Panasonic Releases LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) for Windows / Mac

Panasonic has released the LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) for Windows / Mac, a one-stop webcam software making it possible to use an applicable LUMIX camera via USB as a webcam for live streaming or video conferencing. The optimum output resolutions are 1280x960 or 1280x720 and no additional video capture card is needed.

At launch the following models are compatible: DC-S1H, DC-S1R, DC-S1, DC-S5, DC-GH5S, DC-GH5, DC-G9. The DC-G100/G110 will also be compatible in the future.

“LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta)” is provided as a pre-release version that is currently still under development. Please note that this software is not eligible for operation warranty and customer support.

LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) web page with download link

https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/lumix/lumix_webcam_software.html

LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) for Windows Operating Environment

OS	Windows 10(64bit)
CPU	Intel CPU of 1 GHz or higher
Display	1024 x 768 pixels or more
RAM	2GB or more
HDD	Free space of 200 MB or more for installation
Interface	USB 3.0/3.1

LUMIX Webcam Software (Beta) for Mac Operating Environment

OS	Mac macOS 10.13, macOS 10.14, macOS 10.15
CPU	Intel CPU of 1 GHz or higher
Display	1024 x 768 pixels or more
RAM	2GB or more
HDD	Free space of 10 MB or more for installation
Interface	USB 3.0/3.1

･Specifications are subject to change without notice.

On1's 2 for 1 June Special

 It's a "2 for 1" offer for both ON1 Photo 10.5 and an upgrade to the next generation - ON1 Photo RAW (coming in the fall) - for just $89.99.Check out the "2 for 1" offer by clicking on the banner above. The total value of this package is $239.98 ($119.99 for each product) the offer gives you a savings of $150 - what a deal.(Please note additional coupons cannot be applied to this $89.99 offer.)

Panasonic Lumix GH4 Firmware update announced

Panasonic has announced a Firmware update 2.5 that introduces several enhancements introduced in Lumix G series cameras since the GH4 was originally introduced.Post FocusPost Focus is a special function that enables users to select an in-focus point after shooting. It has already been integrated in new LUMIX cameras such as the GX8. This feature allows you to change the perspective for greater photographic expression or to choose the best in-focus shot for macro shooting.4K PHOTO (4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst)With 4K PHOTO mode there are three dedicated modes – 4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst – are all now available on LUMIX GH4*. The addition of these modes further enhances the usability of 4K PHOTO to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30p.External Flash BurstA new feature supporting consecutive shooting with flash burst is available with an external flash that is capable of continuous emission. This includes the following Panasonic models:

• Flash Burst Compatible Models
  1. FL580L Compatible
  2. FL360L Compatible
  3. FL500 Compatible *
  4. FL360 Compatible *
  5. FL220 Compatible *

* Discontinued models are compatible but have some restrictions due to slower charge speeds

The firmware will be available at the end of March 2016 from the following link:DOWNLOAD HERE 

One Day Workshop Schedule

ALL ONE DAY WORKSHOPS ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

Workshop details are available from the Registration Page.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Flash Photography, High Speed flash, creative lighting

Portrait and Lighting Techniques

Digital Photography A-Z.  This is a one day three part course that will teach you camera basics, post processing and printing.

The Digital Darkroom - a course that covers image capture, asset management, processing and enhancement, output to print and web media. A one day program for digital image making workflow

Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assembly

If you have any questions or would like more information please call 617-759-0010 or email sv@shivverma.com

Please use this REGISTRATION link to register for these workshops.

Panasonic Lumix Cameras to support "Post Focus"

