Tag: Photography

DxO releases 1,693 new Optics Modules, providing unrivaled corrections for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7R V, and a selection of Sigma lenses

DxO’s Optics Modules offer unparalleled corrections, including unique lens softness improvements and distortion corrections that maximize field of view. DxO’s software now corrects more than 80,000 lens and camera combinations.

Paris (France): DxO, the company that has pioneered calibration-based optical corrections for 20 years, today announces its latest batch of Optics Modules. The release of 1,693 DxO Optics Modules includes support for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Fujifilm X-T5, the Sony A7R V, five lenses from Sigma, and more.

For quality-conscious photographers, DxO Optics Modules are a wealth of individually tailored, laboratory-grade corrections, which present the most accurate and powerful route to improving image quality on the market. Superior to other optical correction software, DxO’s adjustments vastly improve results, whether they are applied to entry-level lenses or professional-grade glass.

Essentially, the performance of any lens can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, and ViewPoint.

A unique approach to defeating lens softness

All correction software offers digital sharpening to combat lens softness, but DxO’s approach is unique and superior, taking into account the varying levels of sharpness across a lens’s entire field of view. Rather than applying general sharpening across the entire image (as with lesser software), DxO Optics Modules target sharpening as required, such as when a lens gets progressively softer towards its edges.

As seen with the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN, the boost in image quality by DxO Optics Modules makes it perform better in terms of sharpness and distortion (while also eliminating vignetting and aberrations). As illustrated below, nowhere is this clearer than in combating lens softness. 

 

  • The uncorrected lens displays a significant difference in sharpness between the center of the frame and the corners.

 

  • Typically, photo editing software uses a generic profile to make a global correction across the entire image based on the sharpening required at the center.

 

  • Edge of frame sharpening from Adobe Lightroom® (left) and DxO Optics Modules (right). Unlike Adobe Lightroom, DxO Optics Modules are able to progressively increase corrections away from the frame’s center, allowing for a sharper overall image.

Sophisticated distortion corrections deliver greater image area

DxO’s Optics Modules frequently deliver a greater image area thanks to more refined assessments when correcting distortions. When needed, DxO Optics Modules give photographers the option to gain extra image area when compared with the crop applied as the result of Lightroom’s corrections.

Intelligent control of chromatic aberration

In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules remove chromatic aberrations — both longitudinal, and lateral. Chromatic aberrations vary depending on the focal length and distance, and DxO’s algorithms take these into account in order to perform more accurate corrections. Colored outlines are removed without degrading the image’s color or detail.

Vignetting accurately removed

Finally, vignetting is resolved, correcting the darker edges of the frame that can occur in certain lenses and at specific focal lengths.

The most exacting science, the highest quality

Each DxO Optics Module is created using individual camera and lens combinations. This means that any minor differences in the performance of a sensor can be measured across all the examples of it in a manufacturer’s lens mount range. 

For instance, with the new Optics Modules for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S, measurements were not made using just a single full-frame Alpha camera, but with almost every Sony camera on the market.

Latest DxO Optics Modules

The latest DxO Optics Modules update — available now — includes the following cameras and lenses, each optimized for specific camera and lens combinations:

 

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • OM System OM-5
  • Sony A7R V

 

  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
  • Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (L-mount)
  • Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S (Sony FE)
  • Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm F2.8 (Sony E)

 

About DxO

For over 20 years, DxO has blazed a pioneering trail in the fields of photographic science and digital image processing. Built on principles of technical rigor and ceaseless innovation, we were at the forefront of bringing RAW development to photographers, and continue to build the most powerful and versatile software on the market, all designed to offer the greatest image quality and creative freedom. Along with its exacting Optics Modules, available in all our products, we publish DxO PhotoLab, which won the EISA 2020-2021 award for Best Photo Software and the TIPA award for Best Imaging Software in 2020, 2021, and 2022; the award-winning RAW preprocessing and noise reduction software, DxO PureRAW; and Nik Collection, the renowned suite of creative plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop®, Lightroom Classic®, and DxO PhotoLab.

