Acer S243HL

Slimline and environmentally friendly, this Acer model is a great budget buy

Acer is a less well-known name in the monitor arena, but it has been consistently pushing out high-quality displays for all price ranges. It also makes an effort to keep its technology environmentally sound, which is why its latest LCD screens are more energy efficient, which as well as reducing CO2 output, also saves on running costs. The monitor that we’re looking at here helps to reduce CO2 output by 16.04kg, partially helped by the product’s overall thinness, which at less than 15mm makes this the slimmest 24-inch display on the market at the time of release. The monitor also uses White LED technology, which doesn’t contain hazardous substances and can reduce power consumption by up to 68 per cent.

Of course, we’re all for saving the planet with savvy product choices, but a monitor needs to deliver in other ways too. Luckily, Acer hasn’t sacrificed technological advances in favour of ecological ones. This is a widescreen LED display with full HD resolution, high contrast, two HDMI interfaces and a fast response time. And for less than £300 to boot, aiming this monitor firmly at the home user who needs to upgrade from their system’s standard screen to something a little more attuned to image-editing work.

Setting the screen up is easy – just connect it up via the standard ports that your current monitor uses. Saying this, it’s worth bearing in mind that there is no DVI port (there is a VGA port), so you may need an HDMI-to-DVI cable to connect to your computer. We were up and running in moments, after making a few adjustments to the screen’s rotation to suit (it can tilt by -5/15 degrees), but we were disappointed that there was no rotation options, as we like to work in portrait mode on occasion.

It’s a big screen, but because of its thin profile, it actually doesn’t have much of a desk footprint. The sleek brushed-silver stand has an array of buttons, highlighted by a soft blue glow (orange in standby), which control the screen’s setup for brightness, contrast, etc. The stand is L-shaped, which means that you can slot your keyboard right underneath when not in use for space saving on smaller desks.

In use this is a good monitor, especially for the price. It offers an 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio (the first display to do so), which boosts clarity and detail. This is used in conjunction with Acer’s Adaptive Contrast Management, which analyses and adjusts images frame by frame to optimise contrast. When working in Photoshop, it’s nice to have the extra space if you don’t already have a widescreen monitor, pushing the palettes to one side while you work. Detail is enhanced, making edits simpler, and the built-in colour management helps with calibration. However, colour accuracy could be improved on the screen, as some brighter colours appeared dull and blacks are soft. We tried the monitor out for day-to-day use and for entertainment purposes as well as image creation, finding it good for both, though graphics were a little softer in a high-performance online game and it can appear dim at times, but there is no lag or ghosting. The viewing angle suffices horizontally, but does suffer a bit vertically in comparison to other models. Similarly, edge-to-edge sharpness isn’t quite as crisp as in some similar spec models.

This monitor offers full HD resolution, making it feasible for watching films on or playing the latest games. However, it doesn’t come with a HDMI cable as standard, so it’s an extra investment if you wanted to use this functionality.

Overall, this is a monitor that delivers in size, reduced power consumption, aesthetics and functionality, but it is let down by some faults in colour accuracy and vibrancy on screen. With other manufacturers starting to release models at the same price band, we think that Acer needs to push its technology further forward in its next incarnation or it may get left behind. For now, though, it’s a good buy.

Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW 4-in-1

A multipurpose print device with an economic price tag

The Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW is a machine described as elegant and intelligent, and we can only assume these apply in a technological sense. Aesthetically the PX810FW is anything but elegant. The footprint of this machine will take over many home desk spaces, challenging most studio settings. It does have nice curves and a contemporary gloss finish that complement its 19.8cm viewing display – 13.5cm bigger than its predecessor, the PX710FW. However, weighing in at 11.3kg, with dimensions of 466 x 458 x 198mm, it is comparatively bulkier than its nearest competitor, the Canon PIXMA MP990.
Putting these portly factors aside, does the PX810FW manage to hold its own against competitors through its impressive technological range?

Prints per minute: This device promises to print A4 documents at speeds of up to 40 ppm. Couple this with a main tray that holds 120 sheets of A4, and you’ve one hell of a print solution

Well, print quality is – rest assured – presented to a high-definition standard, when using the appropriate complementary photo papers, eg Epson Premium Glossy Photo paper, 255g/m². The print resolution, up to 5,760 x 1,440 optimised dpi, is again slightly less than similar devices, but the Epson Claria Photographic Ink pulls through and provides impressive results under scrutiny. These are promised to last longer than lab-quality prints. The ever-present Micro Piezo print head assures smooth gradients and clear colour tones as Epson users have come to expect.

