Serif Affinity Photo Review - A Photo Editing tool for Windows, Mac and iPad

Versione italiana QUI

With the explosion of digital cameras and the ubiquitous presence of camera-equipped smartphones, the need for photo-retouching software has also increased.

Nowadays more and more people spend hours retouching their own pictures, a "privilege" once reserved only for professional photographers and the more enthusiast hobbyists.
Everyone on this planet has at least once heard about Adobe Photoshop, probably the most famous piece of software of this kind. So famous that "to photoshop" has become a very much used synonym for "to post-process pictures".

Photoshop is also expensive, and even too powerful for the average (non-professional) user, who might easily be intimidated by the quantity of tools and options this program offers. That's why there is a lot room in the market for more user-friendly alternatives, like Serif's Affinity Photo, which has now reached v1.7 and is available for Windows, Mac and iPad.

Affinity Photo aims to represent a new solution to image editing for professional photographers, photo retouchers and even conceptual artists.
Serif's goal when designing Affinity Photo was to create a powerful software that could offer speed and performance alongside an intuitive interface.
Did they succeed?

The first thing that can be noticed after launching Affinity Photo is that the interface has a familiar look. This is because the vertical left toolbar, and the right column of panels strikes more than a resemblance to Adobe Photoshop. This is not a criticism, on the contrary: a familiar workspace makes it easier to work with a new software and makes transitioning less scary and time consuming.

The familiar look of Affinity Photo's interface

What's really innovative of Affinity Photo's interface is what Serif called "Personas". Basically, Personas are different tool sets that cover different design needs: they are called Photo, Liquify, Develop, HDR and Export. As you have probably already imagined by their names, every Persona has a different goal, which is made easier to achieve by Affinity Photo's behavior: when switching to a different Persona, the toolbars change and only offer the buttons, the tools and the options needed for this task.
This makes the interface much easier to navigate, and finding the right tool becomes a quick job.

The Personas toolbar

Obviuosly the Photo Persona is the one you are going to spend most of your time in. It offers all the usual set of tools to let you edit your pictures the way you want. Selection tools, cropping tools, paint brushes, clone brushes, color fill tools, blurring/sharpening/smudging tools, erasers, healing brushes with different options that makes things easier. They are not (yet?) at the same level of Photoshop's content aware healing tools, but they really do a great job once you get used to them.

The Develop Persona is particularly powerful as it's intended as a special "studio" dedicated to the processing of RAW files, where parameters like Exposure, Sharpening and White Balance can be edited directly on the RAW file (which means no degradation of the picture) and different tools like Lens Corrections, Chromatic Aberrations, Noise Reduction and others can be applied to the original picture.
The effects on the pictures are applied immediately, in a non-destructive way, so that it's always possible to fine-tune all the values changed.

The Develop "Persona"

The HDR Persona offers all the tools to merge different exposures into an HDR picture (even RAW files directly!), as well as the ability to extract more details from a shot by tone-mapping a single exposure. It also supplies a few presets, that can be applied as a starting point for additional editing, making the job easier and quicker.
The full end-to-end 32-bit workflow allow working on HDR images, renders, textures or exports from 3D software, which, coupled with its support for HDR/EDR monitors, makes Affinity Photo a great option for those that enjoy working on HDR files.

The HDR Persona with its presets on the left

On a more technical level, Affinity Photo offers a few interesting features. For example it's optimized for Direct3D and 64-bit engines, thus taking advantage of high-end video cards. It also has the ability to create/edit gigapixel-sized documents, along with the support for tablets (offering multi-touch) and Surface Studio (Surface Pen and Surface Dial are both supported).

Most plugins for Adobe Photoshop can be used in Affinity Photo, too. We have tried a few of the most popular ones (from Google's Nik Collection to NeatImage and PerfectlyClear) and they all worked flawlessly. And the compatibility with Photoshop does not end here: Affinity Photo can handle both PSD and PSB files, as well as Photshop Brushes

Affinity Photo includes also a tool for creating panoramas by stitching multiple shots together. We have no idea why they did not dedicate a "persona" to this, but it's not important. What's important is that the final result is almost perfect: in our tries the stitching jobs have always been impeccable with moving objects/people automatically removed from the resulting panorama.

The tools for stitching Panoramas

Of course it would be impossible to list and describe in detail all the features, options and tools that such a complete piece of software offers, so trust us on this one: Affinity Photo is a very well-done photo editing software, which is suitable for everyone: beginners will find a very good, easy to use and not overwhelmingly scary tool to start their adventure in image post-processing; enthusiasts will find themselves comfortable with a program that offers everything they need, with a familiar interface that allows them to find the things they need without effort; and professionals will find a feature-packed software that can definitely compete with its most acclaimed rivals.
With a HUGE difference: there are no subscription fees involved. Affinity Photo currently costs EUR 54,99/$49,99 for the Windows/Mac versions, and EUR 21.99/USD 19.99 for the iPad version, and it's yours to keep. FOREVER. In our opinion, it's a steal.

