Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
DxO Optics Pro version 6.5.2 is now available with added RAW support for the Pentax K-5, and Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3. Additionally, the new version adds 50 new DxO Optics Modules for Canon, Nikon Pentax and Sony cameras. The update is available at DxO’s website.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
It looks like Scott Kelby’s new Photoshop Elements 9 book has started shipping from Amazon.com.
As I’ve said before, if you are a photographer struggling with Photoshop Elements (or any version for that matter), you could do a lot worse than picking up a book penned by Kelby.
If you were holding off getting this book for a photographer on your shopping list because you didn’t know if the pre-order would get here, it looks like you’ll have no trouble getting it delivered in time for Christmas morning.
You can find it here on Amazon.
iStockphoto is crossing over into the editorial licensing realm for stock photography. Rolling out in 2011, iStock will only be accepting editorial submissions for specific categories, such as products, architecture and landmarks, travel and lifestyle, social commentary, and urban living. iStock is expressly avoiding submissions for time-sensitive news and traditional photo journalism.
You can find a thorough review of the new editorial submission guidelines in this article on iStockphoto’s website.
No doubt the buzz about the RED Epic is building as it’s getting closer to launch.
Check out the below 2-part interview for some more in-depth answers about some features and functions of the RED Epic that you might not have known yet. [Read more…]
43Rumors.com has uncovered an Olympus patent application that showcases a modular camera with separate components for lenses, bodies and sensor units. [Read more…]
Sony has announced a broader range of SD cards with capacities up to 32GB and top transfer speeds of 20MB/s.
“There’s now a choice of three SDHC card ranges by Sony. The perfect partner for your Cyber-shot™, Handycam®, ? NEX or DSLR camera, they’re also a great match for SD/SDHC-compatible cameras, camcorders and devices from all manufacturers. The affordable ESSENTIAL Series and value-added EXPERIENCE Series are joined by the flagship EXPERT Series for photo users who demand class-leading capacity and transfer speeds.” -Sony Press Release
Sony also continues the trend of hiring out Canon shooters for its official product shots, with the top photo captured by the Canon 1Ds Mark III.
I realize that Sony is hiring a photographer, but it’s also trying to be a serious player amongst serious photographers. I never see Canon and Nikon using product shots captured by the other companies’ DSLRs. Occasionally, a Phase One MF camera will be used by Canon, Nikon or Sony for product shots, which is understandable for high-res product shots since the cap is at 21-25MP for DSLRs right now. However, Canon’s product shots are otherwise captured with a 1Ds Mark III or a 5D Mark II, while Nikon product shots are generally captured with the D3x.
Sony’s got two 25MP DSLRs on the market. And, I know I’ve ranted about this before, but isn’t it time for Sony to eat its own dog food?
[Sony]
There’s a new beta version of the Magic Lantern firmware that ups the 5D Mark II‘s bit rate up to a maximum of 76Mbps, although 66Mbps is the best sustainable bit rate in 24p mode. In order to keep the buffer clear at such a high bit rate, you’ll definitely need a fast CF card.
It’s time for our weekly break from the gear for a few minutes so we can enjoy another round of reader photos from the Photography Bay Flickr Group.
Check out the rest of the photos below. [Read more…]
Apple has updated Aperture 3 to version 3.1.1, which “addresses overall stability and performance issues.” Complete details on the update can be found in Apple’s release notes. The update is available for download on Apple’s website.
Below you will find this week’s firmware updates. Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.
Casio EX-H20G version 1.01 – “Adds a function that writes position log data saved in camera memory to a memory card (Output Log)” [Casio Website]
Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm G HD Lens version 1.4 – “Improved stability of O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) and AF(Auto Focus) in movie recording.” [Panasonic Website]
Paul C. Buff Cyber Commander version 32 – “Optimizes antenna hardware to increase range by up to 25%. Corrects the power range of the White Lightning X3200 1/4 power as displayed on the FLASH screen. The -3.7f Ws power rating of 640Ws lights now displays as 9.2Ws (previously displayed inaccurately as 49.2Ws).” [Cyber Commander Website]