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October 29, 2009
Nikon Inks Deal with WiLAN
Nikon has signed a licensing agreement with WiLAN Inc., thereby gaining access to an extensive portfolio of wireless technology. WiLAN boasts an impressive collection of patented inventions and counts Cisco, Panasonic, Samsung and RIM among it's current licensees. The terms of the agreement are confidential, but it's no secret that the deal will result in some form of improved and embedded wireless functions making their way into the camera maker's next generation of digital imaging devices.
Posted by covey22 at 7:18 PM
ID #103: The Image Doctors
Jason and Rick comment on the new Nikon D3s and 85mm DX Micro Nikkor lens, and then bring you a discussion on event photography.
Download The Image Doctors #103 (NPC-ID-2009-10-29.m4a; 49:42; 12.1 MB; MP4 format)
Show Notes: October 29, 2009 | |
1:49 | New Nikon Products |
16:41 | Event Photography |
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (28.5MB).
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Posted by drjay32 at 6:00 AM
October 28, 2009
Annotate! Community Edition available
New version of the popular, free Annotate! image commenting software available. Version 1.05 include features such as direct email from application to share your annotations and a new export layout feature. Annotate! is non-destructible, storing all comments in the EXIF portion of the JPG header. Download Annotate!
The Community Edition, V1.05, of the Annotate! software is a new, free version that allows you to use it even if you are not a registered Nikonians user.
Should you have installed a previous version of Annotate! such as V1.04 or earlier, then it is recommended to manually remove that version from your system, since the Community Edition will not automatically remove that application when being installed.
Annotate! is currently available for MS-Windows users only. We are aware of that many Macintosh users would like to use it as well. We are going to launch a Mac OS X version of Annotate! but a final launch date has not been set.
Download the photo commenting software Annotate!
Posted by bgs at 8:31 AM
October 27, 2009
Nikonians PhotoProShop Thanksgiving Sale!
The PhotoProShop is holding a special Thanksgiving Day celebration featuring 40% OFF on Nikonians clothing and a chance to get a classic "old style" Nikonians T-Shirt for just one dollar.
Your Nikonians cap is already worn out and looks like you've attended to the last 500 ANPATS? This is your chance to get new and discounted products to show that you're a Nikonian.
We have gathered up nearly 300 of our original "You might be a Nikonian if... " T-shirts and discounted them to just one Dollar each. Once these are gone, they will not be re-printed (they have the original "old-style" logo).
The Thanksgiving Day Special includes 40% discounts on some of our absolute favorite Nikonians clothing such as the Nikonians Camouflage Cap, our new Nikonians Black/Gray Cap and the Nikonians Rain Jacket and Waterproof Photo Jacket.
To see all of our discounted products click here.
Your member discount code is available at your Nikonians Rewards page.
This Thanksgiving Day Special is valid until Black Friday (29th of November). Remember, supply is limited, hence no rainchecks! Order yours today!
Posted by covey22 at 2:43 PM
onOne Software Launches Plug-In Suite 5
onOne Software launches Plug-In Suite 5, encompassing some of the most popular and latest add-on photo editing programs at very aggressive pricing.
The collection of plug-ins includes Genuine Fractals 6, Photo Tools 2.5 Pro, Photo Frame 4.5 Pro, Mask Pro 4.1, Photo Tune 3 and Focal Point 2. The Suite also features compatibility with Photoshop CS2 to CS4 and will run on Mac Snow Leopard and Windows Operating Systems, the latter with 64-bit Support. Four of the plug-ins are will fully integrate with Aperture 2 and Lightroom 2.
If purchased separately, this package would nominally cost USD1299. onOne is also offering an immediate USD200 discount, bringing the Suite down to an aggressive pricing of USD399. The Suite is expected to hit shelves in early November. Pre-order your copy today at OnOne Software.
Posted by covey22 at 1:01 PM
October 26, 2009
Nikonians News Flash #133
This week Ray passes along the latest photographic news pertaining to Nikon:
- A D800?
