aperture

Watch displays time in F-stops

If you're really crazy about photography, take a look at this F-stop Watch. Instead of displaying 1 to 12 on the face of the timepiece, this quirky analog watch uses aperture numbers such as F2, F5.6, and F11 to tell the time. It's unclear if the iris shown behind the needles will open and close to correspond with the F figure (smaller number, larger opening, and vice versa). If so, that'll make this watch really cool for photographers.

The F-Stop Watch can be found on the NeatoShop for $39.95.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Extra Mac fonts included in Aperture, iMovie '09, more

Many of Apple's applications have gone the route of being self-contained packages, hiding their resources from the casual user to protect file structure integrity. This has also allowed Apple to include many interesting resources, such as extra fonts, with these applications.… Read more

Ordering a book from Apple in Aperture 3 results in white screen

Those users choosing to do their photo editing in Apple's Aperture 3 may find that when ordering a book they have created, the order window may turn white, resulting in a failure to process. This issue generally occurs after filling out the order form and clicking the "Place Order" button. … Read more

Apple supports new high-end compact cameras

Apple recently issued software that lets iPhoto and Aperture handle raw photos from a range of new compact, higher-end cameras from several manufacturers.

Camera makers are racing to compete in a new market pioneered by Micro Four Thirds models from Olympus and Panasonic that feature small camera bodies but also interchangeable lenses. The Apple update adds support for Olympus' newer E-PL1 model and Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G10 and G2 models in this range.

Others are getting into the market too, and Apple supports them as well: Samsung's NX10 and Sony's NEX-5 and NEX-3. Each of these ranges has its own incompatible lens mount compared with the Micro Four Thirds models.

Also supported in the update is Sony's recently released lower-end Alpha A390 SLR, a more traditional design. … Read more

Apple releases raw image profile update

Apple released an update to its raw image compatibility profiles, adding support for the raw format from a number of new camera models. The update lets you manage raw images shot by newer cameras in Aperture 3 and iPhoto '09. The update is available for Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.

The specific cameras that Apple added to the compatibility list are:

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS Olympus E-PL1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 Samsung NX10 Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Sony Alpha NEX-3 Sony Alpha NEX-5

In addition to this update, which is available for download at on Apple Support Web page, … Read more

Making the switch to Apple? Get the perfect setup

With the undeniable popularity and success of the iPhone 4 (despite the antenna debacle), iPad, and ever-increasing Mac sales, Apple is gaining customers faster than ever. If you're thinking about making the switch, this could be your perfect setup.

Component one: iPhone 4 Now in its fourth iteration, Apple's iPhone has forever changed the mobile phone landscape by thrusting touch-screen technology to the tips of every tech geek's tongue and every consumer's wish list. Despite its early and somewhat overblown issues, iPhone 4 has had record-setting sales. With the exception of the complaints from a vocal minority regarding its antenna, … Read more

iOS 4 update causes poor photo quality

A number of people who have upgraded their iPhones to iOS 4 have found that previously stored pictures will appear grainy, as if a lower-quality version is being used. This seems to affect only pictures that were on the phone before updating; new pictures taken with the phone or uploaded to it seem fine.… Read more

Apple expands raw, tethered camera support

Apple's Mac OS X 10.6.4 update Tuesday contained several additions of note to serious photographers: support for several cameras' raw image formats and for tethered shooting with Canon cameras in the company's Aperture software.

Apple, like photography software rival Adobe Systems, is on a constant treadmill supporting new cameras' raw formats. The proprietary file formats offer higher quality and greater flexibility, but each camera has its own format for software companies to decode.

By my scrutiny of previous Apple announcements and the updated Apple raw image support page, here are the new cameras supported beyond earlier … Read more

Aperture 3: Good option for photo enthusiasts

With three updates now out of the way since its debut in February, Apple's Aperture 3 is ready for prime time, and I recommend the software.

The $199 software is geared for photography enthusiasts and professionals, especially those who shoot raw images rather than just JPEG, and I put the software through its paces for several weeks for a review. My overall opinion: It's solid software that produces very nice images.

If you're an iPhoto user who wants more, it's a good upgrade, though it costs $199 new. If you're an Aperture 2 user, it'… Read more

Adobe announces angst-laden iPad software effort

Adobe has begun a new effort to bring imaging software such as Lightroom to the iPad and other tablet computers--but the leader of the work also is fretting over the control Apple has over it.

"I love making great Mac software, and after eight years product-managing Photoshop, I've been asked to help lead the development of new Adobe applications, written from scratch for tablet computers. In many ways, the iPad is the computer I've been waiting for my whole life," Adobe's John Nack said in a blog post Thursday. "I want to build the … Read more