Cameracraft magazine – Taking your practical photography further
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If you don’t like using Elements, and can’t afford the latest Photoshop, and have something like a Mac G4 or early Intel series, or a Windows XP machine, Adobe has an unbeatable price for you to download and use Creative Suite CS2.
Free.
The link you need is:
https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/entitlement/index.cfm?pid=4485850&e=cs2_downloads
Be warned that since this link was made public, the server has been down occasionally and the site temporarily unavailable. It has been restored but you may have to retry for a quieter period. This is a popular move from Adobe.
The important element of CS2 for the photographer, Photoshop, is only part of the deal as you also get InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere (pre-HD video).
You can use CS2 for a wide range of photo editing tasks, and although it does not support new Alpha and NEX raw files, it is easy enough to convert these to .DNG (Adobe Digital Negative) format using the DNG Converter. This is also a free download:
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5519 (Windows)
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5518 (Macintosh)
Sony has released internationally valid firmware updates for both the Alpha 77, Alpha 65 and NEX-7. Both updates have similarities, mainly adding a menu item to lock the Movie button and prevent accidental video takes. This is more important than it might seem, as the Sony memory card structure only permits video or stills to be accessed depending on which function was last used. Having accidental movies shot is frustrating, having to delete them before resuming still picture review has doubled the frustration. Now this issue is solved, but leaving many other Sony models in both Alpha and NEX ranges unmodified.
Revision October 18th 2012: as we check and re-check the Sony UK support site, more firmware updates have been released for Alpha 65 (title of this post amended!) and they are expected for A37, 57, 33 etc as well. We will add new cameras to this page rather than making new posts.
The firmware update omits the one function most demanded by movie makers – a fixed or user-set gain for the microphone, or for the mic socket. This exists on the Alpha 99. Having a permanent Auto Gain on the 7 models means they are unsuitable for most video work, where Nikon and Canon cameras have this vital simple control to prevent poor sound quality. The firmware was expected to add at least a fixed gain, possibly a simple hi/lo or three-step gain, ideally a multi-step adjustment. In the end, we get no change on this front, leaving Sony lagging behind with current models that are not functional for one of their principal functions.
The new firmware is Version 1.06 for Alpha 77 and 65 and version 1.01 for NEX-7.
Here are the links (from Sony UK, but usable on other regional models without damaging the localisation or settings):
The Alpha 77 upgrade also adds in-camera lens correction support for the SAM 30mm f/2.8 Macro, SAL 50mm f/1.4 (and presumably for the Minolta/KM equivalent with the same lens identity), the SAL CZ 24-70mm f/2.8 SSM, SAM 28-75mm f/2.8, SAL 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM, SAL 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM, SAL CZ 16-35mm f/2.8 and SAL 35mm f/1.4 G (again, presumably also correcting the Minolta/KM lens with the same identity number).
There are initial reports of a faster response, and faster image review time, supported by other Sony sources (Sony UK does not list these). Changes like this are normally accompanied by minor improvements in image quality, as the firmware has to be addressed pretty deeply rather than just tweaking a few parameters. Nothing gets to work faster unless it’s re-coded and that is good news. This is a near 64-megabyte program download, and not all of that is used for the updater part of it which runs on your Windows or Mac machine (exact specs are given on the links, and 64-bit is not supported so you need an old laptop or something like that to do your updating, if you have current systems – we always keep an older machine around for exactly this reason).
Specific additional claims which have surfaced include faster start-up and/or shutdown, more responsive front and rear wheels (?), improved auto review response, better AF performance with the new 500mm G, and better AF with scenes including bright areas.
Much the same applies to the NEX-7 firmware update, to version 1.01, which gives exactly the same Movie button disable/enable menu item (and lack of audio control update) along with improved performance using wide-angle lenses (which must at present mean the 16mm f/2.8, and perhaps the 24mm f/1.8, as no other lenses exist which can be called wide-angle and also work with the NEX-7 – the 10-18mm new design isn’t yet compatible). Auto bracketing is extended to 1, 2 or 3EV plus/minus and auto review of the image taken is made more ‘responsive’. The behaviour of the moving Flexible Spot AF marker is improved (?).
Auto review is not a minor function on the NEX-7 as sequence shooting may be speeded up in the process, or viewing through the EVF when shooting in motor-drive mode made tolerable. Users will have to report back as to whether this is the case.
