LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, have launched a new Nikon power cable for use with the PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter, the Plus III and USB-enabled MultiMAX Transceivers and any Nikon camera equipped with a Nikon 10-pin remote terminal. By using the PW-DC-N10 power cable, Nikon users ensure that their PocketWizard radio is ready when they need it because the camera keeps the Transmitter/Transceiver always awake for the fastest reaction time. The cable is available now at an estimated retail price of $20.

Nikon has teamed up with British designer J.W. Anderson to create a luxury leather camera bag made for the Nikon 1 camera system. “Photography is just as much of an art form as fashion, so the partnership made complete sense to me," Anderson said. "Taking pictures is integral to what I do – I take thousands during the creation of a collection – and I have always ensured my designs are accessible for everyone, just as photography is." Only 400 of the limited edition bags will be available on the Nikon Store. Each bag provides space for a camera plus more than one of the system’s interchangeable lenses. Priced at £85 apiece, the exclusive J.W. Anderson bags come in four colours: black, white, blue and orange.

Arca-Swiss has launched its new Monoball Z1g+ tripod head. Improving on the well-known Monoball Z1g, the Arca-Swiss Z1g+ boasts a newly engeneered Motion Related Gravity Control (MRGC) mechanism, while being 30% smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Described as "a higly sophisticated device designed to simultanously give a strong hold while allowing smooth and accurate positioning of the camera," the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1g is priced at $749.

Westcott`s new line of Pro softboxes are designed for use with hot lights, strobes or LEDs. Features include tent-style vents, double-layer heat shield diffusion fabrics with virtually no colour shift and sprung steel rods. The Pro softboxes come in three sizes, 16"x22" (£120), 24"x32" (£155) and 36"x48" (£200).

Manfrotto Lighting is expanding the Lastolite RayD8 c5600 Continuous Lighting range. The Lastolite RayD8 c5600 range provides an entry-level studio lighting system for product and portrait photography. Featuring a high output compact fluorescent bulb (equivalent to 400W), this continuous light system offers colour corrected light at 5600 °K. Adding to the existing range of RayD8 c5600 products, Lastolite are now offering the product option of a single light head, extension tube, power cable and reflector (bulb not included) for£139.20.

Manfrotto Lighting has launched the new Lastolite Ezybox II Fabric Grids. The Lastolite Ezybox II Fabric Grids allow photographer to control light spill from a softbox, providig a controlled directional pool of light which can be positioned directly onto the subject without having to worry about light spilling on the background. The Fabric Grids are available in various sizes for the Ezybox II Square, Ezybox II Octa and Ezyboz II Switch. Pricing ranges from £44.10 to £130.00.

Nikon has posted firmware updates for all Nikon 1 system cameras plus the GP-N100 GPS unit and the FT1 lens adapter. The camera firmware updates add full support for the Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 lens, new features for the Playback mode, support for continuous auto focus when an AF-S lens is attached to the camera via the FT1 adapter (when the adapter's firmware is updated to version 1.10). Also, the precision of time synchronization when the GPS Unit GP-N100 is attached to the camera and the Use GPS to set clock option is set to Yes has been increased. Note that the GP-N100's own firmware also needs to be updated to version 1.02. Click through / read on for the details.

Olympus has issued firmware updates fora range of cameras that adds support for the new, high-resolution VF-4 electronic viewfinder. Affected models include the Olympus XZ-2, OM-D E-M5, E-P2, E-P3, E-PL1, E-PL2, E-PL3, E-PL5, E-PM1 and E-PM2. If you own one of these cameras, you can update its firmware using the free Digital Camera Updater utility.

LPA Design has announced a major update to its ControlTL formware for the PocketWizard MiniTT1, FlexTT5, PowerMC2 and PowerST4 devices and minor updates for the Plus III and MultiMAX radios. The new ControlTL firmware, available as a free download using the Pocket Wizard Utility, provides compatibility with several new Canon and Nikon cameras, greatly improves the performance of PocketWizard’s exclusive HyperSync feature and resolves bugs in previous versions. The new firmware for the Plus III resolves some minor bugs.  The MultiMAX firmware, which has been available for a while in beta, adds two new features. Do note that PocketWizard Utility version 1.54 or newer is required before installing these updates.

The Westcott Rapid Box is a new range of portable Speedlite Softboxes with adjustable flash bracket and carry case. Constructed from solid aluminium to minimise weight, yet retain durability, each Rapid Box opens and closes like an umbrella, with no need for support rods or adapter rings. The line-up includes two octagonal softboxes, a stripbox and a deflector plate, with prices ranging from £23 to £180.

Rollei has launched a number of new products including the Rollei Mini Crane M1, the iFootage swvel head, the W-1 Waterbag, the R60 Pan Head and a monopod. The Mini Crane M1 with the iFootage swivel head is available for €549.95, the W-1 Waterbag for €29.95, the R60 Pan Head for €149.95, and the Rollei Monopod 1 for €199.95. Click through / read on for the details.

