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DxO updates Nik Collection 2018 with better macOS, Adobe compatibility and fewer bugs

15 Nov

DxO has announced a new update to Nik Collection, the plugin suite it acquired from Google back in October 2017. Nik Collection version 1.1 is the second major update since DxO relaunched it back in June 2018 and puts an emphasis on adding more compatibility for the latest operating systems and Adobe applications.

DxO says Nik Collection has been optimized for full compatibility with macOS Mojave as well as the 2019 versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop CC, and Photoshop Elements. DxO has also fixed a few bugs hidden from the days Nik Collection was in the hands of Google, ‘including problems with freezing when installing the macOS version of the software, block effects along the edges of the image, and compatibility issues with certain color profiles.’

Nik Collection on macOS has also been updated to work with the Adobe Photoshop competitor Serif Affinity Photo.

Nik Collection by DxO 2018 version 1.1 is available on the DxO website for €69/£59/$ 69. Users who purchased Nik Collection by DxO after the June 2018 update can update their software for free.

Press release:

Nik Collection by DxO 2018 v1.1: promises kept!

DxO is offering the latest versions of the plugin suite relaunched in June 2018 with an update that offers improved stability and compatibility with the latest operating systems and Adobe host apps.

PARIS — November 14, 2018 — DxO, one of the most innovative companies that offers imaging solutions for the general public, has announced the immediate release of Nik Collection by DxO 2018 v1.1, DxO’s second update to the creative plugin suite designed for photographers and graphic artists. This version is completely compatible with macOS Mojave and the 2019 versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop CC, and Photoshop Elements. It also corrects a certain number of interface and compatibility issues with other host applications.

Compatibility with macOS Mojave and the 2019 versions of Adobe software

To ensure the best possible user experience, the Nik Collection was optimized so it could be fully compatible with macOS Mojave as well as the 2019 versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop CC, and Photoshop Elements. DxO’s development teams have also resolved issues that were left over from the Google version of the plugin suite, including problems with freezing when installing the macOS version of the software, block effects along the edges of the image, and compatibility issues with certain color profiles. In addition, the compatibility problems between Nik Collection by DxO 2018 and Serif Affinity Photo with macOS have also been resolved.

“When we launched Nik Collection by DxO last June, we agreed to deliver the best possible user experience and to provide our customers with assistance and support. We also promised to organize the community and ask for feedback through regular surveys,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, VP Product Strategy and Marketing at DxO. “We made progress in each of these areas. Now, we are taking one step further towards our goals by concentrating all the latest product updates in this new version.”

About Nik Collection by DxO

Nik Collection by DxO includes seven plugins that offer a full range of creative effects and filters:

Analog Efex Pro, a classic lens, camera, and analog film simulator.
Color Efex Pro, for color corrections, retouching, and creative effects.
Dfine, which reduces noise in digital images.
HDR Efex Pro, for editing HDR images.
Sharpener Pro, for increasing the precision and detail of digital images.
Silver Efex Pro, a black-and-white converter inspired by dark room techniques.
Viveza, for locally adjusting color and the tonality of specific areas within the image.

Thanks to exclusive U Point technology, the Nik Collection by DxO plugins can be used to apply local adjustments to specific areas in the image with seamless precision.

Nik Collection by DxO can also be opened with other host programs, including DxO PhotoLab 2, Serif Affinity Photo, Skylum Luminar, and other image processing software that features an export menu to a third-party program or is compatible with Photoshop plugins.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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ONA teams up with Tutes, Adorama to release new capsule camera bag collection

24 Oct

Camera bag manufacturer ONA has partnered with Adorama and Bronx-based photographer Jose “Tutes” Tutiven to create a pair of camera bags for a new capsule collection.

The collection consists of ONA’s most popular camera bag and backpack, the Bowery and Camps Bay, with a new green and orange colorway that ONA says was “inspired by the classic MA-1 bomber jacket, a reference to Tutes’s personal style and Bronx roots.”

“Known for his trend-setting urban portraiture, Tutes has partnered with both ONA and Adorama since his early days as a full-time photographer,” reads ONA’s press release. “Most notably as one of the first photographers featured in Adorama TV’s popular “Through The Lens” web series.

The bags are constructed of 1000D Cordura material and include pebbled black leather accents around the zippers and compartments. Gunmetal solid brass hardware is used throughout both bags.

