Photo Club

The Kubota Pro Pak is a bundled package of products that contains six of the most popular tools from Kevin Kubota’s professional image enhancing tools for Adobe Photoshop. This package includes the four Artistic Series of actions, his Production Tools, as well as his Formula Book which contains 42 separate recipes to get just the look you want.

Who is Kevin Kubota and what makes his actions so special? Well first off he was named one of the top ten wedding photographers of 2007 by Popular Photography Magazine for giving his customers more than they expect by capturing fresh, expressive images. He has now taken that philosophy to Photoshop processing by providing the same techniques to you via his image tools.

Today I will look at the four actions sets known as the Artistic Tools. In case you are not familiar, a Photoshop action is an automated series of steps that have been recorded to provide an effect or series of effects. Some of these actions are totally automated, while others have stopping points that request you to perform some action, usually to paint in where you want some sharpening to occur. In all cases there is a pop-up window that tells you what you need to do.

Artistic Tools Vol. One: The “Classic Film Effects” Pak
In this pak you will find a variety of Black & White Actions, organic film grain, cross-processing effects, sepia effects, and monochrome toning. This set contains over 40 Actions and it includes Skin Cream, Fuji Snappit, Vignette, as well as Eye and Teeth Enhancer.

The black and white effects include conversions that give nice film grain effects without introducing digital noise. In this way they look much more organic and have a better feel. There is not a loss of sharpness and in fact many times the sharpness appears enhanced. There are actions that smooth skin, add glow to the image, add a Hollywood effect, as well as other creative effects for a vignette, giving a romantic feel, and adding vibrancy to the image.

There are color actions that can add a bright sunny effect, a cross processed look, and a contrasty Fugi Velvia film look. There are also image correction actions that raise the shadow values, lower contrasts and saturations, adding warming gel filters to add mood to an image, as well as a mid-tone brightener. There are even actions that will attempt to fix images shot with the wrong white balance. There are examples of “Classic Film Effects” Pak on the Kubota Image Site.

As I said in my review of her DVD training video The Fine Art of Photoshop, as soon as you see it, you can recognize a Susi Lawson work of art. There is something about it that jumps off the page and says look at me! In this, her first video, Portrait Magic, Susi Lawson shares more of her techniques and insights with working in Photoshop, but also show you how to work with Corel Painter as well.

Portrait Magic contains 16 videos. These videos show how to work in concert between Photoshop and Corel Painter. They cover techniques of working with brushes, creating portraits using photos to begin your creation, and using Photoshop and Painter skills to enhance with drawing and painting over the image. Portrait Magic comes with the videos and the necessary images so you can follow along.

"Background" is a set of two videos that will show you how to work with replacing the background in an image. In this lesson you will see how to create different backgrounds that can be used to enhance a portrait. The first video begins with Photoshop to modify the background and set a border. Then you see how to do the same type of thing using Painter. You will also see how to incorporate the colors in the image to match to the background.

"Beginning Enhancement" shows you how, in Photoshop, to crop an image to better frame it. Then you will see how to use curves to enhance your image. Next, working with an airbrush you will clean up skin, use the dodge tool to lighten the eyes, as well as dodging to bring out highlights in the hair.

"Charcoal Effect" uses the same portrait from the background lesson that was done in Painter and turns it into a charcoal portrait. Here you will learn about using charcoal techniques to convert and enhance an image and see what it takes to create a charcoal sketch using Painter.

"Cover Girl" (two videos) begins in Photoshop to work with masking layers to set up a portrait by darkening out the background, cleaning up the imperfections, adjusting the skin, and adding highlights to hair. Then the switch is made to Painter to add more creative effects to the image. Here you will add stars, pixie dust, and other techniques to make a creative image.

"Dragonizer" is an action that has become popular online that adds use automation to perform image enhancements and add a lot of impact to your image. In this video, after blacking out the background, you essentially run the action and it walks you through the steps of the dragonizer. There are times that you can make adjustments to your liking but all-in-all this lesson shows you how to create a unique group image.

Have you ever wondered how professional photographers make their subjects stand out from the background? You may see an insect on a flower that is in focus and everything else is blurred. This is a standard trick used by the pros that is called selective focus. One method of doing this is to control depth of field in the camera by using a large aperture lens to produce a narrow depth of field.

Another method is to hand-manipulate the image in an image editing program such as Photoshop, but that can take time and some skill to get it to look good without that manipulated feel — that is, until FocalPoint from onOne Software.

FocalPoint gives you the ability to use selective focus to remove distracting backgrounds and allows you to force the viewer's line of sight directly onto the subject. While this is often used in macro photography, it is also very popular in portrait, wedding, commercial, and editorial photography as well.