Fujifilm Europe introduces the new instax mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer

Fujifilm Europe, Photo Imaging Division, today announced the European launch of its FUJIFILM instax mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer, available from 22nd June 2022. instax mini Link 2 features a variety of new, unique features designed to encourage
creativity, including customizable frames and image color modes that help enhance the mood of an image. instaxAiR is an exciting new feature for instax mini Link 2, taking interactivity and personalization to a whole new level by allowing the printer to be a tool to draw “in the air” and apply the effects directly to the print. “instax mini Link 2 encourages image makers to express themselves creatively through their prints,” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe. “With highly innovative, fun, and interactive features like instaxAiR, we’re establishing new ways to connect with and inspire instax users as they create their images.”

Key features of instax mini Link 2 include:

instaxAiR: instaxAiR allows users to add graphics to their prints, via the free downloadable instax mini Link App 1 , including bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint, or a glitter look by simply holding the instax mini Link 2, pressing the feature button on top,
whilst aiming the side LED to start drawing in the air. What is drawn in the air will then appear on the print preview in-app
and once the user is happy with the look, the graphics will appear on the print itself. Users of the instaxAiR feature can
even record a video of the drawing and share the moment as a printable QR code that appears on the print. The QR code
can be scanned to view the video, download it, or share it on social media.

Lightweight portability and speed

Compact, lightweight, and finished with a striped texture, instax mini Link 2 transfers a print in about 15 seconds, supports continuous printing, and is capable of printing about 100 instax mini
prints per charge, seamlessly via Bluetooth 2 .

Ability to customize your instax mini prints with Image Modes, Design Frames, Stickers,and more.

The instax mini Link 2 app contains a variety of design frames that can be overlaid onto the selected image for a one-of-a-kind instax instant print. Users can choose between two image color modes – instax-Rich Mode for deeper, enhanced colors and instax-Natural Mode for a more original look. Smartphone images can also be enhanced with artistic filters or by adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation of the image. Users also can combine up to eight pictures into
a single instax print collage via the app.

In addition to smartphone compatibility, instax mini Link 2 is also compatible with the FUJIFILM X-S10 mirrorless digital camera, allowing photographers to send their images directly from the camera to the printer. instax mini Link 2 will be offered in Soft Pink, Clay White and Space Blue, and will be available for purchase on 22 nd June 2022 in Ireland and across Europe at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of €130.00.

New film variety introduced

Accompanying the launch of the instax mini Link 2 will be the new instax mini Spray Art Instant Film, featuring a colorful rainbow spray design that reflects light. It’s the perfect complement to the instaxAiR feature, or fun on its own, making any special image pop with added color. This film variety will be available for purchase on 22 nd June 2022 in Ireland and across Europe at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €10.50

For more information about the instax mini Link 2, visit https://instax.ie/printers/mini-link-2/
Where to buy? – Available at FUJIFILM stockists nationwide or visit instax.ie

Watch out for our review soon here on techbuzzireland and YouTube when we have our full hands on review and more.

Taking Good Product Photos: The Essential Guide for eCommerce Entrepreneurs

E-commerce is an extremely competitive market and has been especially hard to navigate in the last few years. If you’re looking to do your best to compete with the big guys, then one of the most essential parts of your business will be the way that it presents itself online through product photos. The product photos that you include on your website are the first thing that people will consider when looking to purchase something. With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider when creating product photos.

