dSLR Dad

Adobe has upgraded Photoshop Lightroom to version 2.2.  You can download the free updates for both Windows and Macintosh versions from Adobe.com.  Support for the following cameras has been added from Lightroom 2.1 to 2.2:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II
• Canon Powershot G10
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1**
• Panasonic DMC FX-150K
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K
• Panasonic DMC-LX3S
• Leica D-LUX 4

Further Windows and Macintosh software enhancements in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.2 include:

• Camera profiles are now available in the Calibration panel in the Develop module. These profiles are designed to provide different interpretations of raw capture.

Please download the Lightroom 2.2 ReadMe file (pdf link) for additional details on the 14 listed bug fixes.  You can also learn more at the dSLR Dad Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Resource Guide.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Canon and has recently released the version 1.4 update to their RAW-format Codec plug-in for Windows Vista and XP. This software plug-in will allow you to view and work with Canon RAW (*.CR2 files) images just like JPEG files. Changes and corrections made from Canon RAW Codec 1.3 include:

1. Added supported models.  EOS 50D, EOS 5D Mark II, and PowerShot G10.
2. Changes made in the RAW image processing of the EOS DIGITAL products. RAW processing results are now the same as those of Digital Photo Professional.
3. Supports Microsoft Pro Photo Tools.

You can download the Canon RAW Codec version 1.4 at Canon USA.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Canon’s introduction of the new 10-Megapixel EOS Rebel XS marks a change in it’s business model.  Previously, when Canon would introduce a new model, it would lower the price of the older model and make it the new entry-level camera.  Now, Canon has decided to merge the features of the two year-old Canon Rebel XTi / 400D and 3.5 year-old Rebel XT/350D dSLRs to create a new entry-level camera.  By incorporating the DIGIC III processor, Live View, and SD/SDHC card slot of Rebel XSi/450D, Canon now has a consumer dSLR product line that smoothly transitions from the Powershot line.  This makes Canon’s entire consumer line much more consistent and competitive.  Continue Reading to find out all of the details, my take, and the reviews.

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Popularity: 5% [?]

Was it Apple’s Own Hubris that Prevented this Announcement Last Week at PMA?

Today, Apple has announced that Version 2.0 of Aperture has been released. The following are some of the 100+ new features:

• Optimized database and a streamlined, more responsive user interface
• New RAW image processing in Mac OS X Leopard
• Tethered shooting support
• New Camera RAW support for Canon G9, Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300, Nikon D3, Hasselblad CF-22, Hasselblad CF-39, Leaf Aptus 75s, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700
• Recovery and Vibrancy control (thanks Adobe)
• Repair brush lets you copy texture from a source area and maintain the color and shading in the destination area you want to repair.
• Clone brush (also part of the Retouch tool) to eliminate imperfections in one area of your photograph by copying pixels from an area with similar visual elements and cloning them into the area you want to retouch.
• Supports 16-bit print drivers for Epson and Canon printers
• Apply sharpening in the Print dialog, using both the Amount and Radius controls. These settings (which can be saved as a preset) do not affect sharpening adjustments you make in the Adjustments pane.
• Sync your Aperture library to an iPhone or iPod. Or enjoy your photos on an HDTV using Apple TV

Rob Galbraith has notes posted here from his interview with both Apple’s Kirk Paulsen, Senior Director of Applications Product Marketing, and Joe Schorr, Senior Product Line Manager for Photo Application.

Inside Aperture has an article on Getting Started with Aperture 2.0.

You can purchase Aperture 2 now for US$199 at the Apple Store or for US$189 at Amazon. Yes, that is US$100 less than the previous version (and also Adobe Photoshop Lightroom). The upgrade from version 1 is only US$99 (US$89 from Amazon). If you purchased Aperture 1.5 between January 1, 2008, and March 14, 2008, you are apparently eligible to upgrade to Aperture 2 for US$9.95 to cover shipping and handling.

The dSLR Dad just has one question: Why wasn’t this announced last week? It’s not like Apple is dominating the photo management software space and can afford to miss the buzz generated by PMA. Any thoughts?

