December 2010 news and reviews

Pre-CES 2011: Samsung has announced the NX11 large-sensor mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The update to its existing NX10 model features support for its i-Function feature, introduced with the NX100. The camera will come bundled with an updated version of the company's 18-55mm kit lens, now featuring an i-Fn button. The company also says it has updated the camera's grip.

Bibble Labs has released a 'Release Candidate' of its Bibble 5.2 RAW workflow software, extending support to twelve additional cameras including the Nikon D7000, Panasonic DMC-GF2, Pentax K-5 and Olympus E-5. Both the Pro and Lite versions of Bibble 5.2 also include improvements and bug fixes. According to the company, the release candidate version adds significant new features and camera support, but has not completed testing. The update is free to existing customers.

Canon has released a firmware update for its EOS 60D mid-level DSLR. Firmware v1.0.8 fixes the phenomenon where some captured images tend to overexpose when using the camera’s built-in flash or an external Speedlite in combination with specific lenses. The firmware is available for immediate download from the company's website.

We've just added another article to our growing collection of guides. This one is designed as a primer on Video Compression, Codecs and Transcoding and has been produced for us by Uwe Steinmueller of Digital Outback Photo. So if you've ever found yourself confused by M-JPEGs and MPEGs and Long GOPs, check out the link after the click.

Fujifilm has released more details regarding its Finepix X100 large-sensor compact camera. The company is revealing more information about the camera's behavior via a special website. The latest update includes information about the autofocus modes and the dedicated Raw button (which engages Raw+JPEG when shooting JPEG or starts in-camera Raw conversion when in playback mode). Announced at Photokina 2010, the camera is scheduled for release early next year.

Apple has released an updated version of its Aperture raw-conversion and photo management software. Version 3.1.1 addresses a number of bugs, fixes compatibility issues with the company's recently released i'Life '11 suite and improves overall stability of the software. The update is available for immediate download from Apple's website.

Tamron has announced the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD superzoom lens, the first to incorporate the company's Piezo Drive (PZD) technology that promises faster and quieter autofocus. A completely revised, smaller and lighter version of the popular AF 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, it offers an enhanced Vibration Control (VC) image stabilization system, uses a new optical formula with fewer lens elements and takes 62mm filters. The lens will be available in Canon and Nikon mounts from December 20 followed by a Sony version next year.

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 3.3, Camera Raw 6.3 and DNG Converter 6.3. These are final versions of updates that were originally posted as 'release candidates' on the Adobe Labs site, and are now available for immediate download. The latest versions provide final RAW support for fifteen recent cameras, including the Canon S95 and G12, Nikon D7000 and D3100, Pentax K-5 and K-r, Olympus E-5, and Panasonic GH2, alongside profiles for over 60 new Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sigma lenses. Also available on the Adobe Labs site is the brand-new Lens Profile Downloader 1.0, which allows users to download, rate and provide feedback on user-generated profiles

Plug-in maker onOne Software has announced its Perfect Photo Suite v5.5 bundle is now available. The latest version of the suite includes seven of the company's image-editing plug-ins and offers better compatiblity with Lightroom and Aperture. It is available as a free upgrade to existing users and $499.99 for first time buyers.

Sony has announced function enhancing firmware updates for its DSLR-A900 and DSLR-A850 full-frame cameras. The latest versions for both cameras promise faster AF and broaden both exposure compensation range (to -/+5 from the current -/+3) and the exposure bracketing range (from up to -/+2EV to a maximum of -/+3EV). It also adds a new menu option allowing shutter release without an attached lens.

Just Posted: Our review of Nikon's D7000 mid-range DSLR. Nikon surprised many people by pushing its enthusiast DSLR distinctly up-market just as Canon was doing the opposite with its 60D. The result is such a highly specified camera that it's generated almost as much interest from existing and would-be D300S customers as from the traditional D90 audience. So, after our usual in-depth testing and real-world use, what do its 16 megapixels, 39 AF points, 6 frames per second and 14-bit RAW add up to? Read our full review of the Nikon D7000 to find out.