64gb Cards & Leaf (Windows Users)

April 28, 2011 | Tech

This technical note applies to you only if you are a Windows user shooting with a Leaf Digital Back and want to use 64gb CF cards.

Windows cannot properly use the FAT32 format for drives larger than 32gb. Since Leaf recommends you format any given CF card once in a computer prior to using it with a Leaf back this creates an annoyance. The easiest solution is to either not buy cards larger than 32gb or to format larger cards. However you can also use a bought/borrowed/stolen Mac which has no problem with formatting large disks in FAT 32 – you only need to format it once when you first buy it (assuming you only use it in the Leaf).

Failure to properly format a card prior to using it in a Leaf Digital Back, especially very high capacity cards, can, in rare cases, result in black lines or corruption lines in your raws when shooting to that CF card. So if ever notice such a thing please follow the steps here: Formatting a CF Card for Use in a Leaf Digital Back.

_

Phase One IQ – New Features

April 28, 2011 | News

Whenever a new product is being developed from scratch, as was the case with the Phase One IQ digital back series, some things inevitably change from the initial announcement and prototype to the final shipping version. The R+D Lab is literally inventing the technologies you read about and some things turn out to be easier than expected, and others harder than expected. Well the final-hardware Phase One IQ180 begins shipping in limited quantities to dealers today, and to the first-in-queue customers early next month, and so we’re now able to update you on some previously unannounced features which will be ready on day 1, as well as some minor delays on some of the features already shown.

Previously Unannounced Major Features

This list is comparing the final-hardware  Phase One IQ series to the prototype and to the P40+ and P65+ which share sensors with IQ140/IQ160.

• Longer Exposures: Up to approx. 2 minute long exposures (previously spec’d at 1 minute). This improvement is due to improved hardware and from lessons learned developing the P40+ and P65+.
• Lower ISO Option (IQ180 only): ISO 35 setting in full res and ISO 140 setting in Sensor+ mode. This is based on adjusting the image pipeline to the native sensitivity of the sensor. It will gain dynamic range compared to ISO50 and allow longer exposures for subject matter like. Some cameras (e.g. the 5DII) have fake low-ISO settings; that is not the case here.
• Higher dynamic range: Modestly improved dynamic range due to improved hardware in the IQ series compared to the P65+ and P40+.
• Better high ISO image quality: Quality at higher ISOs on the IQ180 has been improved due to both hardware and software improvements. Some of these improvements will be also seen in P40+ and P65+ processing in upcoming versions of Capture One.

Previously Unannounced Minor Features

• Restore to Factory Firmware: Beyond just restoring factory default settings this will provide the user the ability to revert to factory firmware without needing to connect to a computer.
• Access Tool Settings Faster: Press and hold on an icon of a tool to change the settings related to that tool. Very fast and intuitive.
• Auto Keystone/Perspective Correction: This will save enormous time when using a non shift lens for architecture/interiors/landscape/product since the perspective of each image will be automatically and precisely corrected in Capture One based on how much you tilted the camera up/down/
• Additional Grid/Overlay Options: Golden Ratio, 3×3, Square 4×3, Center Cross, Rectangular, Fibonacci Spiral
• Delete Multiple: Allowing the user to select and delete multiple images much faster than deleting individual images. Don’t worry – if you’re the kind of shooter that never shoots you can entirely disable the ability to delete images.
• Hold Position/Zoom: Simply push the top-right physical button to switch images while holding the same position and zoom within the image, allowing quick comparisons between images. Alternatively just swipe the image with your finger to switch images and automatically return to a zoom-to-fit on the next image.
• Composition Mode on DB: Allowing you to shoot without saving the CF card. Of course several large and strong Xs will flash on the screen to indicate you are in composition mode to avoid accidentally shooting without saving. This mode will be great for architectural/landscape shooters who may shoot dozens of frames to make minor composition/scene tweaks prior to beginning real captures.

Features Delayed until June Firmware Release

• Live View on Digital Back Display (untethered)
• Composition Mode (see above)
• 645DF Custom Settings Control from DB
• Power Up DB from DF Body
• Camera Control from C1
• Square Image Raw Capture
• Faster CF Card Write Speed
• Faster Boot Time
• Customizable User Interface (e.g. studio logo)
• Proximity Sensors

Features Delayed until August Firmware Release

• USB Interface
• Improved IIQ-S compression

Removed Features

• Pinch-to-zoom. The single finger zoom by double tapping or the zoom slider works better.

_

Capture One 6.2 Released

April 28, 2011 | News, Tech, Tech Features

Update: Capture Integration is not recommending the 6.2 release at this time for 8-core Mac Pro users. Read more.

Capture One 6.2 is now available for download at phaseone.com.

