Newsroom Home Newsroom Archive 2007 May 21 Attatchment 2

Features of Imaging WorkShop

1. A workflow software for efficiently handling multiple images

Imaging WorkShop makes the workflow of handling photos simple and efficient. You can carry out various work on the photos, such as viewing, selecting, editing, laying out, and printing, by following a natural workflow, without having to use different software for different operations, or opening a number of windows.

1.1 User Interface

With Imaging WorkShop, it isn't necessary for you to open a number of windows or call up a tool every time something needs to be done. Only two windows appear on the screen: the Print Workflow and Image Workflow windows. The work that needs to be carried out flows from left to right; therefore, all the necessary tools are arranged on the screen from left to right.

1.2 Print Workflow

Print Workflow is the main window, and it appears when Imaging WorkShop is started up. Browse (List), Layout, and Print are arranged from left to right on the window in accordance with the order in which the work procedures are to be carried out.

Browse displays the photos for viewing, and in Layout, the photos are dragged and dropped to create layouts. After the printer settings and print preview are checked in Print, the photos can be printed out. Whether the task calls for processing 100 photos or creating a 10-page layout, Imaging WorkShop makes handling and printing any job easy.

With Imaging WorkShop, opening the printer driver window and going through the troublesome and difficult task of configuring the settings can be avoided completely. Each of the Browse, Layout, and Print windows can either be collapsed or changed in size to fit the need, ensuring ideal work conditions for any situation.

1.3 Image Workflow

The Image Workflow window is used for editing or making adjustments to photos. The Display tool in the Image Workflow window is used to display photos for making enlargements or carrying out comparison checks. Photos can be edited by using the Color/Tone, Trimming, Retouch, Effects, and Text tools.

Switching back and forth between these functions is easily done by simply clicking on the tabs. Image Workflow is designed to enable any task to be carried out from a single window, regardless of the work being done, and to undertake continuous editing of multiple photos.

2. Simple Functions Exclusive to Epson Printers

Imaging WorkShop was developed for use exclusively with Epson printers. Image processing ensures that a high level of quality is maintained when printing. Because Imaging WorkShop is directly linked to the printer, it is possible to print with a complete layout and the right printer settings without having to open the printer driver window. Unlike in the past, it is no longer necessary to worry about configuring application settings or printer driver settings.

A compatible model of an Epson printer is required to use Imaging WorkShop. Please refer to the section entitled "System Requirements and Compatible Printer Models" for information about compatible printer models.

3. Color Management Without Needing Specialized Knowledge

Imaging WorkShop fully supports color management.
At present, photos shot by digital cameras are, in nearly every case, excellently controlled, with the files of the photographed images containing color space information, which is necessary for color management. In spite of this, it has been a common occurrence for colors and tones to be printed out that were different from what had been intended, or for unnecessary adjustments to be made to the images, because the settings for the application or the printer driver were not appropriately configured.

Appropriate implementation of color management eliminates these problems and achieves optimal color reproduction. With color management, because the criteria are clear when making adjustments to an image, there is no need to vacillate or be indecisive about what to do. Moreover, color management is indispensable when handling photos for commercial purposes or printing photos from different printers.

Using Imaging Workshop enables you to handle various processes that carry out color management under default conditions, from reading images to printing them out, without having to make a conscious effort to implement color management.

3.1 Detailed Color Management Settings are Possible

All you have to do to implement basic color management is utilize Imaging WorkShop under default conditions.

However, should the need arise, more detailed settings can be made, such as making changes to the color space of the loaded image files, setting the color work space, making changes to the color space of written files, or making changes to the color conversion engine.

3.2 Color Management for Printing

Generally speaking, printing color-managed images requires not only a software that supports color management, but also the appropriate configuration of the application and printer driver settings. With Imaging WorkShop, because it is linked to the printer driver, the settings are automatically configured. All you need to do to print color-managed images is to set the paper correctly in the printer.

Moreover, for the professional photographer, Imaging WorkShop can print using custom ICC profiles.

