Apple

Apple Updates Aperture and Digital Camera Support

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I've been quite happy with Aperture 3, but like many of you... I looked forward to the first update to address minor bugs. Well it's here! Apple released two updates: Aperture 3.0.1 which has several bug fixes and a digital camera update to add support for several camera models.

About Aperture 3.0.1
This update improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including:

  • Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture
  • Importing libraries from iPhoto
  • Importing photos directly from a camera
  • Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos
  • Face recognition processing
  • Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button
  • Printing pages containing multiple images
  • Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata
  • Editing photos using an external editor
  • Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied
  • Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts
  • Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map
  • Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window
  • Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.


The Digital Camera update also added several new cameras to Aperture and iPhoto.

  • Hasselblad H3DII-50
  • Leica M9
  • Leica X1
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
  • Pentax K-7
  • Pentax K-x
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A550
  • Sony Alpha DSLR-A850

Aperture 3 Supports Video

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With Aperture 3, Apple has fully embraced video acquired on DSLR cameras. In fact, you can now manage video and audio files as easily as any other image in your library. If you are used to using Aperture as part of your photo editing workflow, you'll find the addition of audio and video support quite welcome.

Importing Video

Video and audio files are added to your library in the same manner as any other image. You can import files directly from a memory card or from a hard drive. It is important to decide where you want to store the files before you import them. Follow these steps to choose a location and import your files:
1. Select a project or album then click the Import Files button in the toolbar.
2. Navigate to the desired files in the File Browser at the bottom of the main window (this can be files that already exist on hard drive or a memory card).

3. Select the check boxes for the desired clips. You can also click the Check All or Uncheck All buttons at the top of the window.

4. In the right column, choose a destination for the files. Specify where you want the files to be located in Aperture:

  • Click a project or folder in the Library pane to target it.
  • Choose New Project from the Destination menu to create a new project to hold the imported items.

5. Specify the media management approach you'd like to use. Click the Store Files menu and choose one of these options:

  • In the Aperture Library moves the files into a managed library. These files can be exported but will be copied to a new location.
  • In their current location leaves the files where they are located. This is the best approach if you've already copied your video files to an editing drive.
  • Your User folder is available (and is labeled with your default name).
  • The Pictures folder in your home directory is another option.
  • Choose lets you specify another location. This option works well when you want to target a specific drive (such as your project's media drive). The Choose option can be used to copy the media from the camera memory to an editing location.

6. Click Imported Checked when you’re ready to add the files to your project. The files are then added to your library.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP

New iPhoto Training

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I have two new iPhoto training titles released today from Peachpit Press. I am very proud of these and hope you enjoy them. For you pros... its perfect for your family members/parents. These are two very cool titles that I made especially for the iPhoto users out there.

iPhoto: Fix Your Photos – http://tinyurl.com/iphotofix
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you fix common problems with pictures. You'll learn how to straighten and crop, adjust dark photos, and bring out the color in your snapshots. You'll also learn how to fix soft focus, red eye, and overexposed photos. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you'll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to get your work done faster. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can work along with the instructor.

iPhoto: Share Your Photos - http://tinyurl.com/iphotoshare
The videos provide easy to follow tutorials that help you share your pictures over email or post them online to services including MobileMe, Facebook, and Flickr. You’ll also learn techniques for making slideshows and creating your own blog. Whether you're new to iPhoto or even an experienced user, you’ll find useful techniques and powerful shortcuts to share your photos easily. Each lesson includes hands on files so you can follow along with the instructor.

Aperture 3 Announced – New Training on Way

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Hi all... happy news in the Aperture 3 was just announced and shipped. This is not a full review (I am slammed with Macworld and finishing up a book for print). But I couldn't resist playing with the new version and look forward to jumping in.

Here are my top 10 reasons to upgrade for current users. More details soon...

  1. Better Filmstrip and Fullscreen View – It's much easier to work with your images and really get at the details.
  2. Backup on Import – Have your media go to two drives at once. This is HUGE.
  3. Places – Yes it's in iPhoto... but now that GPS tag makes it so much easier to sort by location. I also use this as a tool for site surveys and planning from shoot scouts.
  4. Faces – Again... was in iPhoto last year, but I'll take it. Facial recognition to organize your library. This is great for finding pictures of one subject. It's freaky good too.
  5. Focus Points – Actually see where the camera used points to auto focus. This is very useful for evaluating sharpness.
  6. Search on Steroids – Okay, that's not its actual name. But it's amazing... you can sort by usage, face, place, time, file type, all sorts of things. Literally search by Who, Where, When... I'm still waiting on Why.
  7. Nondestructive Brushes with Edge Detection – Easily cleanup images with all sorts of spot adjustments. Completely nondestructive and editable, including the ability to view the selections mask and tweak it at any time. Oh... and they work with Wacom tablets too. The skin smoothing brush is dreamy good.
  8. Curves! – 'nuff said.
  9. Adjustment Presets – Useful starting points or make your own. Can even apply them upon import to batch fix problems.
  10. Video – You can organize it, trim it, media manage it, drag it into Final Cut Pro, export out versions, use it in new slideshows. Uh huh... that's right... video.


You can see a detailed list of all 200 features here – http://www.apple.com/aperture/features/

I am working on two new DVDs and video titles for Kelby Training – tell them you want more!

Also, be sure to check out the great site – http://www.apertureexpert.com/

Special Video Book and Content Deal

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Our friends at the Peachpit User Group Program are making a special offer for all Mac User Groups who are interested delivering both great information on video production and a great price on a Peachpit book to their members.

Peachpit would like to give your group a unique opportunity to provide your members with high-quality articles and video instruction from Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman’s critically acclaimed Peachpit book, Video Made on a Mac: Production and Postproduction using Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite absolutely free.
Get more information – here