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Showing posts with label image. Show all posts

8/09/2014

Adobe Lightroom 5 Reviews 2014

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Is a standalone version of Adobe Lightroom 5 a better alternative to renting Photoshop?

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Adobe Lightroom 5

Adobe Lightroom has become a popular choice for amateurs. enthusiasts and pro's who want an all in one software package to edit and process images (specifically Raw files) quickly and with excellent result. It's best summed up as a streamlined version of Photoshop with tools focused towards processing images rather than heavy manipulation. Ths asks the question though does it make a better one off buy for the majority of users compared to Photoshop. which is now only available to rent on a month by month basis through Adobe's Creative Cloud?

New Features

We were impressed by the features offered in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe has managed to to one better by introducing some intuitive features that are bound to receive a warm reception. The workspace is split into the same seven modules as before and although no major changes have been carried out in the Library module (the area where images are rated. organised and exported) many of the new features have been introduced.

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To the Develop module, where global and localised adjustments are carried out in a non destructive way. The most significant development is the introduction of Smart Previews - a new function tailored for photographers who'd like to edit shots on the move without overfilling the storage capacity on a portable device, such as a laptop. The way it works is that smaller smart Previews Image files are generated as they're imported. When you become disconnected from your main hard drive where original files are stored you;re given the freedom to edit any Smart Previews in the same way you normally would, and it's these changes that can then be applied back to the full size originals after reconnecting the portable device to the hard drive. This simple but effective process will play a huge part in speeding up a busy photographer's work-flow and storage demands.

Another new feature is the Advanced Healing Brush - a tool intended to offer more control and flexibility when cloning. Unlike circular healing tools it's now much easier to remove irregular imperfections in an image by simply brushing over unwanted object. Adobe's Content Aware technology studies the best pixels to use for replacement, or ther;s the option to sample the pixels if you;d prefer.

There's also a new Upright tool to correct images taken askew. ALthough this could be done using the Crop tool, the UPright tool is intended to speed up the process and straighten images with a single click after analysing the horizontal and vertical lines within an image. The new Radial Gradient tool is also well received and improves on the Post Crop Vignetting function. Unlike Adobe Lightroom 4. you can now create off centre vignettes around a subject to draw you viewers eyes to the heart of the image, with the option to also create multiple vignettes within a single image if this should be desired.

Moving into the book module (the dedicated area that's used to create Photobooks through the company blurb) there's now the option to modify templates rather than replying on set layouts. In the Slide show module. HD video can also now be merged with images and music, with option images from video footage just like Adobe Lightroom 4.



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The new radial gradient filter lets you choose where you'd like to apply a vignette rather than always applying it in the centre of an image. It gives you the option to create more than one Vignette and provides great control with a total of 14 adjustment sliders.
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The Book module has been modified and now allows you to adjust templates by changing the size of images that appear on the page. There's still no option to create your own templates from scratch - a feature we'd like to see in a future release.
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The Advanced Healing Brush lets you paint over large distractions to remove them easily. There's the choice of using the pixels that the software thinks are best for replacement or you have the choice of selecting the area of pixels you want it to use.




"Unlike Adobe Lightroom 4, you can now create off centre vignettes around subjects to draw your viewers' eyes to the heart of the image"

Performance & Interface The design of the interface is unchanged with the exception of the new options and features appearing in their respective modules. The clean, Uncluttered arrangement of thumbnails, options and adjustments is sublime and the dark grey interface with a light grey tone in the centre gives it a modern appearance without feeling daunting for beginners.

In use, we experienced no teething troubles with the new features when running it on a 3.2 GHz intel Core i3 iMac, but we did pick up on a couple of other minor issues, Low resolution files didn't seem to retain the sharpening and noise reduction adjustments we;d applied after they;d been exported, and the files we had selected in the grid view weren't the same as those selected in the film-strip. Adobe stressed that the film-strip selection of images is the correct selection to go by and promises that a future update (expected as this issue went to press) will address these annoying grid selection and exporting bugs.

