”A free collection of 32 and 64-bit RAW image decoders for Windows 7, Vista and XP.

Windows Vista introduced a modern and extensible imaging framework called Windows Imaging Component (WIC). The operating system comes with built-in support for several common image formats including jpeg, bmp, png, gif, tiff and HD Photo. WIC makes it possible for 3rd parties to add first-class support for image formats to Windows, complete with thumbnails in Explorer, preview and slideshow support in Photo Gallery / Photo Viewer and metadata search integration.

The FastPictureViewer WIC RAW Codec Pack provides such platform support for additional formatsand turns Windows Explorer into a raw viewer, through read-only image decoders, simultaneously available in both 32 and 64-bit flavor for Win7, Vista and XP SP3. The codec pack contains 32-bit and 64-bit NEF and 64-bit CR2 codecs, along with 64-bit DNG and a lot more!

WIC-enabled image viewers such as Windows Live™ Photo Gallery, Windows 7′s Media Center and our own FastPictureViewer Professional "automagically" gain the ability to open and view new image formats, play slideshows etc, so does all .NET 3.x and WPF-based applications.

Unconvinced? Since the initial release last September we got tens of thousands of codec packs successfully deployed and thousands of websites pointing at us from all around the world, evenmicrosoft.com points to this page from their Codec Download Page, check it out!

Download the FastPictureViewer WIC RAW Codec Pack 1.67 (Standalone)
Version 1.67 (Feb 16, 2010) is a minor maintenance release (to keep codecs in sync with FastPictureViewer Professional).

Version 1.66 (Feb 06, 2010) adds support for Sinar CaptureShop (*.cs1) files and Mamiya ZD (*.mef) files.

Version 1.65 (Jan 19, 2010) adds partial support for old Canon EOS 1D and 1Ds files (no metadata).

Version 1.64 (Dec 26, 2009) adds support for Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon PowerShot S90, Fuji FinePix S200EXR and Pentax K-x.”

The DTOWN TV show aired its last episode this week and wraps up the show with the latest Nikon releases.

If you are a Nikon shooter I suggest you go grab the episodes before they are gone and they are full of good information.

Here is the link: http://www.dtowntv.com

DTown TV is a weekly show brought to you by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski with KelbyTraining.com. In this week’s episode they cover:

• Scott shows you how to embed your copyright information into your image files in-camera.
• Need to check if you have the latest firmware for your camera? Here’s the link
• Vincent Versace shows how to set black, white, and gray points in Capture NX2.
• Matt gives a tip on time-lapse photography. Click here to download the JPEGS from Matt’s Time Lapse Tip
• Nikon Professional Services Manager Scott Diussa shows you the proper way to attach your camera strap.
• For info on the St. Lucia workshop, check Joe McNally’s blog, or the resort website to sign up.
• Click here to download a PDF about Joe McNally’s upcoming workshop
• Scott shows how to attach the SD-9 battery pack to the bottom of a camera body
• Scott’s final tip… If you’re wondering if a tip works for your camera, give it a try!

Nikon please take a moment to ship one of these out to me for free so I can use it.. Ok maybe I am wishing but I do need a monster lens for auto sports shooting and really long lens glamour work.

I guess I will need to safe up the 9700.00 bucks…. ouch.. oh wait there is one for sale from B&H for 5995.00 used…. hmm.. no still kidding

Focal length
600 mm

Maximum aperture
f/4

Minimum aperture
f/22

Lens construction
15 elements in 12 groups (with 3 ED glass elements and one Nano Crystal Coat) and one meniscus protective glass element

Picture angle
4°10’ (2°40’ with DX-format camera)

Closest focus distance
5.0 m/16.4 ft. (AF), 4.8 m/15.7 ft. (MF)

Maximum reproduction ratio
1/7.4

No. of diaphragm blades
9 (rounded)

Filter/attachment size
52 mm

Focusing
Internal Focusing (IF) system; autofocus with a built-in SWM and manual focus

Diameter x length
(extension from lens mount)
Approx. 166 x 445 mm/6.5 x 17.5 in.

Weight
Approx. 5,060 g/11.2 lb.

Supplied accessories
Lens Hood HK-35, Heavy duty case CT-607, Dedicated filter holder, 52mm screw-in NC filter, Strap LN-1, Monopod collar
Note:
VR operation works with the Nikon F6, F5, F100, F80, F75, F65, D3, D700, D2-series, D1-series, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70-series, D60, D50 and D40-series.

http://twipphoto.com/archives/841

Nikon recently started shipping the D700. This is a direct competitor to Canon’s 5D. But how does it stack up against its older brother, the D3?
Having had the D3 for a few weeks I was very familiar with its capabilities and looked forward to the D700. I wasn’t disappointed.