Returning to the qualities of ‘elegance’ and ‘intelligence’, the PX810FW’s touch panel begins to validate these descriptions. This is used to streamline a host of on-screen functions. Here users will comprehend simple icons and scroll through option sets effortlessly – including standard Copy, Print, Scan and Fax types. Photocopy and Fax settings are as you’d expect, dealing with dialling options, colour modes and greyscale density. Scan options are slightly more intuitive, set up to work with stationary and portable devices – delivering scans to desktop computers, memory cards and email. Scan quality is similarly impressive, with the PX810FW delivering a resolution of 4,800 x 4,800dpi and a scan time of little more than a single second for 300dpi images; these are noticeable upgrades from the PX710FW.

RGB conversion: The PX810FW printer is designed to work with consumer devices, all utilising RGB colour space. Confusing as it may be with a CMYK print gamut, to view and match image prints you will need to convert to an RGB colour space

Print settings supply nine individual types for you to choose from, presenting both recreational and practical options. Photo layout sheets, proof sheets, and view and print options correspond with the latter. These are subject to editing such as before and after ViewPhotoEnhance effects and manual Crop, all performed real-time on your touch screen. More frivolous options provide fun on a broader scale for family users – including the popular play movie and print option, which re-creates stills from your moving images, and the ever-popular greeting cards and CD/DVD option set. There’s a delectable CD tray that whooshes out with the push of a button, which really boosts the aesthetic and entertainment appeal of this machine.

The connectability of this Epson 4-in-1 is also an extremely attractive feature. With Hi-Speed USB, compatible with USB 2.0 specification, your images are uploaded automatically to the PX810FW within seconds – we counted three. This means there’s no down time when utilising option sets. In fact, all functions ran at an optimum speed, making this print solution great for deadline-day print runs. The PX810FW comes standard with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth, which mean that you can print to anywhere around your working space. This makes its dimensions and housing less of an obstacle in hindsight. However, it does seem far more of a hollow feature for home users and, once more, pushes this machine towards the economic studio environment – particularly when deploying proof checkers and copywriters in alternating studio/office spaces. All in all, the Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW

4-in-1 is a machine that has succeeded in turning our original reservations on their head. Throw in extra functions such as double-sided printing, automatic feeding and a ten-second print time and it becomes a comprehensive device that easily matches its closest market competitors and surpasses most by providing that little extra in its entertainment features.

Mini Review: PX810FW supplies

We compare compatible inks and paper stock, seeing if these are as economic as the device price

Epson Stylus Photo PX810FW 4-in-1 does not only provide an economic device but accessories to match, contributing to the high functioning of your printed material.
The 255g/m² Epson Premium Glossy Photo paper gets the best results. This five-star media is ink dry within 30 seconds, water resistant and has a resin-coated base, which allows the paper to maintain vivid, lifelike colours. All this makes it the ideal solution for printing photographic, promotional and portfolio material.

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Innovative prints: This media is engineered to give you the highest resolution and colour saturation possible

The PX810FW supplies a six-cartridge system – including Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Individually, these cost a set price of £10.68 (approximately $15.98), for each tone. Alternatively a six-pack can be purchased for £54.98 – that’s a saving of around £9, approximately $13.47. Couple this with its ink economy 1.5 pl (minimum) with Advanced Variable-sized Droplet and Micro Piezo printhead technology, and it becomes even more cost-effective.

Eye Candy 6

Alien Skin’s latest plug-in is a feast for the senses

Eye Candy by Alien Skin Software has long been the Photoshop plug-in of choice for those keen to create realistic textures in their images, without the hassle and hard work of creating them from scratch.
It’s fast and easy to install – you can use it within minutes. In just a few moments you have 30 filters and in excess of 1,500 presets at your fingertips, allowing you to get creative right away.

Previous Eye Candy users will notice the enhanced interface. It’s far more streamlined and accessible, making it easier to find what you’re looking for among the numerous options available. Settings are now grouped together into distinct categories, with a slider interface to help you create exactly the look you want. Once you’ve fired up Photoshop, Eye Candy 6’s Filters panel can be accessed via the Extensions menu. With the image, object or text you want to customise open, you simply select the type of texture or text effect you want to apply. Effects are split into two sections: Text & Selection, and Textures. The former is a group of effects that would normally be best applied to text and logos, whereas the latter is designed for use with larger selections and whole images – for instance to create textured backgrounds.

