Wishing all our loyal and dedicated readers a very Happy New Year with best wishes from all The Team.
And remember - An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. Whichever you are, have a great night!
Wearable Bluetooth Camcorder Frees Users to Go Back, Capture What's Happened and Share It Instantly.
Looxcie, Inc. announced today the availability of its iPhone-compatible wearable camcorder at www.bestbuy.com. Initially launched in September 2010, Looxcie™ (look-see) is the first small, light, easy-to-wear camcorder that videos everything the user sees. A Bluetooth-enabled headset, Looxcie fits comfortably on the ear and points where the user looks. Because it is always on, always videoing, users never have to worry about pressing a record button or missing a key event. When an unexpected event occurs, a press of the instant clip button captures the last 30 seconds of video and stores it as a video clip on the device. When paired with an iPhone, the phone becomes both a view-finder and an accessory that lets users share video clips by email, post to Facebook or upload to YouTube in real-time.
Looxcie clips can be shared in the moment, or they can be uploaded to a Mac or PC via the USB connector for archiving, viewing, editing or additional sharing. Users can also pre-program an Instant Share recipient so that when they "long-press" the instant clip button, Looxcie automatically sends the clip to the pre-determined email address. Looxcie utilizes a dual processor system for video and Bluetooth communication so the headset can operate in video mode and talk mode at the same time, or separately. Looxcie uses a mini processor for Bluetooth that includes a digital signal processing system to process and optimize the audio. The camcorder's mini video processor includes software by Looxcie that optimizes power use, 1automatically corrects for light and color, and formats video for mobile devices. These processing systems operate concurrently so users can simultaneously handle calls and capture video.
Additional Product Features & Specs:
Fully adjustable fit for comfort and view refinement
Lightweight: less than 28g (1 oz.)
Always on battery life allows up to 4 hrs of continuous video use
6+ hours of continuous talk time when the video capability is not on
Clips are time stamped and stored in a clip register as MP4 files
On-board storage of up to 4 hrs of video and hundreds of instant clips (3 hrs of clips)
Stored video drops off on FIFO basis for any material unsaved as clips
15 FPS, HVGA resolution camera
Bluetooth Class 2 (2.5mW) for up to 10 meters range
480mAh Li Po battery for extended record and talk times
ROHS compliant manufacturer
DSP optimized for clear, crisp audio
This new version works with iOS 4.2 and costs $199, and we suspect the older version (without iOS 4.2 support) to see a price drop very soon.
DropPhox is a Camera app that automatically sends photos to Dropbox as you take them. Now this is pretty damn cool, take a look...
• DropPhox transfer starts as soon as you snap the camera shutter.
• Multiple photographs are uploaded in parallel as you take them.
• Photos taken offline are uploaded as soon as a 3G/WiFi connection is detected.
• You can also set DropPhox to Autosave photos to your device's camera roll.
• Supported in-camera Flash, Focus and Video
Note: You will need a Dropbox account (Free) to use this application
$1.99/Download
US president Barack Obama cited Apple boss Steve Jobs as an example of the ‘American dream’, saying that the incentive to be rich is a ‘good thing’ and part of the free market.
“We celebrate somebody like a Steve Jobs, who has created two or three different revolutionary products. We expect that person to be rich, and that's a good thing. We want that incentive. That's part of the free market.”according to PCR today.
Meanwhile The Financial Times has given Steve Jobs their Man of the Year accolade. In particular citing the iPad as marking the moment when the ‘rebound’ in Apple’s fortunes “was complete”.
The iPad is the culmination of an approach that he has seemingly been perfecting for his entire career,” stated the Richard Waters and Joseph Menn from theFT.
Nikon UK is pleased to announce a return to the screen with its sponsorship of the hugely popular daily Channel 4 TV show, Hollyoaks, which forms part of its wider TV advertising campaign for 2011.
Nikon’s sponsorship of the programme will run for one year from 1st January 2011 and will support its COOLPIX compact camera range. The COOLPIX sponsorship will be featured on the weekday show on Channel 4 and E4, as well as the weekly Saturday omnibus on E4.
