Manfrotto has launched a new line of stylish camera bags, called StilePlus. The Manfrotto Diva 15 is a multifunctional tote bag for everyday use, with a protective removable insert for your photo gear. It accommodates a CSC with attached zoom lens and one additional lens, plus a 10-inch tablet. The Manfrotto Diva rage is available in two other sizes – the Diva 25 and Diva 35, with SRPs starting at £39.95. The Manfrotto Bravo 50 backpack (pictured) is a multifunctional backpack for everyday wear, with a protective removable insert, adjustable straps and a padded back panel. It fits a DSLR with attached standard zoom lens and one additional lens, plus a 15-inch tablet. The Manfrotto Bravo range is also available in a smaller size – the Bravo 30, with RRPs starting at £69.95. Last but not least the Manfrotto Amica 10 (£19.95) is a stylish shoulder bag for everyday use, holding a CSC with attached zoom lens and an additional pancake lens, plus a range of small personal items such as a phone and keys.

G-Technology has unveiled the first solutions in its new Evolution Series family – the G-DOCK ev with Thunderbolt, and the G-DRIVE ev and G-DRIVE ev PLUS external hard drive modules with USB 3.0. The Evolution Series G-DOCK ev with Thunderbolt (£599.95) is a two-bay, hot-swappable JBOD media drive system with user-configurable RAID 1 or RAID 0. Unlike other two-bay solutions that only offer bare hard drive modules that cannot be taken into the field and used as true standalone external drives, the G-DOCK ev ships with two 1TB removable and portable G-DRIVE ev external hard drive modules with USB 3.0. In addition, the G-DOCK ev provides dual Thunderbolt ports for future external storage expansion. The Evolution Series G-DRIVE ev is a rugged USB 3.0, 2.5-inch, 7200RPM hard drive-based external storage solution with transfer rates of up to 136MB/s. It is available in 1TB (£159.95) or 500GB (£119.95) capacities. Finally, the G-Technology G-DRIVE ev PLUS (£279.95) is a compact, 2.5-inch, 7200RPM hard drive-based external storage solution in an all-aluminium enclosure, featuring USB 3.0 and a 6Gb/s SATA interface for connection to the G-DOCK ev. The G-DRIVE ev PLUS comes in 1TB capacity.

Manfrotto Distribution is showcasing a slimmed down lineup of Kata rollers, shoulder bags, video backpacks and rain covers at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. “Kata Pro-Light products are designed to protect professional gear while minimizing weight, so you never miss a shot” said Doug Feldner, Product Category Manager. “The focused 2013 product line makes finding the right bag or rain cover with the online Kata Bag Chooser simpler than ever.” These products are all on display in booth C7025 at the NAB 2013 trade show. Click through / read on for the details.

At the NAB trade show, Tiffen is demonstrating to the public for the first time the brand new Steadicam Curve for the GoPro HERO action camera. The Steadicam Curve for GoPro HERO is a stealth camera stabilising system engineered for the rigours of extreme sports and events. Compact enough to fit in your back pocket, the new Steadicam Curve weighs in at 1/2 lb. with an ergonomic design for one-handed, smooth video capture. “Steadicam is synonymous with action, so engineering a system that keeps pace with the intensity of GoPro users was a natural step in the progression of the Steadicam product line,” says Steve Tiffen, President and CEO, The Tiffen Company. Availability and pricing have yet to be communicated.

G-Technology has just introduced its new G-Drive PRO with Thunderbolt, a compact external hard drive promising “solid-state-drive-like sustained performance.” Leveraging G-Technology’s G-Drive design, the new G-Drive PRO with Thunderbolt delivers sustained data transfer rates of up to 480MB/s, which is up to three times faster than standard 3.5-inch desktop external hard drives. “An uncompressed 2K digital video format consumes more than one terabyte per hour and requires approximately 305 megabytes per second sustained throughput for smooth editing with no dropped frames,” the company says. “These high-resolution video formats, along with the rising popularity of higher megapixel DSLR cameras that shoot professional 2K video, have created a need for a new high-performance storage solution designed to meet the needs of today’s digital content creators.” The recommended retail price for the 4TB G-Drive PRO with Thunderbolt will be £674.95. A 2TB version will be available for £554.95.

Adorama has begun selling the Flashpoint 3 Lighting Kit with Light Stands, 3-33” Umbrellas, Socket, Bulbs & Case. Designed with photographers in mind, the Lighting Kit’s fluorescent lighting system allows users to easily customize the lighting setup by adding diffusers for a softer effect, or collapsible reflectors to alter the quality of the light. All pieces break down easily for storage in the included case. The Flashpoint 3 Lighting Kit retails at the special rebate price of $64.95 (regularly $84.52).

Hama has launched a new Wi-Fi data reader for all Apple devices running iOS 5 or later. This data reader enables you to transfer data from SD cards or USB sticks to your iPad or iPhone over Wi-Fi, without using iTunes. The Hama Wi-Fi data reader supports all standard USB sticks and SD, SDHC and SDXD memory cards. The required Wi-Fi reader app can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store free of charge.

The FocusMaker, a new-generation DSLR follow focus device, is now available in the UK. Brought to market by Danish design company ID/FX, and retailing at £65, the FocusMaker is currently available exclusively through Calumet. Designed to fit on virtually any DSLR lens, the device is claimed to provide “an unmatched accurate overview of the shooter’s focus points,” helping videographers overcome complex focus shift challenges. “The FocusMaker mounts in seconds and can be removed even faster,“Sian Hamer, Calumet marketing executive said. “It doesn’t require heavy rigs and it’s ideal for small camera crews or photographers shooting alone.”

