Qimage News Archive (2001 Edition)

Version 4.2 News
New ICC profile selection tool and support for compressed 48 bit TIFF's

Qimage 2001, v4.2 (12/06/01):

New Features:

• ICC profile selection tool: Use the new ICC profile selection tool to sort and select ICC profiles by file name, profile description, or file date. This tool, available any time you browse for ICC profiles in Qimage, takes the guesswork out of selecting the proper profile for your monitor, printer, camera, or scanner.
  

• Compressed 48 bit TIFF images: v4.2 can now read, display, and print compressed 48 bit TIFF images (16 bits per channel).

Version 4.2 Revision History

Version 4.1 News
New text features plus drag/drop

Qimage 2001, v4.1 (11/21/01):

New Features:

• Floating text enhancements: The following enhancements have been made to the floating text capability of Qimage:

  1. Print+text cut and paste: Linked text can now be cut/copied/pasted with prints when using the page editor. You can now design a single print or template on the page, link text to that print, and use Ctrl-C to copy that print with its linked text. Then use Ctrl-V to paste that print as many times as you like and the linked text will be pasted along with each copy of the print. This function can be very useful when designing a page of templates for later use, repeating a copyright, etc.

  2. Loading a single saved page with text into a document multiple times: Once a page of templates and associated text is created and saved using the "Save Session" function, you may now load that pre-designed page as many times as you like into a document. Both the templates (print locations/sizes) as well as the linked text will be duplicated each time you load the page design using "Load Session".

• New template filling option: When a template page is designed and saved, you can now fill the templates on the page by selecting multiple thumbnails and dragging/dropping those multiple thumbnails on an existing template. The templates on the page will be filled sequentially with the thumbnails. This functionality has many uses but one obvious application of filling templates is creation of packages. You can create a package that consists of a page containing one 5x7 print, one 4x6 print and one wallet size print for example, and save that session to a file. Then simply load that saved session and the three blank templates will appear on the page. Next set the "Copies" parameter above the thumbnails to 3 so that three copies of each image will be added when dragged to the preview page. Finally, click on any thumbnail and drag it to the preview page, dropping it on the first template on the page (the 5x7). With that single drag/drop action, a package of one 5x7, one 4x6, and one wallet will be created with the selected image.

• Drag and drop from other applications: Qimage now accepts dragged files from other applications. This means that you can use another application such as your favorite photo album or photo management (database) tool to select a number of image files. Dragging those files and dropping them on the Qimage main window will cause those images to be added to the queue in Qimage. Note that Qimage will only accept files and not image data, so if you try to drag an image that you are working on in a photo editor, Qimage will not accept it because it has not yet been saved as a file and the editor is trying to send the raw image data rather than just point to an existing image file. The new drag/drop functionality even works when filling templates (see template filling option above).

Fixes:

• Fixes related to rearranging prints in the document: v4.1 has some fixes related to adding and deleting prints that have linked text. v4.1 will ensure that text linked to prints in your document will "keep up" with their associated prints when other prints are deleted/added to the document.

Version 4.1 Revision History

Version 4.0 News
High quality, "linkable" text!

Qimage 2001, v4.01 (11/14/01):

New Features:

• Floating text: With version 4.0, Qimage becomes more than just a way to ensure the highest quality prints from your printer. Enter a new realm of multiple image printing creativity with Qimage 2001 v4.0. The floating text option (accessed via the page editor) allows you to place text anywhere on your page, on top of existing prints or over blank areas, with or without a user defined shadow, with any amount of rotation, and using any font size or style! Each text label can even be linked to an existing print on the page to ensure that where your prints go, your text will go along for the ride, sticking to the print like glue! Use the text labels as headers, footers, or just to spice up your photos on the page to create your own album pages. For full details on the use of the new floating text features, please see the help under "Help", "Contents", "Listing of Major Functions", "Floating Text".
  Here's just a small sample of the type of printed output you can create with v4.0
  Note: this sample print has been reduced in size and compressed for web display
  

• New gamma filter: A gamma filter has been added to the filters available via the batch filter function.

• PSD image format: Full support for the PSD (PhotoShop) file format, including the ability to read the embedded ICC profile in PSD files!

• Comparator lock: Ability to lock both windows together when viewing images side by side using the comparator.

Fixes:

• Minor bug fixes and stability enhancements: v4.0 has numerous enhancements that will ensure greater compatibility in different environments and platforms, from a number of small bug fixes, to better print driver validation, to ensuring that multiple instances of Qimage are not run at the same time.

Version 4.0 Revision History

Version 3.2 News
Improved NEF/ORF interpolation plus new features

Qimage 2001, v3.2 (11/01/01):

New Features:

• New NEF/ORF interpolation algorithm: Version 3.2 includes a significant upgrade to the Qimage NEF/ORF raw image decoder. The details of the NEF/ORF decoder upgrade are as follows:

  • Sharper images with greater detail: The new NEF/ORF interpolation algorithm is sharper than before and can resolve smaller detail. The new interpolation algorithm renders sharper images that require a less aggressive unsharp mask. The 200% zoom below shows how Qimage v3.2 compares to the previous version.
    

  • Adaptive smoothing: The new algorithm can detect areas of your image that have a lower sample frequency due to absence of luminance (green channel) data and can compensate by using more agressive data smoothing in those areas. This adaptive smoothing only occurs in areas of your images that need extra smoothing such as red/blue/black transitions and does not affect other areas or soften the image overall. The 200% zoom below shows how a round label appears when decoded by competing NEF decoding software that does not utilize adaptive smoothing (left) compared to Qimage v3.2 (right).
    

  • Fringe correction: Brand new fringe correction filter can be set under "Settings", "RAW Format Options" on a global basis, or on a per-image basis by using the batch filter and checking the "Fringing" checkbox. The new fringe correction is useful for removing color fringing caused by color aliasing of high frequency line detail. Consider the 1:1 crop below, showing closely spaced window shutters on a building. Compare software that doesn't offer fringe correction (left) to Qimage with the fringe filter enabled (right).
    

  • Less noise: A combination of a sharper, more detailed interpolation algorithm and adaptive smoothing means that you'll need to use less unsharp mask on your raw images, which increases the signal to noise ratio.

