Photo Club

SanDisk have released a 32GB version of their Extreme III CompactFlash memory card. The new card’s 30MB/s (200x) read and write speeds enable users to record and transfer content quickly and reliably. All SanDisk Extreme III CF cards from 4GB to 32GB, as well as the new SanDisk Extreme III SDHC and SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO HG DUO, recently received a 50 percent speed increase from 20MB/s to 30MB/s. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF card has a retail price of $299.99 in the United States. Worldwide availability is targeted for October.

SanDisk Press Release

SanDisk Extreme III Compactflash Series Doubles Capacity And Boosts Speed 50 Percent With New 32-Gigabyte Card

Whopping Capacity and Increased Performance Make New Card Ideal for Use in Professional Video Cameras

MILPITAS, Calif. September 11, 2008 – Who says big cards can’t be fast? SanDisk Corporation today announced the 32-gigabyte (GB)1 SanDisk ExtremeВ® III CompactFlashВ® (CF) card, the latest addition to its award-winning SanDisk Extreme III line. Combining world-class storage capacity with fast data transfer rates, SanDisk’s new memory card is designed to meet the demands of professional digital videographers and photographers. For many cards, an increase in storage capacity often comes at a cost to speed, but the 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF card at 30 megabytes per second (MB/s) offers customers the best of both worlds.

SanDisk’s New Card Caters to Video Professionals
“High-definition camcorders require high-capacity memory cards, and our 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards offer video professionals longer record times and improved data transfer rates,” said Susan Park, director of consumer product marketing for SanDisk’s performance cards. “Our award-winning SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards carry a tradition of excellence, and the recent series-wide speed increase to 30MB/s advances their legacy as professional-grade storage devices.”

Reinforcing SanDisk’s position as a leading innovator of flash memory technology, the 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF card provides increased capacity for longer-duration filming, and its 30MB/s (200x) read and write speeds 2 enable users to record and transfer content quickly and reliably, thus maximizing critical workflow. These complementary features make the new card especially attractive to field producers and camera crews who typically operate under tight deadlines.

“The 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CompactFlash cards are a great fit for our Infinity DMC 1000/10 and DMC 1000/20 camcorders,” said Scott Sheehan, director of marketing for new and emerging markets at Thomson. “Our customers want a choice in media that meets the needs of their file-based workflows. Solid state memory provides the fastest access to such content, and with SanDisk CompactFlash it’s also affordable. Using SanDisk’s 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card, our customers can record more than 80 minutes of 100 MB/s, 10-bit, 4:2:2 HD video at the high performance needed for today’s professional video applications.”

The 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF memory card will be featured at the Thomson Grass Valley booth at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam Sept. 12-16. Thomson will showcase its line of professional camcorders in conjunction with SanDisk’s new 32GB card, and demonstrate the practical applications of the card’s increased storage capacity and speed.

Increased Storage Capacity Proves Advantageous to Photographers
The 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF card benefits professional photographers, who often shoot strictly in RAW format. RAW images demand up to ten times as much space as regular JPG images. Photographers often use continuous shooting mode during high-action situations such as sporting events or theatrical performances, and the high resolution photos add up quickly.

All SanDisk Extreme III CF cards from 4GB to 32GB, as well as the new SanDisk Extreme III SDHCв„ў and SanDisk Extreme III Memory Stick PRO HG DUOв„ў, recently received a 50 percent speed increase from 20MB/s to 30MB/s. Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme III CF cards possess the industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature, ranging from minus 13F (minus 25C) to 185F (plus 85C).

Pricing and Availability
The 32GB SanDisk Extreme III CF card has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price in the United States of $299.99. Worldwide availability of the card is targeted for October.

About SanDisk
SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (http://www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity is not available for data storage.
2 Up to 30 MB/s read/write. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes. X=150KB/sec.

PhotoShelter have announced a limited-time opportunity to purchase a selection of prints from The PhotoShelter Collection. Handpicked by PhotoShelter’s team of editors, the prints reflect the wide aesthetic range of images contributed by PhotoShelter’s global photographer community. PhotoShelter Prints are available today through until October 1, 2008. PhotoShelter may formally launch a PhotoShelter Prints line which would then be open to participation from the full PhotoShelter community of photographers. 

