ProShow 7 adds free built-in music, creative FX

ProShow Gold and ProShow Producer 7 unlock new creative content to bring slideshows to life with built-in music, free FX, and new publishing options.

With ProShow Producer, you can create custom slide styles, transitions, and show templates. Build your own effects library for a personalized, streamlined workflow and consistent slideshows.

By Joel Shore • May 21, 2015

Opinion: For the vast majority of photographers – from hobbyist to professional wedding shooter – the best way, hands-down, to build slide shows is with ProShow Gold or ProShow Producer from Photodex. It's is an amazing bargain. If you think the slideshow module in Adobe Lightroom is good, well, prepare to be totally blown away. You'll quickly find yourself empowered to do the amazing. I've been using ProShow since version 3, and there's no way I'm going to switch to anything else. There's simply no comparison to ProShow unless you're willing to spend thousands of dollars more.

Canon 5DS and 5DS R deliver 50.6 megapixels

By Joel Shore
February 6, 2015

The long wait is over for Canon shooters. Long suffering from pixel envy in the wake of Nikon's debut of the 36-megapixel D800 in Feb. 2012, Canon, one day shy of three years later, finally responds. The $3,699 5DS and $3,899 5DS R deliver 50.6 megapixels in a full-frame format with the ability to shoot at 1.3x and 1.6x crop factors. The cameras don't arrive until June, but the complaining has already begun, with forum threads excoriating Canon for an apparent lack of improvement in dynamic range. Availability is slated for June.

Canon updates firmware for 5D Mark III and 1D X

By Joel Shore • January 29, 2015

Canon today released two firmware updates, one for the 5D Mark III, the other for the 1D X. Neither update add new features.

For the 5D Mark III, firmware Version 1.3.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).
2. Corrects some incorrect indications on the “English” and “Russian” menu screens.

Firmware Version 1.3.3 is for cameras with Firmware Version 1.2.3 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.3.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Download the 5D III firmware update from the Canon USA website.

For the 1D X, firmware Version 2.0.7 incorporates the following functional improvements and fixes.

1. Improves the AF controllability when shooting in Live View mode with a wide-angle lens (fixed focal length or zoom).
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when shooting long exposures (several minutes), vertical lines appear on the right edge of captured images (still photos).
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) may not perform as intended when in continuous shooting mode and where the shutter speed is longer than 1 second.
4. Improves the reliability of the control mechanism for the Picture Style Auto setting.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the electronic level indicator does not work correctly.
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when using the “Save and read camera settings” function, the color space data that is selected in “Custom shooting mode (C1-C3)” is not saved. *1
7. Corrects some incorrect indications on the “English” and “Russian” menu screens.

Download the 1D X firmware update from the Canon USA website.

At last: Canon launches new 100-400mm zoom

By Joel Shore • November 10, 2014

Today, I'll be playing the classic Etta James song "At Last" with its lyrics At last, My love has come along. Indeed, it has been a long time in coming. After years of speculation and wishful thinking, Canon today finally took the wraps off the replacement to its venerable 16 year-old 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens. Long reviled for it's "push me-pull you" zoom action that many scorned as a dust pump, the new lens features standard twist-rotation action for zooming. Canon owners, you can finally rejoice, and fork over $2,199. It's worth it. The new lens boosts image stabilization to four stops from 1.5, reduces minimum focusing distance to 3.2 feet, and features a lens hood that allows easy access when you need to adjust the orientation of a polarizer filter.

Adobe updates Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements

By Joel Shore • September 24, 2014

Adobe today announced the availability of Adobe Photoshop Elements 13 and Adobe Premiere Elements 13, the latest versions of the top-selling consumer photo- and video-editing software. Adobe serves up a fresh collection of easy-to-use editing tools and guided techniques to help consumers achieve the results they want. Also new this year, Elements Live: a dynamic channel within the software that's designed to spark creativity and improve user skills.

"Our customers don't always have the time or the know-how to get the results they desire," said Shanmugh Natarajan, senior director, engineering, core technologies and products at Adobe. "In Photoshop Elements 13 and Premiere Elements 13, we focused on developing tools that automate the process or guide customers through the steps to create the photos they'll love and want to share."

Five years later, Canon updates the 7D with Mark II version

By Joel Shore • September 15, 2014

Five years after the original 7D shook up the DSLR market, Canon finally has launched its successor, the $1,799 EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR. It incorporates professional features and quality in an affordable and builds on the success of the 7D camera. The 7D Mark II features Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors for rapid burst shooting up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as Canon’s first 65-Point All Cross Type autofocus (AF) system for compositional freedom and accurate, spot-on fast focus.

