PhotoPlus action

NEW YORK – October 22 – Photo Plus 2009 is open now at the Javit’s Center in New York. As I mentioned, I’d be checking out the new Nikon D3s. It’s everything I hoped for and more. Imagine shooting very saleable pics at ISO 15,200!

Since its got HD video capabilities, now everyone is coming out with accessories to turn it into a serious video shooting machine. Take a look here at the rig I got to try – a prototype shoulder/chest support rig by Red Rock Micro and Rode microphone with a wind-control fuzzy. What a combination!

Under the “cute; but, probably-not-this-time” category was the Coolpix S1000PJ camera/projector combination. The idea is very cool as I reported earlier this month, but the projected image is not going to wow any serious photographers. I just don’t think many people will find dark enough environments to actually use the projection features. Yes it does work, I used it, but I wouldn’t rush out to order one.

Announcing the new D3S

In just one week, I'll be fondling the new Nikon D3S at PhotoPlus in NYC. Based on the press release received yesterday, I don't think I'm going to want to give it back.

Just look at some of what I think are dynamite new specs:

• expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible.
• The Nikon D3S adds the extra benefit of an Image Sensor Cleaning function to reduce instances of image degradation resulting from dust accumulation on the optical low pass filter (OLPF) in front of the image sensor. [That's what I love about my present D300 - it really works.]
• the amazing ISO range of the D3S can also be applied while recording HD video clips to give unprecedented low-light ability for movie clips. The refined D-Movie mode for the FX-format offers smooth 1280x720 video at a cinematic 24fps.
• the D3S can capture up to 4200 shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium-ion battery
• the D3S also features a Quiet Shutter Mode which substantially reduces the sound of the camera’s mirror-down cycle, which is perfect for shooting in sensitive environments, such as movie sets, meetings, ceremonies, or while photographing wildlife.
  

So if you are in New York next Thursday, stop by booth 501. You'll recognize me as the one with the death grip on the new D3S.

A user's review of the Nikon S1000pj

Last month we told you about the Nikon Coolpix camera with the built in projector. Now read a review by the Wall Street Journal author who actually put it to the test and gave it good marks.

Photoshop Goes iApp

Now, the world's leading photo editor is available for your iPhone. Okay, so maybe you don't get layers and curves, but there's a whole lot more to love.
You can take photos right inside the app or you can load one of your previously taken photos. You can make basic adjustments to exposure, tone and contrast. Cropping is a snap, as is flip and rotate. Convert to black and white, add a soft focus or apply a number of color effects and add a border.
After you're done editing, you can save to your phone or upload to your free 2GB sharing site on Photoshop.com if you've registered (it's free also.) You can even upload all your previous photos to the free sharing site and regain hard drive space on your phone. 2 GB of storage should handle 1,500 photos or so. That works both ways as well. Put your best shots on the sharing site (no matter what camera took them) and then review them for your friends on the iPhone.
It's a great app, it's free....what's not to love.

Photoshop Tutorials

Looking for a way to juice up your latest batch of photos? Want to take your shots from mild to wild?
Here's a collection of some really great techniques you can use to get a "Wow!" from some "hohum" pics.