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You can purchase the “ONA X Tutes” Bowery bag and Camps Bay backpack on ONA’s website for $ 179 and $ 419, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Capture a Successful Collection of Photographs with these 3 Tips

15 Oct

In a previous article, I discussed some helpful tips for preparing for a photo shoot. It’s important to be ready, but let’s be clear – you have to be able to perform on the day. So let’s talk about some helpful tips you can use to capture a successful collection of photographs on the big day.

I shot photographs for a band. The goal of the shoot was to create a collection of images they could use on social media. This one is pretty dark but it was processed this way on purpose. The band was playing a very moody venue and they liked the idea of a darker photograph.

Regardless of whether you’re shooting professionally or taking some photos for friends, these tips can help you to ensure you get the best pics. You may be taking photos of your child’s soccer game. Whatever the occasion there are some things you can do to get great photos.

1) Taking care of the people you photograph

This is the single most important thing you can do is take care of your clients. It sounds silly, but your job is to build their confidence, to direct them, to inspire and help them to pose for photos. Anyone with knowledge of camera settings and lighting can take an image that is sharp and well-lit. But to bring out the personality of those you photograph and to make meaningful images requires you to make a connection with the clients. They need to feel safe during the shoot. You’re the one who has to ensure each person involved feels secure. It’s important to watch your models carefully. Are they comfortable? Are they fidgety?

The leader singer was a little apprehensive about me taking photographs. She told me when she sings she always looked like she was in pain. I took the time to shoot a lot of images hopefully capturing something she would like.

Consider the type of atmosphere you create during the shoot. Are you relaxed? Do you exude confidence in your abilities or are you nervous? If you’re feeling nervous, then so will the people you are photographing. It might be worth thinking of yourself as the father or mother of the folks you are photographing. Be that voice of calm amidst the chaos. Let them know you have their back.

I tried to include some shots of the action in between songs.

2) Think about the types of images you’re shooting

Depending on the event you’re shooting you need to consider several factors. The last thing you want to do is shoot a whole bunch of images that look the same. So you need to consider several things.

If you’re shooting a portrait session, then you need to think about posing and grouping individuals. How can you make the images look different? Do you change the setting or do you have people arrange themselves differently? You could have them grouped closely together or create a composition in which individuals are more spread out. Perhaps you have a mix of individuals either standing or sitting. There are lots of ways to pose people. If you’re the type of person who needs to sketch out diagrams and have a plan, then go ahead and do that, but remember variety is the key.

It was important to try and isolate two members of the band. A photograph of the married couple on stage together is an important keepsake.

If you’re shooting a child’s sporting event, you will want to mix in images that show both the whole playing surface as well as images that capture individual players. Maybe you choose to focus on facial expressions for a while. You can also capture intricate details like a pair of feet dribbling a ball, or the hands of player just before she shoots a 3 pointer. Just try to consider lots of different ways to portray the action.

3) Think about purpose

It’s so important to consider the point of taking these photographs. What do you hope to accomplish with this collection of images? Are you capturing precious family memories? Perhaps you’re documenting the growth of your son’s abilities to play soccer? Maybe the goal is to capture images of a beloved family pet that hasn’t got a whole lot of time left with the family. Whatever the reason, this purpose will guide you to create photographs.

Communicating an idea will dictate how you ask your family to pose. A photograph in which a dog is running happily after a toy or playing with small children will communicate a sense of family, but consider how a shot of an older dog sleeping next to your teenager on the couch may show a different stage of the life cycle.

A close up of the musicians and their instruments adds a nice variety.

All too often we jump in with the camera and forget that purpose can be more important than having the perfect exposure. So slow down, think purposefully as you shoot, and remember your goal is to create cohesion. You want a set of photographs that have a variety of compositions but also fit nicely together. Create interest in both the composition and the story told by your images.

Writing out your purpose might be helpful. Create a type of mission statement that you keep in the back of your mind as you shoot. Do whatever you need to do keep the purpose of your photographs front and centre. Don’t hesitate to post the purpose on a piece of paper somewhere. It might even help for the individuals involved in the shoot to see the purpose. If they are aware they can help to maintain the central idea through how they pose for photographs.

Including images of all the band members was important too. The focus on this shot is the sharpest but there’s a lot of emotion and effort in his face. That was important to capture.

So, no matter the subject matter or your photographic expertise, keep in mind how important it is to shoot photographs with a consciousness that accounts for all the factors listed above. It will be hard at first to remember all these different elements but eventually, you will become comfortable, and it will be more second nature to you.

