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Tuesday, October 10, 2006

X-RiteX-Rite Press Release

Akron, Ohio—October 9, 2006 - X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT)(SWX: XRI) will offer a seminar this November through February 2007 designed to help creative directors, designers, photographers and production managers unleash the power of their color.  “Color Without Limits” will be presented in 20 major US and Canadian cities with support from HP, Apple, Adobe, Quark, Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine, Wasatch and PaperSpecs. “The technologies being used now to create, edit and print are color management ready,” said Eric Harsh, VP of X-Rite Color Services.  “But for those who don’t understand how their applications and hardware handle color, workflow is going to be all work and no flow.”

X-Rite Press Release Akron, Ohio—October 9, 2006 - X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT)(SWX: XRI) will offer a seminar this November through February 2007 designed to help creative directors, designers, photographers and production managers unleash the power of their color. “Color Without Limits” will be presented in 20 major US and Canadian cities…

Ilford PhotoIlford Press Release

Taking the high tonal quality of finished prints on ILFORD Photo paper to even higher levels of perfection is ILFORD Photo’s versatile new selenium toner - considered by many to be the ultimate tool in achieving unsurpassable results. First announced earlier this year, ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner was introduced at Photokina for November 2006 availability, along with a new leaflet ‘Selenium Toner Tips’ in English, French, German or Spanish. This high quality formula has numerous advantages in addition to emphasising the versatile tonal range of black-and-white prints, and is extremely straightforward to apply.

Ilford Press Release Taking the high tonal quality of finished prints on ILFORD Photo paper to even higher levels of perfection is ILFORD Photo’s versatile new selenium toner - considered by many to be the ultimate tool in achieving unsurpassable results. First announced earlier this year, ILFORD HARMAN selenium toner…

The EU is set to reclassify any digital camera with video clip capability as a camcorder, thereby increasing the custom duty and ultimately the price to the consumer (as if prices weren’t high enough already…).

Photo Imaging Council Press Release

The Photo Imaging Council is supporting an international initiative against the reclassification of digital cameras by the European Commission. The international photo industry and photo traders have urged Brussels to comply with the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), countering arguments that digital cameras with video function can be equated with dedicated camcorders in terms of customs legislation. If the EC reclassification proposals are successful it will introduce customs duties of 4.9% and 12.5% on digital cameras which have an auxiliary function for the recording of short video sequences. At present, no digital cameras are manufactured inside the European Union so consumers in Europe will have to pay much more for digital cameras in the future.

The EU is set to reclassify any digital camera with video clip capability as a camcorder, thereby increasing the custom duty and ultimately the price to the consumer (as if prices weren’t high enough already…). Photo Imaging Council Press Release The Photo Imaging Council is supporting an international initiative against…

iView MediaPro 3iView Multimedia Press Release

iView Multimedia has released a free update to its flagship digital asset management program iView MediaPro. The first comprehensive update since iView’s acquisition by Microsoft this summer, iView MediaPro 3.1.2 delivers significantly more robust performance, including clearer error reporting and improved memory handling for both Mac and Windows customers, as well as a number of minor feature enhancements.

iView Multimedia Press Release iView Multimedia has released a free update to its flagship digital asset management program iView MediaPro. The first comprehensive update since iView’s acquisition by Microsoft this summer, iView MediaPro 3.1.2 delivers significantly more robust performance, including clearer error reporting and improved memory handling for both Mac…

Kodak Easyshare V705DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the 7 megapixel, dual-lens Kodak Easyshare V705 camera.

“The Kodak EasyShare V705 Dual Lens is a one-of-a-kind digital camera that gives well exposed, good to very good quality images straight out of the camera. Its ultra-wide angle lens should be a major selling point for many who desire or require that wide coverage. It is very easy to use and, paired with the optional Printer Dock Plus Series 3 printer, you have One-Touch facility in transferring images to your PC and printing 4x6 in. prints in the convenience of your home.”

