Earlier this week, Nik Software introduced a new version of its Sharpener Pro software for Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture. Highlight features include the addition of U-Point technology, smart filter support, and the ability to save output presets. Perhaps one of the most promising features is the addition of Sharpening Soft-Proofing, a feature that is sure to help save lots of time and test prints.
Sharpener Pro 3.0 will be available this month directly from Nik, and starting in October from your local camera dealer for $199.95. Previous owners of Sharpener Pro 1.0 or 2.0 can upgrade for $99.99. If you're undecided, you can also download a 15-day trial directly from Nik.
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This week's images of the week are a little different from previous weeks. This week we have a time-lapse sequence from Colonial Photo & Hobby in Orlando, FL. I used a D700 to take the sequence, and then compiled it with Quicktime Pro. Enjoy!]]>
Nikon has introduced the D90, its newest midrange DSLR. The camera has a slew of upgrades from the D80 including a new 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, 3-inch LCD screen, Live View, 4.5fps, a broader ISO range (200-3200, expandable to ISO 100 and 6400), and new in-camera editing functionality. Perhaps the most interesting feature about the D90 is that it's the world's first DSLR with the ability to capture video, including 720p HD video.
Canon USA has announced the EOS 50D, the latest in its advanced amateur line of DSLRs. Highlight features include a 15.1MP sensor, new ISO range of 100-3200 (expandable up to 6400 and 12800), improved noise reduction, 6.3 fps, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD, and the introduction of the DIGIC 4 processor. Other changes include UDMA support, improved live view, and an HDMI output. The EOS 50D should be available this October with an estimated selling price of $1,399.99 body only, and $1,599.99 with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.
Think Tank Photo is having their first sale. From now until October 3rd, you can save 30% off the Airport Acceleration or Airport Ultralight backpacks. I personally use the Airport Acceleration, and it's one of my absolute favorite bags. It's a very well thought out bag and holds a ridiculous amount of gear for the size. The Airport Ultralight is a little smaller but is able to fit into a hard case such as a Pelican or Storm Case. You can see pictures of both bags after the jump.]]>
After a long delay, Images of the Week are back. I apologize for the delay and hopefully I will be able to resume regular updates. This week's images are "archived" shots from Disney's MGM Studio's (now known as "Hollywood Studios") Stunt Show.]]>
Lowepro has released four new bags and a new series to their lineup. The PrimusMinimus AW, CompuPrimus AW, Slingshot 350 and Flipside 400 are extensions of the existing Lowepro lineup while the Terraclime series is a new eco-friendly line of shoulder bags. You can find more details and pictures of the bags after the jump.]]>
After a few months of a Public Beta, Adobe has announced the release of Lightroom 2. Available immediately, Lightroom will sell for $299.99 for users while existing users can upgrade for $99.99. You can read more on the press release after the jump.]]>
Last summer when Nikon announced the D3, there was a lot of speculation as to when we would see a smaller, lighter body with a full-frame chip in it. Well, the Nikon D700 is pretty much just that: a slightly modified D300 body with the 12.1MP FX format chip from the D3. I had a chance to get some hands-on time with the D700, and it's sure to be a hit with the Nikon crowd.]]>
Portrait retouching can often be a very time consuming process. It requires a lot of skill, patience, and is often very intimidating to beginners. But what if there was a way to simplify the process by automating a lot of the control? Portrait Professional 8 is looking to do just that. Continue reading to see if it might save you time retouching portraits.]]>
Ring flashes are popular among studio photographers to produce an evenly illuminated subject with minimal shadows. Most ring flashes are not as practical in the field because of their size and weight. But what if there was a way you could use a ring flash just like your ordinary hot-shoe flash? Well, the Ray Flash just might be the solution. The important question is: does it work? Continue on to find out.]]>
Image Trend's Fisheye-Hemi Plug-In is a Photoshop and Aperture plug-in that utilizes a proprietary mapping technology that produces more aesthetically pleasing images. The plug-in differs from most "rectilinear" fisheye fixes in the sense that it retains much of the pixel information and does not distort people towards the edge of the frame. I had the opportunity to try the Fisheye-Hemi, so continue on to see if it's worth it for you fisheye users.]]>
The results are in from the Click June 2008 Photography Contest! The Pineapple Cocktail image I entered placed third in the Spectra Category (Best Capture). You can view all the winners here. Congratulations to all of the winners and all the participants, and thank you to everyone who voted for me.]]>
Canon USA has announced the latest addition to its Rebel line of cameras, the EOS Rebel XS. Announced last month internationally as the EOS 1000D, the 10.1 Megapixel camera will serve as the entry point to the Canon DSLR lineup. Features include a 2.5 inch LCD screen with Live View capabilities, self-cleaning sensor, DIGIC III processor, 7-point AF system, and bursts of up the 3 frames per second. The Rebel XS will be available this August with the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS in black or silver with an estimated price of $699.99.