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 20, 2015  -- Panasonic LUMIX is proud to introduce a new photographic function called 'Post Focus' that allows anyone to capture multiple photos with multiple in focus points through a single release of the shutter.Post Focus leverages Panasonic's high-speed, high-precision, 49-area DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology, and leadership in 4K Photography and Video, to capture 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) images at 30 fps.The operation of Post Focus function is quite simple and easy – set the camera to Post Focus mode, and press the shutter button. The camera automatically "racks" the focus while capturing photos with varied in focus points. During playback, use the touch screen to select the in focus area desired, and save as a separate 8 megapixel photo file…all right in the camera.To assist in getting the perfect image, take advantage of Focus Peaking, 5x magnified view and fine adjustment functions, taking as much time as needed after shooting. The process can be repeated to get multiple images as many times as desired from the original photo.The Post Focus function is best for non-moving subjects, such as portraits or landscapes, and is ideal for shooting at wide apertures to create dramatic, shallow depth of field effects. Create different impressions out of a single shot by changing the highlighted subject after capturing the picture, taking the risk and anxiety out of getting that perfect picture.This capability will also assist advanced users interested in macro photography. Simply capture the scene using the same process, then use third party software to perform "focus stacking", to combine multiple frames into a single image, which has more areas in tack-sharp focus for amazing results in a fraction of the time typically needed for great macro images.The Post Focus function will be available on the DMC-GX8, DMC-G7 and DMC-FZ300 by updating to the latest FREE firmware upgrade, which will be available at GMT 1:00 a.m. on November 25, 2015 at LUMIX Global Customer Support Site: http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/index.html

ON1 Photo 10

ON1, Inc. announced ON1 Photo 10, the next generation of its photo editing and effects app for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows, is available for purchase or download for those that pre-ordered. Version 10 is a ground-up rework of Perfect Photo Suite 9, optimized for performance, stability and ease of use. Up to 4x faster than the previous version and requiring less memory to run, ON1 Photo 10 also includes an integrated mobile workflow, a modern user interface, and the essential ON1 photo editing tools photographers have come to love.Click on the banner above or belo to order a full version or to upgrade.ON1 Photo 10’s enhancements include: (see a video of what's changed: http://www.on1.com/learn/video/whats-changed-in-on1-photo-10/)

• A significantly improved Effects module. Filters respond faster than ever before and presets are easier to find and apply. New preset categories have been added for popular photography genres, and include settings for color grading and haze reduction. The Perfect B&W module has been fully integrated into Effects, which lets you apply any filter—including the popular Dynamic Contrast effect—to your monochrome images. Lastly, you now have complete control over the organization of your presets and preset categories, making it easy to customize Effects to work the way you want.
• Two-way syncing of photos between ON1 Photo 10 and mobile devices with our free Photo Via app for IOS. Photo Via lets you share albums, smart albums and folders of photos between your desktop and your iPad or iPhone using Dropbox or Google Drive. With Photo Via, you can search, rate and share photos easily from any iOS device, and have the metadata synced back to your desktop.
• Better and faster workflow tools for working with faces in the Portrait module. Find facial features quicker, even with side views or faces at an angle. Portrait is faster and better than ever. The new way of working with facial features makes it easier to retouch the areas you care about.
• Access to Resize from any module, which lets you use the photo enlargement features of Perfect Resize from any part of ON1 Photo 10. Sharpen, add a watermark, or create a gallery wrap when you want, without jumping to a different module.
• Color and tone controls that make sense. Use Enhance’s exposure adjustments, better color controls, and improved highlight and shadow recovery to make your photos pop before taking them into other editing modules.
• Browse’s new Smart Albums feature, which lets you put your most important photos—wherever they are—at your fingertips. You can even automatically publish your Smart Albums to your mobile device with Photo Via.
• A new export feature, which automates the process of creating photos for printing and sharing. Take a single photo, or a group of photos, and create whatever size and file format you need. Combined with our improved batch processing options, we make it simple for you to print, share and manage your photos without undue complexity.Throughout ON1 Photo 10, you will find an improved user experience, with more responsive sliders, tools that won’t stick, and a user interface that is snappy, modern and easier to use. Most of ON1 Photo 10’s image processing algorithms utilize modern video cards (GPUs), providing better overall performance, a new sharing feature for posting photos directly to Facebook®, Twitter®, Messages®, Mail®, Flickr® and more.About ON1 Photo 10:ON1 Photo 10 is a full-featured photo editor that works either as a plug-in editor to Adobe Photoshop® and Lightroom CC, or as a standalone application. ON1’s open system allows access to your photos no matter where they are stored: your computer, your network, or on cloud-based storage services. We support all of the key online storage services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft’s OneDrive. ON1 Photo 10 works on both Mac OS X (10.9, 10.10, 10.11) and Microsoft Windows (7, 8, 10), while Photo Via requires iOS 8. Version 10 supports Photoshop CC 2015, CC 2014, and CS6; Lightroom 6, 5, 4; Photoshop Elements 13, 12 and 11.Availability and pricing:ON1 Photo 10 is available today and you can download the 60-day trial which is fully functional. Photo 10 has an introductory price of $109.99 for the full version (normally $119.99) and $89.99 for the upgrade (normally $99.99). For a limited time, ON1 Photo 10 is bundled with bonuses which include: “The Ultimate ON1 Photo 10 Training,” 10 in-depth video courses from Matt Kloskowski; and a Landscape Pro Preset Pack that includes 18 presets for Effects by Scott Davenport.