  • D1X rectangular pixel interpolation: The D1X interpolation algorithm in v3.2 has been optimized to take advantage of the D1X's rectangular pixel shape.

  • 10% faster: The new NEF/ORF decoding algorithms have been optimized to run 10% faster than previous versions.

• New NEF/ORF features: In addition to the ability to apply the fringe correction filter on a per-image basis, v3.2 also carries the unsharp mask values from "RAW Format Options" forward to the batch filter when creating a new filter for a NEF/ORF. Whatever values you use for radius and percent for the USM under "RAW Format Options" will automatically populate the batch filter screen when you create a new filter for NEF/ORF images.

• Current/selected printer: v3.2 now displays the name of the currently selected printer above the preview page on the main window.

Fixes:

• Save/load session with image/file info: Fixed a bug that was causing the vertical size of prints to "expand" if loading a saved session that had the "print image/file info" option checked.

v3.21 update (11/07/01):

Fixes:

• Significant increase in speed: Improved the speed of all operations dealing with the print queue so that operations like resizing prints, rearranging prints, etc. now take only a fraction of the time required by previous versions. Initial loading of thumbnails in a folder and other operations are also much faster.

• Increased stability: All associative filter parameters and startup program parameters are validated to prevent lockups and crashes. v3.21 can detect bad parameters and corrupted filter files before they become a problem. In addition, v3.21 checks the print driver version for the currently selected printer on startup and can detect when a new driver is installed or settings have been changed in an existing driver. If a new driver or change to an existing driver is detected, Qimage will not try to restore the settings since restoring settings from an old driver may cause instability.

• Blemish/red eye fix (1): Fixed a bug that caused blemish and red eye corrections to not be applied to photos when viewed on screen under some conditions.

• Blemish/red eye fix (2): Fixed a bug that caused blemish and red eye corrections to be misplaced on the photo if the photo was rotated prior to the corrections.

• "Edit images with editor" function: Fixed the "edit images with editor" function so that it is now possible to open photos that are in folders with very long path names.

• Printer name display: Fixed the display of the currently selected printer (above the preview page) so that the font fits properly in the window under all conditions.

v3.22 update (11/08/01):

New Features:

• Preview thumbnails before adding to queue: The "Preview/Add to Queue" function (accessed by selecting multiple thumbnails and right clicking in the thumbnail area) has been enhanced with "Next" and "Prev" controls to allow you to move forward/back through the list of selected thumbs while previewing and adding to the queue. The new functionality allows you to select an entire folder of images and then preview those selected images while moving forward/back in the list, adding as many copies of the currently displayed image as you like using the "Add" button. Once finished, the images not added to the queue are still selected so that you can make a second pass (or more) and review the images you "left out".

Fixes:

• Filter Associations/Full Edit fix: Fixed the "Full Edit" option under "Filter Associations" so that the image now loads properly (v3.21 bug).

• Crop filter accuracy: Fixed a discrepancy between the cropped area (in the batch filter) and the actual crop that is printed/displayed. All prior versions of Qimage had a slight cropping error if used on a display with an aspect ratio other than 1.33:1 such as a display set to 1280 x 1024 resolution (which is 1.25:1). Also fixed a discrepancy in the crop area when cropping an image that had been previously rotated through an associative filter.

v3.23 update (11/08/01):

Fixes:

• Preview/Add button fix: Enabled the "Prev", "Next", and "Add" buttons on the Preview/Add function (only the keyboard worked for these functions in v3.22).

v3.24 update (11/09/01):

Fixes:

• ICC association fix: Fixed a problem that caused the input table under "Settings", "Color Management" to fail to respond to x/y resolution associations.

Version 3.0 News
Incredible color accuracy!

Qimage 2001, v3.0 (08/18/01):

New Features:

• New level of color accuracy: We've updated our custom camera profiling software yet again, and this time, it delivers color accuracy that you have to see to believe. This new level of accuracy is achieved through the use of LUT (look up table) profiles built using proprietary gamut mapping and data smoothing technology. The new v3.0 color profiles are already included for NEF/ORF (raw) images in Qimage v3.0 and we are working on updating other camera specific profiles to the v3.0 standard as well. v3.0 ICC profiles make no compromises when it comes to color. Each part of the color spectrum is mapped specifically so that you get vibrant, accurate color across the entire spectrum without having to compromise some parts of the spectrum to enhance others. Although the v3.0 profiles can be applied just as fast as the older profiles, the v3.0 profiles are significantly larger in size (about 240KB compared to the older 2KB profiles). As a result, the Qimage download is now a bit larger (3.7 MB up from 3.0 MB) and the profiles that we sell separately are now about 200KB and are sent in ZIP format.

• NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT: Since we are achieving such success with our custom profiler, we intend to release a digital camera profiling package as a new software tool soon! This product will be independent from Qimage and will allow users to create their own specific camera profiles. This software will prove to be an incredible bargain since it will be significantly cheaper than most other camera profiling packages on the market and will have the power to create profiles for specific lighting conditions, specific camera settings, etc. E.T.A. of this new (as yet unnamed) product is on or before Oct 1, 2001. We understand the enthusiasm that this announcement will likely generate, however, we ask that you do not email us asking specifics about the software as it will only slow us down in our development. Details will be provided at a later date.

Fixes:

• Operational speed: Increased the speed of thumbnail building and image viewing/editing when a monitor ICC profile is in effect.

• Batch filter "weirdness": Fixed a problem that was causing filter parameters to change spontaneously while using the batch filter if the thumbnail builder was running in the background at the same time.

• Invalid size after "Quick Edit": fixed a bug that was causing prints to change to an inappropriate size after using "Quick Edit" from the queue.

v3.01 update (08/19/01):

Fixes:

• D1x NEF fix: Fixed the NEF decoder so that Qimage can recognize and decode all NEF formats regardless of how the NEF was acquired: copied directly from the camera card, downloaded via Nikon software, saved via firewire, etc.

v3.02 update (08/21/01):

Fixes:

• Fix for 8 bit and other non-24 bit formats: Fixed an "LCMS DLL" access violation error when building thumbnails or attempting to view images that are not 24 bit color (8 bit grayscale, 256 color, etc.)

v3.03 update (08/29/01):

New Features:

• D1H NEF support: Added full support for D1H NEF images.