PhotoShelter Press Release

Limited Time Opportunity to Own Prints from Independent Photographers Who Contribute to The PhotoShelter Collection

New York, NY, August 21, 2008 – PhotoShelter Inc., where an online community of 42,000 independent photographers find success through image sales and archiving technologies, today announced a limited-time opportunity to purchase a selection of prints from The PhotoShelter Collection. Handpicked by PhotoShelter’s team of editors, the prints reflect the wide aesthetic range of images contributed by PhotoShelter’s global photographer community, from exquisite floral still life to Las Vegas Elvis impersonators. Available now through October 1, 2008, images can be viewed and purchased at http://www.photoshelterprints.com. 

Since the September 2007 launch of The PhotoShelter Collection, the company’s stock photography marketplace, visitors have frequently requested the ability to purchase prints – recognizing the contemporary art quality of images contributed by PhotoShelter photographers who range from renowned Pulitzer Prize winners to undiscovered, or emerging young talent from around the world. PhotoShelter Prints is a direct response to these requests, and part of the company’s ongoing exploration of new sales opportunities for independent photographers. 

“With thousands of contributors from more than 160 countries around the world, we’re in a unique position to make independent photography accessible, at reasonable prices, too,” said Allen Murabayashi, PhotoShelter’s CEO. “We’re excited about the potential of PhotoShelter Prints to continue to help members of our community be successful, and we’re looking forward to introducing these exceptional images to homes and collections everywhere.  Some of the work has never before been offered publicly.”

Two galleries of images are available; one offering photos with a contemporary aesthetic and the other a classic. The selection of images and contributing photographers is a broad sample of the diverse work and specialties available as stock photography through The PhotoShelter Collection. In addition to dozens of emerging talented photographers, notable contributors with prints available through this offering include Radar Magazine Photo Editor Stacey Pittmann, award-winning editorial photographers Ami Vitale and Landon Nordeman whose images regularly appear in the world’s most widely read newspapers and magazines, and Andy Biggs whose African wildlife images are currently featured in Banana Republic retail stores across the United States. Print prices vary by size, ranging from $100 to $450. All images are printed on archival quality Kodak Pro Endura Supra paper, which offers print stability and longevity of up to 200 years. 

PhotoShelter Prints are available today through until October 1, 2008. Pending the success of PhotoShelter Prints, the company may formally launch a PhotoShelter Prints line which would then be open to participation from the full PhotoShelter community of photographers. 

About PhotoShelter Inc.
PhotoShelter is where 42,000 of the world’s photographers find new opportunities and liberation from the traditional model of selling their work. The PhotoShelter Collection is a global stock photography marketplace where photographers from 160 different countries contribute over 4,000 new images daily, for rights-managed and royalty-free licensing. Through PhotoShelter, photographers keep an unprecedented 70% of every sale as compared to the industry standard of 35%. The Collection provides image buyers with a freshness that results when accomplished pros and undiscovered hobbyists share their distinct perspectives in an edited collection designed to add diversity and authenticity to any project. PhotoShelter Personal Archive is the leading online solution that enables independent photographers to succeed in selling their images directly to clients.  Personal Archive provides state-of-the-art tools for image storage and protection, searchable galleries and slideshows and ecommerce capabilities for easy website integration and instant online sales of prints and licenses.  A true solution designed to make the business of photography easier to manage – Personal Archive offers security, global accessibility, and advanced marketing tools so photographers can make their images work harder for them. 

To join our community, visit http://www.photoshelter.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Canon has just shipped its 100 millionth digital compact camera. Beginning with the PowerShot 600 in 1996, Canon has delivered a total of 106 models Compact digital camera models. “We are delighted to reach such a landmark number in camera production,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Canon pledges to continue searching for new technologies, and new designs, that let everyone capture their most precious moments.” To mark this milestone, a special colour variation model will be launched in the near future.

Canon UK Press Release

A great day for popular photography: Canon ships 100 millionth compact digital camera

United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, 19 August 2008: Canon is pleased to announce that the company has shipped its 100 millionth digital compact camera. To mark this milestone in popular photography, a special colour variation model will be launched in the near future.

Beginning with the PowerShot 600 in 1996, Canon has delivered a total of 106 models Compact digital camera models (including regional models) as of August 5, 2008 around the world. During this time, the Canon name has become synonymous with revolutionary digital compact camera design. Highlights have included:

IXUS Digital (2000) – compact, stylish and easy to use, this model spearheaded the digital point-and-shoot revolution, leading in turn to massive market expansion.

PowerShot A70 (2003) – the best-selling model worldwide during 2003, this
A-Series camera was renowned for its superb operability and great value.

Digital IXUS i (2003) – with its smooth, chic lines, the Digital IXUS i paved the way for female-orientated digital cameras.