Drone manufacturer Event 38 Unmanned Systems has launched a new multirotor drone called Aphex, which is designed for high quality aerial photography. "This hexacopter is based on the 3DR Hexa frame. It comes ready to fly with a 2-axis stabilizing camera mount for taking aerial photographs," says founder Jeff Taylor. "We modified the camera mount so it can now take images not only at moderate angles but also straight down for super low altitude mapping missions." For the time being, the built-in shutter control is limited to the Samsung NX1000, NX20 and NX210 but users with their own remote shutters are able to use those as long as the total weight doesn't exceed 500g. The Aphex AP hexacopter is priced at $1589 including everything except the camera.

Website: Droneyard

Manfrotto has unveiled the iPhone 5 version of its KLYP case, together with the KlypApp and the PIXI tripod. The KLYP case offers a stylish, functional method for attaching any camera support and additional light to the iPhone, with its two ¼ thread and a cold-shoe “clip-on” connectors. The KlypApp completes the overall product concept facilitating iPhone users in shooting their videos and pictures by simply clapping their hands. The self-release shutter function allows the photographer to easily be part of the pictures. The Manfrotto KLYP casecomes in two kits - the KLYP case with the two clip-on connectors and the KLYP case with the two clip-on connectors plus the ML240 LED light. Pricing for the KLYP case for iPhone 5 starts at £24.95. The new PIXI mini-tripod, which has a universal 1/4" screw thread that can be used with a large variety of devices, from the iPhone (with KLYP) to  entry level DSLRs, is also available for £24.95.

PNY Technologies today relaunched its suite of Flash memory cards. Commenting on this latest product release, Adrien Thebault, Storage Media Product Manager for PNY Europe, said: “We’re bringing some clarity back into a confused marketplace. We want consumers and professionals at all levels to easily recognise the right product for them.” The PNY SDHC/XC/CF Elite Performance 100 MB/s memory cards are available in capacities up to 64GB, with superior speeds of up to 100 MB per second. The company’s new SDHC/XC High-Performance 50 MB/s Flash cards deliver the capacity, speed and performance needed to support the capabilities of advanced photo enthusiasts, while the also-new SDHC Performance 30 MB/s cards are designed for first-time DSLR users.

Coordinate Gear have announced a special offer on their Core bag range. Designed for active people with camera gear who only want to carry one bag, Coordinate Gear are offering The CORE Set, which is made up of three bags, for £179. They have also released a new series of videos created to demonstrate the extensive bag range.

Kenro has unveiled a new line of Variable Neutral Density Filters from Marumi, which feature adjustable ND2-ND400 light control. "Available in nine different sizes ranging from 49mm to 82mm, dream-like results are achievable by using just the single filter, minimising the need to carry several different kinds in order to create the desired effect," the company says. The new Marumi Variable Neutral Density Filters are available now and carry suggested retail prices ranging from £125.40 to £235.14.

OmegaBrandess has launched the Phottix Umbrella Swivel US-A3 to the U.S. market. The redesigned Phottix US-A3 is an affordable umbrella swivel for off-camera flash units. The ball head design is easy to adjust for fast on-scene lighting changes. With an 8mm locking umbrella mounting hole, the US-A3 will accept most standard sized umbrellas. Included are a locking ring and a metal cold shoe for mounting flashes. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Umbrella Swivel US-A3 is $24.99

Olloclip has just introduced the sleek and lightweight Quick-Flip case and Pro-Photo Adapter. “The olloclip Quick-Flip case is designed for anyone who wants to keep the iPhone protected in a hard case while using the olloclip 3-in-1 quick-connect lens for shooting photos and videos,” said Patrick O’Neill, CEO and founder of olloclip. “By eliminating the need to remove the case, shooting photos and videos is easier and more spontaneous." The included Pro-Photo Adapter has two standard tripod mounts and a cold shoe for attaching photographic accessories such as tripods, video lights or microphones. The Quick-Flip case for the iPhone 4/4S and 5 comes in white or "translucent black" and retails for £39.99.

By introducing the Single Wire Protocol (SWP) to support Near Field Communications (NFC) features, the SD Association has opened the way for its members to manufacture smartSD memory cards that can provide authentication services. "Completing the enhancement to smartSD marks the achievement of a strategy announced in 2011 to find new markets that would benefit from SD standards," said Brian Kumagai, president of the SD Association. "Adding smart-chip technology to microSD memory cards gives SD equipped smart phones and phablets new consumer conveniences whether they're connected to the Internet or not."

Bowens are offering photographers the chance to pick up a free softbox worth over £160  when they buy a Gemini 500R twin-head kit or any Gemini Pro twin-head kit. The  Bowens ‘best value’ Gemini 500R kit comprises: 2 Gemini 500R monolights; 1x 90cm dual-use silver/white umbrella; 2 x support stands; 1 Pulsar Tx and receiver module; 1 x 120° wide-angle reflector; 1 x 60x80 cm softbox; 1 Traveller  Studio Case and  now a Lumiair  Octobank 90  softbox as well. The promotion runs until 31st August and is available through participating dealers.