Photo&Cameras

GE E1030 digital camera : General Electric Co. (GE), one of the world’s largest and most admired companies, launched a new digital camera range, marking its entry into the UK and European consumer electronics markets. One of these new GE digital cameras is the E1030. Compare the features of the GE E1030 against other 10 Megapixel cameras and you’ll see just how beautiful it is. Slim and refined, the GE E1030 has a simple, intuitive user interface that makes it easy to use, even for people holding it for the very first time. Its 3x optical zoom and the 4.5x digital zoom combine for an impressive maximum zoom of 13.5x. And a 2.7″ LCD screen means you won’t need reading glasses to frame your show or view what you’ve captured.

GE E1030 – Advanced features in a compact body
Speaking at the launch, European Director Gary Banks said: “Our digital cameras represent an extension of GE’s 128-year heritage of leadership in technology and innovation. Our research and development team in Tokyo have done a magnificent job to ensure the consumer will get intuitive, easy to use cameras, like the GE E1030, which offers advanced features in a slim body styling.”

General Imaging E1030 – Electronic Image Stabilization
In addition, we’ve loaded the camera with advanced features, including: In-Camera Panorama Stitching, Smile Detection, Blink Detection, Face Detection, Electronic Image Stabilization, Red-Eye Removal and MPEG-4 movie recording. The GE E1030 comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for non-stop picture taking. And its memory can be expanded up to 4GB with SD or SDHC memory cards.

GE E1030 – Available colors
Once you hold the General Electric E1030 and see everything it has to offer, you’ll know why this camera is the perfect 10. The GE E1030 will be available in the colors Black, Silver and Red. Alongside black, silver and red, a rainbow of colors is planned including pinks, purples, yellow and green.

Other introduced GE digital cameras
• GE X3
• GE E1235
• GE E1050
• GE E1040
• GE E1035
• GE E1030
• GE E850
• GE E840s
• GE G3
• GE G2
• GE G1
• GE A835
• GE A830
• GE A735
• GE A730

About GE digital cameras
All GE cameras boast sleek and intuitive design, plus a host of popular, advanced functions as standard features, including face detection, image stabilisation, red-eye removal, high ISO sensitivity, and panoramic stitching. The stylish new digital cameras are emblazoned with the famous GE monogram.

About GE
GE – Imagination at Work – a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, and media content, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.

About General Imaging
General Imaging is an independent new company, with headquarters in Torrance, California. General Imaging is the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras and was established in 2006.

Souce: www.letsgodigital.org

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Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs is one of those monumental undertakings not only because of the man who created this body of work, but because of the volume of his body of work, and the number of people he influenced. To try to pare this down to 40 (Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs by Ansel Adams) or in this case 400 photographs takes time, effort, and dedication.

For those who may not know of Ansel Adams, or whom have only heard his name with relation to photography, he was the most honored American photographer of the twentieth century. Once destined to become a concert pianist he instead chose photography. Over the course of the next 50 plus years he defined the art of photography.

400 Photographs constitutes a study in that life. The book is 440 pages long and, as the title states, contains 400 of Adams' finest photographs. The book is arranged into five major periods which correspond to his growth as an artist. It is edited by Andrea Stillman, a close associate and editor of seven of Adams' books. 400 Photographs starts with an introduction in which Stillman gives a brief overview of Ansel Adams' life.

"1916-1930 – Yosemite and the High Sierra" begins when Adams was 14 years old and he visited Yosemite for the first time. He had his first camera, and on this trip he recorded a "visual diary" of where he had been. This chapter begins with some of the images he took and of the album he had made with his father. Some of these are very rare images including one of his first of "Half Dome." You can see the growth of his work between 1918 and 1927 as he developed from simple records of scenery to more artistic expressions. In 1927 he began the process that would later become "visualization." It was here that he began to photograph with much more authority and you can see the new power that his images gained.

"1931-1939 – Group f/64 and Alfred Stieglitz" shows the influence of a loose group of West Coast photographers that included Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham called Group f/64. This group promoted "straight" photography as opposed to the "pictorialist" methods that were in vogue at the time. They were trying to define photography as an art form by simple and direct presentation as opposed to photography as relating to painting and graphic arts.

