Adobe has released Camera Raw 8.1 and DNG Converter 8.1, as final versions of updates that were originally posted as ‘release candidates’. ACR 8.1 is designed to work with Photoshop CC but, as promised, is also compatible with Photoshop CS6. It brings support for 7 additional cameras, including the Olympus PEN E-P5 and E-PL5, Ricoh GR and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6, along with profiles for 16 more lens, including Sigma and Zeiss’s latest models. Click through for more details and how to download.
Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 5, the latest version of its workflow and image editing software. Available as either an individual license or as part of a Creative Cloud subscription, Lightroom 5 adds a more advanced healing/cloning tool, automatic image leveling and perspective correction, a new selective editing tool and the ability to edit files that are offline. US pricing is $ 149 for new customers and $ 79 for the upgrade. Click here for more information, including our features preview and download links.
DxO Labs has released version 8.2 of its DxO Optics Pro software. Both the Elite and Standard versions gain support for the Canon EOS Rebel SL1, the Sony SLT-A58, and the Ricoh GR. Version 8.2 of DxO Optics Pro also supports all features of the newly announced FilmPack 4 as a plugin. Click through for a download link and the full press release.
DxO has announced availability of FilmPack 4, the fourth version of its film-simulation software. FilmPack 4 adds 65 ‘even more aesthetically-pleasing renderings’. Available in two editions, Essential and Expert, a single DxO FilmPack 4 license can be used as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture, and DxO Optics Pro, and as a standalone application for Mac and Windows. Click through for the press release.
Samsung has published the source code for its NX300 and NX2000 mirrorless cameras – the first attempt we’ve seen at offering public access to a mainstream camera’s operating system. The approach, which the company has previously used with its smartphones, stands in stark contrast to other camera manufacturers, which have not engaged with the community of programmers looking to enhance the capabilities of their cameras.
At last week’s I/O developer conference Google announced a number of upgrades to the photo section of its Google+ social network, including features such as ‘Auto-Highlight’, ‘Auto-Enhance’ and ‘Auto’-Awesome’. To make the same experience available on its mobile platform the search giant has released an upgraded Google+ app for Android. Click through to Connect to find out more.
Developer Duka Istvan has created a release candidate of digiCamControl – free, open-source software that allows most Nikon DSLRs to be remotely controlled via computer. digiCamControl is compatible with Windows PCs and allows you to see your camera’s live view image on your computer screen, as well as trigger a tethered DSLR remotely, either directly or using a programmable timer. Multiple cameras can be connected at the same time. Click through for more details on connect.dpreview.com.
Fujifilm has announced the availability of new firmware for its X100S fixed-lens compact camera. Firmware version 1.02 corrects an issue where the framelines in the camera’s viewfinder did not automatically adjust brightness at ISO 1600 and higher. Fujifilm has also issued firmware updates for its ZS2000EXR, HS50EXR, F820EXR and F900EXR compacts. Click through for more details and links.
Fujifilm has officially announced the Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-F4.8 R LM OIS telephoto zoom for its X system of mirrorless cameras. Headline features include optical image stabilisation with a claimed 4.5 stops benefit, dual linear stepper motors for focusing, all-metal barrel construction, and premium optics. The lens also features an aperture ring like that on the company’s XF 18-55mm zoom. Fujifilm has also updated its roadmap of upcoming lenses to include the XF 56mm F1.2 R, which is scheduled for release in January 2014. Finally the company is promising firmware updates to improve the autofocus speed of both the X-Pro1 and X-E1, which will be available to download in July.
Pentax-Ricoh has announced the much rumored and leaked Ricoh GR, a 16.2MP APS-C sensor enthusiast compact camera. The GR continues on from Ricoh’s GR Digital series of high-end, fixed-lens models, gaining a much larger sensor but continuing to offer a 28mm equivalent field of view, now with an F2.8 maximum aperture. It also retains the GRD IV’s high-res 1.2m dot LCD and a range of photographer friendly functions. Despite ta sensor nearly nine time as big, the recommend price increase by just $ 200 over the GRD IV, to $ 799.