1. Composition Techniques

In photography, composition means the way the various elements of an image are placed within the frame. It’s not just about taking a photo but making it work aesthetically and conceptually. Whether you’re using product photography in Chicago or any other city, it’s always a good idea to see what other successful businesses are doing. There are some common techniques that you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • Rule of Thirds – It’s a basic concept but many professional photographers swear by it. You divide the frame into nine parts and then place points of interest either along the lines or at intersections. The eye is naturally drawn to these points. If you’re taking product photos with your smartphone, this can be achieved by using the grid that’s built into many models or downloading an app for it.
  • Leading Lines – Another thing to keep in mind is how you choose to frame things, and leading lines can help you achieve a more engaging photo. These could be natural lines like the sides of a road, the edge of a table, or even the curves of a person’s body. In some cases, it might be something that’s more abstract but still useful to include if you want to provide a sense of perspective and distance.
  • Shapes – This doesn’t have to be something that’s overly complicated but rather anything that helps to make the image more dynamic. Think about how you can divide things into specific areas and then utilize angles, lines, and curves for an even stronger composition.

Whichever techniques you choose to use, it’s important that they fit in with the overall tone of your business and site. If you’re focusing on a more professional look, then keep soft and elegant lines and curves in mind. If your brand is more rugged or masculine, then using leading lines and shapes will help emphasize that identity further.

2. Custom Lighting

When it comes to retail, there’s nothing more important than lighting. Even if you’re taking product photos with your smartphone, proper lighting is something that will make or break the quality of an image. You might think that you can just set up shop somewhere and take a few shots, but if the light isn’t right then it won’t work. There are a few different types of lighting you’ll want to take advantage of:

  • Direct Light – If you’re taking product photos with your smartphone, it’s going to be difficult to avoid using direct sunlight. It’s strong and very easy to see which can make for great images, but it also means that shadows run the risk of appearing too dark.
  • Indirect or Diffused Light – While this is sometimes referred to as soft lighting, what you’re really looking for are things that give off natural light.
  • Specular Lighting – This utilizes very sharp reflections to create a sense of depth within an image.

The lighting you choose can set the mood, tone, and visual aesthetic for your product photos. It also works best when you can take into account the product that’s featured in order to create something that really sells it.

3. Pick The Right Camera

While some may assume that they can get away with using their smartphone for product photography, the truth of the matter is that you’ll need something better to really get professional results. DSLR cameras are what’s used most often by professionals but even entry-level models will provide better quality photos than a phone. Of course, the settings you end up using will vary depending on the product that’s being photographed. It’s always better to take the time and experiment with your camera before the actual shoot starts. The last thing you want to do is take some shots and then be disappointed later on when they come out looking dull or lack vibrancy.

4. Retouch Your Photos

Image editing and retouching are vital parts of the product photography process. If you’re using retail or eCommerce sites, then your customers will be able to see every flaw and blemish in an image. This isn’t something you want to allow to happen as it can greatly impact how customers perceive your business as well as the products that you’re selling. Retouching images is a fine art that takes years to learn and perfect. Unless you have extensive knowledge in this area, it’s best left to professionals who can work their magic and turn out results that perfectly align with your branding. For the most part, you’ll want to remove blemishes, darken shadows, and do your best to emphasize visual elements.

You always want to do your best to remain competitive in an industry where eCommerce sites and online retailers are popping up like weeds. The quality of your product photos is a great place to start and knowing how to take stunning imagery is something that will set you apart from the competition.

Tech Review – Instax Link WIDE mobile photo printer

Instax always bring out nice products it has to be said and their newest product is quite nice and really cool which delivers great photos and not only that they look good and you can get really creative with their photos via their app which is also great I must say.

OK but the product is a bit cumbersome people have said and that is true like some of their cameras however it is the nostalgia and the instant print pictures that makes them a win, look at it like this, when was the last time you send a camera or even sent off for prints on your phone, shall I stop here? Yes….  I have your attention now and this is why a cumbersome product wins and why more people like them and are willing to give up a bit of space over a drawer full of make up and the kitchen sink in their bag for instant memories that the entire group can share and have a copy of it in their hands there and then.

The build quality on this printer is also great and like with any instax camera or printer I have tried nothing has changed in that department they are solid products it has to be said and built to last.

The app is great, we go through this in detail in the video review so you don’t have to learn what it is all about, it is simple to use and it has great features I like it alot and you can get creative here if you feel the need to or simply just print snaps from your mobile phone on the go.. Check out the unboxing video below to get started and see what you get.

