Photography Stuff

Nik Software have produced a new version of their Viveza plugin.

I’ve been giving it a good try out and finding out what sorts of image editing I’d use it for.

Review Link: Viveza V2

Complex selections for adjustments made easy?

Innova now distribute the Olmec range of photo papers.

I had a look at how several of the Olmec range of papers performed with the R2880 that Epson recently lent us for review. This included trying the Olmec 260gsm Glossy paper in 13″ roll format for this printer.

For non commercial use, we also have our own custom ICC profiles for three of the papers available on request.

Review Link: Olmec paper review

Olmec Satin paper with print on Epson R2880

We’ve been looking at version 3 of the comprehensive filter set from Nik, available as a plugin for Photoshop, Elements, Lightroom and Aperture.

Amongst the more useful capabilities are the advanced selection tools, allowing very precise application of effects.

Review Link: Nik Color Efex Pro review

Applying a Color Efex filter

I’ve been trying out the Epson R2880 A3+ pigment ink printer.
It uses the newer UltraChrome K3 Vivid Magenta inks and produced some great looking prints, both colour and black and white.
Is it the printer for your work, or do some of its limitations let it down?
Review Link: Review of the Epson SP R2880 Printer

Some photos in the fog
Yesterday morning I was invited to visit to the new ‘digital media centre’ that’s just opened in Leicester. Phoenix Square has a mix of cinema, work places, production facilities and a range of apartments.
I was not officially wearing my ‘photographer hat’ this visit – since I was representing a local business [...]

Looking at high ISO photography with the Canon 7D
The EOS 7D ISO settings go up to 12800, although it should be noted that the 12800 or ‘H’ setting needs enabling in the custom settings.
I’ve looked at aspects of high ISO noise earlier and decided that 6400 ISO should be capable of some interesting results in [...]

How sharp are the images from the Canon EOS 7D? I believe there has been some discussion on the matter
It was suggested (thanks) I take some shots at f/6.3 with the 7D and 1Ds3.
Taking both cameras outside, I picked one of my sharper lenses…
Here are some 100% crops, processed in ACR with no sharpening
Taken [...]

The other day I had to go to the local Post Office, so I took the Canon 7D along with me. All these shots are taken at 800 ISO at f/8 with a EF24-70 2.8L lens.
I’d not expect to print such images at any great size, but I was interested to see how the new [...]

DxO have brought out an update to the Mac version of their RAW converter.
DxO information and trial download (Mac and PC)
V5.3.6 now work under OSX 10.3.6 and includes support for a number of new cameras and lenses – fortunately including the Canon 7D.

Canon 7D and G11;
Nikon D300s and D3000;
Olympus E-3 (Elite edition only), E-30, E-410, [...]

A few tests of AF and AF tracking for the Canon EOS 7D
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do sports photography, or photograph animals/birds very often, so my looking at AF performance with the 7D is not going to be an exhaustive study
That said, the AF system in my 1Ds3 is no slouch [...]