- Some new Nikkor lenses forthcoming
- New versionsof Nikon View NX and Nikon Transfer released
- Nikon compatability with Windows 7
- Beta version of Photoshop Lightroom 3
- Nikonians PhotoProShop Thanksgiving Special
Download Nikonians News Flash #133 (NPC-NF-2009-10-25.mp3;
4;09; 3.80MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes:
Nikon Transfer 1.5., Nikon View NX 1.5.0
Nik Viveza 2
Lightroom 3 Beta
New Lexar CF card
Nikonians PhotoProShop
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by rayvaldovinos at 5:00 AM
October 25, 2009
Annotate! by Nikonians® new version released
Annotate version 1.0.5 is now available for free download. This free software enables you to make notes directly on images without having to edit the images themselves. The program is very easy to use and is designed to help you share image critiques, or for teams working jointly on images such as in publishing or architecture.
Annotate allows you to add textual annotations and "virtual crops" bound to coordinates in JPEG. The annotations are stored in a non-destructible way into the EXIF part of the JPEG file and do not change the image itself.
If you have already downloaded Annotate, you can check which version you have by pressing your F1 key. You will see the version near the top, and you will also see (near the bottom of the screen) a handy link for Annotate tutorials.
The new version features include:
— A new export layout allows you to draw annotation text inside annotation boxes
— You can undo an accidental delete of annotation with CTRL+Z
— The application can be minimized to your tray
— There is minimum limit on font size in the export dialog
— You can email an annotated image directly from annotate
— The software now displays a splash screen upon startup, highlighting new features for each new version.
That new export layout is a handy feature and will only take a few seconds for you to master. Once you have your annotations made in the familiar manner (with the notes in a dialog box to the right of the image) all you have to do is hit the Export button and you can now drag your annotations to any position on the image screen itself. In this example of the airplane, we dragged the text to the lower right corner, and while we had it in place, we took advantage of the handy font increase/decrease controls to boost the size of the font for easy viewing. We went a few extra steps up on the font size until we got our desired result (shown below):
For more information, don't forget to check join the discussion that has been helping to shape this software thanks to our community members who are sharing their experiences.
Update from the Developers: Important note for 64-bit users: (10/27/2009)
The 1.0.4 version of Annotate! by Nikonians® had issues with 64-bit versions of Windows operating systems. The 1.0.5 version fixed those issues.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:12 PM
Foreground crowd helps to enhance winning photo
Congratulations to Silver Nikonian Tammy McBrien (duffergirl) of Ontario, Canada for winning the September segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest.
Tammy's photo, entitled "Fireworks Festival Montreal" was captured at the L'International Des Feux Loto-Quebec - Montreal, Canada with her Nikon D300 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens.
Tammy shares with us her behind the scenes preparations:
It was late in the evening. I managed to get a tripod set up which was difficult as there were so many people in the crowd. I was initially disappointed that I could not get closer to the fireworks but once I started shooting I realized that I could capture the crowd watching the fireworks — and I really liked that depth and the ability to capture the entire event from a distance. It was a lovely clear evening. The fireworks display in this portion of the competition was put on by South Africa.
I shoot with my D300 and my 18-200 lens aperture was f/13. The ISO was set to 200 and the focal length of the lens was at 56 mm. The exposure lasted for 1.3 seconds. My camera was mounted on a 25 year old, creaky, aluminum tripod. The head was propped up straight with a wine cork. I have since replaced it with a snappy carbon fiber model.
Tammy's concern about that crowd in the foreground turns out to be a big factor in her winning formula. The contest judges praised her ability to capture the crowd as well as the fireworks display.
As her prize, Tammy will receive from Think Tank Photo a Speed Racer™ Camera Beltpack.
Join in on the action!
For our Silver, Gold and Platinum members, all you need to do is have a quick look at our Rules and Guidelines and make sure you know we only have three months of eligibility left (with one ending this week).