 

 

 

Lightweight design built for portability and speed 

Surpassing the functionality offered by other smartphone printers in its class, the lightweight, handheld Link WIDE transfers an image and starts the print in about 12 seconds, supports continuous printing, and is capable of generating about 100 instax instant prints per battery charge. Link WIDE provides two printing modes; instax Rich, accentuating deep, warm colors, and instax Natural, which emphasizes the inherent tones of the image.

The App

The Link WIDE App has been designed for ease-of-use with a variety of useful image printing options. The App features editing tools including cropping, approximately 30 filters, collage capabilities, adding text to the printed image, as well as in-app stickers and frame templates. Additional App features include:

  • Sketch, Edit & Print – import sketches and handwritten text, add them to photos, add sticker icons, and print.
  • Printing photos from videos – select a frame within a video and print it.
  • QR Print Mode: add a QR code to scan with a Smartphone to your photo, with the ability to:
    • Record sound
    • Link to a website
    • Tag your location on the print
  • Record a hidden message

Conclusion

This is a really fun printer and I had fun testing it out and seeing my pictures develop there and then, the picture quality is good and then what you can add to it, it is an easy recommendation for purchase for your own use or an excellent idea for a gift this Christmas

BUY 

VIDEO LINK

 

 

Tech Review – ZHIYUN Smooth Q3 gimbal.

ZHYIUN makes a fine range of gimbals to suit all pockets and they are an ideal piece of kit to have at your disposal if you are a blogger/vlogger. Much improved over the last model we tested the Smooth 2 this is a welcome product and a clean design with all the features expected and more..

Last week, DJI launched a new gimbal with extendable grip and available in different colours.OM5 will feature an extendable grip and be available in colours of grey, white and pink.

Sounds familiar? Back in May of 2020, which is over a year ahead, ZHIYUN  launched its SMOOTH X, a 2-axis phone gimbal that comes with a 26cm-long extendable pole and is available in grey, white, black; a few months later came the SMOOTH XS in pink, white and black. ZHIYUN was innovative in incorporating the convenience of a selfie stick with the stabilisation ability of a cellphone gimbal with a hope of better experience for beginners.

The multiple colour choices prove that it is an attempt to appeal to the general consumers. ZHIYUN is happy to see more products of this kind are offered in the market so cellphone gimbals can be more accessible and useful to general consumers. ZHIYUN keeps the SMOOTH X/XS at a very accessible price of £39/£82.48 (currently as 25% off). Before other gimbals, you could consider the SMOOTH X/XS, true ahead-of-curves cellphone gimbals you might have missed over one and half years ago. And also the 3-axis SMOOTH Q3 and its 17-hour battery life predecessor the SMOOTH Q2

Smooth Q3

The three-axis gimbal is an enhanced SMOOTH Q-series product, with a unique new compact and lightweight design. New functionality, including enhanced lighting features and smart templates, ensures more creative shooting possibilities, while a better button layout and design simplify user experience, all at a highly competitive price.

Uniquely, the gimbal features a 4,300k warm-toned integrated fill light with three levels of brightness adjustment and touch button control for 180°front and rear lighting; perfect for capturing clear portrait images in low light set ups.

The gimbal boasts an industry-leading 17 SmartMode built-in templates, speeding up creation of videos that are shot on a regular basis. With the ZY Cami Editor, users can spice up videos with customised templates adding an array of music, special effects and filters.

Additional new features include gesture control, SmartFollow 3.0 Object Tracking, an instant Dolly Zoom, and MagicClone Pano which is operated by a single press trigger button to mark the target and activate smart following.

The gimbal is a compact powerhouse, as it is easier to fold and lighter than its predecessor, SMOOTH-Q2, while boasting a higher maximum payload. It measures 45*154*180mm, while it weighs only 340g, and can handle a 280g payload.

