DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, has
announced the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest
version of DxO Labs' flagship product adds: support for the Canon EOS
1Ds Mark II. and the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.
With DxO Optics Pro 2.2, DxO Labs is simplifying its pricing structure. DxO
Raw Engine -- previously an option priced at US $119-- is being included
as a standard component of DxO Optics Pro.
There were only a few new software announcements at PMA this year, but they
were good ones. One of the most exciting things I've seen at the show
is the new Pixmantic RawShooter Essentials being shown by Corel.
There are a large number of new papers and inks being shown at PMA this year,
with better archival properties and new surfaces - both traditional RC type
papers and fine art textures. Oriental, long known for their papers in the traditional
film market was showing a new line of inkjet papers, the Graphica Fiber Base
Glossy, ideal for those looking for traditional silver halide print quality,
Graphica RC Professional in gloss and luster finishes, Graphica Designer Art
Canvas, which can either be stretched like traditional canvas or mounted and
matted like traditional papers. The papers are available in cut sheet sizes
for desktop printers and roll sizes up to 42 inches.
MediaStreet was showing their new black only ink set and papers. Currently for
the Epson R series printers, MediaStreet has expanded beyond their Niagra continuous
ink system into what looks to be a very strong entry for dedicated black and
white ink jet printing. Their profiles have several tone curves that mimic traditional
alternative processing. The Niagara system now supports the Epson 4000, R300
and R800 printers as well as the Canon i9900 printers.
Arches, who makes the popular Infinity fine art papers was showing a new line
of papers from Canson. Surfaces include Torchon, Canvas, Mi-Teintes, and Watercolor
for the fine art photographer, and both PhotoGloss and PhotoSatin for a more
traditional look. The Canson line will be available in cut sheet and rolls up
to 50" width.
Hahnemuehle introduced a new series of fine art papers - the White Etching 100%
Rag in both 350 and 500 gsm as well as a new Photo Rag Bright White 308 gsm
paper.
Good news for many though is that Ilford has announced that black and white
film, paper, and chemicals will continue to be available, good news for the
many fans of Ilford film products.
Ferrania has a new line of archival paper out that offers excellent fade protection.
Compatible with dye and pigment printers, the paper is available in gloss and
satin finishes.
Kodak has finally made their Professional line of inkjet papers available in
10", 16", and 24" x 100' roll sizes. These papers have
the look and feel of traditional Kodak gloss (F surface) and luster (E surface)
paper with the familiar Kodak logo on the back.
Welcome to Shutterbug's live show coverage from PMA 2005. The Photo Marketing
Association's annual show is considered to be the photographic industry's
most important annual event and is being held in Orlando FL from Feb 20-23 this
year.
Every day throughout the show I'll be providing updates of major announcements
and new products that will most likely be on your list of future purchases. While
digital is the dominant theme at PMA this year, there is plenty out there for
the film shooter to get excited about.
Primera Technology's BravoPro Disc Publisher is an automated CD/DVD burning
and printing system. BravoPro copies and prints up to 100-discs per job hands-free
with both Mac and PC compatibility. BravoPro is available with two 52x CD-R
drives or two DVD±R/CD-R combination drives that record DVDs at 16x and
CDs at 32x. A 4800 dpi printer, prints full-color, photo-quality images directly
on the surface of the disc. No labels are required! Bravo II can be used as
a desktop unit or integrated in larger photographic processing and kiosk solutions.
In late August 2004, ILFORD Imaging USA Inc communicated that the accounting
firm Grant Thornton had appointed partners Mark Byers, Malcolm Shierson and
Les Ross as joint administrators of the UK parent company Ilford Imaging Limited,
and joint administrative receivers of our UK affiliate, Ilford Imaging UK Limited.
One of the major consequences of this action was the implementation of restructuring
plans at all ILFORD entities worldwide. The first round of these changes have
been completed.
Tamrac has introduced a redesign of their popular Expedition Series backpacks,
now with "Wing" accessory pockets that allow for quick access to
accessories. The accessory pockets also have Tamrac's exclusive Memory
and Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory
cards and batteries. The packs include dual-foam comfort pads on the back and
air flow channels to keep the werer, and contents, cool and dry. There's
also a QuickClip tripod attachment system with a tripod foot pocket for balancing
a tripod with the pack.
Handcolorists have been doing it for years. They began with a black and white
image and using photo oils, chiefly from the Marshall Company (distributed by
BKA Group) added selective color or entirely covered a monochrome image with
color. This was often practiced with portraits, but began to find followers
in the "fine arts" arena as well. We've seen this so-called
mixed-media trend come and go, and I don't think hand-coloring will ever
go out of style. Digital has opened up many new doors for creativity, and because
you can manipulate images with ease it allows you to emulate any look, style
or technique that you might admire. In this lesson we'll take a look at
"colorizing" an image and mixing color with black and white.
In olden times printmakers toiling in the darkroom had a fair sampling of paper
surfaces from which to choose, as well as paper "tones" that ranged
from warm to cool, depending on the paper characteristics modified by the developer
used. Alas, those days are past, with less and less surfaces available. Now,
however, the choice in paper surfaces and weights has returned, albeit in the
form of inkjet papers for output using both pigment and dye based inks. Today,
the proliferation of inkjet paper brands speaks to the growing market for these
products and provides the photographer with perhaps even more possibilities
than even was available in the heyday of the chemical darkroom arts.