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photography

Apple Releases Aperture 3

by Dave Warner on February 9, 2010

Seems like they were pretty secretive about this update and when it would come out! So, for all you Aperture users, here are the details. Maybe Adobe was waiting to see what happened with this product before they released Lightroom 3?

New Features Include Faces, Places & Brushes

CUPERTINO, California—February 9, 2010—Apple today introduced Aperture 3, the next major release of its powerful photo editing and management software, with over 200 new features including Faces, Places and Brushes. Building on the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto ’09, Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organize large photo libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects with just one click. Stunning new slide shows let you share your work by weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.

“Millions of people love using iPhoto to organize, edit and share their digital photos,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Aperture 3 is designed for both professionals who edit and manage massive libraries of photos and iPhoto users who want to take their photos further with easy-to-use tools such as Brushes and Adjustment Presets.”

“Aperture 3 gets it right,” said National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson. “The image editing tools are exactly what I have been asking for, they’re so easy to use and give me a level of control that I never even thought possible.”

“I chose Aperture because it was the most powerful archiving application around, but it’s now an unbelievable imaging tool as well,” said Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer. “I am beyond impressed with the massive changes made in Aperture 3.”

Aperture 3 allows you to organize large photo libraries with even more flexibility using Projects and the new Faces and Places. Faces uses face detection and recognition to find and organize your photos by the people in them. You can view faces across your entire photo library or view just the faces that appear in selected projects. In a new view that speeds up the organization process, Aperture 3 displays faces that have been detected but haven’t yet been named. Places lets you explore your photos based on where they were taken, and like in iPhoto, Places automatically reverse geocodes GPS data into user-friendly locations. In Aperture 3, you can assign locations by dragging-and-dropping photos onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled cameras, tracking devices or your iPhone photos.

The new Brushes feature allows you to add professional touches to your photos by simply painting effects onto the image. Aperture 3 includes 15 Quick Brushes that perform the most popular tasks like Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the complexity of layers or masks. Brushes can automatically detect edges in your images to let you apply or remove effects exactly where you want them. Aperture 3 includes dozens of Adjustment Presets that apply a specific style or look to the entire image with just a click. You can create your own custom presets or explore the techniques of other photographers by importing theirs.

Aperture 3 makes it easy to share your work with stunning slide shows that weave together photos, audio, text and HD video. You can select one of six Apple designed themes or choose your own transitions, background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack. You can export your slide shows directly to iTunes® to take with you on your iPhone or iPod touch. You can also share photographs as beautiful prints, create custom-designed hardcover books and publish to online photo sharing sites like Facebook and Flickr, right from Aperture 3.

Pricing & Availability

Aperture 3 is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) and existing Aperture users can upgrade for a suggested retail price of $99 (US). A downloadable 30-day trial version is available at www.apple.com/aperture/trial. Aperture 3 runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS® X Snow Leopard® on Macs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Full system requirements, online tutorials and more information on Aperture 3 can be found at www.apple.com/aperture.

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This camera looks REALLY good! In fact, at $800, what is it going to do to 7D sales? And WHERE is my firmware upgrade for my 5D Mark II? Come on Canon! We’ve waited long enough…

The Family Camera is Back, Introducing the EOS Rebel T2i Featuring a Large 18-Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Full HD Video Recording with Selectable Frame Rates up to 30 fps

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company’s highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today’s photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.

The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon’s industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.

“There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge.”

Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video

Canon’s EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.

For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i’s autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon’s new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased “telephoto” effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.

For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.

Camera Feature Set

The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera’s basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.

The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer’s first swing. The camera features Canon’s proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.

The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to “flat” scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.

The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera’s LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon’s new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in early March, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009†, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of “100 Best Global Brands.” Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice.

Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

HDMI, HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are registered trademarks or trademarks of HDMI licensing, LLC.

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This is a Quick Hit Podcast short. Today we’re going to talk to Josh Gooden, an 18-year-old filmmaker. Josh has filmed, directed and edited short films, commercials, music videos, weddings and more from London to Virginia. In 2007 he won an international award from The Technology Student Association for his short film, “Life,” and in 2008, made an award winning PSA about alcohol awareness. His recent work includes films for Panera Bread, Where To Get Engaged Inc, Charles Green, Christopher William Jewelers, Crosskeys Vineyards, Bravo Italian Restaurant, Rocky’s Gold and Silver, Throne Magazine, and the Pure Water Forum.

List of Questions (PDF format)

Equipment, Software and sites mentioned in this podcast: Zacuto hardware, Canon 5D Mark II, Glidecam 4000, Sony EX1, Letus35 Ultimate Adapter, Canon 50mm F1.4 lens, Canon 70-200mm F2.8 lens, Manfroto BHDV 561 Monopod.

Show Sponsors: ExpoImaging, Inc., ScanCafe (Use code LF35 for a 20% discount)

To listen to the full podcast interview, click on the player’s forward arrow below. You can also play the Podcast in a popup window, download it OR subscribe to it via iTunes.