Behind the sleek folding and sliding design, users enjoy power on and shoot control from the ergonomic super compact handle.

The new intuitive button layout leads to overall smoother operation. For example, by triple tapping the trigger switching between portrait and landscape modes could not be easier, while ultra-wide-angle shooting means that vast landscapes are just as easy to capture as low-angle shots.

Battery life is excellent on this model and during my testing it lasted much longer than the previous model which is vital for long shoots or a really busy day out on the field ..

Smooth Q2 – ultra-long 17-hour battery life and so small no need to fold it  £99

Smooth Q2 is the smallest mobile gimbal in ZHIYUN gimbal family. Unlike any other gimbal in the market, you don’t need to fold up Smooth Q2 to make it small. Measuring only 204mm long, Smooth Q2 is almost equivalent to a sunglass case that you can throw into your handbag. The aluminum-built miniaturized body is crafted for maximum solidity. Coated with soft silicone, the handle is comfortable in your hand.

SMOOTH-Q2’s professional features and ultra-long 17-hour battery life are ready to capture life’s important moments – the micro-USB port also allows SMOOTH-Q2 to act as a power bank for phones, cameras and other devices. SMOOTH-Q2 can directly control iOS and Android smartphone camera for photo and video taking. Professional filmmaking functions like time lapse, slow motion, object tracking and full-range POV mode make it easy to seize life’s beautiful moments and express them in your own personal style.

The SMOOTH-Q2 offers an intuitive mode indicator LED, a five-way quick mode switching joystick, a photo/video record button, and support for ¼ inch screw hole accessories. The SMOOTH-Q2 is a compact and lightweight gimbal built from aluminum alloy and features enhanced motor durability, reliability and longevity.

SMOOTH-Q2’s control zone conveniently offers an intuitive mode indicator LED, five-way joystick with quick mode switching, a photo/record button, and supports accessories with its 1/4-inch screw hole. The lightweight and easy-to-use gimbal is built from aluminum alloy material using precise CNC technology and it features enhanced motor durability and excellent reliability and longevity.

So there you have it you have multiple choices to pick from at affordable prices, which one depends on you..

BUY 

ZHIYUN sent us this to review with no input or payment and are seeing the review the same time as you..Distributed in EIRE via Barker Photographic https://www.barkerphotographic.ie/zhiyun-smooth-q3-combo-phone-gimbal/cameras/video

 

 

Nik Collection 3 By DxO 25th Anniversary: 25 Years of Inspiration, 25 New Pre-sets

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Nik Collection, the famous photo plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab and the winner of the 2020-2021 EISA Award for Best Photo-Editing Software, released its latest 3.3 version. This version includes a pack of 25 brand-new Presets for Color Efex Pro and Silver Efex Pro. These twenty-five exclusive Presets are divided into five series, each with five Presets: “Classic Portrait Color,” “Classic Portrait Black & White,” “Light & Bright,” “Wildlife,” and “Street”. This update is also compatible with macOS Big Sur and the 2021 versions of Adobe’s host applications.

Designed for Multiple Genres and Today’s Photography

The new Presets included in the Nik Collection 3 by DxO showcase five photography genres, specifically colour portraiture, black-and-white portraits, landscape photography, wildlife photography, and street photography. These are the five most popular genres among expert and amateur photographers alike. Color Efex Pro, which already includes a number of creative colour Presets and recipes, and Silver Efex Pro, which continues to set the standard for black-and-white conversion, are the two Nik Collection plugins photographers turn to the most. 

With its ten “Classic Portrait Color” Presets for Color Efex Pro and “Classic Portrait Black & White” Presets for Silver Efex Pro, the Nik Collection 3 by DxO offers users a modern and holistic approach to the genre. “High Key Bright” brings out the whites and brightness in colour portraits, giving images a joyful and optimistic ambiance. With its lower exposure levels, “Hint of Color” creates a more dramatic look that nonetheless remains soft through the addition of a colour tint. 

