News

DxO Labs has announced DxO Optics Pro v5, the latest version of its flagship software
application for automatic image quality enhancement for Digital SLR camera users.
Due to be released later in the fall, DxO Optics Pro v5 is said to set a new standard
for image quality with its new RAW conversion engine. All purchasers of DxO Optics
Pro v4.5 on or after August 1st, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade to DxO Optics
Pro v5.



DxO Optics Pro v5's RAW conversion engine includes a completely new demosaicing
algorithm which produces images with much more detail and fewer artifacts. Demosaicing
is the crucial step of RAW conversion during which the camera's image sensor
pattern is reconstructed as a visible image for the human eye. Inherently, demosaicing
involves trade-offs between image sharpness, details, noise, processing time and
conversion artifacts. The quality of demosaicing determines the amount of detail
and artifacts in the final image. These artifacts, particularly visible and unsightly,
are compounded at high ISO settings and are in large part responsible for what
is deemed the unnatural look of digital images.



The other key characteristic of DxO Optics Pro's new RAW Engine is that
instead of applying noise reduction techniques after demosaicing, a newly-developed
noise reduction is performed upfront, before noise has a chance to be amplified
by the RAW conversion process and absorb important fine details.



Combined with other proprietary techniques, DxO Optics Pro v5's new RAW
Engine is said by the maker to produce both the most detailed and most natural
looking images yet -- its very fine and homogenous grain translating into
subtle shades and textures. DxO Optics Pro v5's new RAW conversion engine
has been fine-tuned and optimized with the rest of the software's automated
image enhancement features (optical corrections, color rendering, exposure optimization,
highlight recovery, etc.) to produce best-in class results.
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AsukaBook USA, a division of Kubota Photo Design, Inc., has introduced three new
products -- the new Book Bound LX, Book Bound FLX and a new Varnish choice
in the Book Bound EX line.

Pelican Products' Memory Card Cases come in four different configurations.
The case is designed to protect all known flash memory card sizes and can accommodate
as many as 32 cards at a time.

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Notes On Our Tests
This month-long test was not intended as a scientific experiment for drawing definitive conclusions about all of the technical aspects involved. That would require testing numerous cameras--of all brands--under strictly controlled conditions and using high-tech equipment for image-quality analyses.

Because we were...

Interfit is pleased to announce the arrival of a remarkably simple lighting
system. The SXT3200 is available in two highly specified kits, both available
with a new educational training DVD especially commissioned to show just how
easy tungsten lighting can be for first time or advanced users. The DVD is feature
packed for both product and portrait photography. It also includes many professional
tips on getting the best results from the system and setting up your camera.

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Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability
of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 software, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling
consumer photo-editing software. Available for Windows, Photoshop Elements combines
power and simplicity for consumers to find, view and easily infuse creativity
and personality into their photos. This landmark release helps consumers at
all experience levels achieve outstanding results and provides interactive options
for sharing unique creations via print and Web.



In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere Elements 4 software, a complete
home video-editing solution (see separate press release). Available separately
or together in a single retail package, Photoshop Elements & Adobe Premiere
Elements give photo and video enthusiasts more creative ways to organize, edit,
create and share digital photos and home movies.



Photoshop Elements software helps enthusiasts achieve desired results quickly
and easily. New Photomerge technology helps address the challenge of capturing
the perfect group photo by combining the best facial expressions and body language
from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. The new Quick
Selection Tool reduces a once time-consuming select-and-adjust task to a single
click. Photographers at all grades -- beginner to expert -- can choose
from one of three edit modes, each geared toward a different experience level.
A new Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo.
Photoshop Elements 6 streamlines editing with clean, uncluttered screens that
draw focus to where it belongs, with new tabs providing simple access to the
many capabilities of the program. Tight integration with Adobe Premiere Elements
and a shared Organizer, with a common database accessible from either application,
allow users to do more with their photos and videos with speedy performance
and easy import, tagging and retrieval tasks. Additional enhancements include
an improved conversion tool that dramatically converts color images into elegant,
nuanced black-and-whites.



Photoshop Elements 6 offers users more creative sharing possibilities, including
online galleries based on Adobe Flash which provide an interactive experience
for friends and family to enjoy. With a variety of settings and themes, these
galleries can be easily accessed via the Web and help bring moments and memories
to life. Animated slideshows, e-mail and printed creations available in Photoshop
Elements such as photo books, scrapbook pages, cards and CD/DVD labels deliver
high-impact sharing options, and also require no previous experience.



Adobe's digital imaging and digital video products are available immediately
at www.adobe.com and online retailers including, Amazon.com. The products will
also be available at Best Buy, Staples, Costco, Fry's, Circuit City, Office
Max, Office Depot, Microcenter, J&R, Buy.com and NewEgg.com. Photoshop Elements
6 and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows are available separately for an
estimated street price of US$99.99 each. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh
platform is expected in early 2008. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere
Elements 4 for Windows is available as a bundle at an estimated street price
of US$149.99. Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing,
upgrade and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com/go/pse6.

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