During this time the compositions of Adams' photographs began to change. He tried to present his subject in as straightforward manner as possible. He also lowered his horizon now including cloud filled skies. It was also during this time that Alfred Stieglitz, the director of America's foremost gallery of modern art, An American Place, exhibited Adams' photographs which took Adams' work to a larger audience.

"1940-1949 – National Parks and Monuments" describes the time period in which Adams was commissioned by then U.S. Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes to photograph the national parks and monuments for murals to be displayed in the Department of the Interior's new Washington D.C. headquarters. It was during this time period that his work grew in different geographic directions beyond California and the Southwest, branching out to other locations across the country.

"1950-1959 – Conservation, Publications, and Commissions" focused Adams' attentions on photographic commissions and writing. It was during this time that he wrote the many technical books that became standard course materials, even to this day. He also spent time working on conservation issues with the Sierra Club as well as mounting exhibitions for them.

It was in 1956 with the help of Nancy Newhall that the exhibition "This is the American Earth" was presented. It was later turned into a book with Newhall's poetic text, and characterized as a wake up call to the nation for environmental issues.

"1960-1968 – Carmel" examines the time in the life of Adams, that although he photographed less and less, he printed more and more. Adams never worked with a lab as did many of his contemporaries. He made every print himself. During this time, when he was not printing, he was writing, teaching, and tackling conservation issues.

"Notes on Selected Photographs" contains information on selected images from throughout the book. There are over 75 images that contain comments, history, and other interesting insights into the artist. 400 Photographs is fully indexed by title and by subject. There is also included a bibliography of both Adams' work as well as works on Adams.

When I was growing up, my doctor had an Adams mural on the walls in one of his patient rooms. The image to me was enormous. Even more, the impact on me of this image was enormous. It has shaped the way I viewed photography and in many ways, how I view life in general. When I view the photographs in 400 Photographs, I get this same feeling.

Sure, the small images that are presented in this book cannot replace the feeling that one gets when you see his full size presentations, but that is not the purpose of this book. 400 Photographs is about presenting a body of work from someone who chose not to make photography fit into the notion of the pictorial art of the day, but instead made photography into an art form that could stand on its own. That is what makes this book so important.

I think that Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs is an absolute must have for anyone that enjoys Ansel Adams, art work, photography, or just wants to get lost into the world of images. It is also a must have for artists from other disciplines as the compositions, arrangement of light, and locations are inspirational. It should also be in every waiting room or patient room as well; you never know whom it will inspire.

From: feeds.blogcritics.org

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Pre-PMA 2008: Pentax has today announced its new entry level DSLR, the K200D, as a replacement for the K100D. Despite being targeted at the beginner DSLR photographer the K200D boasts an impressive list of features including a weather-sealed body, CCD-based anti-shake and dust removal. Almost inevitably Pentax has also increased the resolution, with the APS-C sized sensor now capturing images at 10.2 MP.

Press Release:

PENTAX K200D

A Popular-Class Digital SLR Camera Harmonizing High Image Quality and User-Friendly Features with Excellent Operability and Outstanding Cost Performance Assuring the Advanced Digital Camera Features of Higher-Class Models with Simplified Operations

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the PENTAX K200D lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. Designed mainly for family users and digital camera beginners, this popular-class model offers a host of user-friendly features and sophisticated functions like higher-class models. As a result, even digital camera beginners can enjoy advanced digital SLR photography with great ease. Pursuing image quality, user-friendliness, operability and cost performance, the K200D is expected to be a new standard-setter in the popular-class market.

Major features

1. PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism for sharp, blur-free images

The K200D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes.

This innovative mechanism shifts the position of the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers an outstanding compensation effect, equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. As a result, it does not require special anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: the PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

2. High quality image

The K200D combines a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD image sensor with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, the K200D produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and texture descriptions. In addition, the K200D features Custom Image function that helps to create its intended images by allowing the users to select one of the six modes and adjusting the image’s finishing touches to their presence.

3. Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and confirmation devices

The K200D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from appearing in images. Applied to the CCD surface (or low-pass filter) through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the image sensor surface. This DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the CCD in advance.

