Showing posts with label Canon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canon. Show all posts

Canon DPP 安裝分享

望可以幫到大家

起canon download 既DPP 等software, 只係可以update, 如果部機本身冇裝canon 既software 加唔見左隻cd就裝唔到
舊既version 可以用zip software extract 佢, 但新download 個d就唔得.
研究左一下, 發現只要加入一個registry 就可以順利install 架啦
我測試係windows xp 32-bit 同windows vista ultimate 64-bit

先新加一個text document, 打開佢, 加入以下既data, 之後將個file name 改做canon.reg, 再double click 佢就ok 架啦.
windows xp 32-bit
-------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Canon]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Canon\DPP]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Canon\EOSViewerUtility]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Canon\PhotoStitch]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Canon\ZoomBrowser]
-------

windows vista 64-bit
-------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Canon\DPP]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Canon\EOSViewerUtility]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Canon\PhotoStitch]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Canon\ZoomBrowser]

original from here
http://www.dchome.net/viewthread.php?tid=575488&extra=page%3D1

Canon 24mm f/1.4 L II USM lens

EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM fast aperture wide-angle prime lens

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September, 2008: Canon today strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM. Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II.

The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM offers:

  • Fast f/1.4 aperture
  • Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration
  • Sub Wavelength structure Coating (SWC) to dramatically reduce ghosting and flare
  • Circular aperture for pleasing bokeh
  • USM for full-time manual focus
  • Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
  • Lens hood and pouch supplied

Superior image performance
Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses.

A fast, ultra-large maximum aperture of f/1.4 delivers excellent low-light performance, with the circular aperture offering the potential for creative out-of-focus highlights. A focal length of 24mm and a USM focus motor providing full-time manual focus also make the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM ideal for situations where a wide-angle, high-performance lens is required.

Advanced lens coating
Reflections off a digital camera’s image sensor can compromise images with ghosting and flare. To help reduce this, the inside of EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM’s front element is treated with Canon’s new Sub Wavelength structure Coating. Developed specifically to work with Canon optics, this anti-reflective coating helps reduce flare and ghosting - for consistently crisp, undistorted images.

Robust build quality
The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to withstand the rigours of even the most testing shooting environment – with Canon’s advanced weather and dust sealing making it the perfect choice for photojournalists and landscape photographers.

Additional images


Sub Wavelength structure Coating

The 24mm F1.4 L USM II sees the debut of Canon's new 'Sub Wavelength structure Coating' (SWC) technology. Considered by Canon to be considerably more effective then their existing 'Super Spectra Coating', the new coating is applied to the inside surface of the front lens element, and is designed to minimize flare and ghosting caused by secondary reflections between the sensor surface and the lens elements, which can lead to significant image degradation in digital SLRs.

The new biomimetic coating is inspired by features found within the eyes of moths, and uses a nano-scale structure to reduce dramatically the amount of internally-reflected light in lenses that contain large curve-radius elements. It is therefore particularly effective with fast wideangles such as the new 24mm F1.4L II USM.

How it works


Conventional anti-reflective coatings work by creating two surfaces off which light can reflect: one at the boundary between the coating and the air, and a second at the boundary between the coating and the glass. The thickness of the coating ensures the distance between these two surfaces is one quarter of the wavelength of light. Consequently, any light reflecting off the second (coating/glass) surface will be half a wavelength out of phase with the light that reflected off the first (air/coating) surface, by the time it has bounced back and will cancel it out.
Unfortunately, this process only works well when the light strikes the surfaces relatively straight-on (having a small angle of incidence). As the angle at which the light strikes the coating becomes less direct, more light is reflected.
Canon's new coating works by varying the density of the coating, depending on the distance from the glass surface.

The coating's ordered, nano-scale structure means that light encountering it is bent as it travels into the increasingly dense coating (and encounters an increasingly high refractive index).

The result is that it always reaches the coating/glass boundary at a relatively direct angle, reducing the reflection, particularly at the edges of lenses or, in this instance, on highly curved lens surfaces.

The new SWC coating dramatically reduces light reflected off the lens surfaces compared to Canon's conventional vapor-deposited Super-Spectra Coating especially at high angles of incidence.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Hands-on Preview


Preview based on a pre-production EOS 5D Mark II

Back in August 2005 Canon 'defined a new DSLR category' (their words) with the EOS 5D. Unlike any previous 'full frame' sensor camera, the 5D was the first with a compact body (i.e. not having an integral vertical grip) and has since then proved to be very popular, perhaps because if you wanted a full frame DSLR to use with your Canon lenses and you didn't want the chunky EOS-1D style body then the EOS 5D has been your only choice. Three years on and two competitors have turned up in the shape of the Nikon D700 and Sony DSLR-A900, and Canon clearly believes it's time for a refresh.

So here is the 5D Mark II, which punches high in terms of both resolution and features, headlining: 21 megapixels, 1080p video, 3.0" VGA LCD, Live view, higher capacity battery. In other words, a camera that aims to leapfrog both its direct rivals, either in terms of resolution (in the case of the D700) or features (in the case of the DSLR-A900). Full detail below.

Key features / improvements

  • 21 megapixel CMOS sensor (very similar to the sensor in the EOS-1Ds Mark III)
  • Sensor dust reduction by vibration of filter
  • ISO 100 - 6400 calibrated range, ISO 50 - 25600 expansion (1Ds Mark III & 5D max ISO 3200)
  • Auto ISO (100 - 3200) in all modes except manual
  • 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
  • DIGIC 4 processor, new menus / interface as per the EOS 50D
  • Image processing features:
    • Highlight tone priority
    • Auto lighting optimizer (4 levels)
    • High ISO noise reduction (4 levels)
    • Lens peripheral illumination correction (vignetting correction)
  • RAW and SRAW1 (10 MP) / SRAW2 (5 MP)
  • RAW / JPEG selection made separately
  • Permanent display of ISO on both top plate and viewfinder displays
  • AF microadjustment (up to 20 lenses individually)
  • Three custom modes on command dial, Creative Auto mode
  • Image copyright metadata support
  • 98% coverage viewfinder (0.71x magnification)
  • 3.0" 920,000 dot LCD monitor with 'Clear View' cover / coatings, 170° viewing angle
  • Automatic LCD brightness adjustment (ambient light sensor)
  • Live view with three mode auto-focus (including face detection)
  • No mirror-flip for exposures in Live View if contrast detect AF selected
  • Movie recording in live view (1080p H.264 up to 12 minutes, VGA H.264 up to 24 mins per clip)
  • Two mode silent shooting (in live view)
  • New jump options in play mode
  • HDMI and standard composite (AV) video out
  • Full audio support: built-in mic and speaker, mic-in socket, audio-out over AV (although not HDMI)
  • IrPort (supports IR remote shutter release using optional RC1 / RC5 controllers)
  • UDMA CompactFlash support
  • New 1800 mAh battery with improved battery information / logging
  • New optional WFT-E4 WiFi / LAN / USB vertical grip
  • Water resistance: 10 mm rain in 3 minutes

Canon EOS 5D Mark II: 21MP and HD movies

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September 2008: Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability.

Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.

Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.

The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers.
Other improvements to the EOS 5D include

  • Addition of Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, with a new Fluorine coating on the low-pass filter
  • Larger 3.0” Clear View LCD with VGA resolution, a 170° angle of view and anti-reflective coatings
  • Improved menu system including Quick Control Screen for more direct access to common settings
  • Automatic peripheral illumination correction, utilising detailed EF lens information to optimise JPEG images straight out of the camera
  • Magnesium alloy construction with additional environmental protection
  • UDMA memory card compatibility.

“Professional photojournalists and wedding photographers already choose the EOS 5D for its discrete size and outstanding image quality,” said Mogens Jensen, head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The addition of HD movie recording opens a new chapter for EOS. It creates new possibilities for EOS photographers to capture and share their stories and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.”