Our October contest segment is currently under way (last entry date is October 31.) The main subject for October is a "People" scene. The longest size of the photograph must be between 900 and 1024 pixels. If you want to check out some great images already in the running for top honors in the "People" theme, check the October entries already entered in the competition.
Looking ahead for your final two shots at earning the Best of Nikonians - 2009 Images Photo Contest crown — the November segment theme is "Night Sky" and the final segment in December will be your opportunity to show us "My Best Shot."
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:00 PM
October 19, 2009
Nikonians News Flash #132
This week Ray passes along the latest photographic news pertaining to Nikon:
—It's here! Nikon's Steve Heiner tells us about the new Nikon D3s
—Nikon's new DX-format 85mm VR micro lens coming in December
—Cliff Mautner tests the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
—New products from Adobe and onOne Software add wireless phone features
Download Nikonians News Flash #132 (NPC-NF-2009-10-18.mp3; 5:56; 5.43MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes:
Nikon D3s links for sample images, movies and more
The new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Nikon Photographer Cliff Mautner tests the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
onOne Software DSLR Camera Remote
Silver member Lori McEathron (McEathron), — winner of our fourth week in the Nikonians Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase IV with "Venice of the East."
Give yourself one month free membership (details)
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:33 AM
October 18, 2009
We're now on Facebook
Fans of both Nikonians.org and Facebook can now check in with us for the latest news from either source.
Posted by flashdeadline at 11:36 PM
Nikonians Rewards benefit alert
Silver, Gold and Platinum members have a new discount available through their personal Nikonians Rewards coupons and vouchers section. Memador Photo Albums can be purchased through a special Nikonians Silver, Gold and Platinum discount (some up to 40%).
Memador, formerly ProAlbum est. 2004, winner of the DIMA (Digital Imaging Marketing Association) Photo Book Showcase PMA 2008 convention, specializes in the design and creation of classic, prestige albums utilizing the latest technology.
Memador albums are created "on demand" which means that there are no minimum orders to place. Each album is treated as a special customer order.
The albums feature:
• Digital color correction and enhancement prior to printing
• Double side printing using the highest output quality
• Patented LAY FLAT page construction
• Two-sided full page lamination
• Lifetime warranty against damage due to moisture, humidity, fingerprint smudges, scratching, discoloration and color fading
Memador has several printing facilities, distribution centers and industry partners such as General Products, TAP and others around the world.
For details on the Nikonians discount, check your User Menu and proceed to the Membership Tab to find the Vouchers and Coupons section.
Or just make sure you are logged in and click this link to go directly to your Nikonians Rewards Page.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:13 PM
October 15, 2009
Nikon D3S Sample Photos Now Available
Nikon has made additional full-size sample photos from the new D3S flagship DSLR available for scrutiny. See the samples here.
Posted by covey22 at 2:24 PM
ID#102: The Image Doctors
In this episode of The Image Doctors, Jason and Rick discuss everything you need to know about getting started with a DSLR. We'll give tips for beginners, and provide information for experienced users to help them give advice to their friends.
Download The Image Doctors #102 (NPC-ID-2009-10-15.m4a; 20:02; 13.6 MB; MP4 format)
Show Notes: October 15, 2009 | |
1:17 | Getting Started with a DSLR |
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (16.1MB).
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Posted by drjay32 at 6:00 AM
October 14, 2009
PhotoShop on the Go: New iPhone Mobile App
Adobe has posted a version of PhotoShop usable on the iPhone. The new program is sure to be a hit with the rapidly growing base of Apple device users. Using the popular finger gesture interface, users can crop, rotate, apply effects, adjust color and more. As a plus, users can also load their images up to their Photoshop.com account for web publication or to ensure backup. Get the free mobile app here.
Posted by covey22 at 9:52 PM
News Flash EXTRA - Interview with David Tejada
Today on News Flash Extra, Ray speaks with photographer David Tejada, noted innovator in the use of small strobes. David leads workshops on the topic for the Nikonians Academy.
