Photo Club

Every day here at Buy-n-Shoot.com we search the net constantly for the latest news items. However, in our day-to-day surfing we quite often come across links to various free software that could be quite useful to our visitors. So we’ve decided to create a quick list of them.

Before publishing links to the software we had a few simple criteria they had to pass:

1. Must be totally free to download

2. Must not have any adware, spyware or other program bundled with it

3. Must not be trial or demo software

4. Must in no way generate revenue for its makers

The list of free software is true to the above 4 points at the time of publishing: 09-02-2008. Should any of the free software below be updated and fall outside of the criteria please notify us and we will remove the software from the list. 

PLEASE NOTE:

— The list of software published below is not an endorsement for any product

— Buy-n-Shoot.com does not receive any payments or freebies by the companies listed

— Any software downloaded is done so at your own discretion

#1 AVAST – ANTIVIRUS

avast! Home Edition is now free of charge for HOME users for NON-COMMERCIAL use. It is available in many different languages and can be set to be complete automatic, from downloading the latest virus definitions to updating the program software as it becomes available.

Get it at: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

#2 OPEN OFFICE

An excellent alternative to Microsoft Office and is 100% totally free to download, use and distribute. OpenOffice is a multiplatform, multilingual office suite, an open-source project and compatible with all other major office suites.

Get it at: http://www.openoffice.org

#3 THUNDERBIRD

Thunderbird is Mozilla’s next generation e-mail client. A fantastic alternative to Outlook, that looks just like Outlook and matches it in pretty much every way. Thunderbird also allows the user to apply ‘themes’ to change the look completely.

Get it at: http://en.www.mozilla.com/en/thunderbird/

#4 THE GIMP

GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It can perform tasks such as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer or an image format converter.

Get it at: http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/

#5 PICASA

Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you locate and organise all the photos on your computer. It can perform simple edits and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks.

Get it at: http://picasa.google.com/

#6 PRIMO PDF

Pretty much converts any file you have open (that can be printed) into a PDF document. This is not a program you can ‘run’ from the ‘Start Menu’, but a handy application that works by selecting to print what ever item you have open, then selecting ‘PrimoPDF’ in your printer options. From there you can save the document as a PDF in any location on your computer.

Get it at: http://www.primopdf.com/  

#7 AM-DEADLINK

Detects dead links and duplicates in browser bookmarks and text files. If a bookmark has become unavailable you can verify and delete it permanently. Additionally you can download FavIcons for all your Favorites and Bookmarks.

Get it at: http://www.aignes.com/deadlink.htm

If you have any further software recommendations that fit our criteria please email them through for assessment. If we believe it is a good product the software will be listed.

KODAK Gallery and Slide announced today they have teamed up, making it easy for people to use Gallery photos on social networks. Kodak Gallery’s 60 million members can now share their stories on the web, including MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, Bebo and other popular social sites. With a combined Web audience of more than 200 million the partnership brings together the world’s largest online photo service and personal media company. 

Starting today, KODAK Gallery members will be able to transform their Gallery photos into portable slideshows with music and share them widely on the Web, including popular social networks and blog sites MySpace and Blogger. The co-branded service, located at www.slide.com/kodakgallery, is the first phase of a deeper Slideshow product integration that will be rolled out throughout the year.

“KODAK Gallery is committed to making it easy for our 60 million members to share their stories anywhere, whether it’s through photo gifts, on kodakgallery.com or on social networks,” said Madhav Mehra, chief operating officer and vice president of product marketing and management, KODAK Gallery. “We partnered with Slide because they’re pioneers in turning photos into tools for self expression and storytelling on social networks. We’re very excited that we can extend all the great sharing benefits of the Gallery to include this new product.”

Here’s how the service works: 

1.       Go to www.slide.com/kodak to view and choose Gallery photos
2.       Personalize Slideshows with frames, backgrounds, music and other features
3.       Share on MySpace or other social networks with one click

“Slide‘s mission has always been about helping people express themselves through shared media across the Web,” said Keith Rabois, vice president of strategy and business development at Slide. “Kodak is well-known as an imaging innovator. We’re excited to partner with such an amazing brand to enable their members to share their pictures more broadly.”

