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.

Eye-Fi has just launched its newest card, called Eye-Fi Mobi, which enables photographers to wirelessly transfer photos and videos from their favorite digital cameras to smartphones or tablets. "People like smartphones for taking pictures, mostly because of accessibility and instant sharing. Unfortunately, smartphones fall short for life's many moments that require zooming, high-speed shooting, low light and other features that make digital cameras superior," said Matt DiMaria, CEO of Eye-Fi. "Mobi is our simplest card yet, designed to provide photo lovers a no-compromises solution: the great quality pictures and videos of a digital camera and instant access on the smartphone to enjoy and share." Establishing a connection is easy - just download the free Eye-Fi app for iOS or Android, enter the Mobi card's unique 10-digit code, and the mobile device is paired. The Mobi card will retail for $49.99 for the 8GB card and $79.99 for the 16GB version.

Leica today announced the new Leica S-Adapter C for the Leica S medium format system. "This adapter now permits the use of all lenses from the Contax 645 SLR system on Leica S, S2 and S2-P camera bodies," the company said in a statement. "This allows photographers to exploit the full potential of Contax 645 lenses and also expand their range of use." The Leica S-Adapter C supports all lens functions such as auto focus, manual focus with focus confirmation and automatic diaphragm control. The Leica S-Adapter C is now available from authorised Leica dealers. The suggested UK retail price is £1,400.

Kenro has just launched a new product that will provide macro photographers with a cost-effective way of shooting highly detailed images, the Reflecta DigiMicroscope Professional. Using the integrated 3.5 inch display and 8 LED illumination, detail, texture and patterns of minute objects and surfaces can be observed and then saved directly on microSD cards. The device comes equipped with a 5-megapixel sensor and integrated optics that provide up to 200x optical magnification. The DigiMicroscope Professional by Reflecta is now available in specialist shops at the suggested retail price of £205.20 in the UK.