3.3 Monitor Color Management

Imaging WorkShop supports monitor color management. Calibrating your monitor makes it possible for you to see a representation of the image on your monitor that matches the image printed out by the printer.

(*Note)
As is the case with ordinary monitor color management, the colors displayed on the monitor may not be an exact match to those printed out by the printer. Depending on the characteristics of your monitor or the lighting of the environment in which the prints are viewed, the expected results may not be realized. A commercially available monitor calibration device should be used to calibrate your monitor.

4. Printing with Various Layouts

With Imaging WorkShop, you can easily create any print layout you desire. Imaging WorkShop offers three methods of layout: Template, Index, and Free, and it is possible to select different methods for different pages when creating multi-page layouts.

4.1 Layout in Template Mode

In Template mode, a layout can be created by selecting from layout templates already included in Imaging WorkShop. It is easy to create a layout by choosing from a list that includes more than 400 templates of a wide range of sizes and variations.

4.2 Layout in Index Mode

In Index mode, it is easy to create a layout that has, for example, twenty photos per layout page, arranged in four rows with five photos per row. You can automatically create up to 256 frames, arranged in a 16 by 16 layout, simply by setting the number of photos you want in each row and column.

The size of the frame or the space between frames can be set in minute detail to suit your needs. Index mode has a setting that includes Exif information, such as the date and time the photo was shot, the aperture, and the shutter speed, when printing out the photos. This can be a very convenient feature when printing out a large number of photos in a list.

4.3 Layout in Free Mode

In Free mode, you can set the size or position of a frame any way you want. You can set the layout of the photos simply by dragging and dropping them into place, as well as designate their position and size.

Furthermore, layouts created in Free mode can be stored as templates, thereby making it possible to create User's Templates.

4.4 Batch Layout of Large Volumes of Photos

Imaging WorkShop enables you to easily layout a large number of photos. Let's say you use Browse to select 200 photos and drag and drop them directly into a layout. When you carry out this action, and a 20-photo per page layout has been selected, Imaging WorkShop automatically adds the necessary number of pages, resulting in the creation of a 10-page layout. Of course, it is also possible to create a layout in which you determine the location of the photos one photo at a time.

It is possible to create a layout having up to 100 pages. The pages can have a mixture of layouts, with each page having a different layout. The photos can easily be interchanged between the different layouts.

It is also possible to store images in a layout and print them later in the same layout.

5. Supports RAW Formats from Various Digital Cameras

RAW formats, a much talked about topic recently among advanced amateur and professional photographers, are supported by Imaging WorkShop. Up until now, RAW formats have usually required the use of RAW processing software that is exclusive to the particular model of camera. Imaging WorkShop supports the RAW format of the leading models of DSLR camera of most camera manufacturers, and is capable of handling RAW images, from browsing to printing, as easily as if they were regular JPEG files.

5.1 Flexible Color Adjustment Due to RAW Format

Imaging WorkShop enables you to browse or print images without performing any special operations, even if the image is in a RAW format. However, if you wish to make adjustments to a RAW format image, it is possible to set the exposure, and white balance (color temperature and hue). It is also possible to set the color mode, which provides support in the making of desired colors.

Color mode offers four modes: Standard Look, which is suited to the contents represented in general photography; Portrait Look, which is suited to what is represented in a portrait; Landscape Look, which is suited to landscape photography; and Colorimetric, which emphasizes color precision. Each of these modes brings out the best in the adjustments made to the colors by the user while keeping what was represented in the original image, making it easy to add a subtle but professional touch.

5.2 Batch Processing

Imaging WorkShop has a Batch Processing function for processing multiple RAW format images all at once, and saving them as standard image files such as JPEG or TIFF. With the Batch Processing function, it is possible to develop multiple photo images having identical conditions all at once, as well as develop multiple photos, each set with different conditions, all at once. This function can also be used to do batch adjustments of the color or tone of images that are not RAW images, such as JPEG.

5.3 Cameras Supporting RAW Formats (as of March 2007)

Cameras with RAW formats supported by Imaging WorkShop are indicated below.