• Batch filter zoom window: Added two new zoom levels (0.5x and 0.25x) to the blemish/pixel/preview window in the batch filter so that it is possible to zoom out to view more of the image. These lower zoom levels facilitate using the right click/preview window as a real time update when changing filter parameters since it allows you to view more of the image at once.

• Thumbnail speed up: Modified the thumbnail builder so that thumbnails are built much faster when a monitor profile is in use ("Monitor ICC" is on). v3.03 can be 4 times (or more) faster than v3.02 when building thumbnails of larger images such as TIFF images, especially those with embedded profiles!

v3.04 update (09/03/01):

New Features:

• New ICC profiling engine for greater color accuracy: We've been working with the author of the ICC engine used in Qimage to improve color accuracy of all ICC profiling operations. These improvements have been incorporated into Qimage v3.04 and will result in more accurate prints, conversions, on screen displays, etc. The improvements, applicable any time an ICC profile is utilized (monitor, printer, ICC conversions), are most noticable in shadow areas where v3.04 will now produce much smoother gradients, better contrast, blacker blacks, and less overall noise in shadows. While the increase in quality will be noticable in all image types and ICC profiling operations, the differences are most noticable in raw (NEF/ORF) images since these images contain far more detail in shadow areas than 24 bit JPEG's/TIFF's.

Fixes:

• ICC profiling fix: The new ICC engine also fixes the following: (1) fixed a problem where deep shadows printed with a color cast (green, magenta, etc.) when used with some printer profiles and (2) fixed an error message that appeared ("bad tag signature") when using Monaco EZ Color 2 scanner profiles.

v3.05 update (09/25/01):

New Features:

• Ability to associate ICC profiles with individual images using the batch filter: Qimage can now associate an ICC profile with any type of image using the batch filter, even those that don't allow embedded profiles such as BMP, TGA, etc.. Since associating an ICC profile with an image via the batch filter will override any/all other "rules" that Qimage uses to assign ICC profiles to images, you can now easily associate profiles for different lighting conditions, exposures, etc. to images from your camera(s)/scanner(s) without modifying or changing the original images. This is a nice compliment to our just-released Profile Prism Software that allows you to create multiple ICC profiles for your digital camera(s) under different lighting, exposures, etc.. For specific information on how to use this new feature, please refer to Example 28 in the program help (click "Help", "Contents", "Learn by Example").

Fixes:

• Restoring printer settings when changing/activating printer profiles: Previous versions were not asking "Do you want to restore all printer settings..." when changing the printer ICC from "off" to "on" by simply checking the "Printer" box; this message only appeared if you changed the underlying file name. v3.05 fixes this oversight.

v3.06 update (09/27/01):

Fixes:

• Two minor fixes related to the new ICC batch filter: It is now possible to delete (clear) the ICC parameter if one is entered via the batch filter. To remove the ICC profile association in the batch filter window, click the "ICC" field and press the delete key. In addition, we fixed a bug that caused "Image Read Error" to appear in the thumbnails after using the ICC profile association in the batch filter and then scrolling thumbnails in the main window without first moving the mouse pointer across the thumbnail grid.

v3.07 update (10/01/01):

Fixes:

• Fix for PhotoShop ICC embedded JPEG's: This update allows Qimage to read and use embedded ICC profiles from JPEG's saved from PhotoShop 6. Previous versions could not [properly] read an ICC profile embedded by PhotoShop 6 into a JPEG if the embedded profile was larger than 32,000 bytes. This problem only occurred when opening images in PhotoShop and using an ICC profile instead of converting to the working space, then saving and trying to view/print the saved JPEG in Qimage.

v3.08 update (10/02/01):

Fixes:

• Fix for RGB values displayed in batch filter: Fixed a problem that was preventing RGB pixel values from displaying in the batch filter when filtering large images.

• Queue menu item name change: Changed the right click menu in the queue so that "Select/Deselect All" now appears properly as "Select All".

v3.09 update (10/08/01):

New Features:

• Ability to detect corrupted EXIF headers: It has come to our attention that a particular recent version of another popular imaging tool is corrupting EXIF headers when saving copies of images. This program (which shall go unnamed) is creating corruption that results in an infinite or near infinite loop in the EXIF header in resaved images. This causes programs like Qimage, "EXIFread", and other popular software that reads extended EXIF information to lock up or crash when encountering these files. v3.09 can detect these corrupted EXIF headers and prevent the lockup by ignoring the extraneous information.

v3.1 update (10/08/01):

New Features:

• Workaround for bug in Nvidia video drivers: v3.1 has a workaround that addresses a bug in the latest Nvidia "Detonator" video drivers. These drivers contain a bug that overwrites the background of on-screen bitmaps with white instead of using the proper transparent color when filling rectangles. This problem results in images disappearing from the preview page in Qimage when selected instead of simply being highlighted with a cross-hatch pattern. v3.1 works around this video driver bug and restores normal operation to the selections on the preview page.

v3.11 update (10/11/01):

New Features:

• Ability to display EXIF info for Canon D30 TIFF's converted from raw: v3.11 can now properly display the EXIF model, manufacturer, and f-stop for Canon D30 TIFF images that have been saved from raw originals using raw decoding software. At least one raw conversion program currently in use does not conform to EXIF standards when saving TIFF's from raw images and as a result, Qimage was not displaying the last character of the model/manufacturer name and was displaying zero for the f-stop. v3.11 can now decode this data even though it does not comply with EXIF header standards.

v3.12 update (10/23/01):

New Features:

• Improved color accuracy for D1, D1X, and D1H NEF (raw) images: v3.12 now has updated ICC profiles for the D1, D1X, and D1H, ensuring higher color accuracy from NEF images. A new level of color accuracy has been achieved with these new profiles by using our camera ICC profiling tool: Profile Prism.

• Decreased noise levels in D1, D1X, and D1H NEF (raw) images: v3.12 renders NEF images with smoother gradients and less noise due to the high quality profiles produced by Profile Prism Software.

