Pentax Releases K10D Firmware Update

Pentax K10D users there is already a new firmware update for the camera. Pentax has released firmware update version 1.10 for this recent digital SLR that has already received wonderful reviews. In fact if I didn’t already have the Sony A100 due to my collection of Minolta Maxxum lenses, I’d be very interested in the Pentax K10D. The specs are impressive, the camera build is sturdy and the price is right within my minuscule budget. According to the Pentax update page the following function has been added in version 1.10

1. Wireless control of external flash through built-in flash.
2. Instantly return to centre AF point by one push of button in AF select mode.
3. Possible to change ISO setting by dial at TV/AV mode.
4. ISO setting change by dial while the ISO setting is being displayed on the LCD by pushing OK button.
5. Green button function in M mode is available at TAv mode (Hyper manual).
6. AV and TV switch by dial at P mode.
7. Instant return to the default value by green button at strobe light compensation.

The following contents have been corrected.
1. In rare case, vertical stripe at long time exposure.
2. Released “B exposure” and show battery empty sign when using B mode.

Be cautious when updating firmware and be sure to read all instructions before attempting this. Incorrect procedure could cause permanent damage.

Image provided by Pentax.

Professional Portraits In Ten Minutes (?!)

Anthropics Technology has announced the release of PortraitProfessional 4, a new application that the company claims is the world’s first intelligent touch up software. Automatically reshape the face and enhance the skin. Remove spots and wrinkles, retain skin texture, and relight the image all in as little as ten minutes. Click here to download a free trail or purchase for just $39.95. The company website mentions support for various Microsoft Windows platforms but there is no mention of support for MAC OS that I can find. After downloading the trail version and working with the sample photos, and then with my own photos, the results are pretty impressive for a forty dollar tool. The interface is intuitive and after the initial process, sliders are presented that allow for even more detailed adjustments like whitening of teeth and eyes, removing pores, balance hue, adjust fine shadows, lighting highlights, shine and contrast. Adjust the head, jaw, nose and mouth shape. Images look great in regard to online viewing, but I’d have to print a sample to see if these adjustments perform as well for inkjet or lab prints.

image provided by Anthropics Technology.

Free Microsoft Metadata Management Tool

For those who don’t have Adobe Photoshop and its fine tool called Bridge that assists in management of metadata for digital photographs, or another similar application, Microsoft has released a free add-in tool to manage this information inside Windows Explorer for Windows XP SP2 and Vista users. Best part is that its free and can be downloaded here. Called ‘Microsoft Photo Info’ some features include the ability to edit metadata of a single image file or an entire collection, generate copyright notice automatically, view and correct EXIF capture data, as well as preview the image itself. This add-in supports JPEG, TIFF, WDP, HDP, NEF, CR2 and CRW file types. File type support may expand with future releases. Once installed just right-click on the image file within Windows Explorer and select 'Photo Info' from the context menu. Tabs available withing the application menu for modifying the file include Description, Keywords, Origin, Advanced, and Details along with a thumbnail of the image being modified. Settings can be reverted if necessary.

Image provided by Microsoft.

POPPhoto.com Takes A Look At Sony DSC-H5

Popular Photography & Imaging magazine is apparently not impressed by the performance of the new Sony Cyper-shot DSC-H5 camera, at least when it comes to Auto Focus. The Carl Zeiss optics receive the highest marks for the 7MP EVF model, while the 'camera system', controls and overall aesthetics are also addressed as a positive. However the apparent slowness of the Auto Focus system, poor menu design, slow burst rate and limitation of f8 as the fastest aperture setting, makes for a less than enthusiastic review. Read the entire article here.

Image provided by Sony.

Kingston, More Than Memory

In addition to providing several memory related products, Kingston Technology has included a wonderful ‘Icons of Photography’ section on their corporate website. The current featured photographer is Chris Rainier, who most notably is the editor of National Geographic Traveler, has contributed photographs to publications such as National Geographic Adventurer, Life, Time, The New Yorker, and The New York Times to name a few. Chris Rainer shares techniques for Studio Lighting in the Wild, Softening your light, Preparing for Trouble, and more. Check out his Calendar of events and most importantly the image gallery. Wonderful stuff.