Key Specifications:

  • New 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System (E.I.C.S.)
  • New Full HD 1080 resolution movie recording
  • 3.9 frames per second continuous shooting
  • High performance DIGIC 4 providing superb image quality
  • Maximum 310 large JPEG images in a single burst with a UDMA card
  • 3.0” VGA (920k dots) Clear View LCD
  • ISO 100-6400 (expansion from 50 up to 25,600)
  • 9 AF points + 6 Assist AF points

Additional information

New CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark II’s newly designed full frame 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor features ISO sensitivity from 100-6400, expandable to 50, 12,800 and 25,600. Large 6.4µm2 pixels have been redesigned to capture more light and yield a better signal to noise ratio to ensure lower noise images throughout the ISO range. The full frame sensor has the same dimensions as a frame of 35mm film. This means that wide-angle lenses stay wide, without the change in angle of view associated with smaller sensor cameras. As well as benefiting from finer control over depth of field, photographers moving up to the EOS 5D Mark II’s full frame format will find the newly designed wide, bright 98% coverage viewfinder on a joy to work with.

New DIGIC 4 processor
A new DIGIC 4 processor combined with 14-bit analogue to digital conversion provides smooth gradations in mono-tonal areas such as skies, and highly accurate colour rendition. As well as HD movie shooting, DIGIC 4’s high speed provides for long uninterrupted continuous bursts of large JPEGs, near-instant start-up times and immediate and fast review after shooting. DIGIC 4 also provides for improved noise reduction algorithms, complementing the already low noise images from the EOS 5D Mark II’s CMOS sensor.

HD video capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is Canon’s first D-SLR to incorporate full HD 1920x1080 video capture. Once filming is started from Live View mode, photographers can fire off either single of continuous stills, with video capture continuing after the final frame is captured.

See everything
A new 3.0” VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170º angle-of-view, providing plenty of clarity for accurate focus checks in playback. The screen brightness can automatically adjust to suit viewing conditions, extending battery life in low light and improving viewing in bright conditions. A new dedicated Live View button switches modes to display a real-time image on the LCD. This allows EOS 5D Mark II photographers to enjoy simplified shooting from awkward angles. Simple connection to a PC provides easy remote shooting.

Precision focus and metering

A 9-point auto focus system is supported by 6 additional invisible Assist AF points, located inside the spot-metering circle to optimise subject tracking performance in AI SERVO AF mode. For accurate exposure readings in tricky lighting conditions, the spot metering circle covers just 3.5% of the frame.

Control

The EOS 5D Mark II’s redesigned menu system includes a new Quick Control screen, for instant access to the most commonly changed settings. A new Creative Auto mode allows photographers to cede control of key settings to the camera, while retaining control over creative variables such background blur, drive mode and image brightness. Custom user settings allow photographers to switch between two completely different camera setups. This is ideal for changing quickly between two different environments, such as switching from working inside a church without flash to outdoors with fill-flash at a wedding.

Accessories

Shooting flexibility is enhanced with a range of new accessories. Shooting capacity can be extended with either the high capacity 1800mAh lithium-ion Battery Pack LP-E6, or Battery Grip BG-E6.

A new optional Wireless File Transmitter –

the WFT-E4 – offers external HDD and GPS compatibility along with ability to transmit images direct to computer or FTP server, or operate the camera wirelessly. Both the BG-E6 and WFT-E4 feature a vertical orientation shutter release and other key controls for comfortable portraiture work, with a substantial grip to help balance the camera when used with long lenses.

Technologies Explained:

CMOS
Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signal to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

DIGIC
Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s purpose-built DIGIC image processors before being written to the camera's memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours, accurate white balance, and advanced noise reduction. Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times.

DIGIC chips work with a high speed DDR-SDRAM image buffer – reading, processing, compressing and writing image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts. And because DIGIC integrates all key processing functions, power consumption is kept to a minimum.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

  • Reduce - Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
  • Repel - Anti-static technologies, including a special fluorine coating, are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
  • Remove - A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The six pre-sets are:

  • Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
  • Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
  • Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
  • Neutral – ideal for post-processing
  • Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
  • Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green).

Software
Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation, noise reduction and colour tone – plus the ability to view Auto Focus points on an image. The Lens Aberration correction tool allows precise correction of different types of distortion caused by certain cameras. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space.

Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied.

EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting, camera configuration and image transfers. Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system. Users can also tag their images with EXIF data, including copyright information.

Picture Style Editor
Picture Style Editor allows users to create individual Picture Styles that fit with their personal requirements. Each Picture Style contains detailed information on how specific colours should be represented within an image. Once new Picture Styles have been created, they can be uploaded directly into the camera and applied to JPEG or RAW images. When working with RAW files in DPP, both personal Picture Styles and the 6 predetermined Picture Styles can all be adjusted.

Additional images

Carl Zeiss名詞解釋

Biogon:

Biogon 鏡頭的外型是由DR. LUDWIG BERTELE發明,它現今在光學史中扔是設計的水準標記。其設計深受攝影家喜愛,經年不衰。因為相機內沒有反射鏡,可以讓鏡頭和底片之間的距離很小,此 其優點之一。因此,鏡頭的設計工程師就研發出這支Biogon 頭,它幾乎可以完全矯正變形現象。Biogon 鏡頭的設計幾乎是對稱的,它的變形現象比單眼相機所使用的DISTAGON廣角鏡頭還低。它深受專業攝影家的重視。一般攝影時,均愛使用它,因為它在任何 攝影情況下,均有出色的表現。
在1932年,Sonnar型鏡頭更進一步的發展引導出了Biogon f/2.8鏡頭的設計。這是一隻35mm系統的高速、廣角的鏡頭。第一隻Biogon鏡頭是由6片鏡片分成4群所組成。在1952年,它由7片鏡片所組成 的新設計所取代以獲得更優秀的像場亮度以及對變形的進一
步改善。從此之後,Biogon的標誌在其他同等級的廣角鏡頭中被Carl Zeiss建立了一個標準,因為它非常的快速且像場也特別地平坦。這個特色也同時表現在Biogon f/4.5(120系統)這隻由8片5群所組成的超廣角鏡頭上,它能夠提供的角度達到90°。
這個焦長只有像場對角線一半長度的Biogon鏡頭能賦予全部的影像範圍幾乎完美的解析度和色彩飽和度,即使在全開光圈的情況下。桶狀變形和影像邊緣的失真相對上是不存在的。Biogon特別適合在建築、時裝模特兒和全景攝影,也適合拍攝在狹窄空間中的機
器或是工業流程。
 
Hologon:

Holgon鏡頭是廣角鏡頭中最有名的鏡頭。由Dr.Glatzel博士在60年代早期所發明的,15mm f8 Hologon 鏡頭110度畫角,沒有光圈葉片,變形的矯正非常優秀,對於超廣角鏡頭來說是非常難得的。
Holgon 鏡頭是廣角鏡頭中最有名的鏡頭。這個鏡頭是在60年代早期由Dr.Glatzel所發明的,這個超級廣角鏡可以在106度的角度內製造出沒有 變形的影像。Holgon這個字是由希臘holos所衍生的-----意思是全部,你可以將每一樣東西拍進一張相片裡,因此在風景及建築攝影中就變得非常 有名。Holgon的鏡片弧面幾乎是半球面及完全平面所組成,製造這種鏡片需要特殊的的技術,而且鏡片的定位必需非常的精準。目前只有Zeiss有能力依 照規格生產這種鏡頭。Holgon稱得上是光學史上的藝術品,也是現在買得到的鏡頭中最神奇的鏡頭。
15mm f8 Hologon for LEICA 這隻鏡頭並不是因為光學表現優異 (變形矯正及顏色反差非常棒,但畫面明度不均勻,必須藉由原廠濾鏡才能使畫面亮度均勻) ,而是它的光學構造只由3片鏡片所構成的,如果對鏡頭有認識的話,應該知道廣角鏡頭是最難設計的,因為會有嚴重的變形所以要用鏡片矯正,通常20mm以下 的超廣角鏡頭用個十幾片鏡片矯正是很正常的事。雖然光圈不夠大,也不如Zeiss 15mm/3.5 實用 (Leica 那隻15mm/3.5鏡頭是Zeiss做的而Nikon的15mm/3.5鏡頭則是向Zeiss買設計圖自行生產的,由此可見蔡司的設計實力) ,但Hologon有其獨特的魅力。
LEICA 那隻名鏡(Hologon 15mm f8)由於總產量不超過350支,非常稀有二手的在美國要價8000到一萬美金。Holgon稱得上是光學史上的藝術品,也是現在買得到的鏡頭中最神奇的 鏡頭。(G系列那隻鏡頭是德製的,要買德製鏡頭的人可以考慮,如果只是平常拍照,不用到望遠及Macro鏡的人可以考慮G系列,因為每支鏡頭都比單眼的優 秀。) 

