Following my recent posting of Imagine no possessions digital photograph some people commented that I should have asked the homeless man to pose for the photo. Initially I knocked back the idea as I like to capture the moment - expression and situation. However, pride took better of me and I have found this man again. I have asked him for a pose and he gladly agreed. I must say I was pleasantly surprised how easy it turned out to do.
He surprised me once more just a moment later, seeing the lens pointed at him from very close (less than a metre) he looked straight into it and gave me smile.
Yes, I know the photo has big, blown regions courtesy of midday sun. Never the less I really like the way it turned out.
July 11th, 2006
DXO press release:
DXO LABS ANNOUNCES DXO OPTICS PRO V4
Automatic image enhancement software introduces advanced color features, new optical corrections, improved workflow and speed as well as plug-in compatibility with Adobe Photoshop
New York, NY and Paris, France (July 7, 2006) – DxO Labs today revealed details of the next version of its flagship application DxO Optics Pro software which improves the image quality of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and advanced digicams. DxO Optics Pro is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users.
“In just two years, photographers worldwide have come to expect breakthrough solutions to image enhancement challenges from DxO Labs,” said Luc Marin, vice president of the Photography Business Unit at DxO Labs. “DxO Optics Pro v4 brings a wealth of true innovations to photographers in search of ultimate image quality solutions.”
DxO Optics Pro v4, slated to be available on Macintosh and Windows platforms in September 2006, includes four main areas of exciting new functionality:
NEW: Unique DxO Color Engine with breakthrough features
Thanks to the new DxO Color Engine, DxO Optics Pro v4 provides photographers a complete color adjustment toolbox including two revolutionary features:
- New unique Multi-Point Color Balance tool to easily perform optimal color balance for a given scene.
- New Color Rendition feature offering multiple color renderings and modes for images. In particular, the Color Rendition profile of one camera can be applied to images taken with another camera.
Many other color features are included and in particular the ability to import third party ICC color rendition profiles.
NEW: Third generation DxO Optics Engine – comprehensive image geometry control
Now in its third release, DxO Optics Engine, a core component of DxO Optics Pro, expands functionality to include horizon adjustment (rotation), keystoning (perspective) correction as well as a new exclusive Volume Anamorphosis correction feature. This groundbreaking feature automatically brings three-dimensional objects that appear deformed by ultra-wide angle lenses back to their correct proportions. The effect of this unique correction is particularly dramatic for images including human beings. As with previous versions, DxO Optics Engine automatically corrects lens distortion, vignetting, lens softness and chromatic aberrations including purple fringing.
NEW: Improved Performance and Optimized Workflow – up to 500% faster
Remaining focused on providing automatic image enhancement, DxO Optics Pro v4 marks a radical overhaul of the application’s ergonomics as well as many important enhancements to the workflow. Both image adjustment and image processing speed have been key priorities in the development of DxO Optics Pro v4 resulting in speed increases of up to 500% compared to the previous version. DxO Optics Pro v4 will also be optimized for Mac/Intel processors.
NEW: Core DxO image enhancement features to be available as Adobe Photoshop Plug-In
Now, DxO Optics Pro features will always be available within the most popular photo-retouching application. Once installed in Photoshop, the new DxO Optics Pro Plug-in will allow users to directly access core DxO image correction features when opening RAW or JPEG images.
Availability and upgrade policy
DxO Optics Pro v4 is planned to be available for Windows, Intel Mac and Macintosh in September 2006. All purchasers of DxO Optics Pro v3.55 after June 20, 2006 are eligible for a free upgrade. Pricing of upgrades and full versions of DxO Optics Pro v4 will be announced at a later date.
DxO Optics Pro has been chosen as 2006 “Best Photo Software” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA).
About DxO Labs and its DxO Technology
DxO Labs is a software and intellectual property licensing company focused on research in applied mathematics for still and video image processing. We provide advanced technologies and reliable, off-the-shelf solutions to achieve excellence in all aspects of image quality for companies and consumers in the imaging business:
- Digital camera vendors;
- Professional and serious amateur photographers;
- Photography journalists and imaging experts;
- Mobile imaging: cameraphone vendors, camera module manufacturers, sensor and processor vendors.
We guarantee state-of-the-art technology in image processing thanks to our significant research efforts. DxO Labs’ ambition is for the “DxO” brand to become recognized as the consumer’s trusted mark of excellence in image quality.
For more information, visit DxO Labs online at www.dxo.com
Adobe Photoshop is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Inc.
July 11th, 2006
Sigma press release:
Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations
- Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro
- Equivalent field of view to 105mm macro lens when used on a digital SLR camera with an APS-C size image sensor
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new Macro 70mm F2.8 EX DG lens . This medium telephoto macro lens is ideal for both digital SLR cameras and 35mm film SLR cameras. The 70mm focal length gives an equivalent field of view as our popular 105mm macro lens when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor.
The design of this lens makes it suitable for taking pictures in all situations from infinity to 1:1 macro, both with natural light conditions or flash.
A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and two high refractive index SLD lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations and produce an exceptional level of optical performance. Sigma’s super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, and helps create a natural color balance.
The floating focus system provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 Macro.
A ‘Focus Limiter Switch’ in incorporated on the lens, improving the speed and accuracy of autofocus by limiting the focus range. A screw-in lens hood is included for convenient use of circular polarizing filters.
* Nikon and Pentax mount lens do not have an aperture ring, therefore depending on Camera model some functions may not work.
Availability.
For Sigma AF, Canon EOS and Nikon AF: August 2006
For Sony and Pentax AF: September 2006
July 11th, 2006
Added Coney Island
Added Ferris Wheel
Added Luna Park and Bridge Pilon
Added Luna Park Carousel
Added Luna Park Pavilion
Added The Ferris Wheel
Added Lavender Bay Sunset
Luna Park Sydney is an amusement park, located in Milsons Point on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, Australia. The location offers excellent views of Sydney and the west Lavender Bay.
The heritage-listed park first opened in 1935. The park has experienced multiple closures, changes of ownership, dramatic legal battles, and many actions in both support of and opposition to its operation.
July 11th, 2006
Following my recent posting of Imagine no possessions digital photograph some people commented that I should have asked the homeless man to pose for the photo. Initially I knocked back the idea as I like to capture the moment - expression and situation. However, pride took better of me and I have found this man again. I have asked him for a pose and he gladly agreed. I must say I was pleasantly surprised how easy it turned out to do.