If you’ve got some helpful tips, please share them with us. We want to hear about all the different types of steps you take when shooting a group of photographs. Let’s help each other out.

It’s also important to consider changing lenses. I used a wide angle lens for this shot.

The post Capture a Successful Collection of Photographs with these 3 Tips appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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Hex releases new camera backpack and sling as part of its 2018 Ranger Collection

12 Oct

Bag and accessory manufacturer Hex has shared its latest pair of bags as part of its 2018 lineup, the Ranger Collection. The collection consists of a clamshell backpack and a sling backpack that are “designed to be discrete and street-ready for the modern photographer.”

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The Clamshell Backpack is constructed of water-resistant 500D Cordura nylon and uses what Hex says is a patent-pending clamshell design. It features a typical internal foam divider system that can be arranged to fit your equipment and uses YKK zippers with metal pulls to access the compartments.

According to Hex, you can expect to fit one or two DSLRs and a few lenses, ranging from small primes to telephoto zoom lenses. There are also dedicated pockets for your phone and laptops up to 15 inches. A hidden rain cover is also included for when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

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Like the Clamshell Backpack, the DSLR Sling is constructed of water-resistant 500D Cordura nylon and YKK zippers with custom metal pulls. One of the most interesting details about the DSLR Sling is its ability to pack down flat when the bottom panel is removed, making it easier to travel with as an auxiliary bag.

The DSLR Sling can carry a non-gripped camera body and a lens or two, depending on what glass you’re using. It’s not large enough to fit a laptop, but there are dedicated faux-fur lined pockets for smartphones and even smaller tablets.

The Hex Clamshell Backpack and DSLR Sling are available through Hex’s online shop. They retail for $ 199.95 and $ 99.95, respectively. Both bags come in black and camo colorways.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hands-on with the new Laowa lens collection

02 Oct

Hands-on with Venus Optics’ new Laowa lenses

As we reported last week, lens manufacturer Venus Optics launched a total of eight Laowa lenses at the Photokina trade show this year. Or more accurately, nearly launched eight as some of the cine lenses were plastic dummies behind glass – but we went to the stand to see those on display to get a taste of what they’re like.

Venus Optics has produced some really excellent lenses in the past, and seems to specialize in lenses that other manufacturers aren’t making – such as the unusual 24mm probe macro lens recently released. The company’s Zero-D range has also gained a very good reputation as a series of extreme wide angles that display hardly any curvilinear distortion – hence the Zero-D name.

Above you’ll see the 17mm F4 GFX Zero-D – an interesting lens and the first Laowa lens for Fujifilm’s GFX system. Its 17mm focal length delivers the angle of view we’d expect from a 13mm lens on a full frame system, and as such it’s the widest lens available in the G-Mount.

Laowa 17mm F4 GFX Zero-D

It is pretty big, but well-made and solid in the hand. Some of the 829g/1.8lb weight comes from the 21 elements inside the barrel, but the rest comes from the shell-case metal construction. Its size will make it look at home perhaps on the GFX 50S but it may look odd on the new 50R rangefinder style model.

Laowa 17mm F4 GFX Zero-D

The lens measures 77×124.5mm and takes an 86mm threaded filter. It can focus to 20cm, offering a maximum magnification of 0.28x. The iris uses seven blades while Fujifilm’s own GF 23mmF4 R LM WR uses nine. The smallest aperture is F22 and the angle of view is 115°. The aperture ring offers clicks only in full stops and only closes down to F22.

Laowa 12mm F1.8 MFT

This is a tiny lens considering the focal length and the maximum aperture, making it best suited to the smaller of the Micro Four Thirds cameras – on which it will behave as a 24mm would on a full frame system. The lens hood is detachable and 46mm filters can be used.

Laowa 12mm F1.8 MFT

The example on show was very much pre-production, but the focus movements felt very nice. This is another 5-bladed iris lens, for the sunstar fans, and it can focus down to just 14cm/5.5in. The lens weighs 165g/0.4lbs, and measures just 5cm/2in long.

Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lightweight Zoom

This might be a lightweight cine zoom, but it is still a pretty big piece of kit. Venus Optics was showing the lens on the front of a Kinfinity 6K Terra, the company’s smallest camera – a combination designed to emphasize the compact nature of the package. The lens has three geared rings, for the iris, the zoom and the focus, all of which turn smoothly and with a pleasant resistance.

Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lightweight Zoom

The lens has a constant maximum aperture of T2.9 across the zoom range, and Laowa maintains that focus is retained during zooming as well. The company says that while some other brands convert a stills lens for video this Laowa Ooom was designed for cinema from the off.

Laowa OOOM 25-100mm T2.9 Cine Lightweight Zoom

Focus, aperture and focal length markings are repeated on each side of the barrel, and are controlled with some rugged looking gears. The lens will be available in PL mounts, as well as Canon EF and Sony E. It has a covering circle sufficient for Super 35mm sensors.

Laowa 10-18mm F4.5-5.6 FE Zoom

This is an intriguing little lens that shows what can be achieved when one of your goals isn’t a wide aperture. The tiny dimensions defy the extreme wide angles and the fact that it is designed for full frame cameras – Sony FE. That it will most likely be used closed down means the 5-bladed iris probably won’t show in highlights, and Laowa claims it will make lovely sunstars when aimed at bright point sources.

Laowa 10-18mm F4.5-5.6 FE Zoom

The rear of the lens offers a 37mm filter thread for hiding an ND, or similar, away from the flare of the front of the barrel when filming. Laowa is also working on a front mounted system for 100mm filters that will work with some sort of clamp mechanism. It offers clicked and unclicked apertures via a switch on the side of the barrel.

Laowa 10-18mm F4.5-5.6 FE Zoom

Amazingly the tiny barrel contains 14 elements in 10 groups. The length of the lens is 90.09mm and it weighs just 496g. Laowa claims it is the widest zoom available for Sony FF users, and that it is ideal for travel, landscapes and architecture.

Laowa 17mm F1.8 MFT

This is a very neat little lens that comes with a plastic hood and is designed to be an everyday 35mm-type focal length for the small cameras of the Micro Four Thirds system. It is quite small for the size of the maximum aperture, and weighs only 160g/0.36lbs.

Laowa 17mm F1.8 MFT

It feels very well made, and the construction is the sort of solid you get from a most-metal lens. It features 9 elements in 7 groups, and the company boasts it only has a 5-bladed iris – which it says makes the lens excellent at producing clean sunstars.

Laowa 17mm F1.8 MFT

Shown on an Olympus Pen the lens looks very much at home and in proportion. Its solidity makes a nice balance with the small camera, and the smooth focusing ring makes it feel like a quality lens.

Laowa 4mm F2.8 Fisheye MFT

This is a seriously nice wide lens. I’m not usually a fan of circular fisheyes but this might change my mind. It is really well made and produces a 210° angle of view, in a delightfully small form, and is designed for the MTF system.

Laowa 4mm F2.8 Fisheye MFT

The front element is really bulbous and the reflections in it give some idea about what it can see. The focus ring is fitted with a small handle to make working with just a finger easier. The aperture range covers F2.8 to F16, and inside there are seven elements in six groups controlling the light path. It doesn’t take filters!

Laowa 4mm F2.8 Fisheye MFT

Mounting it on my Lumix G9 I could immediately see why Laowa was displaying it on a flat-fronted Olympus Pen, as my fingers and the grip of the camera were clearly visible at the edge of the frame – as well as my stomach at the bottom of the picture! It is a fun lens that is very well made, but it will be difficult to use.

Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

Why there aren’t more macro lenses that allow magnifications greater than 1:1 I don’t know, but Laowa is making the most of the gap in the market with its second model. The 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is quite a beast compared to the other miniature lenses on the stand, but remains quite lightweight as a lot of the barrel is empty space. It will be available for Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Canon users, and focuses from 24.7cm to infinity.

Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

The front element drops about halfway down the barrel when focused at infinity, and extends right to the top for close working. The 67mm filter thread is actually on the barrel itself rather than attached to the front element housing, so it will remain still the whole time – just sometimes closer to the lens than at other times.

Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

The rear of the lens reveals something Laowa is excited about – contact pins that allow the lens to work with Canon cameras while retaining aperture controls. This also allows aperture coupling in Nikon F cameras which makes life a lot easier.

Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO

Mr. Li Dayong, the General Manager and lens designer at Laowa, says the lens has APO corrections and is suggested for portraiture as well as macro. He also says that the variation in the number of aperture blades between the different mounts is accounted for in the design differences he had to make when creating the automatic iris mechanisms.

Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D MFT

Laowa has introduced two new 9mm F2.8 Zero-D lenses – one for Micro Four Thirds and the other for the DJI DL mount. It will be the widest option for DJI Inspire 2 drone owners with the Zenmuse x7 gimbal, and the imaging circle is enough to cover Super35 sensors.

Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D MFT

The lens weighs only 215g and is very small indeed. It has the standard Laowa finish and offers a detachable hood. This is the same lens that the company already produces in the Fuji X, Sony E and EOS-M mounts.

Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine

This 12mm cine lens is part of the Zero-D range and is designed for full frame cameras. It will come fitted with either a PL or Canon EF mount, and is a cine version of the existing lens aimed at stills photographers. Of course it has stepless apertures and uses 0.8 gears, as do all these cine lenses, and has had the rotation of its focus ring extended to 270° to make life easier for focus pulling during recording. It has a closest focus of 0.6ft/18cm and weighs 650g/1.4lbs.

Laowa 7.5mm T2.1 Cine

There wasn’t too much to see here as the lens is clearly some way from being finished. It looks nice though! The lens will be available for MFT and weighs 180g/0.4lb, it uses 13 elements in 9 groups and has a 46mm filter thread.

For more information on these lenses see the Venus Optics Laowa website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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New 32mm F1.4 STM joins Canon’s EF-M lens collection

07 Sep

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Despite the launch of four RF and two EF-mount lenses, Canon is out to show that it’s still committed to the EF-M system. Today the company announced the EF-M 32mm F1.4 STM, which will cost $ 479.99 when it is available later this month, and offers an equivalent focal length of just over 50mm when attached to an M-series mirrorless body.

Press Release:

CANON INTRODUCES NEW LENS FEATURING THE LARGEST AND FASTEST APERTURE IN THE EF-M LENS FAMILY

New EF-M 32mm F/1.4 STM Expands Canon’s Robust Lineup of EF-M Lenses

Aimed at Entry and Enthusiast-Level Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced a new EF-M wide angle fixed-focal-length lens, the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM. The EF-M lens is both compact and lightweight, serving as an ideal addition for any photographer shooting with an EOS-M series camera. Entry and enthusiast-level photographers who are passionately seeking to take their photography skills to the next-level will find this lens to be a great addition for portraiture, landscapes or
general travel photography.

“As Canon continues to expand the company’s EF-M lineup, it is very important that users are provided the tools they desire for a variety of shooting situations,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The new EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens delivers great image quality in a compact and lightweight form factor, allowing photographers to capture the images they envision when they pick up their camera.”

The EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens is the second EF-M lens to feature a large-aperture, delivering stunning bokeh with a soft blurred background that helps photographers isolate their subjects. In addition, the 32mm focal length converts to approximately 51m in 35mm format, providing an angle-of-view close to the field-of-view of the human eye.

Additional noteworthy features of the EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM lens include:

14 elements in eight groups, including a glass molded aspherical lens
Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
Lead gear-type STM stepping motor to help provide smooth and quiet focus operation when taking photos, and near-silence when shooting video
Wide focusing ring with full-time manual focus capabilities
Compact and lightweight design: maximum diameter of 60.9mm, total length of
50.5mm and approximate weight of 235g
Maximum magnification of 0.25x and minimum focusing distance of 0.23m

Availability and Pricing

The EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM will be available for purchase in late September 2018 for an estimated retail price of $ 479.99*. Included accessories for the new lens are Canon lens cap E-43, lens hood ES-60 and lens case LP-1014. For additional information about the new lens or to learn more about the complete lineup of Canon EF-M lenses, please visit usa.canon.com.

Canon EF-M 32mm F1.4 STM specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Prime lens
Max Format size	APS-C / DX
Focal length	32 mm
Image stabilization	No
Lens mount	Canon EF-M
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F1.4
Minimum aperture	F16
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	7
Optics
Elements	14
Groups	8
Special elements / coatings	Aspherical elements + Super Spectra Coating
Focus
Minimum focus	0.23 m (9.06″)
Maximum magnification	0.25×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Physical
Weight	235 g (0.52 lb)
Diameter	61 mm (2.4″)
Length	57 mm (2.24″)
Sealing	No
Filter thread	43 mm

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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DxO updates Nik Collection, releases PhotoLab 1.2 with U Point local adjustments

07 Jun

DxO Photolab 1.2 includes improved local adjustments.

DxO Labs – which split from DxO Mark in January – announced bankruptcy a few months back, but with a silver-lining: its flagship desktop software, Photolab, would receive a free update by summer. The company also announced that the Nik Software Collection – purchased from Google in late 2017 – would receive its first update since 2017.

As of today, both promises have been fulfilled, in a welcome indication that DxO Labs seems committed to its desktop editing business.