Distagon:

Carl Zeiss選擇"Distgon"這個名稱做為後焦距(鏡頭最後一片鏡片到焦平面的距離)長於實際焦距的廣角鏡名稱。這種設計型式的廣角鏡在單眼相機上是特別有需要的。
在Carl Zeiss的鏡頭群中這型式的鏡頭毫無疑問的是一項重要的產物。最多可使用到13片鏡片的結構設計以得到像f/1.2這種在廣角鏡中非常高速的光圈,或是 在攝角達110°時仍可維持較高的光圈速度。除了具備廣角的條件之外,Distagon鏡頭允許單眼反光機的反光鏡在最後一個鏡片和呈像平面之間的空間移 動,這個距離在廣角鏡的焦距中是非常長的。
Distagon鏡頭能在高速、廣角和較長的後焦距情況下,提供優秀的像差矯正和影像品質。透過浮動鏡片的設計,或是在必須的情況之下使用非球面鏡片,使得Distagon型鏡頭在近距離拍攝時也有優異的影像品質.

Planar:

Planar鏡頭是Carl Zeiss鏡頭設計的代表作。它實現了們對於清晰、原色重現,及豐富的漸層的最高要求,這種鏡頭的絕佳表現能力,除Carl Zeiss能做到外,無人可及。Carl Zeiss鏡頭銳不可當的表現力超過任何攝影家的期望。
Planar 型鏡頭是由P.Rudolph博士於1896年在Zeiss所設計出的。這是鏡頭發展史上一個重要的里程碑。它是第一個能夠在大光圈時提供無 像散的像場且能對球面像差做高度的矯正。這款鏡頭在追求高速的同時也能對色像差有傑出的矯正。傳統的Planar型設計,是由兩組對稱於光圈的透鏡所組 成。尤其以光圈兩旁相對稱的高曲率透鏡弧面形成一個近似封閉的空間為其特色。由於這種設計有Gauss型望遠鏡頭的特點,所以這種目前被許多鏡頭製造廠商 所使用的設計型式,都統稱為Gauss型鏡頭。
在20世紀,這型的設計更進一步引導出高速鏡頭的設計,例如為35mm電影機所設計的Biotar型高速鏡頭(f/2,f/1.4),或是光圈值達f/0.85的X光機鏡頭,發展給NASA用的50mm f/0.7 Planar。
新的Planar型鏡頭維持數十年來的傳統,將起始光圈設定在f/3.5至f/0.7之間。Planar型鏡頭也能將所有鏡頭工學上重要的改良立即吸收到它的設計之中。這項特色使得現代的Planar鏡頭始終居於領導地位。
即使在全開光圈下,整個像場上也都能呈現優越的解像力,使得Planar鏡頭真正地成為一支世界性的鏡頭。而它也特別適用於中型相機和135相機。

Sonnar:

Sonnar鏡頭採傳統式的設計,攝影家們以尋求多年。過去幾年中,不斷地加以修改,如增加其速度,減少鏡頭的像差,以達到令人難以置信的準。Sonnar 鏡頭針對小型快拍或正式人像均非常理想,即使採全面光圈它也可為影像區邊角提供高對比。

Sonnar 是採用傳統型的設計。大約在60年前,隨著Sonnar f/1.5和f/2這兩個高品質、高速的鏡頭出現,對35mm系統的攝影具有決定性的貢獻,並取得了重大的成功。Sonnar型鏡頭的小尺寸和較短的後焦 距對新型35mm系統相機的進一步發展是非常重要的因素。
Sonnar型鏡頭的發展在往後很快的使這型鏡頭能運用在長焦距鏡頭和大尺寸的底片上面。
到目前為止,這型的鏡頭不斷地改善和更進一步地發展。大量的新型Sonnar都有高速、銳利、色彩飽和和優秀的像場照明等特色,一些特別的長鏡頭在專業或業餘的人像攝影、望遠攝影、新聞攝影、舞臺攝影或科技上的攝影都有極高的評價。

Tessar:

Tessar 型鏡頭是由P.Rudolph博士在1902年所設計的。特色是用最少的光學鏡片卻能得到最高品質的影像,Tessar型的鏡頭已經在世界上 很普遍地被使用,這是Rudolph博士這項精巧設計的巨大成功。90年來Tessar型鏡頭已經建立起它獨特的地位,隨著鏡頭設計和光學鏡片的發展,更 加證明瞭這項產品的靈巧方便和經得起考驗。它在鏡頭設計史上的藝術地位已經被確立了。今天,Tessar鏡頭意同於銳利的解析度、高透光率、均勻的像場亮 度和傑出的變形矯正。這個型式的鏡頭使用在彩色攝影上不需要更改任何設計以消除色像差的問題。如同所有的Zeiss鏡頭,Tessar鏡頭在設計時就已經 做好色彩矯正的工作了。
Tessar鏡頭現已被廣泛地使用在風景、建築、人像和運動等攝影上。

Tele-Tessar:

與像場的對角線相比之下,Tele-Tessar型的鏡頭有一個長的焦距。這型鏡頭所提供的優勢是它的設計簡單,同時能使最前面的鏡片到底片的距離比實際焦距還短,有時可以減少到25%的長度。
這型鏡頭的特色是擁有4到6片的鏡片,且前組聚集的鏡片群和後組較分散的鏡片群之間有一段長距離。後組的鏡片相對之下比較小因此允許光線通過狹小的機身孔。也因為重量輕,所以能夠手持拍攝,即使用的是600mm長鏡頭。
第 一隻Tele-Tessar鏡頭是由W.Merte於1921年在Zeiss開發出的。由於使用新型的鏡片,適當的光學特性加上廣泛地使用電腦系統來輔 助設計,使得今日的Tele-Tessar鏡頭有著非常優異的表現。也因為鏡頭的角度可以小到4°,所以當你從觀景窗看出去的時候,它就像是一支有力的望 遠鏡。
在長距離、運動、新聞、探險考察的攝影領域中,Tele-Tessar型鏡頭是一個完美的選擇。而較淺的景深也時常被運用成為影像的特質。

T* Coating:

二 次世界大戰以前,所有的光學系統都有一個共同的問題-------即使它們的光學設計都.非常的完美也是一樣 ﹕這個問題就是影像品質下降。是因為在所有空氣與玻璃的交界處都會產生反射。這個問題的解決方法是Zeiss科學家亞歷山卓斯馬庫拉博士 (Dr.Alexander Smakula)所發現的,他發明瞭防反射鍍膜技術並且獲得1935年的專利,過了好幾年才將其中的秘訣公開。這項發明的其中一個目標是要去降低軍事雙筒 望遠鏡所產生的反射,避免敵人偵測到觀測兵在哪裡。不過,主要的目標是降低玻璃和空氣接觸面所產生的反射。這項發明改革了所有光學技術的領域,而且也可以 設計配有很多鏡片的高性能鏡片組,而且也不會降低對比。從那時起,Coating 就用來增進光線的傳輸。不過,防反射鍍膜的進展並未因此而停頓下來。多層鍍膜的使用甚至可以壓制一些廣泛範圍光線的反射----最後發展出有名的T*- coating,從1972年Carl Zeiss就使用在鏡片上。
今日,Zeiss利用鍍膜法讓Zeiss的每一個鏡片傳輸正確的顏色就是說, Zeiss充分利用整個光譜傳輸,包括每一種玻璃類型的光譜吸收來獲得整個光 譜傳輸需求。和一般中性鏡片做比較,能夠高度傳輸藍色區段光線的鏡片叫做冷鏡,而能夠高度傳輸紅色區段光線的鏡片叫做暖鏡。要達到預期的效果,常常需要根 據用在個別鏡片上特殊玻璃的折射率,規定每一種鏡片表面個別的鍍膜法-----當然,這樣會讓製造過程變得更複雜而價格相對提高。
鏡片的外表和的表面大部分的時候都很乾淨,但有時卻髒的很難處理。針對這個問題,改進鍍膜的耐久性就成為所要達成的重要目標。
在 離子法鍍膜過程中,使用具有高能量的氣態離子。這些具有高能量的離子的使用有二種目的 ﹕其中一種就是,它們會釋放鍍膜的原子動能,讓原子加速。另一種目的是:它們讓這些基本鏡片的表面引起震動,讓鍍膜的原子能更緊密結合在一起。因此這些離 子將鍍膜的原子帶到最適當的位置上。傳統的防反射過程裡,那些沈積的材料容易形成不正常的柱狀晶形-----沒有離子撞擊,結果變成一個不鬆不緊的結構。 離子法鍍膜過程可以產生很光滑的表面,在硬度的增加和耐磨性的改進都有很好的效果。
讓我來說明更進一步方法T*--coating。這種光學相位 校正鍍膜是Zeiss特別為了雙筒望遠鏡內部的頂部稜鏡(roof prism)所發展出來的,頂部稜鏡所發生的相位移.對於有使用頂部稜鏡的雙筒望遠鏡,嚴重影響其影像品質----這是Zeiss的雙筒望遠鏡可以提供給 使用者的另一種更好的品質。

