Silkypix Pro

Release Candidate version now available:

http://www.isl.co.jp/SILKYPIX/english/dsp_rc.html

Thanks for heads up, have downloaded

Great- thanks!

Doesn't seem to support the K-7 yet though. You'd think since Pentax's own software is based on Silkypix that they would have included the K7 by now. Especially as Adobe have already done so.

Not a criticism, just a comment.

Just a couple of excellent points on the new version:

1) Under the "fine exposure" bias control there is a new "Dodging" control. Have found this excellent for lovely fine portraits.

2) Can batch process in the background, using multiple CPU cores.

3) You can display the contrast control results on the Tone Curve (cool)

4) Output is much improved - you can output to any colour space, and save complete output settings for various uses (e.g. Web output, Full TIFF etc)

Only snag at the minute is there is no Mac version

Although there aren't that many UI differences, the image quality so far seems another step up from SPDS3 Has really made some DA*50-135 portraits leap off the screen

Matt

For K-7 users, SP Pro will work with DNG, so either shoot DNG or just convert your PEF's to DNG (the latest Adobe converter does this apparently, or use the supplied software to convert to DNG). I expect that the release version of SP Pro will support K-7 PEF's.

I have found the ability to print with correct printer/paper profiles directly within SP Pro a major boon, I don't have to convert to a TIFF and use Photoshop anymore.

I've done a quick trial and the print quality actually seems even better from SP Pro than using PS as my final print output program.

The dodge tool is awesome! It's really saved me an awful lot of PP'ing on some of my shots I took in Provence a couple of weeks ago which suffered from huge contrast issues (and overuse of my polariser! )

Here is a screen shot within SP Pro of the difference with and without dodge, I love the dual image capabilities as well.




I've always been a fan of Silkypix and have used it from the very first English (Japlish :wink V.2. This latest version has answered most of my needs, but I still have some more requests which I have fired off to John Neville, who runs Silkypix UK. You can do the same here (you have to be registered and logged in to leave comments):
link

Will my current settings remain if I download this trial version ?

Your installation of Version 3 with all its settings will remain intact and untouched.

The Pro trial is installed and run separately. The settings are all Silkypix's default ones to start with. You can import most of your old settings in the form of a Taste if you like. The other settings, it doesn't take too long to do them manually. There aren't very many.

I'm enjoying the Dodging function as well. It makes a nice change from adjusting Contrast Center, and is more sophisticated, of course. It's a relief to have a spotting/cloning tool too.

I'll be delighted with the program as long as it's affordable (even with the discount for v3 users).

been trying out the new version and gradually getting the hang of it. The spotting tool works pretty well imho, and the copy function within it is well designed to work with a pen tablet. nb it doesn't work like a paintbrush.

you can include your own (bespoke) titles and watermarks at development stage now too which I like, especially as they can be assigned to a sub-taste. Haven't fully got to grips with the hierarchy of tastes in the batch and single development section yet, but that area has had a substantial revision vs DS3.

release candidate means beta release BTW, shortcutinc suggest the final version will be on sale 1st August.

I have a question for the experts on monitor profile with the Silkypix RC.


Background :I calibrate my monitor with a huey. The monitor profile is called "huey dell 1703FP 4Y279488AFTS" and I can see this in "display properties when I right click the desktop.

Now in the Silkypix version 3.0, under Display Settings: I tick Enable colour display management and I have two options for monitor profile :
1. windows default, which is labled "huey D65 G2.2 A0.00"
2. Select icc/icm file...where I can browse to the profile "huey dell 1703FP 4Y279488AFTS"
I have has Silkypix v3.0 set to the latter option, as this is my monitor profile, right ??


Now when I use the new Slikypix RC version, under Display setting/monitor profile it gives me the option to select "(Windows control value)huey D65 G2.2 A0.00". But there is no sign of the profile
"huey dell 1703FP 4Y279488AFTS" ??

I am a bit confused. I use windows XP.

Any help appreciated.

I don't know the answer.

You could try posting the same question to the Silkypix forum:

http://www.shortcutinc.com/forums/index.php

Thanks for the link Pete. I have done as you suggest