s new blur algorithm, FocusBrush, Lens Presets and multiple FocusBug features.

PhotoTune 3 – Getting great color doesn’t have to be so hard. This new version of PhotoTune 3 uses patented eye-fidelityTM technology, originally developed by and licensed from imsense to optimize the dynamic range, color and sharpness of images so that they look more true-to-life. The improved Wizard offers fast color and tone correction in as little as two steps while giving pro users direct access to advanced and innovative controls. SkinTune, which represents two years of research and analysis of thousands of skin tones, now offers one-click color correction of portraits and the option to correct just the skin in an image.

PhotoFrame 4.5 Professional Edition – With PhotoFrame 4.5, you can add the perfect finishing touch to your images with over 100 exciting new professionally designed frames, backgrounds, textures and layouts including over a dozen from professional photographer Kersti Malvre. With one thousand design elements like film edges, borders, textures, backgrounds and adornments, PhotoFrame 4.5 Professional Edition even has complete layouts where users can simply drop an image in and they are done. It is the easiest and fastest way to add an authentic darkroom touch with a film edge or to create beautiful albums or scrapbook pages

PhotoTools 2.5 Professional Edition – PhotoTools 2.5 is the highly acclaimed Photoshop plug-in that allows photographers of all skill levels to maximize the full power of Photoshop with it’s ability to preview and combine Photoshop Actions in a single, intuitive interface. Designed by photographers for photographers, PhotoTools 2.5 Professional now includes a new MaskingBug control based on the FocusBug control from the award-winning FocalPoint plug-in. The new MaskingBug allows photographers to create high-quality masks to selectively apply effects to images. With over 30 new creative effects, for a total effect library of 280, photographers can easily find, combine and save the results to create images that truly stand out.

Genuine Fractals 6 Professional Edition - The industry standard for enlarging photos, Genuine Fractals 6 enlarges images up to 1,000% while maintaining sharp edges and important image details. Genuine Fractals 6 now includes an automated gallery wrap feature and output options for tiling an enlarged photo. No other resizing plug-in is as widely used by more professionals than Genuine Fractals.

MaskPro 4 – For those times when you need to extract a subject from a photo, Mask Pro 4 uses a color-based method that allows users to easily remove unwanted backgrounds from your photos. Mask Pro’s unique Color Decontamination technology allows users to get realistic results by maintaining transparency in hard to mask objects like hair, smoke and glass in a fraction of the time using traditional tools.

Availability

The new Plug-in Suite 5 will be available in November to new users for $599.95; purchased separately the products would normally cost $1,300. Existing users of Plug-in Suite version 1, 2, 3 or 4 can upgrade to the Plug-in Suite 5 for $199.95. Customers who own any one or more of the products in Plug-in 5 will be able to upgrade as well by visiting http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade/. For more information on the Plug-in Suite 5, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/.

About onOne Software

onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture, Apple iPhoto and iPhone applications. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/ or call 1-888-968-1468.

© 2009 onOne Software. All rights reserved. onOne Software and the onOne Software logo are registered trademarks in the United States, and all are the property of onOne Software. Adobe and Photoshop are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

 

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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Classroom in a Book

Black and White in Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Lightroom: Create stunning monochromatic images in Photoshop CS3, Photoshop Lightroom, and beyond

PhotographyBB Online Magazine – 21st Edition

Press Release

Oct 23rd, 2009 – VANCOUVER, CANADA – PhotographyBB announced today, the release of the 21st edition of the PhotographyBB Online Magazine. The PhotographyBB Online Magazine is a leading resource in the future of free information distribution, offering readers: Digital Photography tips and techniques, DSLR camera function training, and image post processing tutorials in Adobe® Photoshop™, and RAW processing in Photoshop Lightroom™.

The October 2009 edition oppropriately features Halloween themed tutorials such as “How to Photograph Ghosts” and “Digital Pumpkin Carving in Photoshop.” Additionally this issue explores a sneak peak at the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta release, and some of the exciting new features that Adobe has to offer.

Editor in Chief, Dave Seeram had these comments regarding this recent release:

“I’m really proud of the work that our team has done with this issue. In addition to our regular photography and tutorial columns, this month we have a special feature – a sneak peak at the new features in the Lightroom 3 (Beta) release. Readers can check out these new features, then download their own beta copy from Adobe Labs and try it out for themselves. Additionally, since this month typically lends itself to gorgeous outdoor fall photography, we are also looking at outdoor portrait shooting techniques. For Halloween, we’ve even got some themed tutorials to really get out readers into the Halloween spirit. Couple that with the FAQ series where we answer questions from our readers, and the continuation in our popular HDR series, and I feel we have a special issue this month.

 Read it all…

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Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual

Layers: The Complete Guide to Photoshop's Most Powerful Feature

Monday, October 26, 2009

Secret Italy – The Photography Workshop with Kevin Kubota

Press Release

Tuscany, Italy workshop to take place May 2-8, 2010

New York, NY, PhotoPlus Expo Booth #854 – (October 22, 2009) – Kubota Image Tools announces Kevin Kubota’s 5th creative Italy professional photography workshop. This inspiring 7-day photography workshop (May 2-8, 2010) includes several exciting photo excursions, classroom instruction, photography critiquing and more.

The 2010 Secret Italy professional photography workshop attendees will tour Tuscany, Italy. The trip will begin with everyone meeting at the airport in Florence, Italy where attendees will then head west to Lucca. Highlights include excursions through Tuscany and then North along the Mediterranean Sea to visit Liguria and five coastal villages known as Cinque Terre, then Portofino and Genoa.

“My wife Clare and I are so thrilled to return for our fifth creative photography workshop in Italy – one of the most beautiful countries on Earth,” said Kevin Kubota, Idea Man of Kubota Image Tools. “This is sure to be a truly authentic Italian experience for everyone. There's nothing like a trip to Italy to enhance your creative photography techniques. It is an inspirational country with limitless photographic opportunities that never fails to give me a creative boost.”

For photographers who have never had the opportunity to travel to Italy, this is the perfect way to experience it and photograph it. For those photographers that have been to Italy before, then they already know why they want to go back. This time husband and wife team Kevin and Clare Kubota will share some of the undiscovered gems of this beautiful country that they know so well.