其他 ZF 資料

http://publish.it168.com/2008/0329/20080329001501.shtml
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests
http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=512304
Mega lens comparison: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=24333303&page=1
DCWATCH:
Macro Planar T* 2/100 ZF
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cd ... 007/03/27/5875.html
Macro Planar T* 2/50 ZF
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cd ... 007/03/20/5733.html
Distagon T* 2/35 ZF
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cd ... 006/12/22/5283.html
Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cd ... 007/02/05/5490.html

ZF25:

CZ ZF 25 VS CANON 24 1.4L: http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/zf25_canon24/zeiss_zf25a.html
Also at 16-9: http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/zf25mm/index.html

ZF 28:

http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/433/93/
More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=25528813&changemode=1


ZF 35:

More Info (與nikon 35mm 鏡頭比較): http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=415093
More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=23986306&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=21107861


ZF 50/1.4:

More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=27230687&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=21860753&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=22587149&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forum ... 29&changemode=1

ZF 50/2:

More at Dpreview: More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=25273703&changemode=1


ZF 85:

16-9: http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/zeiss_85mm/index.html
More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=25061253&q=zf+100&qf=m
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=24727551&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=21244546


ZF 100:

More at Dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=26939301&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=26839134&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=25391401&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=25210675&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=24256436&changemode=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forum ... 24255329&page=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forum ... 25054782&page=1
http://forums.dpreview.com/forum ... 26235662&page=1

Carl Zeiss ZF

Zeiss的名字大家一定不會陌生,其頂級的光學科技數十年來也是聞名海外,但F-mount的nikon用家一直沒有機會可以正式體會,的確可 惜....但自從日本的cosina同carl zeiss合作,為其推出了7支高質素的定焦鏡頭後,一眾nikon用家便可以嘗試高質的"副廠"鏡了~
7 支 F- mount (即Nikon mount) ZF分別為Distagon T* 25/2.8, Distagon T* 28/2, Distagon T* 35/2, Planar T* 50/1.4, Marko-Planar T* 50/2, Planar 85/1.4 和 Marko-Planar T* 100/2

ZF鏡的基本資料,特點:

1. 全金屬製造,其冰涼的手感和扎實的造工,會使你感到ZF的穩定和高質,是一眾NIKON新鏡的不可比
2. 全MF手動對焦,沒有AF,但其設計以手動對焦為首,金屬的對焦環手感好,對焦行程穩定,暢順,與一般AF鏡MF用不同,使用家樂於"手動的自主", Nikon的新機如D40,D80,D200,D300等的VF已經不小,也夠光來對焦,問題不大,但ZF雖好,始終手動對焦,追焦是痛苦的
3. 沒有鏡內CPU,所以D200以下的機種沒有測光
4. 全部ZF都內付遮光罩
5. 全機械設計,簡單沒電子部分,可以用上二,三十年,在頭一年壞的機會不大,所以不妨買水貨
6. Planar and Distagon:
Planar : 為標準廣角到135mm中望遠的鏡頭設計,是6片四組鏡頭,起初只有f/4.5,今日Planar鏡頭已作到f/1.4,Planer的特點是色差修正完善,對稱設計,變形極低
Distagon : 為逆焦式的廣角鏡頭設計,主用於18mm至35mm,特色是變形輕微且中央解像力高
7. T* : 為多層式防反光鍍膜
8. D200上更換ZF鏡頭後鏡頭資訊設置的快捷方式: (from xitek)
在f4選項中,定義機身FV鍵,可選擇第二項:閃光鎖定+鏡頭資訊.以後在更換非CPU鏡頭時,只需要按住FV鍵同時分別撥動主副撥輪就可調整回應的鏡頭焦距和光圈資訊.

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 25/2.8 ZF





Technical Specifications

Focal length 25.7 mm
Aperture range f/2.8 – f/22 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 0.17 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 10/8
Angular field, diag./horiz. 80.2°/70°
Coverage at close range 56 x 85 mm
Filter thread M 58 x 0,75
Dimensions ø 65 mm, length 66 mm
Weight 480 g


這是一款嚴謹冷峻的光學產品,從2007年1月24日正式上市那一刻起他就備受敬仰,除了光學鏡片之外,他由內至表處處都滲透著金屬的冰冷與剛毅。 蔡司Distagon T* 25/2.8 ZF採用了10片8組的光學構成,最近對焦距離0.17m,體積65×66mm,重量為480克,使用58mm口徑濾色鏡片。在與傳統135幅面單反機型 匹配時,這支定焦鏡頭的精確焦距數值為25.7mm,這是一個極為個性化的焦距區段,與28mm的所謂黃金廣角相比他的視角更寬廣,也更具有視覺衝擊力。 若與24mm焦距的鏡頭相比,他又擁有更好的畸變控制能力,畫面也少了幾分張揚,多了幾縷含蓄。
著名的紀實攝影大師約瑟夫•寇德卡是蔡司25mm 廣角的使用者和傳播者,他將這種鏡頭的畫面擴張力和主力躍出感表現得淋漓盡致,其展示的許多不朽攝影佳作 都出自蔡司25mm鏡頭。眼前這支專為尼康用戶提供的Distagon T* 25/2.8 ZF具有不俗的近攝能力,利用F8或F11的較小光圈,通過前景聚焦與廣闊的景深範圍的結合,他可以營造出絕佳的視覺透視效果。這支鏡頭在3-5m的對焦 距離上從事人物攝影時,被攝主體的立體感和細節描寫力都相當強,主體環境也被刻畫的恰到好處。
  事實上,任何廣角光學產品都會存在中心影像與邊 緣影像的畫質差距,焦距越短視角越廣,這種畫面上影像素質的差別就愈加明顯。而Distagon T* 25/2.8 ZF卻恰如其分地把握住了中心畫質的逐次降損過程,並由此掩蓋了邊緣畫質的鬆散,甚至還借助這種與生俱來的畫質遞減現象造就了無以倫比的視覺立體感!而那 些從事人文攝影的大師們,正是利用了這種人與自然環境結合過程出現的視覺立體感,既捕捉到了那醉人的心靈曙光,同時又向世人展示了最原生態的自然風貌。
鏡頭點評:並不是誰都有能力把握住25mm廣角的不羈與含蓄,在我們趨之若鶩去追捧Distagon T* 25/2.8 ZF之時一定要量力而行,因為這支經典手動鏡頭在骨子裏被融入了太多的厚重、執著、與冷酷




Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 28/2




Technical Specifications

Focal length 28.5 mm
Aperture range f/2 – f/22
Focusing range 0.24 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 10/8
Angular field, diag./horiz. 74°/65°
Coverage at close range 18 x 12 cm
Filter thread M 58 x 0,75
Dimensions ø 65 mm, length 94 mm
Weight 530 g