NEX PDAF lens compatibility updates
There are lens firmware updates for the NEX-5R and NEX-6 – these add the SEL 18-55mm, SEL 18-200mm, SEL 55-210mm, and SEL 24mm f/1.8 CZ to the PD-AF compatible choices:
NEX-5R lens compatibility upgrade .02, Mac
NEX-5R lens compatibility upgrade .02, Windows
NEX-6 lens compatibility upgrade .02, Mac
NEX-6 lens compatibility upgrade .02, Windows
Comments
Where we have put (?) that’s because the difference is not defined and we’ve never noticed any particular shortfall in performance, or heard any complaints about these aspects. Therefore we would assume this was ‘collateral benefit’ – an improvement which has come about through tweaking other functions. And it is reasonable to assume other collateral benefits may be present which Sony considers too slight to mention, or simply wishes not to refer to.
From past experience it is always worth doing these updates and there is no risk to your gear if you read and follow the instructions carefully.
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Added after upgrading our Alpha 77, making test shots before and after:
ISO 1600 noise/grain from firmware 1.05 – 100% clip sRGB, 1/13th at f/5.6 as metered
ISO 1600 noise/grain from firmware 1.06 – 100% clip sRGB, 1/15th at f/5.6 as metered, conditions identical, focal length 45mm not 40mm as first shot
Processing – ACR 7.1 with all NR and sharpening turned off, all parameters zero, linear, Adobe Standard profile etc.
Although there is no difference in the noise grain ‘size’ on examining a range of similar shots made from 1600 to 12800 ISO, the overall comparison favours the 1.06 update as having slightly less saturated colour noise and less tendency for blotchy green areas. With NR controls there is no great difference but 1.06 seems to be marginally improved.
1.06 changes the raw file data structure enough to yield a different metadata view. It adds a 350dpi resolution container, and fields to report GPS data in EXIF (whether or not GPS is active) which appeared for the image taken after the update, and do not appear in the shot taken beforehand, when checking metadata in Photoshop. There certainly is no great improvement but there are also more changes than Sony provide details for.
64-bit and 32-bit
On dPreview and other sites, some users state that the updater will work under 64-bit systems such as Mac OSX Lion and Mountain Lion. If it does, they are lucky and this is not a guaranteed fact. We tested the updater for Alpha 77 using several Mac systems and there is a significant difference in the time taken for the Mac to recognise the camera if a 64-bit system is used. In one case, a MacBook Pro would not communicate reliably with the camera regardless of the cable used and the state of reboot/clean environment. If the updater program does not immediately communicate with the camera and access the memory storage (red light flashing for several seconds), do not risk doing the update. The correct state of communication between host computer and camera is very fast indeed, moving between the steps of the update with no delay. Only the actual ‘run’ process takes a few minutes, during which time a progress bar will move steadily. If you have difficulty getting the updater to complete step one do not keep retrying on the same machine. Please note that for Mac users, there will be ‘device removed’ pop-ups appearing which are not mentioned in the instructions. These can be dismissed without any risk.
LONDON, UK. — March 22, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 beta, a preview of what’s to come in the next release of the industry standard in digital imaging, is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Customers can download the beta, try out the experience and provide feedback to the product team. Packed with groundbreaking new innovations, features and incredible performance enhancements, Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.
“Photoshop CS6 will be a milestone release that pushes the boundaries of imaging innovation with incredible speed and performance,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “We couldn’t wait to share this beta of Photoshop CS6 with our customers and are looking forward to hearing from them and seeing the ways they are incorporating the beta into their daily creative workflows.”
New Features in Photoshop CS6 Beta
Photoshop CS6 beta demonstrates Adobe’s focus on huge performance enhancements, imaging magic and creativity tools that offer customers a new experience in digital imaging. Key features include new additions to the Content-Aware tools: Content-Aware Patch allows greater control by letting users select and duplicate an area of an image to fill in or “patch” another, and Content-Aware Move lets users select and magically move an object to a new place in the image.
Customers will experience incredible performance, powered by the new Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine*, enabling near-instant results from popular editing tools including Liquify, Puppet Warp, Transform and Lighting Effects; and a refined, modern interface featuring dark UI options to make images pop. New and re-engineered design tools make creating designs faster and more efficient. Vector layers allow users to apply dashed lines and gradient strokes, searchable layers quickly zero in on any layer, and new type styles let designers swiftly apply type treatments to their designs.
In addition, the Photoshop CS6 beta offers all the features of Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended, such as new 3D editing features and quantitative imaging analysis capabilities. These features will be included in the shipping version of Photoshop CS6 Extended when it becomes available.
Pricing and Availability
The Photoshop CS6 beta is available immediately as a free download in English and Japanese. At installation, users will be required to provide an Adobe ID to complete a one-time login and online product activation. For information on how to install Photoshop CS6 beta, visit www.adobe.com/go/photoshopcs6. Customers can submit feedback via the Photoshop CS6 beta forum. Users can also connect with the Photoshop team via the community-powered site; on Facebook; YouTube; Photoshop.com blog; or via Twitter.