Popularity: 12% [?]

Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. Their final introduction is the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED, PC (Perspective Control) lens.This lens employs a tilt/shift mechanism that allows you to manipulate image perspective,distortion, and focus in camera. This lens is perfect for the Landscape and Architecture dSLR Dad.

PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Major Features

• Wide shifting and tilting range (shift: ±11.5 mm; tilt: ±8.5°)
• ±90° lens revolving capability for versatile tilt/shift effects
• Maximum reproduction ratio of 1/2.7 (at 0.21 m/0.7 ft.)
• Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements for superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration
• Three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration
• Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections, effectively reducing ghosting and flare
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating delivers superior color reproduction while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
• Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements
• Lens aperture can be preset by using aperture ring and aperture stop-down button
• With the Nikon D3 and D300, auto aperture control with electromagnetic diaphragm is possible

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Popularity: 18% [?]

Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. The second is their new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. This is a great focal length for any dSLR Dad. Of particular note is the 16mm wide angle, which makes for a very nice 24mm full frame equivalent. The inclusion of Vibration Reduction II image stabilization claims a 4 stop benefit in slower shutter speeds. The rounded 7-blade aperture should also help to blur out-of-focus background elements. All-in-all, this looks like a very solid offering from Nikon.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Major Features (more…)

Popularity: 17% [?]

Leaving everyone to wonder why it just wasn’t called the D40x Mark II

We are hitting the final stretch before PMA 20008. Today, Nikon USA issued their flood of Press Releases. The headliner for all of you dSLR Dads is the new D60. This is an update (although, a somewhat minor update) to the very popular Nikon D40X. Key features and “upgrades” include:

• Same 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor.
• Advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II with EXPEED image processor.
• New dual dust reduction countermeasures.
• Eye Sensor that turns the 2.5-inch (that’s right, still 2.5 inches) color LCD monitor on and off automatically. This is the same functionality as Canon Digital Rebel XSI and XTi.
• Stop-Motion Movie mode that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files.
• Customizable LCD monitor user interface with in-camera editing tools.
• Supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi Wireless SD Memory Cards.
• Kit will be packaged with the 3x zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens
• Available in February 2008.  Order now at B&H Photo. (more…)
  

  Popularity: 12% [?]

  Tags: APS-C, camera, camera body, D60, DX lens, News, nikkor, nikon, Nikopn D60, photo, photograph, press release, SLR

Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. The first is their new 60mm AF-S Micro(Macro or close-up for all of you non-Nikon dSLR Dads) lens. This is an interesting market reponse to Canon’s excellent EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM dSLR-only Lens, since it can be used on both full frame and APS-C sized dSLR cameras.

The following is an unedited press release: (more…)

Popularity: 17% [?]

Big, sensational-style news Thursday in the world of sports. One of my favorite sites to track in Google Reader is SportsDesigner. SportsDesigner.com was started by newspaper designer Rich Boudet in the spring of 2004. It is about the craft of creating a sports section. They have a great collection of all the headlines since the Mitchell Report was released in baseball. The Trentonian, from Trenton, N.J. is the source of the above, technically accurate, headline.  I applaud them for at least bringing some levity to the last 24 hours.

Here are some more of my favorites: (more…)

Popularity: 4% [?]

Both Canon and Nikon have recently released updates to their RAW-format Codec plug-in’s for Windows Vista. This codec will allow you to view and work with RAW files just like JPEG files. The details from each manufacturer are listed below. (more…)

Popularity: 13% [?]

INCLUDES THE BENEFITS OF VIBRATION REDUCTION IN A COMPACT AND AFFORDABLE ZOOM

MELVILLE, N.Y. (November 19, 2007) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens that offers Nikon’s proprietary Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to help consumers snap sharper photos than ever before, even while shooting handheld. Compact and lightweight, this affordable lens is an optimum lens to use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras and is the ideal focal length as a “first lens” to faithfully capture life’s day-to-day moments, or a welcome addition to a Nikon D-SLR photographer’s already-established lens assortment. (more…)

Popularity: 5% [?]