一個詳細的zf 28 review in english:
http://slrlensreview.com/content/view/433/93

ZF Distagon T* 2/28实际上是从80年代初蔡司和雅西卡合作复活康泰时品牌之后推出的Contax T* 28/2(MM) Distagon改了个接口而来的,它使用了浮动对焦镜组以满足缩短最近对焦距离的需求,这支头有着油画般的色彩表现,在蔡司的三支28mm镜头 (Biogon 28/2.8,Distagon 28/2.8)里面它的色彩堪称首屈一指!与此同时它的平衡性做的也相当出色,具有超高的细节成像。黎明前的天空,昏暗的街角都是展示它功力的绝好战场, 从大家普遍的评价来看,这支头把蔡司的色彩表现和空气感体现的淋漓尽致,也许只有一件事情会阻挡你拥有它,那就是价格不菲。




Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 35/2 ZF






Technical Specifications

Focal length 35 mm
Aperture range f/2.0 – f/22 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 0,3 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 9/7
Angular field, diag./horiz. 63°/54°
Coverage at close range 129 x 196 mm
Filter thread M 58 x 0.75
Dimensions ø 65 mm, length 73 mm
Weight 530 g


   在銀鹽膠片時代,35mm焦距被視為最經典的小廣角,這種視角與標準鏡頭相比顯得更真誠、更樸實、更原汁原味。蔡司Distagon T* 35/2 ZF採用了9片7組的成熟光學結構,他的最近對焦距離是0.3m,65×97mm的體態顯得十分均衡,其重量為530克,可以使用58mm口徑濾色鏡片。 與ZF系列的其他同門“兄弟”一樣,這支鏡頭在光學、機械、和外飾風格方面都是由德國蔡司公司設計的,並嚴格執行了蔡司的生產工藝標準。因此,其完美無瑕 的鏡片鍍膜和柔滑順暢的操控手感都是意料之中的事,可以說德系光學產品嚴謹厚重的風範在這支35mm定焦鏡頭上得到了良好展現。
這是一支銳度適中 而潤度極佳的鏡頭,無論拍人還是攝景,他所呈現給我們的畫面都極其油潤通透,似乎擺在我們眼前的不是一個喧囂的花花世界,而是一幅永遠清 新的油畫。令人贊佩的是,在F2.0-F8.0之間的各通光孔徑上該鏡頭的畫質均衡一致,除了景深漸變範圍不同之外,布光均勻度和影像風格幾乎沒有差別, 這種恒定不變的高畫質簡直不可思議。不得不說的是,對於尼康F3或FM2那樣精良的手動單反機型而言,Distagon T* 35/2 ZF絕對是最忠誠可靠的夥伴。但是對於尼康數碼單反用戶來說,1.5倍率的焦距折損係數不僅破壞了35mm的誠摯視角,而且光學傳遞恒量數值和通光負荷均 有所變化,這會直接造成拾焦困難。簡單地說,用慣了AF自動對焦的新手,在透過DSLR的光學取景器用Distagon T* 35/2 ZF完成手動對焦過程時會感到不適應,似乎焦點永遠都不結實,似乎主體始終都在漂移不定中。
鏡頭點評:5900元是這支手動定焦精品目前行貨的身 價,就是港行管道的蔡司Distagon T* 35/2 ZF也要5300元。冷冰冰的蔡司ZF鏡頭中不含有任何電子成份,他們雖是尼康MF鏡頭的絕佳替代者,但卻不會與更現代化的尼康機身之間發生任何的電子資 訊傳遞。我們在由衷讚譽其非凡光學素養和一流機械品質的同時,也要提醒一下,對於純粹的N家DSLR用戶來說這支鏡頭並不容易駕馭。

More Info (與nikon 35mm 鏡頭比較): http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=415093



Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50/1.4 ZF






Technical Specifications

Focal length 51.7 mm
Aperture range f/1.4 – f/16 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 0,45 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 7/6
Angular field, diag./horiz. 45.4°/38.4°
Coverage at close range 16 x 24 mm
Filter thread M 58 x 0.75
Dimensions ø 65 mm, length 45 mm
Weight 330 g


我們常用“標頭無弱旅”來形容標準焦距鏡頭的優異光學表現,而眼前這支蔡司Planar T* 50/1.4 ZF卻正是被廣泛公認的標頭中的“帝王”。該鏡頭發佈於2006年1月18日,採用了7片6組的雙高斯結構,最近對焦距離0.45m,重330克,體積為 66×69mm。他用料考究,外飾樸素而做工極其精湛,鍍膜細膩深邃,對焦阻尼鬆弛有度手感絕佳。

其實,尼康F卡口的這支Planar T* 50/1.4 ZF是在大名鼎鼎的康太克斯RTS版本同規格鏡頭基礎上衍生而來的,而RTS版的Planar T* 50/1.4曾經在美國《大眾攝影》雜誌1999年度的評選中獲得了“世界最佳大光圈標準鏡頭”的榮譽。更引伸一步講,F1.4光圈Planar 50mm鏡頭的原版雙高斯光學結構早在1896年就已經定型了,他是由光學天才Paul Rudolph設計完成的。
  在影像光學領域, Planar T* 50/1.4鏡頭既是所有標準鏡頭的光學設計基礎,更是標準鏡頭大家族的開山鼻祖,其“標頭帝王”的榮譽是用極致品質和悠遠歷史締造而成的。實用過程中您 會發現,在F1.4最大光圈時由於景深範圍過於狹窄,因此很容易產生焦點漂移,當光孔收縮至F2.8時焦點的穩定性將會顯著提高。在F1.4-F4.0的 光圈檔位上,Planar T* 50/1.4 ZF焦內銳利無比而焦外效果柔美清新,後景深視野裏還蘊含著豐富的漸變層次,這種感覺神奇而美妙。
鏡 頭點評:如此精良的光學神器,他可以給予你精美絕倫的影像,也能夠令你在癡迷陶醉中玩物喪志。正宗大陸行貨蔡司Planar T* 50/1.4 ZF的身價是3950元,若買港行貨的話僅僅需要3500元就能將其收入囊中,對於這款已有110多年輝煌歷史的帝王級別的經典標頭來說,真的是物超所 值。




Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF






Technical Specifications

Focal length 51.6 mm
Aperture range f/2.0 – f/22 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 0.24 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 8/6
Angular field, diag./horiz. 45.5°/38.5°
Coverage at close range 48 x 72 mm
Image ratio at close range 1 : 2
Filter thread M 67 x 0.75
Dimensions ø 72 mm, length 65 mm
Weight 530 g


   這是一支擁有F2.0光圈的近攝利器,對於以微觀影像為獵影主題的微距鏡頭而言,F2.0光圈意味著更大的光線通過量,更明亮透澈的視野,以及更高的 設計難度和工業成本。Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF的片組結構為8片6組,最大放大倍率為0.5倍,其鏡桶最大直徑72mm,鏡頭總長65mm,重530克,濾色鏡口徑為67mm。
在面對這支50mm焦長的微距產品時,許多資深影友也會顯得無所適從,他們覺得作為微距產品其焦距略短,但是除了微距用途之外這支鏡頭似乎又沒有其他專長,難道Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF竟是一款昂貴的光學“雞肋”嗎?
   事實上,歐洲那些從事珠寶、鐘錶、藝術品、以及精密工業題材攝影的職業攝影師們都是這款蔡司50mm微距的忠實擁躉者,他們把這款精良微距鏡頭稱為 “一絲不苟的探秘者”。 Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF擁有0.5倍的最大放大倍率,換句話說,他的微距能力是1:2,而不是多數影友所期待的1:1。其實您不必因此而感到失望,因為對於瑞士手錶或法蘭西 珠寶來說1:2的微距描寫能力已經足夠充裕了,嚴謹而固執的德國光學設計師所信奉的設計理念是“專精而純粹”,這與大多數東方客戶所追求的“一專多能”的 使用思路產生了原則性的衝撞。Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF色彩忠實,對影調層次和影像的微觀細節均有極佳的刻畫能力,只要您能提供足夠的穩定性,他就會一覽無餘地將您所需要的一切質感和細節如實地展示出來。 這支手動微距鏡頭對焦行程較長,但對焦過程中那種絲絲入扣的手控感受真的太令人著迷了,那一刻您甚至會覺得,如今時尚的AF對焦方式已經偷走了您太多的樂 趣。
鏡頭點評:可以肯定地認為,多數弄影者都無緣領略這支頂級微距力量的無限魅力,因為他價格昂貴而又過於矜持。作為一件攝影工具來說,7500 元(行貨)對 於Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF來說可謂身價不菲,但是請您記住,這支源自卡爾•蔡司的50mm微距鏡頭本身就是一件傑出的藝术品!




Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF






Technical Specifications

Focal length 84.8 mm
Aperture range f/1,4 – f/16 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 1 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 6/5
Angular field, diag./horiz. 28.6°/24°
Coverage at close range 24 x 36 cm
Filter thread M 72 x 0.75
Dimensions ø 77 mm, length 62 mm
Weight 570 g


   蔡司Planar T* 85/1.4鏡頭是公認的世界上最完美的大光圈中焦鏡頭之一,世界T臺上許多頂級名模都對這款鏡頭愛恨交織,因為在那些時裝和人像攝影師掌控下,他既能使 你的皮膚如嬰兒般細嫩柔滑,也能使你芳顏上的微小瑕疵暴露無遺。發佈於2006年1月18日的蔡司Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF採用了6片5組的光學設計,他最近對焦距離為1.0m,使用72mm的大口徑濾色鏡片,體重570克,“身材”為77×86mm。這支精緻的中焦鏡頭 使用了堅固扎實的金屬材料,鏡片研磨非常精細,逆光時鏡片會呈現出翠綠、胭紅、橘黃、碧藍等多種色彩,由此可見其鍍膜工藝和鏡片材質的上佳品質。
這 支鏡頭的光圈組件經過了特別設計,在任何通光孔徑時都能保持准圓狀態,這對人像攝影極為有益。在使用F1.4最大光圈時,Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF因景深過淺而對焦困難,這時候焦點有些飄忽不定。光圈收縮到F2.8時,拾焦過程變得友好起來,不僅焦點穩定而且畫質細膩柔和,焦外漸變異常純淨柔 美。應該說F2.8這檔光圈是最受佳麗們青睞的光圈檔位,此時既能使膚質得到完美優化,同時又具有突出的立體感和適度的真實感。當通光孔徑被收縮到 F4.0-F11檔位區間時,Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF性情突變,原本柔和的影調變得異常銳利,此刻任何微小的細節都無法逃脫這支中焦鏡頭犀利的“目光”。對色彩精准明豔的再現,是這支中焦鏡頭最出彩的特 徵之一,事實上,許多卡爾•蔡司麾下的光學產品對色彩都有著獨特的理解。而Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF在色彩還原方面做的似乎更好,在他那迷人的融融暖調中,模特的皮膚既擁有健康的質感,又嫩如凝脂充滿水份。
鏡頭點評:蔡司Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF目前的市價是7950元,而同樣口碑極佳的尼康人像王AF 85mm f/1.4D IF的售價為7400元,二者身價相差不大而又同樣精彩,於是不少癡迷於人像攝影的N派影友在他們之間取捨難定。其實,對於DSLR用戶來說尼克兒AF 85mm f/1.4D IF還是更合適一些,因為他迅捷銳利,更直白也更單純。而Planar T* 85/1.4 ZF則更適宜于那些使用傳統手動單反的影像玩兒家們,他們執著而不計成本,他們不為獲取只為陶醉




Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar 100/2 ZF






Technical Specifications

Focal length 97.5mm
Aperture range f/2.0 – f/22 (1/2 steps)
Focusing range 0.44 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 9/8
Angular field, diag./horiz. 25°/20.9°
Coverage at close range 48 x 72 mm
Image ratio at close range: 1 : 2
Filter thread M 67 x 0.75
Dimensions ø 76 mm, length 89 mm
Weight 680 g


   在微距攝影領域流傳著“一寸長一寸強”的俗語,這其實是句經驗之談,他告訴我們用微距鏡頭洞察微觀世界時,更長的焦距會更加便捷實用如魚得水。這支蔡 司Makro-Planar 100/2 ZF與同門“小弟” Makro-Planar 50/2 ZF是於2006年9月20日同時發佈的,他們都擁有F2.0的誘人光圈,但是Makro-Planar 100/2 ZF的100mm焦長使他的通用性能更加出色。他採用了9片8組的傳統光學結構,最近對焦距離0.44mm,最大放大倍率為0.5倍,體積為76× 112mm,重680克,可以配用67mm口徑的濾色鏡片。
這支微距鏡頭100mm的焦長非常適合去攝取昆蟲、花蕊等微小主體,時下流行的AF對 焦方式的微距鏡頭近攝性能幾乎都達到了1:1,而Makro- Planar 100/2 ZF的微距能力卻還保持在傳統MF微距鏡頭常見的1:2狀態。事實上,有經驗的攝影師在微距攝影時從來只採用手動對焦方式,這使得AF幾乎成了尷尬的擺 設。實拍顯示,這支100mm微距鏡頭具有極佳的近攝刻畫效果,其鏡中的纖小主體細節明銳,生動清新,最大光圈時也絕無邊緣失光造成的畫質下降。然而,蔡 司Makro-Planar 100/2 ZF在專職於微距攝影的同時,又是一款“不務正業”的典範。一些人像攝影師嘗試利用他迷人的焦外漸變效果去拍攝美女,最後的結論是,他所營造的柔中透銳, 銳中含柔的獨特效果深深打動了佳麗們的芳心。於是有人甚至提議,認為蔡司應該抹去其鏡桶標識上的“Makro”字樣,將他作為一支中焦人像鏡頭來銷售。這 真的是一支強悍的多面手,在微距、人像、小品、甚至風光攝影時都有出色表現,他對影像暗部層次的精湛描寫更給人留下了深刻印象。
鏡頭點評:從任何 角度去衡量,Makro-Planar 100/2 ZF都是一款完美的光學產品,他用途廣泛做工精良,光學和機械品質俱佳。當然,他11500元的身價也是足夠“完美”的。雖然按照卡爾•蔡司的設計初衷, 這只是一支純粹的中焦微距產品,但事實上蔡司光學的癡迷者們已經通過大膽的嘗試,將他變成了一款“不務正業”的微距之王。
結語:由卡爾•蔡司和確 善能(又譯“柯西納”)攜手打造的ZF系列鏡頭是光學領域的極致一族,我們感謝蔡司使純正的德系光學血脈傳承不息,也感謝確善能使 這些光學寵兒的身價顯得更加親和。ZF系列的這6支鏡頭無疑是尼康F卡口擁躉者眼中的光學天驕,他們沒有被慵懶的AF對焦方式與數位影像時代的虛華和喧囂 所污染,依舊執著地按照傳統的光學設計理念獨步前行。ZF一族是當代光學天地間值得稱道的典範,他們嚴謹精良,大氣內斂,堪稱完美影像的化身。



Two New Super Fast ZEISS ZF Macro Lenses with Nikon F Mount

At f/2, the new ZEISS Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZF and Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF are the fastest macro lenses for 35mm full-frame photography today - whether for film or digital capture. The two new lenses focus manually from infinity to ½-life size, capturing an object field of approximately 50x70mm at the close-focus limit. All of the ZEISS ZF lenses feature precision metal mechanics, providing the photographer with a durable, reliable tool of lasting value.

A ‘floating element’ optical system enables the Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZF to deliver very high image quality over the entire focusing range. The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF goes several steps further by employing an optical design originally developed for the ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime T* 1.2/100 – an ultra-high performance lens for big budget feature films. Thus, the Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF lens offers an optical performance never before available for still photography, especially at wide-open apertures and in macro applications. This lens allows photographers to use selective focus on important details with unprecedented clarity, effectively isolating the subject from distracting surroundings. This is a common technique used by Directors of Photography in the Cine industry to direct the viewer’s attention and create what admirers call the ‘film look’.