Major Features

• Tethering support for the Nikon D7000
• Tethering support for Canon 600D/Rebel T3i/1100D/Rebel T3
• Camera  controls  for  Canon  and  Nikon (shutter/aperture/mode).
• Auto  rotation  and  auto  keystone  (for  relevant  cameras).
• On  Mac,  IIQ  and  EIP  files  will  now  be  rendered  in  the  Finder  with  their  adjustments  applied  using  the  supplied  QuickLook  plug- ‐in.
• Local  adjustment  of  saturation  and  clarity.
• Invert  local  adjustments  mask and copy  local  adjustments  mask  from  other  layer.

Minor Revisions

• Revised  warning  preferences.
• Option  to  always  show  readout  pins.
• Camera  white  balance  presets  available  in  camera  tool.
• Aspect  Ratio/SensorFlex/Image  Area  mode  available  in  camera  tool  (for  relevant  cameras).
• Auto  sync  of  XMP  metadata  (sidecars  only).

Bugfixes / Improvements

• During  play,  slideshow  waits  for  a  high  quality  image  to  be  available  before  transitioning.
• On  Mac,  new  option  to  make  all  new  files  writable  for  everyone. (applies only to specific workflows)
• Improved  OpenCL  and  64  bit  performance.
• Improved  LCC  when  used  with  some  wide-­‐angle  lenses  on  technical  cameras.
• Improved  high  ISO  noise  reduction  for  Canon  1Ds  Mark  II  and  1D  Mark  IV
• Improved  highlight  recovery  for  Panasonic  cameras.

Editorial Comments

It’s very exciting to see Capture One finally gain aperture/shutter/mode control over Canon/Nikon cameras. This has been a major stumbling block for some specific kinds of shooting. Capture One is a significantly faster, higher quality, and more powerful workflow than using Canon’s tethering app, EOS utility, but many C1 users had to use EOS utility specifically for it’s camera control (e.g. when shooting remotely off a rig in the air). In addition many Canon users became disaffected when Capture One 5 would crash when shooting a Canon quickly. That problem (which was actually Canon’s fault) was resolved when Canon updated their SDK and Phase One incorporated it in Capture One 6.0 – ending the crashing when shooting fast issue. We’re hoping that Phase One will be able to implement Live View from within C1 for Canon/Nikon cameras, the final stumbling block to ridding users of EOS Utility entirely.

It’s also very good to see the continued development of Local Adjustments. When first released in December we were blown away by the quality (especially shadow noise and color accuracy when dodging shadows) of Local Adjustments but it was lacking some key abilities. A gradient tool, straight line drawing, and opacity are still sorely missed and the speed of drawing masks with large brush size is still a bit slow on a laptop, and it would be nice to have some specific tools like Vignette available as Local Adjustments. Otherwise Local Adjustments has really matured and the additions in this update help a lot. Every tool which allows the photographer to avoid having to make adjustments in photoshop speeds the workflow and local adjustments has certainly done that with the added benefit of better image quality than other workflows.

Cautionary

We’ve been playing with the beta for several weeks and while we’ve only encountered a few problems (which for beta is very good) we’d still prefer our clients wait a week or two while we test and vet this most recent release. An update will be made in the form of a blog post here. So sign up for our RSS feed to get the update without any effort.

About Capture One Updates

Capture Integration is constantly testing new releases of Capture One and has many customers who are kind enough to keep us informed about their testing. We recommend a user update software or operating-system only when:

1. The update contains an improvement, new feature or bug fix which is relevant to the user (“if it isn’t broke – don’t fix it”)
2. The update has been out long enough to give a sense of whether it contains any nasty bugs
3. The user has time/desire to do a complete test of anything workflow critical (e.g. tethering, processing, retouching, printing etc)
4. The user has a complete bootable backup of the computer

_

Phase One IQ Series Upgrades

April 11, 2011 | Promotion

A Legacy of Loyalty & Goodwill

For years Phase One has always supported their loyal customer with great upgrade programs. They are reaching out to their current customers with an upgrade program that makes your previous investment solid. Upgrade your current Phase One camera back to the new IQ series and take advantage of special values.

If you do not currently own a Phase One back but want to trade in your medium format back, Phase One also has a great opportunity for you to join the family. Trade your other manufactures MF camera back for a new Phase One back and receive a discount based on the size of your back.