Once you’ve picked an effect, a new window opens revealing a preview of your image and a range of options on the left, arranged in a folder hierarchy. The effects available include a wide range of realistic presets such as Wood, Glass and Chrome, in addition to Animal Fur. When editing text the choice is simply mind-boggling, and you’ll have hours of fun sifting through all the options, including a range of textures, shadows and other realistic effects that will make your logos stand out from the crowd. The Textures category is even more impressive. Although the plug-in isn’t primarily designed to work with photos, you can create some interesting results working on selections in digital images, adding textures to backgrounds, objects and people’s skin, for example.

Fire: The Fire filter is excellent, with a huge range of presets to choose from. We also added a Chrome effect to the text layer and altered the colours reflected in it to match the fire

As if this wasn’t enough, once you’ve found a preset you want to use you can customise it further to ensure your finished image looks precisely as you envisioned. Take the Animal Fur effect. You can alter everything from the length and frequency of the hairs on your subject’s surface to the hair direction and depth of the shadows created – the results are very impressive. Other notable features include the ability to work with the 64-bit version of Photoshop and in the CMYK colour space – a boon for professional-level users working on large images in particular.

Users also benefit from the innovative Gallery Wrapper, designed to help print images to go on 3D media-like canvases, where portions of an image may need to be wrapped around a framework, for example. A Button Maker quickly creates styles for use on the web, directly from your own text selections. It’s a good idea in theory, but there’s a disappointing lack of options, unlike every other aspect of the software. We can’t cover every facet of this software in such a short space, but rest assured there’s plenty to explore and you’ll get some stunning results. If you’re a graphic or web designer, Eye Candy 6 really is a feast for the senses.

www.alienskin.com/eyecandy/

Photo Bundle from Alien Skin

We take apart this professional package and explore what effects it has to offer

Alien Skin’s premier special effects software set, Photo Bundle, includes five of its flagship plug-ins – both accessible with the latest editions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements. It provides not only high technical capabilities, but also beneficial economical solutions. Photo Bundle retails at $595, approximately £380. That’s $500, approximately £318, cheaper than buying individual packages.

With its all-inclusive creative sciences, Photo Bundle is designed to improve your workflow yet still finds time to provide solutions that ultimately entertain the effects-driven consumer. Here you’ll be able to manipulate sophisticated lighting effects, improve image delineation and resolution quality, as well as restore disturbing artefacts from your photo stock and apply one-click cool filters just for fun.

Bokeh
After a positive review in issue 54, we know Bokeh is a capable focus-effects software. These can be applied through sophisticated lens styles, which in turn can be edited from preset menus. Focal regions, blur amounts and exposure impact are all customisable. The Radial option produces a parameter around your image, with effect strengths subject to drag-and-shape diameter selections. The Planar option works much like a Photoshop gradient tool – dragging from a central focal point outwards, creating gradual blur effects. Amount and Aperture are accurate and we love the Creamy Percentage control.

Bokeh layer effects: Activating the Create Output In New Layer Above means that all Bokeh effects stay non destructive

Blow Up 2
This automated enlarging plug-in promises sophisticated algorithms, which make your photos dramatically sharper and detailed in comparison to any other method. Intuition is a virtue of this software – users can set presets that are not only dimension but also print-media sensitive. These include Screen (web), Inkjet Matte, Inkjet Luster and Inkjet Glossy. Each preset is then editable through a simple scroll bar functionality – including Sharpen Edges, Add Grain and Remove Compression Artefacts. We do have to admit that, although the applied effects seemed impressive, on closer scrutiny there were faults in detailed areas such as eyelashes and hair that were still clearly visible.

Multi-core systems: Blow Up 2 takes advantage of multi-processor and multi-core systems, meaning that enlargement is now even faster

Exposure 2
With presets and effects tailored for both monochrome and coloured films, Exposure 2 is a conscientious plug-in. All options are considerate to the subtleties of photo effects, such as tone, focus and noise. Tonal effects take their cue from Photoshop Curvature technology, which provides first-class results when manually controlling image exposures. Slidebars for Contrast, Shadow, Midtones and Highlights allow you to drastically or subtly rectify effects to your own specification, maintaining a result of a high standard. Filters are applicable in the Color options, providing the ability to rectify or edit image temperature. These are complemented by RGB saturation slide bars, which specify the tonal impact of image areas.