4. Dust-proof, water-resistant construction

The K200D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 60 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K200D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

5. Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600

The K200D’s auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO 1600, based on such data as the subject’s brightness level and the lens’ focal length. Since this function allows the user to use faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images. For specialized applications, the sensitivity can be set manually from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

6.High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF

The K200D’s advanced SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

7. Bright, clear viewfinder

Combining a lightweight penta-mirror prism with a PENTAX-original finder optics and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, the K200D’s viewfinder delivers a large, bright image with an approximately 96-percent field of view and an approximately 0.85-times magnification.

8. Versatile Auto Picture mode

The PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode automatically sets the most appropriate shooting mode (such as Portrait, Landscape and Macro) for a given subject or situation. Since the K200D not only sets an aperture and a shutter speed, but also adjusts white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness levels, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity.

9. Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor

The K200D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. The LCD’s wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It even offers digital zooming of playback images up to 20 times for easy confirmation of focus.

10. Other features

• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• 22 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Approximately 1100 images can be taken when using AA size lithium batteries due to its energy saving design
• Compatibility with conventional SD and large-capacity SDHC memory cards
• Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Eight digital filters for creative and artistic expressions
• In-body development of recorded RAW-format images
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3, browser software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

Pentax K200D specifications

Body materialm	Plastic, stainless steel chassis, weather-sealed
Sensor	• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • Primary color filter • 10.7 million total pixels • 10.2 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• JPEG: [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels, [6M] 3008 x 2000 pixels, [2M] 1824 x 1216 pixels • RAW: [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels
File formats	• RAW（Original) • JPEG (Conforms to Exif 2.21), Conforms to DCF (Design rule of Camera • File system) 2.0 • Compressed RAW ( PEF ) • Non compressed RAW ( DNG )
Lenses	PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses
Dust reduction	• Image sensor moving mechanism and SP coating • Dust-alert function
Auto focus	TTL Phase-matching 11-point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)
Focus modes	• AF-single (with focus lock) • Continuous AF • Manual focus
AF point selection	• Auto • Select • Center
AF assist	Stroboscopic flash
Metering	• TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information) • Exposure range: EV 0 – 21 (at Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens)
Metering modes	• Multi-segment metering • Center-weighted metering • Spot metering
AE lock	Yes
Exposure compensation	±2 EV (0.5EV steps or 0.3EV steps)
Exposure bracketing	±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV (0.5EV steps) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV (0.3EV steps)
Sensitivity	• Auto • Manual : 100-1600 • 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV steps
Shutter	• Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter • 1/4000 – 30 sec. and bulb
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Tungsten Light • Fluorescent Light (W, D, N) • Flash • Manual setting with WB fine adjustment
Shooting Modes	• Auto Picture mode • Picture mode • Scene mode • Program AE • Sensitivity-Priority AE • Shutter-Priority AE • Aperture-Priority AE • Metered Manual • Bulb
Picture modes	• Portrait • Landscape • Macro • Action • Night scene portrait • Standard Flash-Off
Scene modes	• Night Scene • Surf & Snow • Food • Sunset • Kids • Pet • Candlelight • Museum
Viewfinder	• Fixed molded penta-mirror type • Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen • Field of view approx. 96% • Magnification approx. 0.85X (with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1) • Diopter adjustment approx. -2.5 – +1.5m-1
Viewfinder info	• AF frame • Spot AF frame • Focus point indication (high lighted in red) • Shake Reduction • Flash status • Shutter speed • Aperture • Focus indicator • Manual focus • EV compensation • AE lock indicator • ISO warning • Number of recordable images/EV compensation/Confirm sensitivity
LCD monitor	• TFT color LCD monitor • Brightness adjustable • Wide angle view • 2.7 inch • Approx. 230,000 pixels
LCD info	• Shutter speed • Aperture • Flash mode (Flash-On, Red-eye reduction, Auto discharge, Auto, Flash Off) • Drive mode (Single frame/Continuous/Self-Timer/Auto bracket/Remote control) • EV compensation • Battery level • White balance • ISO warning • RAW/RAW+JPEG caputure • Number of recordable images
Playback modes	• One Image • Two Images • Index (4 or 9 or 16 thumbnails) • Enlargement (up to 16X, scroll available) • Image Rotation • Folder view • Slideshow • Histogram • Bright/Dark area
Digital filter (playback)	• B&W • Sepia • Color (18 type) • Soft (three-level amount adjustable) • Illustration • HDR (3 type) • Slim (+/- 8 level amount adjustable) • Brightness (+/- 8 level amount adjustable)
Flash	• Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide number: approx. 13 (Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m) • Angle of view coverage: 28mm wide-angle (35mm equivalent) • Flash Exposure Compensation: -2 EV – +1EV (1/2EV steps) • P-TTL • High-speed-sync
External flash	• Hot shoe, sync-speed: 1/180 sec. • Wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash
Drive modes	• Single-frame • Continuous (Hi, Lo) • Self-timer (12s, 2s) • Remote control (0s, 3s) • Auto bracket
Continuous shooting	• 2.8fps for 4 frames (JPEG and Continuous (Hi), RAW • 1.1fps until the memory card is full (JPEG and Continuous (Lo))or for 4 frames (RAW)
Auto rotation	Yes
Custom functions	23 custom-programmable functions available
Menu languages	English, French, Germany, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkey, Japanese Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
Portrait grip	Optional Battery Grip (D-BG3)
Connectivity	• USB/Video • DC input • USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) • Compatible with NTSC and PAL formats
Storage	SD memory card (SDHC compatible)
Power	• Four AA (lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable Ni-MH) batteries • Optional AC adapter
Dimensions	133.5mm x 95mm x 74mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in)
Weight	• No battery: 630g (22.2 oz.) • With lithium batteries and SD card: 690g (24.3oz.)