In addition to professional and general-purpose photography, the two new Makro-Planar ZF lenses were also designed for use in a broad variety of industrial, scientific, space applications, machine vision, robotics, instrumentation, documentation and surveillance applications.

Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro


Tamron announced yet another lens at this year's PMA show, the SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO. This fast telezoom gets in close thanks to its 0.95m minimum focus distance, realizing a magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at 200mm. Plenty of coatings keep stray light to a minimum whilst a removable tripod mount and clutched focus ring (Canon and Nikon only) help speed up operations. Canon users will see the lens first with release scheduled for March. Nikon, Sony and Pentax fittings will follow.

The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model AA001) is an F/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for DSLRs with 35mm full-size image sensors, inheriting product concept of the existing SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) that is highly acclaimed as a compact and fast standard zoom lens enabling photographers to enjoy high cost performance characteristics.

While dimensional increases are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens offers the MFD (minimum focusing distance) of 0.95m over the entire zoom range for the maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm focal length, for stress-free photography, combined with the advantage of an internal focusing (IF) system.

It enables the user to cover a focal length range of 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm telephoto when mounted on a 35mm full-size DSLR camera and a focal length range from 109mm to 310mm equivalent* ultra telephoto (35mm equivalent, in an angle of view of 7°59’) when mounted on a DSLR camera equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor.

Main features

  1. 0.95m MFD over the Entire Zoom Range for 1:3.1 Maximum Magnification Ratio
    This zoom lens, designed for use with full-size format SLR cameras, boasts a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8, yet it allows close-focusing down to 0.95m over the entire zoom range. The maximum magnification ratio is 1:3.1 at the 200mm tele-end. The filter diameter is confined to φ77mm as a result of the use of an advanced optical design pursuing optimum optical power distribution.
  2. Soft Out-of-Focus Effect and Sharp Depiction
    In order to realize soft out-of-focus effect and sharp depiction performance at the same time, the zoom lens uses three LD (low dispersion) elements. As a result, the optical system effectively compensates for lateral and on-axis chromatic aberrations that are major image-degrading factors in telephoto photography, in order to provide edge-to-edge sharpness and high-contrast image quality with flat-field characteristics over the entire zoom range in various photographic situations.
  3. Lightweight, yet Fast F/2.8 Maximum Aperture
    The lens features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8, yet it weighs a mere 1,112.6 grams (39.2oz.), since it uses barrel parts made of engineering plastic materials having excellent dimensional stability and sufficient strength for professional use and even industrial applications.
  4. Internal Surface Coatings Minimize Ghosting and Flare
    Through the use of "Internal Surface Coatings (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural elements) and multiple-layer coatings to prevent reflections from lens surfaces, ghosting and flare due to reflections that occur when light enters through the front element as well as reflections caused by the imager itself in the mirror box are reduced to the absolute minimum.
  5. One-Touch AF/MF Switchover Mechanisms (for Canon and Nikon only)
    The models for Nikon and Canon cameras are equipped with AF/MF switchover mechanisms to allow one-touch switchover from AF mode to MF mode or vice versa electronically and mechanically by simply sliding the button. (Sony and Pentax systems require AF/MF switchover operation on both the camera and lens.)
    Since the lens uses an IF (internal focusing) system, the focusing ring does not rotate during focusing, which ensures good holding balance at all times. In the MF mode, focusing is performed as easily and comfortably as with an MF lens. Since the overall length of the lens does not change due to zooming or focusing, it offers excellent operability and holding balance.
  6. Detachable Tripod Grip Ring
    The lens is supplied with a lightweight and rigid aluminum removable tripod socket.
  7. Flower-shaped Lens Hood
    A flower-shaped lens hood is included as a standard accessory. The special hood provides optimum shading of superfluous light rays that enter from the rectangular frame outside the image field.

EOS 40D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

download it at here

[b]Firmware changes[/b]
This firmware update (Version 1.0.8 ) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which Image Stabilization operation emits a sound when certain buttons are pressed, with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens attached to the camera.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Image Stabilization operation emits a sound from the lens when IS lenses are attached to the camera.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a part of the image looks unnatural when reviewed on the LCD.
4. Corrects errors in the Spanish and Norwegian menu screens.

The Version 1.0.8 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.5. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.8, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Apple Aperture 2.1



Apple® today released Aperture™ 2.1, which introduces an open plug-in architecture that makes it easy for photographers to use specialized third party imaging software right from within Aperture. Available today as a free software update, Aperture 2.1 includes the Apple-developed plug-in, Dodge & Burn, which adds brush-based tools for dodge (lighten), burn (darken), contrast, saturation, sharpen and blur. Over the coming months, third party software developers will deliver image editing plug-ins for localized editing, filters and effects, noise analysis and reduction, fisheye lens correction and more. “The image quality in Aperture 2 has won over the most demanding photographers,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “Now, thanks to our open plug-in architecture, users can access an entire industry’s worth of imaging expertise without ever leaving Aperture.” “To date, maybe two percent of my photographs needed to be touched up outside Aperture,” said John Stanmeyer, founding member of the VII Photo Agency and contributing photographer for Time and National Geographic magazines. “Now that I can dodge and burn right within Aperture’s new plug-in, I can’t imagine when I’ll have to open any other application to tone my images.” By clicking on one or more images within Aperture, users can choose from a menu of installed plug-ins and apply specialized imaging operations to either TIFF or RAW images. Apple is working closely with key developers to bring the most requested plug-ins to Aperture such as: • Nik Software’s Viveza plug-in, powered by U Point technology, which provides a powerful, precise and easy way for photographers to selectively control and adjust color and light in their digital images;

• PictureCode’s Noise Ninja plug-in that delivers advanced high ISO noise analysis and reduction;

• Digital Film Tools’ Power Stroke plug-in that features a simple, stroke-based interface to quickly mask and intuitively perform targeted adjustments;

• The Tiffen Company's Dfx plug-in that provides an expansive suite of creative filters and effects;

• dvGarage’s dpMatte plug-in, which is a high performance chroma key tool for creating seamless composites, and the HDRtoner plug-in that enables the selection of multiple photos to create a single high dynamic range (HDR) image; and

• Image Trends’ plug-ins that include Fisheye-Hemi to quickly and effortlessly correct fisheye lens distortion, ShineOff which automatically removes shine from faces and PearlyWhites that automatically whitens and brightens teeth.

Adobe Photoshop Express Beta



Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Express public beta, a free Rich Internet Application (RIA) available to anyone who wants to store, sort and show off digital photos with eye-catching effects. During the public beta period, Adobe will solicit Photoshop Express user feedback on product features and functionality, which will continue to evolve over time. As the newest addition to the Photoshop family line, Photoshop Express has taken much of Adobe’s best image editing technology and made it simple and accessible to a new online audience. Photoshop Express allows users to store up to 2 gigabytes of images online for free, make edits to their photos, and share them online in creative ways, including downloading and uploading photos from popular social networking sites like Facebook.

“Photoshop is trusted technology that has changed the visual landscape of our world. Now, Photoshop Express allows anyone who snaps a digital photo to easily achieve the high-impact results for which Adobe is known,” said Doug Mack, vice president of Consumer and Hosted Solutions at Adobe. “Photoshop Express is a convenient, single destination where you can store, edit and share photos whether you’re at home, school or on the road.”

Simple, Fun and Accessible

With Photoshop Express, digital photos can be uploaded and sorted anytime, edited non-destructively to always preserve the original image, and shared from anywhere, on any Web browser. In a few easy clicks, Photoshop Express empowers anyone to make standard edits, such as removing blemishes and red-eye, converting to black and white, cropping and resizing, and much more.

No experience is required to add special effects that will impress friends and family. In keeping with its one-click approach, Photoshop Express offers tricks like Pop Color which selects an object in an image, mutes the background color of the photo and allows the user to swap the object’s color so it jumps off the page. Sketch effects help photos look like drawings and the Distort feature allows you to distort facial features or objects within the images for a comical or artistic effect. Even users with limited photo editing knowledge can simply select what looks best from a line-up of sample photos with visual hints showing different variations of the added effect.

