One of the reasons why I often shoot RAW+Jpeg is to take advantage of in-camera effects or film simulation modes. The images with effects are saved as Jpegs. The master files are in the RAW format. By capturing those RAW files too, I have fully editable images to further experiment with further if I wish, especially if I don't like the way the Jpegs turned out.

Both images captured at the same time with a Fujifilm X20 compact camera. Picture on the left is the RAW file, and on the right is a B&W recorded using Fujifilm's Film Simulation mode. By shooting RAW+Jpeg, I get both files. Photos by Derrick Story.

When it's time to upload these files to Aperture, I choose "Both - Separate Originals" for my RAW+Jpeg pairs. I *do not* recommend using the other Pairs settings because the files get linked together. This proves to be a problem up the road.

Import as "Both - Separate Originals". Don't be fooled that the RAW files are B&W at this point. Aperture is just reading the embedded Jpegs.

Once the files are in my Aperture library, I select Auto Stack (Stacks > Auto Stack) and set the timing to 0:01. This creates a pairing for each of my compositions - one Jpeg with one Raw.

If I want to tidy up the library, I can Close All Stacks (Stacks > Close All Stacks), and I only see one version of each pair. You even have control over which version by using the Pick command.

Jpegs and RAWs now side by side in Stack mode.

By using this technique, I'm more willing to experiment with the interesting effects included in my camera because I will always have the RAW file too. Use this technique to explore the unique features of your camera.

Aperture Tips and Techniques

To learn more about Aperture, check out my Aperture 3.3 Essential Training (2012) on lynda.com. Also, take a look at our Aperture 3 Learning Center. Tons of free content about how to get the most out of Aperture.

The Digital Story on Facebook -- discussion, outstanding images from the TDS community, and inside information. Join our celebration of great photography!

I just read a terrific article on PetaPixel about converting a slide projector into an automated digitizer. And it got me thinking... what can I do with mine?

I have a wonderful Leica P150 projector that I loved in the film days. It's still in perfect shape and projects beautiful images. But I'm not using it.

So I started thinking about this. I could use the P150 to project images in the studio for interesting composites with live subjects. I could take a whack at converting it into a slide digitizer. The projector could be an interesting light source for photo projects.

I have the Leica projector out on my workbench. So I'll keep toying around with ideas. If something comes to mind for you, please share the idea on our TDS Facebook page.

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This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: the Panasonic GH4 tops the weekly update; The inside scoop on c't Digital Photography Magazine; From the Screening Room: David Hobby on The business of photography; and on the Nimbleosity Report: Pro HDR for iOS - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Weekly Update: Panasonic announces 4K-capable Lumix DMC-GH4 (DP Review) Are you ready for 4K video? (4K has a horz. resolution of 4,000 pixels compared to 1,920 for HD). Speaking of Panasonic, looks like Olympus is using their sensors, not Sony's in the flagship OM-D E-M1 (Imaging-Resource). And finally, it looks like the Nikon D4s will be officially released soon. The body alone will run you about $6,000 (PetaPixel).

Story #2 - The Inside Scoop on c't Photography Magazine. It all began with a conversation in Germany in 2012. More than a year later, I'm an Associate Editor with this technical photo magazine based in Germany. (You can subscribe for $39.96 using this special URL.) Here's what I'll be doing for this terrific publication.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - David Hobby: Insights on Building a Photography Business. This week's featured artist is also known as Strobist. In this movie titled, "Determining your career compass point," David talks about his own career evolution and how establishing a compass point facilitates the process.

You can watch David in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

Story #4 - Pro HDR ($1.99) for iOS. High Dynamic Range photography is fun, but it's also a fair amount of work... that is unless you're using Pro HDR on your iPad or iPhone. I explain why in this fourth segment today.

Virtual Camera Club News

Photo Assignment for February 2014 is Smartphone.

The SizzlPix! Head to Head Challenge

Order a SizzlPix! using the image from which you've already made your best print. If, when you receive your SizzlPix!, you don't feel that it's the best version of your image ever, return yours within 30 days for a full refund.