Adobe joins the ranks of Microsoft with a truly botched release

In my opinion and the simplest of terms ADOBE has really messed up this time. CC was a bad move and now LR6.2. How does a company let this product get to their users. No beta testing it appears. No prerelease user acceptance - what a fiasco.I am glad I never subscribed to CC and now have to downgrade/roll back LR6.2. Time to rethink my workflow. May be go 100% to Capture One Pro.The library module in 6.2 is really - cartoonish and so many decent features have just been eliminated. I shudder to think what I might unearth with the Develop and other modules.Microsoft botched up Windows 8 and now they are in good company with Adobe and LR 6.2.In my opinion Adobe should make the CC subscription $0.00 till they can make the product worth paying for again.Adobe profits dropped as per their earning report this week. CC was not such a good idea and now this ................  I wonder what the next quarter will look like.

MacPhun updates Noiseless Pro

NOISELESS PRO UPDATE - get an improved Creative Kit at 73% OFF with this new app version inside!The major news is that Noiseless Pro, which provides a one-click solution for eliminating digital noise, now includes the option of BATCH PROCESSING.Key Improvements:Noiseless remains the fastest noise reduction software for Mac, with the update bringing a 14% speed increase.With Batch Processing, users can process a number of images at once, resizing, renaming and saving files in popular image formats (JPG, TIFF, PNG)You will have the option to select from automatic noise reduction, use a built-in preset, or even create their own custom preset. Custom batching presets can also be saved so a combination of options chosen previously can be used again.The Light, Moderate and Medium presets have been improved to give even better results with portraits and photos where the noise is minimal.The new Noiseless Pro will be available for $49.99 as a limited time offer, with a possibility for upgrade from standard Noiseless for $29.99.You can purchase Noiseless Pro - for $49.99 you only get one app, while $99.99 will get you the complete Creative Kit all 5 Pro apps together!If you own the standard version of Noiseless, you can get Batch Processing via an in-app purchase for only $7.99 or by upgrading to Noiseless Pro. Owners of the Pro version will receive a free, automatic update. CLICK ON THE Noiseless Pro Icon to get the product.Also check out FX Photo Studio and its stunning filters.  All for just $9.99 at the app store. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ho9OhgM2Rk&feature=youtu.be[/embed]  

Noiseless Pro

Macphun the makers of Tonality Pro, Intensify Pro, Snapheal Pro and Focus Pro today release a public preview of their latest product Noiseless Pro.  It will be released as two versions Noiseless and Noiseless Pro. The pro version includes the ability to work with RAW files and will work as a plug-in for Photoshop and Lightroom.One you install it and launch it the first thing you will notice is its simplicity.  It has a series of presets from Lightest to Extreme. Lightest I'm my initial tests did a great job. Multiple views and side by side comparison windows help you assess the amount of noise management. Zoom tools allow you to see how well it is handling noise and maintaining detail. Included is a wipe tool for previewing the effect.  Preview is not instantaneous but the software does render the effect fairly quick.Though the pro version will work with RAW files, my preference would be to allow the raw conversion using Adobe Camera Raw, DxO, or Capture One and then bringing the image into Noiseless either as a pug or as a saved tiff file.This is by no means a full review but a quick note to assess the pre-release and give an initial verdict - the product is simple and very good.I will do another review when the final release is available in the next 8 days or so.Click on the logo to order Macphun products or to preorder Noiseless and Noiseless Pro

Topaz ReStyle - February Promotion

Effective today through the end of February 2015 get Topaz ReStyle for $20 off its original price of $59.99, that is just $39.99).Use the coupon code: febrestyleReStyle is a plugin designed to alter the colors in your image with its unique array of toning effects. The technology behind ReStyle uses a cutting-edge process to map the color and tone statistics from a source image.With this, creative possibilities extend to many inspiring choices. Restyle is a useful tool for the photographer or artist looking to alter the overall feeling and mood of his or her image. The program can even be used to revamp the tone of graphics and textures.CLICK HERE to order 

