Harris Tech introduces Locus, a new software tool to help photographers take better pictures. Locus takes the "hocus pocus" out of "focus" for photographers planning a photo shoot. You can know in advance which parts of a scene will be in focus and the amount of bokeh blur, with consideration for the output size and viewing distance. An advanced Speed Calculator reveals the minimum shutter speed required to "freeze" the motion of subjects that won't hold still. Locus helps with the selection of a lens, determining its f-stop and calculating the angle of view and scene resolution—you still have to pick the scene. It includes a detailed photography dictionary and an extensive camera database. With Locus, you can plan your shoot, shoot your plan, and have a better shot at winning those photo contests.

 

EDWARDSBURG, MI, June 11, 2007 – Harris Tech today announces the Locus photography software—a powerful focus and photo geometry calculator for Microsoft Windows XP and Vista. Locus helps a photographer decide which combination of camera, lens, aperture and shutter speed to use for that once-in-a-lifetime shot.

• Improved Focus – Locus gives accurate results for modern cameras using the latest methods of calculation to predict which parts of a scene will be in focus and out of focus. True depth of field and hyperfocal distance are determined for any output size and viewing distance. No longer is it necessary to use great-granddad's old-style calculators and tables based on archaic film from the 1930s. (Sorry, old guy.)
   
• Eliminate Motion Blur – Locus reveals the shutter speed necessary to "freeze" motion blur from camera shake and its advanced Speed Calculator helps "freeze" moving subjects, including live-action superheroes moving faster than a speeding bullet.
   
• Predict "Bokeh" Blur – Going beyond the depth of field, Locus accurately predicts a photo's "bokeh" blur. It reveals how blurry an out-of-focus point will be at any desired location in the foreground and background—including infinity—using innovative "percent of blur" values. Sweet!
   
• Create Photo-Guru Data – Locus calculates the field of view at any focus distance, angle of view, lens perspective, scene resolution, magnification, and output enlargement factor. It helps a photographer determine if a photo will have enough pixels to resolve important details.
   
• Get the scoop on Camera and Lens poop – Locus calculates a camera's true megapixels as well as its diffraction limit, field of view factor, lens classification and lens aperture diameter. All results can take a lens teleconverter into account.
   
• Super Camera Database – A hefty camera database with parameters for many hundreds of cameras—from fancy to humble—is included and photo geeks can add, edit or delete entries. Free updates are provided for download from the Locus website at www.ht-locus.com.
   
• Photography Dictionary – An "Illustrated Locus Dictionary" with some real "dolls" as models is included in the program's detailed on-screen User Manual. It explains much of the terminology of photography and is useful for both great and not-so-great photographers.
   
• Geeky Stuff to help you take prize-winning photos – Locus has a whole bunch of useful tools such as a COC (circle of confusion) Calculator to fine tune the accuracy of all focus and blur calculations, a Focal Length Calculator, a Crop Calculator and a Speed Calculator.
   
• Popping 'em out – The data in Locus' main window as well as custom tables can be printed or exported several different ways and carried with you to the "outback".

Availability
Locus is available now for download at www.ht-locus.com. It has a built-in "Evaluation Period" which allows the user to launch the program up to 12 times during 30 days. This "try before you buy" feature enables the user to determine if the program meets their needs and is compatible with their computer.

Pricing / Product Packages
Locus license only: US$ 29.95
Locus license plus a program CD: US$ 37.90 plus shipping

To request a Locus license for product review, please contact at or .

Feed The Children
10% of all profits from Locus are donated to Feed The Children. Note: Harris Tech is not affiliated with Feed The Children.

About Harris Tech
Harris Technologies, Inc., was founded in 1988 to merge art and technology into innovative computer software. Our products are world leaders in their markets and each one began as a tool that we wrote for our own use to help us do the work that we love to do. We created Locus because we wanted to use it ourselves. Then we realized that other photographers would find it helpful as well.

Company Contact:
Harris Technologies, Inc.
, Vice President
(M-F 9-5 EDT)