PowerShot G7 (2007) – this 10MP model carved out a position for high-end functionality in the compact digital camera market.

PowerShot S5 IS (2007) – this super zoom model brought outstanding 12x zoom power to the digital compact camera market.

Canon has also led the evolution of compact digital cameras, with a number of groundbreaking technologies. DIGIC high-performance image processing continues to process extra-rich image data at high speeds. Ultra-compact lenses deliver smooth, blur-free results with built-in image stabilisation. And Canon iSAPS technology assesses shooting conditions to provide outstanding, accurate exposures.

“We are delighted to reach such a landmark number in camera production,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Canon pledges to continue searching for new technologies, and new designs, that let everyone capture their most precious moments.”

Details of the special colour variation model will be announced soon. 

While taking pictures is easy, especially in this digital world, mastering the art of photography is not always clear and straightforward. There are a lot of variables to factor in and one of them is Depth of Field (DOF). The first barrier that usually makes people's eyes glaze over is that it is a mathematical calculation. It combines a number of different factors including the distance of the camera to the object being photographed, the focal length of the lens, as well as the aperture that is being used.

The ExpoAperture2: Depth Of Field Guide was developed to make this process much easier and much more accessible to the average user. While there are several versions, the one that I am reviewing is the combo pack which contains two ExpoAperture disks. The first covers standard focal lengths (15-135mm), and the second is for telephoto lens lengths (70-600mm).

ExpoAperture is a tool that will allow you to take control over depth of field and let you apply selective focus within your images. This guide will show you the relationship between focal length, focal distance, aperture, and the resulting depth of field and let you make the calculations you need quickly and easily.

Just what is an ExpoAperture disk? It was invented by George A. Wallace as a companion product to the ExpoDisk. Essentially, it is a small hand calculator made of durable plastic that can fit easily into your camera bag or shirt pocket so you can always have it with you.

There are two ways to use ExpoAperture. First is to determine the aperture that will produce your desired depth of field, or to figure your depth of field by your chosen aperture.

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Sigma have released a new firmware update, v1.08, for the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Improvements include:

1. Corrects the occasional phenomenon of an image recorded in RAW format appearing to have an unnaturally large file size.
2. Corrects the rarely occurring error of camera freeze and image recording failure when shooting continuously or if the shutter button is pressed when the CF Card Busy Light is blinking.
3. When Bulb Mode is used Sigma Photo Pro now displays the actual shutter speed used in the exposure rather than just showing the word “Bulb”.

Read More..>>

Nikon are now offering to upgrade the buffer of your Nikon D3 DSLR so that it can capture more shots with a single burst of continuous shooting. In the highest quality RAW format, the number of shots is increased from 16 to 36, quite a significant improvement. The service costs $500 plus state tax and all shipping costs in the US, and will take up to two weeks to be completed. Requests for the Buffer Memory Expansion service will be accepted beginning July 30th, 2008.

Website: Nikon USA – D3 Digital-SLR Camera Buffer Memory Expansion Service

Website: Nikon Europe – D3 Digital-SLR Camera Buffer Memory Expansion Service

Canon USA have announced the Canon EOS Rebel XS, which was first unveiled in other markets last month as the EOS 1000D. “We are proud to introduce the new EOS Rebel XS camera at a very exciting time in digital imaging. As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. Expected to ship in August 2008, the black or silver Canon Rebel XS camera is only available in a zoom lens kit version, which includes the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The Canon Rebel XS’s estimated retail price is $699.99.

Canon USA Press Release

CANON’S NEW EOS REBEL XS CAMERA LOOKS TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photographers Looking for the Next Step Up From Their Point-and-Shoot Camera Will Enjoy the High-End Features and Fun-to-Use SLR Technology of Canon’s Newest Rebel Camera

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 8, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the introduction of the EOS Rebel XS, a new entry-level digital camera that affordably puts Canon SLR technology such as an Optical Imaged Stabilized lens and easy-to-use professional features into the hands of emerging photographers. Consumers looking to take their photography a step further and begin shooting with an SLR will find the transition easier than ever with Canon’s new Rebel XS digital SLR camera. From the parent photographing a little league game, to the tourist shooting a wondrous new city, the Canon Rebel XS camera makes photography easy for everyone. Canon has also introduced the latest model in the EX series of Speedlite flashes: the Canon Speedlite 430EX II.

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera was designed to embody what customers have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle. The new Rebel model also incorporates Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor and 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate where the number of consecutive shots in a burst is only limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the camera. 