Nikon: D50, D70, D70s, D100, D200, D2H, D2X, D2Xs, D80, D40
Canon: EOS 10D, EOS 1DMkII, EOS 1DsMkII, EOS 1DS, EOS 20D, EOS 5D, , EOS 30D, EOS 300D(Digital Rebel), EOS 350D(Digital Rebel XT), EOS 400D(Digital Rebel Xti)
Pentax: *istD, *istDS, *istDS2, *istDL, *istDL2, K100D, K10D
Olympus: E-1, E-300, E-500, E-330
Konika Minolta: DYNAX 7D(Maxxum 7D), DYNAX 5D(Maxxum 5D)
Sony: Alpha100
Panasonic: DMC-L1
Epson: R-D1, R-D1s

Note:
RAW image representation by Imaging WorkShop or its Color Mode may not always correspond to the results from the processing of RAW images by the various manufacturers of digital cameras or third-party RAW image processing software. Moreover, RAW images represented by Imaging WorkShop may not always be identical to the JPEG images captured at the same time.

6. Internal 16-bit High-quality Image Processing

Imaging WorkShop employs 16-bit internal calculation to perform image processing, which minimizes the occurrence of tone jump or other calculation errors.

In the default configuration, internal 16-bit processing is performed when a RAW format or a 16-bit image file is input. By adjusting the settings, internal 16-bit processing can also be performed on 8-bit images, such as JPEG.

The newly-developed Epson CMM engine is employed for 3D transformation, which can be used in color management processing or the processing of RAW images. The Epson CMM engine has achieved high-precision image processing that does not depend on the operating system (OS) of a personal computer. Should the necessity arise, it is also possible to use the CMM engine of the personal computer's OS.

Note:
The 16-bit internal calculations are performed internally in Imaging WorkShop, and images written as ordinary files or to the printer driver are 8-bit images. However, images written in 16-bit TIFF format are 16-bit images.

7. Nondestructive Image Processing Prevents Deterioration of Images Even After Repeated Adjustments

Imaging WorkShop employs a nondestructive image processing method. This method is designed to ensure that the original image is able to undergo optimal image processing and deterioration of the image is held to an absolute minimum, regardless how many times various adjustments, such as color, tone, or sharpness, are made to the image. A record of the adjustments and editing made to the image is stored in a file (EGO file) separate from the original image, making it possible for images stored after editing to be reopened, and editing can be picked up again from where it left off, providing a flexible editing system that ensures high-quality images.

8 Powerful Photo Selection Tools

Selecting photos is a critically important process for advanced amateur and professional photographers, as they handle vast numbers of photos.
Imaging WorkShop enables you to quickly and easily look over and check large numbers of photos all at once, select possible contenders, and then narrow them down to the final choices by examining similar-looking photos for sharpness of focus and other details.

8.1 Classify Photos with Check and Mark Tools in Browse

Browse in Imaging WorkShop contains two tools for attaching a mark to photos for selection and classification. The Check tool allows you to put a checkmark on photos meant for selection. The Mark tool allows you to assign a mark in one of four colors: red, yellow, green, or blue. As the Check and Mark tools can be used to assign marks independently of each other, either one tool alone or both tools at the same time can be used, depending on the purpose.

These functions enable you great flexibility in the photo selection process. For example, you can select photos marked with red or yellow, and from among these photos, exclude those that are marked with a checkmark.

Furthermore, it is also possible to display Exif information together with thumbnails.

8.2 Image Comparison with Image Workflow

The Preview tool in the Image Workflow window allows you to not only enlarge a photo for close and detailed examination, but also display two, three, or even four photos simultaneously for making comparisons. Image Workflow also provides a Loupe tool that allows you to magnify a portion of a photo while the entire photo is being displayed. You can also magnify two photos and scroll around these photos simultaneously to compare and check the same areas of the two photos. With this tool, you can easily select the best photo from among multiple shots of the same scene.

Image Workflow, too, is capable of displaying Exif information or attaching a check or mark to the photos, giving you true flexibility in making your selections.