Canon PowerShot G7 X boasts 1-inch sensor

By Joel Shore • September 15, 2014

Canon's new $699.99 PowerShot G7 X is the company’s first compact point-and-shoot camera with a one-inch sensor, giving users an outstanding portable camera that allows them to take high-quality photographs and videos.

Ideal for those looking for DSLR features and quality in a compact point-and-shoot body, the PowerShot G7 X digital camera is Canon’s first compact camera with a one-inch sensor. The large, one-inch, 20.2-megapixel* High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor delivers optimal performance with an ISO range of 125 – 12,800. The sensor, along with Canon’s exclusive DIGIC 6 Image Processor, creates Canon’s high-sensitivity HS System delivering excellent low-light performance so images and videos shot are clear and sharp, helping to ensure that the finest details of the scene are preserved.

New Canon lenses: 400mm f4, 24-105mm f3.5-5.6, 24mm f2.8

By Joel Shore • September 15, 2014

Canon is launching three new lenses to its extensive lineup. They include two EF series lenses ─ the $6,899 EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM super telephoto lens and the $599.99 EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom lens, as well as one EF-S series lens ─ the $149.99 EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM wide-angle pancake lens. These new lenses will also be the latest addition to Canon’s GlassFirst.com online resource, helping image makers explore the Company’s vast EF lens portfolio.

“Our engineers are dedicated to delivering high-quality optics for everyone from the amateur photographer to directors of photography on Hollywood movie sets,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, President and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.  “And having reached a milestone of 100 million lenses produced earlier this year, Canon launched in celebration its ‘Glass First’ campaign to assist image makers in realizing the artistic potential offered by our various lenses. These new lenses will fit in well with the ever growing family of Canon optics.”

Nikon launches $2,300 full-frame, 24MP D750 DSLR

By Joel Shore • September 12, 2014

Nikon's barrage of cameras continues, Today, the company announced the D750, a DSLR designed to provide enthusiasts with a combination of pro-caliber photo and video features with FX-format image quality. According to the company, the D750 represents a leap forward for this camera segment, inheriting some elements from Nikon’s full-frame professional cameras, with new and refined features aimed at sparking creativity and sharing with built-in Wi-Fi. Nikon has also announced the SB-500, a compact multimedia Speedlight, and Nikon’s fastest ultra wide-angle lens yet, the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED. These products can supplement a professional’s kit, while making it more appealing than ever for enthusiasts to discover the intense and immersive image quality that only an FX-format sensor can offer.

“The Nikon D750 is the camera many have been waiting for; never before has this level of functionality and vast feature set been offered in a full frame D-SLR, at such an attractive price,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “These new products, including the SB-500 Speedlight and 20mm f/1.8 lens are meant to directly address those who care about image quality and want the gear that will help drive their passion to the next level.”

SanDisk Launches 512GB SD memory card

By Joel Shore • September 11, 2014

SanDisk today launched its 512GB SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I memory card, describing it as the world's highest capacity SD card on the market. The new offering is designed to meet the demands of industry professionals who require the most advanced gear available for shooting 4K Ultra High Definition (3840x2160p) video, Full HD video (1920x1080)¹ and high-speed burst mode photography.

$1,300 Fujifilm X100T boasts improved hybrid viewfinder

 By Joel Shore • September 10, 2014

FUJIFILM today announced the FUJIFILM X100T, a premium compact, fixed lens camera designed for photographers looking for the ultimate in image quality, performance and functionality. The X100T comes equipped with an advanced Hybrid Viewfinder with an Electronic Rangefinder that gives users reduced display lag times, automatic brightness controls and a Natural Live View shooting display. The camera combines the resolution and power of the APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor and EXR Processor II with a bright FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed lens for optical excellence.

Think Tank expands line of bags for mirrorless cameras

By Joel Shore • September 5, 2014

Think Tank Photo today released a new accent color, Heathered Grey in a subtle crosshatch weave, to its popular Mirrorless Mover bag collection. Mirrorless Movers are scaled to fit today’s smaller mirrorless cameras. The collection offers photographers the same top quality materials and craftsmanship for which Think Tank is renowned.

Four sizes of bags offer a wide choice to consumers; from the smallest case, the Mirrorless Mover 5, designed for one mirrorless camera, on up to the largest, the Mirrorless Mover 30i, which will accommodate a camera, lenses, accessories and a tablet.