“We are proud to introduce the new EOS Rebel XS camera at a very exciting time in digital imaging. As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

A first in Canon’s EOS line-up, the Rebel XS camera’s continuous JPEG burst rate allows users to continuously shoot a scene until the memory card is at capacity. This will be particularly helpful for new photographers looking to capture that perfect image of a moving subject.

The Live View function allows users to frame and shoot images in real time via the camera’s 2.5 inch LCD screen, a great feature for users accustomed to framing shots via LCD monitors on point-and-shoot digital cameras. The Camera’s Auto Lighting Optimizer detects dark areas of an image and automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to ensure optimal image results. The Canon Rebel XS allows greater ease of use through large control buttons and easy-to-see operating panel indications such as ISO settings visible through the viewfinder and Canon Speedlite controls through the camera LCD menu.

The Rebel XS incorporates an APS-C size (22.2 x 14.8 mm) CMOS sensor with 10.1 million pixel images and Canon’s exclusive high-performance DIGIC III image processor to help deliver high levels of imaging performance and responsiveness. It also has Canon’s exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which features both hardware and software-based dust removal technology. Additionally, weighing less than 1 lb./450 grams, this camera is the lightest body in the EOS digital series camera lineup.

The EOS Rebel XS camera is compatible with Canon’s extensive lineup of more than 60 EF and EF-S lenses, including the Image Stabilizer-equipped EF-S18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS, which is included in the camera’s standard zoom lens kit package. The Canon Rebel XS will be available in black or silver colored body variations.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II
The new Canon Speedlite 430EX II, which succeeds the 430EX, realizes an approximately 20 percent reduction in recycling time compared with its predecessor. Like the 580EX II, the 430EX II allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor[ii], and also offers a quick-lock attachment system and a metal mounting foot for improved contact reliability and durability. The new Canon Speedlite 430EX II will carry an estimated retail price of $329.99.

In the Box
Expected to ship in August 2008 the Canon Rebel XS camera is available in a zoom lens kit version, which includes the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens, a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera’s estimated retail price is $699.99.

Though standard in the EOS Rebel XS kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand-alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99. 

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting http://www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

Kodak has introduced the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography. With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the KAF-50100 sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. The new Kodak KAF-50100 sensor is the first to utilise the new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers. In an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot). The KAF-50100 is first being used in the new Hasselblad H3DII-50 camera.

Kodak UK Press Release

Kodak Achieves New Breakthrough in Imaging Technology

World’s First 50 Megapixel CCD Sensor Sets New Standard for Professional Photographers

London, UK, July 8 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography.

At 50 million pixels, or megapixels, the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1-ВЅ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot).

What’s more, the KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor features a newly designed pixel that is smaller in size than the pixel used in current products for this professional market. This new pixel also reduces “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, lowers power consumption for improved battery life, and improves colour fidelity without compromising on the benefits to be enjoyed from larger pixel sizes.

“Professional photographers need to capture ever-increasing image detail with higher camera performance, and that drives us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market,” said Michael Miller, manager of Kodak’s CCD Image Sensor Business, part of the company’s Image Sensor Solutions group.  “Kodak image sensors have been known as the professional imaging standard for years, and today’s announcement reaffirms our dedication to provide industry-leading image sensors that give professional photographers a real competitive advantage.”

The new Kodak sensor is the first to utilise the company’s new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers.  Based on a newly designed 6.0 micron pixel, the platform provides increased data throughput for faster frame rate, a reduced “click to capture” time for improved camera response, lower power consumption for improved battery life, and improved colour fidelity, while still retaining key performance parameters available from the larger, 6.8 micron pixel used in current products.  With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the 50 million pixel sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. 
The KAF-50100 is the latest addition to Kodak’s family of full-frame CCD image sensors for the professional photography market.  Engineering grade devices of the KAF-50100 are currently available, with volume production planned for Q4, 2008.

For additional information regarding this technology, please contact Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company at (585) 722-4385 or by email at .  For more information on Kodak’s entire portfolio of image sensors, please visit http://www.kodak.com/go/imagers.

About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, PluggedIn.kodak.com, and GrowYourBiz.kodak.com

Stop procrastinating! You know you should turn those sleeves, slide mounts, and shoeboxes full of negatives, transparencies, and prints into digital image files. And if you want complete control, it’s a buy-a-scanner/DIY project. But how much do you have to spend to get high quality? And should you go with a dedicated 35mm film scanner, such as the $550 (street) Nikon Coolscan V ED or a flatbed with transparent media adapters, such as Epson’s $720 (street) Perfection V750-M Pro?

