Type of Article: MacTech Reviews

By Daniel East

How is it possible to take a compact digital camera that for most people is already perfect and improve upon its stellar features? It seemed as if this line had reached its pinnacle with the CX4 (http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc), but in true Ricoh style, they weren’t about to let “good enough” suffice.

id America’s (http://www.idamericany.com/) Cushi Stripe for the iPad 2 offers extra grip and extra protection for the Apple tablet. These things it does admirably, though its pin-striped look is a just a bit funky for me.

The Cushi Stripe is designed to complement the Apple Smart Cover, even though its 3D striped appearance isn’t a good aesthetic match — as least when it comes to appearances. There’s a cut out on the Cushi that accommodates the mounting of the Smart Cover.

By Steve Baczewski

A big difference between the digital and traditional darkroom is the wider variety of paper surfaces available for the digital darkroom and the probability you’ll find a paper that best matches your vision. Epson (http://www.epson.com) just released three new inkjet canvas papers from their high-end Signature Worthy paper collection. They come in three different finishes — satin, matte, and gloss –and pricing varies by stock and size.

The iPhone Hint (http://www.sfbags.com/products/iphone-cases/hint-iphone.php) is cute, inexpensive (US$25) and useful for many folks I’m sure. I’m just not one of them.

If you head out and all you need is your Apple smartphone plus a couple of bills and maybe a license or credit card, the Waterfield Design case may fit you like a comfortable glove. You can slip the aforementioned items into the iPhone Hint and be on your way.

By Steve Baczewski

The US$849.99 Epson Stylus Photo R3000 printer (http://www.epson.com) is for professional photographers and fine artists in a low-volume production setting who demand exhibition-quality color and black-and-white prints.

The R3000 is essentially a smaller tabloid-size version of Epson’s highly regarded Stylus Pro 3880. Some of the benefits handed down are nine-cartridge UltraChrome K3 inks; an eight channel, ink-repellent print head to prevent nozzle clogging (it does); and screening technology.