By: www.dpreview.com

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In my review of the previous version of the Photo Effects Cookbook I asked the questions: Have you ever wanted to take a photo and turn it into a watercolor? A line drawing? Or a wood cut? While those questions are still valid and applicable, an additional question I have to ask is: if I have the previous version is there any reason to have this one?

To answer that question we have to seek out the differences with this version of Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook. The most noticeable difference is that in the prior version there were 61 recipes and in this one there are 53. "Great," you say, "they have removed some of the recipes." Well, yes they have, but they have replaced some as well as removed some. Funny thing is, from my count they've only removed one.

No, this is not some new Photoshop new math (in fact I missed this too). Even though the front cover of the prior version said 61 recipes, there were really only 54! As I painstakingly went through to find out what had changed I could only find one that had not been replaced by another. Pulling out my trusty slide ruler, I was able to divine that this came down to a misprint. Anyway, the new count is correct and so on we go…

Photoshop Photo Effects Cookbook breaks the recipes into nine sections, each dealing with a different effect. The first section is called "Ready to Cook." Its primary purpose is to get you up to speed on what is needed to complete the recipes in the book. You will learn about making selections, working with layers, sharpening, paths and lighting effects.

Another difference in this version from the previous is that now there is a section called "CS3 Improvements." In this new section there is a brief overview of the new features, from which some recipes we will be using. These include Smart Objects, Smart Filters, Multiple Clone Sources, Refine Edges, the new improved Curves, and the Quick Selection tool.

From here, we move on to "Tonal and Color effects." This section is mostly the same with the exception that now the "Creative Black and White" is now using the Black and White Command instead of the Channel Mixer. "Graphic Art Effects" is basically the same as the prior version

"Lighting Effects" removes the section called "Lens Flare" and replaces it with one called "Stage Lighting." This one uses Smart filters to create the effect of stage lighting. "Natural World Effects" removes "Painting Clouds into Skies" and replaces it with "Summer to Autumn." Here you will use CS3's Lighter Color blending mode to add a touch of subtlety to your image to change those green trees to take on that autumn magic.

"Traditional Photographic Effects" removes the section "Simulating Color Filters" and replaces it with "Vintage Hollywood Portraits" and again uses the Black and White Command to recreate the effect. Also removed is "Contrast Masking," replaced with "Sabattier and Solarization Effect" which gives almost a metallic effect. Examples both in color and monochrome are depicted.