Fixes:

• Printing directly from NEF images using a printer ICC profile: v3.12 offers the ability to print NEF images with greater accuracy when using a printer ICC profile. Previous versions had problems printing to some printers/profiles due to the very large gamut of D1/D1X/D1H NEF images and the "scaling" needed to reproduce such a large gamut on a relatively small-gamut printer. Where it may have been necessary to convert your NEF's to a smaller gamut prior to printing in previous versions, v3.12 allows you to print NEF images directly to the printer with accurate color.

• Improved memory management when converting any format to TIFF's: Corrected a condition that caused Qimage to run out of memory when converting multiple images to the TIFF format using "Convert Images" from the queue, or the batch filter. Previous versions, under some conditions, would not release memory properly when converting/saving images in the TIFF format if an ICC profile was also being embedded in the TIFF.

Version 2.6 News
Updated NEF/ORF color and new printing options

Qimage 2001, v2.6 (08/06/01):

New Features:

• New NEF/ORF color profiles: A complete rewrite of our custom profiler ensures higher color accuracy in v2.6 when decoding raw images (NEF/ORF).

• Custom "packages": A small but very useful enhancement makes Qimage one of the best applications available for designing custom photo print packages. You can now load saved sessions and add them to the end of an existing document. Previous versions allowed you to create a custom template that specifies exact locations/sizes of prints, but the process was limited because you could only create one page at a time. Now you can create a custom layout, i.e. a package, and save that individual page as a session. In the future, simply load this page and use the templates you created to place your prints (the process is outlined in example 9 in the "Learn by Example" section of the program help). If you need another page of the same package, simply click "File", "Load Session" again and Qimage will display a prompt asking whether you want to add the page to the end of the existing document or clear the queue and start over. This method allows you to add any number of sessions together by simply leaving the last set of prints in the queue!

• Snap to grid: When editing a page of prints for custom locations via "Edit", "Edit Page" from the main menu, you can now right click on any image on the page and select "SNAP to grid" to snap the selected print to the nearest tenth of an inch. This function is a very useful and simple way to align prints when designing custom layouts.

• ICC/ICM file extensions: Qimage now recognizes both "ICC" and "ICM" file extensions as ICC profiles.

• Explorer (folders) window: The position and size of the "Browse Folders" explorer window is now preserved from session to session. To reset the position of this window, simply resize the main window or drag the explorer window partially off the screen and close it.

• Optimize function: Improved the "Optimize layout/prints" function so that it is "smarter" about arranging photos and saving paper.

• New color management help section: Revised color management help section gives information on new monitor calibration utilities, explains the proper workflow for accurate color management, describes how color profiles are used by the Windows operating system, etc. Check the Qimage program help under "Contents", "Listing of major functions", "Color Management".

Fixes:

• NEF saturation: Fixed a bug that was causing specular noise when using a saturation other than 1.0 under "Settings", "RAW Format Options".

• NEF/ORF ICC conversions: Improved ICC conversion code so that color is slightly more accurate when converting images from very large color gamuts to small color gamuts (converting from NEF/ORF to sRGB for example).

• 1 DPI TIFFs: Fixed the bug that was causing saved/converted TIFF images to show up as 1 DPI in other applications.

• Queue sluggishness: Improved the speed of adding images to the queue, eliminating the sluggishness that was occurring as the queue size (number of prints) increased.

• Restoring printer settings message: Eliminated the redundancy of the message "Do you want to restore printer settings" when changing settings under "Color Management". The message now only appears if a change was made to the printer ICC profile.

• Embedded profile I/O error: Fixed a problem that was causing I/O error 87 (as well as a few other errors) when converting to or reading a TIF image that had a large embedded profile (such as an embedded printer profile).

• Lost crop: Fixed a bug that caused cropping to disappear when switching between the filtered and original image in the batch filter.

• Sizing glitch: Fixed a bug that caused the print size to vary/change after setting a new print size while in the page editor.

• Crop lock: Fixed a problem that was causing a slight inaccuracy in the "Crop lock" feature in the batch filter when that feature was used with the "Print image/file info" feature on.

• Better program startup validation: Better validation of parameters and image files on startup makes it easier to recover from file corruption problems (corrupted images, corrupted settings, etc).

Version 2.5 News
Embedded ICC profile support for simpler color management

Qimage 2001, v2.5 (07/13/01):

New Features:

• Support for embedded ICC profiles!: v2.5 has full support for embedded ICC profiles. This means that Qimage will recognize and use an embedded ICC profile when it reads a JPEG or TIFF image containing an ICC profile. In addition, Qimage will now embed an ICC profile in TIFF's when an ICC profile is specified any time a TIFF image is saved from Qimage (using "Convert Images" from the queue, using the batch filter, etc.). This makes using ICC profiles much easier and increases portability of images between applications since once you have assigned a profile, you no longer have to worry about whether or not Qimage is picking up the appropriate profile. Although Qimage will read and utilize embedded ICC profiles from any JPEG/TIFF image (the only two formats that support ICC profile embedding), this version can only output embedded profiles in TIFF format images (including 16 bit TIFF's saved from raw files). We plan to support JPEG ICC profile embedding in the future.

• NEF thumbnail reading speed: In prior versions, you may have noticed a short delay before Qimage began building thumbnails when you entered a folder that contained a large number of NEF images. We've eliminated this delay in the latest version.

• ICC profile information: v2.5 has been enhanced to display the embedded profile description in the queue (if Printer ICC is turned on). In addition, the profile description is also displayed on the "Image Info" window accessed by holding the mouse pointer over a thumbnail and pressing Ctrl-I, and on the EXIF hotbar displayed at the bottom of the QP main window. This enhancement will help take the guesswork out of exactly what profile is embedded in your image files!

• TIFF conversions: Beta 3 now preserves embedded profiles from original to TIFF copies when converting or filtering images in Qimage. When saving TIFF format images from Qimage, the embedded profile will be saved in the new/created TIF if an embedded profile existed in the original. In other words, embedded profiles are copied from the original to the new image as long as you use the TIFF format when saving new images in Qimage. This embedded profile "preservation" will occur even if "Perform profile to profile conversion" is not selected.

Fixes:

• Thumbnail color: Fixed a bug that was causing some (usually the first page of) thumbnails to have inconsistent color if "Monitor ICC" profile was enabled.

