Cameratown.com Digital Photography News

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Review by DPReview

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:31:20 EST

Review (Summary): "... However, the 7D isn't just a 50D with a new sensor, viewfinder and revised body - other headline changes include a new AF system with a dedicated processor, dual Digic 4 processors and a new shutter mechanism to allow 8fps continuous shooting, and the ability to control groups of external flashguns using its built-in flash. ...

Adobe Debuts Photoshop.com Mobile for Android

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:49:54 EST

Adobe today introduced Photoshop.com Mobile for Android software, extending Adobe industry-leading digital imaging technology to users of the Google Mobile operating system. The release comes less than a month after the launch of Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone, which quickly established itself as one of the "Top Free" applications on the Apple mobile platform. The Android application equips consumers with quick and easy image-editing tools, color adjustments and instant photo-sharing capabilities. Photoshop.com Mobile optimizes the camera-phone experience by allowing users to browse for their photos online and on their phone, directly from the application. The application is free and available today at the Android Market.

Learn Canon 5D Mark II Cinematography Review by Cameratown

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:53:28 EST

Review (Summary): "If you're a photographer who is serious about adding video into your workflow or a videographer or filmmaker considering adding a Canon EOS 5D Mark II to your gear bag, Philip will give you the run down on everything you'll need to start shooting professional video. ...

New Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Fixes Ghosting Issue

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:52:24 EST

As promised a couple of weeks ago, Canon today released a new firmware update (version 1.1.0) for the Canon EOS 7D that fixes a phenomenon that in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible.

Microsoft and CeWe Color Announce New Photo Service for Windows 7

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:49:05 EST

CeWe Color and Microsoft proudly present an innovative photo service for the new Windows 7 operating system. The world's largest software producer and Europe's leading photo service company are setting new standards in the design of digital photo products with groundbreaking design innovations. Windows Vista had already been provided with a CeWe Color photo book builder and now the new Windows 7 operating system benefits from an even more compelling and technically advanced application, namely the multi award-winning CEWE PHOTOBOOK software which is available in the USA under the brand name SmileBooks. In addition to integrating the design software into the new task bar, the software now offers the option of using a multi-touch screen to design photo books intuitively and conveniently with fingertip navigation.

New DVD Discs 'Etch' Digital Photos and Movies Using High Tech Stone to Preserve Them for Centuries

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:45:52 EST

Recordable DVDs are often unreliable and unpredictable, often failing in as few as two years, a new 1,000 year DVD made of high tech, diamond-hard stone promises to preserve irreplaceable digital files for the ages. The Cranberry DiamonDisc™, now available to consumers for less than $30 each, was designed by a team of talented scientists to store digital photos, movies, music, documents, and ledgers for 1,000 years or more.

Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View with 500' Distance

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:42:12 EST

Setting a new standard for photo-composition technology. The Pro-View Wireless Remote Live View brings an innovative new remote viewing system to photographers using DSLR cameras. Photographers are now free to move from behind the confines of their cameras and confidently capture difficult shots. The Pro-View consists of a hand-held color receiver that lets you "see what the camera sees" up to 500 feet away, thanks to a small video transmission unit that slips over the eyepiece of a DSLR camera.

Olympus Announces Expansion of Micro Four Thirds System with Two New Zoom Lenses

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:19:20 EST

Olympus announces today that it will introduce two new Micro Four Thirds System lenses in the first half of 2010. The new super wide-angle zoom M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) and high-power wide to telephoto zoom M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent) offer amazing optical performance in an extraordinarily compact and lightweight design that translates into taking your PEN camera anywhere for DSLR-quality images and unmatched freedom and creativity. The two new lenses are being designed for use with the Olympus PEN E-P1, which was introduced in June to an overwhelmingly positive response, and the E-P2, which was also announced today, as well as any other current and future cameras that comply with the Micro Four Thirds System standard.

Olympus Officially Announces the New PEN E-P2 with In-Body Stabilization and Electronic Viewfinder

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:00:59 EST

Less than six months after launching the groundbreaking PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Olympus proves that evolutionary change can happen incredibly fast by releasing the E-P2 with even more power and performance. The new PEN, like the E-P1, is the world's smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with in-body Image Stabilization. It blends the high-quality still images like that of a DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and in-camera creativity inside an ultra-portable body. Along with several new features, and eight in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to still images and HD videos, the result is mighty powerful and creative. The E-P2 will be available with an ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens or 17mm f/2.8 lens as well as an electronic viewfinder for an estimated street price of $1099.99.