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LensFlare 35 is a weekly show brought to you by Dave Warner. In this week’s episode, Dave interviews Canon Photographer David duChemin. David is a world and humanitarian photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. His work on behalf of humanitarian organizations like World Vision Canada, Save The Children, and World Education Nepal has helped raise millions of dollars for sustainable community-based development and education in places like Mongolia, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, and Haiti.

When not traveling on assignment, David can be found on Vancouver’s seawall or teaching; lecturing or leading workshops and tours around the world.

In this episode, David talks about his inspiration for taking pictures, the creative side of the business, his book publishing, what it takes in an image to take HIS breath away, motivation for writing Within the Frame and Vision Mongers – Making a Life and Living in Photography, places he’s traveled to, his workshops, gear and much more. We created a special video of David’s images with his explanation of each that plays (above) and then the full podcast interview is below.

Equipment, Software and sites mentioned in this podcast: Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon 1D Mark IV, iPhone, LensBaby, Canon 50mm f1.2 lens, Canon 24-70mm lens, Canon 300mm F2.8 lens, Kelby Training, Aperture 2.0, Lightroom, Spyder 3, Huey, Canon G9, Red Camera, Final Cut Studio 3Gitzo Weatherproof Tripod.

David’s eBooks are a GREAT buy at only $5.00 each: Drawing the Eye, Ten Ways to Improve Your Craft, Ten More Ways to Improve Your Craft, and finally, the Inspired Eye Volume I

Show Sponsors: ExpoImaging, Inc., ScanCafe (provide code LF35 for a 20% discount), Podcast network commercials from Rosh Sillars  New Media Photographer and Jim Goldstein EXIF and beyond

Podcast on iTunesTo listen to the full podcast interview, click on the player’s forward arrow below. You can also play the Podcast in a pop up window, download it OR subscribe to it via iTunes. You can also download a List of Questions (PDF format) that I ask in the interview.

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This is a Quick Hit Podcast short and we’re going to talk to Tom Guilmette. Tom works in the television and film arena. A major turning point in his television life occurred when Sony released an inexpensive High Definition camera that used the newly developed HDV format. For the first time, Tom was able to shoot in 1080i and edit video at full 1440 × 1080 resolution.

Tom says: This is my first film shot with the Canon 5DmkII digital SLR. This camera is simply amazing and it is really changing the “film-look for video” game.

The idea for this film came to me a few days ago. I wanted to shoot in an old, abandoned house with no electricity. My goal was to light the entire film with available light and light from a single oil lamp. The low light capability of this camera is unlike anything I have ever used before. This camera is amazing when shooting with the light from a single flame.

I called my friend, Adam, and asked him if he would meet me at on old vacant farm house in Attleboro, Massachusetts so that we could shoot a film. We brought a few props, like the old tin, oil lamp and photograph for the film and shot non-stop from 11am to 5pm. We started outside in the rain and then moved into the dank dirt-floor basement. Later in the afternoon, we shot upstairs in the decaying house.

All sound was recorded separately with the Zoom h4 stereo recorder with the built in microphones. I used Vinten tripods, and especially loved my new Vinten baby legs when shooting with the Vision 3 (spring#1) to get the low angles.

I edited this project with very little grading to the final film with Final Cut Pro and Magic Bullet Looks. If you have any questions about the Canon 5DmkII or the making of this film, please visit my website and post your comments there. Link: tomguilmette.com

I have also posted the untreated rough cut of the 1960 farm house flashback. This rough cut includes reference audio directly from the 5Dmk2 microphone. I figured this might be helpful to those who want to hear how the built in mic sounds. Link: vimeo.com/5302278

Special Thanks to:
Matt Johnson
Chris Nicini
Joe Francazio

List of Questions (PDF format)

Equipment, Software and sites mentioned in this podcast: Zacuto hardware, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 1D Mark IV, Glidecam 4000, Zoom H4n Audio Recorder, Sony EX1, Letus35 Ultimate Adapter.

Show Sponsors: ExpoImaging, Inc., ScanCafe

To listen to the full podcast interview, click on the player’s forward arrow below. You can also play the Podcast in a popup window, download it OR subscribe to it via iTunes.

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Episode 0028: Interview with Canon Photographer Aggie Villanueva, the Grandma Moses of the Southwest

December 1, 2009

LensFlare 35 is a weekly show brought to you by Dave Warner. In this week’s episode, Dave interviews Canon Photographer Aggie Villanueva. Aggie lived in rural New Mexico’s Madrid/Cerillos area without water, electricity or plumbing, hauling water by hand, the only light the kerosene lamp, with no phones or cell phone. She spent those years [...]

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Alien Skin Software Announces Eye Candy 6 Graphic Design Effects Plug-in for Photoshop

December 1, 2009

Gorgeous detailed effects look organic and natural. Over 1000 presets that adapt to image size make Eye Candy easy to use. Professional features support production environments, such as CMYK color mode, 16-bit/channel images, and acceleration for multi-core computers.
Raleigh, North Carolina – December 1, 2009 – Alien Skin Software today announces the immediate availability [...]

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