The new Intuos3 6x11 pen tablet from Wacom is specifically designed for photographers,
designers and artists who are using multiple monitors or a widescreen display.
With an active area that matches the aspect ratio of either a widescreen display
or two standard displays used together, this innovative tablet features intuitive
controls, a cordless, battery-free Grip Pen offering 1,024 levels of pressure,
and an ergonomic five-button Intuos3 mouse.
Sigma's new 120--300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM is a digitally optimized
telephoto zoom lens featuring a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout it zoom
range. The lens features a new coating and optical construction designed to
minimize flare and ghosting, and utilizes four Special Low Dispersion (SLD)
glass elements for optimum image quality. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides
silent, precise, high-speed auto-focusing, with full time manual focus override
(for Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts).
Photography is full of `scapes: landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes
are all very popular subjects. But the next time you grab your camera and head
out for a day of shooting, why not take try to capture what's on "the
other side" and shoot some windowscapes for a change? There are a couple
of different approaches to take. You can use a window as a compositional device
to frame your subject, or you can concentrate of photographing objects you find
inside or behind a window.
A
polarizing filter eliminated the distracting reflections in this
scene shot through a window on a bright, sunny day.
Today's cameras are microprocessors with lenses. Most of us know how
to change color, sharpness and contrast, and even ISO settings, for every frame
we shoot, but did you know that you can also change how your camera's
dials and buttons work? By using Custom Function settings you can alter the
function of all those dials and buttons and personalize them to the way you
work, or to each unique shooting situation. When the camera comes out of the
box it has certain "default" settings, those chosen by the camera
manufacturer. While there is a certain wisdom in the defaults, they are not
necessarily the best way for your style or shooting needs.
Sometimes all it takes to lift your photo from the ordinary to the extraordinary
is a striking edge or border. Would a soft-edged vignette or a unique pattern
border take your image to the next level of dramatic impact? While there are
myriad software programs and plug-ins designed to add special effect edges,
borders and frames, you probably already have quite an array of possibilities
built into your current image-editing software. To get you started, here are
some effects that I created with Adobe Photoshop. You can use Elements for these,
as well. Earlier versions of these as well as other image-editing programs offer
many of the same effects. Now let's give some photos a new leading edge...
Wacom Technology is now including several additional software programs with
its 6x 8" Graphire Bluetooth wireless pen tablet. Priced at $249.99, the
device now ships with Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and PC digital inking programs
for added versatility. When used in conjunction with the Wacom pen, Photoshop
Elements tools such as the Healing Brush allow users to selectively alter images
and precisely remove photographic flaws with greater ease and accuracy. Nineteen
pressure-sensitive tools deliver dynamic control of important tool attributes
such as size, opacity and color.
Samsung's new SyncMaster 970P is a high-end dual interface 19-inch monitor
that is built and designed for performance. Currently shipping with an estimated
street price of $549, the 970P incorporates Samsung's MagicTune technology
which provides users with extensive color adjustment capability and the ability
to save various personalized display settings. The new monitor utilizes Samsung's
MagicStand, an innovative four-way, triple-hinge adjustable stand that offers
pivot ability, height adjustment, tilt and swivel capabilities. The display
also incorporates Samsung's MagicRotation, an automatic pivot feature
that instantly tracks the display's new orientation when users shift the
screen from portrait to landscape.
Pelican Products, Inc. has unveiled the 1430 Top Loader, a rugged, weatherproof
case for photographers who want the ultimate protection for their valuable gear.
This new model offers nearly 1,100 cubic inches of usable storage space and
features a unique top-loading design. Optional features such as a shoulder strap,
lid organizer, "mobile office" file holder kit and padded dividers
for photography and computer equipment are also available. Other optional accessories
include Pick `N' Pluck™ foam, canoe attachment brackets and
TSA-Accepted PeliLocks.