The Archive should also be investigated. Previous Kingston IOP photographers include Barbara Bordnick, who has received numerable awards for her film, print and editorial work; Colin Finlay, documentary photographer; Douglas Kirkland, formally of Look and Life magazines; and Harry Benson, who has shot more than 100 covers for People magazine.

Image provided by Kingston Technology.

New PowerShot Digitals From Canon

As an owner of a Canon PowerShot digital camera, I was pleased to see Canon continuing the line with two new models. Canon announced today (1/18/07) that the 7.1MP A550 and 5.0MP A460 models will be on store shelves in about a month. View the official Canon press release. I’ve had the PowerShot A75 for a few years now and even though it’s sensor is only 3.2MP, it’s been a reliable camera that provides beautiful 4x6 and 5x7 prints of family events and vacations when I didn’t want to break out my DSLR. The following descriptions of each new camera were taken from the official Canon press release.

The new PowerShot A550 digital camera is a 7.1 megapixel model with a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2-inch LCD screen. It features Canon’s renowned DIGIC II image processor for crisp, vibrant images, responsive performance, and low power consumption. Replacing last year’s popular PowerShot A530 digital camera, the new model offers not only higher resolution and a bigger LCD screen, but also better battery life, compatibility with MMC, SD and SDHC memory cards, and an enhanced movie mode that can record 30 fps VGA clips. Operating this camera is even easier than before with a redesigned mode dial featuring five of Canon’s most popular Special Scene modes for easier access, as well as standard fully automatic settings. The PowerShot A550 digital camera retains many hallmark A-series features, including an optical viewfinder and a comfortable handgrip, making it ergonomically friendly for comfortable handling while providing yet another option for viewing the subject and saving battery power while shooting.

The new PowerShot A460 digital camera features 5.0 megapixel resolution with a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2-inch LCD screen, up from 4.0 megapixels and a 1.8-inch LCD screen on last year’s PowerShot A430 model. The new camera also incorporates Canon’s renowned DIGIC II image processor, which delivers superb image quality, fast performance, and excellent battery life. Additional features include an optical viewfinder and compatibility with MMC, SD and SDHC memory cards. At its value price point, the PowerShot A460 digital camera is an ideal purchase for a first time digital camera buyer.

Image provide by Canon.

Canon Extends Rebate

If you’ve been eye-balling a new Canon DSLR or lens(es), now is the time to make the decision. Canon recently announced it will extend last year’s rebate until February 19, 2007. Only about a month to go! This includes popular cameras such as the EOS 5D and EOS 30D, and lenses such as the EF 20mm f2.8, EF 100mm f2, EF 70-200mm f2.8L, etc. Click here for the official Canon rebate form. If I didn’t already have a ton of Minolta Maxxum glass and not purchased the Sony A100, I would have been looking toward the EOS 5D or 30D, but I do enjoy my Canon PowerShot A75 for grab shots. Multiple rebates are also available under certain circumstances. Image provided by Canon.

New Digital Point-and-Shoots From Sony

Provided by Sony Press Release on Jan. 17, 2007 - Sony is ringing in the New Year with four additions to its Cyber-shot® digital camera line: the DSC-W55, DSC-W35, DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 models. The slim, compact DSC-W55 and DSC-W35 models will sport 7.2-megapixel imagers and precision Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar lenses. They combine traditional, eye-level viewfinders with large LCD screens for easy framing and viewing of photos. The W55 camera will make a splash in Caribbean blue, pale pink, elegant black and sleek silver with a 2.5-inch LCD screen wrapped in a metal body, and the W35 camera will shimmer in silver with a two-inch screen.

The new DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 cameras will also feature 7.2-megapixel imagers, and will shine in classic silver. The former model will house a 2.4-inch LCD wrapped in a metal body and the latter a two-inch screen.

All four new models feature 3x optical zoom capability, blur-reduction technologies (ISO), and substantial internal memory for shooting without a media card. Their storage capacities can be expanded further with optional 8GB Memory Stick Duo ™ or Memory Stick PRO Duo™ flash media cards for the W-series models and 4 GB Duo media cards for the S-series models.
Complete Sony Press Release. Image provided by Sony.