Leica Camera AG is proud to announce the introduction of the LEICA M8 Upgrade Programme at PMA, an innovative concept adding lifelong value retention to the digital LEICA M8.

The first upgrades are due to be available from August 2008 (orders can be placed on www.leica-camera.co.uk from March 2008) and the programme will include a further reduced shutter sound, a scratch-proof sapphire glass cover for the LCD monitor, the installation of latest firmware and a fresh two-year warranty.  

A series of further upgrades are planned for the future, ensuring that Leica continues to offer the latest digital refinements and developments, whilst maintaining the camera’s status as a unique long-term investment.

Leica Camera will collect and return all LEICA M8s direct from customers who order the upgrade package, and camera functions will also be checked whilst the camera is in Leica’s care.   From August 2008, the upgraded LEICA M8 is due to be available as a finished product option to compliment the current M8.

Throughout the years, Leica M photographers have come to rely on superb picture quality, a special handling experience, and most importantly, a camera that will span generations.  The M8 Upgrade Programme ensures that this won’t change in the continually developing digital industry.

“While other digital cameras quickly become outdated and are replaced by newer models, our new concept extends the value retention that stands for the Leica brand.  Over time, we will gradually offer new product features and developments as upgrade options.” Comments Steven K. Lee, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “Our customers can therefore still invest in the photographic tools they need without worrying that they will miss out on improvement and technological developments along the way.  We are confident that this is the right approach for ensuring customer satisfaction and allowing them to continue to sharpen their vision and refine their skills with the Leica M8.”

Olympus have released a firmware update for their ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD lens. The update simply provides improved focusing precision on distant subjects when using the C-AF (continuous AF) mode. The update can be downloaded from the Olympus Japan website.

To download the free update visit:

http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/

Zuiko Digital 12-60mm Lens

The Zuiko Digital 12-60mm Pro lens is a high-performance standard wide zoom lens that features the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) lens drive mechanism and covers a versatile zoom range that’s the equivalent of a 24-120mm (35 mm) film format lens.

The newly developed Olympus-original SWD has made possible an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet and high-precision AF system.

Optimized for use with the concurrently released E-3 camera, this lens enables the E-3 to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing the fastest autofocusing available in the world* using a standard zoom lens.

*Among interchangeable lenses for Digital SLR cameras. Measurement based on our in-house measuring standard. (As of Oct. 17, 2007, surveyed by Olympus).

With minimal geometric distortion at its widest angle, the digital-dedicated design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge even when used at fully open apertures!

This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 25 cm throughout the zoom range.

The splash-proof and dust-proof design and robust construction makes it suitable for professional use.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 digital camera review : The contemporary digital compact cameras have gone beyond just being functional; they have also proven themselves an excellent asset to flaunt. For a certain amount of consumers, the cameras looks even outweigh its actual performance. Because of this, many of today’s shop windows are filled with the most lavishly designed cameras, each and every one even smoother and more stunning than the next. All of these cameras, however, have one main thing in common: they are all perfectly suited to take good quality photos. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 does indeed qualify as a design camera, its appearance seems to almost exceed its functionality.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 – Large LCD monitor
However, a digital camera such as the Konica Minolta X1 is far from being called a bad choice; with no less than eight Megapixels and a 3x optical zoom, the DiMAGE X1 easily meets the basic requirements for a compact camera. In addition, a good format LCD with a diameter of 2.5-inch has been placed on the back of the camera. Just as one would expect from a design camera, the looks of the Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 come across absolutely stunning. During the test periods, I received unprecedented attention with the camera. After having said that, I should perhaps concede that it was not yours truly that attracted such undivided curiosity, it was mainly Konica Minolta’s latest gem that captivated people’s interest. Therefore I have to admit that the designers at Konica Minolta have truly put in tremendous effort to create a genuine design extravaganza.