To run FocalPoint on Mac you need OSX 10.4.10, 10.5 or higher with either 1 GHz G5 or Intel core processor. On Windows you need XP SP2, Vista, or later, 1GHz Pentium 4 processor or equivalent. And then you need Photoshop CS2, CS3, or Photoshop Elements 4 (on Mac) or Elements 5 (on PC) or later. You'll need a minimum of 1 GB ram (2 GB recommended), 25 MB disk space, OpenGL 1.5 video card, and Adobe Flash Player 9 for tutorial movies. On a PC you also need Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher.

So what do you get with FocalPoint?

• Selective focus – gives you the ability to add selective focus to images after they have been taken. Unlike attempting this in the image, there is no special knowledge or additional equipment needed. Also, unlike camera-based selective focus, you can adjust the degree, the plane, as well as the "sweet spot" — the un-blurred area of your image — well after the image has been taken.

• Adding vignettes – will now let you lighten or darken the edges of the image to minimize the distractions within the image's edges and focus the attention back to the subject.

• Blur control – gives you the ability to blur via two shapes, planar and round. The planar simulates a tilt-shift appearance similar to that what you would get in a view camera, or a tilt shift lens. It gives a sweet spot that slices through the image from one side to another. The round creates a round or oblong sweet spot that is similar to using a selective focus lens.

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Pre-PMA 2008: Pentax has unveiled its latest mid-priced DSLR – the K20D. The camera is based around the successful K10D body with the addition of a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and sees the addition of live view for the first time on a Pentax DSLR. It also features this season’s de rigueur feature: an expanded dynamic range function.

Press Release:

PENTAX K20D: A High-Performance Lens-Interchangeable Digital SLR Camera for Truly Demanding Photo Enthusiasts

Coupling a New Image Sensor to Optimize Lens Performance with an Array of Features to Maximize the Fun and Excitement of Digital Picture-Taking

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to introduce the PENTAX K20D lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera. This medium-class model offers superb image quality, an array of advanced features and outstanding reliability and operability to meet the specialized and exacting demands of photo enthusiasts, including advanced amateurs. It incorporates a newly developed image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses, while offering the features and functions needed to maximize the pleasure and excitement of digital photography.

The K20D’s development was based on the popular PENTAX K10D, which not only attracted great interest and high acclaim from users around the world, but also swept prestigious camera awards across the globe in 2007.

The new CMOS image sensor, exclusively developed for K20D, is designed to optimize the performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring approximately 14.6 effective megapixels and the latest noise-reduction technology, it assures superb image quality a step above its predecessors.

The K20D also offers an array of advanced features and user-friendly functions, including: a new Custom Image function that lets the user select or adjust the image’s finishing touches to their preference; an upgraded, more reliable SR (Shake Reduction) system; a comprehensive Dust Removal system; a multi-mode exposure system for faithful reproduction of the photographer’s creative intentions; and a dependable dust-proof, water-resistant body construction. As a result, the K20D easily meets the diversified, exacting demands of discerning photographers.

Major Features

1. High-quality image reproduction

■ Newly developed CMOS image sensor:
The K20D features a newly developed CMOS (complementary metal oxide silicon) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. After a thorough review of previous image sensors, PENTAX greatly reduced the area of circuitry around the pixel field to expand the light-sensitive area, while narrowing the camera’ depth to nearly 60%, it achieved overall downsizing. Since it can detect diagonal light with great accuracy, the sensor can bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. It also keeps annoying digital noise to a minimum by automatically raising its own sensitivity, allowing to increase the sensitivity from ISO 100 to the highest level of ISO 6400 (via a custom function).

■ Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life, rich-gradation images:
The K20D’s new CMOS sensor features an approximately 14.6 effective megapixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating PENTAX-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life descriptions, it assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images. In addition, the K20D features a new Custom Image function, which lets the photographer select one of six finishing touches to reflect his or her creative intentions with great ease.

■ High-performance, high-speed PRIME imaging engine:
The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, it assures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor and other photographic factors, including white balance. This imaging engine also features a DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

2. PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism assuring greater reliability

The K20D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm realize further image stabilization. Since it does not require special anti-shake lenses, this extends outstanding shake-reduction benefits to nearly all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.

3. New Live View function
The K20D features a new Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel during shooting. This comes handy when the photographer must move his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low- and high-angle compositions. This function also allows the user to confirm the shake-reduction effect on the monitor during the shooting.

4. Expanded Dynamic Range function
The K20D has added a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.

5. Comprehensive Dust Removal system, including prevention, removal and confirmation devices
The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the image sensor surface through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the image sensor in advance.

6. Custom Image function for easy creation of intended images
The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the users select one of the six modes and adjust the image’s finishing touches to their presence. Allowing a minor adjustment of tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, this function enables the user to take photographs with their intend image. The user easily operates the selection and adjustment process by recording a preview images and checking the effect.

7. Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions

■ Hyper Program function:
The K20D’s Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.

■ Hyper Manual function:
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

■ Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.

■ Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode:
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with great ease.

8. Bright, clear viewfinder
Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D’s viewfinder offers an approximately 95-percent field of view and an approximately 0.95-times magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

9. Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K20D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 74 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

10. Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject’s expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user can take up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second.**

** The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode.

11. Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
The K20D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

12. High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF
The K20D’s sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

13. Powerful rechargeable batteries
The K20D features new, large capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images***, approximately 50% more compared with conventional one, when fully recharged. Drastic improvement of battery capacity is realized with through energy saving design.

*** Under testing condition prescribed by PENTAX, when using D-LI50 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with no flash

14. Other features

• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases
• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Universal-type X-sync socket (new feature)
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Digital Preview for recording images in addition to checking
• Optional Battery Grip (D-BG2) for extended shooting sessions
• Nine digital filters to add creative and artistic touches
• In-body RAW data development for image filing in JPEG and TIFF formats
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software, PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3, browser software and PENTAX REMOTE Assistant 3, camera control software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

Pentax K20D specifications

* New or changed compared to the K10D

In a series of free upgrades, Image Trends has added RAW image file compatibility to its SensorKleen Pro software and improved the user interface of its Pearly Whites and ShineOff plug-ins. SensorKleen will output touched-up RAW images in the DNG format. SensorKleen Pro automatically removes spots in photos that were created by dust on a digital SLR sensor. The PearlyWhites and ShineOff plug-ins let users whiten teeth and reduce the appearance of shine on skin in photographs of people. The ShineOff and PearlyWhites upgrades provide a new user interface with a slider for controlling the amount of facial shine removal and tooth whitening applied to an image.

Current owners of the software can upgrade for free by clicking on the Image Trends logo within each program. For new purchasers, the Windows-based SensorKleen Pro costs $99.95, and ShineOff and PearlyWhites are available for $49.95 each in both Windows and Mac versions. Free trial version of all three programs are also available from the Image Trends Web site.

Software maker Image Trends has announced a new AutoMatting program that automatically creates custom digital mats for photographs, and sizes them to a selected aspect ratio. This creates a consistent look for vertical and horizontal photographs shown together on any kind of display device and eliminates black bars. AutoMatting can process single images and batches. It creates a custom mat with a beveled edge effect for each image. Each mat incorporates colors and patterns from the photograph it displays.

A Windows version of AutoMatting is available for $49.95 or as a free trial from the Image Trends Web site. The company says it will create a Mac version of the software if there is a demand for it.

In addition to the FX format (Full-frame) D3 Nikon has also announced the new DX format D300 which also features a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400 (with boost), the new CAM3500DX AF sensor (51 point), HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and last but not least the super-impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor with Live View. No ordinary Live View either as this one supports Auto Focus in two ways; using the current ‘normal’ mirror-drop / mirror-raise but also contrast detect in the same way as a compact camera (although slower). The D300 will be available in November, at around US$1800.

Press Release:

Nikon launches the D300

Guide price: D300 body only £1299.99 / €1980*
*full list pricing, including lens, accessories and bundles will be available in September

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D300 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR), a camera that sets new standards of compact professional performance. The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3” VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

“Packed with the latest technologies and Nikon’s renowned ergonomics, the D300 sets a new standard for professionals on a budget,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The D300 is a true ‘go-anywhere’ camera, delivering fast response, high performance and ease of use that will appeal to anyone serious about their photography.”

Speed and Performance

The D300 is loaded with the latest professional technologies designed to produce images of the highest quality. The high-resolution 12.3 MP DX format CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack). The D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag. 

Accuracy

The D300 boasts a self-cleaning sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor’s optical low pass filter. The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-3200 plus Lo 1 (the equivalent of an ISO 100) and Hi (ISO 6400 equivalent). Image accuracy is also enhanced by the new Nikon Scene Recognition System, which uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB colour sensor modified to recognise subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the new 51-Point Autofocus system in tracking subjects by their colour, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering. The D300 also offers Live View, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. Autofocus is possible in both Live View modes. 

Enhanced Images with EXPEED

The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D300’s ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing expertise. The D300 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.

Ready for tomorrow

The D300 is completely high definition. From the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, to the HDMI interface for HD ready displays, the D300 is ready for tomorrow’s imaging environment. The controls of the D300 were designed for ease of use, with an easy-to-view top LCD panel and an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change colour according to the ambient lighting conditions.

The totally intuitive 8-directional multi-area selector makes selecting any of the 51-Point autofocus settings simplicity itself.