Image Doctor 2
This retouching software promises the ability to apply effects within minutes not hours. Seeing as users have to make deliberate selections to models and images before being able to apply any of this plug-in’s options, we’ll admit you’ll need to master Photoshop selection techniques before being able to establish this efficiency. This said, once you’ve mastered selections, options such as Skin Softener become impressive. Simply apply a preset then adjust it with two slidebars: Contract/Expand Selection and Soften Amount. Smart Fill, however, was less impressive and arguably the least productive option. It’s useful at remedial tasks though, such as removing single obtrusive items from a scene.

De-cluttering: In most cases, Image Doctor 2 does enable photo editors to de-clutter bad photographic compositions with just a few clicks

Snap Art 2
Snap Art 2 is a plug-in that accelerates Photoshop filter capabilities, providing users with a far more editable experience. It again provides its own extensive option set. Effects are promised to be indistinguishable from works of art and we’re inclined to agree. Each option set will take time to acclimatise to, but once familiar with settings, effects become impressive. These, like all others in the Photo Bundle set, allow you to apply easily through slide bar functionality. Media-type drop options exist, along with the means to establish brush sizes and the amount of realism still perceivable in your effect. Canvas options are also highly intuitive, allowing you to perfect effects for print. Here you can simulate media textures, thickness amounts and canvas colour. Vignette effects are also applicable for that professional edge.

Inflated effects: Snap Art has some significant upgrades from version one – most notably its ability to apply effects to images of any size

www.alienskin.com

Samsung X520

Welcome to Samsung’s mobile notebook – the new slimline and travel-light X-Series

Samsung‘s expanding selection of notebooks now includes the X-Series – a range of ultra-mobile notebooks, complementing the company‘s other existing genres: professional, entertainment and style-conscious. Ultra is the operative word for the X-Series, closely followed by such terms as ‘portable‘, ‘lightweight‘ and ‘slim‘. The X520 is at the top of the stack. When the aesthetic qualities – which are certainly worth a mention – rub off, you have a notebook that’s been designed for the demands of the everyday user, not for those of the demanding digital artist.

Significant aspects of the notebook’s build include a nine-hour battery life, one HDMI connection, three USB 2.0 ports and a 3-in-1 memory card reader for quickly connecting to the notebook’s hard drive, allowing you to download freshly shot images. Its many qualities make it travel-friendly, weighing in at just over 2kg. It has a thickness of 32.4mm when it’s completely closed, and you’re not going to find any problems transporting the notebook about with you. Which is exactly what this notebook is designed to do – give you computing on the move. While the notebook comes through strong in aesthetics and portability, it does lack in processing power as a result. The notebook comes loaded with Intel Core 2 Duo and Intel GMA (Graphics Media Accelerator) 4500HD processors.

Performance: The X520 has a GMA (Graphics Media Accelerator) 4500HD and a Dual Core 2 Duo processor for distributing content over two hard drives

The Samsung website promises ‘enhanced performance’ and an ability to handle demanding software. However, when attempting to use programs such as 3D-editing applications alongside Photoshop, the notebook struggles to maintain a fluid performance. Running Photoshop on its own, even, causes the notebook to lag. For example, the Brush tool should perform with natural movements, but instead they stutter and paint gets left behind. Similarly, working with Photoshop’s Liquify filter to bend and reshape objects, applying a complex and intensive Liquify to your project slows down the notebook’s performance and lengthens the rendering times. One way we could increase its reaction times was by increasing the memory usage of RAM using Photoshop’s Preferences. We were able to use more of the 1.6GB RAM available to give Photoshop the full attention from the notebook’s processor. This speeds up features such as the Brush tool and applying filters, and it allows you to paint with a fluidity that is bearable.

The notebook has a 15.6-inch LED display in HD resolution, and has superb brightness that is a visual advantage when playing video and displaying imagery. The silver trim around the edge tops-off the overall visual appeal of the notebook and its Touchpad has a smart matte-black finish that is sensitive to every flick and tap. The build quality is good too, and aims to resist knocks and bumps as you’re travelling. The outer casing is solidly built, and the notebook’s ultra-thin dimensions are very attractive traits for the more visually inclined. This all adds up to a package that is attractive for use as an entertainment device when travelling, for catching up with admin tasks on the move and for presenting portfolios to potential clients with that impressive screen. If you want the power to run demanding  software programs, like Photoshop, effectively then take a look at the brand’s Professional range instead.

slimline design: Lightweight and ultra-thin best describes the appearance of the X520, saving weight on your hand luggage as you travelslimline design: Lightweight and ultra-thin best describes the appearance of the X520, saving weight on your hand luggage as you travel