Panasonic releases firmware version 2.1 for the Lumix GH4

Panasonic released version 2.1 on January 26, 2015.  Had to wait and test it all before posting this.  As with any firmware update, please follow all instruction and do so with care. Here is the excerpt from the Panasonic web site and the links to the update:

1. Time code can be embedded to the HDMI output signal.
   - Selectable in Motion Picture menu : [Time Code]>[HDMI Time Code Output]
   * Available when DMC-GH4 or DMW-YAGH are connected with the products of ATOMOS Global Pty. Ltd. or the products complying with the extended specifications of ATOMOS Global Pty. Ltd..
2. RSS (Recording Start/Stop) signal can be embedded to the HDMI output signal.
   - Selectable in Motion Picture menu : [HDMI Rec Output]>[HDMI Recording Control]
   * Available when DMC-GH4 or DMW-YAGH are connected with the products of ATOMOS Global Pty. Ltd. or the products complying with the extended specifications of ATOMOS Global Pty. Ltd..
3. FHD at 30p/25p native output via HDMI is available while recording video in FHD at 30p/25p.
   - Selectable in Motion Picture menu : [HDMI Rec Output]>[1080/30p Set.] or [1080/25p Set.]
4. Playback performance of recorded 4K video is improved.
5. [Time Lapse Shot] Program is fixed to start recording at the designated time even when [summer time] is set.

Go to the firmware update service notice page.

Go to the firmware update service notice page of USA & EU regions.

2015 First Quarter - One Day Workshops

Wishing you and your families a Very Happy & Prosperous New YearThe One Day Workshops for the first quarter of 2015 have been posted.They are listed on the One Day Workshop PageORYou may go directly to the Registration Page to get details and register.All one day workshops include a Pizza Lunch

Firmware Updates

What is "firmware"?  Firmware is the program code that resides in an electronic or computer device's read-only memory (ROM). ROM can be written into using special software.  Firmware is also referred to as "microcode". Typically, firmware is written into ROM when products are assembled in the production facility and is used to facilitate the running of the product defined by user programs.In most cases, when a product is first introduced the firmware is given a numeric designation, typically 1.0.  As features are added and bugs or problems are resolved, new firmware is developed and the numeric designation is updated.  This could be 1.1 or 1.01, etc.  These are minor revisions or updates.  A significant enhancement or update is usually designated with a whole number increment, 2.0, 3.0, etc.  All firmware updates are designed to be incorporated into existing products via an update.  Such updates can be downloaded from the manufacturer to your computer and subsequently into the ROM of your product.With many manufacturers, you will get an email notification when a new firmware update is released.  However, this notice will only come if you have registered your product. You need to periodically check for these updates on the manufacturer's website (usually in the support section).It is unfortunate that many DSLR's and Mirrorless camera owners rarely update the firmware.  Only when they encounter issues and ask for support they will be requested to do an update. The update will in most cases resolve the issue.It is good to periodically check the firmware version of your camera and verify that you have the latest.  If you are not up-to-date, then download and install the latest version.  Be very careful and follow installation instructions explicitly.  There are no shortcuts and a mistake during a firmware update can render your camera useless.  You will have to send the camera to the manufacturer for a complete reset and update.DSLR and Mirrorless cameras are not the only products that require firmware updates. Newer lenses, flashes, lens adaptors, hand held light meters, studio strobes, etc. contain ROM and firmware.  If your photography product has a USB port (connection) then it probably has ROM and firmware so it is worth checking for updates.Why not start the new year ensuring all your gear is up-to-date.  It is also good to check for updates once every three months.  Why miss out on a new feature or bug fix.

onOne Software - 50% off Black Friday through Cyber Monday

Don't miss this opportunity - click on the banner to get your discount and support this site.