Upgrade Terms: Same as the Resolution

Examples

• P65+ (60mp model) upgrade to an IQ180: $43,990 – 60%
• P40+ (40mp model) upgrade to an IQ160: $36,990 – 40%
• P20+ (16mp model) upgrade to an IQ140: $21,990 – 16%
• H4D-60: upgrade to an IQ180: $43,990 – 60%
• H2D-39: upgrade to an IQ160: $36,990 – 39%
• Sinar Emotion 22: upgrade to an IQ140: $21,990 – 22%

Reiteration of the Warranty

Phase One is ready to stand behind it’s lofty claims that the Phase One IQ series of backs will be even more durable and reliable than the P+ series, widely regarded as the (previously) most reliable backs in the world. The standard manufacturer warranty (no additional cost) on the Phase One IQ series is a One year warranty. In addition, a $4,000 Value Added Warranty extends the warranty an additional 4 years for a total of five years of Value Added Warranty, and includes a free loaner digital back shipped within 24-hours to anywhere in the world during the duration of any repairs, as well as adding a variety of accessories.

Cross-Grade Pricing

The above promotion are for upgrades only. An upgrade is going up in either sensor size or resolution. Cross grade pricing, for instance from a P45+ to a IQ140 or a P65+ to an IQ160 or an Aptus II 12 to an IQ180 have not been established us. Please Contact Us for more info.

 

_

Broncolor/FOBA April Promotions

April 11, 2011 | Promotion

Broncolor 30% Off Light Modifiers Expires April 30, 2011

Order any Broncolor Standard Light Modifier, Light Modifier Accessory, or Softbox and receive 30% off catalogue price.* This offer expires April 30, 2011 and orders must be received by Capture Integration by that date. For more details check the list of authorized products.

*Offer cannot be combined with other special pricing. Offer expires and orders must be received by Capture Integration by April 30, 2011. Restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or packages.

-

Broncolor Verso Battery Pack Free Power Dock

Order a Broncolor Verso A2 RFS and a Power Dock, and get a second Power Dock for free*. Or buy a Broncolor Verso A4 RFS, and get a Power Dock for free*.

*Offer cannot be combined with other special pricing. Offer expires and orders must be received by Capture Integration by June 30, 2011. Restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or packages.

-

25% off FOBA TURNA, 25% off FOBA Ceiling Rail Kits

Take advantage of great discounts on the top of the line FOBA Ceiling Rail Kits and the Turna 3D Turntable capture system.

• Purchase any FOBA ROTOU, ROTOA, or ROTOE Ceiling Rail Kit system, and receive 25% off*.
• Purchase any FOBA TURNA 3D TURNTABLE capture system or accessories, and receive 25% off*.

*Offer cannot be combined with other special pricing. Offer expires and orders must be received by Capture Integration by June 30, 2011. Restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or packages.

_

April Fools!

April 1, 2011 | News

With all due apologies to the lovely town of Cody, Wyoming, we must confess to playing a minor April Fools joke. We apologize to any of our customers who made their vacation plans for this summer based on our new space. Indeed, we are not opening a location in Cody. At least not today……. but just putting this together has opened our eyes to the possibility!

And who knows about the future?

: )

 

_

Cambo Wide RS Wooden Grips

April 1, 2011 | News

Here is a side by side comparison of the Wide RS with and without the new wooden hand grips. One can clearly see the physical differences between these two units. However, what stood out most while documenting these differences, was the weight. The wooden grips not only feel lighter than their metal counterparts but feel incredibly more stable in my hand.
For those interested in upgrading their Wide RS models from their current metal grips to the wooden grips, we can help.  For $949 USD, Capture Integration will install the wooden grips to any existing Wide RS system.  If you feel this is something you would be interested in, please contact us directly and we will help expedite the installation process.

_

Capture Integration’s 3rd Location

April 1, 2011 | News

Today, Capture Integration announces the opening of a 3rd location in Cody, Wyoming.

 

So, why Cody? Simply put, there are very few competent photographic resources in the Midwest for photographers to partner with. And frankly, few dealers or manufacturers pay much attention to the region. We feel there is a market there to develop and a user base that is hoping an honest and knowledgeable source will one day emerge. Well, that day has come. We already have one customer in Cody who shoots with a Phase One P65+. Hang in there Mitch, we’re going to be along shortly.

 

The rationale? Says Dave Gallagher, Owner and President of Capture Integration – “Honestly, we have clients who partner with us all over the map. We’re a nationally and globally recognized expert on the products that we sell and support. In today’s communication rich world, we have email, instant messaging, texting, video chat, and an online knowledge base embedded in our website. And we make sure that our employees cell phones are known by all of our customers. Lets face it, the world is flat. Physical proximity is overrated and overvalued. What is truly important is honest and expert service and support. And we can make this happen from next door or from the anywhere in the world.”

 

Cody is a gorgeous town, located in the beautiful state of Wyoming.  We love the idea of having a location in a setting like this. Capture Integration looks forward to entertaining our clients from around the globe at our new demo and training center in Cody.

 

_