News

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Express Digital DarkroomExpressDigital Darkroom 8.9 photography workflow software adds fast digital output, enhanced wireless support, advanced greenscreen and more. “By working closely with professional photographers, conducting extensive photographer surveys and watching industry trends, we gauged the needs of the professional photographer and built a new version of Darkroom to fulfill those needs,” explained Graham McFarland, Founder and CEO of ExpressDigital. ExpressDigital Darkroom v8.9 is available now. The retail prices are as follows: Darkroom Core Edition - $495, Darkroom Professional Edition - $1395, Darkroom Assembly Edition (Plus 6 hours phone training) - $2995, Darkroom Assembly Edition (Plus 2 days on-site training) - $4395. Upgrade pricing is also available.

ExpressDigital Darkroom 8.9 photography workflow software adds fast digital output, enhanced wireless support, advanced greenscreen and more. “By working closely with professional photographers, conducting extensive photographer surveys and watching industry trends, we gauged the needs of the professional photographer and built a new version of Darkroom to fulfill those needs,”…

Canon SD950 ISPCMag have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS digital camera, which features a 12.1 megapixel sensor and 3.7x image stabilised lens.

“Canon’s $399.95 PowerShot SD950 IS is a high-performance point-and-shooter that’s perfect for photographers who want brilliant, crisp images but don’t want to mess with manual controls. While this very capable 12-megapixel camera might strain your pocket (and your pocketbook), it’s a top-notch snapper loaded with high-end features for serious amateurs.”

Website: PCMag - Canon PowerShot SD950 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon PowerShot SD950 IS Review

PCMag have reviewed the Canon PowerShot SD950 IS digital camera, which features a 12.1 megapixel sensor and 3.7x image stabilised lens. “Canon’s $399.95 PowerShot SD950 IS is a high-performance point-and-shooter that’s perfect for photographers who want brilliant, crisp images but don’t want to mess with manual controls. While this very…

Canon WFT-E3ACameraLabs have reviewed the Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom, a portable tripod which attaches to SLR cameras with lenses and can support up to 6.6 lbs / 3 kg.

“We’ve been using the Gorillapod SLR Zoom for over four months now and found it to be an invaluable accessory. Like earlier Gorillapods though, it can take new owners a short while to stop treating it like a normal tripod. Sure you can bend the legs out and stand it on the floor, but with a working height of just 20cm or so, you’ll be shooting pets-eye views unless there’s a ledge or table nearby.”

Website: CameraLabs - Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom, a portable tripod which attaches to SLR cameras with lenses and can support up to 6.6 lbs / 3 kg. “We’ve been using the Gorillapod SLR Zoom for over four months now and found it to be an invaluable accessory. Like earlier…

Canon WFT-E3ACameraLabs have reviewed the Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter, which provides wireless transfer and back-up for the EOS 40D DSLR.

“It’s already fun to see the live view from the 40D and focus its lens from your computer with the standard USB connection, but to do the same with the camera on a tripod at, say, the bottom of your garden without a cable in sight is undeniably cool stuff. Obviously this has fairly specialist applications. Time-lapse or HDR work spring to mind, as does studio-based macro-photography, or perhaps astro-photography without getting cold.”

Website: CameraLabs - Canon WFT-E3A Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter, which provides wireless transfer and back-up for the EOS 40D DSLR. “It’s already fun to see the live view from the 40D and focus its lens from your computer with the standard USB connection, but to do the same with the…

Friday, January 18, 2008

Manfrotto ModoPocketThe new Manfrotto ModoPocket is an ultra-compact support for small point-and-shoot digital cameras. Folding completely flat, ModoPocket can fit anywhere and is compatible with all small digital cameras featuring a standard ¼” tripod thread. The Manfrotto ModoPocket costs $30.00 and is is available in the US through Bogen Imaging dealers.

The new Manfrotto ModoPocket is an ultra-compact support for small point-and-shoot digital cameras. Folding completely flat, ModoPocket can fit anywhere and is compatible with all small digital cameras featuring a standard ¼” tripod thread. The Manfrotto ModoPocket costs $30.00 and is is available in the US through Bogen Imaging dealers.

Kata Digital Photo Series BagsThe Kata Digital Photo Series is a completely new line of camera backpacks, cases and pouches. The Kata Digital Photo Series combines a number of technologies found in other Kata product lines to create a lightweight, ergonomic and protective line of carrying solutions. To identify which carrying solution is suitable for a specific digital camera and gear, visit the Online Kata Bag Chooser at http://www.kata-bags.com/katabagchoosers/

The Kata Digital Photo Series is a completely new line of camera backpacks, cases and pouches. The Kata Digital Photo Series combines a number of technologies found in other Kata product lines to create a lightweight, ergonomic and protective line of carrying solutions. To identify which carrying solution is suitable…

National Geographic Earth Explorer BagsNational Geographic has added seven new models to its Earth Explorer Camera Bag collection. The Earth Explorer collection featuresan environmentally friendly design coupled with cutting-edge ergonomics and performance. The new additions to the National Geographic Earth Explorer collection include three pouches, two camera straps, a small sling bag, and a large shoulder bag.

