Supports Nikon, Canon, Kodak Digital Cameras; Adds End-to-End Color Solutions

ROCHESTER, N.Y., October 10 - The newest version of Kodak Professional Portraits & More PC Pro software for Windows systems give professional photographers many more options for improved productivity and versatility in digital event imaging and in-studio portraiture.

With Portraits & More PC Pro Software version 3.2, photographers can capture images with a digital camera and output photo-quality prints "on demand" for on-location or studio sales. An easy-to-learn application, the newest PC Pro software allows the operator to use a digital camera either tethered for high-volume events, or untethered for shooting at outdoor locations and such indoor events as wedding receptions and proms.

The new PC Pro software adds full support for the Kodak Professional DCS 760, 720x and Pro Back Plus pro digital cameras, as well as for the Nikon D1, D1-H and D1-X and Canon EOS D30 pro digital cameras. Owners of the Kodak DC290 and DC4800 point-and-shoot zoom digital cameras and Kodak Professional 4720 Photo Printer had their devices added recently to this imaging software application as well.

Another key addition: new color adjustment options in three levels, from out-of-the-box color accuracy to end-to-end color management solutions for unique or more demanding location shooting. Special color editing features help optimize images, and simplify the interface to Adobe Photoshop for more advanced editing needs. Users can even create and utilize custom output
profiles using PC Pro software version 3.2.

This new version of Portraits & More PC Pro software will be available later this month, while upgrades from the previous version will be downloadable free of charge to current owners.

"The goal of our new PC Pro software is simple - more options," said John Hodgson, U.S. Marketing Manager, On-Demand Photographer Systems, Kodak Professional. "The addition of new cameras - including cameras from other manufacturers - means photographers using all these cameras can put these terrific applications to work for them. And the new color adjustment options enhance the quality of prints produced under a much wider range of applications."

Kodak Cameras and Printer Recently Added

PC Pro software version 3.2 was developed to support Kodak Professional digital cameras and thermal printers. But earlier this year, it was updated to enable the 3.1-megapixel Kodak DC4800 and 2.1-megapixel DC290 point-and-shoot digital cameras, as well as the Kodak 4720 Photo Printer - which adds passport photos, sports cards and sticker prints to a photographer's repertoire to attract more customers and increase sales opportunities.

In addition, the software allows both a 4720 photo printer and a Kodak Professional 8660, 8670, 8657, 8650 or 8600 color thermal printer to be connected to the computer at the same time, thus maximizing productivity. The printers provide output with high image quality and stability.

New PC Pro Features

Numerous enhancements have been added to PC Pro software. For instance, it now allows photographers to choose the resolution at which they display images captured in their studios. It drives various monitors depending on the application - from 800x600 viewable screen resolution for basic studio operations to 1280x1024 resolution for large-screen selling workstations. Color processing choices allow the photographer to select different "looks" depending on the subject.

Kodak Professional DCS cameras and color thermal printers are designed to work within a common color space in a PC Pro workflow to yield excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy. A simple monitor calibration is achieved by performing a quick "click balance" in the software's "capture cal" feature.

The new version of PC Pro software supports more advanced image adjustment tools - such as F-stop adjustments, image sharpening, and noise filtering - by linking to metadata in DCS camera files. For even more editing options, photographers can now export an image directly to Adobe Photoshop. And because PC Pro software can read Photoshop PSD files, photographers also can import Adobe Photoshop files directly back into the PC Pro application.

For even more demanding photographic situations, the Kodak Professional ColorFlow Color Connector, included with Kodak Professional's 8660 and 8670 color thermal printers, and new PC Pro software can work together. The Color Connector application allows users to create custom color profiles that fine-tune the photographer's workflow for unique lighting conditions and make other precise adjustments. When selected, PC Pro software uses the custom profile instead of the default profile.

Other features included in PC Pro software version 3.2 include:

• The ability to change exposure compensation in digital images in quarter-stop increments from +2 to -2.
• Easy identification of files - simply passing the cursor over an image automatically displays the path name of each image file, making it easier to locate images, even with multiple storage folders and drives.
• Simple rotation of images on the filmstrip display so that portrait and
  landscape aspects face the same way.
• A touch-up tool to correct minor defects. With an adjustable electronic "brush" size, this tool makes it easy to correct a flaw by taking image
  information from a surrounding area and copying over the defect.
• A slide show function that allows professional presentation of images to clients. It offers a variety of options, including dissolves and wipes between images.