About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 3.3

This update extends RAW image format compatibility to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ‘09 for the following cameras:

• 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

Visit the Apple website for more information.

This update extends RAW image format compatibility to Aperture 3 and iPhoto ’09 for the following cameras:

• Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D / Kiss X4
• Leica S2
• Olympus E-450
• Olympus E-600
• Olympus E-620
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A230
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A330
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A380
• Sony Alpha DSLR-A450

It also addresses RAW processing issues for the following cameras:

• Canon EOS 30D
• Pentax K-x
• Pentax K-7

Visit the Apple website for more information.

With the recent release of the Leica S2 we are proud to announce that Trams will be a leading supplier of Leica S2 systems in the UK.

Leica has a long history of focusing on perception and has developed innovative camera solutions that afford a unique seeing experience.

The LEICA S2’s excellence is based not only on its high-resolution image sensor but also the unique S format and full range of features, such as autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for the professional photographer.

Visit the Trams website for more information.

New adjustment tools

Aperture now has a curves adjustment  tool in professional digital photography. It can punch up colors, put contrast in the right places, and add pop to even the most stubborn of shots. Better yet, Apple’s implementation of it here is brilliant, with the ability to focus in on the shadow part of the range, zoom out to an expanded view, and even create multiple curves adjustments for a single image.

But curves is just the beginning of how Aperture’s adjustments have changed. There are 14 new Quick Brushes tools that let you non-destructively paint in adjustments like Skin Smoothing, Contrast, Halo Reduction, Noise Reduction, etc. In addition, many of the normal adjustments can now be brushed in or out, not just applied globally. This approach is much better than having to round-trip an image into an external editor like Photoshop—adding the Photoshop file to Aperture takes up a lot of disk space, while image edits performed in Aperture are stored as space-saving metadata. A series of preset adjustments (from simple exposure fixes, to sepia filters, to basic cross processing) and the ability for users to make their own presets, is a nice touch for pros and amateurs alike.

Visit the Apple website for full information

Apple has released ProKit 5.1 for Leopard and Snow Leopard via their Software Update utility and website. This update fixes issues with user interface software resources that are shared by Apple’s professional applications. The issues addressed include:

• Corrected an issue with improper scrolling behavior.
• Resolved memory leaks for improved performance.
• Addressed layout of interface elements in certain application alert windows.

The ProKit 5.1 for Leopard and Snow Leopard update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express. It weighs in at 32.39MB and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.6.2.

Visit the Apple website for full information

Apple release Aperture 3 earlier today with more than 200 new features and enhancements.

Aperture 3 combines powerful performance with iPhoto simplicity to help you refine images, showcase your photography, and manage massive libraries on your Mac. With more than 200 new features and enhancements, it can help you take your photography to the next level. Now you can perfect your images with brushes. Apply adjustment presets to instantly create a custom look. And when you import your pictures from iPhoto, all name and location data is preserved.

Aperture 3 delivers more than 200 new features, including:

• Faces, with new ways to organize your photos using face detection and recognition tools.
• Places, with more robust GPS tools to explore your photos by locations where they were shot.
• Nondestructive, edge-aware brushes to precisely retouch selected parts of your images.
• Dozens of ready-to-use adjustment presets to instantly give your images a custom look.
• Full-screen Browser to use every inch of your brilliant Mac display to browse and edit.
• Advanced slideshows that weave together photos and HD video with custom text and transitions.
• iPhoto events, faces, places, albums, and more are preserved when moving to Aperture.

Visit the Apple website for full information.