DxO Announces Nik Collection 6 (standalone & plug-in)

Nik Collection 6
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I am old fashioned, I know. I used Nik Collection since its incipit and never felt out of love for it. I believe everyone shoud give it a try.

DxO released a new version, Nik Collection 6 (trail version available). Nik Collection 6 can be used as a standalone application as well as plugin together with other programs.

If you want to learn more about this amazing suite of software, there is a video below that might answer all your questions. The first video imediately below this sentence is just a short introduction to Nik Collection 6.

Press release:

DxO announces Nik Collection 6, bringing upgrades to the premium suite of plugins that boosts the photo editing power of Lightroom Classic and Photoshop

Nik Collection, the world’s favorite set of photo editing plugins, has been revamped for a fresh generation of creative photographers. Version 6 sees comprehensive upgrades to Nik Collection’s innovative U Point™tool, including new Control Lines, Color Selectivity filters, inverted and diffused adjustments, and a cleaner look to the workspace. There’s also a new filter for Nik Color Efex, an updated interface for Nik Dfine, additional Smart Object functionality, and plenty more refinements to accelerate your photo editing workflow.

Together, Nik Collection 6 gives you all the tools you need to make better photos.

Paris (France): DxO Labs, the company which has pioneered innovative photo editing software for more than 25 years, is proud to present the new and improved Nik Collection. A cornerstone of photo editing for decades, Nik Collection has long been the go-to plugin suite for photographers who want to edit with freedom, creativity, and technical precision. Now, version 6 takes this to another level.

Updated and upgraded, Nik Collection 6’s eight individual apps can be used alone, or as plugins within the most popular photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Including the full gamut of creative and technical tools needed to make images with impact, they cover everything from simple editing of color, tonality, and sharpness, to HDR effects, denoising, geometry, and more.

Delivering quick results when you’re in a rush, and offering endless depth when you need to go deeper, Nik Collection’s powerful, innovative tools and ease of use make it the essential plugin suite for every photographer.

More creativity, more controlNik Collection was the birthplace of U Point™technology, the most intuitive tool for local adjustments in photo editing. Available across the suite, U Point has been upgraded to add new functionality to make selective edits more intuitive in the following ways:

●NEWControl Lines add flexibility when making broad adjustments, bringing the power of Control Points to linear gradients

●NEWControl Point diffusion features mean you can regulate the strength and style of adjustments more easily

●NEWControl Points and Control Lines can now be inverted, giving you huge flexibility when editing

●NEWColor Selectivity sliders allow Control Point and Control Line editing to be tied to specific colors and tones in an image

●NEWRenamable Local Adjustments let you stay on top of complex edits, so you’ll never lose sight of your work

●NEWLocal Adjustments can now be saved as Presets, giving you quick access to your most frequently used edits

A cleaner look for those who want it

We all like to do things our own way, and that’s just as true in terms of editing as it is in picture taking. New to Nik Collection 6 is the ability to choose where sliders for local adjustments appear on screen. Controls can be kept in a sidebar to keep the image area clean or overlaid on top of the image in the traditional Nik Collection style

Always easy to use

Despite all of its new and improved features, Nik Collection 6 is easier to use than ever before. Available to hundreds of millions of users, it plugs straight into DxO PhotoLab, Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, and Affinity Photo, providing unprecedented creative featureswithout affecting your preferred workflow. Several new workflow features make editing even better:

●NEWTurn your edits into a Smart Object at any stage from within the plugin, giving you fully non-destructive editing in Photoshop

●NEWCall on any of your last 15 Nik Collection edits and apply them with a single click

●NEWPresets can now be searched for by name so you can instantly find your favorite edits

●NEWHiDPI & Multiscreen support lets you work with all screen configurations

●NEWAffinity Photo is now automatically detected as part of installation

Individual app upgrades

Five of the eight plugins that make up Nik Collection 6 see significant individual upgrades bringing new features and smoother functionality:

●Nik Color Efexgains a brand-new Hue/Saturation/Luminance tool, for deeper and more accurate control of color and tone

●Nik Dfinereceives a complete visual overhaul bringing it into line with the other plugins, creating a more refined experience as well as improved options for saving denoising recipes and returning to them in just a few clicks

●Nik Perspective adds the powerful new ReShape Tool which allows photographers to warp and shape local areas for complete precision

●Nik Sharpeneris also receiving a rebuild and interface overhaul, destined for Nik 6.2, and available as a free update

●Nik HDR Efex, the premier tool for exposure blending, also gets a fresh new interface as part of version 6.3 (arriving in August), providing a clearer, faster workflow.