The focus of the sponsorship is Nikon’s COOLPIX range, from the feature packed and very affordable COOLPIX S3000 to the more premium COOLPIX models which offer powerful performance features for creative photography.
The company’s “I AM Nikon” messaging is pivotal to the sponsorship reflecting the emotions and fun of taking pictures with the COOLPIX cameras. The ident visuals will feature playful and amusing vignettes which viewers will be able to empathise with, or relate to the characters and story in the show, and which are punctuated with an emotive “I AM” message.
Jeremy Gilbert, Group Marketing Manager at Nikon UK says: “Nikon’s sponsorship of Hollyoaks in 2010 proved to be very successful and undoubtedly contributed to a significant rise in market share for our COOLPIX products.
He adds, “Hollyoaks continues to provide Nikon with access to a young, trendy audience to whom we are able to communicate the strengths of the COOLPIX range. We look forward to promoting our key COOLPIX products throughout the campaign”.
Hollyoaks is one of the only long running dramas to attract and sustain the lucrative 16-24 demographic. The programme sets new trends with brave direction and ground-breaking visuals. Credited for powerful performances, award winning story-lines and beautiful people; Hollyoaks is one of the most stylish and contemporary long running drama on our screens.
Finally on the iPad! Skyfire is the browser that not only allows you to view Flash Videos on iOS, but provides as well the best integration of social features for a quicker, more informative and most of all fun internet experience.
• Play millions of Flash videos – everyday, with no limits!
• All-new ‘Skybar’ toolbar gives one-click access to video and related content
• Stay in touch: Unique Facebook and Twitter 'Quickview' allows you to see your wall and feeds with one click.
• Universal ‘Like’: Like ANY page on the internet, with one click.
• Fireplace: See only the links shared by Friends. Why? Filter what friends did from what friends shared (which is a great starting point for browsing)
• Popular: See what Friends and the Facebook community have to say about the site you are currently exploring
• Be informed: Quick access to GReader feeds
• Be social: Share via Facebook and Twitter
• Share to more services including GReader, Instapaper, Pinboard and Read It Later
• Standard browser elements: Tabs, search, sharing, bookmarks, history, etc.
• Full screen option for maximum use of screen real-estate – with scroll to top
• ‘Desktop’ option loads pages as on a desktop browser, giving more flexibility in accessing web sites
• Private Browsing option: Browse with no history and cookies left behind
Although Skyfire is known to “bring Adobe Flash to the iPhone”, you should be aware of the following limitations:
» Flash VIDEOS are supported; Flash Games and Flash Apps are NOT supported.
» We do NOT SUPPORT ALL WEB SITES that use Flash Video. We are working hard at it, with millions of videos already supported. But we cannot guarantee that your favorite site is already on the list.
» For users and sites outside USA: Your country's TV website may not work in Skyfire as some sites do not stream to our US based servers.
» Hulu is NOT supported (they don’t allow it), but scores of other premium sites are available
» It may take 15-30 seconds for videos to load: Preparing goodness takes time…
» The application language is in English.
Skyfire for iPad is the best way to browse your favorite web sites, be in touch via Facebook and Twitter and enjoy millions of videos, including FLASH VIDEOS (Flash Games and Apps not supported). Access the content that matters to you: funny clips, sports and news updates, recommendations from your friends. Skyfire for iPad introduces as well the innovative ‘Fireplace’ and ‘Popular’ feature, which gives your quick access to links shared by your friends and the most popular content liked by people on the current site. Thus with Skyfire you are always in the know about what is hot – and share it easily via many means.
Skyfire’s award-winning technology enables Flash video for millions of mobile users and is finally available on the iPad. Our cloud-computing platform translates videos from Flash into an iOS-friendly format. We unlock millions of videos that otherwise would not play on your iPad. It’s a bit of engineering magic. Over 100,000 web sites presently supported, with more added every day.