With respect to black-and-white photography, “Hollywood Glamour” produces images with high contrast yet controls the darker tones in the image to conceal any flaws. For those nostalgic for the analogue film era, “Rugged” offers a perfectly balanced, fine-grain look. 

When it comes to landscape photography, the “Light & Bright” series designed for Color Efex Pro opts for a colourful take on the genre through a selection of monochromatic or chromatic-dominant Presets. “Cafe Mocha” adds a dark beige tint, while “Pink Lemonade” uses a pink tint. With their green and blue tones, “Fade Away” and “Heavenly Blue” give landscapes a timeless look. “Sunshine Morning” creates softer and more balanced tints.

The “Wildlife” series for Color Efex Pro includes Presets that showcase a variety of lighting effects and highlight detail. With its blue tint and slight blur, “Cool Evening” simulates a semi-nocturnal ambiance. “Sunny Day” mimics the effect of a bright, noon-day sun without flattening the image. Wish your photo was a bit sharper? “Fur Details” increases micro-contrast and enhances textures, resulting in an incredibly realistic effect.

Finally, the “Street” series for Silver Efex Pro opts for an approach poised between classicism and modernism by playing up contrasts, grain, and tints simultaneously. “High Contrast” recreates that classic street photography look by producing dense blacks and stark whites. “Street Gritty” adds a slight grain over the top, which is reminiscent of Leica. With “Street Dramatic”, the background of the photo is darkened, and the depth of field is shortened.

Twenty-five Years Dedicated to Innovation and Photography 

Since Nils Kokemohr founded the company in 1995, Nik Multimedia, which later became Nik Software in 2006, has sought to develop photo-editing software that helps photographers who use Adobe Photoshop realise their vision through the use of simple tools based on exclusive algorithms and designed to improve their workflow. The software developer created Color Efex Pro to improve colour conversion, Sharpener Pro to boost sharpness, Dfine to reduce noise, Viveza to apply local colour adjustments, HDR Efex Pro to edit HDR images, Silver Efex Pro for white-and-black conversions, and Analog Efex to recreate the look of silver halide film. It also released a number of innovations, including the famous local adjustment technology U POINT™. 

 

After Google purchased it in 2012, the Nik Collection was gradually side-lined. When DxO bought it in 2017, the suite was re-released, much to the delight of its extensive community of users. Its latest version, released in June 2020, added a number of new features, including the Selective Tool, which was redesigned to work with Adobe Photoshop, a non-destructive workflow for Adobe Lightroom users, and an eighth plugin, Perspective Efex. 

Compatible with macOS Big Sur and the Latest Versions of Adobe software 

To ensure the best possible user experience, the Nik Collection 3.3 by DxO was optimised to be fully compatible with macOS Big Sur as well as the latest versions of Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements.

Price and Availability

The Nik Collection 3.3 by DxO (Windows and macOS) is now available for download on the DxO website (https://shop.dxo.com/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for £125 for the full version and for £69 for the upgrade. 

 

Users who purchased Nik Collection 3 by DxO after June 2020 may upgrade their software for free. Photographers who already own Nik Collection 2 By DxO or a previous version can upgrade their software by signing into their customer accounts. A fully-functional, one-month trial version of Nik Collection 3.3 By DxO is available on the DxO website: https://nikcollection.dxo.com/download/.

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 Is Expanding Its Set Of Local Adjustment Tools And Improving Its PhotoLibrary

DxO PhotoLab 3, the market’s leading photo-editing software in terms of image quality developed by DxO, has now become even better with its latest 3.2 update. After introducing the DxO ColorWheel, which offers users a brand-new approach to colour, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has made local adjustment mask management even more flexible, optimized its Repair Tool, and improved PhotoLibrary keyword support. In addition, the software now supports five new cameras, including the recent Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III.

