Phase One has announced Capture One Pro 7, the latest version of its image processing and workflow tool. The latest version is based around an entirely new image processing engine and gains digital asset management tools, developed from the company’s experience with its Media Pro software. The software’s tethered shooting option now gains live view for some DSLR models. The software will cost $ 299/€229 with significant discounts for upgraders from previous versions.
Apple has issued Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.01, adding support for 11 cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’11. The update includes support for many of the latest cameras including the Nikon D600, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, Canon EOS-M and Panasonic G5. Many of the latest enthusiast compacts, including the Canon G15 and S110, and Panasonic DMC-LX7 are also covered, though there’s still no support for recent high-end Fujifilm models.
Connect: Microsoft has taken a different approach to the tablet market with its Surface, by including a fold-out keyboard. The device isn’t formally available until Friday but various tech bloggers have already had a chance to play with the Windows RT-based machine. What are their first impressions and should photographers take interest?
DxO Labs has announced DxO Optics Pro 8 a major update of its image processing tool incorportating ‘DxO Smart Lighting.’ The company’s Smart Lighting tool influences both image brightness and contrast using a single slider and will attempt to recover both highlight and shadow detail. Meanwhile a selective tone tool makes it easy to apply different changes to the highlight, mid-tone and shadow regions of an image.The software also allows the configuration of multiple output options. It also gains more lens/body optical correction profiles, with DxO aiming to double the current 10,000 combinations by the end of 2013. The software comes with the customary introductory pricing valid until November 15th.
Nikon has announced that it is developing three additional lenses for its 1 System mirrorless cameras. The 32mm f/1.2 will offer a classic short telephoto ‘portrait’ option, equivalent to an 86mm lens on the 35mm full frame format. The 6.7-14mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is an image-stabilized, 18-35mm-equivalent wideangle zoom. Finally the 10-100mm f/4-5.6 VR superzoom will offer a similar 27-270mm-equivalent range to Nikon’s existing 1 System powerzoom, but in a smaller package with a mechanical zoom ring. Full specifications, price and release date are yet to be revealed.
Phase One has announced Capture One Pro 7, the latest version of its image processing and workflow tool. The latest version is based around an entirely new image processing engine and gains digital asset management tools, developed from the company’s experience with its Media Pro software. The software’s tethered shooting option now gains live view for some DSLR models. The software will cost $ 299/€229 with significant discounts for upgraders from previous versions.
Nikon has launched the much-rumored Nikkor 70-200mm F4G ED VR a lighter and more affordable tele-zoom with a claimed 5 stops of image stabilization. This is delivered by what the company terms ‘third-generation VR,’ which we’re told is not a successor to VRII. The lens joins Nikon’s range of constant-F4 lenses, alongside the 16-35mm F4 and 24-120mm F4 and includes both nano crystal coating and a ring-type AF-S motor to give full-time manual focus override. At $ 1400 the lens is priced relatively closely to the Canon equivalent’s list price – as is the $ 224 optional tripod ring.
Nikon has launched the 1 V2 – a more enthusiast-focused 1-series camera built around a 14MP sensor. The V2 adds a built-in flash and mode dial and more extensive front grip. It can shoot at up to 15 frames per second in combination with its hybrid AF system. It also has a configurable ‘F’ button to give faster access to key camera settings. The V2 uses a processor that lives up to the latest Expeed 3A billing. It also retains the V1’s original list price of $ 899 with 10-30mm kit zoom. Nikon has also announced an accessory SB-N7 bounce-able Speedlight for the 1 System. The V2 will be available from late November, with the SB-N7 following in January 2013.
Apple has announced an updated iPad but its low-resolution iPad Mini is likely to be a disappointment for photographers looking to do precision work. While the fourth-generation iPad features a 263 pixel-per-inch ‘Retina’ display, the 7.9″ (20cm) iPad Mini makes do with a 163 pixel-per-inch panel with a quarter of the pixel count (just 1024 x 768, rather than its big brother’s 2048 x 1536 pixels). The iPad Mini’s screen is step behind the latest panels, such as the 217ppi, 1280 x 800 pixel display in the less expensive Nexus 7. The fourth-gen iPad also features a faster A6X processor that is claimed to offer twice the performance, plus an HD (720p) front-facing camera.
Canon has announced it will be releasing a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III that will provide uncompressed HDMI output for videographers. It will also enable autofocus using lens / teleconverter combinations with an effective aperture of f/8, using the camera’s central cross-type AF points in a similar fashion to the recently-released EOS-1D X Firmware 1.1.1. However EOS 5D Mark III owners will have to wait until April 2013 before the new firmware becomes available.