There will be brief daily classroom time (1-2 hours) to discuss photo projects that will be assigned, talks about creativity followed by creative exercises, and the opportunity for participants to apply fine art Photoshop skills on their images. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

The cost of the 7-day trip is $2,995 for class attendees and $2,550 for non-class participants. Single participants will be partnered in gender specific rooms unless requesting a private room for an additional $400. Attendees paying in full at time of sign up will receive a $100 discount. (Actual costs are based on currency exchange rates and are subject to change.)

Partners will be able to join attendees for all of the group outings except the classroom time. The price includes lodging, all ground transportation (attendees are responsible for airfare to and from Florence, Italy), most meals with wine, guided tours, classroom instruction, photography review and a DVD of the class images and experience. The tour is organized and guided by native Italians, Max and Cristiana, who live in Umbria and have an incredible zest for sharing their culture and a unique insight into what the essence of Italy really is. This is not a typical tourist trip. It’s a photographic and cultural adventure!

See the Kubota Image Tools Web site for up-to-the-minute details: www.kubotaimagetools.com or call 877-330-4330.

About Kevin Kubota

Kevin Kubota, of Kubota PhotoDesign Inc. (www.KubotaPhotoDesign.com), has been photographing since 1980, and doing it professionally since 1990. He is a wedding and portrait photographer with images that speak to the heart-filled with emotion, joy, intimacy, and impact. His studio photographs high-end clients in his home base in Central Oregon, as well as worldwide. Kevin Kubota created the popular Digital Photography Bootcamp®, which currently runs twice a year in Oregon, and authored two books under the same name – Digital Photography Boot Camp: A Step-by-Step Guide for Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographers, now in its second edition. Kevin was named one of the "Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World" by American Photo Magazine.

Through his Web site, www.KubotaImageTools.com, Kevin sells workflow training products and image enhancing tools for Photoshop®. His innovative DASHBOARD has made image enhancement faster and easier than ever. Through his ever evolving blog, Kevin provides tips and tricks on all things digital.

 

The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Tuscany (Most Beautiful Villages Series)
Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2 (Includes The Digital Photography Book Volume 1 and The Digital Photography Book Volume 2)

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Kubota Image Tools Announces Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2

Press Release

Designed to optimize a photographer’s workflow and enhance creativity,this updated wireless USB device allows for complete user customization

New York, NY, PhotoPlus Expo Booth #854 – (October 22, 2009) – Kubota Image Tools is pleased to announce the newest addition to the Kubota Lightspeed Workflow family – new Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 for Lightroom 2. Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 for Lightroom 2 is a customizable wireless USB keypad with preset 1-button access to: essential adjustments such as brightness, exposure, fill light and more; the most popular Kubota Lightroom presets; and advanced tools such as paint with light, burn, soften skin, and hand-color.

In addition, the Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 now offers 48 new key options for completely customizable functionality. This gives users the ability to create hundreds of settings and preset combinations. The innovative Kubota RPG SpeedKeys software allows photographers to use pre-programmed workflow key combinations or they can use their own presets settings.

Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 comes loaded with 29 Kubota Lightroom Presets. As a bonus, the SpeedKeys comes with the entire collection of Kubota Lightroom Presets v3, which includes develop, export, print, filter, and more. All of the presets included in Kubota Lightroom Presets v1 and v2 are also included in the set, plus brand new presets never before available. There are over 100 presets in all.

“One of the things I’ve really wanted in order to improve my Lightroom workflow was a way to apply my most common adjustments and develop presets with a simple key press,” said Kevin Kubota, Idea Man of Kubota Image Tools. “Photographers will be surprised at how much time and energy they can save by not having to click little buttons with a mouse all the time. It doesn’t sound like a big difference, but over the course of editing thousands of images, photographers will really notice how this little tool can greatly improve their workflow. RPG Keys was able to create a custom keypad for us that integrated customizable functionality, my most used adjustments, develop presets, and local adjustment brushes, all on one small device. RPG Keys is a great company to work with and it’s a perfect pairing of our workflow tools and their hardware solution.”

“We at RPG Keys are excited about partnering with Kubota Image Tools to offer the new SpeedKeys line of products,” said Timothy Riley, wedding photographer and

founder of RPG Keys. “The Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 is the perfect marriage of art and technology allowing photographers the ability to create amazing images, in a fraction of the time. As always, happy editing!”

The Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 for Lightroom is available for purchase at: http://www.kubotaimagetools.com/ . Price is $349.00. It is available as a free upgrade to customers who purchased the first version of the Kubota RPG SpeedKeys. Also available is the Kubota RPG SpeedKeys 2.0 with Kubota RAW Workflow for Lightroom 2. This video tutorial helps photographers learn how to efficiently use Adobe Lightroom 2. This combination pack is available now for $399 (a savings of $50 if purchased separately).

System Requirements: PC or Mac running Adobe® Lightroom® 2 or higher
Available USB 2.0 Port

About Kubota Image Tools

Kubota Image Tools (www.kubotaimagetools.com) grew from the digital experience of Kevin Kubota who began pioneering the field of completely digital wedding photography in the 1990s. As one of the first photographers to master digital imaging, Kevin became inspired to share his experience and natural teaching ability with other photographers by founding the original Digital Photography Bootcamp® which consistently fills to capacity. He has successfully trained thousands of photographers to make the digital transition and continuously empowers existing digital photographers with new, effective workflow ideas and outstanding Photoshop techniques.

Through his Web site, www.KubotaImageTools.com, Kevin sells workflow training products and image enhancing tools for Photoshop®. His innovative DASHBOARD has made image enhancement faster and easier than ever. Through his ever evolving blog, Kevin provides tips and tricks on all things digital.

Kevin Kubota’s wedding, portrait and commercial photography Web site is www.KubotaPhotoDesign.com.