If you have high image-editing requirements for a portable computer, then this isn’t for you. The slow processor makes a struggle out of the simplest of tasks in Photoshop, but by boosting the performance preferences we were able to focus more of its power to Photoshop. For a notebook of its price we would like a faster performing processor nonetheless.  As it stands, the X520 is top of its series, especially for portability and looks, though it underperforms in key creative areas and power. Use it for working on the move and for showcasing work, and it is certainly an accomplished HD outing.

www.samsung.com

EIZO FlexScan S2433W
We put this latest LCD to the test and compare it to its nearest and dearest rivals

EIZO is making great strides in producing affordable monitors catering for high-end creative users. From photos to graphic studios, previous items we’ve reviewed (ColorEdge CG243W, issue 62) have stood up to our scrutiny and wouldn’t seem out of place in such professional surroundings. But what of the latest EIZO – the FlexScan S2433W?

Well, this LCD monitor is as unassuming as its brethren. Presenting a 24.1-inch screen wrapped in professional, streamlined charcoal casing, it makes you feel every inch the professional without any eye candy – normally associated with the high-gloss Apple Mac machines. Control buttons are allocated easily on the front of the unit, and the S2433W incorporates the tried-and-trusted weighted stand for secure placement.
This modest design is wholly intentional, allowing the machine to do what it does best, and that’s present optimum visual output. In other words, it does not distract you from the great artwork presented on the screen. Even with a 61-centimetre widescreen, the footprint of this machine promises to occupy ten per cent less space than conventional 24-inch monitors. The FlexScan S2433W offers a familiar 100mm height adjustment range, 40-degree tilt and Portrait mode viewing when rotated 90 degrees clockwise. A quick mount attachment is also optional, which allows the monitor to be quickly and easily mounted and dismounted with the pull of a lever. This is great when presenting animation and show reel demonstrations within your studio space.

adjustable: You can adjust the angle and height of the FlexScan S2433W for maximum viewing comfort

The technology of the S2433W is where consumers get their money’s worth, leaving everything else seeming merely complementary. Its native 1,920 by 1,200 resolution means first-class presentation. With this, large screen size images are crystal clear in high resolution, which is essentially what all designers will be looking for from a competent LCD monitor. This machine is also equipped with VA (vertically aligned) panels. These allow viewers a 16:10 aspect ratio and viewing angles of 178 degrees.

But colour output is as important as resolution, especially when producing accurate tonality in our artwork, and the FlexScan S2433W excels at this as well.
This machine serves up several colour functions that will have Photoshop users purring. First, the S2433W produces 96 per cent of the Adobe RGB color space. What this means is that the monitor is near-perfect when replicating colour that’s captured and downloaded from your digital camera. This factor makes working with photo stock in your graphic and photographic projects just perfect.

Rotation: Being able to rotate your screen 90 degrees into portrait positions makes this LCD an extremely versatile machine, catering for both design preference and necessity

The monitor also offers 360 cd/m² brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio. The latest edition of the EyeCare mode is also an added bonus. Here users can control brightness down to an ultra-low setting, 3 cd/m², which is comfortable for those working in ambient-lit studios. When altering this and the Gamma setting, the S2433W showed no signs of bowing or over-saturation in either highlighted or shadowed areas. When comparing these factors with other leading industry monitors – with more obscure Adobe RGB information – they make the EIZO FlexScan a preferable option for colour critical work.

Connectivity isn’t lost on this machine, as it comes with complementary connections to three separate computers at any given time – a digital DisplayPort and DVU-D input terminals, plus an anolog D-Sub input terminal, all exist on its design. This means your EIZO monitor needn’t replace your old system and can be used as a viewing device to complement high-end production.
Considering the optimal technologies discussed, the FlexScan S2433W is one of the best LCDs on the market. And the price of £555 + VAT is just the icing on the cake.

www.eizo.com

Nikon’s new compact attempts to razzle and dazzle with the world’s first built-in projector

To compensate for the fact we are less likely to print our images these days, manufacturers are forever finding new ways for snappers to view and share their pictures. Nikon’s latest pitch comes in the form of the Coolpix S1000PJ – the world’s first camera with integrated projector. Helping to notch up its kudos factor the projector extends the opportunity for users not only to present their stills, but movie captures as well. But what else does the compact offer to justify its hefty £400 price point? We put it to the test to find out.