Nik Collection 2018

DxO engineers spent about six months working on code improvements to the Nik Collection, mostly with the aim of fixing bugs to ensure operational stability on the latest 64-bit Macs and PCs. There are no new features, but all seven plugins should also now work properly with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements.

This is the first update to the collection since 2017, but it will come at a cost: until July 1st you can download the collection for $ 49.99 / £39.99 / €49.99. But after July 1st it will cost $ 69 / £59 / €69. There’s no word yet from DxO on how much future updates will cost, but we’re told that the company plans on releasing a new version yearly and it seems likely that those who download version 2018 will get a discount on future versions.

Download Nik Collection 2018 here.

Photolab 1.2

The latest version of Photolab, which is free for current users, incorporates the Nik Collection’s U Point technology, adding a much-loved set of local adjustments to the popular editing software. This update also adds hue and selective tone local adjustments, as well as support for recent cameras.

Download Photolab 1.2 here.

RIP DxO ONE Camera

This final bit of news should come as no surprise, but the DxO ONE camera is officially discontinued. The camera will continue to be sold by some retailers in the USA and France as long as they have inventory, so if you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying one, you’d better hurry.

Press Release:

With the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO and DxO PhotoLab 1.2, DxO continues to develop innovative solutions for photographers and creative professionals

The first update of the plugin suite that DxO acquired in late 2017, the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO offers full compatibility with the latest Mac and PC OSs and Adobe CC products, while DxO PhotoLab 1.2 enhances its local setup tools that incorporate exclusive U Point technology.

PARIS – June 6, 2018 – DxO, one of the world’s most innovative consumer imaging companies, today announced the immediate availability of the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO, an updated suite of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop plugins for photographers and creative professionals. Eagerly awaited by the user community, this “by DxO” update marks the return to the market of the Nik Collection with the first stable version and with customer support. Also available today, DxO PhotoLab 1.2, an update of DxO’s acclaimed RAW and JPEG image processing software, adds new local correction features and adds support for seven additional cameras.

Nik Collection 2018 by DxO: Better user experience and stability

Since the acquisition of the Nik Collection from Google in late 2017, the DxO development team has spent several months analyzing and optimizing the code of the seven plugins that make up the software suite to make them stable and operational. “The process was long and complex,” explained Bruno Sayakhom, Product Owner at DxO. “It was necessary to recover and recompile source code that had not been maintained for a long time in order to make it compatible with the latest versions of Adobe products and the latest Apple OS updates. This is a first step that allows us to start afresh.”

The Nik Collection 2018 by DxO is now fully functional and compatible with all 64-bit Windows and Mac platforms, as well as with Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop CC 2018, and Photoshop Elements 2017/2018. In addition, DxO now provides support in four languages on its website (http://nikcollection.dxo.com/), which will soon include exclusive tutorials. The software suite update, including the seven plugins, is now available in 13 languages, and includes a free 30-day trial period.

“We are proud to relaunch the Nik Collection, which users have been waiting for,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, DxO’s VP of Product Strategy and Marketing. “We have put all of our know-how into offering photographers and creative artists the best possible user experience. This is just the first step: using Uservoice-type surveys, we will be reaching out to the user community, from whom we greatly desire to gather feedback about their experiences and gain insight into their expectations.”

Designed for expert photographers and graphic designers, the Nik Collection includes seven powerful plugins for Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements that offer a full range of creative effects and filters:

Analog Efex Pro applies analog film, camera and lens simulations to digital photos.
Color Efex Pro includes a set of filters for color correction, touch-up, and creative effects.
Dfine reduces the noise of digital images by analyzing the specificities of each device.
HDR Efex Pro processes images in HDR.
Sharpener Pro increases the accuracy and enhances the detail of digital images.
Silver Efex Pro is a black and white image conversion solution inspired by darkroom techniques.
Viveza locally adjusts the color and tone of specific areas of the image.

Thanks to exclusive U Point technology, the Nik Collection plugins allow you to apply local settings to specific areas in a fluid and precise way.

The Nik Collection 2018 by DxO is available for download on the DxO website (http://shop.dxo.com/us/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for $ 49.99 / £39.99 / €49.99 instead of $ 69 / £59 / €69 until July 1st, 2018.

