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The Canon EOS 2000D / Digital Rebel T7 is a new entry-level DSLR aimed squarely at new users looking to dip their toe into the world of interchangeable lens cameras. Does the EOS 2000D offer a step-up in quality from a compact camera or smartphone, and can it take on and beat its main rival, the Nikon D3400? Find out by reading our in-depth Canon EOS 2000D / Digital Rebel T7 review...
The Tamron 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD is a compact telephoto zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. It features a best-in-class maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1, internal zoom mechanism, Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) design, 4 stops of VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, and a Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction.
The 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD is compatible with both the 1.4x (Model TC-X14) and 2.0x (Model TC-X20) Teleconverters. An Arca-Swiss style tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. The Tamron 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD will be aavailable from April 2018 for £699 in the UK and $799 in the US.
Tamron today revealed a new ultra-telephoto zoom lens, 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD, for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. The lens delivers fast and precise AF performance and 4 stops of image stabilisation (Vibration Compensation in Tamron parlance) thanks to the manufacturer'shigh-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system. The optical formula comprises 17 elements in 11 groups, includinglens elements for optimal optical design and aberration correction; and an electromagnetic diaphragm system in both the Canon and Nikon versions. The lens is compatible with Tamron's 1.4X tele converter and the Tamron TAP-in Console that enables lens customisations for focus adjustments, VC mechanism adjustments and more. Additionally, an Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. The new Tamron 100-400mm will be available in both Canon and Nikon mounts from 16th November for $799.
The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a brand new professional zoom lens for full-frame cameras. The new Dual MPU (Micro Processing Units) provide rapid autofocusing with improved accuracy and the highest vibration compensation performance of any lens in its class (a full 5 stops of image stabilisation according to CIPA standards). The use of specialised, high-quality glass materials assures accurate color reproduction and superior sharpness, perfect for today’s high-pixel-density cameras. The optical formula comprises 17 elements in 12 groups including 2 XR (Extra Refractive Index) elements, 3 LD (Low Dispersion) elements, 3 GM (Glass-Molded aspherical) and one hybrid aspherical lens element. Tamron’s exclusive eBAND Coating substantially curbs ghosting and flare, while a protective Fluorine Coating on the front element provides added convenience. The new lens also benefits from a moisture resistant construction a locking lens hood. In the UK, the Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 will be available in July, pricing to be announced. In the USA, the Tamron SP 24-70mm G2 in Nikon mount will be available in August and the Canon mount in September priced at $1199.
The Canon EOS 200D is the world’s lightest DSLR with the world’s fastest auto-focusing system. The new EOS 200D (also known as the EOS Rebel SL2) is billed as the perfect replacement for the avid smartphone photographer looking to step up to their first camera.
The Canon EOS 200D will be available in July 2017 with an RRP of £579.99 / €719.99 body only. The EOS 200D can also be purchased with an EF 18-55mm kit with an RRP of £679.99 / €839.99
In the USA, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 is scheduled to be available in late July 2017 for a retail price of $549.99 for body only and $699.99 with the Canon EF-S 18-55m f/4-5.6 IS STM lens.
The KeyMission 170 is Nikon's first attempt at an action camera, featuring 4K video recording and a 170-degree lens. Can it compete with the similarly priced GoPro Hero 5? Find out by reading our Nikon KeyMission 170 review.
The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM is an ultra-zoom lens for Nikon and Canon APS-C DSLR cameras. Crucially offering built-in image stabilisation, the Sigma 18-200mm offers an effective focal range of 28-300mm and a minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches. Read our Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM review to find out if it's too much of a compromise or not...
Phew, what a day! Press Day at Photokina 2016 turned out to be much bigger than we expected, with flagship products seemingly being announced on the hour, every hour. So here's a handy roundup of all the highlights if you haven't been able to keep up. We'll be adding more products as they're announced.
Day 2 Update: We've taken a closer look at the Fujifilm GFX 50S, Sony A99 II and Canon EOS M5 cameras and Sigma's new lenses, as well as having an in-depth discussion with Olympus about the new flagship E-M1 Mark II camera. There have also been further announcements from the likes of SanDisk, Lexar, Phase One, Metz, Bowens, Broncolor and Kodak, all of which are listed below.
Day 3 Update: We've been busy bringing you hands-on photos of all the important new cameras, lenses and accessories that have been launched at Photokina, plus taking time to chat with Canon, Nikon and Sigma.
Day 4 Update: More hands-on looks at more interesting new products, including a variety of lenses, plus an interview with Kodak about their new 4K360VR camera.
Day 5 Update: An interview with Hasselblad, plus hands-on photos of 3 Nikon Coolpix cameras, an array of Zeiss, Meyer-Optik and Voigtländer lenses and a number of interesting accessories.
Tamron have announced the upcoming launch of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 telephoto zoom lens. This second-generation lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, which was announced in December 2013, but promises to deliver superior optical performance with today’s high resolution DSLRs and to add improvements to several features including the speed and accuracy of the Vibration Compensation and auto focus systems. The design incorporates an upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups, including 3 low-dispersion lens elements) and a metal lens barrel. The minimum object distance has been reduced to 2.2m from 2.7m in the previous model. A new FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position, while the Vibration Compensation system has been upgraded to offer three distinct image stabilisation modes; Standard, Panning and VC Mode 3, which prioritises the stabilisation of the captured images and forgoes the stabilisation of the viewfinder image. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in the Nikon version too. Two exclusive, separately sold teleconverters, which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to extend the lens' reach to 1,200mm. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched in the second half of September, with a Sony version being released at a later date. In teh US, the lens will be available for $1,399.
Macphun Software have today launched a major update to Tonality, their award-winning black-and-white photo editor for Mac. Users will now have access to a free preset library, created by professional photographers from around the world. Additionally, Macphun have teamed up with 500px to allow users to easily export images directly from Tonality to the global online photography community. Raw image file support has been extended to include files generated by the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, the Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR 100, the the Leica Q (Typ 116), Leica SL (Typ 601) and Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), the Nikon D300S, the Panasonic DMC-G7, the Sony A700, Sony RX100 III and the Sony RX10 II. To celebrate the update, Macphun are offering a 50% discount and a free batch processing in the MAS version of Tonality for one week only (7th14th April).
Tamron has announced the recommended retail price of its new SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD telephoto lens. Introduced in February, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is the World's first image-stabilised 85mm f/1.8 lens for SLR cameras. Using LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements, the new lens is constructed with Tamron’s new SP design, incorporating a new look and feel which includes larger and more tactile switches, together with Tamron’s Moisture-Resistant Construction. VC (Vibration Compensation) is also included in the lens design to help reduce camera shake making it easy to take handheld photographs in low light. USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing is also a key part in delivering sharp and precise focus every time, with full-time manual override for extra creative control. The lens will go on saleon sale on March 24th in Canon and Nikon mounts, priced at $749. The Sony version willbe launched at a later date.
The Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is the World's first image-stabilised 85mm f/1.8 lens for SLR cameras. Using LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements, the new lens is constructed with Tamron’s new SP design, incorporating a new look and feel which includes larger and more tactile switches, together with Tamron’s Moisture-Resistant Construction. VC (Vibration Compensation) is also included in the lens design to help reduce camera shake making it easy to take handheld photographs in low light. USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing is also a key part in delivering sharp and precise focus every time, with full-time manual override for extra creative control. Avaiability is slated for 24 March 2016. Pricing to be confirmed.
Phantom Glass has launched its first tempered glass screen protectors designed specifically for digital cameras. Made with the same technology as clear Phantom Glass, the tempered glass camera protectors are designed to cover the LCD screens of various models from Sony, Nikon, Canon and Leica. With zero image distortion, the screen protectors do not affect how users view their photos. All models feature a silicone nano-adhesion layer and an oleophobic nano-coating that allows fingerprints to wipe off with ease. The new Phantom Glass camera screen protectors are available now ofr $34.95 each.
Born out of a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Lomo Instant is the most advanced instant camera on the planet. Using the widely available Fujifilm Instax Mini film, the Lomo Instant offers advanced features like manual aperture control, a built-in flash, and a bulb mode for long exposures. Read our Lomo Instant review now...
The Lytro Illum is a new light field camera aimed at professional photographers. Boldly billed as "a new medium capable of capturing visual experiences in their purest form", is it worth adding the Lytro Illum to your kitbag? Read our Lytro Illum review to find out...
Phase One today released Capture One 8.0.2. This update adds support for Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite; lenses including the Zeiss Otus 55mm f1.4, the Zeiss Otus 85mm f1.4, the Nikon AF-S Nikkot 20mm f/1.8G ED and the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro; and cameras including the Nikon D750, D3300 and P340, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, the Leica T (Typ 701) and C (Typ 112), the Panasonic GM1, and the Samsung NX30.
The new Kodak PixPro SP360 is an actioncam with a difference - it can capture a complete 360-degree view of the world. Is the Kodak PixPro SP360 worth considering alongside, or even instead of, the mighty GoPro? Read our in-depth Kodak PixPro SP360 review to find out...
The Nikon D810 is a brand new 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR camera with no optical low pass filter. The D810 also offers 1080/60p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen, an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 5fps burst shooting. Read our in-depth Nikon D810 review to find out if it can emulate the success of the previous D800/E cameras...
The Canon PowerShot D30 is an action compact camera that's waterproof to an impressive 25m, as well as being dust, freeze and shock proof. The Canon D30 also offers12 megapixels, a 5x zoom, 1080p HD video, built-in GPS and a 3-inch screen. Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot D30 review now...
The Canon IXUS 155 is a new stylish and affordable point-and-shoot compact camera. Stand-out features include a 20 megapixel sensor, 10x 24-240mm zoom lens, and a metal body, all for just £110. Read our in-depth Canon IXUS 155 review now...
The Ricoh WG-4 GPS is a new shock, freeze, dust, water and crush proof compact camera with built-in GPS tracking. The Ricoh WG4 GPS also offers 16 megapixels, a 3-inch LCD, a 4x zoom lens, Full HD movie recording and built-in LED macro lights. Read our in-depth Ricoh WG-4 GPS review now...
Canon UK has launched its summer cashback promotion giving you the chance to.get up to £100/€120 cashback on a range of selected Canon products across DSLRs, compact cameras, lenses, video cameras and printers. The offer runs from 15 May 2014 to 13 August 2014 for eligible products purchased from UK or Republic of Ireland retailers. Canon is also taking its cashback offer on the road this summer, visiting locations across the UK. To learn more, visit Canon UK’s Facebook page.
