http://www.northlight-images.co.uk Northlight Images - Commercial, PR and Event Photography and Fine Art landscape prints. Articles, reviews, and tutorials to help with all aspects of Digital Imaging Copyright: 2005-8 Northlight Images bw@northlight-images.co.uk (Keith Cooper) Wed, 7 May 2008 18:00:00 GMT Northlight RSS generator http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3print.html Wed, 7 May 2008 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3print.html Spyder3 Print V3.5 review - The latest ICC printer profiling system from Datacolor (aka ColorVision) is reviewed. Featuring faster operation and a wide range of profile generation options, it can be used for building printer profiles for colour and (with additional measurements) Black and White printing. For more experienced users it offers multiple version profile building (from the same set of measurements) and profile editing. The software package is available to all PrintFIX PRO and Spyder3 Print owners as a public beta in early May, the final version will also be available as a free upgrade. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/bw_printing/bw_print_colormunki.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/bw_printing/bw_print_colormunki.html Using the X-Rite ColorMunki and QTR for improved Black and White printing. How to use a revised version of our B/W test image that incorporates a randomised 21 step greyscale strip with QuadToneRIP. For generating B/W icc profiles for improving prints using print techniques such as Epson's ABW black and white printing mode. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/media_test_images.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/media_test_images.html Media test images - A selection of test images for use in determining the best media settings before profiling. Getting the best media settings for your printer driver for any particular ink/paper is important in getting the best prints. Used in conjunction with our article on the importance of media settings selection. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/remove_adobe_gamma.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:45:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/remove_adobe_gamma.html Removing Adobe gamma on Windows PCs - Adobe Gamma gets intalled with some Adobe software. If you are installing your own monitor profiling software then it's best to deactivate Adobe Gamma (Win PC only) We've included this info as a quick guide to help PC users just getting into calibrating/profiling their monitors. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/lighting/grafilite.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/lighting/grafilite.html GrafiLite Review - The Grafilite from Colour Confidence is based on the Ott Lite task lamp and is aimed at improving the consistency and quality of your printed work, without going to the expense of getting a full print viewing stand or cabinet. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki.html Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/colormunki.html ColorMunki Photo review - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's particularly aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble, or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on our testing the device with pre-release software, and will be followed by a detailed coverage of all the features when full software is available. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/1ds3_af_micoadjustment.html A method for checking the autofocus (AF) accuracy of your lenses and digital camera body. A (downloadable) test image, when shown on a screen allows precise testing of focus accuracy through the moire patterns caused between the pixels of your screen and camera sensor. For Canon 1Ds Mk3 and 1D Mk3 cameras this enables rapid (15 minutes for 5 lenses) customisation of AF corrections (AF microadjustment) http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/i1-beamer.html Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/i1-beamer.html X-rite i1 Beamer - A software upgrade and hardware attachment device for using the X-rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer for digital projector profiling. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3pro.html Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3pro.html Spyder 3 Pro - Datacolor's Spyder monitor calibration package offering a set menu of profiling choices, ambient light measurement and supporting profiling of multiple monitor systems. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/canon_1ds3_noise.html Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/canon_1ds3_noise.html Noise in digital camera RAW images - A few quick tests reveal why a setting of ISO 160 produces noisier pictures than ISO 200 with the Canon 1Ds Mark III - probably applicable to many other digital cameras, not just from Canon. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/i1-lt.html Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:55:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/i1-lt.html i1Photo LT - An updated review of the base level i1Pro spectrophotometer kit from X-Rite. The cheapest way to get an i1 spectro, offering support for monitor calibration, basic printer profiling, ambient light measurement and spot colour measurements. Includes links to all the various options and upgrades we have reviewed separately. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/calendar.html Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:30:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/calendar.html We've introduced a custom wall calendar facility to the site. You can order A3 sized custom calendars with images chosen from nearly a hundred of Keith Cooper's photographs, many not yet in the full gallery http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/canon_1ds3_notes.html Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/cameras/canon_1ds3_notes.html Keith has now got the latest Canon 1Ds Mark 3 camera. This ongoing set of notes and examples will cover some thoughts about moving to a new camera. Much more than just a jump from 11 megapixels to 21 megapixels... http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3elite.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/spyder3elite.html An all new version of the Spyder monitor profiling and calibration hardware and software. Supports multiple monitor systems and calibration of projectors. Includes ambient light sensor for monitoring room lighting and aiding choices in initial calibtration parameters. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/intellihance.html Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/intellihance.html An overview of Intellihance Pro Photoshop plug-in that wraps up a whole load of basic image corrections in one easy to use interface. Ideal if you have occasional users of an installed copy of Photoshop, or just having difficulty learning the basics http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/digital_black_and_white_printing.html Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/digital_black_and_white_printing.html Printing Digital Black and White Photography. In part two of an interview with Keith, he discusses his approach to printing his black and white photographs. Topics include resizing, sharpening, ink, paper and printer selection. Part One covered digital black and white photography in general. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/print_profiler_update.html Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/profiling/print_profiler_update.html In a full review earlier this year, Keith looked at the Print Profiler from Colour Confidence, which uses the i1 spectrophotometer. Although capable of good results, he expressed some serious usability concerns. Colour Confidence have changed quite a lot about how this package is presented, and Keith looks at just how much better it is http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/digital_black_and_white.html Sat, 15 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/digital_black_and_white.html Digital Black and White Photography. Keith was recently interviewed about aspects of digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white. Hopefully also of interest to those coming to digital black and white from a film background. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/camera/ricoh_gx100.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/camera/ricoh_gx100.html A 10MP compact camera with Raw image capture and a 24mm (equiv.) lens. Keith looks at what it can do and if it makes a good 'pocket' sized backup to a big DSLR http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/photoframe.html Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/photoframe.html PhotoFrame Pro from onOne software. Add frames, mattes and edge effects to your photos. Thousands to choose from http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/pearlywhites.html Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/pearlywhites.html PS plugin from Image Trends - detects teeth in pictures and automatically whitens them, quick simple and very effective http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/shineoff.html Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/shineoff.html PS plugin from Image Trends - detects and softens glare on skin in photos. Really does act like digital face powder - excellent for cleaning up images in less than perfect lighting http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/canon-view-camera.html Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/paper/innova_fibaprint.html Keith has made an adapter ($20) to use an MPP 5"x4" monorail view camera with his Canon 1Ds. Article shows details of construction and just what it can be used for. Adapter could be modified for any make or model of digital SLR. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/paper/innova_fibaprint.html Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/paper/innova_fibaprint.html A range of heavy fibre based papers from Innova that look and feel very much like the heavy papers we used to use for Black and White printing. Four different types are looked at on an Epson 3800, with additional information on how to build the best ICC profiles for colour prints. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/paper/innova_stnw_ifa12.html Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/paper/innova_stnw_ifa12.html A look at using this heavy (315gsm) OBA free paper from Innova, for colour and black and white on the Epson 3800 http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson_sp_3800.html Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson_sp_3800.html A review of the SP3800 printer from Epson. Large A2+ prints (17 inch width), colour and black and white, along with 9x 80ml ink cartridges make the 3800 an interesting option if you are looking for a new photo printer. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/fish-eye-hemi.html Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/plugins/fish-eye-hemi.html A review of the Fisheye-hemi lens distortion correction plug-in from Image Trends. Optimises correction for minimal distortion of objects such as people in very wide angle shots - works for any Ultrawide/Fisheye camera/lens combination. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/pantone_huey_pro.html Tue, 5 Jun 2007 16:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/pantone_huey_pro.html A review of the new huey PRO monitor calibrator from Pantone. Offers improved control over settings and multiple monitor support. Huey PRO is compared to the original huey we reviewed some time ago. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/print_profiler.html Thu, 24 May 2007 15:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/print_profiler.html A review of the Colour Confidence Profiler - An Eye One based kit including monitor calibration, printer profiling and the EFI Color-Verifier package. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/modify_canon_tilt-shift.html Thu, 10 May 2007 23:59:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/modify_canon_tilt-shift.html The three Canon tilt shift lenses (TS-E 24 3.5L, 45mm, 90mm) are shipped with the tilt and shift axes at right angles. This guide shows how you can simply modify your lens and why you might want to do it. The procedure takes no more than five minutes with a good quality screwdriver http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/1_travel/california/2007/april/19/ Sun, 6 May 2007 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/1_travel/california/2007/april/19/ During April and May 2007 Keith has been touring the California and Oregon coasts. His daily travel photodiary shows the places and some of his thoughts and observations about travel and being in the USA. The link is to the first day - travelling to the US. Subsequent days have lots more pictures in both colour and black and white. It is hoped to add pictures (prints) into the Northlight Gallery over the coming few weeks. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/eye-one_iSis.html Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/eye-one_iSis.html A review of the Eye One iSis automated whole chart reader for printer profiling test charts. A3 and A4 versions provide spectrophotometer readings for both UV and UV-Cut (filtered) measurements. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/room_lighting.html Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:01:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/room_lighting.html Room and office decoration and lighting for photo editing. Some information on what to consider when setting up a workspace/office/room to work on digital images and evaluate prints. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/spyder2pro_2-2.html Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/spyder2pro_2-2.html Feature Update - Spyder2PRO Ambient light measurement -- The Spyder2PRO now allows you to measure your ambient room lighting conditions before deciding on monitor calibration settings (it also now supports ms vista) http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/dxo_optics_pro4.html Sat, 24 Mar 2007 10:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/dxo_optics_pro4.html Review of DxO Optics Pro V4.2. Even more image correction and RAW conversion features and a much improved interface. Elimination of distortion and vignetting through custom camera/lens modules. Reduces camera noise and purple fringing. Optimisation of colour, exposure, dynamic range and perspective correction. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/eye-one_iO.html Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/eye-one_iO.html The Eye-One iO automated scanning table is a device for improving the quality and accuracy of target patch measurement for making icc printer profiles when using the Eye One spectrophotometer http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/coloreyes_display.html Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:05:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/coloreyes_display.html A review of ColorEyes Display Pro. Top end monitor profiling software that works with a variety of measurement devices. Tested with Spyder2, Eye One Display 2 and Eye One Pro. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printfix_pro_v2.html Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printfix_pro_v2.html An update to our review of the PrintFIX PRO printer profiling system. Version 2 of the software gives Improved profile quality, particularly for black and white printing of various types http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/epson_r2400_eco-flo.html Sat, 30 Dec 2006 16:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/epson_r2400_eco-flo.html Review of a continuous inking system kit that allows you to cut ink costs with the R2400 by using bulk inks. An option worth considering if you do a lot of printing. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/black-white-studio-review.html Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/black-white-studio-review.html Power Retouche Black/white studio. A review of a Photoshop plugin giving a wide variety of effects when converting images from colour to black and white. Includes film types and the ability to selectively alter 'zones' of images. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/stitcher.html Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/stitcher.html Keith has been looking at using this powerful image stitching software (Stitcher Pro 5.5) to join multiple images to create high resolution panoramic prints. One particular print was over 9 feet wide and is the equivalent of using a camera of well over 100 megapixels. http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/media_settings.html Mon, 6 Nov 2006 18:00:00 GMT http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/media_settings.html Keith recently converted an Epson Stylus COLOR 1160 to third party inks. In describing the cleaning and subsequent profiling of a this set-up with a third party glossy paper, he shows how that often neglected aspect of profiling -driver media settings- can make all the difference between a so-so print and one that he would be happy to send out as a sample to his commercial clients