PShizzy: The Blog

When the 5D II first came out, it was revolutionary, offering full HD video at 30fps. While this was certainly an amazing concept, the execution itself wasn’t spectacular by any means. Why? Because while the 5D II did 1080p video, it did not follow the standard frame rates for video, nor the sampling rates for audio. In fact, it didn’t even allow manual exposure settings for video. This of course was later fixed, and led to speculation.

For the first time, Canon didn’t just tweak the settings on a camera with a firmware update, they actually enhanced the camera. But after updating the 5D II to allow manual exposure, they still had a lot to do. And today, finally, it seems they’ve done it.

So what’s the big deal with the new firmware? Hit the jump to get a simple explanation of frame rates and audio samples, as well as the complete list of firmware changes. But if that sounds all too boring, feel free to just click here (scroll down, hit “I Agree”) to get the firmware and be on your merry way! [Read more →]

Tags: business, equipment, photography by PShizzy
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Raise your hand if you were excited about Snow Leopard coming out last Friday? I admit, I was intrigued, and went ahead and picked up a copy at my local Apple Store. But before I even got to open the package, I started reading reports that people had problems with older applications not being compatible, and even newer applications needing updates and patches just to be compatible. A personal computer having problems isn’t that big a deal. Maybe you’re inconvenienced because you can’t sync the latest songs to your iPhone, or can’t use Tweetdeck or who know’s what else.

But what if this is your work computer? What if your entire business depends on this computer? What if Snow Leopard creates incompatibilities that wouldn’t just inconvenience you, it would prevent you from working? Think I’m kidding? Adobe CS3 application users have already expressed concerns, and you would think CS4 users are safer. Maybe not.

If only there was a way to test out Snow Leopard on your system, without jeopardizing your current setup. Well, there is, and it’s not very complicated. So if you’re an expert level user, I won’t be sharing anything too mind blowing. However, for the novice to intermediate user, this may just make your day. Read on for more. [Read more →]

Tags: business, equipment by PShizzy
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AdoramaPix is at it again with their big print sale. Running through March, 4.95 gets you a 16×20 Kodak Endura Matte or Lustre print, and 7.95 for a Kodak Metallic. And like last time, you can purchase prepaid prints at these prices, and use them after the sale ends. This is great for anyone who prepurchased the metallics last time, as they’re still paying 4.95 for those.

Not only that, but if you’re signing up for the first time, you get 25 4×6 prints free.  And if you happen to do that, please consider dropping my name as a referral (my email address for this is msimbron at gmail dot com). I’ve accrued a bunch of 4×6 prints and plan to do something (don’t know yet) with them.

If you read my previous article on this, “Big Print Giveth,” there are comments from users who purchased large prints from AdoramaPix and were quite happy with the quality.

Feel free to add any thoughts or queries in the comments.

Tags: business by PShizzy
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UPDATE 2/17/09: The trial is back on. I believe it will alternate on and off, so try it. if you’re in a rush, try the day pass in my other post. Remember, each one requires an email address.

The week long pass that I posted about last week expired. It was a very popular post on this blog, so I contacted Lynda.com to see if there were any other trials available or coming up. It took a few days, but they responded.

As I mentioned in my other post, Lynda.com is a good resource for training, and the monthly or yearly cost is a boon to anyone who has an interest in learning more than one application. For my review of the service, read last weeks blog post

Click more to read on about my response from Lynda.com customer service, and the link to the 24 hour pass. [Read more →]

Tags: business, general, photoshop by PShizzy
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Backing up your drives is important. I don’t have any fun stories or anecdotes to recount about dead drives. There’s nothing worst than losing data because of a drive failure. Worse yet is when it’s at the most inopportune time. For example, the night before a big event, or a trip, your laptop decides that stage a coup against Windows XP. Now what?

Let’s install Windows. Where was that disk again? Countless reboots and hours later, you have Windows. But no updates. Reboot more, like it’s going out of style. Ok SP3, here we are. But no Photoshop. No Photo Mechanic. Crap, even my email hasn’t been set up yet. Oh and if you run Vista, you may just be better off going without a computer until Windows 7 shows up.

The last time my computer went out on me, I reasoned that it was old enough to not be worth saving, so I went and got a Mac. That’s how much I hate reformatting. Also, to be honest, I was simply unprepared. So how could having software like Acronis True Image have saved me? More on that, and the link to the article and info after the jump. [Read more →]

Tags: business, general by PShizzy
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UPDATE: The trial offer has now expired. I will do my best to find a new one.

UPDATE 2/17/09: The trial is back on. I believe it will alternate on and off, so try it. if you’re in a rush, try the day pass in my other post. Remember, each one requires an email address.

Lynda.com has always been a great resource for a variety of training. In my experience using them for two years, I find that Lynda offers the best bang for the buck when it comes to training for creative tools. at 25 dollars a month, or 250 for a year, it’s hard to beat their offerings. They have training for all the Adobe apps (which do include the former Macromedia apps), as well as Apple’s own creative suites (Final Cut, Aperture, etc). I could spend another few paragraphs listing it all. Instead, just look at their online training library master list

So, is Lynda.com is a clear choice, a must have? Not necessarily. Read on for the link to the free trial (really, the best way to figure out if you want it), and my opinion on Lynda.com [Read more →]

Tags: business, general, photoshop by PShizzy
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Tomorrow, November 18th, starting at 6am PST, you can get a free copy of Zonealarm 2009 Pro for free. Lifehacker, a favorite site of mine, has more info. As soon as the link is available, I will edit this post and include the direct link. For now, check out the article at Lifehacker, or the Zonealarm site.

Note, this is Windows only, which makes me a sad Mac. Not really though, because I have a PC laptop.

EDIT: Link is up. Click on the links above, or HERE.

Tags: business, general by PShizzy
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Another quick update for everyone. I got this note in my email from the folks at Adorama. Their online print shop, AdoramaPix, is offering 16×20 prints for 4.95. This is a great deal, and it gets even better. They offer this price for metallic prints as well. By comparison, MPix (also an excellent print shop) charges 19.99 for metallic 16×20, and White House Custom Colour charges 16.80 for a 16×20. Just click on the image to head on over to AdoramaPix.

And, if you look closely, the ad mentions prepaying. Lock in that price over 25 prints for 124.00, so you can still cash in on the savings long after the sale is over.

Of course, there are other factors to consider besides price. I love Millers lab (same place as MPix, but for businesses, while MPix is open to anyone), and their service and shipping time is superb. Still, a big metallic for five dollars is hard to beat. I would say that anyone considering the prepaid option should at least order one print up front, or a couple, and see how they like Adorama versus their current print shop.

If anyone has any experience with Adoramapix, please comment, I’d love to know more. I typically don’t print much of anything for myself (I’m more of a digital screen kinda guy), but if I do put in an order, I’ll report back.

Tags: business by PShizzy
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