Sony has released updated firmware for NEX E-mount cameras, FW v5.0 which updates the bodies to accept the new LA-EA2 Alpha Phase Detect AF lens adaptor. The update works for NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-C3, NEX-VG10 and the professional video Sony NEX-FS100U.
Prior to this firmware update, the LA-EA2 only worked with the NEX-5N , NEX-7 and NEX-VG20. With the LA-EA2, a micromotor driven Phase Detect AF system is built-in, which allows the camera to focus with all A-mount AF lenses.
Key points of the new firmware update include Micro AF adjustment, when using this adaptor, for M-AF/SAL/SAM lenses, and the ability to assign AF points on the 15-point module, from the screen display.
Download the new function manual (from Ver.04 to Ver.05)
For UK/Europe etc cameras (this site does not appear to have the VG-10 update and is slightly muddled):
NEX-5 (Windows) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
NEX-5 (Macintosh) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
NEX-3 (Windows) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
NEX-3 (Macintosh) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
NEX-C3 (Windows) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
NEX-C3 (Macintosh) Firmware update , 15/12/2011
For USA/Canada cameras:
The download is approximately 65MB of data in a Mac .dmg mountable disk image, or some other stuff for Windows.
The process will take about seven to ten minutes overall including downloading, opening and completing the procedure. You need a battery for the camera with at least three bars showing – preferably fully charged – and your computer to camera USB cable. The actual transfer to the camera takes about four minutes follow by 30 seconds of internal processing.
During the Mac update, you may see this window when the camera is turned off for the upload from computer to camera, and at the end of the process:
Do not worry about this – it refers only to the Mass Storage connection. Do not let this distraction interrupt your process.
SLT-A65 Firmware Upgrade v 1.04
Windows
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478855
Apple Macintosh
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478884
SLT-A77V Firmware Upgrade v1.04
Windows
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478891
Apple Macintosh
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/478893
Features:
Adds auto-correction of JPEGs for two lenses:
Vario-Sonnar T * DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA (SAL1680Z)
Sony DT 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 (SAL16105)
Improved ‘usability’ – remains to be discovered what that means
Improved image quality (presumed to be JPEG quality and noise levels)
Faster command/menu/setting response (less time lag between control wheel and updated screen info)
Example: correcting the 16-80mm CZ lens wide open at 16mm – focused on an A2 target, a very close distance which exaggerates the distortion level of the lens:
Above: in-camera correction. For full size versions which allow you to examine the CA (very prominent at f/3.5) and the degree to which it is corrected in the Fine JPEG, click the images. As you can see the image is enlarged by correction, so not quite as much coverage is achieved. But it’s less than you imagine; a fully corrected 16mm shot ends up being similar to a 16.35mm lens on the vertical and horizonal axes, or a 16.55mm lens on the diagonal. That’s still wider than a rectilinear perfect 17mm, so it’s better to use a bendy 16mm than lay out for a Zeiss MF 18mm, if you want coverage. And even Zeiss 18mms show some curvature.
We’ve tested the 16-50mm as well and BOY does that lens distort at 16mm – far worse than the CZ – which makes it clear that the in-camera lens correction goes hand in hand with this lens. To get any kind of straight line image, it’s going to be necessary to use the correction or a profile for raw conversion in a program like Adobe Camera Raw which accepts lens profiles.
The responsiveness of control wheels changing settings is greatly improved – altering +/- EV compensation for example now responds almost in real time as you shift the control. No significant improvement can be detected so far in image quality despite the claims, at least with the 100 or so test shots we’ve taken at different ISOs using a Color Checker, and other spot checks for Low/Normal/High NR. But there are so many modes on the A77 including panoramas, multishot, DRO, that the improvement may well be specific functions which Sony will explain in more detail.
Sony’s Image Data Converter latest version – 4.0 – will handle all Alpha raw files from A100 to A77, and all NEX raw files. It offers improvements in performance and stability, but it also eliminates the need for the Lightbox application (found in v3) as a separate item. You simply browse for a folder of images, and IDC now shows a regular thumbnail browser with image information not unlike Adobe Bridge.
Double-clicking the thumb opens the image as expected in the raw editor. This has all the features of v3 are a bit more, but at least on a latest MacBook Pro with 2GB memory it seemed to crash and quit (normally after processing the file) rather too often.
One new feature, found when you save the file and not in the main processing controls, is a crop with Inclination Control and a grid:
Testing Alpha 77 raw files on the new software, the Bayer conversion seemed to be incredibly noisy and the noise reduction left fine detail heavily smeared much the same as for in-camera JPEGs, but the colour styles, DRO settings and some other aspects read from camera EXIF data are retained. It can not be recommended as a main choice for raw conversion, and certainly not for high ISO images, but it’s available and is a fairly small application to install on laptops or less powerful machines.