Adobe has released final versions of Adobe DNG Converter 8.4 and ACR 8.4. These updates add support for the Canon EOS 1200D, Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Casio EX-100, Fujifilm X-T1, Hasselblad H5D-50C, Hasselblad HV, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon Coolpix P340, Nikon D3300, Nikon D4S, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic TZ60 / TZ61, Samsung NX mini, Samsung NX30, Sony A5000 and Sony A6000 cameras, the Phase One IQ250 digital back (pictured) and the DJI Phantom quadcopter; similarly to Lightroom 5.4. Additionally, ACR 8.4 brings support for a host of new lens profiles, implements changes to local corrections and updates to the Preview Controls, and fixes bugs. Camera Matching color profiles for more than a dozen Fujifilm cameras have also been added.
Source: Lightroom Journal
Adobe has released an update to Lightroom 5. Version 5.4 adds compatibility with Lightroom mobile, fixes bugs, and adds support for the Canon EOS 1200D, Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Casio EX-100, Fujifilm X-T1, Hasselblad H5D-50C, Hasselblad HV (pictured), Nikon 1 V3, Nikon Coolpix P340, Nikon D3300, Nikon D4S, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Panasonic TZ60 / TZ61, Samsung NX mini, Samsung NX30, Sony A5000, Sony A6000, Phase One IQ250 digital back and the DJI Phantom quadcopter. You can download the update from the website below.
Website: Adobe
Combined production of Canon's compact digital and interchangeable-lens digital cameras surpassed 250 million units on 31 January 2014, the company said in a statement. Canon began producing and marketing digital cameras in the mid 1990s. The first digital SLR cameras bearing the Canon logo - such as the Canon EOS DCS 3 (pictured) - were jointly developed by Canon and Kodak; with the first "true" Canon EOS dSLR - the Canon EOS D30 - being released in 2000. The first Canon digital compact camera, the Canon Powershot 600, had been introduced four years earlier.
The FinePix F900EXR is the range-topping camera from Fujifilm, sporting a 20x lens with a versatile focal range of 25-500mm. The 16 megapixel F900 EXR also features fast phase-detection autofocusing, wireless image transfer, GPS support, full 1080p movies, a high-contrast 3 inch LCD screen and 8fps continuous shooting. Read our in-depth Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR review now...
In the first part of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, we've selected our favourite DSLR cameras, with something for every budget.
Ahead of our full review, here are 42 JPEG images and a Full 1080p HD movie taken with the Google Nexus 5 smartphone. The Google Nexus 5 has an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor, Android 4.4 KitKat OS, 5-inch display and built-in optical image stabilisation.
The Nikon D610 is a new full-frame DSLR camera that updates last year's D600 with a new shutter mechanism, faster 6fps burst shooting and a new Quiet Release Burst mode, and an improved auto white balance system. The D610 retains the same 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage as its predecessor. Read our in-depth Nikon D610 review now...
CamRanger is now compatible with a free Android application available in the Google Play store. CamRanger is a device that wirelessly controls Canon and Nikon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The CamRanger has a wireless range of up to 150 feet for wireless tethering for photography and video monitoring and control. The CamRanger allows wireless tethering for over 30 different Canon and Nikon cameras. The included software includes live view, touch focusing, focus stacking, intervalometer, HDR, changing settings, record and focus during movie, client mode and much more.
The Sony Xperia Z is a brand new smartphone that offers a lot of technologies from Sony's CyberShot camera range. The Xperia Z has a 13 megapixel sensor, 28mm fixed lens with fast f/2.2 aperture, 1080p video, sweep panoramas, a range of picture effects and 10fps burst shooting. Read our Sony Xperia Z review to find out if it really can replace a compact camera...
We've selected our top camera picks for 2012's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between. And we should know what to recommend - we've reviewed no less than 86 new cameras of all shapes and sizes so far in 2012. So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2012 before splashing out your hard-earned cash on a new camera, whether that's either for yourself or a loved one!
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm f/4G ED VR is an ultra-wide angle lens for DX-format digital SLR cameras. This affordable lens provides a focal range of 15-36mm, offers quiet and fast auto-focusing, and is housed in a compact and lightweight body. Read our in-depth Nikon AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm f/4G ED VR review complete with full-size sample images.
The Nikon D600 is a new full-frame DSLR camera. Featuring a 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, the small, lightweight D600 also offers 1080p HD video, ISO range of 50-25600, a 39-point AF system, 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D600 review now...
Oloneo has released Oloneo PhotoEngine 1.1 and Oloneo HDRengine 1.1 for Windows. These updates support DNG v1.4 as well as 24 new cameras including the Nikon D800, D800E and D4, the Canon EOS-1D X, 5D Mark III and PowerShot G1 X, the Sony SLT A37 and SLT A57, as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 among others. The latest English/International 32-bit/64-bit versions of Oloneo PhotoEngine and Oloneo HDRengine for Windows are available through the Oloneo online store. A 20% Summer Special discount is available until 15th July.
The Nikon D800E is a 36 megapixel full-frame sensor DSLR with the anti-aliasing filter removed, which should result in higher resolution, sharper images compared to the regular D800. The D800E also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800E review to find out if you should choose it instead of the D800.
Apple has posted a new Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update to Apple Aperture 3 and iPhoto 11. Version 3.13 adds support for raw image files generated by the new Canon EOS-1D X, Nikon D800E, Nikon D3200, Olympus OM-D E-M5, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Sony Alpha SLT-A57 cameras. You can download the upgrade from the website below.
Website: Apple
The Nikon D800 is one of the hottest DSLR cameras for 2012. Featuring a remarkable 36 megapixel full-frame sensor, the D800 also offers 1080p HD video, a 3.2-inch LCD screen and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. Read our in-depth Nikon D800 review to find out if it's worth the £2499.00 / $2,999.95 cost of admission.
The Nikon D4 is a new DSLR camera that will be widely used by the pros at this year's London Olympic Games. With the sort of specification that mere mortals can only dream of, the Nikon D4 has an eye-watering price-tag to match, so read our in-depth Nikon D4 review to find out just how good it is.
Ahead of our full review, here are 46 sample JPEG photos and a 1080p movie taken with a full production version of the new Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR ultra-zoom compact camera. The HS30 EXR is a 16 megapixel superzoom/bridge camera with a 30x optical zoom lens, Full 1080p HD movie recording, RAW image capture, electronic viewfinder, a tilting LCD screen and a flash hot-shoe.
DxO Labs have just released DxO Optics Pro 7.2.2 for Mac and Windows, offering support for the new Nikon D4 (pictured), as well as for the Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus PEN E-P1. Additionally, more than 500 new camera-lens combinations were added to the DxO Optics Module library during the past several weeks, crossing the milestone of 6,000 available modules. This means that DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 now supports additional Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samyang, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina and Zeiss lenses for numerous Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony cameras. This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7, as well as for photographers who acquired a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 after September 1, 2011.
Iridient Digital has released an update to Iridient RAW Developer. Version 1.9.3 adds support for 14 new camera models, and offers various performance improvements and a couple bug fixes. The newly supported camera models include the Canon PowerShot S100, Fuji X10 and F600EXR, Nikon P7100, J1 and V1 (pictured), Olympus E-PM1, Panasonic DMC-FZ150, Ricoh GR Digital IV, Samsung NX200, Seitz 6x17, Roundshot D2x and Roundshot D3 and the Sony NEX-7. The update can be downloaded from the website below.
Website: Iridient Digital
We've selected our top picks for this year's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between. So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2011 before splashing out your hard-earned cash.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has launched a digital photography contest for US residents. The “Best Shots” competition is now open for entries and photo submissions will be accepted until 23 December. Entrants can submit one photo in each of four categories: people, travel, pets and cell phone shots. A slate of expert judges will select the finalists, and winners will be determined by an online popular vote running from 9-12 January 2012. The grand prize winner, to be announced on 13 January at the 2012 International CES, will receive a Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera kit. As always, we suggest that you read the rules before entering your work.
Phase One today released Version 1.1 of Media Pro. a professional digital visual assets managing application for Mac and Windows. This update fixes a number of bugs, features faster importing / media rendering and improved Capture One integration, and adds support for a number of camera raw formats when using the Capture One renderer. Media Pro is available now via download for $199 / €139 through Phase One’s Online Store.
Canon has announced the achievement of two milestones: the company has recently manufactured its 50 millionth EOS-series SLR camera, and expects to produce the 70 millionth EF lens by the end of this month. The first-ever Canon EOS camera, the EOS 650, was launched in March 1987. By the 10th anniversary of the series in 1997, the number of EOS cameras sold had reached the 10 million mark. Production propelled to 20 million units in 2003, and by the 20th anniversary they had reached the 30 million mark, due to the continued popularity of the EOS system in the digital age. The 40 millionth EOS camera was manufactured in May 2010, while the current 50 million-unit production milestone was achieved in September 2011.
Five months after discovering vulnerability in Canon’s Original Data Security System, ElcomSoft apparently found a similar problem with Nikon’s Image Authentication System. The system enables users to determine whether an image has been altered after capture, providing proof of image authenticity for the purposes of law enforcement, insurance, and so on. ElcomSoft claims to have identified a major flaw in the manner the secure image signing key is being handled, allowing forged images to pass validation with Nikon Image Authentication Software. “The signing cryptographic key can be extracted from the camera and used to sign any picture, genuine or not,” the company said in a statement, adding that “all past and current Nikon cameras supporting Image Authentication are affected, including Nikon D3X, D3, D700, D300S, D300, D2Xs, D2X, D2Hs, and D200 digital SLRs”.
Jacobs Digital have released details about their special show offers for Focus 2011. Highlights include discounts on the Panasonic GH2 and GF2, Sony A55 and NEX5, and the debut of the Canon EOS 600D. Jacobs are also the only official Pentax partner at Focus on Imaging.
Capture One 6.1 adds several new features and support for 16 more cameras. Local contrast and brightness adjustments, pen pressure and eraser support, and support for Getty Images metadata and import have been added. Capture One 6.1 now supports the new Phase One IQ189, IQ160 and IQ140 digital backs, plus recent cameras from Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Panasonic.
The Olympus E-5 is a new semi-professional DSLR camera. Built to withstand the elements, the 12 megapixel E-5 has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, 3-inch articulated LCD screen, top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and a new range of Art Filters. Read our expert Olympus E-5 review to find out if it can compete with the likes of the Canon EOS 60D, Nikon D7000 and Pentax K-5.
