Digital Imaging News for December 27th 2005

DP Review celebrates their 7th anniversary...
I would like to congratulate Phil Askey and DPReview for providing 7 great years of excellent quality coverage of Digital Photography News and Issues. I have followed DPReview since its earliest days and regularly use it as a point of reference. DPReview is in my mind an example of how a web based information site and portal should operate. Well done ... Visit DPReview here.

Bibble 4.5 Released
This new release has support for several new cameras and includes major improvements to how it handles Canon .CR2 Color based cameras. Support is now included for the Nikon D200 (tethered shooting supported), the Olympus Evolt E-500, SP310, SP350 & SP500UZ, the Pentax *ist DS2, and the Sony DSC-R1. Bibble 4.5 is available from here.

DxO Labs Offers DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition
DxO Labs, have announced the DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition. DxO Optics Pro Starter Edition incorporates the same image enhancement technologies found in the DxO Optics Pro Standard and DxO Optics Pro Elite editions. It is now available from DxO Labs visit for more information.

Apple releases Aperture v1.0.1 Update
Apple has released an update (v1.0.1) for Aperture. This update for Apples Pro workflow application fixes several bugs and adds performance improvements in certain operations. The update improves the quality of photos exported in 8-bits per colour, the usability of the eyedropper and the auto stack function has been improved. There have also been fixes made to Apertures Print and Book ordering capabilities. The update is available from here.

Sigma HSM lens conflict with Nikon D200
Sigma confirmed that there is a conflict between its HSM equipped lenses and the Nikon D200. The conflict occurs when the 'AF-ON' button is pressed on the rear of the camera. It doesn't affect auto-focusing when using the shutter release button. Sigma will provide a free firmware update for affected lenses.

Canon Firmware Update for EOS 5D and 1D MKII N
Canon has released firmware updates for the EOS 5D and 1D Mark II N. The Updates improve brightness on the LCD monitor and correct errors in the language menus. The update for the 1D Mark II N also fixes a file numbering error that occurs during bulb shooting. The 5D update fixes an issue which creates unusually large files and an operational error in AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) Mode.

Microsoft update their RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer
Microsoft have released an update to its free RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP. Support has been added for RAW files from the Canon EOS 1D Mark IIn and the EOS 5D. Support for the Nikons D50 and D70s, and the D2Hs. You can get the update here.

Nikon Capture software version 4.4.0 and 4.4.1
Nikon Capture versions 4.4.0 (Windows) and 4.4.1 (Mac) is now available for download. The Windows update has added support for the D200. Other improvements include a new black and white option in the Advanced RAW tool palette for Color Modes and improvements to the way tones are reproduced in highlight areas. The Mac update addresses an issue which caused the program to unexpectedly quit whilst trying to print. You can download the windows version here and the Mac version from here .

Digital Imaging News for December 10th 2005

*istDS Firmware Upgrade
Pentax have announced a firmware upgrade for the *istDS that adds a number of new features. Version 2.00 will add a Continuous AF mode to the AF settings in the Record Mode menu, Auto ISO has also been added to the sensitivity menu and the AE-L button on M has been added to the Custom Function menu. Dutch and Swedish users have also been catered to with the addition of menus in these two languages. Download the upgrade here.

Adobe and Macromedia Aquisition is Finalized
With the Aquisition of Macromedia, Adobe have firmly placed themselves in pole position in the digital imaging and design industry. With this aquisition Adobe has also announced three new product bundles for design, video and web solutions. The Adobe Design Bundle which includes Creative Suite 2 Premium with Flash Professional 8 software; the Adobe Web Bundle which contains CS 2 Premium and Studio 8; and the Adobe Video Bundle which will offer video solutions and also include Flash Professional 8. The Adobe Design Bundle and Web Bundle are available immediately and are priced £1381 and £1656 respectively. The Adobe Video Bundle should ship sometime in early 2006.

Scott Kelby's book receives top honours.
The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby, receives top honours from consumers and industry alike. Professional Photographer magazine, Amazon editors and Amazon readers rated this excellent book one of the hottest computer books this year. It received a “Hot1 Award” by Professional Photographer magazine and was rated a “Top 10 Pick” by Amazon editors for computer books as well as the “#1 Photoshop” book in the Amazon Top 10 Pick category, and ranked as the #3 Amazon “Readers Choice” for all computer books based on sales. Congrats Scott...

ExpressDigital's Darkroom Professional is Enhanced
ExpressDigital, a leading provider of digital workflow software, internet storefronts, and lab solutions, have released an enhanced version of their Darkroom Professional Edition. Enhancements include a retro color tool, professional red eye removal and new hardware support for the Nikon D2X, D2Hs, D70s, D50, Canon Rebel XT and Fuji S3 digital cameras. It also features direct support for printers like the Mitsubishi CP-3020DU, CP-9550DW, Kodak 9810, Shinko S9045, S1245 and the Fujimoto SHP5080 digital mini-lab.
Version 8.5 is available immediately at the ExpressDigital website.