MacPhun's Tonality B&W app goes global

By Joel Shore • September 4, 2014

MacPhun Software announced a free update to its Tonality black-and-white software that adds support for eight languages and support for Adobe Photoshop's Smart Objects feature. The software uses a proprietary 16-bit RAW processing engine, advanced imaging algorithms and a comprehensive set of digital darkroom features that enable photographers to create the black-and-white images with minimal effort and maximum creativity.

Languages supported by Tonality 1.0.1 now include English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese. When the software is first installed, it detects the language configured in the operating system and uses that language. To change to a different language, simply change the language setting of the Mac.

Canon cuts prices of two dozen lenses by up to $1,000 each

By Joel Shore • August 3, 2014

In honor of producing its 100-millionth EF lens, Canon cut the prices of two dozen lenses and two tele-extenders. As far as we can tell, the price cuts are here to stay. Here's the complete list:

Savage launches wrinkle-resistant polyester backgrounds

By Joel Shore • August 22, 2014

Savage Universal, maker of backgrounds and photographic products, today introduced an extension of its new line of economy sized, wrinkle-resistant polyester backdrops targeted at students and part-time photographers.

The extended line features ten new solid colors available in the 5 ft x 9 ft (1.52 m x 2.74 m) size. Recently added bright colors include cardinal red, tangerine, grape and cobalt blue, as well as softer colors like rattan and chocolate. These styles accompany the white, black, gray and chroma green that were introduced with Savage’s Economy Background Kits in March.

Nikon admits to long-exposure woes in new D810

By Joel Shore • August 19. 2014

Nikon is admitting that its new flagship D810 DSLR has problems with long exposures creating white spots. The company today issued a service bulletin. If your camera falls within the specified serial number range, Nikon will repair the camera for free and pay the freight both ways. Don't panic — the Canon 5D Mark II and Fujifilm X10 had similar problems; both were addressed through firmware updates.

Here is Nikon's advisory:

Sony debuts ultra-compact α5100 interchangeable-lens camera

By Joel Shore • August 18, 2014

Sony Electronics today introduced the new α5100 camera, putting pro-quality autofocus performance and image quality into a portable, lightweight package. For $700, you get the camera and a 16-50mm motorized zoom lens.

The model ILCE-5100 features the same Fast Hybrid AF system as the α6000 model, which allows it to acquire focus in as little as 0.07 seconds.  It also shares the α6000's 24.3-MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor. This combination of hardware ensures that the camera can capture still images and full HD videos in sharp focus. Unique to the α5100 is its compact design, placing it among the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens cameras available today.

PhotoPlus education seminars announced for NYC in October

Seminars at upcoming 2014 show reflect changing needs of an evolving industry

Seminar on lighting technique from 2013

By Joel Shore • July 22, 2014

Why do I like PhotoPlus Expo so much? It's because many of the educational sessions run for a full two hours, giving presenters tons of time to demonstrate hands-on photography techniques in detail. It's the one show I never miss.

With an aim to satisfy the huge demand for education among photography enthusiasts and professionals, October's PhotoPlus conference and product expo in New York today announced more than 80 seminars, photo walks and master classes. They span lighting, portraiture, video, post-production, social media, marketing, and more. Registration is now open at the PhotoPlus website. The seminars take place Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Adorama adds 28" Glow ParaPop Lighting Modifier

 By Joel Shore • July 17, 2014

Photography and video retailer Adorama is adding to its line-up of Glow house-brand lighting modifiers with the $249.95 ParaPop 28” R Series Collapsible Softbox for studio strobes and speedlights. Aiming for portability and quick set-up, the softbox's support rods quickly snap into place. To break down, photographers simply squeeze two buttons to collapse it in seconds. It is adjustable for height and depth to fit all flashes and triggers including bare bulb. The parabolic design and inner diffuser create directional diffused light, providing a large, flattering light source. Speedlights can be mounted sideways for IR TTL capability. The softbox can be adjusted at an angle for shooting upward or down. The ParaPop can also be wedded to studio strobe mounts with available connector speedrings.

Registration opens for PhotoPlus Conference, Expo in NYC

Scene from 2013 PhotoPlus show in New York

By Joel Shore • July 15, 2014

With a name change from PhotoPlus Expo to PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, registration for the photography show and education sessions is now open to the public. This year's conference runs from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. The show attracted 22,000 attendees in 2013. This year’s Expo is slated to feature more than 225 of the industry’s most prominent manufacturers of photo and video gear, software and accessories.