Gitzo tripods are owned by the same company that owns Manfrotto (formerly Bogen in the USA) and are now no longer made in France but in the Italian Manfrotto factory, just a short trip from Venice. That same company also owns Lastolite, Avenger, OConner, Vinten, Kata and Sachtler, the preeminent tripod of choice for video and movie cameras. But this isn't about the company (a British company as it happens), this feature is all about how to choose from the bewildering array of Gitzo tripods.
These tripods are amongst the best that money can buy* for stills cameras, but like any "tool" you can't really just buy one and expect it to "do everything", just like you can't buy one screwdriver and expect it to fit every screw. Buying your first Gitzo, therefore, is the most difficult decision, as you'll want to get the most use for your hard-earned cash - that's only natural, but you've got to think long-term too.
There are all ready excellent features on the net that explain why you should chose Gitzo over other makes, and I'm not going to reiterate any of that here, there's really nothing more to add. However, I'm going to suggest specific models for certain applications, along with genuine Gitzo accessories and make recommendations for third-party products.
Why am I doing this? Well, I find Gitzo's website a little perplexing and I often refer to it. I know what they're trying to achieve, but they're trying to sell all the models, obviously, and that only adds to the confusion.
Unless you have a specific task outlined, for which you'll need to refer to the rest of the article, your first Gitzo will need, for practicality's sake, to be a good 'all-rounder'. That's to say this tripod will be the most used, for traveling, backpacking and every other time that you're not using one of the other more specialized tripods (listed later) for a specific purpose. This then will be your main tripod. The four-section Explorer GT2541EX costs a little more than the three section (GT2531EX), but it packs down another 10cm (to 54cm) and can easily accommodate a pro-DSLR with a lens up to 200mm (or up to 12kg, say Gitzo but that's not realistic). Read our review of the earlier (essentially the same) model, the Explorer GT2540EX here.
Don't choose the aluminum version, after all what you want here is the smallest and lightest. The Explorer is more versatile than the others in the range thanks to the pivoting central column. This makes it ideal for macro photography as well as landscape, architectural and the rest. The weight for the legs is 1.84kg, we'll talk heads later, pretty light considering the overall flexibility. If you simply must have the lightest, go for one of the Travellers, such as the GT-1542T, but the Explorer still offers more all-round flexibility.
Our next Gitzo on the list is aimed users wanting something with greater load carrying capacity, while maintaining versatility. That means only one range, the Systematics. They all have a removable top-plate for a choice of columns, should you decide you need one. However, unless you intend to use it occasionally in the studio then it's not really needed. Gitzo make both geared and what they call 'rapid' (lockable sliding) columns for the Systematics, but you must buy the right size for your tripod, either series 3, 4 or 5.
Gitzo no longer make the superb (but seriously heavy) Series 5 Systematics in aluminum, unfortunately (get them now before they sell out: G1500 and G1505). They were the staple for studios, but unless you need that in particular, the material to go for is carbon-fibre - it's pricey but light, rigid and pretty durable. As you'll most likely want to use this on location, that means choosing the four-section over the equally impressive (but slightly more stable) three-section version.
Carbon Fibre absorbs vibration pretty well, but some lightweight designs are susceptible to lateral movement and flexing - that doesn't happen with the 5-series though it does with some of the 3-series - particularly the 4-section models which have thin tubing for the last (fourth) section. I've noticed a few professional photographers use the tripods partly extended from the bottom. This is not the way it should be used. To reduce vibration, always extend the legs from the top down (using the fourth, and thinnest stage, as a last resort).
The four section carbon-fibre GT3541LS (above) doesn't come with a column, that's extra, however the platform is used to mount a head directly to it. If you need to level a head, for video capture or panoramas, then the you can replace the platform with either a video bowl adaptor (designed specifically for 75mm or 100mm video-heads, which feature their own built-in leveling bowl) or the leveling base for panoramas.