Adobe has posted the full versions of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) 6.3 and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3.3, adding raw file support for 15 new cameras and distortion profiles for a number of lenses. Previously available as Release Candidates only, ACR 6.3 and Lightroom 3.3 add support for the Canon PowerShot G12, Canon PowerShot S95, Nikon D3100 (pictured), Nikon D7000, Nikon Coolpix P7000, Olympus E-5, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, Pentax K-5, Pentax K-r, Ricoh GXR & GR LENS A12 28mm f/2.5, Samsung NX100, Samsung TL350 (WB2000), Sony A560 and Sony A580 models. Adobe has also released the free Lens Profile Downloader 1.0 for Camera Raw 6, Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5. This companion application allows customers to search, download, rate and comment on over 300 lens correction profiles provided by the Adobe user community.
The K-5 is the second DSLR camera from Pentax for 2010, inheriting the existing K-7's proven control layout and incorporating a new 16.3 megapixel APS-C sensor. The Pentax K-5 offers an incredible ISO range of 80-51200 plus Full 1080p HD movies, 7fps burst shooting and a large high-resolution LCD screen. Read our Pentax K-5 review to discover if this mid-range DSLR can compete with the competition from Nikon and Canon.
The Sony A850 is the most "affordable" full-frame DSLR camera, featuring a 24.6 megapixel sensor, 3 inch LCD screen and an anti-shake function integrated into the body. Retailing for around $1999 / 1999 Euros / £1700, does the Sony A850 have what it takes to compete with its main rivals? Read our in-depth Sony A850 Review to find out...
Apple has just released an update to Snow Leopard, which adds system-level raw support for ten new digital cameras. The additional cameras supported by MacOS X 10.6.5 include the Canon EOS 60D, Powershot S95, Hasselblad H4D-40, Nikon D3100, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, Sony DSLR-A290, A560, A580, A33 (pictured) and A55.
Website: Apple
One of the UK's leading landscape and travel photographers, David Noton, describes his perfect camera.
Canon EOS System - The Expanded Guide is a new book by freelance photographer and writer Andy Stansfield. The comprehensive, jargon-free, full-colour guidebook covers every digital SLR camera in the extensive EOS system, as well as the manufacturer’s Speedlite flashes and extensive range of EF and EF-S lenses. For the less experienced, technique sections explain camera sensors, Picture Style pre-sets, perspective control lenses, and more. The 272-page book, published by Ammonite Press. will be available in November priced at $19.95.
Redrock Micro have announced the new microEVF electronic viewfinder for HDSLR cameras. The Redrock microEVF is the first electronic viewfinder designed from the ground up specifically for HDSLRs, The new Redrock microEVF is an external electronic viewfinder that connects to the camera body and can be placed anywhere for maximum comfort and stability, and can be part of a multi-monitor solution. The microEVF uses a custom made state-of-the-art backlit LED fitted in an attractive, ergonomic housing. Redrock MicroEVF is priced at $595, availability has not yet been announced.
Photokina is over for another 2 years, so we’ve looked back at some of the most notable products we have seen at the world’s biggest photography show.
The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has announced the winners of its 2010-2011 Awards. In the Photo category, there were 16 sub-categories from best photo software (Apple Aperture 3) to best zoom lens (Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD). Other award-winning products include the Canon EOS 550D and EOS 7D, the Nikon D3S (pictured) and AF-S Nikkor 300mm F2.8G ED VR II, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and TZ10, the Olympus µ Tough-8010 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4-5.6, the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, the Sony ? NEX-5 and Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V, the Samsung EX1, the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 and the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. For more information including product descriptions, head to EISA’s website.
Website: EISA Photo Awards 2010-1011
Camera Bits has unveiled a bundle of new improvements for users of its Photo Mechanic photo browser and workflow tool. Version 4.6.4 offers faster browsing and new support for raw files captured by the Olympus E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras as well as various Phase One models, and recognition of extended range ISO values (Lo and Hi) for certain Nikon digital SLR cameras. The new version also enables new advanced workflows when combining Photo Mechanic’s unique “variables” and “code replacements” features, such as the ability to split still images from movie files during ingest to aid the import of video clips into Final Cut Pro using Canon’s EOS Movie Plugin-E1.
Website: CameraBits Downloads
Canon announced today that combined production of the company’s EOS-series film and digital SLR cameras passed the 40-million mark. The Canon EOS system was born in 1987 when the company announced the discontinuance of its FD line of manual-focus SLR cameras and lenses, and introduced the EOS 650 autofocus SLR camera along with the first EF lenses. In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million camera units, and in 2003 passed the 20-million mark. After the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach the 30-million mark during the series’ 20-year anniversary in December 2007, followed by the current 40-million-unit production milestone.
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has announced the winners of the 20th round of the TIPA Awards. Among the award-winning products are the Nikon D3s, Pentax K-x, Canon EOS 550D and EOS 7D digital SLRs, the Leica M9 digital rangefinder camera, the Canon PowerShot G11, Casio Exilim EX-G1 and Sony Cyber-shot HX5V compacts and the Fujifilm FinePix HS10 superzoom camera. This year, there were two new categories, “Best Compact System Camera Advanced” and “Best Compact System Camera Entry Level”. The winners of these new categories are the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and the Olympus E-PL1 (pictured), respectively. To see the entire list of award-winning products, from photo kiosks to backup systems, head to the website below.
Website: TIPA Awards 2010
Digital Foci has announced a major new firmware update for the Picture Porter 35 high-capacity portable photo manager. New features in version 1.2.1 include incremental photo backup, full screen preview and selection for convenient viewing, USB mode selection for secondary backup to external USB storage devices, and new professional DSLR extended camera support for RAW, EXIF data, IPTC and histograms. Picture Porter 35 features a 3.5-inch color LCD screen for easy viewing; built-in hard drive with 250GB and 500GB capacities, priced at $399 and $499, respectively; fast copy speeds of 1GB of data under 90 seconds; and a multi-format memory card reader for CF, MMC, SD/HC Card, miniSD, Memory Stick, MS PRO, MS Duo, and xD-Picture card.
DxO Labs have announced the addition of 70 new lens & camera combinations to its library of DxO Optics Modules for its DxO Optics Pro automatic image enhancement software. This new release brings the total number of available DxO Optics Modules to over 1900. DxO Optics Pro 6.1.2 for Windows is available from both DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers priced at $169 / €149 / £99 (Standard Edition) and $299 / €299 / £199 (Elite Edition). DxO Optics Pro 6 for Mac is scheduled for release in May 2010 and will be available as a free upgrade to customers who have purchased version 5 or higher after June 1, 2009.
Website: 70 New DxO Optics Correction Modules
FilmMakerAccessories are launching a new line of affordable professional film/video, DSLR, and other camera related accessories. The new line of products features the SD Camera Brace which is for use with video DSLR cameras, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS Rebel T1i, Nikon D90, Nikon D300s et al. The fully adjustable SD Camera Brace delivers cinema-grade support for $249, including numerous ¼” - 20 threads to mount optional accessories like batteries and wireless devices, all wrapped into one highly stylistic and modern design, the company says. The SD Camera Brace for DSLRs is available for immediate purchase from filmmakeraccessories.com and from selected resellers.
Website: HabbyCam
Capture One 5.1 is the latest version of Phase One’s raw conversion, workflow and image editing application. The basic version now features both a simplified workspace and ‘pro’ image-editing options; Capture One 5.1 PRO comes with new tools for advanced noise reduction and image editing efficiency. Version 5.1 is free to existing Capture One 5.x/5.x PRO owners.
Delkin Devices has introduced over a dozen new photography products at PMA 2010. The Fat Gecko Gator Mount is a revolutionary new camera mounting device used to hold a camera in place while clamped to almost any object. Delkin’s Jellyfish is a unique protection and floatation accessory for the ruggedized waterproof camera owner. CombatFlash CF memory cards are built tough to excel in situations and environments that exceed a normal memory card’s durability and performance. Delkin’s newest Class 10 SDHC memory card line is rated at 163X.
Bibble has released an update to Bibble 5 Pro. Version 5.0.2 adds support for the Leica M8, M9, X1 and Digital Module R, the Ricoh GX100, GX200, GR Digital II, GR Digital III and GXR, the Sony A230, A380 and A500, and a hsot of older Canon digital cameras, including the D30, D60, G2, G3, G5, G6, S40, S45, S50, S60, S70, Pro 1 and SX1 models. Soft Proofing, a feature that allows you to quickly visualise how your images will appear once printed using your printer’s colour profiles, has also been added.
Website: Bibble Download Centre
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV, the Nikon D3S (review), the Olympus PEN E-P2 (review) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (review) have just been tested over at DxOMark. The Nikon D3S (pictured), a camera that has recently been awarded our highest Essential rating, received a DxOMark sensor score of 82.4, which is the fourth-best score ever. The Nikon D3S sensor is bettered only by the Phase One P65+ and P40+ medium-format digital backs and the Nikon D3x. The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV landed on 16th place with a DxO Mark Sensor rating of 73.6. Out of the two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus E-P2 received a slightly higher score than the Panasonic GF1, though both achieved much lower results than the Lumix GH1 tested earlier on.
Website: DxOMark
DxO Labs have released their sensor-based data obtained from a pre-production Canon EOS 550D digital SLR camera. The Canon EOS 550D / Digital Rebel T2i, which was only announced a week ago, got a sensor rating of 65.6 on a scale of 1 to 100, which is less than some APS-C competitors (Nikon D5000/D90/D300/D300s, Pentax K10D, Samsung GX20, Sony A380/A550/A700) have received in the past, but it has to be mentioned that all of these competitors offer lower resolution and most of them are prosumer rather than entry-level models.
DxO Labs today released DxO Optics Pro v6.1.2 for Windows that adds raw support for the Pentax K-7 and the Sony A500 & A550 DSLRs as well as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and GH1 cameras. This release also improves stability and removes a colour cast at very high ISO for Nikon and Pentax cameras. Furthermore, 81 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering the Canon 7D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, REBEL XTi/400D, DIGITAL REBEL XSi/450D and REBEL T1i/500D; Fuji S5; Nikon D200, D300, D300s, D50, D3000, D5000 and D80; Panasonic LX3 and GH1; Pentax K-7; and Sony A230, A330, A500 and A550. DxO Optics Pro v6.1.2 for Windows, both Standard ($169/€149/£99) and Elite ($299/€299/£199) editions, is immediately available from both DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers. DxO Optics Pro 6 for Mac is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2010 and will be available as a free upgrade to customers who have purchased version 5 or higher after June 1, 2009.