 

 

 

Digital Photography Boot Camp: A Step-by-Step Guide for Professionals

Digital Photography Boot Camp: A Step-by-Step Guide for Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographers

Friday, October 23, 2009

Nik Software Announces Viveza® 2 for Adobe® Photoshop®, Lightroom® & Apple® Aperture™

Press Release

Now offers a complete range of new and powerful selective and global adjustments for fast and efficient photo editing

New York, NY (PhotoPlus Expo Booth #766) – October 22, 2009 – Nik Software announces today Viveza 2, an upgrade to its award winning and revolutionary plug-in for selective color and light control. Available in December, Viveza 2 now offers users robust global adjustments and precise selective controls that utilize Nik Software’s award-winning U Point® technology. Viveza 2 eliminates the need to create complicated selections or layer masks and provides a powerful solution for users looking to save time and effort when editing images.

“New global image controls added to Viveza’s powerful selective editing capabilities now enable users to quickly and easily perform virtually all of their color and light adjustments within a single step,” said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. “New features such as shadow recovery, structure control, increased precision of selections, and user interface improvements together give users ultimate control, enabling truly spectacular results.”

Viveza 2, powered by Nik Software’s patented U Point technology, is the most powerful and precise tool available to globally and selectively control light and color in photographs. With

U Point technology, users can quickly select areas of an image to adjust by pointing and clicking and then using simple to use sliders to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, structure, red, green, blue, hue, and warmth in a fraction of the time needed by other tools.

Key features of Viveza 2 include:

  • Powerful Color Control Points, enabling precise selective control of color and light
  • New global image adjustments
  • New and powerful levels and curves adjustments
  • New shadow recovery—global or selective
  • New fine detail structure enhancements
  • Improved color rendering and increased precision of selections
  • Improved timesaving user interface, including improved slider controls, slider favorites, multiple zoom states, keyboard nudging, grouped Color Control Points, and multiple undo levels
  • Smart Filter support (Photoshop only)
  • Selective Brush tool (Photoshop only)
  • Multi-image support (Lightroom and Aperture only)
  • New 64-bit support on Microsoft Windows

Pricing and Availability

Nik Software’s Viveza 2, offering support for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Apple Aperture, will be available via electronic and boxed delivery directly from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) or through specialty camera retailers. A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers.

Viveza 2 retails for $199.95. Customers that already own Viveza can upgrade for $99.95. Customers who have purchased Viveza after September 22, 2009 will be eligible for a free upgrade to Viveza 2.

To watch a video introduction of Viveza 2 and to sign up to be notified when the software is available, please visit www.niksoftware.com/viveza2.

About Nik Software

Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine®, Viveza®, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software.

 

 

Photoshop CS4 Down & Dirty Tricks
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers
Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2

Nik Software Adds Comprehensive Online Webinar Schedule to its Free Educational Offerings

Press Release

Free webinars offer information, insights and tips on using Nik Software products

New York, NY, PhotoPlus Expo Booth #766 (October 22, 2009) — Nik Software announces today its Fall 2009 Webinar schedule. These seven hour-long educational webinars, which continue through mid-December, cover a range of photography topics including portrait, sports/action, wildlife, landscapes, weddings, commercial and Capture NX2 while offering basic information, insights and tips on using all Nik Software’s award-winning image enhancing plug-in products. Additionally, the webinars enable attendees to pose questions to the live educators.

“These free online webinars are designed to show how each Nik Software plug-in product can be used to enhance any photographer’s work within all types of photography while dramatically reducing editing time and complexity,” said Tony Corbell, Nik Software’s senior manager for product education and planning. “Education is so important to today’s busy digital photographer and Nik Software is committed to empowering everyone to get the most out of their photographs with our products.”

The Nik Software webinars have been developed to address specific types of photographic styles and are designed to appeal to everyone. Both current Nik Software customers and those who have not yet purchased a Nik Software product will learn more about how these tools can simplify their digital photography workflow and create extraordinary images. Participants only need to log in from their computer to access these free educational events. By the end of each webinar, attendees learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance their photographs.

To register for any of the webinars listed below, please visit: http://www.niksoftware.com/webinar.

In addition to these webinars, Nik Software currently offers over 70 brief online learning videos for the entire line of Nik Software products including Dfine® 2.0, Viveza®, Color Efex Pro™ 3.0, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ 3.0 software. For a free download, streaming access or iPod versions, please visit: http://www.niksoftware.com/lessons.

October 27, 2009 — 10:00am PST

Enhancing the Portrait image

This Nik Software training webinar is dedicated to the features and functionality specially designed in its product line to take portrait photography to a new level. From showcasing techniques for color correction and retouching to traditional filters and a touch of creativity, this webinar will show photographers how Nik Software products can help them make gorgeous memorable portraits.

October 29, 2009 — 10:00am PST

Improving on Sports and Action Images

Working with sports and action photography often requires precision timing and optimum camera technique to be successful. On occasion there is the need for optimizing an image after the shoot. This webinar will show photographers how Nik Software can enhance photographic depth of field, introduce how to imply motion and the freezing of action to images, how to correct for changing color temperature and more.

November 12, 2009 — 10:00am PST
Critters and Creatures

Nik Software’s own Laurie Shupp, an accomplished wildlife and nature photographer, teaches techniques specific to photographing wildlife. Attendees will see her beautiful wildlife work as she leads them through a series of enhancements including optimizing skies and backgrounds, highlighting animal fur, and minimizing distractions while maximizing primary subjects.

November 19, 2009 — 10:00am PST

Enhancing the Landscape Image

Photographers can follow along during the webinar as techniques designed to improve outdoor landscape images are illustrated in detail using numerous Nik Software products. Though particular styles and techniques differ from photographer to photographer, Nik Software products work together to capably handle all corrections and enhancements that combine to improve the overall photograph.

December 1, 2009 — 10:00am PST

Wedding Photography Techniques featuring Lightroom

Working specifically inside the host application of Adobe Lightroom®, this webinar focuses on how Nik Software products can enhance wedding photography by optimizing colors, creatively converting images to black-and-white and more. Attendees will learn tricks for batch processing and editing hundreds or even thousands of images.

December 10, 2009 — 10:00am PST

The Power of Capture NX2

Working primarily with RAW Nikon NEF files, the Nik Software team will again showcase the incredible power and ease of use of Capture NX2. This software features innovative U Point® technology for precise selective editing along with numerous other editing capabilities simply not found in other software. The intuitive nature of Capture NX2 helps photographers of all levels master editing techniques in days, not weeks, months or even years.