"Distortion Effects" removes "Photo Mosaic" and replaces it with "Caricatures" which shows how to create a caricature by using the Transform and Liquefy commands. It also removes "Fish Eye" and adds "Cloning with Perspective" that uses the Vanishing Point Command to clone one area of a building to another. The third change in this section is that the "Displacement Effect" is now replaced with "Adding Tattoos" which uses the clone source capability of CS3 to add the tattoo.

"Texture Effects" remains the same as the prior version and, with the exception of removing "Signature or Monogram Custom Brush," so does "Presentation Effects."

While you don't have to be an expert to use the recipes contained in Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook, it will help if you have experience enough to get around in Photoshop. Yes the author runs you through basics, but understanding the fundamentals will have you creating very sophisticated effects in no time. I really liked the step-by-step instruction and the full color examples that were provided.

So is it worth it? Certainly if you never owned this book, by all means, yes. If you own the prior version, that depends. There are seven totally new recipes, some of which use new techniques. Some of those recipes I think are better than the ones in the prior version, so I feel that these are good additions. But as far as owning both versions, this must be a personal choice based on your finances.

One other thing I noticed with this version of Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook is that the images are much richer in both color and quality. I did not think that the ones in the prior version had any problems with them, it was just that when comparing them side to side, it was noticeable to me. If you want a real cook book to throw together photographic effects then Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook will get you up to speed in no time.

From: feeds.blogcritics.org

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Sigma has launched two new 70-300mm macro lenses – with a built-in AF motor designed to allow autofocusing on all Nikon DSLRs.

The 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro costs £199.99. The 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro carries a £149.99 pricetag.

Both include a 1:2 maximum magnification at the 300mm end, says the firm.

Souce: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

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Over 40 degrees. The square is heated like a skillet. We’re waliking towards Jemma el Fna, as are mothers with children.

Source: nfds.blogspot.com

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Medium Format Lensbaby 3G wins Hot One award 2008 : Lensbabies, LLC announces today that the medium format version of its 3rd generation selective focus lens, Lensbaby 3G has received the prestigious 2008 Hot One award from Professional Photographer magazine in the medium format lens category. The medium format version of this award-winning lens expands the Lensbaby product family’s capabilities for the first time into the medium format realm of photography. The Medium Format Lensbaby 3G is now available for Mamiya 645 and Pentax 67 camera bodies. The Lensbaby 3G for Mamiya 645 features an 80mm fixed focal length and possible aperture settings ranging from f/3.4 to f/39.
Lensbaby 3G Medium Format
The Lensbaby 3G for Pentax 67 cameras has a 100 mm fixed focal length and has possible aperture settings ranging from f/4 to f/45. The Lensbaby 3G medium format lens allows photographers to lock the Lensbaby in a desired bent position simply by pressing a button. Then, using its traditional barrel focus mechanism, photographers can do fine focusing and precisely place the sweet spot of sharp focus before pressing the shutter release. The Original Lensbaby lens and the Lensbaby 2.0 lens require the photographer to manually hold the Lensbaby in a bent position while pressing the shutter release.

Hot One award 2008 – Lensbaby 3G
Once Lensbaby 3G is locked into place, additional fine focus can be achieved by turning the barrel focusing ring, which moves the optic in and out like a normal manual focus lens. Also, in the locked position, a photographer can make small adjustments to the placement of the sweet spot of focus by turning any combination of the three focusing rails. The optic in the Medium Format Lensbaby 3G produces the same effect as the optic in the Lensbaby 3G for SLR cameras. However, the optic in each Medium Format Lensbaby 3G is optimized for the specific camera body.

3G Lensbaby – Hot One award 2008
“It’s an honor to be selected for the fourth time in a row by Professional Photographer magazine to receive a Hot One award in one of their lens categories,” said Craig Strong, the inventor of the Lensbaby and Co-Founder of Lensbabies, LLC. “Popularity of the Original Lensbaby, Lensbaby 2.0 and the Lensbaby 3G SLR lens has been phenomenal. It was only logical to expand our product offering to medium format photographers, especially studio photographers who want to repeat Lensbaby photos exactly the same each time, whether they are shooting food, fine art nudes, or designer shoes.

