Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Topaz photoFXlab v1.2 Update

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Topaz photoFXlab Interface

Topaz photoFXlab Interface

Topaz has updated photoFXlab to version 1.2.  In this latest version, you have the ability to save your project (layers using a new topaz file format), 3-party plug-in support (for select .8bf plug-ins), cropping grid overlay (stand-alone mode only), and Apple Aperture plug-in support.

If you aren’t familiar with photoFXlab, it is a standalone application that can also be accessed as a plugin. It allows you to work with layers of Topaz effects in a single interface.

Topaz has also extended the $50 savings through August 31.  Just use the coupon code CreateFX at checkout on Topaz Labs’ website to get photoFXlab for $29.95.

 

Kessler CineDrive Released

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Kessler CineDrive

Kessler has announced pre-sale dates for its new CineDrive motion control system.  CineDrive features multi-axis control over camera movements and allows you to fully configure key frames, bezier curves and precision positioning for your time lapses, stop-motion or live action shoots.

The basic kit will be less than $6000 and will include a Kessler CineDrive Brain, two motor bricks plus hardware to configure as a pan/tilt head and a slider motor.  An iOS app for the CineDrive system is in the works for the release (or soon thereafter) and an Android app will be available in the future.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/41043399 w=640&h=360]

Pre-sale orders will begin at 1 PM ET on Wednesday, August 29. The sale will be limited to 25 orders at a first-come first-served basis to US customers only and with a one CineDrive system per customer limit. A second batch of CineDrive systems should be available in 1-3 months.

More details available on the Kessler CineDrive website.

FreePrints App Gives You Up to 1000 Free Prints Per Year

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FreePrints for iPhone

FreePrints is a new iPhone app that will let you upload images from your camera roll and have prints delivered to you.  The service offers up to 1000 free prints per year for 4×6 prints.  Other sizes like 5×5 (for Instagram) are available for a cost. Shipping starts at $1.99.

Most of the reviews thus far on the iTunes App Store are glowing on both the quality and reasonable shipping costs.  And, of course, the app is a free download as well.

FreePrints sounds like it might be a good way to get some of those images off of our iPhones and into printed form.  Check out FreePrints here on the iTunes App Store.

Pentax X-5 26x Superzoom Officially Announced

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Pentax X-5

After some earlier leaks of the camera, Pentax got official with the new X-5 superzoom camera today.  The Pentax X-5 sports a stabilized 26x optical zoom lens (22.3-580mm equivalent) and a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor.  While its not quite the reach as the massive 40x zoom Olympus SP-820UZ announced today, that’s still a great wide angle to telephoto reach.

The X-5 also features a 3-inch tilting LCD, an electronic viewfinder and 1080/30p HD video capture.  It can capture up to 10fps for a max of 30 images per sequence.

The X-5 is powered by four AA batteries and should be available in September 2012 for $279.95.  You can order the Pentax X-5 here at B&H Photo.

Olympus STYLUS SP-820UZ iHS Packs a Whopping 40x Zoom

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Olympus SP-820UZ iHS

Olympus just launched the Stylus SP-820UZ iHS, its flagship Ultra Zoom compact camera. It features a 40x optical zoom lens (22.4-896mm equivalent) a 14MP CMOS image sensor.

The zoom is further magnified by what Olympus calls Super-Resolution Zoom, which doubles the focus distance, enabling up to 80x zoom magnification.

The SP-820UZ iHS also sports a 3-inch LCD 1080p HD video, as well as 720p video at 60fps for smooth slow motion footage.

The Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ iHS should be available in September 2012 at a retail price of $329.99.  You can order the SP-820UZ here at B&H Photo.

Full specifications below. [Read more…]

Canon EOS 3D Rumored as 46MP Resolution King

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Canon EOS 3D Rumors

Rumors of a high megapixel DSLR from Canon have really been heating up since the 1D X launched with “only” 18.1MP.  The rumors persisted after the 5D Mark III rolled in at roughly the same resolution as its predecessor.

Now comes a spec list from Canon Rumors for a Canon EOS 3D rumored to weigh in at a whopping 46MP . . . that’s 10MP more than the current resolution king – the Nikon D800.

Canon EOS 3D Spec Rumors

  • 46 MP
  • 3.7 frame per second
  • Dual DIGIC 5+
  • ISO: (25) 50-6400 (12800)
  • AF: Same as 1DX
  • USB 3
  • CF+SD

Even though I used to joke about cameras with resolution at 40MP, Canon has plenty more room to work with on a full frame image sensor given that it developed a 120MP APS-H sensor more than two years ago.  And we just thought the megapixel wars were over . . . .

Who would pick up a 46MP Canon DSLR?  What price would you be willing to pay for this camera?

Mastering the Nikon D800 – New Book

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Mastering the Nikon D800

Mastering the Nikon D800 is a new book from Darrell Young, who has authored several other books in this series on Nikon DSLRs.

“This book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles.”

Mastering the Nikon D800 retails for $39.95; however, it is currently available for $21.07 from Amazon.com.

Slow Motion Video Captures Light Moving

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoHeWgLvlXI&w=640&h=360]

This amazing video from a Ted Talk shows off a new camera that can capture video at 1 trillion frames per second.  As a result, the camera can record the movement of light through space.  There are lots of potential applications for this technology as it develops, including medical imaging and military applications.

How do you see this technology being used in the future?