Registration for WPPI 2010 Now Open

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:18:30 EST

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announces today that registration is now open for WPPI 2010 to take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV from March 4-11, 2010. WPPI is the largest annual expo and conference in the world for professional photographers. Each year more than 11,000 professional photographers gather in Las Vegas, NV, to learn from the best and see the latest and greatest products from the hundreds of exhibitors that participate in trade show.

CSS Music Upgrades Entire Royalty Free Music Library to Superior .mp3 320 kbs File Format

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:57:49 EST

CSS Music, a Los Angeles-based royalty free music library, has upgraded its entire collection of music tracks for the film, video, television and digital media industry to a superior quality .mp3 320 kbs file format. All 12,000 tracks on CSS Music's website are now available for digital download in this new file format in addition to .WAV files at 44.1/48khz and .MP4 (AAC) files. 2 Bulk Download Plans save users from 35-90%. Playlist tool is available for unlimited playlist generation.

Digieffects Launches Falloff Lighting Plugin for After Effects

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:52:14 EST

Digieffects� today announced that Falloff Lighting is available for purchase. Falloff Lighting provides enhanced lighting for After Effects' built-in lights. Falloff Lighting is much more like that of the real world where light naturally decays or "falls off" as surfaces increase distance from the After Effects light. Falloff Lighting is available immediately from Digieffects and its resellers for $49.

WPPI Launches New User-Friendly Website

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:44:40 EST

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announces today its redesigned and easier to navigate convention and trade show Web site. Loaded with all the information a professional photographer could need, the new WPPI website features complete WPPI 2010 details including educational opportunities, events, travel information and special deals as well as a full trade show exhibitor listing.

PicturesToExe Deluxe- Create Spectacular Slideshows for PC, Mac and YouTube!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:42:03 EST

WnSoft has announced the release of PicturesToExe Deluxe 6.0, the photo slideshow software for PC providing a smart solution to combine photos and music into an admirable movie. Version 6.0 of the Deluxe edition brings new enhancements to the program, including 3D effects and the capability to create executables for Mac.

DxO Labs to Release DxO Optics Pro 6 with New Technologies for High-ISO RAW Conversion

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:36:38 EST

DxO Labs is pleased to announce that the latest version of its award-winning software solution for demanding photographers, DxO Optics Pro version 6, will be released in early November. This new version provides the best-ever images from extreme ISO shots and further extends optical fault correction, while increasing both accessibility and productivity.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Review by SLRGear

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:47:37 EST

Review (Summary): "It can be said that the 100mm ?/2.8L Macro IS USM is more than just an update, but rather, a distinctly lens inspired by its predecessor. As an L-class lens, the lens enjoys a tough new weather-sealed body: a little longer and a bit heavier, but not by much. ...

Stock Photographers Power Up Their Social Media Activity With iSyndica

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:45:22 EST

iSyndica's latest update gives stock photographers the ability to distribute their images with custom watermarks to popular social media sites such as Facebook and Flickr. The custom watermarks can be applied to portfolios automatically, saving users hours of processing and uploading duplicate images for public use. The service also lets photographers resize their images to guarantee that the images they publicly share can't be reused for unauthorized commercial purposes.

Kodak Kicks Off "Video Portrait Challenge" for the Holidays

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:37:03 EST

Just in time for Thanksgiving, Kodak is looking for the ultimate "family portrait." Kodak is asking consumers to share what family means to them by showing their true colors in a new YouTube contest called True Colors: Video Portrait Challenge.

Sony Releases Vegas Pro 9.0c Software With New Features for Professional Video Editing Workflows

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:29:03 EST

Sony today announced Vegas(TM) Pro 9.0c software, the latest update to its award-winning nonlinear HD video and audio editing (NLE) application. Vegas Pro 9.0c software features Sony� XDCAM� EX MP4 file rendering and the ability to Smart Render MPEG-2 video across different containers for faster, more seamless editing. New audio features, including exclusive elastique Pro timestretching and Import Stereo Audio as Dual Mono, offer provide even more professional depth to this award-winning NLE. Additional support for media filmed with the RED ONE video camera streamlines file access and efficiency for editors working with footage up to 4K resolution. Vegas Pro 9.0c software also includes additional card support for capture and output via SDI, HD-SDI and HDMI(TM).