December 15, 2009 — 10:00am PST

Editing the Commercial Image

This webinar is devoted to commercial photography and the special needs this style of photography requires to satisfy demanding clients. Color correction, retouching and other techniques will be showcased on beautiful photography examples from some of the industry’s leading photographers.

About Nik Software

Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (www.upoint.com), Dfine® 2.0, Viveza®, Color Efex Pro™ 3.0, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ 3.0 software.

 

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Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC

Adobe Photoshop CS4 One-on-One

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Corel Showcases New Windows 7 Capabilities with Corel® Paint it!(TM) touch

Press Release

New Painting Software Joins Corel® Digital Studio(TM) 2010 in Corel's Windows Touch Product Lineup

OTTAWA, Oct 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- CREL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Corel Corporation (NASDAQ: CREL; TSX: CRE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) today introduced Corel(R) Paint it!(TM) touch, a new digital art studio built explicitly for the Windows 7 platform. Corel Paint it! touch is the latest addition to Corel's new portfolio of creative consumer products that are designed to give users an all-new, hands-on experience built on the power of Windows Touch technology.

Built specifically for use on Windows 7 and optimized for use on touch-screen computers, Paint it! touch provides budding artists of any age with a unique artistic experience. Using the program, consumers can create original artwork with the touch of their fingertips. The program's touch-enabled capabilities let consumers add artistic touches to photos or create art from scratch using a number of realistic brushes and effects.

"With Paint it! touch, it is now possible to bypass mouse clicks and interact directly with your digital canvas, all with the touch of your fingertips," said David Toeg, Paint it! touch Product Manager for Corel. "Windows 7 and Windows Touch have enabled Corel to create new possibilities for our users by removing barriers and helping them to connect with their digital content in more personal ways. Whether they are creating painted masterpieces, photo projects, or home videos, it can now be an even more spontaneous and interactive experience."

"Corel has supported Windows 7 throughout the development process," said Mark Relph, senior director for Windows Product Management at Microsoft Corp. "As a result of the collaborative effort, we are bringing more benefits to customers."

Windows 7 reflects Microsoft's commitment to focus on customers' top priorities and emerging interests. Built to make everyday tasks faster and easier, the new OS is the result of years of in-depth listening to the needs and desires of customers. As a result, Windows 7 works the way customers want it to work -- faster boot up, longer battery life and fewer alerts.

Corel has worked closely with Microsoft to ensure that its customers enjoy the full benefits of the Windows 7 experience. In June, Corel was selected by Microsoft as its Global ISV Consumer Partner of the Year. In September, Corel introduced Corel Digital Studio 2010, a simple, fast and fun way for friends and families to organize, edit, create and share their favorite photos, videos and projects within one integrated, easy-to-use and engaging environment. Built on Microsoft's new Windows Presentation Foundation platform, Corel Digital Studio 2010 has been designed to take advantage of the latest Windows 7 features including Windows Touch, Jump Lists and Libraries.

Pricing and Availability

Corel Paint it! touch is exclusively available in North America as an electronic software download for users who own Windows 7 touch-enabled computers, and via selected OEM partners. For more information or to purchase the download, please visit www.corel.com/paintittouch.

For more information about Corel Digital Studio 2010, please visit www.corel.com/digitalstudio.To learn more about Corel and Windows 7, please visit www.corel.com/windows7.

About Corel

Corel is one of the world's top software companies with more than 100 million active users in over 75 countries. We develop software that helps people express their ideas and share their stories in more exciting, creative and persuasive ways. Through the years, we've built a reputation for delivering innovative, trusted products that are easy to learn and use, helping people achieve new levels of productivity. The industry has responded with hundreds of awards for software innovation, design and value.

Our award-winning product portfolio includes some of the world's most widely recognized and popular software brands, including CorelDRAW(R) Graphics Suite, Corel(R) Painter(TM), Corel DESIGNER(R) Technical Suite, Corel(R) Paint Shop Pro(R) Photo, Corel(R) VideoStudio(R), Corel(R) WinDVD(R), Corel(R) WordPerfect(R) Office, WinZip(R) and the recently released Corel(R) Digital Studio(TM) 2010. Our global headquarters are in Ottawa, Canada, with major offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Taiwan and Japan.

(C) 2009 Corel Corporation. All rights reserved. Corel, CorelDRAW, Paint Shop Pro, Painter, Corel DESIGNER, VideoStudio, WordPerfect, WinDVD, WinZip, Digital Studio and the Corel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. All other product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners.

 

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Digitial Painting Fundamentals with Corel Painter 11
Advanced Painter Techniques

Lensbaby® Announces Two New Optics

Press Release

New additions to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System expand a photographer's creative possibilities.

New York, NY, PhotoPlus Expo Booth #1218 (PRWEB) October 22, 2009 -- Lensbaby announces today the addition of the new Fisheye Optic and Soft Focus Optic to the Lensbaby Optic Swap System. Each new optic is available for use with the Lensbaby Composer® and Muse®*. In addition, the Soft Focus Optic is compatible with the Lensbaby Control Freak™.

New Lensbaby Fisheye Optic

New Lensbaby Fisheye Optic

"With the introduction of these new optics, Lensbaby is moving beyond the realm of selective focus to offer photographers a Creative Effects SLR lens system, with 6 different optic options. The Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics, unlike earlier Lensbaby optics, do not feature a sweet spot of focus," said Craig Strong, Lensbaby President and Co-Founder. "The new Fisheye Optic transforms a Lensbaby Composer into a fun fisheye lens and the new Soft Focus Optic creates images that are overall soft and diffused, much like a classic Imagon portrait lens. The Lensbaby Optic Swap System now offers three selective focus optics, and three optics that provide even more options for creative photography."

About the Lensbaby Fisheye Optic
The new Lensbaby Fisheye Optic allows photographers to turn their Lensbaby Composer or Muse into a fisheye lens by swapping out the installed optic and dropping the new Fisheye Optic into the lens. This optic's six element multi-coated optical design features an ultra-wide 12mm focal length capable of capturing a 160 degree fisheye angle of view from infinity all the way down to one-inch from the front of the lens.

