There are a lot of new built in features that are going to take some fiddling to figure out what they do. I haven't had a chance to shoot since I got it.
Has anyone had an opportunity to shoot in RAW mode and import to try the built in noise reduction?
I can't believe they didn't make that a standard feature and it's only available for RAW imports.
Or am I wrong and I just haven't found how to use it for jpgs?
The one option I have had a chance to try is the new "photomerge" automation. Wow,, it's quick, easy and does an excellent job. If your looking to make basic panorama's it's the ticket.
I haven't tried to use it for more "creative" compositions.
This is 5 shots of a kinetic sculpture. They have been combined using photomerge.
Looks like an option for those of us with out the option to do multiple exposures in camera.
I didn't do much to "fix" the image, just a test subject.
Why should the combining of five shots be legal for challenges?
What would be gained if it were?
Well, let's look at 2 recent ribbon winners:
and
These shots would then be possible for all members, rather than a small minority.
These effects were done using long shutter times, not double exposures.
Besides, only a "small minority" are going to have access to Photoshop CS.
Kai's PhotoSoap and other tools have been out for years, but we've never changed the rules to meet any of those tools. If we can't do simple things like Dodge and Burn, I think something like Photomerge would be totally out of the question.
Originally posted by muckpond
These shots would then be possible for all members, rather than a small minority.[/quote:
These effects were done using long shutter times, not double exposures.
Besides, only a "small minority" are going to have access to Photoshop CS.
.
Right, we know that, and that is the point. Those w/ expensive cameras can hold long shutters. Those with out cannot. By being able to combine to images you can create the same effect.
You don't need photomerge to do that, it only makes it easier and more seamless.
I can take PS and create two layers one that is only say, 40% opaque and layer it on one that is 100% and that will acomplish the same thing.
This software addition takes most of the tedium of it and makes for very exact placement.
A few months ago I got a good deal on a Graphire 2 and it had Elements 2 with it (in addition to PS6 that I already have).
If the Photomerge of Elements is the same as the one in CS, I would be disappointed. The Elements Photomerge makes way too many mistakes. From 15 attempts I only got one good merge.
Any idea if it is better, does it offer more control in CS?
I found a workaround for the shadow thingie. As I already have the Fred Miranda DRI action (blens two exposures for more dynamic range) I can create, with a pic exposed for highlights, a new layer from a set of layers in screen mode and blend them automatically to get simular results. (At luminous landscape there is also a tutorial about a different way).
attitudes aside, photoshop is the industry standard, not just one of many photo editing applications out there vying for a piece of your paycheck. when photoshop changes, the industry changes, usually for the better. if it goes for the worse, then photoshop stands to lose its position as the industry standard and the industry shifts its weight and moves on. but as it is right now, its the standard - not because it says we have to like it, but because we say we like it, because its that good.
terms like "industry standard" and collective "we's" are not my normal jive, but i'm only facing the facts here. i don't think that something like the photomerge feature should be allowed into DPC country just because its suddenly a feature in photoshop, but some of the new features should at least require the council to review the rules and determine of some of what's new will be granted entry.
Does that CS stand for yet another Color Space change?
It is a big pain when the "industry standard" ups and changes the standards ... I'm still happy enough with PS 5.x and have yet to come across a compelling enough reason to change ...
I guess so ... I've been using the regular clone tool for so long I haven't really noticed a need for the healing brush for anything, but that IS a good feature.
Has anybody tried Panorama Factory? What are the experiences?
I've tried Panorama Factory, PanaVue, Hand-stitches in PS (7.0) and last but not least PanoTools/PTGUI. The last is my choice by mile, but certainly may not be everyone's choice. It is not the easiest to get used to, but it is VERY powerful. Of all the image stitchers, it is the only one that I know that will output to a layered .PSD format. This is really important if you want to use all of the power of Photoshop after the stitch but before flattening. It's free, but you will pay $40, I think, for the PTGUI interface, and it is well worth it.
I think Panorama Factory is a fine program for basic stitches though. If using it, I suggest being very careful with exposures and not using short focal lengths.
For some reviews of more panoramic software titles than you can shake a stick at...