Aesthetically the design of the camera doesn’t offer anything dissimilar or exemplary from all the other clone like competitors on the market, other than the inclusion of the centered projector glass obviously, but unlike the actual lens of the device, it is foolishly not protected with a cover. Available in black and silver, the unit is fiercely rectangular in form, however despite lacking the fashionable curvature of its trendy peers, the S1000pj resonates are demure elegance and maturity in its box-like form, and the furnished metal trim is a stylish touch.

The compact’s most need-to-know specifications make for intriguing reading: 12.1 megapixel CCD which will equate to a maximum of 16 x 20 inch prints, 5x wide angle zoom and a 2.7″ LCD, all of which are on par with the market’s top shooters. Attempting to break away from the masses, the unit offers a five fold image stabilization system which we found to be a real boon when shooting action, in low light and at full zoom. First of all the compact incorporates both optical and electronic vibration reduction. Next it offers motion detection to recognize shake and adjusts ISO to compensate accordingly. The ISO can be cranked up to a whooping 6400, great on paper but the level of noise at this level – as with many compacts pushing these climatic boundaries – can be rather disturbing, furthermore expanding the sensitivity to this level forces image resolution down to a maximum of 3MP. Finally the users can select Best Shot Selector from the list of continuous shooting methods; to take up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed – the camera then saves the sharpest shot.

Other stand out features include; AF tracking, smile timer, blink proof, blink warning functions, 16 sensible scene modes, scene auto selector and a tidy palette of creative effects. Aimed at generating creative shots photographers can: opt to shoot in the choice of five colour options: standard, vivid, black and white, sepia and cyanotype, furthermore creatives can make use of the mosaic like ‘Multi-shot 16′ which records 16 smaller frames consecutively – fantastic for action sequences. The company’s reputable brand of d-lighting makes an appearance here; actively increasing dynamic range, as does the new skin softening effect (at three incremental levels), the results of both are of moderate improvement although the camera stores the converted copies at the end of the memory card making comparison in camera irksome. On the whole however operating the device is very straight forward with the camera leaving only the creative powers of composition in the shooters hands.

Operating the stowed projector is very simple, thanks to the shortcut button on top and the included remote control. The compact hosts a delicate focus slider that is positioned on the top ledge, which sharpens the projection. Considering images can be captured at 12.1 MP (3000 x 4000 pixels) the 640 x680 pixel output resolution is rather disappointing, although there was little noticeable distortion, but the colours lacked punch and despite being able to manually control focus the images failed to resonate the crispness illustrated on the LCD. The device can be used to present movies too, but again resolution isn’t particular sharp although the process does exude a kitsch charm. On a side note movie makers can zoom during capture which is rarity in compacts, but HD fans will lament the low standard of resolution and creatives the inability to add colour filters.

The images captured show that the camera has a fantastic handle on accurately focusing, exposing and metering. We’ve reviewed many compacts here on Photoshop Creative but it’s a rarity that we find a compact capable of producing this relatively high standard of image quality. The device astutely meters to a good standard, details appear crisp and colours are punchy. Macro was the only area where focus appeared to wane, producing images that were perhaps softer than in other modes. Even at full zoom we were pleasantly surprised by the results; there was a degree of noise but nothing too distracting and even in scenes of high contrast purple fringing was not an issue. On the whole a satisfyingly sharp shooter, with a great feature set and the projector is a handy little bonus.

Pros:

1. Built in projector

2. Best Shot Selector

3. High quality image capture

4. Creative options included

5. Solid battery life

Cons:

1. Some specs are comparatively lacking

2. Creative filters can not be applied to movie captures

3. Movie resolution relatively low, not HD

4. No cover to protect projector lens

5. Poor value for money (at this price you could have an entry level DSLR with a lens)

Verdict

If stylish gadgets and high quality prints are your passion then don’t let the steep price tag put you off.  8/10

Price: £400 RRP

www.nikon.com

Specs:

• Megapixels: 12.1
• Sensor: 1 / 2.3 in CCD
• Max res: 4000 x 3000 pixels
• Zoom: 5 x optical, 4 x digital
• Shutter speed: 1/1500-2 sec
• ISO sensitivity: 80 – 1600 (expandable to 6400)
• Exposure modes: Exp comp, Auto, 16 Scene modes, movie mode
• Metering options: Face-priority AF
• Flash modes: Forced on, off,
• Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB, AV out
• Weight: 155g
• Dimensions: 99.5 x 62.5 x 23 mm
• Batteries: Rechargeable Li-on battery
• LCD: 2.7″
• Storage: SDHC/ SDHC 36MB internal storage

Nik Software Viveza 2

Precise selective photo editing with just a few clicks

The latest Photoshop plug-in from Nik Software promises to revolutionise the way in which you selectively edit your images, offering unprecedented control over colour and light.