Download links:
– DK
After a little over a week of using the the Alpha 77 in firmware version 1.02 (as delivered in UK in late September), our Alpha 77 body locked up during a concert gig shoot when using the SAM 28-75mm lens which had been fitted for the first time that day. It is not possible to say whether the lock-up was caused by the lens, but after resetting the camera using the recommended button press and switch off/on procedure, no settings were lost and it returned to normal operation.
The reset procedure has now been officially published by Sony, at the end of the instructions for installing Firmware Version 1.03. At the time of writing this upgrade only appears to be found on Sony Asia websites. It is an international upgrade and not specific to the region. Here is the reset or recovery procedure to use if your A77/65 locks up and its screen menus disappear. Typical symptoms include loss of the lens aperture display (A77 top screen, blank dashes appear as if a lens is not fitted), the ability to view some menus but not change parameters, input from most buttons not working, and a visible faint light appearing in the EVF after the camera is turned off (unless the battery is removed entirely).
We recommend, before doing this procedure, that you turn the camera off and remove the battery for a few seconds.
Please try again to perform updating procedure after camera is rebooted.
The download process is not a load-to-card firmware, it is an update performed by either a Mac or PC with the camera connected by USB cable. It is necessary to have the camera either AC adaptor powered or with a fully charged battery, and the computer should ideally be running a clean state without other processes (i.e., not rendering, downloading, exporting, playing Flash or other media, performing backups). Sony recommends closing all programs but for many users this will not be a practical option. As long as all I/O and processor intensive tasks are shut down you should be able to keep essential programs, such as Sony’s web page on your browser, running. If in doubt follow Sony instructions and close all programs, do a restart, then run the firmware updater. We had so many programs running on the Mac it proved necessary to do a clean restart before running the updater.
Please note that the downloaded updater program is over 68MB and the updating process for the camera takes over 5 minutes.
The Alpha 77 firmware updater page for Mac OS is:
Europe/UK link – just change the camera name box for A65, this link gives access to all upgrades associated with each model:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/crl/slt/slt.aspx?site=odw_en_GB&m=SLT-A77
Asia link (works with all regions):
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/474605
For Windows PC:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/474591
The A65 update is here:
Mac OS:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/474599
Windows PC:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/474564
onOne Software have announced that a Public Preview of Perfect Layers is now available to download and try out, free of charge.
Perfect Layers is a standalone application that works on its own allowing you to create and edit layered Photoshop files. If you use Lightroom or Aperture and you’ve ever wanted to or wished you had the ability to create a layered file, then this is definitely for you.
Being able to take two or more files and combining them into a single layered file or taking a single image and duplicating it to create multiple layers and use blending modes to enhance them is very powerful and opens up all kinds of creative things you can do.
onOne have been working closely with Scott Kelby from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals on Perfect Layers to refine the feature set and get great ideas in general on Lightroom users need. Scott has been playing with early development builds of Perfect Layers and he (and the rest of his team including Matt Kloskowski and RC Concepcion) are very excited about the possibilities that Perfect Layers will bring to Lightroom users.
The Perfect Layers Public Preview will expire on June 30th, 2011. The final version, 1.0, will be available for purchase in mid-2011. At that time, Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 owners will receive a free product update that will include Perfect Layers 1.0. Suite owners and anyone interested in Perfect Layers can download the free public preview now.
onOne Software are announcing that a Public Preview of Perfect Layers is now available to download and try out, free of charge.
Perfect Layers is a standalone application that works on its own allowing you to create and edit layered Photoshop files. If you use Lightroom or Aperture and you’ve ever wanted to or wished you had the ability to create a layered file, then this is definitely for you.
Being able to take two or more files and combining them into a single layered file or taking a single image and duplicating it to create multiple layers and use blending modes to enhance them is very powerful and opens up all kinds of creative things you can do.
onOne have been working closely with Scott Kelby from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals on Perfect Layers to refine the feature set and get great ideas in general on Lightroom users need. Scott has been playing with early development builds of Perfect Layers and he (and the rest of his team including Matt Kloskowski and RC Concepcion) are very excited about the possibilities that Perfect Layers will bring to Lightroom users.
The Perfect Layers Public Preview will expire on June 30th, 2011. The final version, 1.0, will be available for purchase in mid-2011. At that time, Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 owners will receive a free product update that will include Perfect Layers 1.0. Suite owners and anyone interested in Perfect Layers can download the free public preview now.