Website: DxO Labs
Bibble Labs have officially released the all-new Bibble 5 Pro Photographic Workflow application for Windows, Mac and Linux. Bibble 5 Pro includes a totally new, completely multi-threaded image processing engine, allowing it to process images faster than anything else, Bibble Labs claim. Efficient enough to be perfectly usable on netbooks and older computers, yet powerful enough to take full advantage of 4, 8, 16 or even more CPU’s, Bibble 5 Pro is allegedly designed to fully utilise all the computing power available to it. “With dual core processors now being replaced with four-core processors, and with 6- an 8- and higher core count processors on the horizon,” says Eric Hyman, founder and owner of Bibble Labs, “it’s clear that utilizing the full power of those additional CPU’s is the key to true workflow performance.” Also, Bibble 5 Pro’s Selective Editing framework allows its image editing tools to operate on the complete image or a limited portion of an image, fully integrated into a totally non-destructive workflow. Bibble 5 Pro is available immediately for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers for $199.95 from Bibble Labs. Customers who purchased Bibble 4 since September, 2006 are eligible for a free upgrade to Bibble 5 Pro. Earlier Bibble 4 Pro customers may upgrade to Bibble 5 Pro for $99.
Website: Bibble Labs
Apple has released Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 2.7, adding system-level support for a number of new digital cameras. Newly supported models include the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, EOS 7D and PowerShot G11, and the Nikon D3s, D300s (pictured) and D3000. The update is available for Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.6 (Snow Leopard), and affects Apple Aperture 2 as well as iPhoto ‘08 and ‘09. The update is available via Software Update in the Apple menu of Leopard / Snow Leopard.
Via Rob Galbraith
DxO Labs have published RAW-based image quality data for a range of new Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony digital cameras on dxomark.com. The newly added models include a couple of advanced compacts, such as the Canon Powershot S90 and G11, as well as a number of DSLR cameras (Canon EOS 7D, Sony A500 and A550, Pentax K7, Nikon D300s and D3000). “dxomark.com results indicated that the best Advanced Compacts demonstrate remarkable image quality performance, especially considering their very compact form factor: overall, the difference between the top models from the Advanced Compact category and the entry-level DSLRs is only about 1 to 2 stops,” DxO Labs said in a statement.
Website: DxO Mark
DxO Labs have released DxO Optics Pro v6.1 for Windows, an update that adds RAW support for 3 new cameras - the Canon EOS 7D and PowerShot G11, and the Nikon D3000. For this new release, DxO Labs fixed several bugs and also made some improvements to the user interface, based on customer feedback and suggestions, including full-screen display mode for increased visual comfort, additional shortcuts for improved productivity and additional presets for increased flexibility. Furthermore, 56 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering the Canon 7D, 400D, 450D, 500D, Nikon D3, D300, D300s, D40x, and D3000; the Olympus E-30, E-420, E-510, and E-620; and the Sony A300, A850 and A900. DxO Optics Pro v6.1 for Windows, both Standard and Elite editions, are immediately available from both DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers at a 30 % discount until 31 December 2009. This means the standard edition is now £69 instead of £99, while the elite edition can be yours for £139 instead of £199.
Website: DxO Labs
Hoodman and Trek-Tech have introduced a new toolkit for macro photographers that makes positioning and stabilising cameras for close up, macro photography quick and easy. The toolkit combines the Hoodman Right Angle Viewer and a Trek-Tech T-Pod table top tripod. The right angle viewer with 360° rotation gives photographers the flexibility to position a camera to get down and up close to the subject matter. The table-top tripod supports cameras with “rock solid stability” for sharp focus. The Hoodman Right Angle viewer fits all Canon, Nikon, and Fuji Digital SLR cameras and comes with a compact, protective storage case included. The Trek-Tech T-Pod is very versatile and high quality table top tripod which comes complete with ball head, quick release system and travel pouch. The T-Pod with the upper tube attached adjusts from 10” to 13.5” in height. The ball head may also be connected directly to the legs creating a very stable platform which is 4” high. The Macro Photography Toolkit costs $129.99.
Website: Trek-Tech
Adobe has announced the availability of new Release Candidates (RCs) of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), DNG Converter and Lightroom. Release Candidates are software versions that have been thoroughly tested, but could still benefit from user feedback. Version 2.6 of Lightroom and version 5.6 of ACR / DNG Converter add support for a range of new cameras and digital backs, including the Canon EOS 7D, Canon Powershot G11, Canon Powershot S90, Mamiya DM22 / DM28 / DM33 / DM 56, Nikon D3s, Olympus E-P2, Pentax K-x, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38, Sigma DP1s, Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 / A550 and A850 cameras and the Leaf Aptus II 5, Mamiya M18 / M22 & M31 medium format backs.
Website: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.6 Release Candidate for Mac & Windows
Website: Adobe Camera Raw & DNG Converter Release Candidates for Mac & Windows
Pentax have been producing excellent DSLR cameras for some time now, and their latest model, the K-x model, is certainly no exception. The small and lightweight 12 megapixel Pentax Kx has a wealth of features, including 4.7fps continuous shooting, 11-point auto-focus, high-definition video, auto modes for beginners and manual modes for experts. With an official price of £599.99 / $599.95, the K-x also won't break the bank. Mark Goldstein finds out if the new Pentax Kx deserves a place on your DSLR short-list...
Lexar have unveiled a new 600x Compact Flash card with a guaranteed minimum write speed of 90MB/s. Available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities, the Lexar Professional 600x CF card works with the latest UDMA 6 enabled cameras, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and the new 1D Mark IV, and the Nikon D3x, D3s and D300s.
Lexar’s 600x card also offers increased image transfer speeds from card-to-computer with minimum sustained read speeds of 533x (80MB/s), or faster when paired with the new Lexar Professional ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader. This is a portable, high-performance reader that requires no cables and connects directly to a PC or Mac laptop computer’s ExpressCard slot.
The Lexar Professional 600x CF cards will begin shipping on October 22nd in 8GB and 16GB capacities for £149 and £219 respectively. The 32Gb version will be available in November for £399. The Lexar Professional ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader will cost £29.99.
Iridient Digital have released RAW Developer 1.8.6, which brings support for nine new camera models. These include the Nikon D300s (review), the Canon 7D, G11 and S90, the Sony DSLR-A850, DSLR-A550 and DSLR-A500, the Panasonic DMC-GF1 (review) and the Leica M9. Improvements to the default ICC camera profiles for the Canon 50D and Nikon D300 have also been made.
Website: Iridient RAW Developer
Tired of seeing the world in plain old two dimensions? Then Fujifilm have the answer - enter stage left the World's first 3D camera that doesn't require those dorky glasses, the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1. This remarkable device uses two lenses, two image sensors and a special LCD screen to create an utterly convincing stereoscopic 3D photograph. And the W1 also doubles up as a perfectly functional 2D point and shoot camera too. Mark Goldstein catches a glimpse of the future as he reviews the Fujifilm W1...
Electrophysics, a Sofradir Group company, has introduced a high-performance night vision module for use with Nikon’s full-frame (FX) digital SLR cameras. These digital cameras deliver bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness when used with the new AstroScope 9350NIK. Because the night vision module fits between the camera body and SLR lens, all the lens electrical connections are maintained and important lens features such as vibration reduction (VR) remain fully functional even in night vision mode. The introduction of the AstroScope 9350NIK follows hot on the heels of the announcement of the AstroScope 9350EOS-FF for Canon EOS digital SLR cameras.
DxO Labs have announced the immediate availability of version 5.3.5 of its DxO Optics Pro software, which adds support to the new Sony A850. Another feature is better noise control for images taken at high ISO with the Sony Alpha 900. Plus, there are 85 new DxO Optics Modules that cover fisheye lenses, wide-angles, and prime lenses as well as many zooms such as the 15x Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro - a lens type for which DxO Optic Pro’s optical corrections are particularly efficient along its entire focal range, the company says. DxO Optics Pro v5.3.5 and upgrades are available immediately for Mac and Windows platforms from the DxO Labs e store (www.dxo.com) and from quality resellers. All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since August 1, 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.3.5.
The Pentax X70 is the latest super-zoom compact camera to land on our review desk, and the first entry from Pentax into this ever-competitive segment of the market. This 24x zoom model offers an amazingly versatile focal range of 26-624mm, covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to up-close-and-personal nature shots. If there still isn't enough telephoto range for you, the software-based Intelligent Zoom function boosts the X70's reach up to 3900mm. Also on offer are a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, 1280x720 pixel HD movies, 1cm macro and full range of manual shooting modes. Currently selling for around £370 / $399, Gavin Stoker finds out if the Pentax X70 can compete with the super zoom big boys in our latest expert review.
The new Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera is one of the big surprises of 2009, offering a multitude of desirable features in a compact, weatherproof body. The K7 is the latest DSLR to feature a HD movie recording mode, in addition to its 14.6 megapixel still images. Other highlights include a dedicated HDR mode, improved 11-point auto-focus, high-res 3 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Can the Pentax K-7 take on and beat the likes of the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 50D? Read our in-depth review with test shots, JPEGS, RAW files and movie to find out...
The newest update to Mac OS X Leopard, version 10.5.7, adds system-level raw support for 14 new cameras and digital backs. These include four Leaf cameras and backs, six DSLRs, two interchangeable-lens rangefinders and two advanced compacts. Click through / read on for the full list of newly added cameras and backs.
Forget the new car, holiday or house extension - a mere £5499.99 / €7728.00 / $7999.95 will buy you the shiny new Nikon D3x. This 24.6 megapixel camera is the highest-resolution DSLR on the market, bettering the Sony A900 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II. As well as it's headline-grabbing megapixel count, the D3x also boasts a 51-point auto-focus system, 920,000-dot 3-inch LCD screen, 50-6400 ISO range and 16-bit image processing. Gavin Stoker discovers if the Nikon D3x really is the best ever DSLR...
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6 is a new entry in the travel-zoom camera market. Offering a 12x, 25-300mm lens with optical image stabilisation, 2.7 inch LCD screen, WVGA (848x480) movies and 10 megapixel sensor, the Panasonic TZ6 is the well-appointed cheaper sibling of the TZ7 model that we recently raved about. Available in silver and black for £269 / $299, is the TZ6 a worthy alternative? Find out by reading out latest expert review...
