Apple Aperture 1.5

• Brand: Apple
• Subject: Software
• Category: Photo Editing

Apple, who was noticeably well visited in general, introduced a new version of Aperture at its press meeting: Apple Aperture 1.5. Most of us had expected Apple to come up with a new update, but were not sure about what exactly would be improved or renewed. What was remarkable was the seamless integration with iLife '06 and iWork '06, giving permanent direct access to pictures. There was also support for XMP meta data and an integrated export-API, with which Aperture workflow can be extended with programs and applications from other manufacturers. During the Photokina there were demonstrations of all sorts of plug-ins from leading companies, including Getty Images, iStockphoto, Pictage, Flickr, PhotoShelter, DigitalFusion, Soundslides en Connected Flow. These plug-ins offer a series of print, publication and storage workflows that use this new architecture.

Capture One Pro bundled with iView

• Brand: Phase One
• Subject: Software
• Category: Photo Editing

iView Multimedia, digital asset management pioneer, and Phase One, the world leader in digital imaging solutions, are offering a software bundle of iView MediaPro and Capture One PRO that enables photographers to work the way they want to with two world-class tools designed to streamline RAW photo workflows. iView MediaPro and Capture One PRO will be available for purchase together for $499 - $199 off the total price if each application were purchased separately. The offer runs from Sept. 26 until Oct. 31 and will be available as a download from the website of Phase One and iView, together with an accompanying RAW workflow guide detailing how the two programs can be used together.

DxO Optics Pro supports Nikon D2Xs

• Brand: DxO Labs
• Subject: Software
• Category: Photo Editing

DxO Labs announces today that the Windows PC version of DxO Optics Pro v4 supports Nikon D2Xs and Sony Alpha digital single lens reflex cameras. DxO Optics Pro v4 automatic digital image enhancement software offers 19 camera body and lens combinations for the Nikon D2Xs and an initial selection of the most popular lenses for the Sony Alpha, including the Sony DT 18-70mm F 3.5-5.6 kit lens. DxO Optics Pro v4 is available immediately on the DxO Labs Web site. DxO Optics Pro is the award-winning digital image enhancement tool incorporating revolutionary optics, noise and exposure corrections in an easy-to-use, feature rich application for Mac and PC users.

Lightzone 2.0 photo editing tool

• Brand: Light Crafts
• Subject: Software
• Category: Photo Editing

Light Crafts, a photo editing software company based here, announced it has ushered in a new generation integrated digital workflow tool - Lightzone 2.0 - to be announced formally at Photokina, Cologne, Germany. LightZone 2.0 is a new intuitive tool which extends the capabilities of professional and amateur photographers, based on Ansel Adams' Zone System. LightZone provides photographers with precise control over exposure, contrast and color, in a straightforward interface that streamlines workflow and dramatically saves time. With LightZone as Photo editing tool, photographers regain the use of their intuition in processing their images.

Realviz Stitcher software

• Brand: Realviz
• Subject: Software
• Category: Photo Editing

Realviz is pleased to confirm that they will be demonstrating the 3 latest versions of their acclaimed panorama creation software, Stitcher at next week's Photokina show in Cologne. The 3 new versions, which launched in July this year, include: Stitcher Express 2 - for digital photography hobbyists, Stitcher Pro 5.5 - for professional photographers & graphic artists, and Stitcher Unlimited 5.5 - for professional panorama creators. Realviz are currently offering a special 20% show discount on their stitching products, starting 15. September 2006 through to the end of the Photokina show. Photokina takes place at the Koelnmesse Exhibition Center in Cologne, Germany from 26.09. - 01.10. 2006.