Go get your copy here (free trial versions available)

[Many thanks to Serif for providing a free license key of Affinity Photo for us to review]

Let's keep an eye on our blood pressure - easy and cheap!

Homiee was kind enough to send me the new model of their blood pressure monitor.

The package is a simple cardboard box, and contains the pressure monitor, the arm cuff and the instruction manual. Very essential.

The device looks like a small box about 10 by 10 by 6.5 centimeters, with an inclined upper surface that allows a good view of the large 3.4" display. A nice light blue border that matches the blue light of the display contours the upper border of the monitor.

Below the display there are three buttons: one to consult the measurements stored in memory, one to start the measurement and one to set the time, date and to select the user who is using the device. The buttons are impermeable to liquids and dust, an important factor that could prolong the life of the appliance.

The cuff is suitable for limbs with a diameter between 22 and 36 centimeters: this means that you may have some problems using it on small children or bodybuilders with massive biceps. For everyone else it's okay (even for me, who certainly don't have a thin arm).

The device works with 4 AAA batteries (not included in the package) or with an external power supply (optional) and can be used by two different people. It is in fact possible to select user 1 or user 2 before performing the measurement, in order to keep a per-user log of the measurements using the internal memory of the device, which stores 90 measurements for each user.

The pressure measurement is quite rapid and takes less than a minute: as soon as it is finished the result will appear on the blue backlighted display, together with the heart rate count and the pressure value classification according to WHO standards.

The measurement is always very precise, and even when repeating them at a short interval the device maintains a certain consistency of values. Compared to the other monitors I have (an Omron and a Beurer) this Homiee is the one that gives me the most constant values ​​(with less oscillation).
Homiee states that the precision range of this device is ±3mmHg which is pretty high.

The possibility of switching off the appliance by pressing the central button is excellent (other models switch off by themselves after a certain period of inactivity, which is a waste of battery juice).

The only flaw I could find is the lack of a carrying case to transport and/or store the pressure monitor, but considering its price you can turn a blind eye, especially in virtue of the very precise and reliable measurements.

You can buy this device at Amazon:

 

The perfect tripod has finally seen the light!

The world’s most portable, packable, easy-to-setup professional travel tripod has finally been released by Peak Design and a campaign to fund its production has been launched on Kickstarter!

The Travel Tripod is the most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup professional tripod in the world. For years, traditional tripods have suffered a critical flaw: needless bulk and wasted space, the result of a spatially inefficient design. By redesigning the tripod from the ground up, Peak Design created the world’s most portable travel tripod—one that packs to the diameter of a water bottle—without sacrificing height, stability, or load capacity. But they didn’t stop there. Travel Tripod is radically faster to setup/takedown than traditional tripods and features more ergonomic adjustment points, built-in mobile compatibility, and thoughtful usability details at every corner. Plus, it’s built for life on the road: durable, fully serviceable, and backed by the Peak Design lifetime guarantee.

For a limited time you can pledge and pre-order your own Travel Tripod at a discount by following this link: https://traveltripod.kckb.st/14e62a15

Pro performance. Half the size.

• Groundbreaking architecture eliminates dead volume
• Packs down to half the size of traditional travel tripods—to the size of a water bottle
• No protruding knobs

Lightning-fast setup and pack-down.

• Quick-locking cams allow you to unlock legs in 3 swift motions
• Legs deploy without flipping over for significantly faster setup than traditional tripod designs
• Unique quick-release allows instant, secure camera attachment
  
  
  

Intuitive, ergonomic ball head interface.

• Single, ultra-smooth omnidirectional ball head adjustment ring with no bulky/confusing knobs
• Simple locking ring for total security and stiffness
• Compatible with all PD plates and most Arca-type plates
• Removable pins for use with most Arca-type L-brackets
• Omnidirectional bubble level
  

  

Professional stability and features for demanding environments.

• 20lb weight capacity, optimized for use with full-frame DSLR + telephoto lens
• Stability and vibration dampening comparable to much larger tripods in it’s class
• Nonslip, shock absorbing rubber feet
• Built-in load hanging hook
• Low and inverted configuration modes allow camera to sit just inches off ground
• Anchor attachment points for carrying with Peak Design straps

Brilliantly integrated mobile phone mount.

• Built-in mobile mount magnetically stowes in center column
• Mount sets up securely and holds any phone/case

Durable, fully serviceable, and guaranteed for life

• All components are weather and impact resistant
• Slim, protective carry sleeve
• All parts are fully serviceable, cleanable, and replaceable

Weight:

Alloy: 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs)

Carbon: 1.27 kg (2.81 lbs)

Weight Capacity: 9.1 kg (20 lbs) meaning it's suitable for pro setups, up to full-frame DSLR + telephoto lens

Collapsed Dimensions:

Length: 39.4 cm (15.5”)

Max Diameter: 8.3 cm (3.25”)

Deployed Dimensions:

Max height (center column raised): 152.4 cm (60")

Max height (center column down): 130.2 cm (51.25")

Min height (low mode): 14 cm (5.5”)

What are you waiting for?