National Geographic has added seven new models to its Earth Explorer Camera Bag collection. The Earth Explorer collection featuresan environmentally friendly design coupled with cutting-edge ergonomics and performance. The new additions to the National Geographic Earth Explorer collection include three pouches, two camera straps, a small sling bag, and a…

RPS 151st International Print ExhibitionThe deadline for entry to the Royal Photographic Society’s 151st International Print Exhibition is 14th March 2008. This year’s exhibition sees the introduction of the Allen & Overy Awards, with a total prize fund of £18,000. The overall winner will receive a prize of £10,000 and a Gold Society Medal. The prize winners will be announced on 12th June 2008.

The deadline for entry to the Royal Photographic Society’s 151st International Print Exhibition is 14th March 2008. This year’s exhibition sees the introduction of the Allen & Overy Awards, with a total prize fund of £18,000. The overall winner will receive a prize of £10,000 and a Gold Society Medal…

PictoColor CorrectPhotoCorrectPhoto 3.0 takes the guess work out of color correction with PictoColor’s OneClick Color technology. With just one click, anyone can remove an unwanted color cast, improve the exposure and increase the vibrancy of all of their digital pictures. Also included is ImageTitler, an additional stand-alone program for adding titles to any photo. CorrectPhoto with ImageTitler costs $39.95 as a software download. A free trial version is also available.

CorrectPhoto 3.0 takes the guess work out of color correction with PictoColor’s OneClick Color technology. With just one click, anyone can remove an unwanted color cast, improve the exposure and increase the vibrancy of all of their digital pictures. Also included is ImageTitler, an additional stand-alone program for adding titles…

CoastalOpt 60mm UV-VIS-IR LensThe CoastalOpt 60mm UV-VIS-IR is the world’s first fully corrected lens for the UV-VIS-NIR spectrum. Available in the Nikon F mount and designed for use with both 35mm film and digital formats, the 60mm UV-VIS-IR 1:4 Apo Macro lens is perfect for full spectrum cameras such as the Fuji IS-Pro. The CoastalOpt 60mm UV-VIS-IR lens costs $4,495, available on Feburary 1st 2008.

The CoastalOpt 60mm UV-VIS-IR is the world’s first fully corrected lens for the UV-VIS-NIR spectrum. Available in the Nikon F mount and designed for use with both 35mm film and digital formats, the 60mm UV-VIS-IR 1:4 Apo Macro lens is perfect for full spectrum cameras such as the Fuji IS-Pro…

onOne SoftwareonOne Software has just bought Liquid Resize, a ground-breaking new way to resize images. Liquid Resize uses a technique known as “seam carving” to reduce the distortion that typically occurs when manipulating the aspect ratio of an image. A free public beta of Liquid Resize for both Windows and Mac OS X users will be available in late January 2008, with A Photoshop plug-in version available in the middle of 2008.

onOne Software has just bought Liquid Resize, a ground-breaking new way to resize images. Liquid Resize uses a technique known as “seam carving” to reduce the distortion that typically occurs when manipulating the aspect ratio of an image. A free public beta of Liquid Resize for both Windows and Mac…

Sony H3DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H3, the smallest ever Cyber-shot camera featuring a Carl Zeiss 10x zoom lens.

“The H3 is essentially a long-zoom point and shoot camera that performs well as long as you let it do its thing in Auto mode. Once you develop an ambition to set your own shooting parameters things get a bit more tricky. This is partly because some manual settings are simply not available, but also due to the fact that changing the settings that are actually there can be a fairly time-consuming process.”

Website: DPReview - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 Review

DPReview have reviewed the Sony DSC-H3, the smallest ever Cyber-shot camera featuring a Carl Zeiss 10x zoom lens. “The H3 is essentially a long-zoom point and shoot camera that performs well as long as you let it do its thing in Auto mode. Once you develop an ambition to set…

Sony H7CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, which offers 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lens, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output.

“Under the right circumstances, the photos look very good. Those include shooting at sensitivity settings of ISO 200 or lower, in bright sunlight. Thanks to the fast continuous shooting, solid stabilization and reliable center-point focus, the H7’s sibling the H9 delivered the best results I’ve had so far shooting dogs in the park. The EVF updates quickly enough to make it possible. The automatic white balance does a solid job, if a bit cool, and colors look bright and saturated.”

Website: CNET- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review

CNET have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, which offers 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lens, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output. “Under the right circumstances, the photos look very good. Those include shooting at sensitivity settings of ISO 200 or lower, in bright sunlight. Thanks to the fast continuous…

Sony T200Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony DSC-T200, the first digital camera to automatically react to a person’s smile.