• Batch filter fix: Fixed a problem that caused variations in image appearance if the "File", "Save Filtered Image(s)" function was used from the batch filter without closing the window, clicking "Done", or clicking "Next" or "Prev".

• Thumbnails and mouse pointer position: v2.5 now restores the mouse pointer to the appropriate thumbnail after: using the full screen view, using the image examiner, and using the "Display image info" option. This feature helps keep your position in the thumbnail list when viewing information about individual thumbnails.

v2.51 update (07/20/01):

New Features:

• New NEF/ORF color profiles: Another upgrade to our custom ICC profiler brings v2.5 ICC profiles to D1, D1x and E-10 raw images. The latest color profiles are more neutral and slightly more accurate than older versions.

• NEF/ORF interpolation improvement: A slight change in the NEF/ORF raw image interpolation algorithm results in better high frequency detail such as that found in closely spaced lines or repeating patterns.

Version 2.2 News
Higher quality prints, better interpolation engine, and final D1x NEF color

Qimage 2001, v2.2 (06/27/01):

New Features:

• Get higher quality prints while using less spool/drive space!: An all new interpolation engine now produces higher quality prints. The interpolation algorithm used in previous versions began to break down when DPI (reported in the queue) fell below about 100 DPI, producing "seams" on prints that created a posterized look. Not so with v2.2. Not only will v2.2 produce seemless prints with higher accuracy than before, it will also spool your print job using only a fraction of the disk space required in previous versions.

• All new interpolation engine: The new interpolation engine is 30% faster, more accurate, and will allow you to interpolate to resolutions not possible in prior versions. For example, v2.2 can easily interpolate a 2000 x 1312 image all the way up to 10000 x 6556 and beyond!

• Final D1x NEF color: We've personally tested and profiled the Nikon D1x in our lab and Qimage 2001 v2.2 now has an updated D1x NEF profile that ensures perfect color from D1x NEF images.

Fixes:

• Corrupted images: v2.2 now handles corrupted images in a more user friendly fashion. Since Qimage must read all images in every folder visited for the purpose of building thumbnails, corrupted images (such as partial files from aborted downloads, etc.) could cause previous versions of Qimage to crash when building thumbnails. Where some forms of image corruption would cause crashes in previous versions, v2.2 is able to detect and eliminate most of these problems before they become crashes, reporting that some files in the current folder have been omitted from the thumbnail list due to corruption.

v2.21 update (06/28/01):

Fixes:

• D1x NEF fix: Fixed a problem that was causing some NEF's to appear with a strange color cast due to a bug in decoding white balance.

• Batch filter fix: Eliminated an unnecessary "apply" that occurred in the batch filter when clicking "Next" or "Prev", thereby speeding up operations when applying associative filters.

v2.22 update (07/03/01):

New Features:

• Raw (NEF/ORF) histogram: It is now possible to add a histogram to your draft NEF/ORF images. Just click "Settings", "RAW Format Options" and check the box for "Show histogram on draft". If this box is checked, a histogram will appear in the lower right of all NEF/ORF images when viewed in draft mode.

Fixes:

• D1 & D1x NEF fix: Fixed a problem with the auto-leveling that was causing some D1x NEF's to blow out highlights. Also reprogrammed the raw auto-leveling so that it is now more accurate and easier to control. It is also possible now to use the camera's exact metering with no auto-leveling by simply unchecking "Auto Level" under "Settings", "RAW Format Options". In addition, you may leave "Auto Level" enabled and turn off either the shadow or highlight auto leveling independently: just enter a zero to disable. The defaults have also been updated to work well with the new auto-leveling: with the shadow auto-leveling turned off and the highlight auto-leveling turned on. The above fixes will result in much less work/tweaking needing to be done to get proper exposures.

v2.23 update (07/05/01):

New Features:

• Copy function from queue: It is now possible to copy all images in the queue to another folder. This is helpful if you have just reviewed images using the slide show and have removed unwanted images from the queue. The new copy function allows you to copy the "keepers" still in the queue to another folder for safe keeping/backup thereby completing the review/save workflow.

Fixes:

• Bad DLL: Replaced a buggy third party DLL in this version that was causing problems in v2.2, v2.21 and v2.22 when reading TIF, BMP, and other image formats. The buggy DLL also caused the cutout preview to fail when looking at cutout thumbnails from the batch filter.

Version 2.1 News
Let those true COLORS shine through!

Qimage 2001, v2.1 (06/22/01):

New Features:

• COLOR breakthrough!: Version 2.1 gets brand new ICC profiles for all raw files (D1, D1x, and E-10). These camera specific v2.1 profiles are more complex and contain an exact map of the entire tone reproduction curve for all three color channels for a given camera. These curves are more accurate than the gamma based curves in older profiles because they can map arbitrary curves rather than just those based on gamma values for the RGB channels. In simple terms, you'll get more accurate color than ever before with Qimage 2001 v2.1. Keep an eye on our profiles that we sell separately as well since we'll be updating camera profiles to v2.1 in the near future.

Fixes:

• NEF bug: Fixed a bug that was causing lockups when trying to access NEF's that were marked read-only (such as those restored from a CD).

• Color management: Fixed the "input device color space table" under "Settings", "Color Management" so that Qimage matches the EXIF model first. If no EXIF match is found, then a second order search tries to find a match for image resolution. Previous versions would behave differently depending on which line (EXIF or resolution) appeared in the table first. v2.1 corrects this issue.

Version 2.0 News
Redesigned NEF/ORF decoder, Nikon D1x support and more

Qimage 2001, v2.0 (06/20/01):

New Features:

• New NEF/ORF decoder: Version 2.0 offers Qimage's fastest, most accurate raw image decoder to date, and adds support for (uncompressed) Nikon D1x NEF images. Here is a comprehensive list of enhancements to NEF/ORF support in Qimage 2001 v2.0:

  1. Better: Although considered exceptional by many users since version 1.3, Qimage's NEF/ORF interpolation has been enhanced to produce slightly sharper results.