Phase One has released Capture One 4.7, an update to its popular Capture One program. The update adds a new file format for Phase One raw files. The Enhanced Image Package (.eip file extension) permits packaging of a Phase One RAW image file together with the adjustment settings applied to the raw file, with no changes to the original raw file or re-arrangement of settings. Also, Capture One 4.7 now accepts TIFF and JPEG as input file formats, making it possible to use all image editing tools - except lens correction - on them. Finally, the Capture One 4.7 DB and 4.7 PRO also support tethered shooting with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Nikon D3X digital SLRs.
Capture One 4.7 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.
Iridient Digital have released RAW Developer 1.8.3, an update to their raw image processing software for Mac OS X. This update includes support for the Olympus E-620, Canon SX1 IS, Casio EX-FH20, recent Hasselblad backs and RAW files converted by Phocus software. Other highlights include GPS metadata export, improvements to the default tone curves for the Nikon D3X and Sony DSLR-A900 and updates to the default Nikon white balance presets for many models. Irident RAW Developer requires MacOS X 10.4.10 or later and costs $125. The update is free for existing users.
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.3 adds support for the Nikon D3x and Sony Alpha A900 DSLR cameras. 43 new DxO Optics Correction Modules for a variety of cameras have also been added. DxO Optics Pro 5.3.3 includes multiple improvements, including automatic reading of the focusing distance for Canon 5D Mark II images. DxO Optics Pro v5.3.3 and upgrades are available immediately for Mac and Windows. All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since August 1, 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.3.3.
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.2 adds support for the Canon 5D Mark II and the Canon G10, along with 32 new DxO Optics correction modules. In addition, this new version includes various improvements, including installation of the plug-in version for Adobe Photoshop CS4. DxO Optics Pro v5.3.2 and upgrades are available immediately for Mac and Windows platforms.
NKRemote 1.0 is a new remote capture software program for Nikon DSLR cameras. Released by Breeze Systems, NKRemote currently supports the Nikon D3, D700, D300, D90 and D200. It allows you to control Nikon DSLR cameras from a PC, display live images on a PC screen, autofocus and manually control focus from a PC, plus comprehensive time lapse control. NKRemote 1.0 runs on Windows XP or Windows Vista and is available now priced at $95. A 15 day free trial version is available.
Capture One 4.6 is a new release with improved performance and additional camera support. Processing, Browsing, Folder viewing and Color Editor have all been improved, and the new Camera Controls tool allows users to remotely control key camera settings. New supported cameras include the Phase One P 65+, Canon G10, Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30. Capture One 4.6 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.
DxO Optics Pro 5.3.1 adds support for the new Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90 DSLR cameras. In addition, a 33% discount is available on all DxO Optics Pro editions and upgrades until December 31st 2008, up to 90 € in savings. All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since August 1, 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.
DxO Optics Pro v5.3 is a major new release of the automatic image quality enhancement solution for digital SLR and compact camera users. DxO Optics Pro 5.3 adds more RAW support, 64-bit Windows compatibility, support for Adobe Lightroom 2, and new DxO Optics Correction Modules. “The noise removal technology for RAW images featured in DxO Optics Pro 5.3 opens up exciting options to photographers providing them with up to a 2-stop gain at photo capture, as if digital grain never really existed,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, director of the photography business at DxO Labs. “This translates into a dramatic increase in capture flexibility.”
SanDisk have unveiled a 16GB Extreme IV high-performance memory card at Photokina, and also have boosted the speed of the entire Extreme IV range up to 45 megabytes per second. SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards have undergone internal testing with many leading manufacturers’ cameras and DSLRs, such as Canon’s EOS series, Nikon’s D300 and D3 cameras, the Sony Alpha A700, and the Olympus E500 and E3 cameras. Depending on the camera used, the increased performance of the SanDisk Extreme IV memory card line may help reduce the delay between shots, enabling photographers to take more photos overall. The 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash memory card is available now for $399.99 in the United States and €281 in Europe.
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.8 adds full support for RAW conversion from an additional 8 digital cameras. The full list is the Nikon D3, Nikon D300, Pentax K20D, Pentax K10D, Olympus E-3, Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, Canon EOS 450D/Rebel XSi and Canon PowerShot G9 cameras. Shooting data display for Nikon DSLRs has been improved and now include focus point overlay display for recent cameras. BreezeBrowser Pro v1.8 also includes a new HTML template which uses PicLens for dynamic viewing of web galleries.
Website: BreezeBrowser Pro v1.8
A beta version of DxO Optics Pro v5 for the Apple Macintosh platform is now available. The free public beta, available in English only, will run for several weeks. “Although both the Mac and PC versions are identical in terms of functionalities, Mac users will be especially pleased with the consistency of DxO Optics Pro v5 in the Mac environment,” says Cyrille de La Chesnais, Sales & Marketing Director of the Photography Business at DxO Labs. “For instance, the palette and tab icons follow Mac OS X toolbar guidelines and the select tab reproduces the three viewing modes that Mac users are accustomed to using.” DxO Optics Pro v5 is available in Standard and Elite editions for $169 and $299 respectively.
DxO Optics Pro v5 now supports the new Nikon D3 camera body and an initial selection of lenses. Lens correction modules for three popular Nikkor lenses are available for the Nikon D3: the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D and the AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. “This SLR is built for demanding professional photographers who will make no compromise in image quality. And that’s what DxO Optics Pro is all about: getting the best image quality possible,” says Luc Marin, VP of the Photography business at DxO Labs. DxO Labs has also reset the demo limitation at “0” for everyone who has demo’d version 5.
Professor Kobré’s Lightscoop instantly improves photos taken with the pop-up flash in 35mm SLR cameras. Professor Kobré calls his Lightscoop “an ideal intermediary lighting tool for beginners who can’t yet afford an external strobe”. More advanced users who own an external flash will appreciate the Lightscoop as a lightweight, simple alternative for casual shooting. Professor Kobré’s Lightscoop costs $29.95 and is available in two versions, one with a standard mirror and another with a gold-tinted mirror to provide a warming effect.
Delkin have unveiled a range of new products at PMA, including the improved SensorScope, Snug-it Pro camera skins, and 16Gb SDHC Pro card. The SensorScope sensor cleaning system has undergone several improvements and will be shipping in early March, 2008. Snug-it Pro camera skins provide complete protection for digital SLR cameras, will begin shipping in late March, and will be available for the Canon Digital Rebel Xti, Canon 40D, and Nikon D40. The Delkin SDHC Pro 16GB Class 6 cards offer maximum storage and speed.
Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras has just passed the 30 million mark, with 10 million of those digital bodies. The achievement coincides with Canon’s 70th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the launch of its EOS line of SLR cameras. In March of 1987, Canon’s 50th anniversary, the company introduced the EOS 650 AF SLR camera (pictured), the first model of the EOS series. One for the fact-fans out there - EOS is the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn.
Bibble Pro 4.9.9 adds support for the Nikon D300, Nikon D3, Canon 1Ds Mark 3, Canon G9, Olympus E-3 and Sony A700 cameras. This release also adds tethered shooting support for all Nikon SLR’s on Intel Macs. Bibble 4 is available in both “Pro” ($129.95) and “Lite” ($69.95) versions for Windows, Macintosh (PPC/Intel as a Universal Binary) and Linux. The Bibble 4.9.9 update is free for all current Bibble 4 customers, and new customers will also receive a free upgrade to Bibble 5, when available.
The Delkin Devices 16GB UDMA CompactFlash Pro memory card offers fast read/write speeds-up to 305x (45MB/sec sustained transfer speed capability). Photographers using UDMA-enabled cameras such as the Canon 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3X can maximize the full benefits of their camera investment. “Delkin’s complete UDMA solution for professional photographers is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Besides our CompactFlash PRO cards, we offer UDMA enabled ExpressCard and CardBus adapters, and a FireWire reader for the fastest download speeds to the computer” said Eric Richter, Delkin’s Marketing Manager. The price of the Delkin Devices 16GB UDMA CompactFlash Pro card is $399.99.
DxO Labs today announced the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v5 for Windows. Originally slated for release at the end of October, DxO Optics Pro 5 was delayed for a month “following an extended testing and quality assurance phase”. DxO Optics Pro v5 is available in Standard and Elite versions at pricing unchanged from the previous version ($169 and $299 respectively).
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 1.3 and Camera Raw 4.3 updates are now available. Lightroom 1.3 adds support for Leopard Mac OS X 10.5 and includes a technology preview of the Lightroom Export SDK. Both Lightroom 1.3 and Camera Raw 4.3 include raw file support for seven additional digital cameras including the Nikon D3, Nikon D300 and Canon 1Ds Mark III.
Luminous Landscape have a really in-depth report about using the new Canon 1Ds Mark III, a 21.1 megapixel full-frame digital SLR on a recent trip to Madagascar.
” I haven’t yet done any side by side comparisons with the 5D, the D3, the 1Ds MKII, the P21, the P45, or any other camera for that matter. All I’ve had time for is travel half way round the world with the IIIs, shot from 4WD vehicles on dusty ox-cart trails, from canoes on the ocean, on sandy beaches, and in tropical jungles and forests. The camera has been dust covered, splashed with sea water, and bounced around on the floor of a Land Rover for hours at a time. So, sorry – no tests reports with graphs and comparison tables right now. Just five thousand plus frames of actual photography done in the harsh real world.”
LightZone 3.2 photo editing software is fully compatible with the new Apple OS X Leopard operating system. The LightZone update also adds support for a number of new digital cameras, including the Sony DSLR-A700 and Canon 40D. “Light Crafts is pleased to offer support for both the new Apple Mac OS X Leopard operating system and numerous digital cameras recently introduced from leading digital camera manufacturers,” said Fabio Riccardi, CEO, Light Crafts. “Many of our customers are early adopters of leading edge technology and new products. They can continue to count on Light Crafts to provide support for new products that are continuously introduced into the fast moving digital photography market.” LightZone 3.2 costs $249.95 for the Full version and $149.95 for the Basic version.
DPReview have reviewed the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera, which offers a 10.1 megapixel sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting and 3 inch LCD screen.
“Seven years since the EOS D30, the sixth incarnation of that camera displays all of the advantages of a progressive evolution in both features and quality. With each step up the evolutionary ladder to the EOS 40D Canon has demonstrated improvements in image quality, performance, usability and features. They also demonstrated that as well as meeting the ‘requirements of the market’ they also listened to owners and reviewers by implementing the most commonly requested feature changes.”
