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Monday, December 12, 2005

NikoniansNikonians Press Release

New Podcast Show with Regular Photography News

The worldwide community Nikonians introduces “The Image Doctors”, a new bimonthly talk radio program.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2005—Nikonians (www.nikonians.org) is pleased to announce the debut of a new “talk radio” program which recently joined its podcast lineup. “The Image Doctors” is a 30-minute talk show centered on all aspects of photography and the Nikonians community. Hosted by the photographers Jason Odell and Rick Walker, “The Image Doctors” brings a new dimension to the Nikonians experience every two weeks.

Nikonians Press Release New Podcast Show with Regular Photography News The worldwide community Nikonians introduces “The Image Doctors”, a new bimonthly talk radio program. (PRWEB) December 11, 2005—Nikonians (www.nikonians.org) is pleased to announce the debut of a new “talk radio” program which recently joined its podcast lineup. “The Image Doctors”…

Alien Skin Software Press Release

Raleigh, NC (December 8, 2005)- Alien Skin Software today announced Exposure, an all-new plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs. Exposure brings the look and feel of film to digital photography. Photographers can now digitally simulate current and discontinued film stocks, as well as recreate a signature look as a one-click effect. Moreover, saturation, light temperature, dynamic range, softness, sharpness, and the addition of realistic grain can be managed in one step.

Foremost a film simulator, Exposure is based on the detailed analysis of real world film stocks. A photographer can now quickly and easily evoke the vivid colors of Velvia®, the rich blacks of Kodachrome®, or the sensitivity of Ektachrome®. Exposure includes presets that emulate the warmth, softness, and realistic grain of dozens of real world film stocks, both color and black and white. Plus, any preset can be the starting point for a signature look, adjusted it to suit a particular subject, or applied to a batch of images using Photoshop Actions.

Alien Skin Software Press Release Raleigh, NC (December 8, 2005)- Alien Skin Software today announced Exposure, an all-new plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs. Exposure brings the look and feel of film to digital photography. Photographers can now digitally simulate current and discontinued film stocks, as well…

Fantasea Line FP-1Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 digital cameras with WiFi. The FP-1 housing, due for release Dec. 15th, is ideal for underwater and outdoor photographers who enjoy the cameras’ automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and creatively. The Fantasea FP-1 housing insures the most compact design for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls.

Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping, and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The Fantasea FP-1 will protect the Coolpix cameras from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

Fantasea Line Press Release Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 digital cameras with WiFi. The FP-1 housing, due for release Dec. 15th, is ideal for underwater and outdoor photographers who enjoy the cameras’ automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures…

Fantasea Line FS-1Fantasea Line Press Release

Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix S1 and S3 digital cameras. The FS-1 housing, dedicated to these two new ultra-slim Nikon digital cameras is compactly designed for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of push-button controls.

The Fantasea FS-1 housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographers who prefer to use the cameras automatic exposure features for capturing fast action pictures easily and creatively. Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all the excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoor photographers also have the option of capturing the action of such activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing and boating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping, and for family activities around the swimming pool or at the beach. The Fantasea FS-1 will protect the Coolpix cameras from water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

Fantasea Line Press Release Fantasea Line now introduces a specially designed housing for the Nikon Coolpix S1 and S3 digital cameras. The FS-1 housing, dedicated to these two new ultra-slim Nikon digital cameras is compactly designed for easy handling and accurate access to camera functions through the critical placement of…

AnnotureTow.com Press Release

Introducing Annoture, a metadata bridging solution for Aperture and iView MediaPro! With Annoture, you’re just a click away from sharing metadata between these two popular image management and cataloging applications. Spend more time working with your decisive moments than worrying about double-entry and incomplete metadata!