  2. Faster: All NEF/ORF images will decode approximately 30% faster than v1.62!

  3. More accurate: We've updated the ORF ICC profile to a v2.0 profile, increasing the color accuracy of E-10 ORF images.

  4. D1x support: v2.0 will now decode Nikon D1x NEF images (uncompressed). D1x NEF images are decoded at 4020 x 2638 (10.6 MP) to preserve maximum image detail. In addition, Qimage uses three separate camera specific ICC profiles for the D1, D1x and E-10 respectively to ensure that each camera returns perfect color every time!

• Image Lock: The "Image Lock" feature now locks all images in an upright position on the printed page, ensuring no auto-rotation will be performed when the image lock is on.

Fixes:

• Crop/rotate: Fixed a bug that was causing strange results when cropping an image after applying a rotation.

• Crop and slide show: Fixed a problem that was causing a dimmed black and white area to show during a slide show if the image being viewed had an associative crop.

Version 1.6 News
Support for 16 bit per channel (48 bit) TIFF's!

Qimage 2001, v1.6 (05/19/01):

New Features:

• 16 bit per channel (48 bit) TIFF images: Qimage v1.6 can now read, display, print and manipulate 16 bit per channel TIFF images. You can also convert raw NEF/ORF images directly to 16 bit per channel TIFF images using a 100% 16 bit workflow from start to finish. When creating 16 bit per channel TIFF images from your raw NEF/ORF images, filtering capability is limited to unsharp mask, white balance, and exposure (auto levels) in version 1.6 since the other Qimage filters work on an 8 bit per channel (24 bit) level. We plan to increase Qimage's 16 bit per color channel capabilities in the future, but version 1.6 will give users a method for creating professional quality 16 bit/channel TIFF baseline images for use/manipulation in other software. In addition, if you have created, modified and/or saved 16 bit/channel TIFF images from another photo editor, Qimage can now view/print these images directly without the need for conversion to 8 bit/channel images.

• Print single poster panel: In response to user request, we have provided the ability to print a selected poster panel. This can be handy for printing only a small section of a poster if one or more poster panels become torn or unusable during mounting. Access this feature by selecting one poster on the preview page and right clicking to select "Print Single Poster Panel". You may then enter the coordinates of the panel to be printed.

Fixes:

• ORF format bugs: Fixed a bug that was causing the ORF ICC profile to be applied twice if you specified a profile to profile conversion when converting E-10 ORF images from ORF to JPG/TIF/etc. Resulting images were too bright with supersaturated yellow/purple color. Also fixed a problem that was preventing ORF images from being deleted after some operations.

• Raw image initial defaults: Fixed the raw (NEF/ORF) defaults so that the correct default values get loaded on the first startup of QP or after deleting the qimage.ini file.

• Metric units for crop lock: Metric units are now used for the crop lock ratio in the batch filter if running in metric mode.

• Quick edit: Fixed inability to turn crop off via quick edit, and fixed the quick edit window so that it loads the global filter parameters if the global filter is on and no specific filter exists for the selected image. Also resized the quick edit window so there are no scroll bars.

• While printing: Disabled the ability to remove images from the queue during printing. Older versions produced a "list index out of bounds" error if you removed image(s) from the queue while printing was in progress.

• Undo button: Limited the undo button (batch filter window) so that it can no longer undo/revert to settings used in a previously edited photo.

v1.61 update (05/23/01):

• ORF hatching fix: Improved the ORF decoder to eliminate cross-hatch pattern visible in some images.

• Info stamp fix: Fixed a problem that was causing the info stamp to disappear if the dark current filter was also applied.

• Crop lock fix: Fixed the crop lock function so that the proper crop ratio is maintained exactly. Old versions had a roundoff error that resulted in a slight deviation in crop ratio.

v1.62 update (05/24/01):

• ORF hatching fix: Adjusted ORF decoder to better detect/correct cross-hatch patterns in ORF data.

Version 1.5 News
Raw image decoder upgrade and some great new features!

Qimage 2001, v1.5 (05/04/01):

New Features:

• NEF/ORF raw interpolation: Red to black and blue to black transitions are always the most prone to jagged edges because red and blue CCD pixels are more sparsely distributed on the sensor. Accordingly, image detail that is close to true red or true blue is only captured at about 1/4 of the total image resolution. A modification to the already super-accurate Qimage interpolation compensates for this tradeoff in CCD design, removing those jaggies from red/blue image detail without reducing sharpness or detail in other areas. As a result, details like black striping on a red car or blue lettering on a black background have been improved considerably.

• NEF raw color: A complete rebuild of our custom ICC color profiler and process improvements related to the digital capture of color test targets have improved color accuracy considerably for D1 NEF decoding/converting in v1.5. The new profiler and capture tools that we use can now account for and virtually eliminate variations in image capture that could affect profiling such as: lens vignetting and color cast, differences in camera contrast curves, target lighting that is not 100% uniform across the test target, under or overexposure, etc. The result is the most accurate and predictable color to date, and if you are viewing/converting/printing D1 NEF's, you'll get the new color automatically when you install v1.5!

  • Note regarding the profiles that we sell separately online: Although you'll get the new color automatically when converting/printing/viewing D1 NEF's from Qimage , we have not yet rebuilt all the camera profiles available (such as the Canon D30, Olympus E-10 JPEG profile, Nikon 990 profile, etc). Unfortunately, the new process requires new targets and a controlled environment, requiring that we actually have the cameras in hand to retest. We plan to rebuild the profiles that we sell online in the coming weeks to take advantage of the higher color accuracy. As we update the profiles, we will display a icon on the top of the profile page for each camera indicating that the newer version is now being sold. Of course, those who purchased an older profile will be able to upgrade to the new version for free when it becomes available, so stay tuned.

• New crop tool: The new crop tool automatically shades the background when cropping using the batch filter, allowing you to focus on the cropped section of the image without being distracted by the rest of the image. In addition, the new "crop lock" feature allows you to lock your crop area to any aspect ratio including the currently selected print aspect ratio, the original image aspect ratio, or a user defined ratio. For more information on how to use this feature, see the help under "Contents", "Listing of Major Functions", "Cropping".

• New flash card copy/move option: You can now select whether you want Qimage to automatically browse the folder where your images have been downloaded/copied/moved to. While older versions moved to the "from" folder automatically, you can now choose to stay in the current folder if you like.

