In Focus: November 2007

MEMORY FLASH

The high-performance Kingston CompactFlash Ultimate memory cards now feature write speeds that are twice as fast. With transfer rates of 45 MBps (read) and 40 MBps (write), you can continuously capture more high-resolution images in less time. For added security, the 266x CompactFlash Ultimate cards offer a bonus download of data-recovery software from MediaRECOVER. The application recovers lost or deleted files, and restores corrupt files on Windows or Mac operating systems. It's available for download from the Kingston website. Estimated Street Price: $75 (2 GB); $128 (4 GB); $265 (8 GB). Contact: Kingston, (877) KINGSTON, www.kingston.com.

ALPHA SHOOTER
The high-performance Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 delivers a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, Super SteadyShot Inside image stabilization and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum mount lenses in addition to Sony lenses. The camera uses a dual noise-reduction system on the sensor itself before and after A/D (analog-to-digital) signal conversion to produce clean, high-resolution images with rich detail and tonal reproduction. The A700 is fast, thanks to the Boinz processor, uses a sensor-shift optical image-stabilization system and features an HDMI output for connection to HDTVs. Estimated Street Price: $1,400. Contact: Sony, www.sonystyle.com.

 

ELEMENTAL EDITING

Organize, manage, edit and share your photos with the latest upgrade of Adobe Photoshop Elements. Version 6 of the popular software program features a cleaner, streamlined interface and new Tabs for easier access to the application's tools. A new guided editing function is designed to provide assistance when needed. You can make image selections in seconds for easily adjusting specific areas of a photo. Simply brush your selection and then use the sliders to make the adjustment blend flawlessly with the background. Other features include advanced black-and-white conversion and enhanced support for RAW files. Create great-looking videos of your outdoor adventures with Adobe Premiere Elements 4. Working with the same Organizer from Photoshop Elements, you can get started quickly by visually tagging, sorting, viewing and organizing all of your video clips and photos. Then you can view, search and sort your images in a variety of ways, including by filename, date and time. The enhanced Sceneline lets you make movies fast by simply dragging and dropping thumbnails of clips, transitions and effects. Also new is the Image Stabilizer filter for rescuing shaky footage and tools for quickly locating a specific scene based on when it was shot. Estimated Street Price: $99. (Both programs can be bundled for $149.) Contact: Adobe Systems Inc., (800) 833-6687, www.adobe.com.

ZIP IT
Stay warm in the Ten Trail Fleece jacket from Columbia. The shell can be zipped into other Columbia outer shells for maximum protection or worn separately, depending on weather conditions. The garment is lightly insulated, providing more warmth than a standard fleece jacket, but also includes underarm zip vents if you get too warm. It's 100-percent polyester and features reinforced nylon shoulder panels. Estimated Street Price: $50. Contact: Columbia Sportswear,
(800) 547-8066, www.columbia.com.

FOCUS UP
Get close to the birds using the lightweight Minox HG 8x33 binoculars. Key features include a 395-foot field of view at 1,000 yards, a close-focusing distance of two yards and a high light-transmission rate of 92 percent. The binoculars have an ergonomically shaped, magnesium body with rubber-coated armor for a comfortable grip. They're also waterproof to 16 feet. Estimated Street Price: $839. Contact: Minox USA, (866) 469-3080, www.minox.com.

PRO SHELL
Stay dry in the Alpinist X Jacket from Marmot. Using state-of-the-art technology, Marmot delivers a fully welded, seam-free and sew-free Gore-Tex shell. With no seams to burst or leak, the Alpinist X is fully waterproof and breathable. The jacket is designed to fit over fleece or softshells and maintains its breathability with integrated laser-drilled pocket backing. Angel-Wing Movement technology allows for full range of motion in the arms, so the jacket doesn't ride up. Estimated Street Price: $450. Contact: Marmot, www.marmot.com.

LIGHT HIKERS
Lace up the Mythos GTX trekking boots from Asolo on your next journey through mountainous terrain. With the new Active Heel Support system integrated in the midsole, the hikers provide a firm grip on the ground while cradling and supporting every inch of your foot. The boots are waterproof and breathable, thanks to the Gore-Tex lining. The dual-density outsole incorporates Asolo's brake technology for enhancing the grip and providing maximum downhill traction. Estimated Street Price: $175. Contact: Asolo, (877) 888-8533, www.asolo.com.

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ALL-IN-ONE ZOOM
No subject is too close or too far away when shooting with the outstanding zoom range offered by the Olympus SP-560 UZ. The ultra-compact camera offers a range of 27-486mm (35mm equivalent) for true wide-angle to super-telephoto capability and macro photography from as close as four inches. The 8-megapixel camera features a 2.5-inch LCD, dual image stabilization, shadow adjustment technology and high-speed, sequential shooting (up to 15 fps). Estimated Street Price: $449. Contact: Olympus, (888) 553-4448, www.olympusamerica.com.

Books 'N Such Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative Use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC by Martin Evening (Focal Press, 2007; ISBN: 978-0-240-52028-5). Full coverage is provided on what's new with before-and-after pictures, practical techniques and step-by-step tutorials. A DVD with sample images is included. Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing The World by Gary Braasch (University of California Press, 2007; ISBN: 978-0-520-24438-2). Braasch trekked across four continents to create this book showing more than 100 striking full-color photographs of communities, landscapes and wildlife at environmental risk. Before-and-after comparisons show receding glaciers, eroding coastlines and rising sea levels. Rick Sammon's Canon EOS Digital Rebel Personal Training Photo Workshop DVD by Rick Sammon. In this 90-minute video, the popular speaker and Canon Explorer of Light covers a range of topics from camera basics to exposure, lenses, sport shooting, photographing in low light and more. Sammon goes on location to various places to give you a better understanding of how to take great pictures.