Konica Minolta X1 – CxProcess III processor
Naturally, there is more to a digital camera than design alone. It is what’s inside that counts, a sound piece of advice that we too have often had whispered into our ear. To achieve just this, Konica Minolta has used one of their own developments, the CxProcess III processor. In combination with the lens, this should lead to spectacular results. Theoretically, this is far from easily accomplished, as the Konica Minolta X1 has a resolution of 8 Megapixels. On a small image sensor, this can quickly lead to a lot of digital noise with higher ISO values and other unpleasant things such as purple fringing and a smaller dynamic range. However, with Konica Minolta’s vast array of experience, we are keen to see our expectations met.

Konica Minolta X1 review
The lens of the X1 camera is rather small, but does however have a range of 37-117 mm when compared to a 35mm camera. The fact that Konica Minolta has managed to achieve this, should beyond question be looked upon with sheer admiration. Naturally, a considerable amount of knowledge had already been acquired from the previous models from the Konica Minolta X-series. The Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 has promising specifications and a beautiful design. To see whether these two assets really do form a perfect combination, we have had the opportunity to test the camera for a considerable amount of time. The results can be read in the following Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 review.

Olympus Mju mini Digital digital camera review : Olympus proudly introduced a new stylish designed digital camera in September 2004. The Olympus Mju-mini Digital became true. Of course many camera manufacturers introduce new models mentioning the stylish design. However, the Olympus Mju mini digital beats them all. The Olympus design department achieved a mayor break-through and the result is definitely worthwhile. This new camera recently became available on the Dutch market and the consumer can choose from various coloured housings.

Olympus Mju mini Digital – Weather resistant housing
The DIWA Award Design winning camera has a weather resistant housing and is the latest model from the popular Mju series of digital cameras. This series has been sold well worldwide and is renown for its high quality finish with emphasis on image quality besides design. The new Mju mini Digital’s design is superb and at this moment unique. The Olympus Mju 300, Mju 400 and Mju 410 still have a more traditional appearance where as the Mju-mini has the honour to be the first, presented in its new outfit.

Olympus Mju mini Digital – Features
The Olympus Mju mini digital camera is equipped with an image sensor (CCD) delivering a resolution of 4 Megapixels. Beside that, the camera is equipped with a 2x optical zoom lens, an all-weather housing, and he is available in no less than 6 different colours. The Olympus Mju-mini digital is perfect to carry around with you, always and everywhere, extremely compact, delightful to the eye and easily operable. The weather resistant housing is a welcoming extra, although it can’t be used under water, it enhances its reliability during rainy days, in the snow and on and around the boat. Due to the fact that the Olympus Mju Mini digital is usable in many weather circumstances and on different locations, the usability of the Mju mini Digital is more versatile than a camera with a traditional, non- weather-resistant housing.

Olympus Mju mini Digital – Worldwide
Olympus is achieving its goal worldwide with the Mju mini digital camera. Beautiful countless advertising campaigns reach our eyes and it looks like Olympus is holding the perfect selling item! We put the camera into practice for a few days. Our experiences can be found in the following review.

Pentax *ist DL digital camera review : Pentax showed us a new digital compact SLR camera at the beginning of June 2005. It’s not intended as a successor of the current Pentax *ist DS, but it surely is a digital reflex that looks rather similar to the *ist DS. At first glance you’d even think they are identical except for the larger monitor on the Pentax *ist DL. But there is more to it than that. Pentax will continue its production of the *istDS (for now) and the Pentax *istDL will be available as a cheaper alternative for the *ist DS.

Pentax *istDL digital SLR – Light weight and Low price
The difference in price is interesting, some 150 euros. This low price makes the Pentax *ist DL the cheapest digital reflex camera for now (August 2005). And the smallest one, because Pentax still is an expert in manufacturing small cameras. The Pentax *istDL SLR also lost some weight compared to the *ist DS. This loss of weight is probably due to replacing the prism for mirrors. Normally the prism is situated inside the viewfinder of a reflex camera, but in the *ist DL digital SLR the light is being diverted to the ocular through mirrors. This technique is also used at the Canon EOS 350D and the Nikon D50. So it might not be a coincidence that these two cameras are the biggest competitors of the Pentax *ist DL digital reflex.