Processing with Capture One

For the past few weeks I have been processing my raw files using Capture One Pro rather than Adobe Camera Raw.  I am finding the RAW processing engine in Capture One to be exceptional.  Mark you, I have not upgraded to Version 8 and am still using Version 7.2.3In brief I love the way the the software handles skin-tones.  The amount of detail it can draw out of dull highlights and shadows is great.  The HDR sliders make it possible to bring out natural looking HDR tonal ranges from a single RAW file - exceptional.Now I just need to get more familiar with all the features and then upgrade to Version 8.Here is an example of an image processed using Capture One Pro.  The image was captured in Iceland during my workshop this past September.  Please do click on the image to see a larger version. 

Time-Lapse Imagery - Published

I am so thrilled. My book is finished and is available in the Apple Store.  It is an interactive iBook/e-Book that can be viewed using iBooks on a Mac or on an iPad.I am working on an interactive PDF version for all non Mac and iPad users. This should be ready in a week or so.

2014 - 1st Quarter One-Day Workshops

Here is the schedule for the first Quarter of  2014.  Please use this REGISTRATION link for details about each workshop and to register.REMEMBER ALL ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS INCLUDE A PIZZA LUNCHJanuary 11 - Product Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 12 – Food Photography and Lighting TechniquesJanuary 18 – Lighting for PortraitureJanuary 19 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyJanuary 25 - Macro CloseupJanuary 26 – The Digital Darkroom – a course that covers capture to process and enhancement to output to print and web media. A one day program for digital image making workflowFebruary 1 – Flower Photography, Textures, Blending and moreFebruary 2 – Lightroom 5February 8 – HDR – done right using Photoshop, Photomatics, NiK HDR Efex 2, EnfuseFebruary 9 - Macro CloseupFebruary 22 – Timelapse Photography, post processing and video assemblyFebruary 23 - Photography Basics 1 day Class March 1 – Flash PhotographyMarch 2 – Lightroom 5If you have any questions or would like more information please call 617-759-0010 or email sv @ shivverma.com (please remove the spaces) 

My Decision for the Creative Cloud

Given the fact that most of my plug-ins work with Lightroom and independently as stand-alone applications I will stay with my licensed copy of Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 5.  As long as Adobe continues to create RAW converters for Lightroom there is no need to have ACR updates for Photoshop. I use NiK, OnOne and Topaz as my primary Plug-Ins and I feel the current version Photoshop is sufficient for my editing needs.If what whatever reason Adobe moves Lightroom to the cloud and makes that the only option my choices are as follows: its choice - Capture One for RAW and edits, 2nd - DxO for RAW conversion and corrections, and finally Aperture.  Yes this will be a learning curve, but I am willing to accept that as the option.There are 2 days left with the $9.99 pricing offer so make your decision wisely - I have made mine.

A Special Discount for LRTimelapse 3

LRTimelapse 3 is one of the best time-lapse assembly software products available and works seamlessly with Photoshop Lightroom 5.For the remainder of 2013 and January 1, 2014 you can license or upgrade to any version of LRTimelapse for a 15% discount.  This applies to upgrades and cross-grades too.A brief explanation of the options:

• If you still don't have any License, you can choose LRTimelapse 3 private and LRTimelapse 3 Pro. You can read about the differences here.
• If you have a LRT2 private license, you can get a discounted upgrade to LRT3 private or a discounted crossgrade to LRT3 Pro. For the latter, you will then save the cost of the update to version 3.
• If you have a license for LRT2 Pro (commercial), you will require the update to LRT3 Pro.
• If you already have upgraded to LRT3 private, you can crossgrade to Pro, if you need the advanced features.

Click Here and use the discount coupon code: XMAS2013LRT

Check out these two awesome products - Sanapheal Pro and Intensify Pro (MAC Only)

Introducing two incredible and irresistible plug-ins that will amaze you.

Snapheal PRO is the ideal tool for an uncomplicated way to quickly improve photos.

Snapheal is a standalone application. Snapheal Pro can be used as both standalone and plug-in to Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom as well as Apple Aperture.

Intensify Pro to  create  images with unprecedented drama and detail. Precise control of contrast, structure, detail and sharpening across different tonal ranges delivers high quality results every time.

 Special algorithms to prevent image artifacts, image layer stacking with opacity control, dozens of professionally created presets, adjustment brushes, RAW image support, vignettes and the ability to run as a standalone or as a plug-in for popular host applications.See more about these fabulous products on the Macphun web at http://www.macphun.comClick here to order  Snapheal ProClick here to order Intensify ProChick here to order the Creative Kit: Intensify Pro + Snapheal Pro