What’s in Nik Collection 6?

Nik Collection 6 includes eight powerful plugins that also function as standalone apps, covering everything you need as a photographer to improve your images, both creatively and technically:

●Nik Color EfexCountless striking filters for color, tone, contrast, and more

●Nik Silver EfexDarkroom-inspired controls for the ultimate in black-and-white photo editing●Nik Analog EfexDive into history and discover endless analog effects to give photos a vintage feel

●Nik VivezaShape color, manipulate tones, be bold, and inject passion

●Nik DfineRemove digital noise exactly where required, without destroying detail

●Nik PerspectiveFix perspective and distortion for geometric perfection or creative effects

●Nik HDR EfexHarmonize highlights and shadows for photos with a gorgeous dynamic range

●Nik SharpenerEnhance images with perfect sharpness, exactly where you need it.

Canon Patent: A Lens With A Built-In Conversion Lens

Canon Patent
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Hope I got this Canon patent right. To me it seems to be a lens with a built-in conversion lens. Am I wrong?

Canon patent application 2023066205 (Japan, published: 5/15/2023) discusses optical formulas and methods for a lens with a construction that allows for a built-in conversion lens.

From the patent literature:

A large space is required to insert or withdraw a conversion lens inside an optical device, making it difficult to miniaturize the optical device.

SOLUTION: The optical apparatus rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens group and the first lens group, and retreats from the optical axis, thereby changing the focal length range of the optical system. a second lens group that changes from the second focal length range to the first focal length range, wherein the second lens group is on both sides of a plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis and passes through the optical axis. The center of the rotation shaft is positioned on the same side as the direction in which the is withdrawn.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to optical equipment capable of changing the focal length range of a master lens by inserting or retracting a built-in conversion lens.
2. Description of the Related Art: In optical equipment such as digital cameras, video cameras, and interchangeable lenses, a conversion lens is inserted into an optical path to change a first focal length range to a telephoto side or a wide-angle side. 2 focal length ranges are known.
[…] The built-in conversion lens is retracted into the space between the prism that guides the subject image to the finder and the strobe that is stored above the lens barrel.
However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 can only be applied to a kind of integrated lens type camera having a prism and a strobe. For this reason, it has been difficult to suppress the increase in size of cameras and interchangeable lenses that do not have at least either a prism or strobe.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an optical apparatus that has a built-in conversion lens so that a space for inserting or withdrawing the built-in conversion lens can be secured while suppressing an increase in the size of the lens. for the purpose.

[via asobinet]

Here Is The Canon PowerShot V10 (officially announced)

Powershot V10
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We knew it would get announced, and now it is. The Canon PowerShot V10.

At a glance:

  • For Vlogging and Live Streaming
  • 20.9MP 1″ CMOS Sensor
  • UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps
  • Full HD up to 59.94 fps
  • 19mm Equivalent Wide-Angle Lens
  • Web Camera Compatible with UVC Support
  • 460,000-Dot 2″ Touchscreen LCD
  • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Vertical Capture Capable
  • Built-In 30° Stand

Preorder are live at B&H Photo and Adorama (starting at $429).

Canon press release:

Realize New Video Communication With the Canon Powershot V10 Vlog Camera and the Introduction of the Powershot V Camera Series

MELVILLE, NY, May 11, 2023 – If you’ve picked up your smartphone in the last few minutes, chances are you’ve viewed a video via a social media platform. From the YPulse 2023 Social Media Behavior Report, 59% of Gen Y/Z say they create their own social media content for a broader audience than just their friends and family. As video content continues to absorb our attention for work and leisure, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the new PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera, the first product in the Company’s new consumer video production, live streaming and vlogging line, the PowerShot V (V= Video Communication) camera series.

The PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera has in mind the on-the-go content creator who wants to level-up their creative content and step-up from using a smart phone. Packed with key features, including an intuitive control user interface on the touch panel and frame AF mode for product reviews, the PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera can be the priority piece of imaging equipment used for almost all things video.

Additional features include:

  • Compact and lightweight design, 211g/ 63 x 90 x 34 mm
  • 4K UHD 30P, Full-HD 60p
  • 19mm wide lens which is ideal for selfie taking
  • Smartphone-like handling and style with vertical grip, easy for one-handed operation
  • 1” CMOS sensor lens helps to enable low-noise video quality in dark areas
  • Webcam capability (UVC/UAC), horizontal only
  • Live Streaming via Camera Connect app
  • Auto upload of content via image.canon
  • Face-tracking AF designed to automatically detect and autofocus on a person’s face
  • Image stabilization
  • Two high-quality stereo microphones and a third microphone for background noise reduction

There is no shortage of usage cases for the PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera. Traveling? The camera is super compact and includes a built-in stand, a port for a tripod and a microphone. Live streaming for gaming? You can easily connect the vlogging camera to a Wi-Fi® router and output video directly to YouTube or Facebook platforms via the Camera Connect app1. Haven’t experienced a traditional DSLR or mirrorless camera before? The PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera is intuitive like a smartphone – making the transition from smartphone to the camera fairly seamless.

With the introduction of the new Canon PowerShot V Series of cameras, the Company continues to reinforce its commitment to the ever-changing needs and wants of customers. If you’d like to be part of the conversation, join the Canon Community to ask questions, share knowledge and connect with others.

Pricing and Availability

The PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera is anticipated to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $429.99. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

Here Is The Nikon Z 8 (officially announced, $3996)

Nikon Z 8
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Nikon announced the Nikon Z 8, a rather interesting mirrorless all-rounder camera.

At a glance:

  • 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
  • Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
  • 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
  • 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
  • Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
  • 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
  • Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
  • 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
  • CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
  • 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

You can preorder the Nikon Z 8 for $3,996 at B&H Photo or Adorama.

If you preorder the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera with 24-120mm f/4 Lens, then B&H Photo offers a $200 instant discount.

Nikon press release:

The functionality and performance of Nikon’s flagship mirrorless camera, condensed into an agile body

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame/FX-format Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera.

The Z 8 condenses the advanced functionality and performance of the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a compact and lightweight body while also maintaining superior robustness and reliability. The Z 8 is ideal for a variety of image creators who seek new possibilities for visual expression in a wide range of genres and subjects, such as landscapes, wild birds, airplanes, portraits, and weddings. Whether shooting stills or video, the excellent agility of the Z 8 enables nimble camerawork, realizing superior operability that allows users to push their creativity further. On top of this, its reliable performance allows users to capture decisive moments and achieve outstanding image depiction.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

Primary features

1. Comfortable operability that is ideal for diverse shooting situations

The advanced functionality and performance of the Z 9 are incorporated into a compact camera body that is approx. 30% smaller than the flagship model. The downsized body has been engineered to retain the easy-to-hold grip as well as comfortable operability. This enables agile and stable camerawork in a wide variety of shooting scenes, even with a super-telephoto lens attached. In addition, the 4-axis tilting monitor delivers high operability when shooting from high and low angles in both horizontal and vertical positions.
For video recording, the Z 8 can record 12-bit RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ video in-camera, allowing users to take advantage of a minimal video recording system that does not require an external recorder. The flexible combinations of shooting equipment suit various shooting styles to streamline operations. With the MC-N10 Remote Grip (sold separately) attached, solo videographers can take advantage of having more control over how they can operate the camera — in a way that was previously difficult on their own. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the wide-ranging accessory lineup and high compatibility with products from accessory brands, users can operate the Z 8 as comfortably as if it were a dedicated video camera.

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