Digital Photographer's Software Guide - Bertemes - Net

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The Digital Photographer's Software Guide
Helicon Focus is highly automated. It automatically adjusts/resizes images, places no
limitation on image resolution, and processes an unlimited number of images in the
stack. It also supports dust mapping to remove black marks from the resulting images.
There are three editions: Helicon Focus Lite, Pro, and Multiprocessor, the Pro version
having additional retouching functions. Lite is available as a 30-day evaluation.
Comments
Depth-of-field is often severely limited in close-up photography, creating a genuine need
for this type of software. Using it is extremely easy, but taking the pictures can be more
demanding. Special equipment such as the Manfrotto macro rail can help you advance
the camera by tiny increments (1.25mm for every full turn of the crank).
However, you do not have to restrict yourself to macro- or micro-photography in order
to get benefits from using Helicon Focus. It is superbly designed, with an interface that
is highly sympathetic to its users. For example, it allows you to add images at any time
to the stack and lets you switch individual images on or off to see if the overall effect
can improved. One of its best features is the provision of retouching tools that enable
you to remove unwanted artifacts that can occur when there is shadow movement from
one image to the next (see Figure 22.1). Above all, it is great fun to use and the results
can be outstanding.
Uniquely, the vendor offers a free license if you send an instructive tutorial with tips on
how to use the product; this means that many helpful tutorials are available.
Version: Windows Helicon Focus 4.46, Mac 3.79 (2008)
OS: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and Vista64; Mac OS X 10.3
RAM: 256MB
Supported file formats: Reads RAW, 8-bit and 16-bit TIFFs, JPEG, JPEG 2000, and BMP; writes
8-bit and 16-bit TIFFs, JPEG, JPEG 2000, and BMP
Price level: In the range of $30–$250
Address: Helicon Soft Ltd., per. Mekhanichesky 4, 61068 Kharkov, Ukraine
www.heliconfilter.com
Summary
Like high dynamic range (HDR), depth-of-field tools use the technique of combining
multiple images into a single image. The objective in this case is to extend the depthof-field
beyond the capabilities of the camera/lens combination. In close-up photography
especially, depth-of-field is often very limited, making it impossible to capture the width
of a blow-fly or the length of a wasp in a single shot. Using software like Helicon Focus
enables you to achieve stunningly sharp results in macro- and micro-photography,
whereas other software like Depth of Field Generator PRO lets you move in the opposite
direction and create selective bokeh (out-of-focus) effects.