Help to choose software

[audiotx]

First - wow what standards here, before and after, notably girl with cigar; What talent

Can anyone help
1 I have pictures of 4MB that must all be less than 2MB - what software can I use that will limit files to 2MB

2 If a picture has a horizon that is not parallel - my fault! - is there software that can rotate the image just a little

Thanks

[Tito87]

First of all, welcome to DPS. As for your question, I do it in Photoshop, but I'm sure there must be other programs that can do it. Wait for more responses.

[IABoomer]

Lightroom could also handle both issues. In the export module, you can specify a file size and Lightroom will compress accordingly. As far as the crooked horizon goes, Lightoom's crop/rotate tool should be able to straighten that out.

If you're willing to put in the time to learn it, GIMP can do these things as well. If you're going to use GIMP, I'd suggest the RIOT plugin for optimizing file sizes: Save for Web plug-in using RIOT (Radical Image Optimization Tool) | GIMP Plugin Registry

As Tito mentioned, Photoshop will do this as well, as should most decent image editing programs. You might find that whatever came with your camera (Nikon ViewNX, Canon DPP, Sony [okay, I have no idea what Sony includes], etc.) will do these minor edits as well.

Finally, there are web services like http://www.picnik.com/ that can do simple edits without having to install any software.

[cyber3d]

What camera do you have? Canon comes with a free program called Digital Photo Professional. It can batch process your images into a number of formats and files types and rename them too.

[audiotx]

Thank you all for already a mine of information, this is great advice, thank you.

(Background, you can skip if you wish - I used to work in BBC TV studios so have been so lucky to have worked with some the best optics in the world. Massive, huge Zeiss lens, at that time the size of a cat holder/transporter (I don’t have a cat) but trying to demonstrate the size; and the time one dropped from a 4 tube colour TV camera as it went up on a dolly for a ceiling shot. BUT what a lens – even at the extreme edges perfect colour and perfect focus, wow).

I add this detail as I wanted to respond to the specific question “what camera do I have”. The answer is I am about to change and have been testing software repair methods for the shots I have taken recently. Thus wanting to upgrade the camera I have been reviewing Canon range notably 550D, 600D, 1100D, 60D, 7D

I hesitate to broaden this thread to what is certainly boring for many and old hat for some but if you do have comments (also any software comments) these are most welcome. My passion is land and seascapes. So I walk a lot, stuff needs to be carried, I live in Southern Europe, I think I always need a second lens at least up to 200M as for me some mountain or marine images are of no value without. So some questions are arising. I do not wish to alienate Nikon, Pentax or other fans, sorry but it seems the choices these days are down to a handful of marques.

1 Of the range of cameras above is the 60 D the one? Reviews of the 550D v the 7D are v positive for the 550D but it feels so different
2 Some propose using just one lens of up to 135 and wonder if having just one lens is a solution for weight
3 Having had years with a beloved analogue Pentax or two I always needed a second lens at least in my view to Q 2 above as it never seems right without the standard lens for some shots.

I now work part time, still in broadcasting but voice only, and plan to take shots that may be of value on the stock photo sale sites to see if any gain any buyers, so also ask if the camera model choice is critical, i.e do any of the models above NOT in your view fit the technical needs for quality, as well as of course the operator! Thanks

[audiotx]

I forgot to add, the camera must have an external mike socket, but I think all the models I mentioned have this feature. Thanks. If anyone wishes to add a name or model for a fairly portable broadcast quality video camera, that is not sky high price then I would be pleased to hear a recommendation. Not an immediate plan but in view.

[IABoomer]

If you're thinking about doing heavy DSLR video with the system, then the Canon line is probably your best bet. Also, look into Magic Lantern Firmware Wiki to add some features that aren't part of the standard Canon firmware.

Sorry I can't make a personal recommendation beyond that since I have a Nikon and don't do serious video with it.

You might also want to spend some time on a site that specializes in video, like cinema5D news

[audiotx]

Wow the Magic Lantern software link is very informative, thank you - I think I may be timid loading it into a brand new camera, but clearly many have superb results.

Heavy duty video is not the key feature yet, so I may choose a dedicated video cam for that later as I do not wish to skew my choice now for stills. BUT the ML offers superb functions that are not in native firmware, and it could affect my choice if it went to a 60D as I would need to select a Canon they list as compatible.

Prior to reading your reply my new camera choice had come down to a Canon 60D or a Pentax K5. My nostalgia for the Pentax remains, and I have seen reports of its weatherproofing and image stabilisation features being superior. But the swivel screen of the Canon looks very useful, and another review said the K5 took 3 seconds to display an image, so placing the star on the Canon

I have drifted off my initial subject for this thread, software that has been answered, but welcome any thoughts on the choices above: Thanks

[audiotx]

Thanks to your link I see that indeed the video capability of the CANON 60 D as shown on the web site you mentioned is stunning, indeed amazing. Seems another star for the 60 D

Canon EOS 60D cinema5D news