The program otherwise ran smoothly with no infuriating delays, The advanced Healing Brush makes it a lot easier to achieve flawless cloning result when attempting to remove larger imperfections. where previously images may have had to be worked on In Photoshop. One area that hasn't been improved in Adobe Lightroom 5 is the preset it. In a future version we'd like an even longer list of creative and artistic presets that could be applied with a single click. One example could be a tilt/shift effect or maybe artistic and distressed border edge presets. We know Adobe already has some of this functionality within Photoshop Elements, so maybe it won't be long before Adobe Lightroom adopts it too?

Pros and cons

Pros

- Advanced Healing Brush tool
- Radial Gradient tool
- better photobook customisation

Cons

- Bugs with initial release
- No new presets
- Lacks export options to social media

Verdict

Although we wouldn't say Adobe Lightroom 5 is a huge step up from Lighroom 4, the new features it offers will appeal to a wide audience, especially those who'd like to take advantage of Smart Preview editing on the move. The Radial Gradient Filter is one of our favourite new features and offers superb vignetting control, while other improvements such as altering the size of images when arranging a photobook add up to make it a better all round package.

It's compatible with most of the latest Raw files produced by the latest cameras and makes a great choice if you've owned Photoshop but are put off by upgrading to Adobe's new pay monthly pricing plan. it's unknown for how long Adobe Lightroom will escape the Creative Cloud subscription service on a permanent basis, so it's worth buying as a one off while you can and revert to using another version of Photoshop for more complex imaging tasks.

For organising, editing and outputting images there's no other software that comes close to offering what Adobe Lightroom. It's great to use and has the potential to transform your editing for the better.

US >> Buy Adobe Adobe Lightroom 5 Now <<

Adobe Lightroom has become a popular choice for amateurs. enthusiasts and pro's who want an all in one software package to edit and process images (specifically Raw files) quickly and with excellent result. Adobe Adobe Lightroom 5
4.5 / 5

8/05/2014

A BRIDGE CAMERA

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Bridge cameras

dispense with this, so users must compose using the live view feed to either the LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder. This does offer some advantages over a DSLR's optical system, the electronic image allows you to see the exposure and white balance as it will be recorded in the final image. you can see more shooting data. and in low light an EVF can also be brighter than an optical viewfinder.

But the resolution of EVFs is not as good as an optical viewfinder. there;s a slight lag when you look through the eyepiece, and the image can drag or smear as you can quickly, it can.also freeze momentarily as it saves your images.
Most bridge cameras offer a similar range of direct control to entry level DSLRs, with a mode dial and direct buttons for key shooting parameters. Most shoot Raw, and HD video is pretty much standard, though the bit rates. file formats and frame rates vary. Most have a hot-shoe for an dedicated external flashgun, and one or two newer models offer WI-FI and/or GPS.

As with compacts the zoom is usually controlled using a rocker switch on the camera body, though on a couple it can be manually adjusted by rotating the lens itself. like on a DSLR. Virtually all models feature optical. or sensor shift, image stabilisation. Most bridge cameras use the contrast detect method of auto-focusing, which is slower than the phase detect method used by DSLRs, making them less suitable for fast action, and this is why AF tends to hunt as it struggles to find focus on the subject at higher magnifications. SOme of the latest bridge cameras are starting to use hybrid AF sensors that incorporate phase detect pixels within the chip itself, and this dramatically improves AF performance.

There A Reasons To Buy A Bridge Camera


The Lens

in reality there are fewer uses for a 1000mm equivalent lens than most people think. But if you're into nature and wildlife photography or sport, then you may otherwise be unable to get close enough to you subject to fill the frame. if you want to photograph deer in the park, birds in your garden, or the kids playing in school sports tournaments bridge cameras come into their own (though with fast action the AF system may struggle to keep up) but for most day to day shooting the vast majority of photo opportunities can be covered the focal range provided by the average 1-x zoom lens.

