LATEST ADDITIONS

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jul 01, 2008  |  0 comments

Interfit has announced the new Super Cool-lite 9, adding to the versatile Cool-lite
range. The new Super Cool-lite 9 will be available as a single head or as twin
headed kits. The major benefits of the Super Cool-lite 9 are the 9 x 28 watt
energy efficient and flicker free daylight balanced lamps. Being cool to touch
lamps makes them ideal when photographing children or for food photography.
Giving the equivalent 1000 watts of tungsten lamps, each head has five switches
enabling combinations of lamps to be turned on or off so you can control your
lighting with ease. Each head is complete with a newly developed Octobox, perfect
for portraits, and a new lightweight high contrast reflector that ensures you
can use the SC9 in virtually any type of studio, small or large.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jul 01, 2008  |  0 comments

Our assignment for Picture This! was "Personal Portraits," and readers responded with wonderful images of those near and dear to them. Each image we received held something very special for the photographer and for those of us who viewed them here at the magazine. We wish we could publish many more than space allows. Once again, it proves the point that photography...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 30, 2008  |  0 comments

Nikon Inc. has introduced the latest generation of its image processing and editing
software, Capture NX 2. Capture NX 2 utilizes U Point technology to give photographers
access to Control Points that enhance color, exposure, and other image quality
settings quickly and easily. New technologies abound in Capture NX 2, including
the new Selection Control Point that places a commanding suite of image editing
tools at the user's fingertips.



In addition, Capture NX 2 adds an advanced Auto Retouch Brush for seamless retouching,
an improved yet simple user interface, updated menus. It also offers advanced
RAW (NEF) processing capabilities, simplified image-browsing, selection and labeling
as well as improved batch-processing capabilities, superior color management and
comprehensive system compatibility with Nikon's EXPEED image processing
concept.



Capture NX 2 also enables simplified editing and processing for most JPEG and
TIFF files regardless of camera manufacturer or model. Its broad range of editing
tools makes image retouching, enhancing and editing simple and intuitive, allowing
users to immediately see the effects as they are applied.



New Additions to Capture NX 2

· Selection Control Points: Now users can selectively edit
photographs without the need to manually outline or mask the area for editing.
Simply place a Selection Control Point anywhere on the photograph then choose
from almost any adjustment such as D-Lighting, Unsharp Mask or noise reduction,
while limiting the "reach" of that adjustment to just the selected
area.



· Auto Retouch Brush: Capture NX 2 adds an automatic retouch
tool to its image editing toolbox, allowing users to seamlessly remove blemishes,
dust, and other distracting elements from photographs while maintaining the integrity
of the image.



· Shadow/Highlight Adjustment: With just a simple slider
adjustment, users can easily open up shadows or recover blown out highlights.



· Redesigned GUI with Customizable Workspaces: As part
of an interface redesign, the new Capture NX 2 includes a Workspace feature that
maximizes the tool and palette layout for the task at hand. Users can create unique
custom workspaces ideal for working with single or multiple monitors. All palettes
and windows within can be docked or undocked or hidden as needed. Predefined workspaces
include: Browser, Metadata, Edit, or an optimized combination of each. In addition,
users can access their most used folders with the new "Favorite Folder"
feature.



· Improved Edit List: Nikon's Capture NX 2 also incorporates
an improved edit list that allows users to apply common enhancements to images
with ease. Common tools like tone curves, exposure compensation, contrast, and
highlight and shadow protection are just a click away via the Quick Fix menu.
The improved edit list allows for camera and lens corrections like color moiré
reduction, dust off, auto color aberration, auto red-eye correction, vignette
control and fisheye lens correction.



Simultaneous Use of Tools: Users can now complete image editing faster than ever
before with the use of simultaneous tools. For example, users can adjust the brightness
and contrast of an image while boosting the color of the image at the same time.



