Wacom Technology Corp. and nik multimedia Inc. are teaming up to introduce a new way for digital photographers to edit their photos using Wacom’s pressure-sensitive digital stylus technology.
Using Wacom tablets and nik multimedia’s own penPalette photographic filters, users can use Photoshop 5.0 and later or Photoshop Elements can selectively apply digital image enhancements, controlling the location and the amount of filter effect applied. Portions of these enhancements can also be fully or lightly erased depending on the location and the amount of pressure applied. penPalette shows a new palette that remains open when you’re retouching your photos.
penPalette is free to Wacom users who purchase the Intuos2 tablet or Cintiq interactive pen display after February 1, 2002 — those users get eight filters, including a warming filter, cool tone filter, contrast filter, colorizing filter, add noise filter, smoothing despeckle filter, photographic softening filter and a special contrast only filter. What’s more, penPalette is expandable with new effects that nik multimedia offers separately — additional tools are available from US$69.95.
Wacom noted that the new painting engine in Photoshop 7 takes full advantage of Wacom support in simulating traditional painting techniques with dry and wet brush effects, pastel and charcoal, and brushes to add effects such as grass and leaves.
Look for the new software to be available to Intuos2 and Cintiq customers after February 24, 2002. It will be available as a free download from the penPalette Web site, and can be ordered on CD for $10, as well.
If you’ve already purchased an Intuos2 or Cintiq product before February 1, you can get the penPalette software and your first purchase of any Color Efex Pro filter set for 50 percent off the combined price. Visit the penPalette Web site for more details.