Website: DPReview - Canon EOS 40D Review
Website: Read our Canon EOS 40D Review
DxO Optics Pro 5 RAW conversion software delivers exceptional quality especially for lowlight images. Fully rewritten, version 5 also adds dust/blemish removal, improved user interface, increased speed and expanded camera support. DxO Optics Pro v5 for Windows is planned to be available at the end of October 2007, priced from £99. The Macintosh version is planned to be available approximately one month after the Windows version. All purchasers of DxO Optics Pro v4.5 on or after August 1st, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5.
Phase One have released a Beta version of its Capture One 4 RAW workflow software. New features in Capture One 4 include High Dynamic Range, Variants, Web contact sheet and Multiple up viewing. The first look at Capture One 4 is available now at no cost until November 1st.
FotoTime introduces version 5.5 of its FotoAlbum Pro software, featuring support for the new Vista operating system and RAW file formats from all leading camera manufacturers. FotoAlbum 5.5 is available now as a free upgrade for current customers and at $29.95 for new customers.
Adobe have released Camera Raw 3.7 for both Windows and Mac platforms. Support for the Nikon D40 and Pentax K10D DSLR cameras has been added in this update.
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.7 (Windows)
Website: Adobe Camera Raw 3.7 (MAC)
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. Nikon D70 Front-Focused Images (Part III)
2. How To Achieve Smaller Image Files
3. Busy As A Bee
Introducing this week’s Gary’s Parries column. Everything you always wanted to know about digital cameras, but were afraid to ask. No question too difficult, or too easy. As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people have in their little finger. In the unlikely event that GARY would not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, implies “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imagination run wild. Email all your nagging digital camera questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
You may also attach to your email an ORIGINAL PHOTO of your choosing. A preview of the photo will be displayed with your question, and a full-sized version will be just a click away. No personal information will be published with your question unless you specifically include it in the text or attached photo of your email, which may be further edited for grammar, content, or other reasons.
Bob Atkins has published his review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“The EOS 5D will likely be regarded as something of a landmark camera and shows how much digital technology has advanced in only a few years. The first “affordable” DSLR was the Canon EOS D30, a 3MP APS-C sensor camera which sold for $3000+ in October 2000 (Original price 380,000 yen). In only 5 years (October 2005) we now have a 12.7 MP full frame camera selling for about the same price ($3000). In another 5 years I would not be surprised to see a 15MP full frame camera selling for under $1500. However the 5D will be seen as the “full frame” breakthrough camera, just as the D30 is seen as the first really practical and affordable DSLR.”
Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS 5D Review
Digital Foci Press Release
Digital Photo Album with Large 3.6” LCD Securely Saves Photos on the Road in its 40GB & 80GB Portable Hard Drives - Compatible to Print Photos without a Computer - Records Voice & Video
February 7, 2006 – Orlando, Florida – Digital Foci announced today that it will be introducing at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Conference Picture Porter Elite portable digital photo album with 40GB and 80GB hard drives and a memory card reader. Featuring a large 3.6” LCD for easy viewing, Picture Porter Elite lets you instantly and securely save and view digital photos and video on its hard drive wherever you go, so you can keep snapping away and stop worrying about limited memory card space on your digital camera.
Microsoft Press Release
Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP Version 1.0 (Build 50)
The Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer provides the ability to view, organize, and print photos captured in RAW image formats from supported Canon and Nikon digital cameras.
The updated version of the software adds support for the Canon EOS 5D, Nikon D50, and other recent camera models from Canon and Nikon (see list of new supported camera models below). In addition, a new Save As button has been added to the toolbar, allowing users to conveniently save either an embedded preview or processed RAW image to disk as a JPEG or TIFF file.
Pixmantec Press Release
Pixmantec Partners With ETCETERA Consulting To Provide Sophisticated Color Profiles For Canon And Nikon Digital SLRs
Copenhagen, November 15, 2005: Danish digital imaging specialists Pixmantec ApS are pleased to announce the immediate release of RawShooter | Color Engine. A plug?in for both existing and forthcoming RawShooter RAW workflow applications, RawShooter |Color Engine provides discerning photographers with an excellent alternative to the standard RawShooter profiles. Designed in cooperation with color expert Magne Nilsen of ETCETERA Consulting, RawShooter | Color Engine seamlessly integrates into all RawShooter applications. Built using an advanced architecture, RawShooter | Color Engine delivers a level of sophistication that has yet to be seen in DSLR profile management and thus has the potential or exciting enhancements to come.
The-Digital-Picture.com have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
” New this round are Picture Styles. Picture Styles are said to simulate the qualities of various film types by adjusting sharpness, color tone, contrast and sharpness. The six preset Picture Style settings include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome. Three user-defined options are available as well. Apparently, most of these films are not ones I want to use. I may adjust to them; but thus far, I am not too excited about the preset settings. The one exception may be the Landscape Picture Style that appears to emulate Fuji’s Velvia Film. And neutral of course - the setting I am using in-camera. I say in-camera as Picture Styles settings can be changed in post-process using the included Digital Photo Pro software. In fact, RAW files from cameras as old as the Canon D30 can be processed using the new Picture Styles. The ability to create your own User-Defined Picture Styles is great. Mix up your own parameters to perfection.”
Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Canon EOS 5D Review
Canon have launched a new website dedicated to Picture Styles, which Canon suggests is “like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression”. As well as being able to shoot pictures with the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark II N cameras using a specific Picture style, you can also apply them to RAW files from older Canon DSLR cameras (right back to the D30) using the newly-released Digital Photo Professional v2.0 software.
“Color creativity with digital cameras has undergone enormous development and evolution since the advent of EOS DIGITAL cameras. The results of that progress have now been incorporated into Picture Style. Many functions have traditionally had to be adjusted through the Color Matrix and Developing Parameters. Picture Style integrates these into a display that is intuitive and unambiguous for professionals working with photographic data. Selecting the optimal Picture Style is like selecting the best film for the subject or desired photographic expression. By making this selection, you can create digital data fine-tuned for certain characteristics the moment the shutter is released. Picture Style makes it possible to produce images with the same characteristics regardless of the EOS DIGITAL camera used.”
Website: Canon Picture Style Special Site
Canon USA have released a new version, 2.0.3, of Digital Photo Professional, Canon’s software application for editing and converting RAW images shot by EOS Digital cameras.
1. Changes from Digital Photo Professional 2.0.1
1-1. In Picture Style, some of the setting item names were incorrect. Those names have been fixed as the following chart shows.
Incorrect / Correct
- / Landscape
- / Portrait
- / Neutral
- / Faithful
B/W / Monochrome
1-2. In images taken with EOS 5D or EOS-1D, some of the color tones would be missing. This problem has been fixed
Digital Foci Press Release
Picture Porter Digital Photo Album Securely Saves Photos on the Road on 20GB & 40GB Portable Hard Drives without Heavy Laptop
Keep on Snapping Photos - Never Run Out of Memory Card Space Again
Los Angeles, California, September 23, 2005 – Digital Foci, Inc. (www.digitalfoci.com) introduced today Picture Porter portable digital photo album with hard drive and card reader that lets you instantly and securely save and view digital photos and video on a hard drive wherever you go, so you can keep snapping away and not worry about running out of memory card space.
Especially valuable for vacations, trade shows, special events, parties, and for pro photographers who take and show a large number of photos, Picture Porter saves photos on its compact portable hard drive, so you don’t have to bring heavy laptops on the road. Picture Porter takes the worry out of losing precious photos stored on easily damaged memory cards. Its built-in memory card slots let you copy and archive photos directly from any digital camera card, without the need of cumbersome cabling. With Picture Porters’ compact 20GB and 40GB hard drive versions, you’ll virtually never run out of memory card space on the road again.
The Canon EOS 5D is announced. The Canon 5D is a 12.8 megapixel full-frame digital SLR camera. The 5D uses the Digic II processor and features a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The BG-E4 is a new battery grip designed especially for the EOS 5D. The Canon EOS 5D will be available from October 2005 for £2539.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €3699.99 RRP inc VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon’s full frame, compact EOS 5D defines new D-SLR category
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the 12.8 Megapixel EOS 5D, creating a new D-SLR category combining a full frame CMOS sensor with a lightweight, compact magnesium alloy body. Weighing just 810 grams, it features a second generation 35.8 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor, 3 frame per second, 60 Large JPEG frame burst and 0.2 second start up time operation.
“The discreet full frame EOS 5D is the camera many photojournalists and agencies have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “It will be an indispensable piece of equipment for a wide range of professionals – from contemporary wedding to reportage photographers.”
Marking five years since Canon’s first CMOS image sensor appeared in the EOS D30, the release represents Canon’s fifth new CMOS sensor to be released since April 2004. “CMOS sensors are a critical technology advantage driving Canon’s rapid digital SLR development,” remarked Jensen.
The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N digital SLR camera is announced. The EOS 1D Mark II N is an upgrade of the EOS-1D Mark II, principally offering a larger frame burst on both JPEG and RAW mode and increasing the size of the LCD monitor to 2.5 inches. Dual CF and SD memory card slots are provided on the Canon EOS 1D Mark II Nfor separate RAW and JPEG recording. The Canon EOS 1D Mark II N will be available from September 2005 for £3049.99 RRP inc. VAT/ €4399.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Canon UK Press Release
Professional requirements drive Canon’s new EOS-1D Mark II N
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EOS-1D Mark II N: an upgrade of the award winning EOS-1D Mark II. Still featuring 8.2 Megapixel performance at 8.5 frames per second, the upgraded camera has a higher performance buffer to deliver a 48 frame burst in JPEG and 22 frame burst in RAW. LCD monitor size increases from 2.0” to a 2.5”, and dual CF and SD memory card slots provide for separate RAW and JPEG recording. Colour Matrix and parameter settings are replaced with Canon’s new Picture Style – six pre-sets that simplify in-camera control over image optimisation and processing.
“The EOS-1D Mark II took photojournalism and sports photography by storm and was chosen by more than 70% of professional photographers at the 2004 Athens Olympics, ” reported Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Taking feedback from the professionals as their guide, Canon’s engineers have made a great camera even better.”
Luminous Landscape have published a brief review of the new Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), a new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.
“If you’re looking for an ultra-wide zoom for your 1.5x or 1.6x lens factor DSLR then I can recommend the Tamron SP 11-18 f/4.5-5.6 Di II LD to you. The price is attractive and the lens is capable of producing high quality images. If you are the owner of a Canon D30, D60 or 10D, and therefore unable to use the Canon 10-22mm lens without performing warranty destroying surgery, the new Tamron provides an attraction option.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Review.