This is the industry standard** tripod for sports and wildlife photographers using long-lenses up to 500mm, with something like the outstanding Wimberley WH-200 Head - Version II (pictured below). The GT3541LS is the long version (stands 146cm tall at its maximum, packs down to 55cm (nearly the same as the Explorer above) and can carry a load up to 18kg. It weighs just 1.72kg. The GT3541XLS is an alternative if you want a little extra height but there's quite a price premium, and it's susceptible to some flexing at the tallest setting, when it must be used with care. This tripod stands 198cm at its maximum and closes down to 70cm, quite a jump over the LS version (and may cause issues with Airline carry-on restrictions) but still weighs just 1.97kg.
Neither model is quite stable enough for the 600mm f/4 lenses though. For that you'll have to read on.
The GT5541LS (shown above) is quite a brute with much larger leg-tubes, but it's more than capable of supporting the longest lenses with pro DSLR bodies. Four leg sections make it more compact (60cm) when folded, over the GT5531S three-section version (63cm) and it's reasonably tall at 153cm as opposed to 133cm, which is rather low for most users. As well as sports and wildlife, this tripod is ideal for medium and large format cameras in the studio as well as on location.
Gitzo don't make an XLS version unfortunately. For something taller, you have to turn to the the six-section GT5561SGT. Gitzo call this the "Geant" or "Giant" and it is without doubt a real monster, but it's superbly stable still. However, it's Gitzo's most expensive model at $1,299.99 / £1000. It's pretty weighty too at 3.41kg, but much lighter than the aluminum version it just recently replaced. Although it can be used on location (that's what assistants are for) it's just as at home in the studio. I would also recommend one of these, as while I've never had a plate and head come away (it's held by a screw-down clamp) it has been known - this adds a second line of defense.
My recomendation for an all-round lightweight model for most everyday applications is the Explorer GT2541EX . If you're using a fluid video head occassionally, a geared head such as the outstanding Arca Swiss Cube or long heavy lenses up to 500mm with the Wimberley WH-200, then go for the GT3541XLS (or GT3541LS for a smaller pack size, but lower max height overall). For heavy lenses of 600mm or more, then the GT5541LS is a must. I should also point out that these models are highly sought after and so can be difficult to find in stock, but persevere or place on backorder.
I'll be looking at different heads next.
* Although not a Gitzo, you could take a look at this instead, if price is a concern. I use one of these for a lot my work where weight isn't a concern and can recommend it with lenses up to 600mm (I have tested with the Canon 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses, as well as the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VRII). What's more, the owner of the company told me the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) photographers regularly use these with the Nikkor 600mm f/4.
** Some US photographers are very impressed with RRS tripods. I haven't seen one, they won't send one for review. But, I have some RRS products, most notably the RRS BH-55, which I can whole heartedly recommend for heavy pro cameras.
Jessops in the UK are listing only the GT5541LS on their site, perhaps they'll list more of our recommended tripods in time.
Warehouseexpress.com are listing the following models:
Explorer GT2541EX at £534.95 inc VAT
GT3541LS at £589.95 inc VAT.
GT3541XLS at £649.95 inc VAT
GT5541LS at £739.95 inc VAT.
GT5561SGT at £989.95 inc VAT
Wimberley WH-200 Head - Version II at £519.99 (shown below)
It goes without saying that your tripod must be leveled before you attempt this and that I would suggest removing the lens when adjusting the height of the head to achieve the correct balance - the slightest adjustment can mean the difference between the correct balance or not.
For more information on Gitzo tripods, please visit www.gitzo.us
For more information on the Wimberley head, please visit www.tripodhead.com.
Skattered Moments is a cool new company that takes a favorite photograph and transforms it into spectacular artwork of almost any dimension.
The innovative process uses patent pending software to turn photographs into stunning wall art, by pixelating an image using a variety of shapes and then dividing the image across any number of frames.
A simple 4x6 inch photo can be skattered, customized & transformed into spectacular wall art of almost any dimension for display in your home, office, or school. Frames are lightweight so hanging is a cinch!
Exclusive Holiday Special: 20% off now through December 31, 2010.
Take advantage of this incredible offer and create your own skattered masterpiece now!