Website: Photoxels - Kodak Easyshare V705 Review

Website: Read our Kodak Easyshare V705 Review

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DIWA member Photoxels have reviewed the 7 megapixel, dual-lens Kodak Easyshare V705 camera. “The Kodak EasyShare V705 Dual Lens is a one-of-a-kind digital camera that gives well exposed, good to very good quality images straight out of the camera. Its ultra-wide angle lens should be a major selling point for…

LightZonePhoto-i have reviewed LightZone, a new intuitive tool which extends the capabilities of professional and amateur photographers, based on Ansel Adam’s Zone System.

“Opening a RAW photo often gives you a special kind of ZoneMapper, the RAW ZoneMapper, applying some basic adjustment suitably for the format. As with a normal ZoneMapper you can change the zones here. It is a good idea to leave this mapper in peace, opening a normal one for further corrections because that way you will always have this basic adjustment and not start from scratch if something goes wrong. Mind that not all RAW formats have a RAW ZoneMapper, either they don’t need any pre-adjustment or the format is not supported by LightCrafts. As long as you can open the file in LightZone you can adjust to its needs and your taste.”

Website: Photo-i - LightZone Review

Photo-i have reviewed LightZone, a new intuitive tool which extends the capabilities of professional and amateur photographers, based on Ansel Adam’s Zone System. “Opening a RAW photo often gives you a special kind of ZoneMapper, the RAW ZoneMapper, applying some basic adjustment suitably for the format. As with a normal…

Samsung GX-1SDIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount.

“To venture into the market of the DSLR camera as a perfect stranger can be very tricky indeed. Samsung have adopted a rather clever approach to this problem by joining forces with one of the “old hands”. However, where we saw Sony and Panasonic add a new flavour, Samsung have resorted to a copy of an existing camera. A pity really, especially as Samsung really do have more than a fair share of know-how, and simply could have done better.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Samsung GX-1S Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the new Samsung GX-1S digital SLR, a 6 megapixel digital camera that uses the Pentax lens mount. “To venture into the market of the DSLR camera as a perfect stranger can be very tricky indeed. Samsung have adopted a rather clever approach to this problem…

Canon PowerShot A710 ISTrustedReviews have just reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A710 IS digital camera.

“The other problem is more serious. The A710 has a fairly large built-in flash, which supposedly has a range of 3.5m at wide angle, however I found that it only fully illuminated a narrow strip across the middle of the frame, leaving the top and bottom of the picture in shadow. I find it hard to believe that a camera could pass through Canon’s usually excellent quality control procedures with such an obvious flaw, so it may be that this was just a fault on my review sample. I will try to get a replacement and double-check, so keep an eye on the forum for an update on this.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Canon PowerShot A710 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon Powershot A710 IS Review

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TrustedReviews have just reviewed the new Canon PowerShot A710 IS digital camera. “The other problem is more serious. The A710 has a fairly large built-in flash, which supposedly has a range of 3.5m at wide angle, however I found that it only fully illuminated a narrow strip across the middle…

Canon EOS 400DPCMagazine have reviewed the new Canon EOS 400D (Canon Digital Rebel XTi in the USA), which offers 10 megapixels, a large 2.5 inch LCD screen and new integrated dust removal system.

“In my labs and real-world testing, the Canon Rebel XTi did quite well. On daylight still-life shots, the camera demonstrated a little more noise than the Nikon D80 did, but in general, it produced excellent dynamic range and contrast. Colors were vibrant, even in the deepest tones, such as purple, and showed very little fringing. Images were sharp—sharper than either the Nikon D80’s or the Sony Alpha A100’s.”

Website: PCMagazine - Canon EOS 400D Review

Website: Read our Canon EOS 400D Review

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PCMagazine have reviewed the new Canon EOS 400D (Canon Digital Rebel XTi in the USA), which offers 10 megapixels, a large 2.5 inch LCD screen and new integrated dust removal system. “In my labs and real-world testing, the Canon Rebel XTi did quite well. On daylight still-life shots, the camera…

Nikon D80PCMagazine have reviewed the new 10 megapixel Nikon D80 DSLR camera.

“The D80 packs excellent performance, very good image quality, and a long zoom lens. There’s little not to like about it, except perhaps the high sticker price ($999.95 list). That amount covers the camera body only, but $1,299 nets you a very fine 18- to 135mm lens in addition, which is what I used in testing the camera. In my opinion, it’s well worth the extra cost.”

