News / Other Product News

HDR Efex Pro, Nik Software's previously-announced HDR processing plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Apple Aperture is now available for Mac and PC.

General Imaging has released the DV1 pocket camcorder capable of shooting full HD videos.

Kingston has announced the Ultimate 600x (90MB/s) UDMA CompactFlash memory card in 32GB and 16GB capacities. The fastest CF card from the company to date, it complements HD movie recording capabilities and continuous shooting speeds of the latest UDMA-enabled DSLRs. Kingston joins the list of manufacturers making 600x cards including a 64GB version from Sandisk.

Cosina has announced Voigtländer-branded adapters to connect Nikon F and Pentax K mount lenses with Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 camera bodies. They provide only a mechanical connection between the lens and body, so only lenses with a manual aperture ring will be fully compatible. Priced at ¥19,800 (~ $235), the F mount adapter is currently available, while the Pentax version will start shipping from October 10, 2010.

German based Foolography has released versions of its bluetooth geotagging modules for the Nikon D3100, D5000, D7000 and D90. The company's Unleashed modules slot into the GPS/cable release socket of Nikon's DSLRs and collect and embed location date from external bluetooth GPS receivers. The Unleashed Dx000 module fits the D3100, D5000 and D7000, while the Unleashed D90 fits only that specific model. They join the company's existing module for the D200 and upwards, and are both available now at retail price of €149.

Video accessory maker Redrock Micro has announced the microEVF electronic viewfinder for video-enabled DSLRs. The device attaches to the hot shoe and is compatible with any camera that provides an HDMI output while recording. It features a 1.2m dot LCD display with an LED backlight promising low power consumption, and the flexible eye-piece can be moved in various directions. The external viewfinder can also be used in combination with multiple external monitors. The microEVF will be priced at $595, and the release date that is yet to be confirmed.

ACD Systems has announced beta versions of its ACDSee Pro image workflow software for both Mac and PC. The forthcoming beta of version 4 for PC features metadata viewing and managing tools aimed at speeding workflow as well as improved geotagging support and enhanced raw conversion. Meanwhile a beta of version 1.4 for Mac is now available.

Photokina 2010: Datacolor has announced the SpyderChekr color reference tool. The device consists of a set of 48 color patches and calibration software, which allows photographers to generate camera color profiles and perform more precise in-camera white balance. The results can then be applied to a raw workflow based on software programs such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw. SpyderChekr is available as a standalone product or as a bundle with the company's SpyderCube color balance device at retail prices of $129 and $169 respectively.

Photokina 2010: Lowepro has announced it has redesigned the Street & Field modular carrying system. The series is designed for photographers who require quick access to swap and store gear. The company has redesigned what it calls its 'core' system that comprises of a Technical Belt, Light Utility Belt, Vest and Harness and has added new components including the Lens Exchange Case 200 AW lens case, Audio Utility Bag 100 audio gear bag and Laptop Utility Backpack 100 AW.

Photokina 2010: Adobe has released version 9 of its Photoshop Elements image-editing software. Both the Windows and Mac versions feature an updated Spot Healing Brush (adapted from Photoshop CS5's Content Aware Fill tool), improved Photomerge options and direct upload tools. The 'Organizer' which was previously only available with the Windows version is now included for Mac OS. The software is available now at a retail price of $99.99, and US users can also install the Photoshop Elements 9 'Plus' at an additional fee of $49.99 per year, which adds 20GB of online storage and backup facilities. The company has also released version 9 of its Premiere video-editing software for Windows, which is now for the first time for Mac users.

Pre-Photokina 2010: Corel has announced the CorelDRAW Premium Suite X5, a collection of software applications designed for print, web and video, design and editing. Based around its Graphics Suite graphic design tools, it includes color management, website creation, image and video-editing, and file compression tools. The Premium Suite X5 is now available as an upgrade to existing users of Graphics Suite X5 at a suggested retail price of $299 or $699 for first time buyers.

Pre-Photokina 2010: Nikon has announced the Speedlight SB-700 flashgun. With a guide number of 28 (at ISO 100 at 35mm on an FX camera), it is a slightly less powerful replacement for the SB-600, though gains the operation and handling improvements introduced with the SB-900. Like the SB-600 it offers wireless control and similar recycle times. Its multi-step auto zoom offers extended reach from 24 to 120mm, rather than the 600's 24-85mm. Physical features includes a rotating head, built-in bounce card, a supplied diffuser and both incandescent and fluorescent filters.

Panasonic is showing an engineering sample of its AG-AF100 series professional Micro Four Thirds HD camcorder and has released more details. Samples are on show at the IBC 2010 trade show in The Netherlands. It is capable of recording full 1080p HD videos at various frame rates from 12 to 60 fps. It includes HD SDI and XLR connectors, twin SDXC slots and is compatible with the company's line up of Lumix G lenses, filters and adapters. Priced at ¥837,900 (~ US $10000), it will be available from December 2010. A promotional website has more detail.

DxO Labs has updated its DxO Optics Pro raw converter software with 99 lens and cameras combinations for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Pentax and Sony users. These new lens correction modules join the existing list of combinations. The modules are available for immediate download from the company's website.

The SD Association has announced an extension to the format that will allow SDHC and SDXC cards with transfer rates of up to 300 MB/s - three times faster than the theoretical maximum of the UHS-I cards that are starting to appear and sixteen times quicker than conventional cards. The as yet unnamed standard will use a second row of connection pins located behind the existing ones to allow the greater transfer rates. The association says the cards will be defined by the SD 4.0 specification expected in early 2011 and will be backwards-compatible with existing SD, SDHC and SDXC devices, albeit without the speed benefits.

Toshiba has announced what it claims will be the world's fastest SDHC UHS-I and the world's first microSDHC UHS-I compliant memory cards. To be available in 32GB, 16GB and 8GB capacities, the SDHC cards will offer read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 80MB/s respectively. The microSDHC cards will be available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities with read and write speeds of up to 45MB/s and 20MB/s. The company says mass production of the SDHC UHS-I cards and sample shipments of the new microSDHC UHS-I cards will begin from November 2010.

Tamron has announced that it has cooperated with Adobe in the creation of profiles for the Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3's Lens Correction feature. The latest version of the image-editing software will automatically fix distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting for all currently available Tamron lenses (no word yet on the latest 70-300mm F4-5.6 VC USD though).

Datacolor has announced the SpyderLensCal focus calibrator. The device allows photographers to measure the AF performance of their camera/lens combinations. On DSLRs with a micro-adjustment feature, this tool can be used to help determine the best values to set in the camera's custom settings menu to correct front or back focus. SpyderLensCal will be available from September 6, 2010 at a suggested retail price of $59.

Panasonic has released 8GB and 16GB SDHC cards adhering to the SD association's latest UHS-I specification. Both memory cards have maximum read speeds of up to 60MB/s and Class 10 speed specification complementing 3D and full HD video recording features of recently released cameras. Like the company's 'Gold' line of memory cards, it features protection against power failures and a Super Intelligent Controller that cleans up errors preventing data damage. The memory cards will be available from November 2010.

Sony has announced the Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20K pocket camcorder. It is built around the company's 1/2.5" Exmor CMOS sensor, records Full HD video in MP4 format and captures 12.8Mp still images. It offers a 3 inch touchscreen LCD, 32mm F2.8 lens and a flip-out USB connecter that also charges the camera’s battery. It includes a 360 degree panorama lens adapter. Priced at $199.99, it will be available in pink, silver and black.