To find out more about this innovative service, go here
Reinvented Software introduces Poster 1.0 for Mac OS X. Poster is an application for posting photos and videos. Poster provides a first-class experience for posting photos and videos to Flickr and photos to Facebook. Its sleek design takes advantage of each site's unique features to make posting photos and videos a truly enjoyable experience.
Poster is a Mac OS X application for uploading photos and videos to multiple sites and accounts, sporting a sleek design that not only lets you see your photos properly, but work with them effortlessly too. Supporting Flickr and Facebook at launch, Poster takes a tailored approach that makes the most of each site's unique features.
For Flickr, Poster can post both photos and videos, auto-complete tags, allows you to create and choose sets, submit photos to groups, tag people and moderate your photos all within the app. Its All Items view lets you work with an entire set of photos as easily as just one.
For Facebook, Poster will not only post to your profile, but also any pages that you administer, making Poster ideal for anyone whose business, band or cause takes advantage of Facebook's massive user community.
Poster works with the photo editing and management applications you use and can even perform some tricks of its own, such as rotating and resizing photos before uploading. As a convenience, plug-ins are provided for iPhoto and Aperture to launch Poster with the exported files.
The best part of Poster is that it is a pleasure to use. Packed with thoughtful touches, its understated design and tasteful animations are both intuitive and easy on the eye and its support for multitouch gestures and full keyboard navigation help make posting your photos and videos as enjoyable an experience as taking them.
Pricing and Availability:
Poster 1.0 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later, and is available as a 15-day trial that can be unlocked upon purchase. A full license of Poster 1.0 costs $19.95 (USD).
To download go here
LaCie have introduced a new Slim Blu-ray optical drive. It represents a convenient way to record, rewrite, and play back high definition (HD) video. This bus powered drive combines Blu-ray technology and 50GB BD-ROM into a portable form factor, allowing users to enjoy both high definition Blu-ray and a 3D picture, or even burn discs—all on the go! That sounds pretty useful to us for photographers on the run - take a look at more details below:
• Bring Blu-ray™ to your PC or laptop
• Record, rewrite, and play back BD and DVD video
• CyberLink Blu-ray Disc Suite included
• No power supply needed – burn discs on the go!
Starting at $264.99/To read more go here
The following improvements have been made in version 1.1.
Total image recording times for NRW (RAW) files have been reduced. This includes image recording times for NRW+JPEG file recording options .
Lens control has been optimised to reduce the frequency with which the “Initializing lens. Cannot focus.” message is displayed.
An issue that, in some rare cases, prevented zoom operation has been resolved.
An issue that caused the monitor display to exhibit a loss of detail in highlights (blown highlights) when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway with Active D-Lighting enabled has been resolved.
To find out more about this update, go here
Canon UK has started showing a range of video tutorials based around the choosing of lenses for different subjects, such as macro, landscapes, portraits and wildlife/sports. They're hosted by Rob Grove and Jenny Hare, and they talk intelligently about the subjects raised and the equipment used. There's a interesting section on technologies and optical heritage too. The tutorials can be found here, but it takes a little while to load, so please be patient.
Perhaps not the sort of glamor girl images you're used to looking at but certainly ones you will never forget.
Russian beauty/contortionist Zlata is an extreme gymnast and has been since the age of 14. Her incredible flexibility is not just through strict training on it's own, no there's more to this story below...
Zlata actually has a very rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. A condition that causes extreme flexibility and increased elasticity within a human body.
Looks like she has chosen the right career path.
To see more of this amazing girl - go here
Adobe has released Lightroom 3.3 offering compatibility with the new Canon Powershot G12, and S95, Nikon D7000, Pentax K-5 and Sony A560 and A580 amongst others. It's available for download now, from here.
Update: contrary to our report earlier, LR 3.3 can indeed process PEF files from the Pentax 645D.