Website: PCMagazine - Nikon D80 Review

Website: Read our Nikon D80 Review

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PCMagazine have reviewed the new 10 megapixel Nikon D80 DSLR camera. “The D80 packs excellent performance, very good image quality, and a long zoom lens. There’s little not to like about it, except perhaps the high sticker price ($999.95 list). That amount covers the camera body only, but $1,299 nets…

Monday, October 9, 2006

aderixonIn the latest installment of this regular series, we cast the spotlight on members of the PhotographyBLOG Gallery and ask them about their photography. The 14th member to sit in the interview chair is aderixon.

“I’m not sure it has had a strong influence, but the odd positive comment is always encouraging providing one doesn’t become dependent on receiving them. (Often I love shots that others seem to find unremarkable.)”

Website: Gallery Member Spotlight - aderixon

In the latest installment of this regular series, we cast the spotlight on members of the PhotographyBLOG Gallery and ask them about their photography. The 14th member to sit in the interview chair is aderixon. “I’m not sure it has had a strong influence, but the odd positive comment is…

Samsung NV10The Samsung NV10 is a 10 megapixel compact digital camera with a 3x zoom lens equivalent to 35-105mm and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Much more interesting is the innovative Smart Button touch-sensitive interface which attempts to make the traditional menu system more accessible. The NV10 also offers an anti-shake mode, ISO 100-1000, 300 shot battery life and a stylish black metal body. This is the first Samsung camera that we’ve reviewed, so did it impress us? Read on to find out…

Website: Samsung NV10 Review

The Samsung NV10 is a 10 megapixel compact digital camera with a 3x zoom lens equivalent to 35-105mm and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Much more interesting is the innovative Smart Button touch-sensitive interface which attempts to make the traditional menu system more accessible. The NV10 also offers an anti-shake…

AdobeAdobe have released a Beta version of Camera Raw 3.6 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the following cameras has been added in this update.

- Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi
- Leica D-LUX3, Digilux 3
- Nikon D80
- Panasonic DMC-LX2
- Pentax K100D

Adobe have released a Beta version of Camera Raw 3.6 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the following cameras has been added in this update. - Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi - Leica D-LUX3, Digilux 3 - Nikon D80 - Panasonic DMC-LX2 - Pentax K100D

Wacom Press Release

9 October 2006 - Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, and Video2Brain, a leading production company of video trainings, today announce the release of Video2Brain’s training DVD ’Real-Life Photoshop Workflows‘. The content of the DVD has been developed in close co-operation between Video2Brain and Wacom. It provides professional photographers and digital imaging enthusiasts with an insight into the creative process, offering tips to improve the digital workflow using Adobe Photoshop and the Intuos3 pen tablet along with tutorials about retouching and image manipulation.

Wacom Press Release 9 October 2006 - Wacom, the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and interactive pen displays, and Video2Brain, a leading production company of video trainings, today announce the release of Video2Brain’s training DVD ’Real-Life Photoshop Workflows‘. The content of the DVD has been developed in close co-operation between…

PFS Image DarkroomProFotoSoftware Press Release

9th October 2006 - London, UK - ProFotoSoftware Ltd, the London, UK, based Digital Imaging Software House, have today released V1.07 of PFS Browser RAW Plugin and V1.05 of PFS Image Darkroom. This new release adds RAW support for the Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi to the RAW Plugin and support for the Nikon D2Xs RAW format to both products. Both products now support the full range of Canon and Nikon digital SLRs and most RAW formats from other manufacturers, providing a unified interface that transparently handles the many differences between these formats.

PFS Image Darkroom is a full featured image editing package and PFS Browser is a low cost and simple to use image enhancer and RAW image processor. The basic PFS Browser is still free of charge, with the RAW plugin being an optional add-on.