Building on the success of its first-gen predecessor, Viveza, Viveza 2 incorporates the same unique U-Point technology, designed to bring professional control to less experienced image editors or seasoned pros who simply want to accelerate their workflow. It helps to bring together all of the tools you would usually use in Photoshop, but in a much more streamlined fashion.

As with the original version, the new software centres around the innovative use of Control Points – simply pick the areas you want to enhance, placing Control Points around your image, then use the sliders that appear to adjust the selected area without affecting the rest of your shot. In addition to the tried-and-tested interface of Viveza, Viveza 2 incorporates a
range of innovative new features designed to help you enhance your images more efficiently than ever before.

Control Points

To adjust a selected portion of your image, there’s no need for tricky selections or additional layers. All you need to do is place Control Points in the areas you want to change then move the sliders that appear, tweaking the brightness, contrast, saturation, structure, shadows, red, green, blue, hue and warmth without affecting the surrounding parts of the frame. You can even group Control Points together or copy and paste Control Points to apply enhancements across a wider area. This not only saves time but also simplifies the whole process of applying complex adjustments to selective areas of an image, making professional results easily achievable for less experienced image editors.

Control Points: A very simple editing solution – just click and slide

Photoshop integration

The software is compatible with Photoshop’s Smart Filter system, so you can tweak enhancements you’ve already applied with ease. By default, exporting your image as a Smart Object means all the alterations you make in Viveza are converted to Smart Filters, so you can just double-click the area you want to adjust further to re-open it in Viveza 2 and continue from where you left off. You can also make use of the Selective Brush tool to edit any colour and light changes made in Viveza 2, with automatic creation of layers and masks. For those who need it, there’s a handy new Interactive Help System, which is lesson-based to help you master the new features of the software rapidly.

Interface and performance

The interface has been tweaked and honed, but still closely resembles that of its predecessor, with evenly spaced tools that are accessible and easy to locate and use. You can also alter the background colour to suit your taste or to complement the tones of the image you’re working on. Viveza 2 offers multiple image file support, meaning you can have more than one image open at a time, without a reduction in performance. On opening more than one image file, Previous and Next buttons materialise, making it easy to toggle between images and copy and paste settings across from one to another. The software handled multi-image-editing tasks well, with no discernible effect on the efficiency of the software.

Shadow Adjustment

The Shadow Adjustment functionality proved useful for retrieving seemingly lost detail from underexposed images, particularly backlit scenes where digital cameras are often fooled into silhouetting their subjects. It works in a similar way to Photoshop’s Shadow/Highlight option, but being able to combine this effect with U-Point technology takes its functionality to a new level. This and the other features make Viveza 2 a powerful addition to Photoshop’s tool set. It’s a sophisticated yet easy to use piece of software that will particularly benefit Photoshop users with a heavy image-editing workload.

Shadow Adjustment: Find lost detail in subjects using Nik Software’s U-Point technology

New features

New to Viveza 2 is Global Image Adjustments; apply image-wide adjustments in a couple of clicks, then fine-tune selected portions using the Control Points. Placing a Control Point on top of an area with a Global Adjustment applied doesn’t make it revert back to its original state either, so it’s easier to create a uniform look across your whole image with subtle enhancements applied to specific areas.
Structure Adjustment is another new feature, which lets you heighten or diffuse fine details. This can work wonders for flat-looking images that should feature a lot of texture, like the brickwork in buildings, blades of grass in a field or clouds in a stormy sky. Boosting the Structure Adjustment slider really helps to add a 3D quality to your images, making them pop.

For more information log onto www.niksoftware.com

Last Sacrifice Of Dienekes video tutorial

We explore this creative video tutorial/production diary from award-winning photographer Simon Plant

Last Sacrifice of Dienekes is the entertaining photography tutorial from Simon Plant at ProPhotoInsights.net. Split into two parts, this training video offers over two hours and 40 minutes of real-time tuition and practical production advice.

Plant presents the project from beginning to end through manageable video chapters. His informal approach to learning produces a video diary of sorts, encouraging even amateur photographers and photo illustrators to tackle the techniques presented.
Plant goes into great depth about the necessity of pre- and post-production.
Setting aside time to find models, costumes and studio space is addressed, as he offers his own advice on how to approach these factors economically. Also in part one, the importance of a studio shoot is looked at in four detailed chapters including ‘The studio shoot’ and ‘Lighting setup’. Plant shows you how he sets up the correct conditions to maximise Photoshop effects, the production benefits of tethered connections and the fun of improvisation when certain props are unavailable.