DxO PhotoLab 1.2 improves its local adjustment tools that integrate U Point technology

Recently awarded the 2018 TIPA Award for Best Image Processing Software, DxO PhotoLab (formerly DxO OpticsPro) offers a complete RAW and JPEG processing solution based on optical corrections from mathematically established laboratory models, as well as such exclusive features as PRIME noise reduction technology and DxO Smart Lighting intelligent exposure optimization.

DxO has integrated Nik Software’s U Point technology, acquired from Google in late 2017, into DxO PhotoLab. This exclusive technology allows photographers to apply local settings in a non-destructive RAW stream to specific areas in an image.

With version 1.2 of DxO PhotoLab, DxO continues to enhance its software by adding the Hue (HSL) and Selective Tone settings, to unblock locally dark areas or recover overexposed areas. The tool’s equalizer system has been redesigned accordingly, and local settings are now grouped by categories: Light, Color, and Detail. Each category can be shown or hidden with a single click, for an efficient workflow.

In response to user requests, we have added a new keyboard shortcut that displays the U Point mask in grayscale and shows the area that will be affected by the correction.

Finally, DxO PhotoLab 1.2 adds support for images from the Sony A7 III; the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G9, TZ90, and GF9; the Canon EOS 2000D; and the Apple iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Thanks to the quality of DxO PhotoLab’s RAW conversion, which is based on prior calibration of each sensor in the laboratory, images taken with these cameras and smartphones will automatically be corrected for optical defects.

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab (PC and Mac) are available for download on the DxO website (http://shop.dxo.com/), and from retailers at $ 129 / £99 / €129 and $ 199 / £159 / €199, respectively (recommended retail prices).

Photographers who own a version of DxO OpticsPro can acquire an upgrade to DxO PhotoLab by logging into their customer account at www.dxo.com. A fully-functional trial version of DxO PhotoLab, valid for one month, is available on the DxO website: https://www.dxo.com/us/photography/download.

About DxO

For over 10 years, DxO has been developing some of the world’s most advanced image processing technologies, which have already enabled more than 400 million devices to capture images of unparalleled quality. DxO develops DxO PhotoLab (formerly DxO OpticsPro), as well as other image processing software for Mac and PC, which have been acclaimed by the world’s leading photographers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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PIXEO is a crowdsourced collection of the best photo spots around the world

08 May

Whether you’re looking for new spots in town or looking for the best photo locations while on vacation, a new app called PIXEO is here to help.

Made exclusively for iOS (for now), PIXEO is a paid photo scouting app that relies on crowdsourced information to show the best photo spots in a given area. It currently features more than 10,000 locations, provided by more than 200 paid subscribers.

Beyond location, the pins across the map include photos that have been taking there, the current weather at a chosen location, directions to get there and notes from other photographers on whether or not the location is worth your time.

Using the app is simple. After downloading PIXEO from the iOS App Store, you’re presented with the opportunity to subscribe monthly or annually for $ 3 per month or $ 25 per year, respectively. Don’t worry, though. There’s a 30-day free trial to test the waters and see if it works for you.

Once in the app, it’s just a matter of finding an area you want to scout for locations. After you select a location and find a pin that another photographer has contributed, you can just save it to your favorites and hit the road.

PIXEO was only launched two weeks ago, so don’t worry if there’s nothing nearby. It has been featured in the ‘Best of What’s New’ section in the iOS App Store in multiple countries and is continually gaining new locations.

You can take PIXEO for a spin by downloading it from the iOS App Store.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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DxO Labs confirms bankruptcy, but promises updates to Nik Collection and DxO PhotoLab

01 May

DxO Labs has released an official update on its financial situation in the form of a blog post on its website, and it’s not as doom-and-gloom as it seems… or sounds. While the statement confirms DxO Labs has chosen “to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection and is now in the process of restructuring the business,” it also says the restructuring “will not affect our customers in any way.”

In fact, DxO Labs says the process should take no more than a few weeks to complete. And not only should this news “not affect customers,” DxO Labs took the opportunity to confirm that a couple of new products are on the horizon.

According to the statement, DXO Labs plans to release a free update (version 1.2) to its flagship program DxO PhotoLab sometime in June. The update will add improved local correction features and support for seen new cameras ‘including the Canon EOS 2000D and the Sony A7 III.’

In a quick swipe at Adobe, DxO writes that this impending update will serve as:

…an opportunity for us to reiterate our commitment to the ‘perpetual license’ model (as opposed to a subscription model) that allows our customers to update their products according to their needs, rather than in a constrained manner.

And if that’s not enough good news to distract you from the Chapter 11 talk, DxO Labs also confirmed plans to update the Nik Software Collection.