• {Q} filename prefix: You can now choose to add the {Q} to your filtered files as either a prefix (old method) or suffix (new option). If you choose to save your filtered images to new images, you can now save files in the format: filename{Q} or the older {Q}filename. The new method helps with sorting since if sorted by name, the original and filtered images will appear together in the thumbnail browser.

Some minor fixes:

• Batch filter fixes: A bug that caused the monitor ICC profile to "disengage" after selecting "File", "Save Filtered Images" has been fixed as well as a problem that caused the unsharp mask filter to appear twice as strong after some operations when working with NEF/ORF images. In addition, a problem has been fixed that was causing the crop to turn off after some operations.

• File types: Fixed a bug that was causing files with "jpeg" extension to disappear after accessing the "View", "File Types" function. Note that files with "jpg" extension were not affected, only "jpeg".

• Metric fix: Metric units will now work properly when accessing "Page", "Margins" as well as when the "Manual" image placement option is selected.

• Move images: The "Move Images" option (accessed via right clicking in the thumbnail area) will now move images even if images with the same name already exist in the destination location (after a warning about overwriting files).

• Hairline border: The hairline border option is now overridden when printing posters, i.e. this option will automatically turn off if you have it on and print multi-page posters.

v1.51 update (05/05/01):

• ORF bug: Fixed a bug that was causing E-10 ORF images to appear "scrambled" after some operations when using the batch filter.

v1.52 update (05/10/01):

• Crop improvement: Cutouts now display properly (inside the cropped area) when using the batch filter. This improves crop accuracy by allowing you to see the effect of the cutout on the cropped image.

Version 1.4 News
Support for Olympus E-10 raw format and more!

Qimage 2001, v1.4 (04/14/01):

Olympus E-10 ORF Support:

• E-10 raw images: Version 1.4 has full support for the 10 bit per channel E-10 raw (ORF) format. Use Qimage to decode your E-10 raw images and get the same super-high res interpolation and color accuracy as that found in the Nikon D1 NEF decoder (see v1.3 news below). Qimage 2001 v1.4 uses its own unique interpolation and color matching process to bring you the best images possible from your E-10 raw files, giving you detail down to the pixel level and excellent shadow detail. Although we have calibrated the color matching as accurately as possible, since this is the first release of Qimage that includes E-10 raw file support, we plan to work with E-10 users to refine the color matching in future versions, improving tone curves and white balance curves based on user input where applicable.

Other changes in v1.4:

• RAW format options combined: The RAW image format options for both D1 NEF and E-10 ORF files are accessed by clicking "Settings", "RAW Format Options".

• RAW format dark image "cure": In older versions, Qimage would display/convert to a linear image format (meaning no profile was used) when users were not using a monitor profile or did not specify a profile to profile conversion when converting images. Although technically this worked as designed, we got a lot of questions about "why are my raw images coming out so dark" from users who were unaware of ICC profiling or didn't realize that by specifying no profile, they were looking at a linear/raw image. To make this less confusing, we have added a fall back position which tells Qimage to associate the sRGB output space with your raw images if you have color management turned off. The new option can be turned on/off via "Settings", "RAW Format Options" and should ensure that your RAW format images look accurate regardless of your ICC profile settings.

• D1 NEF auto levels: Version 1.4 uses a slightly more efficient method for auto leveling D1 NEF's. As a result, optimal settings for the shadow and highlight clip values may be different in this version. When you first open version 1.4, new suggested RAW format defaults will be loaded automatically and can be subsequently changed.

• D1 NEF fix: Version 1.4 properly reads D1 NEF's that have been modified or are otherwise not directly from the camera. Older versions produced offset images when some non-original NEF images were loaded.

• Thumbnail refresh fix: Fixed a bug that caused thumbnails to get misaligned (associated with the wrong image) after clicking "Utilities", "Run File Manager".

v1.41 update (04/20/01):

• Raw decoder (NEF/ORF) fix: Fixed a problem that was causing noise and blotchy areas in the darker shadows of NEF and ORF decoded images.

• Enhanced page export: Enhanced the "Export Page(s)" option so that the selected printer interpolation method (Lanczos, Bicubic, etc) is used to resample images, resulting in much higher quality saved pages. Older versions used a simple pixel resize method.

• Edit using photo editor: Activated the "Images", "Edit Images w/Editor" function so that it is accessible from the main menu as well as the thumbnail area popup menu.

• Monitor ICC: Corrected a problem that was causing the printer ICC checkbox to turn on/off the monitor ICC profiling.

Version 1.3 News
Take your D1 NEF images to the next level!

Qimage 2001, v1.3 (04/07/01):

D1 raw/NEF Upgrade:

• Interpolation at its best: Take your D1 NEF images to new extremes by resolving an unparalleled 1450+ lines of resolution both horizontally and vertically! That's significantly higher resolving power than even the Fuji S1 Pro. Qimage 2001 v1.3 uses an innovative gradient controlled Lanczos interpolation to interpolate the raw CCD data to bring you an unprecendented level of resolving power. We didn't stop at mere resolving power, however, as the new interpolation algorithm also incorporates a vector-seeking moire reduction to ensure that you get all that resolving power without any troublesome checkerboard patterns. Don't take our word for it, check out the comparisons!

• More accurate color: Along with a complete rebuild of the NEF decoder, we have rebuilt the color matching for the NEF decoder as well. Qimage 2001 v1.3 will give you more accurate color with better contrast. Previous versions were a bit light in shadow areas which may be great for detail, but decreases contrast. You will find that v1.3 has a better overall balance when decoding your D1 NEF's.

Minor Enhancements and Fixes:

• Undo button: Since adding the "Edit", "Undo" functions in the batch filter, we have gotten requests to include a small undo button at the bottom of the filter parameters on the batch filter screen. You will find this button in v1.3.

• Filtering panoramas: Fixed a bug that was causing very wide panoramas to "disappear" in the batch filter.

• Thumbnail scroll position: Enhanced the thumbnail scrolling so that the scroll position is maintained more accurately.

• Rename error message: Eliminated the additional (second) error message that appeared when trying to rename a file to a name that already exists.

Version 1.2 News
Operational enhancements and fixes.

