December 2009

When I first saw Viveza I wasn't sure why I needed it. After a decade of using layers & layer masks for image enhancement learning how to use U-Points instead seemed un-necessary. But once I started using Smart Objects more often in Photoshop I wanted a Smart Filter plug-in to allow me to do image adjustments while retaining all the power of Smart Objects. Viveza fit the bill perfectly. And to my surprise I found that I got quite quick with U-Points and they worked out very well.

Nikon has put in place an "instant savings" campaign for great values on two of their most popular new lenses, the "must have" 18-200mm VR II version--a great upgrade to the original whose only downside is the increased cost, and the new VR version of their small and very sharp 70-300mm lens. The catch is that you get the $200-$250 discount only when you purchase a new D-SLR...

Beyond the Spotting Scope: Digital Cameras for Bird Photographers: http://ping.fm/gByFV More and more birders are becoming interested in photography. To go beyond the limitations of digiscoping (limited low light capability, tricky auto-focus, limited panning or ability to capture action, etc.) requires a fairly serious investment in a camera body and lenses. In this section of our exclusive GearGuide we'll cover tips for what to look for in a camera body or you can just skip to notes on specific models.