Adobe Releases Lightroom 3.3 and Camera Raw 6.3 Along With New Lens Profile Downloader
Adobe today announced the Lightroom 3.3 and Camera Raw 6.3 updates are available for immediate download on Adobe.com. Originally posted as release candidates on Adobe Labs, the final updates bring raw file support to 15 new popular camera models including Nikon D7000 and Canon Powershot S95, as well as lens profiles for over 60 new Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sigma lenses. Available on Adobe Labs, the Lens Profile Downloader 1.0 – a free companion application to Lightroom 3, Photoshop CS5 and Camera Raw 6 – allows customers to search, download, rate and comment on over 300 lens correction profiles provided by the community. Photographers can create custom profiles for their own lenses and share them with the user community.
A full list of the newly added raw camera support and the new and improved lens profiles can be found on the Lightroom Journal: http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal.
Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution, helping serious amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, enhance and showcase all their images within one application. The Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in provides fast and easy access to raw image formats produced by many leading digital cameras.
Pricing and Availability
The Lightroom 3.3 update is available as a free download for Lightroom 3 customers, and the Photoshop Camera Raw 6.3 plug-in is available as a free download for Photoshop CS5 customers. For more information and to download these updates please visit http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. To download the Adobe Lens Profile Downloader 1.0 and Lens Profile Creator visit http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/lensprofile_creator.html
*Users can connect with the Lightroom team directly on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lightroom) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/lightroom).
Newly Supported Camera Models
Canon PowerShot G12
Canon PowerShot S95
Nikon D3100
Nikon D7000
Nikon Coolpix P7000
Olympus E-5
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
Pentax K-5
Pentax K-r
Ricoh GXR, GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5
Samsung NX100
Samsung TL350 (WB2000)
Sony A560
Sony A580
Adobe Systems Incorporated have just announced today that Google has licensed Adobe® Content Server 4 software as its ebook content protection solution for Google eBooks. With the addition of Google, more than 200 publishers and distributors worldwide have now deployed Adobe Content Server, making it the most pervasive Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution for ebooks and other digital publications.
As a true cross-platform solution, Adobe Content Server enables consumers to purchase or lend ebooks through thousands of points-of-purchase without being tied to one store. With support of the Adobe® Reader® Mobile software development kit (SDK) on more than 85 devices and applications, consumers can download and read protected ebooks from Google eBooks in both PDF and EPUB format. Supported devices include a broad variety of platforms: smartphones, tablets and desktops, as well as dedicated reading devices like the Sony Reader or the Barnes & Noble nook. With more than 13 million downloads of Adobe Digital Editions, a free software application for acquiring, managing and reading ebooks, users can transfer their digital content to their netbooks and desktops, and by taking advantage of a growing number of mobile applications, users can also consume ebooks from Google eBooks on tablets like the iPad. For a complete list, visit Adobe Digital Editions Supported Devices.
“We are excited about Google joining the largest ecosystem of content distributors that believe in giving consumers the freedom to read ebooks across platforms and device types,” said Dave Burkett, vice president and general manager, Creative Solutions Business, Adobe. “Adobe is helping publishers navigate a rapidly changing media landscape, where new devices are opening up new business opportunities to distribute unique content.”
Adobe Content Server is part of Adobe’s end-to-end Digital Publishing Solution for ebooks with Adobe InDesign® CS5, Adobe Digital Editions and Adobe Reader Mobile SDK. The solution allows users to download and read ebooks from Google eBooks without being locked into a proprietary file format or device. More than 200 publishers and distributors worldwide are using the solution today to securely deliver their copyrighted content to end-users through thousands of points-of-purchase across the globe, including many public libraries. This reduces the risk of unauthorised distribution and gives content owners the flexibility to develop their own monetisation models around digital content delivery. Licensees of Adobe Content Server include Barnes & Noble, Google, Random House, Sony, WW Norton, OverDrive, Ingram Digital, Kobo, British Library, and many more
With the Reader Mobile SDK, Adobe enables companies to offer smartphones and reading devices that can easily download, manage, and display ebooks based on PDF and the open EPUB file format. Adobe’s ebook initiatives come at a time when Adobe is pushing the boundaries of delivering new digital publication experiences with leading publishers such as Condé Nast and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. With these new types of interactive, branded experiences, publishers can create rich content on tablets, smartphones and other devices that attracts high-value subscribers and advertisers.