Durable and Dependable

The D300 continues Nikon’s long tradition of sturdiness and durability. The camera body is built from a magnesium alloy, while the camera’s shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles. The D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.

Total Imaging System

Like the D3, the D300 isn’t just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The D300 is compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System of NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provides a complete solution for any photographic challenge. 

One accessory that can extend shooting life, add ergonomic vertical shooting practicality and increase frame rate to up to 8 fps* is the MB-D10 optional Multi-Power Battery Pack. The compact MB-D10 simply attaches to the base of the camera. Unlike other grips, the MB-D10 does not occupy the camera’s battery space, so one can shoot with two EN-EL3e batteries, or add a powerful EN-EL4a battery into the mix.  The D300 and MB-D10 can also be powered by AA size batteries as well. *Requires EN-EL4a.

Wireless Networking

Nikon pioneered wireless image transmission. Now, with the new Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-43, the era of the multi camera network has arrived. Not only can one transmit (‘push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, the WT-4 also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well. In a wireless environment, networks of up to 5 D300 cameras can be established and image thumbnails from all connected cameras browsed simultaneously and relevant image files ‘pulled’, while the photographers continue shooting.

The D300 body measures 147.2 (W) ×112.8 (H) × 74(D) mm and weighs just 795 grams.

Available in November 2007.  

Nikon D300 specifications

* New or changed compared to the D200

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DigitalCameraReview has a review of the GE E850 and writes, “The GE E850 is, overall, an average camera. It is easy to use, it’s built well, and it has decent battery life. Image quality has some good aspects and some bad ones. I thought that the color reproduction and macro performance was good, but noise performance, lack of dynamic range, and edge softness detracted from the good column. Also, its speed of operation is pretty sluggish. However, the biggest problem facing the E850 is that the competition is already ahead and this camera doesn’t do anything to help it catch up. It lacks optical (or mechanical) image stabilization and it’s priced similarly to models that do, like the Canon Powershot A570 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80, and the image quality is not good enough to recommend it over some other cameras that may even be cheaper.”

Read More..>>

Image Trends has announced SensorKleen Pro, a standalone Windows program that automatically removes artifacts created by dust and debris from batches of digital SLR images. A Mac version is expected to be available by late 2007.

SensorKleen Pro is available for $99.95 on the Image Trends Web site A trial version can also be downloaded there. Current owners of SensorKleen, a previously released version of the software that provides semi-automated sensor-dust-spot removal, can upgrade to SensorKleen Pro for free.

Getty-owned microstock site iStockphoto, has announced a series of awards and financial incentives for its members, and warmed the hearts of post-structuralists everywhere by declaring August 19 “Punctum Day.” The “holiday for creatives” is named after the term that literary theorist Roland Barthes used to describe the poignancy of an image for an individual viewer. The holiday also commemorates the date on which the French government unveiled Louis Daguerre’s daguerreotype technology for capturing a photograph in 1839.

As part of its Punctum Day celebration, iStockphoto will give away $5000 awards to members whose work is judged to be the year’s best by their peers on the site and a panel of judges. Member voting begins on July 23, 2007 and will be open until August 13. Members may vote for images to be selected in any of five categories: Image of the Year, Vector of the Year, Video of the Year, Flash File of the Year, and Design of the Year.

Guidelines for the contest are available at www.iStockphoto.com/punctumday. The top ten finalists will be announced on August 19, and the winners selected from among those finalists by the panel of judges will be announced on September 4. The Image of the Year will be printed in large format and mailed to top iStockphoto customers.

iStockphoto’s image inspection team will also select winners in two additional categories, Most Improved Contributor and Contributor Most Deserving of a New Camera. The former will be awarded $5,000, while the latter will receive the deserved camera, a Canon EOS 5D kit with lenses valued at $5,000. In addition, the winner of the ominous-sounding Steel Cage Battle of the Year will be announced later in September.

Other upcoming incentives are designed for iStockphoto’s exclusive contributors: The site will allow unlimited image uploads from them on August 18 and 19. iStockphoto has reduced its exclusivity eligibility requirement from 500 downloads to 250 for contributors who have a 50% image acceptance rate. On an unnamed date during the two months following the announcement on July 23, all exclusive contributors will receive 100% of their sales revenue for the day, instead of the much lower standard rate.

In September, iStockphoto will also expand its contribution to Getty’s Photodisc stock collection. Both Diamond-level members (with at least 25,000 downloads) and Gold-level members (with at least 10,000 downloads) will be allowed to submit up to five images to be considered for the Photodisc collection each month.

Some slight increases in iStockphoto’s image pricing are slated for August, with the base per-credit price for photos increasing to $1.30 from $1.20. Lower credit pricing is available with higher-volume credit purchases. Details on the new prices are available at www.istockphoto.com/pricing2007.