The Lensbaby Fisheye Optic features a system of interchangeable aperture disks, with possible aperture settings ranging from f/4 to f/22. To change the aperture, users unscrew the top element of the Fisheye Optic and replace the aperture disk using the included Aperture Tool.

Due to the extremely wide angle field of view, photographers who use a full-frame camera will generally see a black circle around almost the entire image, and smaller APS-sized sensor shooters will see black at the corners of their images. This black edge is typical for standard fisheye lenses. However, the Lensbaby Fisheye Optic features a creative lens flare effect that causes the edge areas that would ordinarily be black to glow with color whenever there are bright light sources in the image. The Fisheye Optic lens flare effect is particularly apparent when shooting with a full frame camera.

The Fisheye Optic is different than previous Lensbaby optics, with a much flatter field of focus than the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics. The images created by the Fisheye Optic are sharp throughout the image at darker apertures. While the Fisheye Optic creates some edge blur at brighter apertures, it does not feature the Sweet Spot of sharp focus and dramatic blur that are trademarks of the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics. Instead of bending the lens, photographers typically will point their Lensbaby straight ahead to achieve a classic fisheye look.

The Lensbaby Fisheye Optic is available immediately for $149.95 (MSRP).

*A special adapter is required to use the Fisheye Optic with the Lensbaby Muse. The Fisheye Optic is not recommended for use with the Lensbaby Control Freak.

Fisheye Optic Product Specs:

  • Focal Length: 12mm
  • Six element multi-coated optical design
  • f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
  • Focuses from one inch to infinity
  • Removable disk aperture system
  • To change aperture, unscrew top element of Fisheye Optic and remove with Aperture Tool. The aperture disk sits atop the bottom element
  • Special adapter must be purchased for use with Muse. The Fisheye Optic is not recommended for use with the Control Freak

About the Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic
The Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic works with Lensbaby's Creative Effects SLR camera lenses, the Composer, Muse and Control Freak. Images created with the 50mm focal length Soft Focus Optic feature a soft and diffused appearance. The Soft Focus Optic's multi-coated optical glass doublet creates a much flatter field of focus than previous Lensbaby optics, making this optic well-suited for a variety of soft focus applications. This new optic does not have the Sweet Spot of sharp focus and dramatic blur outside of that spot created by the Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics. The Soft Focus Optic features Lensbaby's magnetic disk aperture system. In addition to the standard round aperture disks for f/2 to f/22, the Soft Focus Optic also comes with three special soft focus multi-hole apertures that combine one large opening over the optic's sharp center with small openings over the optic's soft edges. This hole pattern creates a sharp underlying image with a soft overlay. Users can stack the soft focus apertures together or with standard Lensbaby apertures to vary the amount and appearance of the softness. In addition, the multi-hole apertures have the ability to create out-of-focus highlights that take on the shape of the aperture holes, further enhancing creativity. When using the Soft Focus Optic, photographers typically point the lens straight ahead to achieve a classic soft focus look.

The Lensbaby Soft Focus Optic is available immediately for $89.95 (MSRP).

Soft Focus Optic Product Specs:

  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Multi-coated optical glass doublet
  • f/2 optic with aperture disks that range from f/2.8 to f/22
  • Creates images that are overall soft and diffuse
  • Much flatter field of focus than other Lensbaby optics. Suited for variety of soft focus applications such as portrait, landscape, urban, and botanical photography
  • Magnetic disk aperture system
  • Degree of softness can be controlled by changing the special apertures, or stacking them with regular Lensbaby aperture disks
  • With the soft focus multi-hole apertures, bright, out-of-focus points of light take on the hole pattern's shape. Photographers can control this creative effect by using standard Lensbaby apertures or choosing a low contrast background.

About the Lensbaby Optic Swap System
The Lensbaby Optic Swap System now features six interchangeable optics that can be swapped in and out of Lensbaby's Creative Effects SLR Camera lenses, the Muse, the Composer, and the Control Freak. Each optic creates a different type of creative image, giving photographers unlimited freedom to achieve their unique artistic vision. The Double Glass, Single Glass, and Plastic Optics have a curved field of focus that allows the photographer to control depth of field in a unique way by creating a Sweet Spot of sharp focus that is surrounded by beautiful blur. The other 3 optic options, Fisheye, Soft Focus, and Pinhole/Zone plate all feature a flat field of focus and create distinctive looks.

For more information about the new Lensbaby optics and the Lensbaby Optic Swap system, please visit www.lensbaby.com.

About Lensbaby
Lensbaby is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer of award-winning Creative Effects SLR camera lenses. Lensbaby was launched in February 2004 by Craig Strong, a professional photographer and the inventor of the patented Lensbaby Creative Effects SLR lens system. Lensbaby sells to photographers all over the world through its website, www.lensbaby.com, by calling 877-536-7222 / 971-223-5662, at tradeshows, in leading photo retailers and through a growing global network of international distributors. The new Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics are available for immediate purchase from Lensbaby.com or from select retailers.

 

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Light and Lens: Photography in the Digital Age
Camera Lenses: From Box Camera to Digital
Lensbaby: Bending your perspective

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta Now Available!

Press Release

New Lightroom beta delivers faster performance, refined image processing and streamlined publishing.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Oct. 22, 2009 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta software for Macintosh and Windows, a public preview of new and improved functionality to be delivered in the next major release. Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution, helping serious amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, enhance and showcase all their images from one application. Available as a free download on Adobe Labs, Lightroom 3 beta delivers a preview of new tools that will be in Lightroom 3, including more intuitive importing, unparalleled noise reduction and sharpening tools, enhanced slideshow capabilities and direct publishing to online photo sharing sites like Flickr. Adobe encourages photographers to test this early selection of new features and provide the product team with their feedback.

"We are extremely fortunate that a strong community of photographers have rallied around Lightroom, helping to evolve the application and making it a meaningful part of their photographic workflows," said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for Professional Digital Imaging at Adobe. "While we're still hard at work on Lightroom 3, we recognize the value our customers bring to the development process and want their input so we can deliver the best final product possible."
New in Lightroom 3 Beta

Lightroom 3 beta has been completely redesigned with under-the-hood efficiencies to better handle growing image libraries and improve responsiveness with a higher-quality processing engine. In the Library module, a rebuilt import system makes bringing photos into the software more intuitive. Users can easily specify the source and destination of their images, and save common processing, metadata or destination settings as easy-to-reuse presets.

