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Monday, March 3, 2008

March-April 2008

New Tools Of The Trade

Fiber Gloss
It's all about Baryta in the Harman Photo Professional Inkjet Gloss FB AL paper. Images printed on this special coating, which is traditionally applied to the fiber base of photo paper prior to the emulsion layers, have greater detail reproduction and definition, extended tonal range and excellent archival properties. The Gloss FB AL also employs a unique nanoporous Alumina coating that enhances color and ensures a smooth gloss finish. Available sizes include Letter, B, Super B and A2+ (17x25-inch) sheets, as well as 17-, 24- and 44-inch rolls. Estimated Street Price: Varies by size and quantity. Contact: Harman Technology, www.harman-inkjet.com.

Internal Terabyte
As image files continue to increase in size, large hard drives are essential to a smooth workflow. The Samsung SpinPoint F1 series 1 TB drive sets a new standard with a three-disk structure, making data processing faster while using less power. The 3.5-inch drive features NoiseGuard and SilentSeek technologies, which reduce overall noise and vibration. Optimized electronics and power-saving modes decrease power consumption and heat generation. The drive has a 334 GB per-platter capacity, 7200 rpm spin speed, 32 MB cache and SATA 3 GB/s interface, plus it's optimized for RAID applications. Estimated Street Price: $399. Contact: Samsung, (800) SAMSUNG, www.samsung.com.

Photo Fix
Spend less time retouching photos and removing unwanted objects using Image Doctor 2 from Alien Skin Software. Unique algorithms quickly and seamlessly remove imperfections, even over large areas of an image. The Smart Fill feature automatically replaces these areas with an intelligent sampling of the nearby background pattern or you can specify where it should take the samples. The JPEG Repair tool fixes blocky areas and ragged edges in overcompressed JPEG files. Estimated Street Price: $199 ($99 upgrade). Contact: Alien Skin Software, (888) 921-SKIN, www.alienskin.com.

Image-Management System   
Send images to clients, art directors and creative teams quickly using GLOBALedit, an online image-management system. Get immediate feedback and move images through postproduction more efficiently with a selection of powerful, easy-to-use modules designed for working pros. Upload thousands of files using the Shoot Manager tool, which provides real-time access for clients to review, compare, annotate, select, rate and approve images. Collaborate interactively using a variety of workflow tools, including a talent-approval module, customizable lightboxes and a contact sheet generator. Estimated Street Price: Varies. Contact: GLOBALedit, (212) 334-3353, www.globaledit.com.

Sharp Lens
The Mamiya Sekor Macro MF 120mm ƒ/4 D lens features a 16-bit CPU, a remarkable jump from its predecessor's 4-bit CPU, to control data transfer. Replacing the popular Mamiya Macro MF 120mm ƒ/4 lens, the new model is fully compatible with the latest cameras, software and digital backs. With a larger capacity, the CPU allows for faster and more reliable communication with the camera body. It also can be overwritten with firmware upgrades required for future compatibility with cameras and digital backs. Suited for film and digital backs, the lens is compatible with the Mamiya 645AFD II camera. Estimated Street Price: TBA. Contact: Mamiya, (914) 347-3300, www.mamiya.com.

Digital Press
Specializing in short-run printing, Chrome Imaging's Digital Press can make personalized photo books, magazines, promotional pieces, postcards and brochures in a range of formats and sizes. Photo books of up to 60 pages, either 5x7 or 11x14 inches, are available in a variety of binding styles with a choice of leather, suede, linen or custom covers. Along with state-of-the-art, four-color digital presses, Chrome's trained technicians have years of experience in high-end, fine-art photographic printing and test each job for color accuracy. Estimated Street Price: Varies by order. Contact: Chrome Imaging, (202) 333-3270, www.chromeimaging.com.