Improved Mask Management

In addition to the existing display, opacity adjustment, and mask reversal features, the improved Local Adjustment Palette available through DxO PhotoLab 3.2 includes two new settings: Duplicate and Rename. With these features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image. Photographers can duplicate control points, graduated filters, or masks to retain the same settings as the original and adapt them to suit their needs. Users can also assign a customized name to their masks to identify them more easily. In addition, the ability to move automatic masks and masks created with the Brush Tool is now available on the Windows version as well.

With the new Duplicate and Rename features, users can enjoy even more flexibility when managing several local adjustment masks within a single image.

New Display Mode For The Repair Tool

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 has optimized the display of its Repair Tool, a powerful paintbrush that can be used to remove any unwanted elements from an image. Users can now enjoy a more streamlined display. The areas being retouched are now highlighted by a thin outline to make them easier to see without obstructing the background.

This design lets photographers reposition the area in the source image that is used to reconstruct the portion being edited. Feathering and opacity level are still adjustable.

 

The Repair Tool’s retouching areas are now indicated by an outline to make them more visible without obstructing the background.

Improved Keyword Support

DxO has improved keyword support in the DxO PhotoLibrary to offers users a workflow that is ever more comprehensive—from the image organization stage to export. In addition to the ability to add, delete, and rename the keywords that are paired to an image, DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now lets users differentiate between keywords that are tagged to several images and has added the renaming feature to the Windows version.

Support For Five New Cameras

DxO’s engineers have worked hard to include support for the latest cameras released in early 2020. DxO PhotoLab 3.2 now supports the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the Nikon D780, and the Olympus E-M1 Mark III. The software is also compatible with the Leica D-Lux 7 and Q2.

 

More than 770 optical modules have also been added to the DxO PhotoLab 3.2 database, which now includes over 60,000 different camera/lens combinations. Through the high-quality RAW conversion technology included in DxO PhotoLab 3.2 and DxO’s scientific calibration process, the photos taken with these devices will be automatically corrected for any optical faults.

 

These cameras are also supported by DxO FilmPack 5 and DxO ViewPoint 3.

Price And Availability

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab 3.2 (PC and Mac) are now available for download through DxO’s online store (http://shop.dxo.com/en) for the following launch prices until March 31, 2020:

 

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ESSENTIAL Edition: £86.99 instead of £112

DxO PhotoLab 3.2 ELITE Edition: £129.99 instead of £169

Around the world in 80 Lumia’s,Northern Ireland with Patrick Hamilton Walsh aka @ThePhoneographer #Nokia

Ernest Hemingway once said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

And Papa has a point. Seeing the world as we travel from A to B is, we think, one of life’s great pleasure. To celebrate this we’ve been seeing the world through the eyes of some of best Nokia Lumia photographers around. In the last month, we’ve been delighted by France’s Olivier Wong-Man-Kan and Denmark’s Morten Nordstrøm. Next up is Northern Ireland.

And what better man to show us than Nothing but a Nokia’s Patrick Walsh. But before, we showcase ten of his amazing photos we asked him a couple of questions about his passion for photography and the way he works.

How long have you been into photography?

I was never really into photography until I purchased my Nokia N95. It was the 5mp camera and the quality of the images that I captured in the first days that really lead me to believe that my around the world adventures with ‘Nothing but a Nokia’ had a real possibility of turning into a project that people would take an interest in.

Ever since then, I have been taking photographs every single day and thanks to the superior technology in Nokia devices I have the opportunity to make the normal and the bland seem wonderful and interesting.  Of course, it is, and always will be, a journey of development and continuous improvement when it comes to ‘phoneography’, but with each new Lumia device released the passion grows stronger.

What do you like best about your Nokia Lumia 1020?

The best thing about the Nokia Lumia 1020 are the options that the camera provides for me on a daily basis – from the functionality to the zoom, from the shutter speed to the apps, I now believe that every type of image is a real possibility.  When I gave a ‘Photography Master Class’ at the recent Social Media Week in London, I talked about the ‘One Minute Photo’.  By this, I meant that within one minute, I want to talk a photo, develop it so that it fits the ‘story’ I am attempting to tell, and have it available online for the #nbanFamily and my followers to critique and share.  With the Nokia Lumia 1020, the one minute photo has never been easier, nor the quality higher.