The Library module also includes new capabilities to publish collections on popular photo-sharing sites. Flickr users now have direct access to their accounts from within Lightroom and can drag and drop images directly into their Photostreams. Flickr Pro account users can automatically synch their images and even view comments made on Flickr directly within the Library. This functionality can be extended to additional sites by adding them as new plug-ins once they become available.

In the Develop module, an overhauled processing engine allows users to create the highest quality images. Improved Capture Sharpening and Color Noise Reduction tools provide superior results while still preserving an image's edge detail and contrast. A new Grain tool adds a film-style grain to images, and two new Vignette modes help photographers get a more natural look.

Lightroom 3 beta also offers advanced output options, including the ability to export slideshows as videos with audio and title screens that can be posted to video-sharing sites or optimized for mobile media. New watermarking capabilities enable photographers to embed text or graphic information directly on an image and then adjust the size, position and opacity. In addition, photographers can customize print layouts and save settings for future use, giving them refined control over their images.
Adobe Photoshop Family

Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended software are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images. Photoshop Lightroom addresses the workflow needs of serious amateur and professional photographers, helping them manage, find, enhance and showcase images in impactful ways. Adobe Photoshop Elements software provides exciting tools and sharing options for photo enthusiasts. Lastly, snap shooters can access Photoshop.com for free to simply fix and enhance photos, and quickly share those images on Photoshop.com or on social-networking sites.
Pricing and Availability

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta is available as a free download to anyone on both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/downloads to learn more and download the beta.

Feedback can be submitted on the Lightroom forums: http://forums.adobe.com/community/lightroom. Users also can connect with Adobe at www.facebook.com/lightroom or www.twitter.com/AdobeLR, and can add the tag #AdobeLR3beta to tweets about the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta.


About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

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The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book for Digital Photographers

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers

Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure

Lightroom 2 Power Session DVD

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Camera That Sees In The Dark And A That Is Blinded By The Light.

Posted by T. Michael Testi

If you haven’t heard Vincent Laforet, a Los Angeles and New York based commercial director, DP, and photographer, received a prototype Canon 1D MKIV camera around two weeks ago.  He took this camera and some buddies out to test its video abilities at night in an industrial area of Los Angeles (around 6th an Mateo).

He set the ASA to high (6400) and over exposed the image. The camera could see better than he could at night!

“Nothing prepared me for what happened next.

I set the ASA to high - and I pointed it towards an area lit by a single flood light.  The image was overexposed by 4-5 stops.  I then started to play with the settings, pointing my light into an area in complete shadow (my eye saw nothing but black) but on the rear of the LCD I saw sharp, green leaves as crystal clear as if it were shot in daylight.

I think it’s safe to say that every single filmmaker and photographer has always dreamed of cameras that can see what our naked eyes can see.  This time these cameras can actually see more.   Sure - they may not have the dynamic ranges of our eyes just yet - but they see more than my naked eyes can see in low light.

Period.”

He posts the video on his blog and what does Canon do? Canon has requested that he take down “Nocturne.”

Chuck Westfall, a Canon tech guru has some pretty viral comments on the topic as well. I mean Canon gave Laforet the camera to play with after all.

Read it all…

 

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Canon 50D: From Snapshots to Great Shots

Canon EOS Digital Photography Photo Workshop

Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

Thursday, October 15, 2009

XShot Launches iPhone Case with built-in Tripod Adapter Unleashing New Possibilities for iPhone Camera Users

Press Release

New for the iPhone, the XShot iPhone Case features built-in tripod compatibility that makes it easier than ever to put yourself in the pictures that you snap and share while on the go.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) October 14, 2009 -- With the growing popularity of camera phones and the rise of social networking, taking and sharing photos while on-the-go has never been easier. While the iPhone 3GS features a great 3-megapixel camera and camcorder, iPhone users still face the age-old problem of trying to take a photo or shoot a video while including themselves in the shot.

XShot iPhone Case with Tripod Mount

XShot iPhone Case with Tripod Mount

Fortunately, the makers of XShot have come up with a solution for this with the multipurpose iPhone Case and built-in universal tripod adapter. The mount fits standard tripods and monopods, making it easier than ever to put yourself in the pictures and videos you capture and share them.

"Being able to share your experiences instantaneously is part of the mobile revolution, which is why we are seeing devices like the iPhone surpass digital cameras in popularity on photo sharing sites like Flickr and YouTube," said Michael Daoud, co-founder of XShot, LLC. "While the iPhone 3GS makes it possible to always have a camera and video recorder in your pocket, we know there are times when you want to photograph yourself with the iPhone using an XShot or tripod but couldn't - now you can because our case allows you to do just that!"

Unlike other iPhone tripod adapters, the tripod mount is conveniently built into the XShot iPhone Case, which simply fits around your iPhone 3G or 3GS so you don't have to carry an extra adapter around with you. The XShot iPhone Case can also be used in combination with the XShot Camera Extender, which attaches to any compact digital camera or hand-held video recorder to make it possible for people to photograph and film themselves anywhere, without having to do the awkward single-arm stretch!

The XShot iPhone Case retails for $29.95 and will be available in November, 2009. Pre-sale orders beginning October 14 will enjoy a $10 discount. The XShot Camera Extender and the iPhone Case can also be purchased together as a special bundle for $44.95 - a savings of $14.95.

"We are very excited about extending the capabilities of the iPhone, which is one of the most photo-friendly phones today," Daoud said. "It's not as easy to upload pictures for sharing directly from most digital cameras as it is from the iPhone, so I am excited that this product will create additional possibilities for both fans of the XShot as well as anyone who has ever wanted to do more with their iPhone camera."