· Filters, Ratings and Sorting Toolbar: Capture NX 2 offers
an advanced filtering system in its tool bar, affording users an efficient way
to filter through hundreds of images by user-defined labels, ratings, file types
and file attributes. What's more, these new filters, ratings and sorting
tools are integrated into the metadata palette, allowing users the ability to
easily edit and view XMP/IPTC information.



Capture NX 2 will be available for purchase throughout the United States in late
June 2008 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $179.95 (full
version) or $109.95 (upgrade). A 60-day free trial version will be available today
for users who wish to experience all that Capture NX 2 offers. For more information,
and to download the 60-day trial version please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 27, 2008  |  0 comments

Mpix, a division of Miller's Professional Imaging, and Zenfolio, a photo
hosting and fulfillment company empowering photographers to turn their passion
into a business, announced today the expanded strategic partnership to better
serve the growing number of professional and advanced amateur photographers.

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 25, 2008  |  0 comments

Induro, manufacturer of professional quality tripods, monopods and heads,
announced a new line of tripods aimed at budget-conscious photographers. Called
the Induro Adventure Series, each model comes as a complete kit, including tripod,
head and carrying case. Ease of operation, quality and strength are integrated
into a lightweight, compact design. The tripod is made from an advanced combination
of magnesium and aluminum alloy and features quick lock legs, a precisely matched
interchangeable ball head and a quick release plate.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 24, 2008  |  0 comments

Sony is expanding its alpha system of accessories to include the new HVL-F58AM
flash unit with exceptional features for versatile and flexible external lighting
control. This new flash features a new Quick Shift Bounce system. It offers
more creative ways to achieve lighting, flash and bounce angles. The flash head
can pivot 90 degrees left and right on a horizontal axis in addition to the
conventional up and down vertical adjustment. With this system, the camera and
flash unit can keep the same orientation regardless of portrait or landscape
shooting. This gives a higher degree of flexibility when arranging the direction
of light. For example, you can take full advantage of the flash unit's
built-in bounce card even during portrait shots since the flash head can maintain
the same orientation as it would in the landscape position.

...

 |  Jun 24, 2008  |  0 comments

Digital SLRs on the Upswing

By Ron Leach

A new six-year forecast released by a leading market research firm serving
the digital imaging industry points to digital SLRS as "the brightest
spot in the digital camera market." In their report, entitled "North
American Consumer Digital Camera Forecast:2008--201...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 24, 2008  |  0 comments

Smith-Victor introduces the new Black Diamond Series of carbon fiber tripods,
monopods and heads that complement the existing line of Smith-Victor aluminum
tripods.

...

Shutterbug Staff  |  Jun 23, 2008  |  0 comments

Bogen Imaging, a leading distributor of top quality photographic support products
and accessories in North America, is proud to announce a free webinar titled "Selecting
the Right Tripod and Head." Held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on June
27, 2008, this course will provide photographers with useful tips and tricks when
it comes to identifying which support products fit their needs.



Ideal for those who shoot with a compact camera or DSLR, this course will explore
some common techniques on selecting the right tripod and head combination. The
speakers for the webinar, David Fisher, Bogen Imaging's Gitzo product manager,
and Will Holowka, Bogen Imaging's Manfrotto product manager, will also share
tips on how to setup, transport, and maintain one's rig.



Topics for discussion include:



- How to determine your needs based on your equipment (hint: weighing it won't
help!)

- How to determine the true strength of a tripod

- Exploring Carbon Fiber: Beyond "lighter & stronger"

- Tips for carrying, setting up, and maintaining your rig

- Different styles call for different setups



Participants will have the ability to ask questions and interact one-on-one with
each speaker, and will automatically be entered in a chance to win one of two
prizes which total over $800. Prizes include a Manfrotto tripod and head and a
Gitzo tripod and head. Winners will be announced at the end of the webinar. Participants
must attend the webinar in its entirety in order to be eligible to win. Within
24 hours of the event, participants can also access a free recorded version of
the entire webinar.



To register for the free webinar course and for additional information, please
visit http://www.bogenimaging.us/TripodWebinar/...

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