Lens rental company Lensrentals has posted an interesting blog post on the subject of filters. Ostensibly side-stepping the issue of whether UV filters are actually beneficial, it illustrates the effect of stacks of UV filters of different qualities. Acknowledging this isn't a real-world application, it does show that, if you are going to use filters, you probably shouldn't try to skimp on them. The post also shows exactly why you should never be tempted to stack more than 49 filters on the front of your lens.
MISC NEWS Published: 21:03 GMT
Panasonic, FujiFilm and Casio have all released firmware updates for compact camera models. Casio has updated firmware for its ZR100, ZR10, H20G and TRYX models, mainly improving compatibility with the long obsolete Mac OS 9. Panasonic meanwhile has improved the 'menu indications' for the FP3 and FH22/FS33 models. Finally, Fujifilm has adjusted the image sharpness and saturation of its XP20/XP22, XP30 and Z90/Z91 models, as well as making improvements to playback mode.
UPDATE Published: 18:24 GMT
DxO Labs has launched FilmPack 3, the latest version of its silver halide film simulation software. The software now includes the ability to mimic up to 60 famous black and white, and color films, based on calibration from professional prints, giving what the company claims is the most precise film simulation on the market. Version 3 adds new film looks and color filters. It also brings a greater degree of control, including HSL sliders, a channel mixer for optimizing Black and White conversions and, at customer request, the ability to add vignetting. Custom film styles can also be created by mixing the color response of one film with the grain pattern of another. The software is available as standalone software or plugins for DxO Optics Pros, Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture.
SOFTWARE NEWS Published: 13:00 GMT
DxO Labs has launched Optics Pro v6.6, an updated version of its raw processing and correction software. Version 6.6 adds more noise control options along with a color control slider and support for extra cameras, including Panasonic's GF1 and GF2. The update means all the JPEG corrections available for fully-supported cameras can now be manually applied to images from unsupported cameras. It also provides compatibility with the simultaenously-released FilmPack 3. Users who've purchased DxO Optics Pro since 1 June 2009 get the upgrade for free while a 30% discount is available at launch.
UPDATE Published: 13:00 GMT