Lensbaby 3G Medium Format – Portrait photographer
In addition, studio portrait photographers can shoot with greater confidence in the sweet spot’s sharpness and placement. Outdoor and location photographers can also shoot longer exposures than are possible with the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0. We hope Lensbaby 3G will meet medium format photographers’ needs for precision and repeatability while stimulating their creative vision.”

Lensbaby 3G – Professional Photographer Hot One award
The Professional Photographer Hot One awards honor the photography industry’s best new products for professional application. The mission of the awards is to provide Professional Photographer magazine’s readership with a compendium of the newest, hottest, most innovative products available. Each year, Professional Photographer editors oversee a submission and judging process that calls on companies in all subfields of the photography industry. For the 2008 awards, nearly 150 companies competed in 58 categories. There were more than 220 total products entered in the contest, making this the biggest Hot One awards ever.

Souce: www.letsgodigital.org

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Viveza allows you to precisely control and adjust the color and light in your digital images. Based on Nik Software’s U Point technology, Viveza provides easy-to-use methods for correcting and enhancing images without the need to create complicated selections or layer masks. Users place U Point powered Color Control Points directly on colors or objects in an image (such as sky, skin, grass, etc.) then adjust easy-to-use sliders for brightness, contrast, color and more. The suggested retail price of Viveza is $249.95, available in the first quarter of 2008.

Nik Software Press Release

Nik Software Announces Viveza™—U Point® Technology Powered Software for Adobe® Photoshop®

New plug-in provides the most powerful, precise, and easy way for photographers to selectively control and adjust the color and light in their digital images

Las Vegas, NV – January 30, 2008 (PMA 08, Booth #L161) – Nik Software, Inc. announces today Viveza, the latest addition to its line of award-winning photographic plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Nik Software’s Viveza is a powerful and intuitive software tool designed to enable photographers of all skill levels to precisely select and control the light and color in photographic images while working within Photoshop.

By incorporating Nik Software’s revolutionary U Point technology (http://www.upoint.com), Viveza provides easy-to-use methods for correcting and enhancing images without the need to create complicated selections or layer masks or have expert-level knowledge of Adobe Photoshop. U Point is the core technology that powers Viveza and brings Photoshop users unprecedented efficiency and control for editing digital images. To make adjustments to an image, users simply place U Point powered Color Control Points directly on colors or objects in an image (such as sky, skin, grass, etc.) then adjust easy-to-use sliders for brightness, contrast, color and more. Viveza automatically selects objects and creates masks based on where the user places a Color Control Point. By working directly on the image, powerful selective enhancements can be accomplished in a fraction of the time needed by using other methods.

“When attempting to selectively edit images, photographers typically face the challenge of isolating the color or object they want to enhance and then need to ensure the selective enhancements look natural,” said Michael J. Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software. “At the heart of Viveza is our U Point technology, which uniquely addresses these challenges and provides Photoshop users with a full range of capabilities for selectively controlling color and light,” Slater concluded.

With Nik Software’s Viveza plug-in, photographers are able to do more to improve the overall quality of their images and address image editing tasks that are too complex or simply not possible with other tools. For more information about Viveza, including an introductory video, please visit http://www.niksoftware.com/viveza.

Key Features
Color Control Points – U Point technology incorporated into Viveza brings a new level of precision and efficiency to photographic image editing. Users easily control an image’s color, light and tonality with Color Control Points. Simple-to-use sliders let users quickly adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, red, green, blue, hue, and warmth, providing ultimate mastery over digital images. Enhancements are automatically and naturally blended throughout the image for spectacular results.

Smart Filter Support – Viveza is compatible with Adobe Photoshop’s Smart Filter feature which permits users to fine-tune enhancements after they’ve been applied, without adding additional layers.

Powerful Selective Tool – Viveza’s Selective Tool allows users to brush any light and color changes into their image using Photoshop’s brush tools. Layers and masks are created automatically, enabling users to quickly and easily apply any filter selectively.

For added control and fine detail adjustments, Viveza also supports pressure-sensitive features optimized for WacomВ® Pen Tablets.