SHAPE Services Brings Portable Business Card Reader to iPhone

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:22:43 EST

SHAPE Services, the leading developer of mobile instant messaging, social networking and multimedia applications, announced today the release of Business Card Reader app for iPhone. Business Card Reader makes a "scan" of a business card with the photo camera of iPhone 3GS then it "reads" business card information using revolutionary OCR technology and inserts complete and accurate contact details into the appropriate fields of the iPhone address book. Text recognition is processed completely on the iPhone and does not require data connection. After contact recognition users can search LinkedIn public directory and read the LinkedIn profile in a built-in browser without leaving the application. The app sells for $5.99 in the iTunes App store.

New Kodak iPhone App Lets You Print & Share Photos via WiFi

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:18:55 EST

Kodak has introduced the KODAK Pic Flick App, a new, free Apple iPhone and iPod touch Device that enables consumers to upload pictures to a KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame or print them wirelessly on the KODAK ESP 5250 All-in-One (AiO) WiFi-enabled Printer. The KODAK Pic Flick App is free and is available on the App Store.

Think Tank Photo Releases the Cavernous Urban Disguise � 70 Pro Shoulder Bag

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:13:10 EST

For the photographer carrying two regular or pro size DSLRs with lenses attached to each camera body ? or even a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached to any camera body ? Think Tank Photo announces the release of the cavernous Urban Disguise � 70 Pro. This is a briefcase style gear bag for traveling in style and protecting camera equipment without attracting attention as an obvious camera bag. The interior accommodates a host of camera configurations that enable photographers to keep all their gear secure in one bag.

AKVIS Noise Buster 7.0 ? Better Noise Suppression for Digital and Scanned Images

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:03:01 EST

AKVIS Software Inc. has released Noise Buster 7.0 for Windows and Macintosh with further improvement to its noise suppression algorithm, as well as many other improvements. AKVIS Noise Buster sells for $49 USD. If you send in a photo of yourself in a halloween costume to them by November 7th you'll get a coupon good for 30% off any of their software titles.

Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/35 for Canon EOS Cameras

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:53:38 EST

Carl Zeiss has now added an EF bayonet to its proven lens for photographic reporting: the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE. The high-speed, moderate wide-angle Distagon T* 2/35 ZE fits all analog and digital EOS cameras. Its classic 35 mm focal length is particularly well-suited for advertising, travel and nature photography as it captures dynamic perspectives with high depth of focus and few distortions.

Nikon Learn & Explore - Free App for the iPhone

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:14:17 EST

Nikon this week released a free iPhone application titled "Learn & Explore," which provides quick and easy on-the-go access to a world of photography information. The application designed both for beginners and the experienced enthusiasts allow you to watch educational videos to learn the fundamentals of photography, get advice on shooting techniques, read Nikon World, Nikon's quarterly print magazine with beautiful images and audio slideshows from some of the top professional photographers working today. Read the full story for link information.

Dreamstime Increases Collection of Free Images

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:53:47 EST

Serban Enache, CEO of Dreamstime, one of the world's leading digital image stock photography agencies, announced the company's initiative to up the number of images made available ABSOLUTELY FREE. The FREE section will be updated in real time and imagery licensed under the regular royalty free license (the image may be used for its intended purpose up to 10,000 times).

JOBO Introduces an Affordable New Keyframe

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:41:15 EST

OBO AG announces the addition of the new KeyFrame to the growing JOBO family of digital picture frames. Just in time for the holidays, this versatile new mini digital picture frame and stylish key ring all in one features a 1.5-inch color display, an internal memory capable of storing up to 60 images, and is available in three modern colors ? black, red and pink.