In June, the Nik Software Collection will receive its first update since being bought from Google in December of 2017. The update is said to focus on fixing bugs and to make sure the plug-ins and standalone programs work smoothly on both PC and MacOS computers.

Official Statement:

Greetings,

On March 7, 2018, DxO Labs chose to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection and is now in the process of restructuring the business.

We are very confident that this procedure, which should not last for more than a few more weeks, will not affect our customers in any way. In fact, we are pleased to announce the following upcoming product releases:

In June, we will release a free update (version 1.2) of our flagship software, DxO PhotoLab. Recently awarded the TIPA 2018 Award for Best Image Processing Software, this latest version of DxO PhotoLab will include improved local correction features, and will add support for 7 cameras, including the Canon EOS 2000D and the Sony A7 III. This release will also be an opportunity for us to reiterate our commitment to the “perpetual license” model (as opposed to a subscription model) that allows our customers to update their products according to their needs, rather than in a constrained manner.
In June, we will release the new version of the Nik Software Collection, which DxO acquired from Google at the end of 2017. Much awaited by the Nik software community, this first “by DxO” version focuses on fixing bugs that up until now could disrupt the user experience, as well as on ensuring full compatibility with the latest Mac OS and PC platforms.

Thank you for your understanding and confidence,

The DxO Team

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Pond5 and DJI to offer licensable collection of aerial footage

31 Mar

A new partnership between DJI and stock video library Pond5 might make it easier for Part 107 certified drone operators to connect with potential stock footage customers – and vice versa.

Anyone with a DJI drone and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification can apply to participate as a video creator. Accepted applicants’ videos will be included in a Pond5 + DJI collection. Prospective customers will also be assured that the videos in the collection were shot by FAA certified drone operators, and can therefore be used for commercial purposes.

Applications can be submitted at Pond5’s website.

Press release

Pond5 and DJI Join Forces to Create an Online Marketplace for Aerial Footage from FAA Certified Pilots and Filmmakers

Program will curate and promote collections of aerial footage captured by licensed pilots using DJI drones to Pond5’s millions of users searching for professional video

NEW YORK MARCH 28, 2018 – Global content marketplace Pond5 and DJI, the world’s leading manufacturer of civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today launched an innovative collaboration to develop a premium collection of licensable aerial footage.

By applying to join this program, pilots operating with a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is required for commercial use, will be eligible to have their footage included in a series of collections shot exclusively with DJI drones.

Pond5 will showcase these collections to its millions of users, while denoting video clips shot by licensed pilots in searches for customers who need to ensure their video assets comply with Part 107. Pilots will also be able to leverage Pond5’s industry knowledge to identify their most in-demand shots and obtain assistance in preparing their footage for licensing in the Pond5 marketplace.

DJI will be working closely with the team of video experts and curators at Pond5 to ensure that the most compelling and award-worthy aerial footage shot with DJI products is made easily accessible to customers searching for studio-quality shots to use in their productions.

“Drones have become powerful tools for storytellers, providing a cost-effective alternative for gathering aerial footage. They’re able to capture rapidly unfolding events and reach locations that would be otherwise inaccessible, costly, or dangerous,” said Pond5 CEO Jason Teichman. “As the world leader in their space, DJI is the ideal partner to bring the best in contemporary aerial footage to our marketplace.”

Select participants will also have access to Pond5’s premium clipping and tagging services, allowing them to save time by simply submitting raw footage, rather than having to do the work of editing, formatting, titling, and keywording the footage themselves. Footage receiving these services will then be made available exclusively through Pond5 for a limited time.

“Drone imagery creates exciting new possibilities for video creators and producers around the world, and DJI’s collaboration with Pond5’s industry-leading content marketplace helps establish a new standard for professional video that is safe, legal, and cleared for use,” said Michael Perry, Managing Director of DJI, North America. “We’re excited to elevate the presence of DJI-captured imagery in Pond5’s marketplace, and we can’t wait to see the projects that will incorporate this footage.”

Pilots with a Part 107 certificate who use DJI drones can apply to this program at http://www.pond5.com/dji, with selected DJI aerial footage being showcased on the Pond5 content marketplace in the coming months. Pond5 and DJI will both be onsite at the 2018 NAB Show to provide additional information for interested participants, as well as producers and editors who want to license professional aerial drone footage. For a look at the full collection of aerial footage from across the globe currently available on Pond5, visit http://www.pond5.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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