Microtek offers another way — the ArtixScan M1 flatbed and film scanner combo (www.artixscanm1.com). Well priced ($550, street), it boasts glassless direct scanning of film (much like a dedicated film scanner) in sizes up to 4×5 inches at 4800×9600-dpi (actually, samples per inch) optical resolution. With a 48-bit pixel depth, Microtek claims a dynamic range of 4.4 Dmax. (Dmax is the darkest area of an image that can be captured and still show detail.) This rating is quite high.

Microtek’s glassless Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (E.D.I.T.) reads directly from the film’s emulsion side, with the original held flat, under tension, and applies an autofocus system that analyzes several scans at different focal positions, and makes the final scan at optimal focus. Autofocus can zero in on the center of the film, a point you select in the frame, or be switched off.

If you’re willing to flatten your originals against glass, the Microtek captures film (negatives and transparencies) as large as 8.5×10 inches and prints up to 8.5×14 inches.

The M1′s approach sidesteps the limitations of traditional flatbeds, such as the Epson, which requires a secondary light source in the lid and must scan through a sheet of glass that’s a dirt magnet and may not flatten the film completely. And, unlike the Coolscan V ED, the M1 isn’t limited to 35mm slides and film.

Unlike the Epson flatbed and the Nikon film scanner, the Microtek doesn’t include hardware-based Digital ICE scratch-reduction technology. Instead, there’s SRD dust and scratch removal built into the SilverFast SE Plus software that complements the Microtek ScanWizard Pro application bundled with the unit. Like the Epson, the M1 supports wet-mounting of problematic film originals to temporarily “fill in” scratches.

The most difficult part of getting up and running with the ArtixScan M1 is finding a place to put it. Weighing more than 26 pounds, it occupies 15.2×6.1×22.3 inches of tabletop real estate. Install the included software onto your Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Macintosh OS X computer, plug in the power cord and USB 2.0 cable, reboot, and you’re ready to begin calibrating (both print and film IT8 calibration targets are included) and scanning.

The $110-extra “Pro” package adds the top-of-the-line SilverFast Ai Studio scanning software and an extra set of film holders. Both ScanWizard Pro and SilverFast Ai Studio offer efficient batch scanning (a must when you have scads of originals to digitize and want to gang them together).

The upgraded SilverFast software includes multi-exposure capabilities that streamline creating high-dynamic-range (HDR) images, pulling extra detail out of the darkest areas of your film originals. There also are 120 preset negative film profiles, as well as sophisticated grain, noise, dust, and scratch elimination.

If you’re in the market for a flatbed scanner that can also handle film in a variety of formats, the Microtek ArtixScan M1′s glassless dual-media system is attractive — especially if you frequently switch between prints and film originals. Just make plenty of desk space.

David D. Busch has written nine books on scanners, and is the author of the camera-specific David Busch’s Guides to Digital SLR Photography for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony DSLRs.

MASTER COPIES

Scanning isn’t tough. In fact, it’s easy and fun. But most of us don’t do it frequently enough to master (or remember) the subtleties. Here are three Very Confusing topics clarified:

1 The right resolution. To capture all the detail in a 24x36mm slide, use the highest optical resolution you can. Dedicated film scanners generally provide 4000-spi (samples per inch) resolution, while flatbeds typically offer 4800 spi. Scanning a print? Any resolution above 600 spi will just give you a better picture of the grain, and huge files that eat up hard-drive space and slow down your image editor. (Why is “spi” more accurate than “dpi”? Because scanners don’t have dots. Nor do monitors, which are described in ppi, or pixels per inch.)

2 Removing halftones. If your work has been published in books or magazines, you’ll discover that moirГ© patterns appear when scanning halftone images. All scanners have a Descreen or moirГ© filter that essentially blurs the halftone dots enough to make them less noticeable. (After the filter has been applied, you might want to restore a little sharpness with a small amount of Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen in Adobe Photoshop.) You can also subdue halftone effects by scanning at a higher resolution and resampling to a smaller size or rotating black-and-white halftones on the scanner bed slightly when scanning. (This technique is less successful with color halftones, which typically have four different halftone screens, each at a different angle.)

3 From scan to print.
The drivers for today’s inkjet printers can produce good prints from scans at virtually any resolution. But if you insist on optimizing your scans for your printer (or for output on commercial presses), there’s an excellent calculator that takes all sorts of variables into consideration at www.scantips.com/calc.html.

BOTTOM LINE: Serious resolution, dynamic range, and image-fixing software without a serious financial commitment.