About XShot LLC
XShot LLC is a leading innovator in the camera accessory market. XShot produces the popular XShot 2.0, a telescopic camera extender that attaches to any compact digital camera or hand-held video camera (including the Flip) so that the photographer can be part of picture too. Everyday photographers no longer have to try and stretch their arms as far as possible to get a picture, let alone capture the background. The XShot 2.0 extends over 3 feet so you can be in the picture and closes to 9 inches to fit easily in a pocket or purse. The digital camera accessory has become popular with travelers, social media users, honeymooners, outdoor lovers, families, and digital scrapbook fans.

 

The XShot and XShot iPhone Case are available online at http://www.xshot.com

 

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iPhone: The Missing Manual

My iPhone (Covers iPhone 3G and 3GS) (3rd Edition)

Abstract Landscape Painter Brightens Internet with Launch of Colorful Web

Press Release

Founder of MurphyArtStudio.com, Mary Murphy, created an online business in an effort to distribute her brightly colored and uniquely crafted landscape paintings to a global market. Each piece of artwork is a vibrant expression of oil paint on canvas that depicts the beauty of nature as never seen before. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the Web site's newest addition, an interactive blog full of artistic information.

Salisbury, MD (PRWEB) October 15, 2009 -- Mary Murphy spent most of her life taking orders from the left side of her brain. Keeping things orderly and logical was a lifestyle that served her well for many years. However, before she retired from the University of Maryland, where she had served as a math teacher, Murphy enrolled herself in a few art classes to explore a world she knew little about.

It began with drawing, duplicating simple images on postcards and greetings cards, and progressed toward free-form illustrations that incorporated paint. After years of practice and precision in fine-tuning her style, Murphy found her niche within the vibrant world of art: abstract landscapes.

"I simply follow my creative instinct," Murphy said. "When I begin painting a new piece, I never know what the final product will look like. It all comes together in the end; perfect and imaginative."

She launched her Web site, www.MurphyArtStudio.com, in July of 2009 in an effort to distribute her original pieces to artists and art enthusiasts across the globe. Murphy continually updates her inventory with a variety of landscape paintings; each piece offers a different perspective on nature in a world that knows no restrictions of color.
To learn from a woman who envisions blue trees matched with a pink sky - creating a picture-perfect painting inviting enough to want to climb inside - follow her advice and tips on her newly implemented, interactive blog. Murphy will discuss the basics of artistic technique, different styles of painting, the ins and outs of producing her paintings and profiles of some of the most influential artists of all time. All of this information and more can be found at www.MaryLandscapeArtInfo.com.

About the Company:
MurphyArtStudio.com is owned and operated by abstract landscape artist Mary Murphy.

Mary Murphy
www.MurphyArtStudio.com
(410) 749-2696

iePlexus, Inc.
www.iePlexus.com

 

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Bold Visions: A Digital Painting Bible

Achieving Depth & Distance: Painting Landscapes In Oils

Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Free Video: The Russell Brown Show – Tackling Tough Problems

 

Discover the latest Photoshop tips and techniques, delivered by the master himself, Dr. Brown. Learn more than you ever thought possible about the art and skill of Photoshop!

In this Adobe Photoshop CS4 Tutorial, Russell Brown covers a wide variety of new Photoshop tools including Content Aware Scaling, Mirror Image Cloning and the Protect Tone feature.

 

 

Enjoy…

 

Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book

Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC

Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual

The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Book for Digital Photographers

Nikon launches D3S, the ultimate camera for professional news, sports, and wildlife photographers

Press Release

image

image

Nikon has announced the introduction of the D3S, the camera that enables professionals to take control of the unpredictable and extends the possibilities for action photographers everywhere. Built upon the widely acclaimed Nikon D3, the D3S advances low light photography to another level and sets in motion new creative options for multi-media movie shooting.
Robert Cristina, Manager, Professional Products for Nikon Europe, comments: “The D3S rewrites the rules for extreme low light photography, enabling photographers to take control of ambient light. Professionals from all over the world have contributed to making the best even better.”

It’s what we need, now.

Francois Marit, Photo Technical Manager at global news provider, Agence France Presse, said: “Since we started using the Nikon D3, we have also been exploring movie capture to see exactly how it can help us. Now the D3S gives us exactly what we need, the ability to shoot pictures and movies with one piece of professional equipment. This enables us to transmit complete packages of still images and movie clips from the thousands of news and sports events we cover every week, and will really give us the edge in both online and print formats”
Bill Frakes, one of the first professional photographers to trial the D3S, said: “I make career decisions in milliseconds and I want the best possible image quality every time I push the button. I need a camera that responds precisely, quickly and consistently. The D3S does that and more and this gives me enormous freedom.”

When flash is not an option

The D3S features a completely re-designed 12.1 effective megapixel image sensor. The large pixel pitch, with a completely modified inner structure, means that the D3S can capture images under light conditions which were previously believed to be impossible. The seven stop ISO range of 200 – 12,800 enables image and movie capture in extremely low ambient light conditions which is essential for today’s news and sports photographers.
Further proof of the D3S’s incredible capacity for low light photography is the fact that it is the first camera to offer no less than three additional ISO boost levels, up to Hi-3, (ISO equivalent of an astounding 102,400).

FX format HD movies

The D3S delivers a new look and feel to the emerging trend of DSLR movie capture and exploits the creative depth-of-field effects offered by the large FX-format sensor and the benefits of wide aperture NIKKOR lenses, the lens of choice for the world’s leading photographers. Instant and intuitive in use, the D3S’s D-movie function is prioritised for high productivity.
Movies are captured at 720p/ 24fps in motion JPEG with stereo sound using the input jack. The file format enables a unique ‘Save Selected’ frame option that enables the user to shoot video freely, secure in the knowledge that a still image of a key moment can be transmitted as well.

Acclaimed autofocus tuned for movie capture.

Completely configurable to set up, but extremely simple to use, Nikon’s acclaimed high-density 51-point Multi-CAM3500 AF system, with 15- highly sensitive cross points, provides users with an industry leading system for tracking fast moving subjects. The D3S contrast detection AF system has also been tuned to provide autofocus support during movie capture and Live View.

Image sensor cleaning

Following extensive feedback from professional photographers, the D3S implements a new image sensor cleaning function that generates vibrations at four different frequencies to reduce the impact of static dust collection on the optical low pass filter of the image sensor. This has been implemented without impacting on the 100% viewfinder coverage expected from a flagship, professional D series camera.