Download Nikonians News Flash Extra #1 (NPC-NF-2009-10-14.mp3;
15:42; 14.3MB; MP3 format)
In this 15-minute Special Edition of the News Flash, David covers:
• How to overcome camera metering
• Growing as a photographer
• Anticipating TTL
• Accuracy through experience
• Embrace TTL but know it's limitations
For more information, Check David's Blog:
www.davidtejada.blogspot.com/
David's Professional Lighting on Location with Nikon CLS two day workshop will be coming to Philadelphia on November 3rd, and San Diego on December 1st.
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by flashdeadline at 3:33 PM
Nikon unveils D3s and new 85mm DX format medium micro lens
Nikon has announced their new Nikon D3S, which adds astronomical ISO sensitivity and a host of other features to the already established FX-format D3 — and a new medium telephoto; the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR lens.
The new Nikon D3s takes low-light photography to a hard to imagine effective ISO range of 102,400 (yes, six-digits).
It also features:
• 9 frames per second at full resolution (11 fps at DX crop)
• 720p HD video recording with stereo microphone input
• Same amazing low light ability can be applied to movies
• 12.1 mp FX-format full frame CMOS sensor
• 51 point AF system, 3D Matrix metering and Scene Recognition System
• $5199.95 estimated selling price (availability in late November).
According to Nikon's Press Release, the new level of high ISO sensitivity comes from a completely redesigned 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, which measures 36x23.9mm. The press release explains:
While the pixel size and count that served the D3 were maintained to deliver the pinnacle of image quality, dynamic range, phenomenal tonal gradation and outstanding color, other aspects were engineered to add versatility through broader low-noise ISO sensitivity. Individual pixels measure a large 8.45 microns, which support enhanced sensitivity to light and other qualities leading to superior image fidelity. The D3S captures light and renders images in a way that no other Nikon camera has yet to achieve, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and an unmatched dynamic range for both stills and HD video throughout its broadened ISO range.
——————————————————————————————
Special Note:
Our good friends at LetsGoDigital have posted a hands on review of the new Nikon D3s by editor Dennis Hissink. Click the LetsGoDigital logo for the English version of his review.
——————————————————————————————
The new lens added to the DX inventory is the AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR.
This medium telephoto lens is designed for extreme close-up photography and Nikon's Press Release adds it is "perfectly suited for portrait, nature, and general imaging as well."
The lens features:
• VR II for up to 4 stops of correction
• Internal focusing design
• Use of an ED glass element
• 1:1 life-size reproduction ratio
• $529.99 MSRP (availability in December)
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:31 AM
October 12, 2009
Nikonians News Flash #131
This week Ray passes along the latest photographic news pertaining to Nikon:
—Wildlife Photographer Andy Rouse teams with Nikon UK and National Geographic
—Look for Nikon announcement on new products with next two weeks
—CCD inventors win Nobel Prize for Physics
—Interview (Part Two) with Nikonians Academy faculty member Winston Hall
Download Nikonians News Flash #131 (NPC-NF-2009-10-11.mp3;
3:30; 3.19MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes:
Wildlife Photographer Andy Rouse teams with Nikon UK and National Geographic
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2009
Winston Hall's Nikonians Academy Webinars and Workshop Schedule:
Webinars
October 29 Creating HDR Photographs - 2 Day Workshop
October 31 Master Nikon i-TTL Flash, CLS
November 1 Master your Nikon D300 - In Depth
Berger Brothers Hot Deal on Tokina Lenses
(check your Nikonians Rewards Page for the Voucher and details)
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by flashdeadline at 1:45 PM
Give yourself one month free membership
Take advantage of your Nikonians User Menu Invitations tab to earn one month of added membership privileges for you and a membership discount for a friend.
You will have the extra month added to your membership, and you can receive even more months added for each person you refer to Nikonians who signs up for at least a Silver membership.