Annoture lets you transfer annotations from iView MediaPro catalogs to Aperture projects and albums and back. This two-way transfer of IPTC and metadata information means you are not tied to any one application for your image management and workflow needs. Annoture also features a modular interface that can be extended to support additional applications in the future.

http://www.tow.com/software/annoture/

Tow.com Press Release Introducing Annoture, a metadata bridging solution for Aperture and iView MediaPro! With Annoture, you’re just a click away from sharing metadata between these two popular image management and cataloging applications. Spend more time working with your decisive moments than worrying about double-entry and incomplete metadata! Annoture lets…

GradFilter Photoshop Plug-inRed Paw Media Press Release

Red Paw Media are pleased to announce the general release of their latest product, GradFilter.

GradFilter is a plugin for Photoshop (and compatible hosts such as Paint Shop Pro and Irfanview) that digitally adds blended color graduated filter effects to your photographs.

* Simulate solid color, single and dual-color graduated filters, and centre spot circular single and dual-color graduated filters.
* Change the rotation and hardness of the graduated effect.
* On-screen guides showing where the middle and edges of the grad filter are positioned.
* Save and load useful settings - dozens of presets are supplied.
  These include: Blue sky, Blue, Centre spot, Fluo, Magenta-Yellow, Neutral, Rebalance, Olive, Sepia, Sunset, Tobacco, and Vignette effects.
* 8-bit and 16-bit image support.

Red Paw Media Press Release Red Paw Media are pleased to announce the general release of their latest product, GradFilter. GradFilter is a plugin for Photoshop (and compatible hosts such as Paint Shop Pro and Irfanview) that digitally adds blended color graduated filter effects to your photographs. * Simulate solid…

Kodak Easyshare V550The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.

Website: Akam.no - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Norwegian website Akam.no have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen. Website: Akam.no - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Fujifilm FinePix E900 ZoomDIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800.

“The E900’s image noise characteristics are very good. Noise is essentially absent at ISO 80 and 100. Shadow noise becomes detectable at ISO 200, and noticeable at ISO 400. At ISO 800, noise is noticeable throughout the image, but not to the extent that it is unusable. The E900’s noise reduction process does reduce fine details at ISO 800, but users will appreciate having ISO 800 available more than they will regret the loss of detail.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member Steves Digicams have published their review of the new Fujifilm FinePix E900 Zoom, a 9 megapixel digital camera with a 4x optical zoom lens equivalent to 32-128mm and an ISO range of ISO 80 to ISO 800. “The E900’s image noise characteristics are very good. Noise is essentially…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9DCResource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The most notable feature on the DSC-T9 is its optical image stabilizer. The T9 is one of only a small handful of ultra-compacts with image stabilizers (the others being from Panasonic and Konica Minolta), and it sure comes in handy when you’re taking shots in not-so-great lighting. While it won’t work miracles (like stopping motion blur), it will allow you to use slower shutter speeds than you could otherwise. The stabilizer can be used in movie mode, as well.”

Website: DCResource - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DCResource have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9, which offers a 3x Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar optical zoom lens, 6 megapixels, an optical image stabilizer, highest ISO speed of 640 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. “The most notable feature on the DSC-T9 is its optical image stabilizer. The T9 is one…

Olympus SP-500UZDigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder.

“Olympus announced the SP-500 UZ digital camera in late August 2005, heading their new SP series. The ‘UZ’ refers to “ultra zoom;” this camera aims to make an impact in the increasingly popular ultra zoom segment of the digital camera market with its 10x optical zoom lens. The lens cannot be detached, but will accept conversion lenses when increased magnification or viewing angle are sought. The SP-500 UZ packs 6 megapixels and 27 shooting modes, ranging from fully manual to specific scene modes into its compact SLR-shaped body. The 4.15 x 2.93 x 2.8-inch digital camera applies a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels as well as an electronic viewfinder, providing users with multiple means of composition and image review. Also capable of recording VGA video at 30 frames per second, this ultra zoom aims to be the all-in-one solution for a wide range of photographers at a relatively low retail price of $379.99.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Olympus SP-500UZ Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Olympus SP-500UZ digital camera, which has a 10x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-380mm, 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder. “Olympus announced the SP-500 UZ digital camera in late August 2005, heading their new SP series. The ‘UZ’ refers to “ultra zoom;”…

Nikon D50Shutterbug have published a review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR.