“Just like with the other T-series cameras that we have seen, the image quality is very good. The 5x optical zoom lens did very well taking pictures outdoors, with only slight chromatic aberrations (purple fringing), and very slight edge softness. Neither of these would be noticeable when having prints made unless they were larger than an 8x10. The 35mm to 175mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens makes this camera a little more versatile than most compact digital cameras that you will find.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Sony DSC-T200 Review

Steves Digicams have reviewed the Sony DSC-T200, the first digital camera to automatically react to a person’s smile. “Just like with the other T-series cameras that we have seen, the image quality is very good. The 5x optical zoom lens did very well taking pictures outdoors, with only slight chromatic…

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Sony A700The Sony A700 is a new DSLR camera with a wealth of features that are clearly targeted at the advanced amateur photographer. Clearly based on the design of the Konica Minolta Maxxum / Dynax 7D camera (Sony bought Konica Minolta’s camera assets in 2006), the A700 inherits the same lens mount, eye-start auto-focus system, and in-body anti-shake system. Building on that solid foundation, Sony have brought the A700 bang up-to-date with a 12.24 megapixel CMOS sensor, large 3 inch LCD screen, 11 point autofocus system and 5fps continuous shooting. At this price point (around £999 / $1400) the Sony A700 faces some stiff competition, with rival models from Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Panasonic all making a strong claim for your money. Mark Goldstein took the new Sony A700 to the deserts of Dubai to find out if this new pretender to the prosumer crown has what it takes…

Website: Sony A700 Review

The Sony A700 is a new DSLR camera with a wealth of features that are clearly targeted at the advanced amateur photographer. Clearly based on the design of the Konica Minolta Maxxum / Dynax 7D camera (Sony bought Konica Minolta’s camera assets in 2006), the A700 inherits the same lens…

Nikon D40xPMA Newsline International are reporting that stocks of the 10 mgapixel Nikon D40x DSLR camera have run out in Japan. Could this mean that a new replacement model is on the way? The 6 megapixel Nikon D40 model is still available. In the same article, Nikon is raising production of its new D3 and D300 DSLR cameras by between 16-25 percent, to 10,000 and 70,000 monthly units respectively. All good news for the leading DSLR manufacturer in Japan.

Website: PMA Newsline International

PMA Newsline International are reporting that stocks of the 10 mgapixel Nikon D40x DSLR camera have run out in Japan. Could this mean that a new replacement model is on the way? The 6 megapixel Nikon D40 model is still available. In the same article, Nikon is raising production of…

Corel PhotoImpact X3Corel PhotoImpact X3 digital photo editing software is aimed at the family memory keeper and the graphic arts hobbyist. “Project-oriented users will find that PhotoImpact X3 has the perfect mix of easy-to-use editing capabilities, creative project templates and digital art - all at an affordable price.” said Denise MacDonell, Director, Product Management, Digital Imaging at Corel. With a suggested retail price of $69.99 (US and Canada), PhotoImpact X3 is available now.

Corel PhotoImpact X3 digital photo editing software is aimed at the family memory keeper and the graphic arts hobbyist. “Project-oriented users will find that PhotoImpact X3 has the perfect mix of easy-to-use editing capabilities, creative project templates and digital art - all at an affordable price.” said Denise MacDonell, Director…

Plustek OpticFilm 7500i AI / SEThe Plustek OpticFilm 7500i AI / SE are Plustek’s first Mac compatible film scanners and offer a high optical 7,200dpi resolution and 48-bit colour. Both the AI and SE models feature multi-exposure function for negative film as well as a multi-sampling feature that reduces noise. The OpticFilm 7500i AI additionally comes with a SilverFast 35mm IT8 Target calibration, which can generate ICC profiles. The OpticFilm 7500i AI and 7500i SE are priced at £395 and £223 excluding VAT respectively and are available now.

The Plustek OpticFilm 7500i AI / SE are Plustek’s first Mac compatible film scanners and offer a high optical 7,200dpi resolution and 48-bit colour. Both the AI and SE models feature multi-exposure function for negative film as well as a multi-sampling feature that reduces noise. The OpticFilm 7500i AI additionally…

Vertus Bling! ItBling! It from Vertus is now available for Mac OS. Bling! It is a simple to use image editing tool which gets you amazing results in minutes. It lets you prepare professional-looking images of products for publishing on the Web or on an online auction site. Vertus Bling! It costs $49.95, and there’s a free 15 day fully functional trial version.

Bling! It from Vertus is now available for Mac OS. Bling! It is a simple to use image editing tool which gets you amazing results in minutes. It lets you prepare professional-looking images of products for publishing on the Web or on an online auction site. Vertus Bling! It costs…

Lacie Little Disk 1.3 Inch Hard DriveAvailable in 30GB or 40GB versions, LaCie will be offering its smallest Little Disk yet in the 1.3-inch hard disk format. Lacie are also using the Samsung drive for the new credit-card sized USB Key Max. “The development of these small products was enabled due to Samsung’s new 1.3-inch technology that offers a small footprint with vast capacity improvement,” said Nolwenn Rozen, LaCie Mobile Product Manager.  “By using this technology in these new mobile offerings, LaCie was able to see an increase in maximum capacity from 12GB to 40GB.” The 1.3-inch Lacie Little Disk and Lacie USB Key Max are available now starting at $119.99 and $109.99 respectively.

Available in 30GB or 40GB versions, LaCie will be offering its smallest Little Disk yet in the 1.3-inch hard disk format. Lacie are also using the Samsung drive for the new credit-card sized USB Key Max. “The development of these small products was enabled due to Samsung’s new 1.3-inch technology…