VMware have an offer on at the moment for a virtualisation package that allows the Mac to run either Linux or Windows code. Think it's half price for now... (they emailed a week ago)
Matt

Far enough - thought I'd raise the issue though.

If it sets a low white-point (which true sRGB is painfully low) then it'll squash the shadows into oblivion. As I said, "Native" white point will maintain the dynamic range of your LCD.

Matt

The other thing to note is that not all monitors are created equal

Some just aren't up to the job for photography (hence the reason why Eizo and Lacie photographic monitors are so expensive).
I've had some LCD panels that were absolutely garbage. Couldn't get them anywhere calibrated, not even with the Spyder 2 Pro
Now I'm not such a skinflint

EDIT: On the Pro at least, you can choose your whitepoint. "Native" would be the best one, especially in your circumstances Hopefully the Express version allows this choice...

Matt

You should always calibrate in the lighting that you are using for work.
And your lighting should be dim
In other words... best to draw the curtains, have most lights off, and calibrate and work with that same setup.

Most working environments are so bright they stuff the colour balance anyway!
Matt

Fine suggestion
Don't forget that there's a marked difference between black and white 'nets' over the lens.

Best bet to try this out is to get a second hand UV filter and experiment. Vaseline can be used as well

Matt

Pete,
You don't need any plugins. CS2 already had it.

Try this:

1. Duplicate the background layer (Ctrl-J)
2. Run the LENS BLUR and make a nice soft bokeh. It'll do the whole thing, but don't worry
3. Add a layer mask to the blurred layer (a show-all layer)
4. Now select the layer mask (click on it)
5. Pick a soft black brush, set to around 40% opacity and paint where you want the sharpness to be.

If the overall look is too soft, reduce the opacity of the blur layer.

(You can do the same thing with Gaussian blur, but it's not quite the same!)

Hopefully you can follow this... but I'm rather rushed

Matt

Love the "hands" shot Dan
Matt

Well, it wasn't
It was a typo - Firefox auto-filled in the camera model - and I submitted before I could do anything! DOH!

My second comment posted about the image said:
Alas! There's no way to update camera info on epz once submitted

EDIT: Unless Pete Bargh changes the field Thanks Pete


Matt

I have sooo many to choose from that were taken with the K10D. But here are three:

The Upholsterer's Cat
http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/469573


Unfortunately the cat's nose is fractionally out of focus, but the detail in the chair is incredible. Taken with an AF540+brolley and AF360 trigger. Used the SMC-DA 12-24 at almost point-blank range. Photoshop-blacked the background which was cluttered.

Time for Departure
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/644210


The SMC-F 50mm f/1.4 really shone on this one. The K10D pretty much handled the massive dynamic range and gave razor sharp detail. Used the grip and caught this grab shot.

Pair of Pirates
http://www.ephotozine.com/u16488/gallery/613649


Set up a small studio at a kids party. Used the AF540 and brolley plus a reflector on the RHS. Used the SMC-FA 24-90. I was mighty pleased with the detail and colour on this!



Enjoy!
Matt

Please don't revamp it as much as epz... whether it's increased visitors or the changes but I'm finding epz painfully slooooooow and I don't visit nearly as much (partly because of that).
It would be a shame to lose the speed and immediacy of this forum

Matt