Just Published- Review of the Hot Zacuto Z-Finder V2 Viewfinder Loupe

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:58 EST

We have just published our full review of the very popular Zacuto Z-Finder V2 viewfinder loupe. The Z-Finder (Version 2) is compatible with digital camera models that feature a 3.0" display and Live View capabilities. The Zacuto Z-Finder V2 allows videographers and cinematographers to use their camera's LCD display as a viewfinder, providing more accurate focusing and extra stability. Our review also includes a side-by-side comparison of the Hoodman Loupe 3.0 and the Zacuto Z-Finder V2 in order to demonstrate the difference in magnification of both units. Read the full review here.

M-ROCK Introduces the new Acadia 638 Point & Shoot Camera Bag

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:25:22 EST

M-ROCK is adding the new Acadia 638 to its popular line of compact camcorder and camera bags. The Acadia is sized to snugly fit all the ultra-compact point-and-shoot cameras up to 0.8 inches deep or other compact electronics such as cell phones, MP3 players, and other compact electronic devices. The Acadia comes with a belt loop and includes a comfortable arm band for quick and easy access via a Velcro flap. The Acadia 638 has an MSRP of just $20.00. The Redwood 639 is a slightly larger version for $22.00.

Lastolite Introduces Unique TriGrip Bracket

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:22:23 EST

Lastolite announces the addition of the TriGrip bracket to its highly successful TriGrip line of reflectors. The TriGrip bracket is an innovative bracket that allows photographers to work alone and support the TriGrip reflector on a handle, lighting stand, tripod, or any other type of fixing bracket. The TriGrip bracket can be used to support the TriGrip when working with ambient light or in conjunction with battery operated flash using the flash gun attachment arm to bounce light off the reflector's surface or shoot through a diffusing panel. The TriGrip bracket is available now for $120.00 (street price).

Take the Kata World's Ultimate Camera Bag Design Challenge

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:19:22 EST

Kata is giving photographers of all skill levels the chance to compete head-to-head in designing the world's ultimate camera bag. From November 1st, 2009 to March 1st, 2010, photographers can visit www.dreambagchallange.com to take part in the Kata Dream Bag Challenge, a contest in which photographers from around the world can try their hand at designing their ideal dream bag. First, second and third place winners will be selected and awarded with prize packages valued at $5,000, $4,000 and $3,000, respectively.

Kata Expands GDC Collection With Stylish Camera Satchel Bags

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:14:30 EST

Kata this week extended its popular Global Digital Collection (GDC) with the introduction of its GDC Camera Satchels - new over-the-shoulder bags that offer shooters a stylish and more importantly, discreet carrying solution for their photographic equipment and accessories. Comprising two new models, the CS-15 and the CS-17, Kata's new GDC Camera Satchels offer a variety of features that will appeal to the photographer on-the-go.

Kata Extends Award-Winning 3N1 Line With Three New Models

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:07:57 EST

Kata this week added new functionality to the award-winning 3N1 series with the introduction of three new models. The three new models, including the 3N1-11 ($100), 3N1-22 ($120) and the 3N1-33 ($145), boast the same versatile carrying configurations as their 3N1 siblings; however, they now let shooters carry a compact laptop or netbook, essential tools for the on-the-go photographer.

Manfrotto Brings Carbon Fiber to the M-Y Family

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:52:03 EST

Manfrotto proudly introduces the 732CY, a carbon fiber tripod which joins the company's popular M-Y family. First unveiled in January 2009, the M-Y family was designed to help first-time photographers achieve better results when shooting with their point-and-shoot digital cameras, lightweight DSLRs and compact camcorders. By introducing a carbon fiber tripod to the M-Y family, Manfrotto now gives entry-level shooters the ability to experience the benefits of carbon fiber technology without having to worry about breaking the bank.

Gitzo Unveils Enhanced Basalt Collection

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:47:28 EST

Gitz this week unveiled the company?s revamped Basalt Collection which features innovations in both the construction and design of the line. The new Gitzo Basalt Collection, which comprises six tripods, three quick-release (QR) center ball heads, one monopod and boom, utilizes the fibers of basalt rock to produce high‑performance, lightweight tubes which are 20% lighter than aluminum. Additionally, thanks to a revolutionary and radical new manufacturing process developed by Gitzo engineers, the basalt tubes of the new collection are up to 22% stronger than before, offering photographers a higher-performing support solution compared to the carbon fiber offerings from the competition. Gitzo is also providing a wider variety of sizes and equipment within the Basalt range. Basalt tripods are available in Series 1, 2 and 3 in standard and compact height. The range also includes a new monopod and microphone boom, both in a convenient six section compact size.