Where’s your favorite place in Northern Ireland to take pictures?

Despite being such a small country on the north west of Europe, there is ample opportunity for all budding photographers looking to hone their craft.  From the small villages deep in the Glens of Antrim to the Natural Wonder of the World at the Giants Causeway, this cosy ‘wee’ country provides much diversity and a warm welcome for all photographers.  Personally, I don’t have any favourite place to photograph, as with our very changeable climate, everyday offers opportunity for eagle-eyed photographers to capture something that may not come around again.

We’re loving all of Patrick’s photos, but which do you like best? Be sure to let us know in the comments below and if you want to see more of his amazing shots why not join him and thousands of other Nokia photographers on Nothing but a Nokia.

 

Source nokiaconnects

#PATRICKWALSH aka @ThePhoneographer GIves us his top nokia lumia 1020 photography tips #nokia #lumia

To help Nokia Lumia 1020 owners use their game-changing camera smartphone to the max, we’re showcasing top tips by top smartphone photographers.

Phoneographer Patrick Walsh. Patrick, the founder of Nothing but a Nokia and author of The Backpacker Who Sold His Supercar  (A perfect last minute Christmas pressie!) recently held a Photography Master Class at Social Media Week in London. During the session he talked about travelling through remote destinations with just a Nokia smartphone to record his adventures. No surprise then that he calls his Nokia Lumia 1020 “the ultimate ‘in your pocket’ point-and-shoot”. These tips are his very useful Christmas gift to us at Nokia Conversations:

Go Play

This device is famous for its camera and rightly so. When I first got the Nokia Lumia 1020 I just went out to play, exploring my surroundings, using all of the functions that this great camera has to offer and trying to get a feel for it.

Go Manual

The Pro Cam app is the reason why this device is a game-changer – like a DSLR it provides control over all of the settings and the results can be just as good. The automatic controls provide fantastic results but it is through experimenting with the white balance, ISO, and shutter speed that you get those ‘next level’ photos.

Mess with ISO

ISO settings allow you to change the speed at which light is absorbed by the sensor. Higher ISO settings take in light faster, but increase noise and color imprecision, which can create some cool results.

Vary the Shutter Speed

A fast shutter speed can capture sharp action shots in well-lit conditions, whilst a slow shutter speed can create those fantastic ‘trailing light’ shots that we all love.

Get Funky

Pre-installed on the Lumia 1020 are a number of fantastic post-processing apps to help you edit your photos fast and effectively. There are many more available in the app store, but the go-to apps that I recommend on the Lumia 1020 are:

–       Creative Studio – my one stop shop for colour-popping, tweaking photos and applying filters.

–       Cinemagraph – the easiest way to animate sections of a still image.

–       Panorama – for creating the wide and wonderful when it comes to landscapes and skylines.

Get a Grip

The Camera Grip comes as an accessory and gives the Lumia 1020 the feel of an ‘old-skool’ camera. But it is even better than that – it also provides a tripod mount and additional battery life so that you don’t run out of juice whilst out on location.

Claim that extra 7GB storage for free.

Microsoft offers 7GB of free SkyDrive space in the cloud for owners of Lumia devices. I find this very handy as it allows me to back up my photos, text messages and app list automatically. Very generous.

“Go play,” Patrick suggests, and wouldn’t we just love to do that. Christmas will definitely provide some opportunities to test out Patrick’s tips, so remember to have your Nokia Lumia 1020 at hand to capture the magic moments of the festive season. For some more phoneography inspiration from Patrick, check out his other book Life Is, which showcases his amazing travels with fifty never before seen photos, all taken with Nokia smartphones. You can also follow him on Twitter @ThePhoneographr and join his photo community Nothing But A Nokia on Facebook.

I met patrick myself earlier in the year and this guy is a true gent.

 

 

Source- Nokia Conv-NNI