Software Ops today is pleased to announce the release of a new application, My Eyes Only Photo Pro, the powerful photo encryption application for iOS devices. This app is the first app in the My Eyes Only family to support the iPad as a universal app for Apple iOS devices.
My Eyes Only Photo Pro has the functionality of the existing My Eyes Only Photo app built for iPhone but is packaged into a universal app to support iPad as well as iPhone and iPod touch devices.
My Eyes Only Photo Pro is designed to secure photos on your iPhone or iPod touch by password protecting and encrypting photos. My Eyes Only Photo Pro uses 256 bit RSA encryption, built into the iPhone and supported by Apple. The photos are protected by a password that prevents others from viewing the images that are too sensitive to be stored in the Photos application.
Users of the application can select photos from the existing photo library on their iOS device or use the camera to take photographs and store them directly into My Eyes Only Photo Pro. Users can create as many photo libraries as they like within the application. The photos library presents all the photos in a thumbnail view for easy selection. An easy to use photo browser displays the images or viewing even as My Eyes Only Photo Pro is decrypting the photos in the background.
My Eyes Only Pro can import and export photos using a WiFi network with your favorite browser. "This is the most customer requested feature and we're glad to be able to satisfy our customers with this amazing new feature," states Joe Michels, CEO of Software Ops. "The other exciting feature is the ability to transfer photos from one iOS device running My Eyes Only Photo to another via WiFi or Bluetooth."
$5.99/Download
For photographers and graphic designers surely there's no other option but a Pantone colored iPhone/iPad case. Maybe the only problem will be which swatch to choose.
There are nine colors in the initial iPhone offering: Yellow, Red 711, Blue 7462, Orange 021, Pink 226, Green 354, Cool Gray 5, 418, and Black. For the iPad, Case Scenario has four colors: Black, Cool Gray 5, 7462, and 711.
The four pantone iPad cases come in: pantone blue 7462 C, pantone black C, pantone 711 C and pantone cool gray 5 C.
To purchase and/or order go here, to Case Scenario
Fast Photo 1.0 has been designed from the ground up with that one senerio in mind. It doesn't have fluff, there's no editing or tweeking of pictures to get in the way. A clean and simple design allows you to show off your favorite photos with only one tap and even allows for custom descriptions for each photo. Both portrait and landscape modes are supported.
Benefits:
* Fast Viewing of your favorite photos
* Switch between albums quickly with one tap
* Create and name four separate albums
* Add a custom description to each photo
* Switches between portrait and landscape view automatically
* Swipe animation adds "flipping a page" look and feel to the album
* Tap the curl or swipe the page to flip between photos
* Creates a separate copy of your favorite photos with the app, to save you from deleting them accidentally
$0.99/Download
Further to the recent service announcement regarding the aftermarket modification to the mode-selector dial on the EOS 5D Mk II and EOS 7D, a spokesperson for Canon has confirmed to the Digital Journal of Photography that the modification can be carried out by the Canon Repair Centre at Elstree at the following charge.
EOS 5D Mark II - £59.95 + VAT
EOS 7D - £63.39 + VAT
Both these prices include a £5 delivery charge which can be removed if the photographer wishes to collect their camera in person.
As this is a new modification Canon advise that photographers contact Canon Elstree to pre-book and arrange a suitable modification date, by calling 0844 369 0100 (Select Option 2).
Canon can't confirm the price third party repair centres will charge for this modification, and neither can they comment whether this change to the mode dial, currently a feature of the latest model, the EOS 60D, will be incorporated into future production.
Sigma Corporation of America is currently accepting photo and application submissions for its second annual Scholarship Contest. The contest, which will award $6,000 in cash and photography gear, is open to all high school seniors who plan to pursue a photo-related career.