Oh, and BTW: SizzlPix! now is qualified for PayPal "Bill Me Later," No payments, No interest for up to 6 months, which means, have your SizzlPix! now, and pay nothing until August!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (30 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

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The Kanex Foldable iDevice Stand is a nifty accessory for iPhone and iPad toting photographers who need a very light, foldable platform for viewing content and taking pictures. Kanex is selling a two-pack directly from their site for $19.95

I've tested the iDevice with the iPhone and iPad mini. It works great for both. (I'm not sure that I'd trust it with a full size iPad, although the manufacturer says it can handle it just fine.) The stand can be positioned at three different angles. It uses rubber non-slip feet and a bumper to keep items from sliding around, even on an airplane folding table. When not in use, it folds flat, taking up virtually no space in your carry-on or shirt pocket.

The stand accommodates your phone or iPad in both the horizontal and vertical positions. You'll have to use landscape mode if you want plug-in power, such as using your iPhone as an alarm clock at night. There's no way to plug in the connector when the phone is placed vertically in the stand. This is probably the only drawback to the folding design.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the Kanex stand. It's light, very clever, and something that I'll keep stashed in my camera bag. I'm sure it will save the day sometime soon.

The Kanex folding stand has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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The olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter design has its pros and cons. On the negative side, it doesn't offer much protection against drops. The hard plastic shell is thin and feels a little slippery. And the $48 price tag seems a bit high compared to the competition.

But there is a plus side to this rig, and that's the Pro-Photo Adapter that's included with the case. As it turns out, even though I like the convenience of using olloclip lenses with the flip function of the case, it's been the tripod adapter that I've found most useful. It's actually the real reason I still have the olloclip case on my iPhone.

I like the Pro-Photo Adapter because it takes up very little room in my pocket or bag, is super light, has two threaded sockets to make vertical and horizontal orientations easy, includes a "cold shoe" adapter, and it mounts in seconds.

Because it has a fairly low profile, there are days when I just leave it on (especially if I plan on shooting a lot.)

The Bottom Line

If you shoot often with olloclip lenses and want an easy way to attach your iPhone to a tripod, the olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter is worth consideration. Personally, I think you'll also need a more robust case for when you're not in photography mode. And I do think the price is a bit high for the Quick-Flip Case.

But I do like that tripod adapter...

The olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Actually, I'm surprised it's taken this long. Based on the success of the Canon S series (the latest model is the PowerShot S120), it was only a matter of time before Nikon produced a worthy competitor. With the announcement of the Nikon COOLPIX P340, that day has come.

Headline features include:

• 12.2 MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor
• 5x NIKKOR zoom lens (24-120mm)
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• 3.0" LCD rear screen (921,000 pixels)
• Continuous shooting up to 10fps
• Full manual exposure control
• Full HD 1080p videos with stereo sound
• Bundled Nikon ViewNX 2 Software
• 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3" and weighs 6.4 ounces
• Price $377 US

The price comes in $20 less than the Canon S120. Many of the specs are similar. How the WiFi is implemented is important. I think Canon's Camera Window app for iOS is quite good. And of course, image quality is a big factor too! Will keep you posted here.

The Nikon Coolpix P340 has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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Now that I'm using the iPad mini exclusively, I need a way to mount it for various projects. This Kickstarter project, for the Padcaster Mini is very tempting.

For $99 I could get the aluminum frame lined with 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threaded holes for attaching lights, mics and other camera gear. The insert is removable. So not only could I use this device for recording with the iPad, but also as a general studio accessory.

Included with every Padcaster Mini are two cold shoe adapters for your favorite lights or mics, a lens bracket with both 72mm and 58mm threads for your choice of wide angle or telephoto adapters, four hand-tightening screws to attach the lens bracket and even a custom camera mount screw to use the Padcaster Mini frame as a standalone DSLR cage!

If you're tempted by this too, the Kickstarter project is underway now.