The person you invite receives a 5% rebate on the membership he (or she) selects to sign up for.
To invite your friend, just click over to your User Menu preferences and scroll down until you see the line of tabs:
Open the "Invitations" tab and you will see the "Generate voucher" option. The voucher you create will be good for 14 days and you can send it via email by clicking the "Send invitation link" or printing it out.
As soon as the voucher has been used by the invited person, you will see that indicated in the column marked "Used".
The voucher is only valid if applied to a first time registration without any existing account.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:37 AM
Boat ride with D300 yields winning image
Congratulations to Silver member Lori McEathron (McEathron), of Suzhou Jiangsu Province, China — winner of our fourth week in the Nikonians Welcoming Photo Contest - Phase IV.
Lori tells us Jiangsu Province in southeast China is known as the "Venice of the East" and her winning entry bears the same title.
In her own words:
"The numerous watertowns are quaint and peaceful, promising the simple life and quiet times. I enjoy bringing foreign guests on boat rides through the canals of Zhou Zhuang, propelled by a single, polished oar gently moving back and forth in time with the mournful Chinese ballad sung by the oarsman. Priceless."
The photo was taken with her Nikon D300 and AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. Her aperture was f/7, with a 1/200th shutter speed and the camera set to ISO 200.
Lori will be receiving a Photoshop Bundle by Topaz Labs (currently valued at $149.99 USD) for her winning entry.
About our Phase IV Contest sponsor:
Topaz Labs, makers of popular Photoshop Plug-Ins such as Adjust, Vivacity and DeJPEG are currently offering a very generous 25% discount for all contributing Nikonians at the Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Check your Nikonians Rewards Page for details.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:11 AM
October 4, 2009
Nikonians News Flash #130
This week Ray passes along the latest photographic news pertaining to Nikon:
—Rumors of the week
—Nikon availability updates
—New ACDSee Pro 3 released
—Interview with Nikonians Academy faculty member Winston Hall
—The Nikonian eZine 42 is ready for download
Download Nikonians News Flash #130 (NPC-NF-2009-10-04.mp3;
4:20; 3.97MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes:
ACDSee Pro 3
Winston Hall's Seattle Workshops:
October 29 Creating HDR Photographs - 2 Day Workshop
October 31 Master Nikon i-TTL Flash, CLS
November 1 Master your Nikon D300 - In Depth
Download The Nikonian - eZine 42
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by rayvaldovinos at 6:58 PM
October 2, 2009
The Nikonian eZine 42 now available
Our newest edition of The Nikonian is now ready for download.
The Nikonian is our official publication, the electronic magazine, eZine, for Nikon© photographers.
Highlights in this edition include:
• Editorial by J. Ramón Palacios (jrp)
• Nikonians Photo Contest update
• Using Annotate! By Nikonians
By Marek Tomša
• New User Menu and Social Network Features — By Federico Sensi
• Spotlight on Two Nikonians Bloggers
(The Nikonians Image Doctors)
• When your Nikon Bites the Dust
By Tom Boné (flashdeadline)
• New from the PhotoProShop
• Eye of the Photographer
By Marco Baracco
• Team Profile-
Featuring News Flash Podcaster Ray Valdovinos
• Mastering the Nikon D90 Photo Gallery
Member photos featured in new NikoniansPress Book by Darrell Young
• Tamron AF18-270mm VC Lens Review
By Tom Boné (flashdeadline)
• New from Nikon
Looking for back issues?
For a look at our previous editions, check our eZine archives.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:54 PM
October 1, 2009
ID#101: The Image Doctors
Rick and Jason are in Rocky Mountain National Park to host the 2009 Image Doctors Photo Safari.
Download The Image Doctors #101 (NPC-ID-2009-10-01.m4a; 20:02; 15.8MB; MP4 format)
Show Notes: October 1, 2009 | |
0:09 | The Image Doctors Rocky Mountain Photo Safari 2009 |
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (7.5MB).
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Posted by drjay32 at 7:00 AM