Epson UK Press Release
New Firmware for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer
The Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer allows users to store and preview digital photos, movies and music. The 3.8 inch Photo Fine display provides outstanding definition for unsurpassed picture quality.
April 2005 - A firmware upgrade is now available for the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer. New features include; increased image handling; compatibility with a larger range of digital SLR cameras and the addition of histograms. Existing P-2000 customers can download the new firmware (version 02.02), free of charge from the Epson website. Go to www.epson.co.uk, click on digital photography products and follow the support link from the product information page.
Website: Read my Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer Review
Epson have released a new firmware update for thier P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which I enthusiastically reviewed earlier this week.
The firmware provides the following enhancements:
1) Supports JPEG images from digital SLR cameras with an image-capture sensor of up to 17.8 megapixels.
2) Added Histogram information that shows the photo’s distribution of highlights, shadows, and mid-tones.
3) Additional RAW file support. The P-2000 now supports images in RAW format with the following digital SLR cameras..
EPSON R-D1, Nikon D100, D1H, D2H, D70, D1X, D2X, Canon EOS D30, EOS D60, EOS 10D, Kiss Digital, EOS 1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS Digital Rebel, EOS 20D, Konica Minolta Maxxum-7D, Pentax *istD and*istDS
Website: Epson America
Phase One® to offer additional tethered support for Canon® EOS DSLRs in Capture One™ RAW Workflow Software.
February 20th, 2005, PMA, Florida, USA: Phase One®, a world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, announces tethered support for all Canon® EOS DSLR cameras (1Ds MKII/ 1D MKII / 1Ds / 1D / 20D/ 10D / 300D / D60 / D30) in their Capture One RAW Workflow Software. This extended tethered support will be available in Capture One PRO v3.7 and will be a free update for all existing owners of Capture One PRO. The release date is May, 2005.
The NPD Group Press Release
Canon Named ‘America’s Choice’ For Digital Cameras in 2004, According to Leading Industry Data Source; Canon’s PowerShot and EOS Digital Cameras Capture the Overall #1 Brand Ranking from The NPD Group
Feb. 1, 2005 America has spoken, and it has chosen Canon as the leading brand for digital cameras in 2004, according to recently released retail sales data from The NPD Group, one of the leading providers of retail market information.
The NPD Group reports that the Canon brand captured the number one position in Total Digital Camera Sales in 2004, with a market share of 20.4 percent, based on unit sales of both compact cameras and digital SLR cameras combined*. In addition, Canon was the number one brand in both NPD’s Digital Point-and-Shoot and Digital SLR categories, with market shares of 18.6 percent and 62.8 percent, respectively.
Bob Atkins has published a short, technical guide to digital sensor size, looking at several digital cameras with different physical sensor sizes but all with a nominal 3 megapixel (3MP) pixel count.
”“So what” you might think, “if you have enough pixels, what does the sensor size matter?”. Cameras with smaller sensors use shorter focal length lenses to get the same angular coverage as cameras with larger sensors do with longer focal length lenses. So if you have a 28-105mm zoom on a Canon D30, a 10-37mm zoom on a Nikon 995 or a 7.4-28mm zoom on a Minolta Xi, you get approximately the same shot. What’s the big deal about the physical size of the sensor? Why does it matter?”
Website: Bob Atkins - Digital Sensor Size - Why Size Matters
Extensis Inc. Press Release 27/09/04
Free filter powered by Bibble Labs enables professional photographers to read Raw data from image files of leading digital SLR cameras.
Photokina, Cologne, Germany - September 27, 2004 - Extensis Inc. today announced an update to its Pro Photo Raw Image Filter for Portfolio 7. The updated filter will be a free upgrade for registered owners of Extensis’ digital asset management (DAM) solution for organizing digital photos, illustrations, page layouts and presentations.
With the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter, Portfolio generates high-quality thumbnails and previews from the unprocessed raw image files created by professional digital cameras from Nikon, Olympus, Kodak, Canon, Fuji, Konica-Minolta, Pentax and Imacon. With the Pro Photo Raw Image Filter, Portfolio 7 can extract EXIF metadata and IPTC from the Raw files, create thumbnails for displaying the images in catalogs, and generate high-resolution JPEG previews on the fly for detailed viewing, printing, slideshows and QuickTime movies.
“There have been rapid developments in the digital camera industry since we released our first Raw camera support for Portfolio last year,” said Dan Harlacher, Extensis Portfolio product manager. “With this update, professional photographers now have the Raw camera support they demand for keeping pace with the new camera developments without losing the ability to preview, keyword, organize and sort thousands of images within Portfolio without getting bogged down in a lengthy conversion process.”
Canon UK Press release 21/09/04
Introducing the EOS-1Ds Mark II - Canon’s new 16.7 Megapixel Digital SLR extends studio photographer’s options
Canon, world leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new flagship camera: the 35mm full-frame 16.7 Megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR. The camera is expected to appeal to professional studio and commercial photographers.
Featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm 16.7 Megapixel CMOS sensor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II produces images with outstanding colour rendition and dynamic range. It has sufficient resolution to produce files which convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24 bit colour depth, now considered standard acceptable size by leading international photo agencies and stock libraries.
Replacing the award winning 11.1 Megapixel EOS-1Ds, the camera is powered by Canon’s second generation DIGIC II image processor and is capable of firing at 4 fps for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG, or 11 frames in RAW. An optional wireless adaptor (WFT-E1 - also released today) delivers high speed IEEE802.11b/g wireless LAN and 100 Megabit per second wired LAN support.
Besides the inherent advantages of digital, such as immediate turn-around and elimination of film costs, it is the flexibility of the EOS 35mm SLR format which Canon expects to appeal to many studio photographers. For the first time, medium format image quality combines with access to the world?s most extensive range of professional lenses, spanning from 14mm to 1200mm.
“The EOS-1Ds Mark II is a tremendous achievement, it represents the pinnacle of Canon?s digital camera technology,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “With its resolution, image quality, immediacy of wireless and the power and flexibility of SLR, the EOS-1Ds Mark II offers the first real digital alternative to medium format, which has so far been the choice for mainstream commercial studio and location work.”
The EOS-1Ds MKII will be available from November 2004 for £5999.99 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 8699.99 RRP inc. VAT.
Breeze Systems Press Release 20/09/04
BreezeBrowser v2.10 adds raw conversion for Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 for US $49.95
20 September 2004: Breeze Systems today announced BreezeBrowser v2.10, latest release of its raw conversion, browsing and web page generation software. This release allows Canon EOS-1D Mark II, PowerShot Pro1 and S60 owners to use BreezeBrowser for raw conversion.
The ability to view, rename and copy Raw+JPEG images is also extended to Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EOS 20D, Nikon D70 and Nikon D2H users in this release.
BreezeBrowser v2.10 supports high quality conversion of raw files from the following Canon EOS cameras: 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1D, 10D, 300D/Digital Rebel, D60 and D30 and the following Canon Powershot cameras: G5, G3, G2, G1, Pro1, Pro90IS, S60, S50, S45, S40 and S30.
BreezeBrowser is Windows based software developed and sold by Breeze Systems Ltd. Other products include Downloader Pro, DSLR Remote Pro and PSRemote. Breeze Systems’ customers include Getty Images, Reuters and many world class photographers. BreezeBrowser is available from www.breezesys.com for US $49.94 or US $64.90 bundled with Downloader Pro v1.4. The price includes one year’s free upgrades from the date of purchase.
Breeze Systems Limited is based in Hampshire, UK and has been providing innovative IT solutions since 1994. Many thousands of customers worldwide rely on BreezeBrowser.
Canon USA Press Release 12/08/04
CANON RECEIVES 2004 INSIGHT AWARD FOR MOST INNOVATIVE CMOS IMAGE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
Canon EOS 10D Recognized as One of the First High-End Digital SLR Cameras To Take Advantage of the Innovative CMOS Technology
Lake Success, N.Y., August 12, 2004 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), today announced that it has received Semiconductor Insights’s 2004 INSIGHT Award for Most Innovative CMOS Image Sensor Technology.
Semiconductor Insights (SI), the leader in technical and patent analyses of integrated circuits and structures, analyzes hundreds of devices each year from the world’s most innovative companies. Through its INSIGHT Awards program, SI recognizes devices or technologies that change the performance/cost equation of their respective segments with a new design or process innovation. For the awards program, SI tested the CMOS Image Sensor Technology built into the Canon EOS 10D, one of the first high-end SLRs to use a CMOS image sensor.
“Our analysis confirmed that Canon has achieved the sensitivity and shutter speed of a CCD technology in a low cost CMOS process. As well, Canon’s CMOS process delivers a distinct power advantage over competitive CCD plays,” said Lluis Paris, director of TECHinsights for Semiconductor Insights. “The result is an affordable and high quality SLR.”
Pixingo Press Release 05/08/04
About PhotoFirst
PhotoFirst is powerful digital photography workflow software. It is designed by, and for, professional photographers to simplify, streamline and save time in the management of their digital photographs from camera to client presentation. This fully integrated package allows the photographer to create job sessions that keep track of photos, photographer and job information and automatically tracks time spent on a project. Once imported, images can be organized, developed (if RAW), edited, grouped, batch corrected and renumbered. When done to the photographer’s satisfaction, the photos are exported for viewing by the client as studio branded custom Web galleries, proof sheets and/or resized image files. Photographer, job and copyright information travels with all images and the source files are never changed. A built in, side-by-side comparison window allows real time review and selection with customers for use as a sales tool.
Phase One Press Release 02/08/04
August 2, 2004, Copenhagen, Denmark: Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, announces C1 RAW Workflow software LE (Limited Edition) for MAC.
The objective of the C1 LE software is to provide professional photographers with:
* An affordable RAW conversion workflow for professional RAW shooting
* A RAW converter that provides the quality RAW conversion from your DSLR
* An easy-to-use workflow which prepares RAW files without the need for other imaging software
C1 LE workflow for Canon, Nikon, Olympus & Pentax
C1 LE handles RAW files from the following DSLR cameras: Canon: 10D / 300D Rebel / D60 / D30, Nikon: D100 / D70, Olympus: E-1 / E-10 / E-20 as well as Pentax *istD. C1 LE is available for Mac OS X 2.8 and later or Windows XP/2000.
C1 LE provides unbeatable image quality
More than 25,000 photographers benefit from working with Phase One?s C1 RAW workflow software every day. DSLR users save hours of work in editing, processing and improving the quality of their RAW images with C1. Phase One?s world renowned image processing algorithm ensures that RAW files are processed into TIFF or JPEG with the best achievable image quality.