Phase One Releases Capture One 5 PRO

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:42:08 EST

Phase One today released Capture One 5 PRO. Capture One 5 PRO is the RAW converter and workflow application with the broadest tethered shooting support, not only for Phase One digital backs, but also for DSLRs from Canon and Nikon. This version adds support for additional DSLR models and RAW file support for selected Leaf digital backs. Capture One 5 is available in three versions: Capture One 5, Capture One 5 DB and Capture One 5 PRO.

Re-Frame San Francisco- Session with Oleg Kalyan (Day 4)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:31:51 EST

hroughout the week I tried my hardest to meet everyone at Re:Frame. I had noticed this tall, mysterious man always quietly moving about with a studying eye whom always escaped my approach. I just assumed he was an attendee until the last presenter of Re:Frame San Francisco was introduced. Who was this dark mysterious man? Oleg Kalyan! Yes, you would agree it had a 'past popular' filter look to it but then, THEN it turned into a Victoria Secret style shoot for a brief moment; no one noticed the filter anymore! Read the full story to get more information on Oleg's session at Re:Frame San Francisco.

Re-Frame San Francisco- Session with David Robin (Day 4)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:04:08 EST

David Robin, a legend in the video/film world has been in the business for over 23 years. A native of London, England he is considered one of the most dynamic event filmmakers in this country. What better person to come and speak on marketing, selling, and production, because after all he has been around for awhile in this ever changing and challenging industry. Read the full story to find out what made David's session to valuable.

Canon EOS 7D May Show Traces of Previous Image when Shooting in Continuous Mode

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:21:10 EST

Canon today published a service advisory for the EOS 7D where they have discovered an issue where slight traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible in subsequent frames when using continuous shooting mode. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image.

In-Depth Review of the new indiSLIDERmini Portable Slider / Dolly for Video DSLR's

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:19:42 EST

The indiSLIDERmini is a low-cost, 24"-wide portable dolly system designed for videographer's and cinematographer's. While there have been other low-cost sliders on the market, none have been priced under $250, let alone $100. This is exactly what intrigued me about the indiSLIDERmini.

Apple's New Magic Mouse -- The World's First Multi-Touch Mouse

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:31:07 EST

Apple� this week introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple's revolutionary Multi-Touch(TM) technology. Pioneered on iPhone�, iPod touch� and Mac� notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface. Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac� and will be available as a Mac accessory at just $69.

Powershot G11 Review by What Digital Camera

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:27:48 EST

Review (Summary): "The new G11 features the reintroduction of a vari-angle LCD screen, as well as an important adaptation of sensor technology - rather than increase megapixel count, as has been seen on every G series model to date, Canon has instead opted to reduce megapixel count by nearly a third compared to the G10. ...

Powershot G11 Review by Photography Blog

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:23:50 EST

Review (Summary): "The Canon PowerShot G11 is the newest member of Canon?s serious compact camera range, predominantly aimed at the DSLR owner looking for a backup compact or the enthusiast who wants DSLR functionality without the added bulk. ...

Re-Frame San Francisco - My Final Thoughts

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:22:54 EST

If you have been following my articles on Re:Frame San Francisco you already know how I feel about this event. For the rest of you, here are my final thoughts and link to my individual session summaries.

Re-Frame Sessions with Jason Magbanua and Alex Hill

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:48:49 EST

Due to times constraints on Wednesday, I was not able to get my thoughts published from the day's sessions at Re:Frame. So this article contains my thoughts on those two sessions with Jason Magbanua and Alex Hill. Jason Magbanua is from Manila, Philippines and has won a total of 25 CEA and AAA awards, including four golds in last year's WEVA Creative Excellence Awards. Alex Hill is both a cinematographer and principal of Elysium Productions, one of the most successful wedding videography studios in the world. His company has won over fifteen industry awards and has been named one of Event DV's Top 25 Hottest & Most Influential Studios in the World two years in a row. Read the full story to read more about their Re:Frame sessions.