Qimage 2001, v1.2 (03/21/01):

Operational Enhancements:

• Rotate/Crop precedence in batch filter: You can now decide whether you want to crop a rotated image or rotate a cropped image. When using the batch filter, simply perform these operations in the order you prefer.

• Preview rotation filters: It is now possible to preview rotation in the batch filter as long as you have not placed a crop on the image first.

• Finer rotation: Rotation at any angle now supported, including fractional angles.

• Improved rotation: New high quality rotation algorithm ensures minimal "jaggies" even when only rotating by small amounts.

• NEF Color: Update to the NEF ICC Profile brings slightly better color to Nikon D1 raw images.

• Improved thumbnail selection: Smoother selection of thumbnails when using the shift and ctrl keys to multi-select.

• Improved slide show hot keys: Page up/down and delete keys now still function after performing another action (such as clicking the "Details" button).

Fixes:

• Printing crash: Fixed a bug that caused an access violation during printing on rare occasions (certain sizes).

• Blemish crash: Fixed a bug that caused the blemish/pixel/red eye filter to generate an access violation if the corrections were close to the edge of the image.

• NEF Defaults: "Restore Defaults" button now works properly on the NEF Options window.

• Filter save message: Fixed the batch filter "save changes" warning. Message was not appearing if "Image Crop" was on but the image did not need to be cropped (was already at the same aspect ratio as the selected print size).

• Image Lock: Fixed the image lock function so that images get auto-rotated if you try to lock an image in a position that will not fit on the page.

• Portrait/Landscape buttons: The portrait and landscape tool buttons now update automatically if you change page orientation from within your print driver (printer setup).

Introducing Qimage 2001
Version 1.1 of the next evolution.

Qimage 2001, v1.1 (03/15/01):

• Reduced system resource requirements: The amount of system resources used by Qimage has been reduced by nearly a factor of three in QP 2001 when compared to prior versions, allowing you to perform more complex imaging operations without fear of running out of resources.

• "Stickier" filters: Batch filters now "stick" to your images through copy/move/delete commands in QP 2001. Prior versions would leave the filters behind.

• Slide show keys: The delete key can now be used while viewing a windowed slide show to delete the image, and page up/page down can be used to move through the queue.

• EXIF for TIF images: QP 2001 will now display EXIF information recorded in TIF format images.

• Folder locations: Saved filters are now stored in a folder called "Filters" under the main "Qimage" folder (note that associative filters that "belong" to images are still stored in the same folder as the images). In addition, there is now a folder called "Save" under "Qimage" where all settings and sessions are stored.

• More efficient thumbnail cache: QP 2001 now stores cached thumbnails in the JPG format rather than BMP. This reduces hard drive storage requirements for thumbnails by a factor of 8 to 10!

• Auto-migration for new file structures: The first time you use QP 2001, you will be given the opportunity to convert your thumbnail cache from BMP to the new JPG format to save space. In addition, you will be prompted to automatically move all filters to the new "Filters" folder and all saved sessions and settings to the new "Save" folder. If you decide not to do the migration when first asked, you can activate it later by selecting "Help", "Analyze Settings" from the top menu of the main window at any time.

• Instantly identify images that have associative filters: When viewing and scrolling through thumbnails, any image that has an associated filter will be flagged by a red file name. Red file name = image is filtered. Black file name = no filter is associated with the image.

• New associative filter methods: Select any number of thumbnails and right click and select "Filter Associations". A sub-menu will appear and you can select: (1) Associate a saved filter with the selected thumbnails, (2) Quick Edit to edit the filter parameters without viewing the image, (3) Full Edit to edit the filter parameters with full preview of the image, and "Delete Filters" to delete any previously associated filters. Note that these methods apply to associative filters only. To create new images from your filtered versions, you need to add the filtered images to the queue and then right click in the queue and select "Convert Images" to obtain filtered copies of images that have filter associations.

• Mouse wheel: The mouse wheel now functions in the thumbnail area for scrolling.

• Thumbnails maintain scroll position: QP 2001 now maintains position in the thumbnail scrolling list after performing functions like filtering, copying images, etc. Older versions "jumped" back to the top.

• Print arranging: Select a single print on a page using the preview and then right click and select the up or down arrow to move that print back or forward in the queue to reorder your prints. You can also use the up/down arrow keys to reorder prints on the preview page after selecting a single print to move.

• New print dialog: When you print your image document, you can now select a page range, number of copies, etc. in the standard Windows fashion.

• Prints with odd rotations: QP 2001 now supports rotation of prints at odd angles (angles not divisible by 90 degrees). For example, rotating a print by 25 degrees will cause not only the print to be rotated by 25 degrees, but also any associated cutout and the info stamp as well. This change increases utility of Qimage for printing scrapbooks.

• New undo function: When using the batch filter, you can now click "Edit", and then click "Undo Last" or "Undo All" to revert to previously applied filter parameters.

• Usability and cleanup issues resolved in the upgrade from Qimage v12.05 to Qimage 2001 v1.1:

1. Fixed "Out of Resources" problem related to placing associative crops on images.

2. Fixed a bug that caused incorrect ICC profile associations when more than one input profile was being used in a document.

3. Numerous visual cleanup issues resolved such as consistency of menu options, thumbnail refresh consistency, etc.

4. Fixed a batch filter bug related to removing multiple closely spaced blemishes and improved the blemish filter in general.

5. Fixed a lockup related to using "Template" placement mode with images that would not fit on the template.

6. Filters can now be properly previewed in the batch filter when filtering NEF images.

7. Fixed a bug that caused distortion of images when page margins were set to non-zero values.

8. "Cancel" when exiting the batch filter now returns to the batch filter window instead of exiting.

9. Fixed a bug that caused distorted (mis-shaped) prints when prints were rotated by angles not divisible by 90 degrees.

10. Fixed a bug that caused batch filter rotations of non-90 degree increments to rotate backwards.

Was there a 1.0 version of Qimage 2001?

Yes. Qimage 2001 v1.0 was tested over the last several weeks by many Qimage mailing list members. In addition to daily discussion of hot imaging topics by imaging professionals and hobbyists alike, getting a sneak preview of upcoming versions is another of the many benefits of joining the Qimage mail group. Once again, I would like to thank the more than 900 members of the Qimage mailing list for their support in the Qimage 2001 development effort.