Phase One Press Release 30/07/04
More than 25,000 professional photographers and enthusiasts benefit from working with Phase One’s C1 RAW workflow software every day. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we introduce C1 LE RAW Workflow software for Mac. Now, for the first time, Mac users can enjoy the low entry cost that C1 LE offers to the Digital SLR enthusiast and low volume professional. C1 LE provides the highly regarded and never duplicated RAW Workflow that Phase One has developed over the past 10 years, along with the famous Phase One image quality.
C1 LE RAW Workflow software for Mac supports RAW files from the following DSLR cameras:
- Canon:
10D/ 300D/ Rebel/ D60/ D30
- Nikon:
D100/ D70
- Olympus:
E1/ E10/ E20
- Pentax: *istD.
New C1 RAW Workflow software with Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus and Pentax camera support
May 27, 2004, Copenhagen, Denmark: Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, announces a new version of their C1 RAW Workflow software.
C1 3.5 includes support for new DSLR cameras and Phase One digital backs on both Windows and Macintosh platforms, as well as exciting new workflow features. New customers can get a FREE trial today. Existing users can update now to start benefiting from C1 Version3.5.
The objective of the C1 RAW Workflow software is to provide professional photographers with:
* Maximum image quality
* The fastest workflow
* The best support
Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus and Pentax shooters can now join the C1 family
New camera support has been added to C1. Canon: 1D MKII /1D /1Ds /10D /300D /D60 /D30 Nikon: D2H / D1H /D1X /D100 /D70, Fuji S2 Pro, Olympus: E1** / E10** / E20** as well as Pentax *istD users can join the C1 RAW Workflow family. The new camera support is available for both Mac and PC platforms.
** Will be available in the June release of C1 software that is free of charge to all V3.5 uses.
Canon have made the new EOS Viewer Utility available for download for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. It supports the following cameras:
EOS D30
EOS D60
EOS 10D
EOS Digital Rebel
EOS-1D
EOS-1D Mark II
EOS-1Ds
EOS Viewer Utility (EVU) downloads JPEG and RAW files from EOS digital SLRs, can convert RAW images and allows the modification of camera settings. EVU will NOT convert RAW images from PowerShot cameras.
EOS Capture v1.0 is automatically installed with EVU and enables control of the camera from the computer. EOS Capture v1.0 only supports EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D Mark II.
Website: Canon EOS Viewer Utility
Digital Outback Photo have taken a look at a new feature for the Nikon D70 and D2H digital SLRs called “Dust Off” (part of the Nikon Capture software), which promises to quickly remove those irritating dust spots from your photos.
“Dust spots are a fact of the life of digital photographers using DSLRs with interchangeable lenses (only the Canon D30, D60, 10D and 300D seem to be less prone. We have the feeling that this maybe more luck than design because the Canon 1D and 1Ds show more dust).
Now Nikon came up with a neat idea to implement a feature in their D70 and D2h that allows to photograph a “dust map” photo and should help to reduce/remove dust from existing raw files.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Dust Removal
Phase One Press Release 12/02/04
PMA CONVENTION, LAS VEGAS, NV, February 12, 2004 - Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, is pleased to announce its critically-acclaimed C1 RAW Workflow software now supports the full Canon line of DSLRs on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
This new major release adds support for the Canon 300D Digital Rebel to all Windows versions as well as the Canon, 10D, D60 and D30 to all Macintosh versions, in addition to the 1Ds and 1D.
Fuji, Nikon, and Olympus shooters can soon join as well
In May, C1 will support Nikon D2h/D70/D1h/D1x/D100 as well as Fuji S2 on both Win and Mac platforms. Current C1 Windows versions already offer support for Nikon 1Dx (PRO/SE) and D100 (PRO/SE/LE). Phase One has received many requests about adding camera support from photographers using Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus DSLRs. From May (Olympus soon after), these shooters can benefit from the superior image quality and unique workflow efficiency C1 provides.
Breeze Systems Press Release 27/01/04
27th January, 2004: Breeze Systems today announced another innovative product for users of Canon?s Digital SLR cameras (EOS-1DS, EOS-1D, 10D, Digital REBEL, 300D). Professionals can now use Breeze Systems highly regarded software to control the EOS-1DS and EOS-1D as well as Canon?s midrange DSLR cameras.
Use DSLR Remote Pro to
- See large high quality previews of shots on your PC within seconds
- Gain unrivalled control of settings for Canon cameras during tethered operation
- Enable tethered operation of the camera from a distance
- Store images directly onto the hard disk of a PC ready for onward transmission (e.g. by FTP to a picture desk)
- Automate addition of IPTC data to images as they are downloaded
- Enable customers to view pictures while you continue shooting
- Preview images in black and white or color
Use the large preview image to display
- Flashing highlights to indicate over-exposed areas
- Grid overlay to assist accurate alignment
- Black and white
- Focus point overlay
DSLR Remote Pro has been developed by Chris Breeze, who has established a worldwide reputation for digital camera software (including BreezeBrowser, Downloader Pro,10DRemote, PSRemote, D30Remote) over several years. DSLR Remote Pro is available from Breeze Systems website at an introductory price of US$129.
DSLR Remote Pro runs on Windows and is available on a 15 day free trial from Breeze Systems website - http://www.breezesys.com
Phase One have released a new version of their popular RAW conversion software, Capture One. The new Special Edition is available now for purchase for $199 (after Dec 31 - $249) at www.pictureflow.com. This includes a free camera profile from Etcetera.cc (by Magne Nilsen). Capture One SE is positioned between Capture One LE (Light Edition) and Capture One, which is the full version.
Website: www.pictureflow.com
Phase One Press Release 19/12/03
New C1 “Special Edition” RAW conversion software breaks price barrier for high-end digital SLR shooters for Mac and Windows
- New C1 SE RAW Workflow software announced at $249 with full “Pro” camera support; special introductory pricing now available on C1 SE for $199 until end of year -
NORTHPORT, NY, December 19, 2003 - Phase One, the world leader in professional digital imaging camera backs and software, is pleased to announce C1 Special Edition (SE) RAW Workflow software, the latest version in the C1 DSLR line of RAW Workflow Solutions which is being rolled-out today.
The extensive feature set of the new C1 SE RAW Workflow software is based on the C1 LE (Limited Edition) version, with the exception of the RAW conversion simultaneous batch limit being raised to 100 images (from 20 in LE) and the addition of the full camera support previously available only in the C1 PRO version. On the Mac platform, RAW conversion support is provided for the full line of Canon digital SLR?s (1Ds, 1D, 10D, 300D, D30 and D60). On the Windows platform, the Nikon D1X and D100 are also supported, in addition to the full Canon DSLR lineup. All C1 versions, including the new C1 SE, provide unlimited batch processing by using the Quick Proof Export function which converts RAW files into high-quality proofs in approximately three (3) seconds each (depending on computer configuration).
To celebrate the release of C1 SE, special pre-release pricing of $199 is now available from the three authorized C1 web sites: www.c1dslr.com, www.pictureflow.com (US) and www.pixource.com (Asia).
Phase One have just announced a new version of Capture One Pro RAW conversion software for the Mac platform.
“C1 PRO is for the professional and advanced Digital SLR photographer, who understands the huge quality benefits of shooting RAW and for whom the digital workflow is vital. If you shoot larger amounts of pack shots, if your image needs to be the best or if you shoot large amount of RAW images that needs to be adjusted, cropped and developed you will clearly appreciate what C1 PRO gives you. If you are studio photographer or a wedding photographer or a photographer for whom image quality needs to be the best C1 PRO is your choice.”
News about C1 PRO? V1.2 for Mac
Camera support
- C1 PRO V1.2 to be released Nov. 18 will include support for Canon EOS 1D/1Ds/10D/D60/D30/300D
- 1 .Quarter 2004 support for Nikon D100/D1X is planned to be included
New and improved features
- Support for Mac OS X (Panther)
- Individual noise reduction for each image
- Image saturation adjustment slider
- Auto exposure / Contrast wand
- “Quick Develop” allows fast conversion to TIFF or JPEG
- Dual image view to compare 2 images
- Unlimited amount of differently formatted output files per conversion
- Profile editor for adjusting camera profiles
- Embedded copyright in output image
- Alignment grid
- Midtone slider
- Photoshop moire plug-in
- Dual screen support with separate thumbnails browser
- Can run after 30 day trial period (output disabled)
Website: Capture One
DCViews have posted their review of the Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel, with a lot of sample photos to look at.
“Canon have done it again. After releasing the first of many IXUS/ELPH models a few years ago and improving them with each succeeding model, they then produced the EOS D30. A groundbreaking digital SLR, which was followed shortly after by the D60 and 10D, two digital SLRs that really showed the world what Canon was capable of. Now they have again astonished everyone, including the competition, by releasing a truly affordable consumer digital SLR camera. First impressions may deceive but if the camera’s good looks and advanced specifications are anything to go by, we are sure the 300D will be a winner from the start.”
Website: DCViews - Canon EOS 300D Review
David Burren is an Australian nature photographer who uses Canon digital camera equipment. He has posted a couple of articles recently that will be of interest to all current and would-be Canon DSLR owners. “Sigma 15-30mm vs. Canon 17-40mm” and “Choosing a wide-angle zoom lens for an EOS D30/D60/10D” are self-explanatory articles with plenty of technical info, personal opinion and sample images. Visit David’s site first if you haven’t bought a wide-angle lens yet (or a 10D for that matter!) (found via digicamera.net).
Website: David Burren Photography
Perhaps even more interestingly (certainly from my own point of view), Chasseurs d’Images also has a page dedicated to rumours about the new Digital SLRs that may be announced at PMA 2003.
Here’s a translated excerpt that really caught my eye:
Website: Chasseurs d’Images - PMA 2003
“In the best of the cases, the substitute of D60 will not be available in quantity before April! And its characteristics for the moment are held secret until that the end of the month.
The rumour speaks about D40, D4, D80, D300… it announces especially two apparatuses, a kind EOS-300v transformed into numerical reflex camera, the other Eos-3 way with sensor large size. It is not exactly that!
Except surprised of last minute, Canon will present Only one numerical reflex camera… but it will be a d?coiffant product, as well by its very aggressive price as by its characteristics.
Canon, indeed, is decided not to more communicate only on the number of pixels, but also on the functions.
Its new reflex camera will thus be associated a photo printer and Canon will propose the function “direct print” making it possible to the user to actually have a kind of photo laboratory high level and simple to use.”