“Small and lightweight for a Nikon digital SLR, the D50 resembles its larger sibling in many respects. (The switch from CompactFlash to Secure Digital cards is one reason for the smaller size.) The body is comfortable to hold thanks to the large handgrip and sports fewer analog controls for a “less complicated” appearance. Although not as rugged as the D70s, the camera feels solid, with very good build quality. All buttons and dials are well-marked, logically located, and easy to find. There’s no depth of field preview for evaluating the range of acceptable sharpness at various apertures, a problem for serious photographers in macro, nature, landscape, and other image making.”

Website: Shutterbug - Nikon D50 Review

Website: Read my Nikon D50 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

Shutterbug have published a review of the Nikon D50, a new affordable 6.1 megapixel digital SLR. “Small and lightweight for a Nikon digital SLR, the D50 resembles its larger sibling in many respects. (The switch from CompactFlash to Secure Digital cards is one reason for the smaller size.) The body…

Olympus SP-350The Czech webiste Digineff have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350, an 8 megapixel camera that offers a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

Website: Digineff - Olympus SP-350 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

The Czech webiste Digineff have reviewed the new Olympus SP-350, an 8 megapixel camera that offers a 3x optical zoom lens equivalent to 38-114mm and a 2.5 inch LCD monitor. Website: Digineff - Olympus SP-350 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews

Nikon Coolpix P1DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera.

“Although Wi-Fi isn’t commonly used (yet) and the module of the Nikon Coolpix P1 has its limitations, we can expect a lot from this technique. At this moment it is still in its infancy but more and more people have a wireless network at home and the demand for Wi-Fi will certainly grow. In the future it will definitely be possible to log in directly so you can send a high quality picture from any hotspot to your family at home while you yourself are getting sunburned by the hot Spanish sun. I’d wish for a stronger battery then though, because continuous wireless transfer consumes loads of energy.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon Coolpix P1 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DIWA member LetsGoDigital have published a review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P1 Wi-Fi digital camera. “Although Wi-Fi isn’t commonly used (yet) and the module of the Nikon Coolpix P1 has its limitations, we can expect a lot from this technique. At this moment it is still in its…

Canon SELPHY DS810CNET have just reviewed the Canon Selphy DS810 compact photo printer.

“The Canon Selphy DS810 is one mobile photo printer that you’ll probably want to leave at home, despite its estimated 29-cents-per-print economy. The Selphy’s three-color output, 9-by-9-by-4-inch, 4.2-pound design, and lack of battery support don’t stack up well against those of smaller, lighter transportable printers in this price range. Print quality was especially disappointing; our test output frequently looked flat, and the composite blacks (produced by combining cyan, magenta, and yellow; there is no black ink tank) were more of a dark, muddy green.”

Website: CNET - Canon Selphy DS810 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

CNET have just reviewed the Canon Selphy DS810 compact photo printer. “The Canon Selphy DS810 is one mobile photo printer that you’ll probably want to leave at home, despite its estimated 29-cents-per-print economy. The Selphy’s three-color output, 9-by-9-by-4-inch, 4.2-pound design, and lack of battery support don’t stack up well against…

Epson Stylus Pro R2400BIOS have reviewed the new Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer.

“Ever since color inkjet printers made for photographic printing were introduced a significant portion of the photo community has felt they were left out because color inkjets have not provided a good solution for black and white photography compared to color. Now, Epson has responded with their new Stylus Photo R2400 that is really three printers in one. First, it is an even better color printer of RGB photographic images than the 2200 it replaces. Second, it also prints black and white with equally fine image quality. Third, it also provides the ability to reproduce CMYK press proof prints of exceptional quality.”

