Sigma has added its Optical Stabilization system to its popular 17-70mm fast standard zoom lens. The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM will be available in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts. The latest version offers a slightly wider aperture at the long end of the zoom though gains weight and length and has a slightly reduced maximum magnification ratio. Adding image stabilization to a lens that already combines a comparatively fast maximum aperture range is likely to make it an even more tempting replacement for the kit lenses supplied with most DSLRs. (07:00 GMT)

Pentax has issued updated firmware for its entry-level DSLR, the K-x. Firmware V1.01 adds to the camera's 'cross-processing' feature and allows it to be assigned to the camera's 'green' button. It also promises to improve the accuracy of the battery meter as well as 'improved stability and performance'. K-x owners can download the latest firmware from the Pentax website. (Link now added) (01:00 GMT)

Phase One's Capture One software now offers support for Panasonic G Micro series cameras as well as the Olympus E-P2. In addition to support for the G1, GH1 and GF1, version 5.0.1 offers a series of bug fixes and promises image quality improvements for a series of digital backs and the Olympus E-P1. The update can be accessed via Capture One's update feature for existing users or is available as a free 30 day trial. (10:20 GMT)

DxO Labs has issued a Mac update for its DxO Optics raw converter with a Windows version to follow. The latest Mac version, V5.3.6, includes support for fifteen new cameras and provides support for the Snow Leopard operating system (OS 10.6). The update is based around the inclusion of the cameras covered in DxO Optics 6 for Windows, but without the version 6 interface, a Mac version of which will be introduced in early 2010. A Windows update including support for the Canon G11, EOS 7D and Nikon D3000 will follow by 'mid December.' (15:10 GMT)

Just posted! A beginners guide to HD video in digital cameras. One of our many side projects here at dpreview.com is an expansion of our 'Learn' section, and this is the first in a series of technology and technique articles we're hoping to make a regular feature on the site during 2010. This one is designed to give absolute beginners a quick overview of the video modes on digital stills cameras (and more specifically on the HD shooting capabilities of the latest SLRs and hybrid cameras). Check it out after the link or visit the Learn section using the menu on the left. (09:15 GMT)

SilkypixUK has launched the full release version of Silkypix Developer Studio v4 (4.0.27.2) and Pro (4.1.27.2) with full support for the Sigma SD14, DP1, DP1s and DP2. These version also add support for Sony's recently launched A500 and A550 DSLRs. UK customers can obtain updates from the company's website. The updates should be available from US distributor Shortcut Software very soon. (11:20 GMT)

Ricoh has announced a firmware update for its GR Digital III digital compact. The latest version will bring in additional features and improvements to the camera including compatibility with GF-1 external flashgun, addition of 1.5m snap focus distance and improved playback functions. The firmware will be available for download from December 1, 2009 from Ricoh's website. (09:40 GMT)

Nikon has updated its Capture NX and Camera Control Pro software to support the D3S. The Camera Control Pro update includes Windows 7 support though users of Capture NX will have to keep waiting. (10:20 GMT)

Apple has released an update for its iPhoto image management software. Version 8.1.1 addresses issues affecting face recognition performance and accuracy, and fixes other minor errors. The latest version is available for immediate download from Apple's website. (10:30 GMT)

Panasonic has released firmware updates for its DMC-GF1 camera and five of its Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lenses. Firmware v1.1 for the GF1 promises a series of improvements to features such as autofocus in movie mode and the Manual Focus Assist function, as well as enhancing auto white balance performance. Firmware updates for the 14-45mm, 45-200mm, 14-140mm HD, 7-14mm and 20mm pancake lenses offer improved autofocus in movie mode and extend AF support to 'Full HD' mode for the 14-45mm and 45-200mm lenses. The firmware updates are available for immediate download from Panasonic's website. (02:00 GMT)

Tokyo-based electronics company NEC has developed a technology to eliminate noise from by AF and zoom motors in digital camera videos. At present focus and zoom motors are slowed or disabled to prevent noise being collected by internal microphones. NEC's technology processes-out motor sounds using a similar method used by noise-canceling headphones. Its system takes a three-stage approach to accurately match its suppression to the noises of the specific camera. With manufacturers' increasing concentration on HD movies, this is a technology we'd like to see used, if it allows the effect of zoom and focus to be seen and not heard. (15:00 GMT)

Lensbaby has invited photographers to submit images taken with one of its products for a chance to be published in an upcoming book. Photographers have until December 31, 2009 to submit up to two images via the company's website. Successful entries will be announced on Lensbaby's website on January 15, 2010. (15:50 GMT)

All the major DSLR makers have responded to the launch of Windows 7 and we've collected together the links with more information on compatibility. Meanwhile, Nikon has said it will offer compatible versions of its Transfer and ViewNX software by the end of January 2010 (although it claims there are currently no problems with 'basic' operations). (15:10 GMT)

PocketWizard has released beta firmware updates for its ControlTL, MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radio flashgun triggers for Canon DSLRs. Firmware v4.374 enables fully automatic camera detection and fixes minor bugs. It also adds the Metz 58 AF-1 flashgun to the list of compitible flash units for MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 triggers. (18:15 GMT)

Sigma US has announced a scholarship contest for high school students seeking higher education in a photo-related field. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash gift and $1,000 in Sigma products. To enter, US high school seniors graduating in 2010 are required to submit an 800-word essay and three to five images with a connected theme. The contest will run until February 15, 2010 with the winner announced in May. (10:40 GMT)