Pledge and pre-order your own Travel Tripod at a discount by following this link: https://traveltripod.kckb.st/14e62a15

The OrangePI PC, a low cost alternative to the Raspberry PI.A short review.

A few months ago I was browsing AliExpress, when I stumbled upon a product called OrangePi.
I searched the internet for information about it, and I immediately discovered its official website, which is www.orangepi.org (there also exists www.orangepi.com but it looks to be the website of a UK vendor of the same boards).

Well, what is an OrangePi? Of course, the name recalls the most famous SBC (single board computer) ever, the RaspberryPi, and this is not a coincidence, as the OrangePi is a chinese SBC, clearly inspired by the Raspberry.

As of now, there are 7 different Orange Pi models (ranging from "Mini" to "Plus 2"). The most interesting in my opinion is the "OrangePi PC". Why? For its aggressive price of only $15 plus shipping!

The hardware of this board is interesting:

CPU:
H3 Quad-core Cortex-A7 H.265/HEVC 4K

GPU:
·Mali400MP2 GPU @600MHz
·Supports OpenGL ES 2.0

Memory (SDRAM): 1GB DDR3 (shared with GPU)

Onboard Storage: TF card (Max. 64GB) / MMC card slot

Onboard Network: 10/100M Ethernet RJ45

Video Input:
A CSI input connector Camera:
·Supports 8-bit YUV422 CMOS sensor interface
·Supports CCIR656 protocol for NTSC and PAL
·Supports SM pixel camera sensor
·Supports video capture solution up to 1080p@30fps

Audio Input: MIC

Video Outputs:
·Supports HDMI output with HDCP
·Supports HDMI CEC
·Supports HDMI 30 function
·Integrated CVBS
Supports simultaneous output of HDMI and CVBS

Audio Output: 3.5 mm Jack and HDMI

Power Source: DC input

USB 2.0 Ports: Three USB 2.0 HOST, one USB 2.0 OTG

Low-level peripherals:
·40 Pins Header,compatible with Raspberry Pi B+
·GPIO(1x3) pin
·UART, ground.

So, as you can see, we basically have a quad core ARM CPU, with 1GB of RAM, 3 USB ports, and a fair graphics card.
What it lacks (other Orange Pi models have this and/or that) are onboard wifi, a gigabit ethernet port and eMMC, but of course we can't have everything at this price.

I've ordered the Orange Pi PC on Aliexpress, from the official manufacturer, and 3 weeks later I received a neat package containing the board, a usb power cable and a not-too-sturdy transparent plastic case. All this for less than $25 including shipping!

I've been using it for a couple of weeks and... what can I say?
The board could be very interesting if only the community behind it was bigger and more active. It definitely can't compare to the Raspberry Pi community as of yet.
The support from the manufacturer could be better, as the images of operating systems they provide are old and faulty, and the claim that Raspberry Pi images can be used for this board(s) is absolutely misleading since RasPi images are not compatible at all.
Luckily there is a member of the community, called loboris, who is very active and has released many OSes to be used on these boards, among which Debian, Fedora, Slackware, Arch Linux and others.

I'm currently running his build of Ubuntu MATE 14.04 and I have to say he has done a great work: it's easy to install, and apart from a few glitches here and there, it works very well.

My original intention was to use this board as a very low cost syncthing server/node, and that's exactly what I did.
After installing the aforementioned Ubuntu MATE, I've downloaded the latest ARM version of syncthing and installed it on the OrangePi PC.
(For those who don't know what it is, syncthing is an open source alternative to BTSync or -basically- a completely self-hosted Dropbox alternative).
It works great, it's very fast, and for the money I've spent I'm very satisfied, considering that I was also able to "redirect" the Raspberry Pi 1 model B I was using for this task to something more useful (a squeezebox player, actually).

Unfortunately, Linux does not have the proper drivers to take advantage of the GPU hardware acceleration, therefore using this board as an XBMC/Kodi mini HTPC is not a good idea (yet). Some people are working on it, and I really hope they succeed, because a $15 Kodi machine with the ability to render HD video would be HUGE!

At the moment, the only way to take advantage of the GPU is by installing Android, although the image provided is buggy and not very reliable.
Still, if you like to fiddle with new hardware and explore new possibilities, you might want to give it a chance.

In my opinion the OrangePi PC is a nice product, which lacks the necessary support from the manufacturer, who looks too busy releasing new boards instead of developing a good OS for the boards they have already sold.

The community is growing, but the official forum must be hosted on a very old server, since it's so sloooooow. I hope they will at least upgrade this.

Still, for $15 this board is a steal. I would definitely buy it again, although I would still limit its use to simple tasks. If you have complex projects in mind, you can't beat the Raspberry Pi world and community, and the price difference is not that big.