Total flexibility

The D3S now offers no less than three alternative crop modes, all masked automatically in the viewfinder. The photographer can now choose from 5:4 (30x24); 1.2x (30x20); and DX (24x16). The new crop mode is designed to offer a practical combination of lens magnification and slightly reduced file size.

When discretion is required

The D3S features a new Quiet shutter release mode that enables the photographer to mitigate the sound caused by the mirror return. Suitable for wildlife photography and other situations where shutter noise might distract the subject, this innovation again reflects and responds to practical feedback from photographers using Nikon’s D3 series cameras.

Improved Active D-Lighting options

The D3S now offers no fewer than five options for Active D-Lighting when shooting high contrast or high key subject matter. Alongside a new Auto setting, users now have four manual control levels; Extra High ; High, Normal and Low.

In camera post processing

Another aid for increasing productivity in the D3S is the new RAW processing options in the Retouch menu. The following image settings can be applied to RAW (NEF) files in the camera on-the-fly: JPEG compression, Size, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Picture Control, Noise Reduction, Colour space and Vignette Control settings. These options accelerate post production workflow for the busy photographer on the road, by reducing the need to use a PC and Capture NX2 software.

Ready for anything

The D3S redraws the boundaries for photographers allowing them even more control over unpredictable subjects in testing lighting conditions. The camera sensor is so sensitive that it can capture subjects that are practically invisible to the naked eye and render results that are remarkably clear of noise and ready for print. The weather-sealed durable magnesium construction is built to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity to enable users to complete assignments faster and more efficiently.

Key Features

  • 12.1 megapixel FX (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
  • ISO 200 – 12800: extendable up to 102,400 (equivalent) with the Hi-3 setting and down to ISO 100 (equivalent) with the Lo-1 setting.
  • 9fps consecutive shooting (11fps in DX Crop mode).
  • D-Movie records high-definition (HD) movie clips in stereo sound (Compatible stereo microphone required). Features Edit start/stop and Save selected frame functions, as well as AF support in Tripod mode.
  • Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
  • EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
  • 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
  • Three Crop Modes: DX format 5:4 ratio and 1.2x. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
  • In-camera RAW processing saves time in post-production by enabling JPEG compression, Size, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Picture Control, Noise Reduction, Color space and Vignette Control image settings to be applied to RAW (NEF) files in the camera.
  • Quiet shooting mode: perfect for discrete photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced.
  • Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fibre-composite shutter unit: standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
  • HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
  • Durable Magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
  • Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

Find out more…

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The Nikon D90 Companion

Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

The Digital Photography Book

Epson Expands its Award-Winning Compact Photo Printer Line with PictureMate Charm

Press Release

LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The ultimate companion in photo printing has arrived with the release of the affordable, portable Epson PictureMate® Charm. Offering the same impressive features and results as previous models in the renowned PictureMate line, including superior photo quality, economical print costs, long-lasting prints, and powerful image enhancement tools, PictureMate Charm is the ideal solution for printing and sharing cherished memories at home or on the go.

"Photo labs can be inconvenient and don't always produce great results because they often sacrifice image quality in order to cut costs," said Stacey Tieu, associate product manager, Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America Inc. "Epson's PictureMate Charm is the best alternative because it delivers the features that are important to consumers - uncompromised quality and ultimate convenience - allowing them to print superior 4"x6" photos with true-to-life skin tones, amazing detail and sharpness in as fast as 37 seconds(1) whenever and where ever they want."

Whether at home, at a party or traveling on vacation, PictureMate Charm consistently delivers durable, better-than-lab-quality prints that are smudge, scratch and water resistant. The beautiful, true-to-life prints last up to four times longer than traditional, film-processed photos, resisting fading up to 96 years under glass and over 200 years in dark album storage(2).

In addition, PictureMate Charm offers easy, one-touch printing with or without a computer. It features a 2.5" LCD screen to view, crop and print photos, as well as remove red eye and select popular photo layouts and color tones such as black and white, sepia or color. PictureMate Charm also prints from all popular memory cards with built-in card slots(3), and prints wirelessly from PDAs and digital camera cell phones with an optional Bluetooth® adapter(4).

PictureMate Charm delivers affordable prints on glossy and matte paper with Epson's PictureMate Print Packs, which include ink and either 150 sheets of 4"x6" glossy paper or 100 sheets of 4"x6" matte paper. In addition, an optional, rechargeable battery is available for maximum portability to print photos outdoors or on the road.

With its extreme versatility, PictureMate Charm is also a smart tool for many professional industries, including wedding photographers and medical or dental offices. Its high-quality photo output, long-lasting, durable ink, and ultimate portability allow photographers to instantly provide images to clients at events, while medical professionals can conveniently track a patient's recovery through before-and-after photos without having to wait for them to be processed at a lab.

Pricing and Availability

PictureMate Charm ($149.99*) will be available on Oct. 20 through a variety of online retail stores and Epson's retail site, www.epsonstore.com. For more information, please see the PictureMate Charm fact sheet or visit www.Epson.com.

About Epson America Inc.

Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation and a leading provider of digital imaging products that exceed the vision of its customers. The company's extensive range of printers, scanners and 3 LCD projectors are renowned for their superior quality, functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency. The Seiko Epson organization is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row, been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Epson and PictureMate are registered trademarks, Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark, and Exceed Your Vision is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

(1)Color photo without a PC in borderless layout measured from start of paper feed. Actual print time will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity. See www.epson.com/printspeed for details.

(2)Based on accelerated testing of prints displayed under glass in indoor display conditions. Actual print stability will vary according to media, printed image, display conditions, light intensity, temperature, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee the longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or UV filter or properly store them.

(3)Prints from CompactFlash® (Type I/II), Secure Digital (SD(TM)), SDHC(TM) MMC, xD-Picture Card(TM) (Type M/H), Microdrive® and Memory Stick®.

(4)Bluetooth adapter sold separately; please visit www.MyPictureMate.com for ordering information.

* Estimated street price

SOURCE Epson America Inc.

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Fine Art Printing for Photographers: Exhibition Quality Prints with Inkjet Printers, 2nd Edition

The Art of Printing Photos on Your Epson Printer