Photoshop Express offers a variety of creative sharing options, including uploading and showing off photos and slideshows in your own online “Gallery” hosted by Adobe, or conveniently embedding or linking photos to social networking sites and personal blogs without having to leave the application. Slideshows never looked better with animation that makes photos float and fly across the screen, allowing for viewer interactivity and unique presentation styles.

Adobe Photoshop Family

Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images. Photoshop Lightroom™ addresses the workflow needs of professional and serious amateur photographers. Photoshop Elements provides exciting tools and sharing options for photo hobbyists.

Photoshop Express is the latest step Adobe is taking to leverage the advanced technology that underpins its award-winning creative products and deliver it to new online communities. In early 2007, Adobe also announced the availability of Adobe® Premiere® Express, an online video editing and mash-up tool on partner sites such as MTV and Photobucket. Adobe Premiere Express leverages the functionality found in Premiere Elements, a fully-featured desktop video editing program.

Free and Available Now

Adobe Photoshop Express beta is available now for free via any Web browser at http://www.photoshop.com/express. Photoshop Express was created with Flex, Adobe’s free, open source framework for building RIAs. Flex applications provide a consistent, rich user experience across operating systems and all major browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and others. An Internet connection and an up-to-date Flash® Player 9 are all that are required to experience Adobe Photoshop Express. In its early phases, Photoshop Express is available to US residents-only in English. Users may experience slow performance if accessed outside of the US. Future plans include availability in other languages and countries.

Canon EOS 450D



today launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market.

The EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.

“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”

The EOS 450D features:

  • 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
  • Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • 3.5 frames per second
  • 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
  • 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
  • Picture Style image processing parameters
  • DIGIC III image processor
  • Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
  • Compact and Lightweight body
  • Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

The EOS quality advantage

With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.

Built for better photos

The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.

Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Live View

Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.

For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Other improvements

The EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.

Software

The EOS 450D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.


CMOS

Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.
Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signal to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

  1. Reduce - Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
  2. Repel - Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
  3. Remove - A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Picture Style

Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The six pre-sets include:

  • Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
  • Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
  • Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
  • Neutral – ideal for post-processing
  • Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
  • Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green).

The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three customised pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site at www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/index.html.

Software

Digital Photo Professional Software

Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces.

ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied.

EOS Utility

The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting, camera configuration and image transfers. Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system.

The 123 of digital imaging 5.0



Site contributor Vincent Bockaert has today announced a totally new version of his excellent 'The 123 of digital imaging Interactive Learning Suite'. A favorite piece of reference material I never hesitate to recommend this excellent interactive electronic book which will provide you with both pathways for learning as well as reference. No matter what your knowledge level there will be plenty to learn from the 123 of digital imaging. On top of a major expansion in content (now 4,200 pages covering 153 topics) the new version is now fully Mac OS X compatible and has a completely redesigned user interface.

Click here to visit 123di.com to download the free demo

A publication like no other, the usage of animations and user-interactivity makes 123di an unrivalled and unmatched digital photography learning tool.

123di covers all aspects of the digital imaging workflow:

  1. Understanding digital imaging and digital camera selection
  2. Enhance your images in the "pixelroom"
  3. Manage, view, share, and print your images

Highly Integrated and Interactive Content

123di contains over 4,200 interactive screen-size pages filled with thousands of full color graphics and animations organized into 153 topics. The practical content is highly cross-referenced with digital photography background theory.

Three Selectable User Levels

1. Starter sections are like "executive summaries". These brief introductions with simplified and synthesized content are ideal if the reader has little time and wants to keep it simple.

2. Essential sections get the reader up to speed quickly and are a must read for beginners. But even for advanced readers they are a nice refresher before diving into the advanced sections. Image editing tutorials in the essential sections are based on Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, 5, 4, 3 & 2.

3. Advanced sections build on the essential sections and are more in-depth and detailed, and technical at times. Image editing tutorials in the advanced sections are based on Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop CS3, CS2, CS, and 7, including Photoshop CS3 Extended features that are relevant for digital photography.

10 Key Software Packages Covered

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Editor, Photoshop Elements 3, 4, 5 & 6 Organizer, Adobe Photoshop 7, CS, CS2, CS3 & CS3 Extended, and Photoshop Lightroom are featured with animated tutorials and unique interactive graphical user interfaces. Clicking on any menu item, tool, or palette in the interactive interfaces brings the user to the corresponding explanation page which also links to practical tutorials and theoretical background information within 123di. Many other software packages such as ACDSee 9 & 10, PTGui, Photorescue, etc. are also briefly covered.

A separate version for Nikon users covers, Nikon Scan 3 & 4, Nikon Capture 4.4 & Capture NX 1.3, and Camera Control Pro 2, in addition to the content of the regular version.

A Canon version, covering Canon DPP, Canon printers, and Canon technology will be available in the second quarter of 2008.

Users of the regular version can upgrade to the Nikon or Canon version at any time by topping up the price difference (no additional upgrade fee).

Unique Navigation

Besides reading 123di like a printed book, 123di offers many alternative ways to quickly find the information such as the above mentioned interactive graphical user interfaces, digital imaging workflow diagrams, index, before and after images, frequently asked digital imaging questions, interactive slide show, custom bookmarks, etc.

Complete Theory on Digital Photography

123di has extensive coverage on digital photography concepts such as resolution, compression, color bit depth, dynamic range, noise, focal length multiplier, sensor types, etc. The inner workings of cameras, scanners, accessories, monitors, and printers are explained in detail. Detailed full color graphics, animations, interactive simulations and interactive calculators allow for an accelerated way of learning that gets the reader involved.

Buying Guides for Cameras, Scanners, Monitors, and Printers

Detailed buying guides for cameras, scanners, monitors, printers, and accessories help in the reader's buying decision process.

Practical Image Editing Techniques

Useful image editing techniques cover various approaches to create spectacular images and overcome limitations of the scene, the photographer, or the camera.

Color Management

Color management is featured throughout 123di to ensure consistent and accurate color during the entire workflow. The coverage is substantially improved in Version 5.0, covering both Macintosh and Windows platforms.

Working in RAW

123di has a comprehensive practical and theoretical coverage of working in RAW. Practical examples are based on Adobe Camera Raw for all Adobe Photoshop versions. The Nikon version also covers Capture NX 1.3 and Nikon Capture 4.4, while the upcoming Canon version will cover Canon DPP.

New Content in Version 5.0

  • Content updated for Windows and Macintosh platforms.
  • Extensive coverage of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 (Editor and Organizer), Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop CS3 & CS3 Extended, including Camera Raw 4, from a digital photographer's perspective. The content about Photoshop Elements 2, 3, 4 & 5 and Photoshop 7, CS & CS2 is still included.
  • Chapter 12 - "Working in RAW mode" is updated for Adobe Camera Raw 4.x, Capture NX 1.3 (for the Nikon version), and in-depth RAW background information to get the most out of RAW images. The content of Nikon Capture 4.4, Camera Raw 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x is still included.
  • Extensive revision of the color management and printing content, including coverage of CBL Lens, and Datacolor Spyder3Elite and Spyder3Print.
  • Thousands of modifications and updates were made to the content and hundreds of pages were added to keep 123di fully updated with the latest technology changes.

New Features in Version 5.0

  • Brand new Content Visualization Engine for Windows and Macintosh (Universal Binary).
  • More than 500 fully controllable animations with “back”, “forward”, “play”, and “pause” buttons.
  • Print button to print individual pages as a reference.
  • Compared to the Standard Edition, the new Extended Edition comes with additional navigation features:
    • New Search Engine providing instant results
    • “Add Bookmarks” and “View Bookmarks” buttons allowing the reader to add and organize an unlimited number of bookmarks
    • “Add Notes” button to add notes to any page.
    • Transfer Bookmarks & Notes between computers
    • Reduce or enlarge the default font size to enhance readability.
    • Opens on the Last Page you viewed in your previous session.
    • Opens with the window size and position of your previous 123di session.
  • Users can upgrade from the Standard to the Extended Edition at any time by topping up the price difference (no additional upgrade fee).