Pentax *ist DL SLR camera – Auto focus system
Something else that has changed compared to the Pentax *ist DS is the auto focus. The *ist DL uses a 3-point auto focus where as the *ist DS uses an 11-point auto focus. Also the sensor has become one step less sensitive, which won’t get noticed much in practise. The internal buffer has decreased; it’s capable of containing a maximum of five images. More items have been improved. The most important one is the monitor on the back of the camera. Pentax *ist DS users couldn’t complain about the 2-inch sized one; let alone *ist DL users. The Pentax *istDL features a giant 2.5-inch sized monitor. And this on a camera as small as the *ist DL! Competitor Canon may want to take an example by this.

Pentax *istDL digital reflex camera – Digital camera review
Furthermore the Pentax *ist DL continues with the familiar concept, a compact camera particularly aiming at the beginning photographer. The digital reflex camera will be available in silver and in black. If you purchase the Pentax *ist DL you will have the disposal of an enormous amount of lenses. Not only auto focus lenses can be used, but also the older manual lenses will fit the Pentax *ist DL SLR camera. Just like Nikon; Pentax kept the same mount on its new camera. Ideal for those who still have some lenses lying around. Keep in mind the focal lengthening of 1.5x. On paper the Pentax *ist DL seems a very attractive camera. We were the first to get the opportunity to test the Pentax *istDL for a longer period of time. And this review contains our experiences with the Pentax *ist DL in practice.

Pentax Optio WP digital camera review : Beginning of 2005, Pentax introduced a camera that is capable of shooting pictures under water, besides of course the normal way of shooting. This is a unique feature of the Pentax Optio WP. No more wasting your time with underwater bags or what’s so ever. The Pentax lets you shoot on a depth of 1.5 meters and the digital camera will keep up for 30 minutes (the so-called JIS class 8). Diving however still requires special housings, but the underwater function is great for the average snap shooter that wants to take pictures in and around the swimming pool. Also for those who want to keep on photographing in rainy weather. The Pentax WP is not the first digital camera to be water resistant, in the past, Casio also offered a similar model. It even floated on the water, where as the Pentax Optio doesn’t, it would sink if you let it go. But the Pentax WP camera is capable of handling a larger depth.

Pentax WP digital camera – Waterproof
The five Megapixels of resolution are sufficient to enable the Pentax Optio WP delivering fine enlarged prints. The lens offers a 3x optical zoom ranging from 38mm to 114mm, actually a universal range. The fact that the Optio WP is waterproof makes the lens stay inside the camera, in stead of extending. If it did extend, water might enter through the seams. The construction of the lens is very special; it features eleven lens elements in nine groups. With great admiration we look at it and wonder how on earth Pentax did it…

Pentax Optio WP – Compact and LCD monitor
The size of the Pentax Optio WP is pleasantly compact; it fits perfectly in the pocket of your trousers or shirt. The Pentax WP digital camera is easily carried around, to the swimming pool for example. Just hide it inside a rolled up towel and no one will notice. The large 2.0-inch monitor on the back of the camera makes shooting in or on the water easy. Of course on land the large screen is also appreciated. The Lithium Ion battery should guarantee many photos that get stored on a Secure Digital memory card.

Pentax Optio WP review
Pentax aims at the average consumer with the Optio WP: the photo-grapher who just wants to shoot snapshots without having to worry about settings and stuff. Therefore the Pentax Optio WP is a straightforward camera. You won’t find aperture or shutter priority on this camera, let alone a fully manual operation. In stead the Optio WP works with pre-programmed settings. However, there are still many things on the WP that can be adjusted. We received the Pentax Optio WP and were able to review the camera thoroughly in the wettest summer ever in Holland; at least we had a good chance to test the water resistance of the camera! Our experiences can be found in the following digital camera review.