The new Thule Perspektiv camera bags are now available in the UK. The Thule Perspektiv series has six camera bags in various sizes for different needs; including the Perspektiv Backpack, Perspektiv Daypack, Perspektiv Messenger Bag, Perspektiv Top Loaders (medium and large) and Perspektiv Action Sport Camera Case. “The bags are steeped in Scandinavian design and Thule quality where each piece combines function, attention to detail and contemporary styling,” the company says. The Thule Perspektiv range, which has recently won an iF Design Award, is available at prices ranging from £30.99 to £210.99.

Pentax has launched a new spotting scope kit that will enable users to attach any Pentax digital SLR camera for digiscoping purposes. The PR-80 EDA spotting scope (£1,249.99) features a double-ED objective lens and FBMC (Fully Balanced Multi Coating) on all lenses with enhanced light transmission and resolution values for superior colour, contrast and brightness. The PR-80 EDA lit is argon-purged, fully water- and dustproof, and unusually compact. The adapter that will allow for the attachment of a DSLR is currently under development. By means of this adapter, the spotting scope can be “converted” into a high-power telephoto lens. The estimated focal length will be around 1500mm, the company says.

Manfrotto Lighting has launched the new Hotrod Octa & Strip Box Grids. These new light modifying grids for the Hotrod Octa and Strip Softboxes provide a controlled direction to the light which can be positioned without having to worry about light spilling onto the background. They attach to the softbox using the included diffuser panel and hook and loop tape. Available for both sizes of Hotrod Octa and strip softboxes, the grids are priced from £52.92-£63.00.

Transcend has introduced its 64GB microSDXC Ultra-High Speed Class 1 (UHS-I) memory card. The new 64GB microSDXC card features transfer rates of up to 45MB/s (300x) and includes a free download of Transcend’s own RecoveRx software, a tool for bringing back accidentally deleted or lost files. The card is now available for a suggested price of US$109 and carries Transcend’s Lifetime Warranty.

BosStrap’s Ultra Light Hand Band, an accessory designed for bridge and compact system cameras with relatively small grips, is now available for purchase. The Ultra Light Hand Band, which has a cam buckle with a double lock safety sleeve, is an extremely light, unobtrusive, and effective hand band that provides extra handling security especially with smaller cameras. In use, four fingers go through the ULHB loop; your thumb does not. The loop is fully adjustable to fit bare hands or large gloved hands. Sold via BosStrap.com, the product is available for $11.95.

Cinecta, a Budapest-based start-up founded by a group of television professionals, has launched the Cinecta MX-1 camera stabilising system and the Cinecta SL-100 camera slider. Developed for DSLRs, CSCs and video cameras weighing up to 2kg, the Cinecta MX-1 (€689, pictured) is a fully featured camera stabilising system allowing users to record professional-quality, steady footage. Weighing in at 4.7kg, the system comprises three main parts, and comes with a one-year warranty. Made of steel and aluminium, the Cinecta SL-100 camera slider (€180) offers a travel length of 85cm, provides for extremely smooth frictionless operation, and can be used with cameras weighing up to 10kg.

Gary Fong has announced a 31-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on all of its products. The guarantee, which is valid on all e-store purchases, allows Gary Fong customers to purchase products with confidence. If for any reason, a Gary Fong product does not live up to the consumer’s expectation, the company will provide a full refund of the purchase price, no questions asked. For more information visit the website below.

Supraflux has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a new camera stabiliser that features electronic panning control. “Direction changes and panning are some of the biggest challenges when shooting with a stabiliser,” the company says. “We set out to design a device that allows you to turn the camera without upsetting its balance. The result is the Supraflux Stabiliser with The Brake (patent pending). The Brake gives you complete control of turns by locking one axis of the stabiliser at the touch of a button. The other 2 axes remain free-floating continuing to stabilise the camera.” For more information, visit the website below.

Omegabrandess and Pelican Products have just introduced the Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite - Laptop/Camera Divider Pack. Designed to safeguard laptops, netbooks, e-readers, tablets, keyboards and other accessories, the Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite features a removable padded divider set with a high-impact, protective polymer door to protect a camera body, extra lenses and flash equipment. Additional storage comes in the form of an expanding storage compartment for all manner of accessories such as a small tripod. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Pelican ProGear S130 is $304.95.

Calumet is offering UK photographers a chance to buy a high-specification external flashgun for just £149. The photographic retailer’s Genesis Speedlight SP692 for Nikon and Canon cameras is available now and boasts through-the-lens metering; a zooming head with 24-180mm coverage; an LCD panel and a recycle time of between two and five seconds. This flash can be used on-camera or as a master or slave unit in a wireless, multiple.flash system with both manual and TTL control. The Genesis Speedlight SP692 also benefits from thermal circuit protection which allows extensive use without overheating challenges and keys can be locked to prevent accidental settings changes. Additionally an external power pack can be connected to extend battery life and a PC socket allows the flash to be triggered via a sync cord. The guide number is 50 in metres at ISO 100/21° with the flash head zoomed all the way to the 180mm setting.

The Trygger camera clip, a detachable iPhone 5 accessory that incorporates a polarising filter, is now available for purchase. Funded through Kickstarter, the Trygger camera clip’s integrated polariser reduces glare and cuts out unwanted reflections off non-metallic surfaces, while delivering richer colours and superior contrast. Priced at $39.99, the Trygger camera clip is available through the BiteMyApple webshop in a choice of white and black.

The Lowepro Flipside Sport 20L AW photo backpack, which launched last week in the US, is now available in the UK. The lightweight and breathable bag fits 2 pro SLR cameras with integrated grips (one with attached 300mm f/2.8 lens, 2 extra lenses and a flash, a tablet or laptop, tripod or monopod,, a battery charger and other accessories plus trekking poles and other personal gear. The Flipside Sport 20L AW carries a recommended retail price of £145.