Copyright above image - Michelle Civil, NY
Applications for the contest are now being accepted through Feb. 28, 2011 via the Sigma scholarship website. Students interested in entering the contest must submit between three and five photos that are thematically tied. These photos must also represent outstanding image quality, a concept that is the foundation of Sigma Corporation’s commitment to the photographic industry. In addition, students must complete an essay of between 300 and 800 words that describes their creative process in shooting, selecting and editing their photos.
Students pursuing higher education in industries such as photography, photojournalism, graphic arts and design, visual arts and art history are eligible to apply, and each submission will be judged on the creativity of the subject selection, overall technique, and image quality.
Copyright Rocco Peditto, NJ
“The images submitted in our first scholarship contest exhibited a high level of skill and passion which was a true pleasure to see,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “Our support of these talented young photographers has been confirmed and we very much look forward to seeing what this year’s competition will produce.”
Sigma’s first Scholarship Contest winner, Jamie Russell of Cheektowaga, N.Y., submitted a series of photographs depicting poverty in her hometown. A total of 122 students competed in the contest.
A public, online vote will be held from March 1, 2011 until April 1, 2011, and the top five vote-getters will become finalists. Sigma executives will then choose the Scholarship winner; the winner will be announced on April 18, 2011.
We were sent this interesting press release this morning from Hasselblad's distributor in Hong Kong (the parent company owns the camera maker), besides that, we'll use any excuse to feature food photographers, especially when it's Rene Riis.
Demon Chef and Danish Cameraman - Rene Riis to Collaborate for Book by using Hasselblad H4D-50
Alvin Leung to work with world class food photographer Rene Riis in December
For his first book, Hong Kong’s ‘Demon Chef’ Alvin Leung is set to collaborate with world-class Danish photographer Rene Riis. The owner and executive chef of the Michelin star restaurant Bo Innovation, Leung recently started writing what he describes as an “art/food book.” To enhance his creative vision, he has invited acclaimed artist Riis back to town to shoot the stylized pictures.
The Copenhagen-based lensman (www.reneriis.com) specializes in food photography and is known for his remarkable close-ups and detailed images. His work has been featured internationally in acclaimed art publications including Wallpaper, Elle Decoration, Living Architecture, Gastro and GQ Magazine.
The intensive photo shoot will take place the week of December 13 to 17, at the Miele Private Lounge show kitchen in Causeway Bay. Riis will be shooting Leung’s “X-treme Chinese” dishes using a high-powered digital Hasselblad H4D-50 medium-format camera. Its images are capable of a resolution power of 50 million pixels.
The two artists first met in 2009 at a food photography seminar in Hong Kong. They quickly developed a working report and friendship. When Leung decided to create his food book, Riis’ name immediately came up.
Leung explained, “I don’t want to do just another recipe book. This should be more like an art book showing my inspirations, methods and madness. We considered a few other photographers but ultimately I know Rene would best capture what I had in mind. Neither of us want just second best. We’re setting the standards very high.”
An acoustic engineer by trade with no formal culinary training, Leung and his restaurant Bo Innovation has been a Hong Kong sensation since it began as a private kitchen in 2003. His modern twist on Chinese cuisine was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide’s first Hong Kong survey in 2009. It is number 65 in the S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants awards. It was also voted one of Asia’s top 20 restaurants in the newest Miele Guide.
The Hasselblad name is synonymous with the very top end of the camera and related photographic equipment market and famous for reliability and image quality. The company’s success started with its first consumer single-lens mirror reflex 6x6 camera, unveiled in New York City in 1948, the system which NASA took to the moon in 1969. Hasselblad cameras’ legacy of innovation continues to this century with the H4D line marking a new chapter in medium format DSLR cameras. The H4D features the revolutionary True Focus technology with APL (Absolute Position Lock), making focusing substantially easier and more accurate. H4D cameras are available with 40Mpix, 50Mpix or 60Mpix sensors.
The photo location at the Miele Private Lounge is a state-of-the-art luxury kitchen space near Lee Gardens in Causeway Bay, engineered to enhance the Miele lifestyle with features carefully selected to match the timeless elegance and quality of the Miele brand. The use of the venue is strictly invitation only.
