Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2008

Nik Software Dfine® 2.0 Brings Revolutionary Noise Reduction

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 Pre-PMA Press Release

Las Vegas, NV – January 18, 2008 (PMA 08, Booth #L161) – Nik Software Inc.’s award-winning noise reduction software tool Dfine 2.0 now features Nik Software’s patented U Point technology for selective editing control and a completely new user interface that is easier to use and improves workflow for busy photographers.

“Many photographers have simply ignored or accepted image noise as a part of digital photography due to the complexity of the image editing tools available,” said Michael J. Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software, Inc. “The complete re-design of Dfine takes simplicity and control of noise reduction to an entirely new level, a point recognized when it earned the coveted American Photo Editor’s Choice 2007 award.” [Read more…]

 

Nik Software Showcases New Color Efex Pro™ 3.0 at PMA 08

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Pre-PMA Press Release

Las Vegas, NV – January 18, 2008 (PMA 08, Booth #L161) – Nik Software, Inc. showcases today the latest upgrade to its award-winning Color Efex Pro collection of photographic filters for Adobe® Photoshop® and Photoshop Elements. The new Color Efex Pro 3.0 filter collection now integrates Nik Software’s patented U Point® technology for precise selective editing control, includes new and updated filters offering the widest range of professional photographic enhancements and effects, and features a completely redesigned user interface. [Read more…]

Photo Basics Educational Lighting Kits

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 Pre-PMA Press Release

Photo Basics, a division of the F.J. Westcott Company, is developed to be the only series of photographic lighting kits to come packaged complete with education.  For the individual who always had a love of photography but never thought it could be taken to the next level, Photo Basics is the answer!  The constant light line offers 500 watts of constant light allowing the user to see the image prior to capture just as the camera would. [Read more…]

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Reviews

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Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens does what many pros thought couldn’t be done – replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It’s now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever. (Canon) [Read more…]

Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Reviews

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The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens is a highly portable lens with high optical performance and a light weight of 12 oz. (340g). A very practical ultra-wide-angle zoom. The large front lens group minimizes peripheral darkening, and the flare-blocking diaphragm minimizes flare. Also, with lens group 2 being the zoom group, distortion is corrected. (Canon)

The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is equivalent to a 32-56mm field of view on a APS-C sensor DSLR like the Canon 40D or Rebel XTi. [Read more…]

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens Reviews

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The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is an affordable L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that’s ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses. (Canon) [Read more…]

Rick Sammon On-Location Lighting Kit

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Pre-PMA Press Release

Professional Photographer Rick Sammon has teamed up with Westcott to create a new kit for outdoor photographers – the Rick Sammon On-Location Lighting Kit and Tote®.  Ideal for creative outdoor photographers, this kit makes it easy for anyone to turn snapshots into great shots.

The kit originated when Rick Sammon, author of twenty-seven photography books, realized he needed an all-in-one, easy-access tote to include his essential accessories for travel photography.  The F. J. Westcott Company, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of lighting and light control equipment for image-makers.  Westcott welcomed Rick’s breakthrough idea since the company has a long history of using input from industry experts and customers to design & produce products of the highest quality.

Included in the Rick Sammon On-Location Lighting Kit and Tote® is one 30” diffuser, one 30” Sunlight/Silver Illuminator® reflector, one Micro ApolloTM and a carry tote.  The diffusion panel is a 1-stop diffuser, used to soften harsh sunlight.  To bounce sunlight onto a subject’s face for dramatic lighting, fill in shadows or add catch light to the eyes, the Sunlight/Silver reflector can be used.  Westcott’s Micro ApolloTM attaches to any accessory flash with Velcro® for diffusing the light, resulting in softer portraits.  The lightweight carry tote is 12” in diameter and includes three interior pockets to separate lighting accessories.

“With my camera and zoom lens on one shoulder, and my tote, packed with the reflectors/diffusers, Micro Apollo Light Modifier, my flash and extra batteries, on the other, I am good to go – and I go a lot of places in search of interesting subjects,” says Rick Sammon.  MAP $119.90

Upgrading WordPress Software

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Photography Bay is in the middle of upgrading has been upgraded to the lastest version of WordPress.  I think I caught all the goblins with couple of close calls.  If you see something funky going on with Photography Bay, sit tight let me know with a comment on this post.

More Canon 450D / Rebel XTs Rumors

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In a post at the Photography on the Net forums, Spencer Boerup tells us his info (joke) on the followup to the Rebel XTi/400D:

It will be the Rebel XTs. Same sensor, 3″ screen, live-view, dust remover (already had in XTi), increased noise and DR performance (gaining of 2 stops more or so claims Canon), support for UDMA cards, Digic3, Canon wireless master built in, improved AF performance and 4 new cross sensors around the center AF point. Lastly from what I hear it should be priced at $599. Not too shabby.

Nothing more than that for now. I’ll try to keep up with the rumors over the next week or so, but it shouldn’t be long before we have some real info. The hub for all of the Canon 450D / Rebel XTs rumors is this page.

UPDATE 1/19/07:  While some folks do occasionally gather and leak real info, others like to kid around in the forums about the specs of new cameras.  Some specs are clearly jokes; however, others, like Spencer’s post aren’t so obviously bogus (especially considering Sony’s A200 price point).  Apparently, Spencer was just kidding (see his comment below).  You got me and several others on this one Spencer.  Congrats.

[tags]canon, rebel, xts, 450d[/tags]