Buy online: There’s no need for a constant internet connection, as this video tutorial is downloadable after purchase from the ProPhotoInsights website

At 29 minutes in, the hands-on creativity begins, looking at compositing the background. Here Plant takes you through the skills, insisting patience is a virtue when it comes to any successful composition. Plant’s attentive attitude towards compositing image elements instills the same approach in the viewer – meticulously revealing his own personal ways to apply masks, Blur and Distort filters and cloning options.
Part two explores further editing techniques, the most fundamental of which is cutting and pasting that perfect model shot. Plant reveals this through an intuitive use of layer masks, Channel layers, Burn and Dodge tools, plus Pen paths, showing you how to tackle difficult image areas such as hair and edge artefacts. We found these techniques highly valuable, providing seamless integration of model and background.

More expressive effects follow, with ways to apply advanced Curves adjustments and manual selective lighting, adjusting colour shifts and the importance of tweaking these to perfection. Personalisation of cinematic lighting effects is also expressed through the application of blending modes, Dodge and Burn tools once more, layered colour adjustments and even the Paint Bucket tool.

Last Sacrifice Of Dienekes: This image reveals the results that are achievable if you follow photographer Simon Plant’s advice

Overall, this two-part video tutorial is a highly comprehensive experience that will improve your project workflow. Photoshopusers will gain knowledge of what it takes to create commercial effects, streamline and manage workflows, where to source advanced tool sets and how best to apply them. The one reservation we did have was with the video audio. Recorded sound levels fluctuate throughout. This may become an issue for those users with hearing difficulties.

For more information visit www.prophotoinsights.net

Sneakskin from Sneakart

Fad or functional personalised apparel product? We experiment with Sneakart’s latest adhesive Sneakskin to find out

Sneakskin from Sneakart is another exciting apparel customisation product. However, what gives this unique elastic film the edge is its recreational use. The Sneakskin is a self-applied adhesive design that can be attached, removed and replaced at any time.

The Sneakskin has its pros and cons, as with any item. Flexible, durable and waterproof are key factors that make it a worthy investment – considering its retail price of £9. These aspects lead to Sneakart’s assurance that your design will last for months, if not years, when treated with care. Limitations do occur with this product, with the adhesive only applicable to leather-type shoes. You’ll also need a shoe design with suitable panels that your Sneakskin can be applied to, making overall application far more successful.

Design template: The tutorials at www.sneakart.com show you how to prepare your artwork. Log onto http://sneakartblog.com for official Sneakskin news updates and opportunities

The Sneakart Sneakskin service is first class. Log onto www.sneakart.com and you can browse through a plethora of varied designs. The website also has a designated search engine, grouping design types into style-related categories – including glamour, sketch, urban and fashion.

Not losing sight of the accessible nature of this product, Sneakart offers consumers the chance to personalise Sneakskin designs with upload capabilities on the website. Accessed through the Custom option, designers can experience preparation tutorials and obtain Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator templates. Just be mindful that a pattern or repeating pattern that works with the scale of the shoe is, again, the best option for a good outcome. Design turnaround time is one to two business days when a single item is ordered through the website. Volume orders are offered on a 14-day service for a custom order in retail-ready packaging.

Mock up: The Sneakart site allows you to browse Sneakskin styles with consummate ease, with a contemporary-themed search engine. Thumbnails of designs are clear and comprehendible, allowing you to see live on-screen mocks, matching with trainer templates

When we did receive and apply our Sneakskin, we discovered a few fundamentals that you should know. First, it’s best to order your initial samples in quantity. It won’t take you long to get to grips with the application of this adhesive item, but unless you have a keen eye and are up on your textiles then you may need a little practice. Second, we did question the durability of the item. It sticks fast and is impressively waterproof.

However, our Sneakskin sample did show signs of lifted ink when peeling back the sticker template. This isn’t ideal, but disrepair was minimal and, considering the price and leisure of this product, it’s a worthwhile risk.
Sneakskin isn’t quite the future of sneaker design, but it will appeal to those who are big on creative individuality and fashion choices. Overall it’s a non-permanent method of customising trainers, eliminating the risk of ruining your shoes if you make a mistake. The site also offers a really good platform for showing off your artwork and style to other like-minded enthusiasts.

For more information log onto www.sneakart.com