Full details and trial versions can be obtained from http://www.profotosoftware.com

ProFotoSoftware Press Release 9th October 2006 - London, UK - ProFotoSoftware Ltd, the London, UK, based Digital Imaging Software House, have today released V1.07 of PFS Browser RAW Plugin and V1.05 of PFS Image Darkroom. This new release adds RAW support for the Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi to the…

ILFORD Photo Student of the YearILFORD Photo Press Release

Always a staunch supporter of photography students, ILFORD Photo announced earlier in the year details of its Student of the Year 2006 competition with some highly desirable prizes, including the unique opportunity to work alongside professional photographers. With the first stage now competed, the stakes are even higher for the finalists. This year’s ILFORD Photo Student of the Year competition has completed its first stage, with three finalists chosen from the hundreds of entries received for this fabulous competition.

ILFORD Photo Press Release Always a staunch supporter of photography students, ILFORD Photo announced earlier in the year details of its Student of the Year 2006 competition with some highly desirable prizes, including the unique opportunity to work alongside professional photographers. With the first stage now competed, the stakes are…

PictureSync v1.6PictureSync Press Release

PictureSync version 1.6 introduces reliability and functional enhancements including a fully Universal build, geocoding with Google Earth, support for Lightroom, and updated support for Aperture. As with prior versions its features may be used free or purchased for $14. The previous version, 1.5, was released in January 2006. Further details of changes may be found at http://holocore.com/ Since its introduction PictureSync has aided pro photographers and home users alike in uploading almost two million photos. We’re pleased to announce that a Windows version is under development with an anticipated launch in time for Christmas. Many further enhancements are now planned for both releases.

PictureSync Press Release PictureSync version 1.6 introduces reliability and functional enhancements including a fully Universal build, geocoding with Google Earth, support for Lightroom, and updated support for Aperture. As with prior versions its features may be used free or purchased for $14. The previous version, 1.5, was released in January…

Digital Film ToolsDigital Film Tools Press Release

Oak Park, CA, October 9, 2006—Digital Film Tools (www.digitalfilmtools.com) announces the release of EZ Mask version 1.0, an easy to use interactive image masking tool. Masking is the process of extracting or isolating an object in a picture. EZ Mask extracts almost any object in an image—even if you are dealing with fine hair detail, smoke, or reflections. This extraction process creates what is known as a mask—essentially a black and white cutout. White mask areas are extracted, black areas not, and gray areas in between represent a level of transparency. Once a mask is extracted, the foreground object can be seamlessly composed onto a new background in Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements as well as apply filter and image corrections only within the area defined by the mask. EZ Mask works on both 8 and 16 bit images and takes full advantage of the speed realized by multi-processor or dual core machines.

Digital Film Tools Press Release Oak Park, CA, October 9, 2006—Digital Film Tools (www.digitalfilmtools.com) announces the release of EZ Mask version 1.0, an easy to use interactive image masking tool. Masking is the process of extracting or isolating an object in a picture. EZ Mask extracts almost any object in…

Epson PictureMate PM 280PCMagazine have reviewed the Epson PictureMate PM 280 portable home photo-lab.

“Setup is easy. Slide the ink cartridge—which contains cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks—into a slot in the back and load paper. Given the built-in CD drive for burning photos to a disc, I suspect a lot of people will stop there. But if you want to print from a computer, you can also install a driver using an automated installation routine, then connect via USB cable.”

Website: PCMagazine - Epson PictureMate PM 280 Review

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PCMagazine have reviewed the Epson PictureMate PM 280 portable home photo-lab. “Setup is easy. Slide the ink cartridge—which contains cyan, yellow, magenta, and black inks—into a slot in the back and load paper. Given the built-in CD drive for burning photos to a disc, I suspect a lot of people…

Olympus mju 750CNET have reviewed the new Olympus mju 750, which features a 5x optical zoom, image stabilisation and 7 megapixels.

“The Olympus Stylus 750 is a very strong point-and-shoot camera, though its attractive images are hindered by mediocre performance. It has no manual exposure controls and isn’t as responsive as we would like, but as a general snapshot camera, it’s still a very good choice.”

Website: CNET - Olympus mju 750 Review

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CNET have reviewed the new Olympus mju 750, which features a 5x optical zoom, image stabilisation and 7 megapixels. “The Olympus Stylus 750 is a very strong point-and-shoot camera, though its attractive images are hindered by mediocre performance. It has no manual exposure controls and isn’t as responsive as we…