When technology meets tradition

You knew it had to happen. Steve Jobs said the iPhone 4 was akin to the Leica cameras when it came to quality, so it was only a matter of time before someone creates a marriage between the two icons.

Suguru Nishioka created a case for the iPhone 4 that resembles a Leica IIIf camera, by printing a realistic computer illustration on the case. Now this really takes the coolness quota up to the stratospheric level - I mean, Leica and Apple products are cool by themselves... so the fusion of the two products must be mind-blowing!

All photos by Suguru Nishioka

You can order the iPhone 4 cases from http://www.etsy.com/shop/chasmic, but do note that stocks are selling out really quickly and there's already a back order, so act quickly if you want to step up on your coolness quotient!

Photographers and Apple iPad - perfect partership

With the Apple iPad shipping worldwide, many photographers are scrambling to get their hands so that they can share their portfolio of works with everyone on the gorgeous 10" screen. But there's more to using the iPad as an electronic portfolio, as Jesse Rosten discovered. Did you know that you can shoot and transfer your files wirelessly to the iPad?

All it takes is an Apple iPad (obviously), a DSLR, an Eye-Fi card and an app called ShutterSnitch (US$8). Jesse Rosten shares the exact method on how to set-up your DSLR to transfer your photos wirelessly to your iPad as you shoot. It's great for viewing your photos on a huge screen compared to squinting at a small LCD behind the camera. And it's especially good if you're a commercial photographer who needs to show the client (and art director) as the shoot goes on, without having them stand behind you to check the shots.

The above is a video clip by Jesse Rosten showing how the wireless setup works. For the details on setting up the wireless transmission of images, visit his website at http://jesserosten.com/2010/wireless-tethering-to-ipad

Apple launches Aperture 3

Apple has launched Aperture 3 - the latest incarnation of its popular photo management software. The latest version includes a host of improvements such as  a new Faces and Places option that enables Face detection and geotagging - a feature first found in iPhoto 09'. The slideshow can now also combine both photos and HD videos. Build your slideshow with six Apple designed themes or choose your own transitions, background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack.

More importantly, Aperture 3 will appeal to photographers with its new Brushes feature that allows you to paint effects onto your images without the complexity of layers or masks. There are a total of 15 effects, including Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur. Adjustment Presets feature lets you apply a specific style or look to the entire image with just a click, much like a filter or a film effect. Mac users who already own Aperture will be able to upgrade for US$99, while new customers can buy it for US$199.

Visit Apple's website for more information.