9 Powerful Image Editing Tools

Imaging WorkShop provides the tools needed to make adjustments to the color or tone of the image in preparation for printing. It also offers various image editing tools, such as those for retouching or correcting distortion of the image.

9.1 Adjustment by Color/Tone and Adjustment by Sample

Imaging WorkShop is able to make basic adjustments to images, such as in brightness, brightness of bright areas, brightness of dark areas, contrast, white point, black point, color balance, saturation, and sharpness. It is also possible to make corrections to memory colors, such as skin tone, sky blue, and foliage green, and to make adjustments to exposure, white balance, and other settings for RAW images. Imaging WorkShop is also capable of many other adjustments, ranging from creating a simple monotone effect to performing detailed adjustments when necessary, such as making adjustments to the channel mixer or hue.

The result of every adjustment can be seen in the Preview window while the adjustment is being made. At the same time the adjustments are being viewed, the histogram can be checked, as can the areas of under or over exposure.

With Imaging WorkShop, adjustments can be made to colors and tones by specifying adjustment values with a conventional slider or by using the Sample mode. In Sample mode, multiple sample adjustment results are displayed, from among which the user can select the appropriate image. Nearly every type of typical adjustment can be made through the displayed samples in Sample mode. The display method of Sample mode provides 9-sample (3 by 3) and 25-sample (5 by 5) configurations, as well as a strip-like display resembling film photo prints made by exposure bracketing. It is also possible to perform selection by printing out the samples.

9.2 Cropping

In addition to such image corrections as ordinary cropping and rotation, Imaging WorkShop is able to perform distortion correction and perspective correction. Imaging WorkShop is capable of correcting curve distortions in the image resulting from barrel or pincushion distortion caused by the camera lens. The distortions of the verticals or horizontals in photos of buildings or interiors are corrected to present their true lines. These corrections can be easily performed by calling up the measurement guidelines and following them to make the adjustments.

9.3 Retouch

Retouch is used in Imaging WorkShop to correct portions of a photo. Retouch is not only able to make adjustments to the brightness of portions of a photo through its Dodge and Burn tools, but also make adjustments using Saturation and Sharpness. Any dust that may have contaminated the CCD of the DSLR camera at the time the photo was shot can easily be removed by using the Healing brush. This tool can remove the shadow caused by the dust, and repair and blend the colors surrounding the flaw, making it unnoticeable.

9.4 Special Effects and Text

With Imaging WorkShop, you can make your photos even more eye-catching through editing with Effects and Text.

You can add a variety of special effects to the photo, such as Softness, Colored Pencil, and Impressionist. You can also apply Canvas, Watercolor Paper, or other textures to the overall photo, and even give your digital photo a hand-developed film photograph look by putting a white border around the photo. With Text, you can add lettering to the photos and give them a poster-like look.

10. Movie Guide - a "How To" Movie on Using Imaging WorkShop

Imaging WorkShop has Movie Guide, instructions in movie form that provide a visual way of understanding how to use the software. You can view Movie Guide any time you want, simply by clicking on the button at the top right side of the Imaging WorkShop screen.

As Movie Guide employs movies showing Imaging WorkShop screens in actual use to provide instructions on the basics of using Imaging WorkShop, as well as introduce its main functions and its many convenient tools, you can easily and quickly grasp how to use the application.

11. Integration with PhotoshopR and Other Image Editing Applications

Imaging WorkShop integrates seamlessly with Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) and other image processing software you have been using up to now.

You can select photos with Imaging WorkShop's Browser, and by clicking the Photoshop(R) button at the bottom of the screen, you can create a copy of the selected images and open the copied images in Photoshop(R).

If the images are edited and saved in Photoshop(R), you can select and check the edited images using Imaging WorkShop's Browser. You can then use Imaging WorkShop to create a layout with the edited images and print them out.

Photoshop(R) and Photoshop(R) Elements(R) can be started up from the default mode of Imaging WorkShop, but other software can also be started up if you designate the software to be started up from Imaging WorkShop.