The EVFs

for many photographers a viewfinder is essential LCD screens can be difficult to see in bright light and older users can other struggle to see them clearly. For those who don't want a DSLR, the bridge is one of the few types of camera where a viewfinder is till the norm. albeit an electronic one.

The Size/Shape

if you have big hands. and find compacts too fiddly, you may prefer the design and shape of bridge cameras which like DSLRs, offer a substantial grip and a good number of decent sized button to control it with.

Achilles Heel Bridge Camera Features


If you've ever tried to hold a pair of binoculars steady you'll know that t isn't easy. High zoom lenses are the same. This makes them difficult to hold still at high magnifications, especially if you don't have a viewfinder and are relying on the LCD. we'd go so far as to say that bridge cameras without viewfinders should be avoided altogether, such is the difficulty of holding a camera steady at arm's length at a high zoom magnification. Holding a viewfinder to your face helps to stabilise the camera's movement. the other problem with high zoom shooting is camera shake, which is magnified as you zoom. Although virtually all bridge cameras come with image stabilisation *and any that don;t should be avoided like the plague) this only reduces camera shake. it doesn't eliminate it. you'll still need to shoot at a relatively high shutter speed. AN old rule of thumb is that it should be at least as high as the equivalent focal length you;re using, so 1/500 sex is you;re zoomed out at 500mm (though with modern image stabilisation systems you can often go two to there stops lower than this, and perhaps more, if you shoot carefully).

Fast shutter speeds require good light,, or a wide aperture, but bridge cameras (with one exception) have small maximum apertures when you zoom in, so in dull light the only way to avoid camera shake is to raise the ISO sensitivity, which may introduce visible noise into the image.

The exception is the Panasonic FZ200, the first (and so far only) bridge camera with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is over two stops brighter than average.

There A Reasons NOT TO BUY A Bridge Camera

Image Quality

If image quality is the most important consideration you can do better than a bridge. Some DSLRs are not much bigger. or you could consider one of the growing number of CSCs, many of which are smaller and lighter than bridge cameras yet have much bigger sensors and faster lenses (e.g the Nikon 1 S1 below) There are even some premium compacts with larger sensors.

Portability

A bridge camera gives you at least 50% of the bulk of a DSLR without the associated image quality benefits. IF compact size is more important than ultimate image quality. But you still want a reasonably good zoom. look at the growing number of pocket super-zooms (aka travel compacts) with 20x zooms that will fit in your pocket. you;ll still be able to get a very good quality A4 or 8x10 inch print from them which is a s big as most people ever want to go.

High Speed

Although some bridges are capable of short high speed bursts (usually by pre fixing the focus before the first frame) in general they're not ideal for fast action, despite their long zooms. because the AF isn't fast enough, though some are now using hybrid sensors with phase detect pixels, which helps. The other problem is that the EVF may not refresh quickly enough. A DSLR is still the best solution. Even though you won't be able to zoom in as far with a DSLR. the much larger sensor does give you much more scope for cropping later.

Six of The Best OF Bridge CAMERA

Feel free to click on image for more information




The defining feature of a DSLR is its mirror and prism assembly, which enables users to see directly through the lens using an optical viewfinder. Bridge cameras dispense with this, so users must compose using the live view feed to either the LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder. This does offer some advantages over a DSLR's optical system, the electronic image allows you to see the exposure and white balance as it will be recorded in the final image. you can see more shooting data. and in low light an EVF can also be brighter than an optical viewfinder. Bridge CAMERA
4.5 / 5

7/14/2014

SAMSUNG GALAXY NX The Best 3G/4G Android CSC

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Samsung has announced the Galaxy NX - the world's first Compact System Camera that's designed to bridge the gap between smartphones and traditional digital cameras by supporting 3G/4G LTE data connectivity. Superseding the Samsung NX300 as the new flagship model in the NX-series, the Samsung Galaxy NX adopts the Android operating system that was rolled out in the Samsung Galaxy camera last year and offers greater flexibility with its interchangeable-lens design that makes it fully compatible with Samsung's line-up of 13 NX-series lenses.