Website: Shutterbug - Epson Stylus Photo R2400 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

BIOS have reviewed the new Epson Stylus Photo R2400 A3+ photo printer. “Ever since color inkjet printers made for photographic printing were introduced a significant portion of the photo community has felt they were left out because color inkjets have not provided a good solution for black and white photography…

Panasonic DMC-FX9DigiCamReview have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels.

“The Panasonic Lumix FX9 is a very stylish ultra compact digital camera that provides very good 6 megapixel images. The camera improves on the FX7 with a high resolution screen, much better battery life, more megapixels, and much better video mode, yet is available for less that the FX7 was. The camera is very good, with good image quality and very good features. There are only one or two problems that may put you off buying this otherwise excellent camera - they are: high noise and high noise reduction that reduces details, and higher than average purple fringing. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives and I would definitely recommend this digital camera!”

Website: DigiCamReview - Panasonic DMC-FX9 Review

Latest Prices / User Reviews

DigiCamReview have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX9, a 6 megapixel compact digital camera with optical image stabilizer, 3x Leica lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with 207,000 pixels. “The Panasonic Lumix FX9 is a very stylish ultra compact digital camera that provides very good 6 megapixel images. The camera improves on the…

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Saturday ShoutThis week’s Saturday Shout is a plea for help from PhotographyBLOG reader Alan, who’s looking for the perfect pocket digital camera that offers full manual controls. Alan wants a camera that he can carry at all times without noticing, and which offers advanced shooting modes like Aperture and Shutter Priority. It should also produce images with negligible amounts of noise, and be quick enough to capture those treasured family moments. Things like a big zoom range, RAW mode and good movie options are nice-to-have features, but not essential. So what would you recommend to Alan as the best camera for the job? Shout out now…

This week’s Saturday Shout is a plea for help from PhotographyBLOG reader Alan, who’s looking for the perfect pocket digital camera that offers full manual controls. Alan wants a camera that he can carry at all times without noticing, and which offers advanced shooting modes like Aperture and Shutter Priority…

Friday, December 9, 2005

Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasSanyo Xacti VPC-HD1exSinar m SystemMamiya ZD Available December 2005 New AccessoriesCreative Zen Vision:MSony VRD-MC1 DVDirect RecorderSigma 10-20mm Lens for Konica Minolta and PentaxPanasonic 50Gb Blu-ray DiscsKingston CompactFlash Ultimate Cards New SoftwareAdobe Design, Web and Video Bundles Other HeadlinesRicoh…

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1exSanyo Portugal have spilt the beans on a new version of their still / movie camera hybrid. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1ex is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.2 inch LCD screen and massive 10x optical zoom lens. Expect to see it officially appear at the CES show just after Christmas (found via Gizmodo).

Sanyo Portugal have spilt the beans on a new version of their still / movie camera hybrid. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD1ex is a 5 megapixel camera with a 2.2 inch LCD screen and massive 10x optical zoom lens. Expect to see it officially appear at the CES show just after…

onOne SoftwareonOne Software Press Release

onOne Software Offers Substantial Savings On Photoshop Plug-In Suite

PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Plug-In Suite for Adobe Photoshop bundles four award-winning plug-ins together, delivering substantial value to digital photographers

Independent software developer, onOne Software, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of their Photoshop Plug-in Suite, priced at $399.95. The Photoshop Plug-In Suite is a must-have collection of professional tools that deliver professional results. In the areas of scaling, masking, image enhancement and border/edge effects, the Photoshop Plug-In Suite, hands-down, provides the best solution in each category.

onOne Software Press Release onOne Software Offers Substantial Savings On Photoshop Plug-In Suite PORTLAND, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 8, 2005—Plug-In Suite for Adobe Photoshop bundles four award-winning plug-ins together, delivering substantial value to digital photographers Independent software developer, onOne Software, Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of their Photoshop Plug-in Suite, priced…