10MARC Episode 62 - ImageFX for the Amiga Review and Tutorial

Doug from Dynamic Computing introduces episode 62 of the Ten Minute Amiga Retro Cast, where he reviews the newly re-released Image Effects 4.5 software. The software was originally developed by Woodall Design LLC and was highly respected in the 90s and early 2000s. AEon Amiga Kit has re-released it after acquiring the rights in 2015. The software is available for purchase as a digital download or a physical CD, both priced at around $35 or £30. It is compatible with OCS and ECS Amigas but is recommended to be used on AGA machines with higher color capabilities. The download size is over 300 megabytes, and various methods are suggested for transferring it to the Amiga system. Doug also mentions running the software on his Amiga 1000 with 8 megabytes of RAM and an OH20 chip.

The video script details the installation process of Image Effects 4.5, highlighting the standard Amiga installer's use. An issue arises with Amiga OS 3.9 or 3.14 installations, where a file conflict occurs with 'bevel.image'. Doug recommends installing in expert user mode and skipping the file to avoid overwriting. The software offers various installation options, including additional tools and utilities. Display drivers are also discussed, with the need for a generic Picasso 96 display driver emphasized. Doug expresses a desire for better support for the Picasso 96 standard, which is not currently integrated into Image Effects 4.5.

Doug explores the features of Image Effects 4.5, demonstrating how to change the screen mode, set default paths for loading and saving images, and configure virtual memory. He also discusses the importance of setting undo levels and saving preferences. The software's ability to handle various image formats is showcased, with a focus on JPEG images. Doug also touches on the software's handling of overscan modes, a common feature in Amiga systems for fitting images to NTSC or PAL screens, which is not clearly supported in Image Effects.

The script describes the process of resizing and rendering images within Image Effects 4.5. Doug scales down a high-resolution image to a more manageable size for Amiga systems and discusses the importance of maintaining aspect ratios. He also covers the rendering process, including the selection of display modes and colors, with a focus on HAM (Hold And Modify) modes. The lack of overscan mode options in the software is noted, and Doug provides a workaround by manually entering the desired screen size.

Doug delves into advanced image editing features of Image Effects 4.5, such as brightness and contrast adjustments, gamma correction, and the application of effects like lens flares and embossing. He demonstrates how to undo changes and experiment with different settings to achieve desired effects. The script also covers the process of cropping images and removing unwanted elements, showcasing the software's flexibility in image manipulation.

The video script explains how to use Image Effects 4.5 with scanner modules to digitize images, including support for parallel port scanners and video capture cards like the V Lab. Doug demonstrates capturing an image using a video camera connected to his Amiga via an S-Video cable and the V Lab card. He also discusses the process of adjusting the captured image's brightness and other settings to improve its quality before further editing.

Doug showcases the effects and transformations available in Image Effects 4.5, such as the polar mosaic distortion. He also attempts to convert a high-resolution photo into a 16-color high-resolution image, demonstrating the software's ability to handle color reduction and detail preservation. The script highlights the software's potential for creative image manipulation and the challenges of working with limited color palettes on Amiga systems.

In the concluding part of the script, Doug reflects on his experience with Image Effects 4.5, comparing it to other software like Art Department Professional. He acknowledges the software's value, especially for the price, and points out areas for improvement, such as Picasso 96 integration and clearer settings for overscan modes. Doug also addresses issues encountered on specific Amiga models and praises the responsiveness of Amiga Kit in addressing these concerns. The script ends with Doug thanking his patrons and showing a personalized image created with their names, highlighting the community aspect of his retro computing channel.