At the heart of the Galaxy NX lies a 20.3MP APS-S CMOS sensor that's partnered by a DRIMe IV image processor. which is claimed to deliver the speed and accuracy that today photographer demand. With an ISO sensitivity range of 100-25.600, the Galaxy NX shoots a continuous burst as fast as 8.6 fps, with the fastest shutter speed being 1/600 sec,

For Autofocus, the Galaxy NX uses Hybrid system, which pairs 105 phase-detection AF points with 247 contrast-detect AF points, AF point selections is designed to stretch to the far edges of the frame while the combination of autofocus technologies promises a fast focus acquisition time of eight milliseconds.

The 4.8in Super Clear TFT LCD capacitive touch screen at the rear is enormous, and with no room for any buttons beside, users are reliant on the screen and scroll dial to set up the camera and adjust settings. To aid composition, there;s also an electronic viewfinder (SVGA). Which is activated by an automated eye-sensor.

Keen to push the serious photo capabilities of the Galaxy NX, the camera features the full set of PASM modes for more-experienced users, while an Auto setting is included for novices and beginners. The camera is also well equipped with more than 30 Smart Modes for those who'd like to produce creative images without having to master the cameras settings. Some of these Smart Modes include Multi-exposure. Drama, Animated Photo, Vignette. Miniature. Colour Bracket and Panorama.

For added personalisation. The Galaxy NX's Camera Studio feature allows users to set up and costumise settings with the most frequently used apps or camera modes o that photos can be captured more quickly for spur of the moment shot.

ANDROID OS
The Android 4.2 jelly Bean operating system opens up endless possibilities, with over 700.000 applications available to download from the google play store. Not only does this mean that you can Play Angry Birds on your camera. but you can also access a wide range of photography applications to both edit and share images on

HIGHLIGHTS
20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Samsung DRIMeIV Image Processor
ISO 100-25.600
Advanced Hybrid AF System
4.8in TFT LCD touch screen
8.6fps continuous shooting
full HD video at 25fps

Pros
Greats Operating System
You can Simultaneously Upload Your Photos to Dropbox and GooglePlus automatically, as you take each picture!
The Samsung Smart Apps ALso has a remote view-finder function which allows user to Remotely control the camera Using Samsung Galaxy NX-series

Cons
Serious read and write speed issues.
Very expensive.

Conclusion
To be able to borrow a footballing example, the new Samsung Galaxy NX is extremely much a game associated with two halves. In the 1st it delights with excellent image quality and the compelling ability to change and share your images via the Android OPERATING SYSTEM, but in the second it fades away since the convoluted interface, slow processing times and also sky-high price detract in the overall performance. The Samsung Galaxy NX can be a brave but ultimately mistaken first-generation product, too expensive to attract more casual users to purchase the better image quality it delivers, and not professional enough to tempt keen enthusiasts from rival interchangeable-lens systems.

In seeking to bring together the best options that come with the Samsung Galaxy and also NX300 cameras, with slightly sprinkling of the more mature NX20's DSLR-like design, Samsung have wound up with a product that ultimately won't satisfy any one its target user organizations. That's not to say we don't like the Galaxy NX - it produces excellent image quality, fast and reliable auto-focusing, a new rich feature-set, and a much better sharing experience than some other comparable cameras - it's exactly that we can't see exactly who will stump up this eye-watering Click here to see a price tag, especially as that doesn't also include any data costs to take advantage of the 3G/4G connectivity.

Ultimately we imagine that the Galaxy Camera serves the patron better, and the NX300 this keen prosumer - which is not even looking beyond the Samsung family. Despite it is huge potential, we are not able to justify recommending the Samsung Galaxy NX until its price, performance and user interface issues have been addressed.

US >> BUY NOW <<
UK >> BUY NOW <<

To make comparison with my reviews above, you can read other reviews at amazon.com