Pricing and Availability
Nik Software’s Viveza™ will be available directly from Nik Software (http://www.niksoftware.com) and specialty camera retailers in North America in the first quarter of 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at http://www.niksoftware.com/resellers. The suggested retail price of Viveza is $249.95. Viveza installs as a Photoshop or Photoshop Elements plug-in and will be available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard.

About Nik Software
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U PointВ® technology, DfineВ®, Vivezaв„ў, Color Efex Proв„ў, and Nik Sharpener Proв„ў software.

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If you are trying to prepare your color or black-and-white images for print use, it can be a nightmare what with what you see on screen being represented in the RGB color set and what your printer uses is based on CMYK color set. Unless you take the time to learn what you see is definitely not what you get. In this video, Taz Tally, Ph.D will show how to use Photoshop CS3's prepress features by guiding you through concrete, practical exercises in image editing, correction, and adjustment to get real-world professional results. Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials runs 7.5 hours and is divided out into 13 lessons.

Lesson 1, "Concepts and Setting Up" begins by letting you know in no uncertain terms that the author likes to get things done and to get them done fast. So he begins with an overview of the Photoshop CS3 interface. Then you will learn about RGB and CMYK Setup. Finally you will set up preferences for working efficiently in the Photoshop environment. The operative word here is efficiency.

Lesson 2, "Integrating Bridge with the Prepress Workflow" then takes you in to the world of Adobe's workflow companion; Adobe Bridge. Here the instructor shows you how this product fits in to your prepress workflow. You will customize preferences and learn how to navigate files as well as work with Metadata.

Lesson 3, "Workflow Enhancements" shows you how to create and work with duplicate images so that you can work on copies and not harm your original images. Next you will learn how to setting up your workspace which will allow you to change workspaces depending on your output needs. You will also learn how to easily navigate through your images and the various tools via the keyboard.

Lesson 4, "Image Fundamentals" delves into the world of pixels and vectors. Here you will begin to understand image channels, bit depth, and RGB/CMYK images. You will also get into AM and FM halftone Screening and Ripping; Raster Image Processing.

Lesson 5, "Working with Input Devices" briefly examines the concepts of calibration and the calibration of devices. While you concentrate on input devices, the concepts apply to both input and output devices. You will also learn about the cleaning of scanners and images.

Lesson 6, "Dimensional Adjustments" begins with a discussion of how the resolution requirements for specific screening outputs will affect the resolution of your images. This is followed up by making linear and dimensional adjustments, cropping and re-sampling images and working with vectors as Smart Objects.

Lesson 7, "Assigning and Creating Colors" shows you that to get accurate color in prepress, you will need to get in to Pantone swatch books. Here you will learn all about Pantone, the process of assigning and building process colors, assigning spot colors, and matching colors from Photoshop to other applications.

Lesson 8, "Correcting and Adjusting Grayscale Images" begins by evaluating an image to find out where the important parts of the image are. Here you will examine tonal regions, work with histograms, curves, and the info palette. Then you will work with an image adjustment layer to set highlights, shadows, adjust brightness and contrast, as well as make adjustments for newsprint and dot gain.

Lesson 9, "Correcting and Adjusting Color Images" now applies some of the same techniques learned with black-and-white to your color images. Whereas the last lesson worked with one channel, now you will apply your knowledge to multiple channels.

Lesson 10, "Image Editing" focuses on what needs to be adjusted for prepress output. The topics here include JPEG posterization, the removal of dust and scratches, image sharpening, creating silhouettes, and adding type to images.

Lesson 11, "Mode Conversions and Color Separations" asks the question: if you want to print in grayscale, should you capture in grayscale or capture in color? Here the instructor shows you how to convert between modes such as RGB to grayscale, RGB to CMYK as well as creating custom CMYK profiles.

Lesson 12, "Output" is all about putting your image into some other format. To output to other formats reliably you should know about these target formats (TIFF, EPS, PDF, DCS) and the programs that will use them.

Lesson 13, "Automation" will show you how to streamline your efforts by creating actions within Photoshop. As was said at the beginning, this is all about efficiency and how to get things done without being bogged down. By using actions you can automate many of the routine tasks and get back out to doing what you would rather be doing; shooting pictures.

Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials can be a technical topic for those who have not worked with it before. It can also be confusing because you are dealing with different color spaces to generate output that looks correct. What looks good on the screen, most likely will not look good in print unless you get it done right.

In Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials, Taz Tally takes his time and guides you through the pitfalls of learning how to work with prepress techniques. If you are finding problems getting the output that you want or need, then this video will clear up a lot of problems and get you well on your way to getting that correct output.

You can get Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials two ways. One is as a DVD training package Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials and the other is part of the online training experience at Lynda.com. The DVD Training Package is $99 USD and contains everything you need.

The online training Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials comes in three flavors. Monthly at $25 USD/month gets you all of the videos that are available online (approximately 21,811 videos on 318 topics at this time). Annually at $250 USD per year or Premium at $375 USD per year which get all the videos as well as all of the exercise files. Take note that the exercise files are not included with the monthly or annual subscriptions. They are included on the DVD and Premium subscriptions.

You can use Photoshop CS3 Prepress Essentials as a training program for the individual student, as well as the college or vocational teacher looking to supplement their educational materials. It is of benefit to anyone who needs help understanding the prepress output generation. You can also try out the the first and part of the second lesson for free at Lynda.com.

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The Nikon D60 is a 10.2 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD (230,000 pixels). It features an ISO rane of 100 to 1600 (extendable to 3200), image stabilization and dual dust reduction technology. The Nikon D60 measures 126.0 x 94.0 x 64.0mm and weights 495 grams. It boasts a fast start up time of 0.18 seconds.

The Nikon D60 is being bundled with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. There’s no word yet on price for the Nikon D60 – or availability for that matter but it’s sure to be announced soon enough by Nikon.

Nikon D60 News Release New Nikon D60 Digital Slr Camera Makes Capturing Beautiful Pictures Fun And Easy

Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera, which provides consumers with stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The D60 joins Nikon’s award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form factor similar to the D40 – Nikon’s smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

“The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This model, like the wildly popular Nikon D40, greatly simplifies use and builds confidence in the user. With a host of innovative features, such as a visually intuitive LCD information display, Nikon’s highly regarded EXPEED image processing concept, new dual dust reduction countermeasures, in-camera editing tools and exciting creative options, the D60 enhances the picture-taking experience for picture-takers of all skill levels.”

Users will immediately appreciate the D60’s fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag – a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon’s new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What’s more, Nikon’s proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology also dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The camera’s 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with astounding color and clarity, while Nikon’s advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Nikon’s new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, delivers smooth tones and accurate color for vibrant pictures and flattering portraits.

The D60 also offers consumers comprehensive in-camera functionality, such as Active D-lighting. Through this innovative Nikon feature, the camera can, with the option selected, further optimize shadow and highlight detail–as pictures are taken. Shots that once required adjustment with photo editing software can now go straight to the printer, bypassing the computer altogether.

For added fun and creativity while reducing or helping to eliminate time spent manipulating pictures later, the D60’s In-camera Retouch Menu enables users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks without a computer. The D60 offers new in-camera editing capabilities, including adjustable cross-screen star effects, color-intensifying filters as well as D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Image Trim and more. The D60’s Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will also enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering an Image Sensor Cleaning function that quickly and silently shakes off specks of image degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System. This design works to channel particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter, resulting in even further reduction of dust particles and the spots they can leave on pictures.

Ergonomically designed with intuitively placed controls, the D60 is a camera that’s compact and ready to go wherever life leads. It also features a new power conserving Eye Sensor that turns the big 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on and off automatically when the user alternates between taking pictures and reviewing camera settings.

A customizable LCD monitor user interface rounds out the D60’s convenient features, as users can create their own wallpapers and adjust color settings to adapt to their preferences. The D60’s design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

The D60 will be packaged with the 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and will be available throughout the United States beginning in February 2008. Pricing information will be available approximately 30 days prior to sales availability.

The D60, along with Nikon’s entire line of photography, optics and digital imaging solutions, will be on display at the PMA 2008 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at exhibitor booth # G220.

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