Luminar 1.3.0 released (free update)

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Skylum released the new Luminar 1.3.0 update. If you already own Luminar this is a free update. If you want to buy Luminar use our coupn code “43RUM” to  get a $10 discount.

Mac New & Improved Features:

  • IMPROVED Raw Develop. The Raw Develop filter has improved handling of the Lens and Transform effects. Effects are not shown on the left side (Before) when using the Compare option. The effects are also not blended with original when using the Filters Amount slider.
  • IMPROVED Sharpening. The Sharpening filter is more responsive and accurate. As you adjust the controls all changes are visible in high resolution with real-time feedback.
  • IMPROVED Batch Processing. You can now export to several file formats including new options for PDF and JPEG-2000.
  • IMPROVED LUT Mapping. You can now easily scroll through your LUTs in the LUT Mapping filter. Just hover your mouse over a LUT and it updates in real-time.
  • IMPROVED Language Support. Luminar offers eight Improved localizations: Chinese, Chinese Simplified, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.
  • IMPROVED Image History. It is now possible to use the “Save History” option when saving a file with the “Windows Compatible” option. Additionally, White Balance presets are now displayed in an image’s history with the preset name when using the RAW Develop and Develop filters.
  • NEW Plugin Support. The following third-party plugins can now be used via the Plugins menu: Imagenomic Noiseware 5, Imagenomic Portraiture 3, Imagenomic Realgrain 2, and DxO FilmPack 5.
  • IMPROVED Filter Controls. To save you time, all filter checkboxes can be enabled or disabled by clicking on the control name or the checkbox. Additionally, be sure to try scrubbable number sliders. Just mouse over the value for a filter and then click and drag left or right to move the slider.
  • IMPROVED JPEG Controls. Take precise control over JPEG and JPEG-2000 compression. You can see a numeric value for the Quality slider. You can also click on the number and enter a precise value.

Windows New & Improved Features:

  • NEW Faster opening of RAW-files. You can now open raw files much faster thanks to improvements in our RAW engine.
  • NEW White Balance Tool. A new White Balance functionality and eyedropper tool have been added to the Raw Develop, Develop, and Color Temperature filters.
  • NEW Image History. It is now possible to use the “Save History” option when saving a file. Additionally, White Balance presets are now displayed in an image’s history with the preset name when using the RAW Develop, Develop and Color Temperature filters.
  • NEW Layer Renaming. For all new layers, you add to a document (except for the original image) you can choose to assign a custom name. Just double-click on a layer’s name to edit it. This is a great way to organize adjustment and image overlay layers in your project.
  • IMPROVED Filter Performance. You can now add or subtract filters more quickly to an image.
  • IMPROVED Blending Modes. When you choose a blending mode for an Adjustment or Image Layer, the experience is even easier. Just hover your mouse over a blending mode and it updates in real-time. This is an easy way to simply mouse-over the list to find the perfect blending mode.
  • IMPROVED LUT Mapping. You can now easily scroll through your LUTs in the LUT Mapping filter.
  • IMPROVED Language Support. Luminar offers seven improved localizations: Chinese, Chinese Simplified, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.
  • NEW Canvas Color. You can now set the Canvas background color to White. Choose View > Background > White to set the working Canvas to White or choose from other shades of gray or black.
  • IMPROVED Sharpening. The Sharpening filter is more responsive and accurate. As you adjust the controls all changes are visible in high resolution with real-time feedback.
  • NEW DNG Camera Profiles (DCP). Are you looking for truly professional control over your raw files? Then give DNG Camera Profiles a try. Luminar recognizes the industry standard DCP files that you may already have on your computer (or have bought from third parties).
  • IMPROVED Batch Processing. Windows users gain the useful Batch Processing improvements. These include the ability to “Replace or Skip Files” when saving the file with the same name when Batch Processing. Additional options include the ability to create JPEG and TIFF files as well as improved reliability when renaming and numbering files on export.

Here are the instruction how to get it:

The next time you launch Luminar, it should prompt you to update the software. You can also manually check for the update.

  • Mac – Please choose Luminar 2018 > Check for updates.
  • Windows – Please choose Help > Check for updates.
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Leica 8-18mm tested by Opticallimits: “very decent performer in its category”

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Leica 8-18mm lens at Adorama, BHphoto, Panasonic and Amazon. In Europe at Amazon.de.

Opticallimits (former Photozone) tested the Panasonic-Leica 8-18mm lens:

As you might expect, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH is a very decent performer in its category. The image center is very sharp and the borders and corners are pretty good as well – technically at least. Field curvature is a bit of an issue at 12mm albeit that’s not unheard of in this class (albeit usually at the wide end). Image distortions as well as vignetting are low when taking advantage of image auto-correction (obviously). The quality of the native design isn’t quite as hot in these respects though. Lateral CAs are very low and contribute to the high-quality perception. If pushed you will be able to spot some ghostings are a bit of glare with strong light sources in the scene. However, it isn’t worse than the competition in this respect.

A highlight of the lens (as well as its Leica cousins) is the build quality. We really wished this would be standard across all lenses. The Leica lens feels both sturdy and extremely well assembled with smooth controls and weather sealing on top of all that. Some may regret that Panasonic skipped an image stabilizer but honestly we agree with this approach because it’s already difficult enough to produce ultra-wide lenses without much sample variations.

Overall the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH follows a balanced approach in this category. It skips a constant aperture in favour of having front filters combined with a compact size. We wouldn’t state that it excels compared to its Olympus and Panasonic mates but it is in the very same league and as such an appealing option.

Leica 8-18mm lens at Adorama, BHphoto, Panasonic and Amazon. In Europe at Amazon.de.

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a bit of everything…

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GH5 Autofocus Fix on Version 2.3 (Lumix 12-35 and Sigma 18-35 test)

Travel video shot entirely with Pana GX800 + 12-32mm kit lens (Youtube).
New Lastolite SkyLite Rapid Kits (Explora).
Sony A7III vs Panasonic G9 – Full Frame or M43? (TheHybridShooter).
DxOMark Received Money Offers For Camera Reviews ‘Many Times’ (Androidheadlines).

Share your best pictures on our new Instagram MicroFourThirdsGallery.

Plenty of news on the facebook E-M1II group and the GH5 group.

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