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)

Hasselblad has announced a Multi-Shot (MS) version of its H3DII-50 medium format camera. First shown in the H3DII-39 MS in 2008, the system captures four shots in a row, moving the sensor by one pixel between each shot to record full RGB values at each position. THe H3DII-50 MS costs €23,000 with less expensive trade-in prices and a trade-up route for Hasselblad owners. (14:30 GMT)

Adobe has released 'Release Candidates' of Photoshop Camera Raw 5.6, Lightroom 2.6 and DNG Converter 5.6 for immediate download from Adobe Labs. The updates fix minor issues and provide additional Raw support for 19 more DSLRs, including the Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D3s, with additional DNG support for the Leica M9. The 'release candidate' label means the downloads are 'well tested' but not yet final versions. (09:45 GMT)

Casio has unveiled the world's slimmest 'rugged' compact in the shape of Exliim EX-G1 - its thinnest side measures just 20mm (0.78"). The first in the company's new 'Exilim G' series of weatherproof cameras, named in reference to the company's well-known G-Shock series of watches. The G1 is designed to be dustproof, waterproof up to 3 meters for an hour, coldproof down to -10°C (14°F) and shock-resistant for drops of up to 2.13 meters. It incorporates a 38-114mm equivalent lens, 2.5" LCD, 12.1MP sensor and includes features such as Intelligent AF, Best Shot shooting mode and Interval shooting. Priced at US $299 and £279 GBP, the camera will start shipping from December 2009. (11:00 GMT)

Bryce Bayer, inventor of the color filter array used to determine color in virtually every modern digital camera has been given the UK Royal Photographic Society's Progress Award. Commonly known as the Bayer filter or Bayer pattern, his invention of a pattern of red, green and blue filters allows a light (but not color) sensitive sensor to record a broad range of colors in similar proportions to the sensitivity of the human eye. The work, conducted while working for Kodak, was patented in 1975 and originally described a system intended for recording video. (15:45 GMT)

Just Posted: Our in-depth review of the D300S. By adding 720p HD video recording with contrast-detection AF and upping the continuous shooting rate to 7 frames per second, Nikon has made only subtle changes for its latest flagship APS-C DSLR, the D300S. However, its predecessor was an excellent camera and one that has proven hard to beat. So, has Nikon done enough to face up to Canon's rather impressive EOS 7D? Read our 30 page review to find out. (16:40 GMT)