This product has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

Enthusiast photographer Jim Gilliland had an opportunity to photograph Keith Urban in concert. Off to the event he went with a single battery for his Olympus OM-D E-M5. I'll let Jim tell the story from here.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with the 45 mm f/1.8 lens. "I was shooting at ISO 800 at F4.5 and 1/160 sec. with no EV." Photo by Jim Gilliland.

We went to the Keith Urban concert last night here in Nashville. For the first time, I took my OM-D with me.

You'll never again catch me without a spare battery.

The Olympus OM-D has a high Nimbleosity Rating. What does that mean? You can learn about Nimbleosity and more by visiting TheNimblePhotographer.com.

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There are few places these days where you can immerse in comprehensive reporting for enthusiast photography. One of those places, and my current favorite, is c't Digital Photography Magazine. And I know what I'm talking about here, because after months of discussion and exploration, I've accepted an Associate Editor position with the publication. Let me tell you why.

c't's home base is Heise Zeitschriften Verlag GmbH & Co. KG in Hannover, Germany. If you live in the US, that's probably why you haven't heard of them before. But over the last 14 quarterly issues (that run approximately 140 pages each), they have been exploring the details of exceptional photography, whether it's the latest micro four thirds lenses, state-of-the-art WiFi cameras, or an artist who's able to capture the world with an unique perspective.

On average, I spend a week with each issue. It resides on the coffee table in my living room where I can pick it up, flip the pages until I discover something new, then learn more about it than I imagined possible.

Last night I immersed myself in an 18-page presentation titled, "The Art of Color Photography." Topics included, color and emotion, accents, using filters, abstract photography, ordering chaos, color portraits, and more. The night before that, I read their "WiFi System Camera Test."

Nested inside each issue is a DVD. Each disc covers three basic areas: tools, sample images, and videos. The platforms supported for the tools are Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. The video I have running right now is a 13-minute piece with pro Steven Van Veen on using ring lights for portrait photography. There's also plenty of software to experiment with for each platform. Plus, lots of sample images for lens tests and cameras.

How to Get Onboard

2014 is going to be a great year for c't Digital Photography, and here's how you can get onboard. If you're on Facebook, go over and Like c't's Facebook page. We're running about 3 posts a day there, and you definitely want that content in your news feed. For Twitter users, the c't page is here.

And as part of my coming out party for the North American editions of the magazine, we're offering a 20 percent discount for a yearly subscription. The subscription includes four issues of the magazine, the DVDs, and the digital version (that I'll talk about in another post). All of that content, over 500 pages with minimal advertising, for $39.96 a year. The discount is valid until Feb. 21, 2014.

I hope you'll become a part of the c't Digital Photography experience. If you're ready to improve your photography expertise, now is the time.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: How High is Too High?; From the Screening Room: Nigel French: Designing a Photo Book; and on the Nimbleosity Report: olloclip auxiliary lenses for your iPhone - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - When it comes to ISO settings these days, how high is too high? That's a judgement call, for sure. But I also think it's worth revisiting. Sometimes we stick to the things we learned a few years back without reexamining them on a regular basis. ISO settings is one of those topics worth a second look. And that's what I'm going to do in today's top story.

Story #2 - From the Screening Room - Nigel French: Designing a Photo Book. This week's featured artist is book designing expert, Nigel French. In this title on Lynda.com, Nigel goes beyond step by step teaching and actually explains to you the fundamentals of good book design.

You can watch Nigel in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com/thedigitalstory. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch other photography titles, plus every other topic in the library.

iPhone 5S image captured with the olloclip fisheye lens attachment.

Story #3 - The Nimbleosity Report - There's nimble, then there's iPhone-only nimble. The olloclip line of auxiliary lenses allow you to travel ultralight with just your iPhone, yet have the advantage of an interchangeable lens camera. I talk more about these lenses in the 3rd segment of today's show.

Virtual Camera Club News

Photo Assignment for February 2014 is Smartphone.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - High resolution output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.